Once upon a forum thread over at Low Yat forums, we were discussing all about the business of websites in Malaysia. There were very informative points which I had tried to summarize into a mini Q & A here.
It might not be much but I hope it helps give an idea of what the industry is like here and probably help explain to others why some things are important or should be done.
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Does Malaysia have a market for website design and development?
Yes and not only in Malaysia as we should all look for opportunities to outsource our services to international clients.
Is it easy to secure a permanent job in Malaysia as a website designer?
It’s difficult to judge since sometimes it’s in demand and sometimes there’s just too many around. However, there’s no harm in sending in your resume to companies just in case they might find you a valuable addition to their company.
What are the minimum requirements for a web designer who freelance or permanent employee in a company?
Need to be knowledgeable in design applications from Adobe and Macromedia. Here’s to name a few that I use; Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Flash. However, the more valid multimedia (audio, video, 2D, and 3D) applications you know then the more advantageous you are. Nowadays, even a website designer with HTML and CSS skills are a must so if you have extra programming familiarity then even better.
How do I make myself stand out from the rest of the competitors?
Well, the more useable knowledge you have related to this field then the better you stand out. Not to mention the level of experience in the industry and of course, recommendation, recommendation and recommendation. Employers not only like people who can get the job done but also they work with speed along other colleagues.
What is the website designer’s job scope?
For the freelancers who work alone, you are pretty much the project manager, accountant, copywriter, designer and developer. But there is no rule that you can’t hire outsource to help you in a project. As for the website designers in a company, it depends on the requirements of your employer. This is one of the things you need to clarify with them before accepting a job offer.
I was a creative designer during my internship and designed mostly though I also consulted some CSS programming and Flash Actionscript.
Should I meet up with the client to discuss about the project?
Well, it depends solely on the client. Though there’s no wrong in asking if they’d like to meet up. First impressions are always the best as they say.
What do I need to bring along when meeting a client?
A printed portfolio that he might be able to take back (optional), a notebook/sketchbook so you could pen or draw any ideas you have there and then about the project. Don’t forget the most thing you need bring, your brain!
What kind of questions do I need to ask the client during the meeting?
I can’t say for everyone but you must know what the client is aiming to get from you or what you can offer him. Find out who he wants visiting the website. Figure out solutions to his requests in terms of the project. Availability of digitized material to use on the website or you’ll spend a day scanning brochures, corporate profiles, and etc.
How do you charge your clients for the project to be done?
I cannot tell you exactly but I’d advise weighing your status (student/employed/business owner), skills and experience.
How to lessen the clients many changes over and over again?
Always make sure you have the terms and conditions sorted out before the start of a project. The client should be informed of to what extent are changes liable in the given project. It can be a certain percentage or restricted to a certain area. Nevertheless, you do need to make certain sacrifices sometimes or you might risk losing the project.
Does this business have any potential in Malaysia?
Of course it does. Any business has potential as long there’s a driving force and with our passion and minds, we’ll definitely be able to bring Malaysia up the industry together.
At least that’s what I believe and I’m aiming to do in due time. :)
This is pretty helpful as I’m currently looking around for some spare income; though a sidejob has failed to come across me I’m not losing hope just yet! ^_^