so my 1st step should be...

Where to Start

If you're thinking of becoming a professional Web designer, there are a number of things to consider. Firstly, there are many different avenues you can take as a professional Web developer. You can also choose to go freelance or work in a corporation. And being a Web developer isn't all fun and games - make sure you know what the job will entail. Finally, getting certification or other education is a great way to make sure you're prepared.

• What Kind of Web Developer Do You Want to Be?
• What is a Webmaster?
• I Know HTML, Am I a Web Developer?

• What Does it Take to be a Web Developer?
• Get Certified in XHTML
• Meet Other Web Designers

Web Developers - Education

Web Developers usually have formal education and training. A BSCS is common for this position. In addition, training in specific languages is very common.

Becoming a Web Developer

The most straightforward path to becoming a Web Developer is through formal training (a BSCS or MSCS). Software Engineers that do not have web development experience may start by developing small components or pieces of web applications with guidance from more senior developers.

Internships and contract positions are also a great way to get started in a Web Development career. The more hands on training, the better!

Webmaster: This is the person in charge of maintaining the web server. They know how to install Apache, PHP, and other web services. They typically know unix and cover the administrative aspects of web development. They don't write HTML.

Web designer: This is the person in charge of the design of a site. They do graphics, color and layout. They focus on the look of a site and less on how it functions. They may know HTML, but probably use the WYSIWYG function in their web editor more often. They should know CSS - and it's usually a designer who is in charge of a site's CSS files.

Web developer: This person maintains the scripts and programs on a website. They know PHP, JavaScript, and maybe Perl. They know HTML because they have to include it in their scripts. They may or may not know CSS.

Web producer: This is the person who writes and maintains the HTML and CSS for the site. They take the content and put it together with all the scripts and designs that the designer and developer have written and make it all work. They know both HTML and CSS and may know some scripting as well.

Freelance designer: Most freelancers know all of the above skills. They may be better at design or development, but they have to do all of them, including maintaining servers, to be really good at their job.