Becoming a Web Designer

A web designer plans and fabricates web pages and websites, and integrates various applications into these sites and pages. Web designers are responsible for the layout and workability of all content on a web page and web site whether these elements are static, such as text, images and background patterns, or active, like links, forms, or audio and video elements integrated into the site. The designer might be responsible for creating all of the above, or might assemble elements provided by other sources into the overall design of a site.

Education, Training & Degrees for Web Designers

Web design has a history of being a do-it-yourself art form, learned primarily through the hands-on activity of actually building sites. In the decade-plus history of the World Wide Web, however, and particularly in the developing landscape of Web 2.0, the tools and techniques for creating web sites have grown considerably more complex. Additionally, the standards for design and functionality have evolved from simply having a web presence to a demand that the site be eye-catching, purposeful, effective (that is, will draw traffic) and provides an excellent visitor experience. To accommodate this increased complexity of both technology and design, a number of college degree programs have been established to train aspiring web creators.

In the corporate world, a bachelor's degree is now often the bare minimum for most entry-level web designer positions, although some entry-level positions or smaller organizations might accept an associate degree combined with a portfolio of relevant work experience.

A number of colleges and art institutes around the country offer a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree in graphic design with a curriculum which includes general principles of design, web site design, studio arts, computer design applications, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and many more tools and techniques which can enhance a web developer's skills and knowledge.

Find more information about online Technology degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills for Web Designers

Web designers typically meet with a client to determine the purpose, extent, and content of a proposed web site. The client might be the company for which the web designer works or might be an outside customer. Following this establishment of requirements, the website designer often consults and collaborates with other contributors, which might include graphic or digital artists, media producers, technical or engineering consultants or art directors. In a larger company, the web designer might also take direction from the marketing or publicity departments.

To stand out as a web designer, several technical skills are vital, including familiarity with numerous computer design software applications, such as PhotoShop, as well as with languages such as HTML, XTML, Java, Ajax, CSS, and possibly audio and video encoding software.

A talent for graphic design, as well as creativity and good problem-solving skills are important in addition to these technical skills. The web designer should have a good eye for color schemes and type fonts, for harmonious and pleasing layouts, and many other artistic considerations while keeping close watch on the functionality of the site and the user experience. The web designer needs to have excellent communication skills to collaborate with clients, content providers and superiors. When dealing with electronic production and with people, patience and the ability to meet tight deadlines without stress are always encouraged.

Salary Range and Employment Outlook in Web Design

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that employment prospects for web designers should grow about as fast as the average for all occupations into the next decade. Competition for these positions is expected to increase, however, as many talented artists are attracted to this high-profile career. A bachelor's degree and solid knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with web site design and knowledge of animator, illustrator, CGI, and Flash, are key to enhancing one's job prospects in this field.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary for a web designer was about $38,030 in 2004, with a range running from less than $23,220 to a high of more than $65,940 a year.

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