Career as a Web Designer

Summary

A Web Designer is a specialized type of Web Developer. Also known as Website Designer. A web designer creates the visual elements that make up a web page, deciding on layout, color schemes and text formatting. A web designer works with a variety of programming languages to create web pages and Internet sites. Web designers are responsible for the visual look of a page, and in larger organisations they usually only work in the design field. In smaller operations they may be responsible for the efficient functioning of the entire site. Web designers must therefore have a good grasp of traditional design fundamentals, as well as an advanced knowledge of the current and emerging Internet technologies that will allow them to make their ideas a reality on the Internet. HTML, Java script, CSS, PHP and Flash are the most widely used programming languages that allow web designers to formulate and control different elements on a web page. A web designer must have a good grasp of at least some, if not all, of these. Adobe Photoshop is the most popular image manipulation software, in that most specialist, design incarnation web designers use photoshop almost exclusively.

Web Designer's responsibility is to create web pages that reflect the client's wishes and their brand identity, whilst paying attention to attractive and functional design. Color schemes, text styles and pictures are all issues that a web designer may be either consulted on or simply asked to recreate. The level of creative input required from the web designer will depend on the job in question. In many cases it is the web designer's job to create something visually attractive from a series of client consultations. Once the website is created it may be the web designer's responsibility to upload the site to a server, then test and refine it for optimum functionality. Changes may be made and additional elements may be added or changed on a page.

Generally speaking, websites change or are updated regularly, and it is up to the web designer to see that any new elements conform to the original design, layout and feel of the website. A Web Designer's job duties cover all aspects of creating a website. Meeting upon with clients and assessing their needs, web designers help create and maintain the product. Their duties include ,writing and editing content, designing webpage layout, determining technical requirements, updating websites, creating back up files, solving code problems.

Work Environment

Web Designers can work from anywhere that they can set up a computer and have access to a high speed internet connection. While a number of web designers work in offices, usually in metropolitan region or large regional centres, a number of web designers work from home as independent contractors. The hours a web designer works depend largely on their employer. Those working for IT or design firms generally work regular office hours, though they may occasionally be expected to work longer hours to ensure deadlines are met. Independent contractors are free to set their own hours, and have a greater degree of flexibility around when they work, as long as contracts are completed on time. Some travel may be required to meet with clients and discuss website specifications and requirements.

Entry Level Education

Degree courses related to Web Design.