In society, we personally all try to stay up to date with the latest trends and what’s going on in the world. Do you ever think that websites have to do the same?
Someone has to be the thought behind the creation of every website. It must be appealing, interesting, and informative. It is not an easy task to create an attractive website, especially with constantly changing styles.
A web designer’s goal is to create an effective website for you.
Description of Duties
In order to become a web designer, one must know the duties or main purpose of their job.
Web designers main task is to work closely with clients to make a website that is both appealing and efficient. According to a blog from Devmountain, “They need to understand color theory, graphic design, and information flow.”
Being a web designer does include similar duties as a “graphic designer”, but they also work with the actual development of a site.
Along with graphic design, web designers must:
- Write codes
- Create a concept
- Develop a layout
- Construct visual elements
- Find an informational flow
These duties transform a client’s dreams into a reality.
Work Environment
Web designers often work in groups where they are a part of teams. Group members can collectively decide what information should be included. The more ideas, the better in order to create a visionary website.
It is also not uncommon for a web designer to work as freelance. Self-employed web designers have multiple clients on their own.
Many web designers will work for a business or corporation with specific hours.
Education, Experience, Skills
To begin, a bachelor’s degree in either graphic designer or another similar major is required to become a web designer. Employers search for candidates with formal training.
Web designers must be comfortable with using coding languages such as HTML, XML, XTML and Java. They will also need experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
Along with multiple years of qualified design experience, a web designer must be content with their social media and email marketing abilities. They should have practice in those areas as well.
Typical Salary/Pay
The average salary of a web designer is $56,143, but pay ranges anywhere from $39k to $80k.
Many aspects determine a web designer’s pay. First, experience and education play a major role. If a candidate has an appealing background and solid experience in this area, their pay will be sufficiently higher than someone who does not.
Also, location plays a factor in a web designers salary. As expected, larger cities have an extensive need for this job. A web designer will therefore make more working in a city rather than a rural area.
How to Prepare: While Still in College
Since coding is such a critical aspect of being a web designer, someone who is interested in this field should look into effectively learning these tools. While still in college, one should look into boot camps and other resources in coding to gain confidence in this area.
Experience is an essential in this field as well. Due to that, it is important to look for internships before graduation. Internships will help give experience in web designing. It will also make sure one is passionate about this career.
Some web designers will even decide to major in computer programming. This will help them prepare for a real job and make them appear equipped to future employers.
Job Outlook
Most likely, a new web designer will be placed with an experienced co-worker who will mentor them. They will be taught the companies specific coding, programs, and website maintenance.
Over time, web designers will be trained to create new codes and designs on their own. It is important not to rush these experiences that will later shape an individual.
Unlike other career paths, one does not move up quickly as a web designer. It takes a lot of time, patience, and dedication.
There are always opportunities to be promoted. Some advancements include project supervisor or project management positions.
Overall, becoming a web designer is not easy. There is a lot of practice, experience, and learning required. Although, in the end, being a web designer is a positive, rewarding job.
Sources
“Web Designer Salary, Job Description, and Outlook.” Devmountain Blog, 13 Jan. 2020, blog.devmountain.com/all-about-web-designers-description-salaries-and-outlook/.
“Web Designer Jobs: Salary and Career Facts.” Learn.org –, learn.org/articles/Web_Designer_Jobs_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.htm
Raise Labs, Inc. “Web Developers: Salary, Career Path, Job Outlook, Education and More.” RaiseMe, www.raise.me/careers/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.
“Web Designer Job Description Sample.” Monster.com, 16 Sept. 2019, hiring.monster.com/employer-resources/job-description-templates/web-site-designer-job-description/.
