The end of the year is fast approaching and what a year it's been. It's always a good time to reflect as we prepare for Christmas, so here we go.
A Learning Curve
This year has been a huge rollercoaster, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I absolutely love what I do. I've been involved in some pretty awesome projects already and I've got some pretty huge things lined up. I'm improving all the time, trying to refine my skills to become even better all the time. I work hard and I'm so excited to see what the future holds.
Progress and Career Wins
When reviewing the year, I think it's important to take a look at yourself, and see how far you've come. In my first year, I’ve managed to have projects all year round, as well as launch my first iOS app. I've managed to refine my skills on many fronts: from web design, to front-end development and back-end languages. Keeping up to date and refined in all these languages is very difficult, keeps me on my toes, but I do see dramatic progress after each project.
tWDF Moderator
Earlier this year I become a moderator for https://thewebdesignforum.co.uk. All the members are fantastic and I've made some great friends who have helped me through all sorts of issues. We've got some exciting things planned for tWDF, can't wait to be part of it's journey. With the staff and members we have, we can really take it places. Exciting times.
A Successful First Year as a Freelancer
Since turning freelance, I've managed to build up an excellent client base and worked with some fantastic people. I've launched some sites that I'm super proud of. Just a few to name:
I've worked on networking with clients all over the country. I've worked really hard in optimising my website to target keywords such as 'web design London', and the term 'freelance web designer' to give me the chance of working with as many clients as possible, and help create some very special projects. At the time of writing, here's a summary of where I'm at on that front:
- 'Freelance web design' - 2nd.
- 'Freelance web design London - 4th.
- 'Freelance web designer' - 2nd.
- 'Web design London - 89th (boo!)
I've progressed on this front too. I want to keep working hard, keep progressing to start competing with some larger agencies for some larger projects too. Ambitious - yes. Possible - yes.
A Huge Thank You
A few thank you's to people who have really helped me along the way this year:
- Mike Bishop - https://miniman-webdesign.co.uk
- Kevin Robertson - https://digitalsquid.net
- Anthony Lane - https://copyshoppe.co.uk
- Supal Desai - https://candeconsultancy.com
I also want to say a huge thank you to all my clients, it's been such a pleasure. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016.