A web designer is responsible for creating attractive and fully functional websites, but they do more than just that. If you are a creative individual and you are technically inclined, it is time to learn about the roles of web designers and why they play such an important role in today’s modern world of business. Read on, and you can learn about the duties of the designer, how to get qualified, where they are employed, and what the job outlook looks like in this field.
The Duties and Responsibilities of a Designer
Professionals who specialize in web design will organize information, create content, and design the layout of the content on a web medium. It is the designer’s job to review the needs of their client or the goals of their assigned project to design images and web pages that will create a user with a unique experience while still communicating a message. The scope of the project will be dependent on the communication problems a client wants to solve or the current status of a company’s website. Some other responsibilities include:
* Using appropriate underlying technologies for website functionality
* Designing navigational elements
* Translating needs of clients and users into concepts
* Turning brand into graphics, colors, layout, and fonts
* Using HTML coding to layout the website
* Presenting content
* Designing to search engine optimization and rankings
* Updating the website as needed
How to Become a Web Design Professional
Some web designers are self-taught and build their portfolio by taking on unique projects for themselves or people they know. While being creative will give you an edge, you will need marketable web design skills that you have developed in a technical training program to build your resume.
Unless you have learned all of the HTML languages and skills you need on your own, you will need to enroll in a college degree program. It is best to study for a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design or Computer Science so that you can learn HTML, Design, Layout, Programming, Administration, Graphics, XML, scripts, and everything else you need to know to be a successfulprofessional designer.
What is the Job Outlook in Web Design
If you are a trained designer, you can find jobs through a design firm, a large corporation, or you can take on clients as an independent contractor. About a quarter of all designers in the market are self-employed today. Demand is different in each of these environments. It is nice to know that companies are investing in building their websites and keeping them attractive. This is why the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for designers will grow by 20 percent in the next seven years. This growth is much faster than the average growth reported in the nation as a whole.
Where Do Web Designers Work
Web designers work on the creative side of the technology industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 160,500 U.S. web design jobs in May 2018. Seventeen percent were at computer systems design firms. Sixteen percent of web designers are self-employed for freelance work from home. Five percent of web designers work for software publishers. Five percent excel in technical consulting services. Four percent are employed by advertising and marketing firms.
A web designer could also work for a bank, school, hospital, hotel, app development firm, or nonprofit organization. The majority of web designers work full-time for 40 to 50 hours weekly. In-house web designers spend their days at computers in comfortable office settings. Popular tech companies for web design jobs include Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Zoom, Adobe, HubSpot, and Microsoft.
Salary Potential for a Web Designer
The U.S. News & World Report ranked web design the third-best tech job and 13th top STEM career. Web designers enjoy low stress and high salary potential with a great 1.3 percent unemployment rate. A web designer can expect a median annual wage of $69,430. Web design earnings generally range from $39,550 to $142,080. Web designers bring home mean pay of $82,370 per year or $39.60 hourly.
Software publishers provide web designers with the top average profits of $132,260. Securities and commodities exchanges come in second with a $102,190 median rate. Top-paying states for web designers are Washington and California with a $134,310 and $90,230 average respectively. In particular, the Seattle metropolitan area has the highest-paying web design jobs averaging $138,600.
Technical Know-How a Web Designer Needs
In today’s digital age, web designers are building websites from the ground up. Designers must be tech-savvy with a rich knowledge of computer programming languages. Being proficient in the HyperTest Markup Language, or HTML, is required. HTML determines how headlines, content, images, and videos look on a published website. Web designers typically know about Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS. This coding language signals to internet browsers how the color, font, and backgrounds of pages should appear.
JavaScript is important to develop interactive web features like moving graphics, online games, and countdown clocks. Designers using WordPress must know PHP to make websites functional. Python is applied by web designers when creating server-side applications. Other commonly used programming languages include SQL, C++, Ruby, Go, Swift, and Scala.
Skills Web Designers Must Have
Web designers must also possess “soft” skills to complete site projects. Communication skills are critical for web designers to speak clearly with clients and team members. Listing skills are needed to understand what clients want for their websites. Creativity makes great web designers think outside the box when developing unique sites. Time management skills help designers multitask and deliver stellar websites by the deadline. Problem-solving skills are a must for web designers to remedy unforeseen tech glitches.
Web designers have strong attention to detail to concentrate on every segment of code. Critical thinking skills are essential to forecast how a site will look before publishing. Designers must be resourceful to use diverse web tools and make the content user-friendly. Web designers need to value continuing education and be willing to learn internet changes. Successful web designers are generally artistic, enterprising, ambitious, confident, and good team players.
