How To Become A Web Designer

What is the job of a Web Designer?

The web designer's role involves creating the visual aspects of a website, which can vary depending on factors such as team size, company type, and working environment. In smaller teams or when freelancing, a web designer may take on additional tasks like programming and content writing typically handled by web developers and content writers in larger teams.

Using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, web designers produce user interface visuals based on design briefs provided through verbal instructions, written specifications, or wire-frame diagrams. Each screen type within the website, such as the home page and subpages, is usually represented visually to showcase layout, color scheme, typography, and other features. They also specify how interface elements should react to user interactions, like color changes for clicked links or design of animated buttons and menus.

Designs must be created in a way that facilitates easy implementation by developers. Web designers may work closely with developers or programmers, especially in cases where the entire interface is animated or a HTML and CSS-based approach is used.

Web designers can be employed full-time or work as freelancers. Freelancers with a combination of strong design skills and technical expertise are typically in high demand.

If you want to become a web design the key skills that you will need include...

• Can use the web design process.

• Good drawing and diagramming ability.

• Awareness of design principles, elements, composition and other design theories.

• Knowledge of relevant design, image manipulation, and asset optimisation software.

• Good interpersonal communication skills, especially when dealing with specialists in other disciplines.

• Ability to manage time, prioritise tasks and work under pressure.

• Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

• Basic HTML and CSS knowledge to allow you to work better with web developers and/or to redesign or edit existing website templates.

Typical career routes

The job is usually categorized into different levels of seniority primarily based on experience. Generally, the higher the seniority, the greater the responsibility the designer will have for the overall user experience, encompassing navigation, features, and functionality design. At junior levels, designers typically focus on visual styling aspects of the interface.

While there are no standard career paths, many web designers have backgrounds in traditional design fields like graphic design, print design, or information design. Some also combine this with experience or education in technical areas such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, or psychology. It is this blend of creative and technical skills that distinguishes top web designers and allows them to advance into more senior roles.

Essential knowledge and skills

To put it simply, a web designer needs to have the ability to create a website, which involves a variety of skills and parameters. Just as the saying goes, there are numerous ways to achieve a goal! Similarly, there are multiple approaches to constructing a website. To excel as a web designer and developer, it is crucial to acquaint yourself with as many methods as possible. While HTML and CSS remain fundamental, clients may request the use of website builders like Wix and Squarespace, or eCommerce platforms such as Shopify and Magento, necessitating familiarity with these tools. Many of these platforms offer free trials, allowing you to experiment and learn at no cost.

Web designers require both creativity and technical proficiency. Given the unpredictable nature of web design, they often have to work within various unknown or changing parameters, such as different screen sizes or varying content volumes on a webpage.

Therefore, web designers must be able to recognize these variables and think creatively to create adaptable designs that function effectively under different circumstances. They should have a grasp of usability concerns, understand the basics of interaction design, and be aware of any relevant user-interface standards applicable to the website.

Training and qualifications

While there is a growing availability of specialized web design courses, it is interesting to note that a significant number of web designers actually hail from more traditional art-related backgrounds. This includes individuals with qualifications in fields such as architecture and product design. The rationale behind this lies in the fact that these disciplines inherently foster a unique blend of creative and technical thinking, which are crucial components in the realm of web design.

Architects, for instance, are trained to not only envision aesthetically pleasing structures but also to consider the functionality and user experience within a given space. Similarly, product designers are adept at marrying form and function to create products that are not only visually appealing but also practical and user-friendly. These skills translate seamlessly into the world of web design, where the goal is to craft digital experiences that are both visually captivating and user-centric.

While academic qualifications certainly play a role, the web design industry places a premium on hands-on experience. Building a robust portfolio that showcases a diverse range of web design projects is often considered more valuable than any formal degree. A portfolio serves as a tangible demonstration of a designer's skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It provides potential clients or employers with a glimpse into the designer's thought process, design aesthetic, and technical proficiency.

In conclusion, while there are various pathways to becoming a successful web designer, the convergence of creative flair and technical acumen is a common thread that ties individuals from diverse educational backgrounds together in this dynamic field. Experience and a strong portfolio remain key differentiators in a competitive industry where innovation and adaptability are highly prized.