In our review of different careers we take a look at how to become a web designer. Typically a web designer will understand CMS, HTML, .css, Java and other web-centred design tools. These days it is an advantage for a good web designer to be able to design mobile apps, as most companies are looking for smartphone based apps.
What Does a Web Designer Do?
A web designer designs the visual elements of a website. You could be designing any kind of website from a simple blog to an e-commerce site and you will be responsible for everything from the font used to the layout of the site.
As a web designer, you will be able to work full-time for a company or become a freelance designer and work for yourself. Being a web designer will be an office based job and you will usually be working officer hours. If you decide to work for yourself then you will be able to set your own hours.
Day to day your job will involve meeting with clients and finding out exactly what it is that they want their website to look like and who will be using it. You will then need to prepare a design plan and decide on branding, layout and text. Using design software you will then need to create the site, add any multimedia features such as images, sound or video and implement social networking features.
Finally, you will ensure everything works as planned before uploading the website to be hosted online.
Is Becoming a Web Designer Right For Me?
The following qualities are vital for a good web designer:
- Creative flair - You need to be able to design to a high standard.
- The ability to follow instructions - Most clients will tell you what they want and expect you to stick to it. You might be a creative genius, but if a client tells you they want their website to be primarily orange they are not going to want you to come back to them with something that's purple.
- A high level of computer literacy.
- A good memory - You need to have a good knowledge of Dreamweaver and Photoshop, CSS, Javascript, Flash, HTML and .Net Frameworks.
- The ability to work to deadlines.
How Much Can a Web Designer Earn?
The starting salary for a web designer is around £18,000 and you can realistically earn anywhere up to £35,000 with experience and a good portfolio. If decide to work for yourself you set your own rate of pay.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Web Designer?
Qualifications are not as important to becoming a web designer as you might think. While taking courses and qualifications can teach you how to design websites an employer is going to be far more interested in your portfolio.
If you've done a degree and have four mediocre websites in your portfolio you will not get a job against a person who has numerous fantastic websites that they have created, even if that person has no qualifications.