Certifications Available in Web Design
Since the field’s educational requirements are lax, a web designer could earn professional certification instead of a degree. Certifications prove to employers that designers have the essential skills listed above. For example, the CIW Web Design Specialist certification requires passing a 70-question, 75-minute test on internet development essentials. Amazon Web Services offers the Certified Associate Developer title to designers who pass a 130-minute, multiple-choice exam for $150.
For more than 20 years, the Association of Web Professionals (AWP) has credentialed Certified Web Designers who succeed on a 70-question multimedia exam. Adobe grants the ACE Web Specialist certification for professionals taking two or three $180 tests online. Attending the Google Ads Academy for certification could also help learn SEO fundamentals. Certified web designers are masters at creating useful online page layouts.
Web Designer vs. Graphic Designer: What’s the Difference?
Web design and graphic design are two related creative arts jobs that aren’t synonymous. Graphic designers devise beautiful graphics for print or digital projects. Even when publishing on the web, graphic designers don’t write code. Graphic design is more focused on visual aesthetics. In contrast, web designers must program sites to run efficiently. Web design is concerned with how things look as well as how websites load for good user experience.
Graphic designers excel at drawing images for books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, and the internet. Web designers only use the latter of these media to convey visual messages. Graphic designers have more freedom to use any font size, shape, or color. On the flip side, web designers are constrained by CSS limits and what is readable on computer screens. Web designers also have to continually maintain sites, whereas graphic designers rarely make changes once a graphic is printed.
Upward Mobility for Web Designers
Experienced web designers can advance beyond the entry-level into several in-demand careers. For example, senior web designers could move into UX design roles to ensure the consumer usability of sites. Web designers can become computer systems managers to oversee a company’s tech projects. Web architects have greater responsibility for implementing a wide array of interactive tech solutions, not just sites. Cybersecurity managers implement policies that keep sites safe and data protected from hackers.
Content marketing managers optimize a website and social media content for SEO to increase online brand recognition. Art directors have total control over the finished aesthetic quality of web publications. Full-stack developers design software from the front to back end for smooth performance. DevOps engineers conduct planning and testing to ensure the successful deployment of online software platforms.
Job Search Tips for a Web Designer
Interested in using HTML and CSS to construct sites that attract online traffic? Then, landing a web design job is the next step. Web design applicants must have a creative, competitive digital portfolio. Building a free portfolio website on Adobe, WordPress, or a similar platform helps show off design examples. Portfolios should be a slideshow of 10-20 top-quality, original web pages.
Customize a web design resume with relevant in-house or freelance jobs and internships. List any college degrees, certifications, or coding boot camps completed. Point out specific skills, especially programming proficiency and foreign languages like Spanish. Every web designer needs to pass an interview process too. Prepare by forming solid answers to popular interview questions. Convey passion and dedication by dressing professionally for the interview.
If you want to be responsible for the look and functionality of some of the most accessed websites on the world wide web, it is time to study to become a web developer or designer. You should look for only accredited programs that have met high standards so that you can develop all of the right skills. Once you know the ins and outs of design and you have to build a portfolio, you can either apply to work as an in-house web designer or you can start to market yourself independently.
Related Resources:
- 5 Resume Tips for Web Designers
- Top 10 Online Web Design Degree Programs
- How do I Become a Web Designer?
- What is a Web Design Degree?
- What is a Typical Day for a Web Designer?
- Top 20 Affordable Online Web Development Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
FAQs
Can a graphic designer be a web designer? ›
Do graphic designers make websites? No. Graphic design is only one small element of the skills needed to make a website. Graphics designers can be part of the team, but web design requires a much broader skillset.
What are 3 skills needed to be a web designer? ›- Imagination.
- Creativity.
- Patience.
- Attention to detail.
- Analytical skills.
- Communication skills.
- Technical ability.
- Excellent IT skills.
A web designer creates the layout and design of a website. In simple terms, a website designer makes a site look good. They use design programs to create visual elements.
What degree do you need to be a web designer? ›Web designers often have a wide range of education, from bachelor's degrees in web design and development, computer programming or computer science to associate's degrees coupled with years of work experience.
Which is better graphic design or web design? ›In the use of graphics, the graphic design has more performances than the web design, especially for the product websites. The modular design makes the idea become more clear, and the same on the visual performance. Moreover, the graphic design is no need to take the final effect into account.
Which one is best graphic designer or web designer? ›Also, if you're interested in creating eye-catching images that communicate your idea effectively, but don't need to worry about how your final project will look on the web, then a more artistic Graphic Designer would be a better choice. Of course, it's also important for those trying to decide on a career path.
Can I be a web designer without coding? ›The short answer is yes. In this article, we'll dive into the best ways to approach how you can do web design without coding. While learning the basics of code, like how HTML and CSS work, will help you understand how to design for the web, it's no longer required knowledge if you want to be a web designer.
