If you’ve ever dreamed of building beautiful websites, working for yourself, or just want to break into a growing, creative industry, you’re in the right place. Learning how to become a web designer from scratch might sound intimidating—but with the right roadmap and support, it’s not only doable, it’s exciting.
At The Design Mentor, we’ve guided aspiring designers from all walks of life to professional success through our practical, beginner-friendly Web Design Course. In this article, we’ll walk you through seven empowering steps to start your journey with confidence—even if you’ve never opened a design tool in your life.
Step 1: Get Clear on What Web Designers Actually Do
Before diving in, let’s demystify what a web designer actually does. A web designer is responsible for the visual layout, usability, and overall aesthetic of a website. But the role isn’t just about making things look good. Great web design is about solving problems for real people—ensuring that websites are intuitive, accessible, and aligned with a brand’s goals.
You might work with small businesses, startups, e-commerce brands, or even your own personal projects. And the best part? Many web designers work remotely or freelance, giving you complete flexibility over your schedule.
Step 2: Build a Strong Foundation in Design Principles
You don’t need to be born an artist to become a web designer. You just need to learn the fundamentals. Focus first on:
- Typography – how to pair fonts and make text legible
- Color theory – choosing harmonious and accessible color palettes
- Layout and composition – creating balance and guiding the viewer’s eye
- User experience (UX) – thinking through how users interact with websites
Our Web Design Course at The Design Mentor is crafted to walk you through these principles in real-world projects, so you learn by doing, not just watching.
Step 3: Learn the Right Tools (Don’t Overwhelm Yourself!)
The design world has lots of tools—but you only need a few to get started. The most essential ones for how to become a web designer from scratch are:
- Figma – a free, browser-based design tool where you’ll create your layouts and mockups
- WordPress with Divi – an easy-to-use page builder that helps you bring your designs to life without coding
In our course, we focus on Figma-to-WordPress workflows, meaning you design visually and then build real, functioning websites based on that design. No fluff. No unnecessary tech. Just practical skills.
Step 4: Practice With Real Projects (Not Just Tutorials)
Too many new designers get stuck watching YouTube videos or reading blog posts without ever taking action. The real growth happens when you create your own portfolio projects.
Here are a few great starter ideas:
- A website for a fictional coffee shop
- A personal portfolio site for yourself
- A one-page landing page for an event
Our course includes 20 step-by-step projects—from receiving a client brief to sketching ideas, designing in Figma, and building the final site in WordPress. It mirrors the real-world process of web design so you’re never left wondering, “what do I do next?”
Step 5: Build Your Portfolio and Online Presence
Thinking how to become a web designer from scratch? Then you need a good portfolio! Your portfolio is your golden ticket. Even if you’re just starting out, you can showcase fictional or practice projects to demonstrate your skills.
We recommend including:
- Clear mockups of your designs
- A short explanation of the problem you solved
- Before-and-after comparisons (if applicable)
And don’t forget to build your own personal website. This is often the first thing clients or employers will see—and it shows that you walk the talk.
Our students at The Design Mentor graduate with a portfolio and even have the opportunity to be featured on our site and socials for added exposure.
Step 6: Understand the Business Side of Design
If you plan to freelance, it’s not just about design. You’ll also need to learn how to:
- Price your work confidently
- Communicate with clients professionally
- Create contracts and manage revisions
- Deliver projects efficiently
These topics are often overlooked in traditional design education—but not with us. In The Design Mentor Web Design Course, we dedicate modules to freelancing, client management, and pricing strategies so you’re ready to turn your skill into income.
Step 7: Keep Growing and Stay Connected
The web design world evolves fast. The best designers keep learning, adapting, and seeking feedback.
At The Design Mentor, we offer more than just a course—we’re building a community. You’ll get:
- Access to ongoing support
- Exclusive resources and bonus content
- Real-world advice from professionals who’ve been where you are
And because we understand the journey isn’t always linear, we provide tools to help you stay motivated, consistent, and focused.
Why Choose The Design Mentor’s Web Design Course?
There are a lot of courses out there—but most are either too technical, too theory-based, or too outdated. Ours is different because it’s:
- Practical – You build real sites, not just follow along with theory
- Structured – You follow a proven 20-step process used by real freelance designers
- Supportive – You’re part of a community that cares about your success
- Affordable – At just £50, it’s a one-off investment with no hidden fees
Whether you’re hoping to launch a freelance business, get a job in tech, or simply learn an in-demand creative skill, this course is designed to give you everything you need.
Final Thoughts On How To Become A Web Designer From Scratch
Learning how to become a web designer from scratch isn’t just possible—it can be one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. With dedication, the right tools, and a step-by-step path, you can build a career you’re proud of.
So if you’re ready to turn your interest into income, join us at The Design Mentor. Our course will guide you from beginner to confident designer—no experience required.
👉 Start your journey today. Your future as a web designer is waiting.