First of all, I think it's amazing you have such ambitious dreams!
I wrote up some advice for people who want to get into the industry, so hopefully some of that is helpful for you.
Regarding your comment about studying design at a university, I'd say that's a fantastic plan. I went to a university and found the experience to be very valuable. However, I don't necessarily think it's a prerequisite for doing great work. Many great designers and developers didn't attend university and are at the top of the field. There's no substitute for getting out there and doing work. That's why I think it's so valuable to set up your own website and play around with it:
The best advice about getting started in web design/development is to buy yourself a domain name and create your own website. Your own website is the ultimate playground, where you can have fun, experiment and break things. You don’t have to worry about doing things right, impressing anyone, disappointing clients, or anything. It’s the ultimate freedom.
Also, I think it's helpful to ask around to see if people could use some design/development help. Some of my earliest work was for friends and family, and I think projects like that are a great way to dive in and get some experience under your belt.
Again, I think formal studies can be helpful for the right people, but don't think it's the only way to be successful. Work hard and have some fun!
First of all, I think it's amazing you have such ambitious dreams!
I wrote up some advice for people who want to get into the industry, so hopefully some of that is helpful for you.
Regarding your comment about studying design at a university, I'd say that's a fantastic plan. I went to a university and found the experience to be very valuable. However, I don't necessarily think it's a prerequisite for doing great work. Many great designers and developers didn't attend university and are at the top of the field. There's no substitute for getting out there and doing work. That's why I think it's so valuable to set up your own website and play around with it:
Also, I think it's helpful to ask around to see if people could use some design/development help. Some of my earliest work was for friends and family, and I think projects like that are a great way to dive in and get some experience under your belt.
Again, I think formal studies can be helpful for the right people, but don't think it's the only way to be successful. Work hard and have some fun!