Is being a web designer hard? ›Coding and design skills are more in demand today than ever before, but both learning and executing web design can be daunting for beginners, novices, and professionals alike. Some of the most common questions we hear include: what is the best framework?
Is web design a hard skill? ›While technical skills are essential, the ideal web designer has a variety of soft skills to guarantee a successful project for the client company.
Do web designers write content? ›Most web designers will acknowledge that it is not their job to create video content, but at the same time, they may stray into the production of written content.
Is web design a good career? ›
Yes, Web Design is a good career. Not only are Web Designers currently in high demand by employers, the field is expected to grow by 27 percent by the year 2024. That demand will ensure salaries and job satisfaction remain high for Web Designers moving forward.
Does web designer create website? ›With that said, web designers are typically not responsible for building a working website—they focus on establishing the visual design only. Developers write the code that makes websites work, and website development requires a different skill set and sensibilities from design.
Does web designer require math? ›“It's absolutely not a barrier to becoming a web developer.” According to Web Developer Charlotte O'Hara, it's not only easy to learn to code without having a background in math, but outside of some routine arithmetic, most web development projects don't rely heavily on math at all.
Can I become a web designer without a degree? ›Is it possible to become a web developer without a degree? Yes, in a nutshell, a Computer Science degree is no longer required to work in the web development industry. There are a variety of ways to learn to code, both online and offline.
Does a web designer code? ›Web designers craft the overall vision and plan for a website. A web designer's job is less about using code to bring a website to life and more about determining a site's layout, color palette, font set, and visual themes.
Are web designers in demand? ›Job Outlook
Overall employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 21,800 openings for web developers and digital designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Graphic design is a great career for people who are creative thinkers and enjoy art, technology, and communication. There are design needs across every industry, so Graphic Designers have many opportunities to take on a range of new and exciting projects.
What is the difference between graphics design and Web Design? ›A key difference between web design and graphic design is the medium. One is designing for print and another for web and online. More so, graphic designers often are afforded more freedom because they are not restricted by website considerations such as programming, resolution, or speed.
What kind of designer makes websites? ›Web designers are the architects who work behind the scenes to make websites function. They code websites in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also are masters of usability, able to make a website just as legible and load just as quickly for a smartphone visitor as someone on their desktop computer.
Do front end developers need to know graphic design? ›A front-end developer takes the work of a graphic designer and brings it to life with code. These developers focus on the user interface including things like button functionality, forms, and ease of use.
How long does it take to become a web designer? ›
If your goal is to land a web design job with a good starting salary, then you should expect to spend four years pursuing a bachelor's degree. Additionally, it can take one to three years to complete a master's degree in web design and several weeks to obtain certification.
Does web design Have a Future? ›So, does web design have a future? The answer is a big Yes! In fact, it's one of the fastest-growing digital sectors in the US and is likely to grow at an annualized growth rate of 4.4% in 2021 and beyond.
What languages do Web designers need to know? ›Languages For Web Designing
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are markup languages used to produce web pages and design sites, respectively. The content and data-driven web applications use the back-end and front-end web development languages.
The qualifications that you need to get a no experience web designer job typically include an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science, graphic design, web design, or web development. While in school, it's recommended to begin compiling your work into a digital portfolio of design examples.
What soft skills do you need to be a web designer? ›- A Designer who understands your 'Motivation' ...
- Quality Conscious. ...
- Objectivity. ...
- Adaptability. ...
- Good Communication Skills. ...
- Imaginative (Having varied interests Help) ...
- General Awareness & Self Awareness. ...
- Self Evaluation and Enhancements.
Becoming a web designer allows you to use your creativity, following briefs and putting your own individual spin and style on them. Most projects you'll be given will have a particular deadline and task outline, but the reason you've been hired is because they require an expert to add that much needed creative flare.
Do web designers write copy? ›Copy and Design share a close relationship. Good copy needs inspiring design and vice versa. And that's why there's a perfect case for designers to write website copy. When I started as an online marketer, 12 years ago, the process was well defined- copywriter will create the copy.
What is the difference between a web designer and a web developer? ›A web designer is a graphic artist who is responsible for designing the layout, usability, and visual appearance of a website. A web developer is someone who builds and maintains the core structure of a website. A successful web designer must possess an array of creative, graphic, and technical skills.
What is content in web design? ›Content is what gives a website meaning. It draws people in and allows them to understand a site's purpose and take action. It answers the potential customers' questions. Content is like an engine — without it, all you've got is an empty, useless shell.
