Looking back, it’s wild to think about how a lonely kid like me, spending hours on the computer, ended up becoming a web designer at just 14 years old. My story isn’t the most conventional, but it’s mine, and it all started with curiosity and a little boredom.
Key Takeaways
- Curiosity can lead to big things: One random internet search completely changed my life.
- You don’t need formal education to start: I learned web design through trial and error.
- Small beginnings matter: My first design job paid me just $3, but it was worth it.
- Stick with it: Staying consistent helped me grow my brand, UnikBrushes.
The Moment Everything Changed
Back in 2013, when I was around 11 or 12, I used to come home from school and spend my evenings glued to my computer. I didn’t have many friends, so gaming became my escape. One day, I got bored of the games I had and went online to look for new ones. That’s when I saw this ad saying something like, “Earn $100 in a day online!”
I clicked it (of course it was a scam), but it got me thinking: Could I actually make money online? I Googled “How to earn money online” and went down a rabbit hole. That’s where everything started. I spent countless hours exploring opportunities, reading forums, and trying out different websites.
My First Dollar
I found these Paid-To-Click (PTC) websites where you earn a few cents for watching ads. It wasn’t much, but I thought, why not give it a shot? After weeks of clicking ads, I finally earned my first dollar. It felt like I had won the lottery! That one dollar taught me that earning online was possible, even if it wasn’t easy.
From there, I started trying more tasks, like filling out surveys and completing small gigs. Every little bit added up, but more importantly, it taught me the value of persistence. Each click, each task, each dollar felt like a step toward something bigger.
Discovering Web Design
While using those PTC websites, I noticed something—most of them looked awful! The designs were clunky, boring, and hard to navigate. I thought to myself, “How hard can it be to design a better website?” So, I started Googling things like “How to design a website” and “How to make websites look good.”
That’s when I found out about HTML and CSS. I didn’t have money for fancy courses or books, so I just experimented and learned by doing. It was a lot of trial and error, but I started getting the hang of it. I remember the excitement of seeing my first working webpage—a simple, colorful design that felt like magic. By 2015, when I was 13, I was pretty confident in my skills.
My First Clients
In 2016, at 14 years old, I decided to put my skills out there. I joined an online forum where people could buy and sell services. I named my design brand “Designz5233” (yeah, not the best name) and offered super cheap design services. My first client asked for a logo and banner. Since I didn’t have a portfolio, I offered to do it for free. The client loved it, and their positive feedback gave me a huge confidence boost.
My first paid job came shortly after—designing a homepage for a PTC website. I charged $3. It wasn’t much, but to me, it was everything. I was officially a web designer! I still remember the pride I felt delivering that project and receiving payment for something I created.
The Birth of UnikBrushes
By May 2016, I realized I needed a better name for my brand. That’s when I came up with “UnikBrushes.” “Unik” stood for unique, and “Brushes” symbolized creativity. Even at 14, I knew I wanted my work to stand out.
UnikBrushes became my identity. Over the next few years, I kept improving my skills and started offering more services, like WordPress design and SEO. By the time I was in college, I was designing for all kinds of clients, from real estate businesses to schools. Each new project added to my experience and confidence.
Learning From Failure
Not everything went smoothly. I tried starting my own PTC website using the money I earned from UnikBrushes, but it failed miserably. I lost a lot of money, and it was a tough lesson. But I didn’t give up. I went back to focusing on UnikBrushes, and that decision kept me going. That failure taught me resilience and the importance of sticking to what I was truly good at.
Growing During COVID
The pandemic was a game-changer for me. With so much time at home, I dived into learning new skills like digital marketing, eCommerce development, and social media management. These skills helped me expand UnikBrushes and take on bigger projects. I also explored new platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, which opened up even more opportunities.
During this time, I also began working with more diverse clients, handling projects that ranged from small businesses to larger organizations. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Today, UnikBrushes is more than just a business. It’s proof of how far I’ve come from those lonely days of clicking ads for a dollar. What started as a way to pass time turned into a passion and a career.
A Few Things I’ve Learned
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this: small steps can lead to big changes. Starting as a 14-year-old web designer, I never imagined I’d one day be running my own company and working with clients worldwide. Each challenge, each success, and even each failure has been a stepping stone.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of staying curious, working hard, and never giving up.”
Advice for Aspiring Web Designers
Be curious
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore new things.
Start small
It’s okay to take on small jobs to build your experience.
Learn as you go
You don’t need expensive courses. The internet is full of free resources.
Don’t fear failure
Every failure is a step closer to success.
Stay consistent
Keep learning, keep growing, and don’t give up.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a web designer at 14 wasn’t something I planned; it just happened because I followed my curiosity. If my story proves anything, it’s that anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter how small the beginnings are. It’s all about staying curious, working hard, and believing in yourself.
Thanks for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to chase your dreams too!
