My 2009...

[bam bam]

My year so far has been awesome, i've been doing a lot more freelance stuff and i've loved every minute of it.
So much so that's it got me thinking that I'm gonna aim to be a full-time freelance front-end web developer within the next year or two.

I know I can go down one of two routes.

Things I can do:
1. Find a damn good designer and sell full websites
2. Carry on just providing XHTML / CSS code for pre-made designs.

Advantages to number 1:
1. We can charge more money
2. We appeal to a lot more people.

Disadvantages to number 1:
1. Relying on someone that i don't know personally
2. Selling isn't my strong point

Advantages to number 2:
1. I already know what i'm doing
2. Not really much selling to do (at least not as much as number 1)

Disadvantages to number 2:
1. Appeal to less people
2. Can't charge as much

Anyone got any advice?

 

[Maitiú]

First things first, you either go full frontal, or full... backal..?

What I mean is, if your going for front-end design then you need to be able to come up with design concepts by yourself, design it by yourself and then code the front end code by yourself.

Most good designers already know XHTML / CSS (it ain't really difficult) and a partnership like that would never really work long term to be honest because they can do XHTML/CSS themselves.

You need to either branch out into full blown design (illustrator et al) or back end development - i.e PHP, ASP etc. Either way you are going to need to be doing more than XHTML / CSS in two years time.

Or, as you said you continue coding pre made templates, but im sure you are probably severely bored with that already.

 

[AdHustler]

Doing design for clients wanting full websites is a FUCKING pain in the ASS - take my word for it.

Maybe design landing pages first , since there is a lot of demand for that and its a lot easier to get clients.

 

[bam bam]

I already know a little PHP and i'm working on my Javascript but I get the feeling design isn't something you can just learn, i think that's what puts me off the most.
I've got the mental capacity to design stuff, but putting it down in photoshop is the hard part.

And as far as saying XHTML/CSS ain't difficult ain't difficult, no it's not the most difficult thing in the world, but being fucking good at it is.