What do web designers get paid? ›The Average Web Designer's Salary
On average, a web designer in the U.S. makes around $50,000 – $55,000 per year. The average hourly rate for a web designer is around $23-25 per hour. However, this can depend on various factors, such as experience level of expertise, niche, and demand.
Is web designing easy? ›
Is web design easy? It might seem simple in the beginning because you can learn the basics of HTML & CSS in a few months. But as you advance in this industry, you may find it more challenging. You need to continuously learn new technology to keep pace with all the changes.
Does web design pay well? ›The average web designer makes $49,000 - $90,000 per year, or about $23 - $43 per hour working full-time. By contrast, a freelancer can earn anywhere from $30 - $80 per hour.
Who gets paid more web designer or developer? ›Web developer salaries tend to be higher than web designer salaries primarily because of the coding skills of developers, which is highly valued in today's increasingly digital world.
Does HTML need math? ›Web development does not require mathematics in general as a prerequisite, however, you cannot be a good programmer without Mathematics.
Is coding harder than math? ›Overall, coding is not harder than math. The majority of programming doesn't involve any math at all, and the parts that do are basic. Advanced mathematics will have you solving complex formulas, but you will never have to do this in web development, so coding is far easier.
Is learning web developer hard? ›“As a web developer, you will encounter numerous challenges. Some of them will be easy to fix, while others will be extremely hard,” Kowalski says. “It's critical to be persistent in improving your skills since the industry is ever-changing.” There's definitely a lot to learn in web development.
What kind of designer makes websites? ›Web designers are the architects who work behind the scenes to make websites function. They code websites in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also are masters of usability, able to make a website just as legible and load just as quickly for a smartphone visitor as someone on their desktop computer.
What is the difference between graphic design and Web Design? ›Web design is interactive, graphic design is static
You click a button, navigate through various webpages, there may even be motion graphics and videos on a webpage. Graphic design is less interactive. You can look at it, touch it, but it doesn't change when you interact with it.
Learning to code for designers is not necessary. But if they know a bit about code, they can understand a developer's perspective. It doesn't mean that they have to be an expert coder. But it would greatly benefit them if they knew a little about how to code HTML and CSS, maybe a little bit of JavaScript.
Is web designing difficult? ›Web design can be quite complex and daunting, but with the development of the Internet and technology, web design can be easier than ever before nowadays. There are many resources on the Internet, and everyone can learn to be a great web designer on their own.
What does a web designer do on a daily basis? ›
A typical day consists of working on many projects for clients including front-end and back-end webpage development, creating cutting edge online creative advertisements, and strategizing a design plan to help accomplish client's objectives.
Why do you want to be a web designer? ›Becoming a web designer allows you to use your creativity, following briefs and putting your own individual spin and style on them. Most projects you'll be given will have a particular deadline and task outline, but the reason you've been hired is because they require an expert to add that much needed creative flare.
Does a web designer write content? ›What a web designer doesn't do. Coding: Web designers focus on the visuals and are usually not responsible for coding the website. Writing: Web designers should not be expected to write any website copy. Many use lorem ipsum placeholder text in their designs if the copy is not already prepared.
Does a web designer code? ›Web designers craft the overall vision and plan for a website. A web designer's job is less about using code to bring a website to life and more about determining a site's layout, color palette, font set, and visual themes.
Who Earns More graphic designer or web developer? ›An education break-down survey shows that the bachelor's degree of the web designer is 75%, and the graphic designer is 70%. From the payroll point of view, the page designer's annual salary of up to $ 75,660, while the graphic designer's annual salary is $ 43,500.
Who makes more money web designer or web developer? ›Developers tend to make more money than web designers because they need more technical skills. The average salary of a web developer in the US is $82,450 [3].
What language is used in graphic design? ›Generally, the best programming language for graphic designers is HTML.
Is graphic design hard? ›Is Graphic Design Hard to Learn? Learning graphic design is not hard, but it does require creative thinking, an aptitude towards art and design, and time and dedication. Graphic design requires learning the necessary tools, as well as understanding and applying the principles and theories of design.
What programming language do graphic designers use? ›When it comes to coding, graphic designers should be familiar with CSS, HTML and Javascript because these three programming languages are behind most web content. Readers can learn about how to become a graphic designer here.
How long does it take to become a web designer? ›If your goal is to land a web design job with a good starting salary, then you should expect to spend four years pursuing a bachelor's degree. Additionally, it can take one to three years to complete a master's degree in web design and several weeks to obtain certification.
Can I be a web designer without coding? ›
The short answer is yes. In this article, we'll dive into the best ways to approach how you can do web design without coding. While learning the basics of code, like how HTML and CSS work, will help you understand how to design for the web, it's no longer required knowledge if you want to be a web designer.