How to Become a Web Designer

A web designer is a person that possesses specific technical skills to be able to create the visual elements of a website such as its layout, colour schemes, text formatting, etc. They must have a comprehensive grasp of traditional design fundamentals and know how to use basic and complex design software. Additionally, an advanced knowledge on both current and emerging Internet technologies is a similar requirement for web designers if they want to create realistic and relevant web pages. So follow our guide on how to become a web designer.

Web designers may also be responsible not just for the ‘front end’ of the website – such as in the case of larger companies – but also for the entire site operations and its efficient functioning, usually, in smaller companies. These may include – though not limited to – logo designing, user interface, branding and such.

In order to formulate, construct and control the different visual elements on a web page, web designers use HTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript, Flash and other commonly used programming languages. A great command of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator as well as SEO and content marketing is also one useful complementary skill for a web designer to be able to reach the wide-ranging expectations of the client.

Here is How to Become a Web Designer

1. Learn html, javascript, php as a starting point
2. Get some experience creating basic websites for friends and family
3. Create a portfolio – to show you experience
4. Brush up on your communication as you will need to talk to clients and they pay your or they pay your boss- who then pays you
5. Get a basic understanding of SEO – as Search Engine Optimisation drives traffic to a website
6. Don’t expect too much from your first role as web designer as you will only improve your skill, experience and pay over time

So what are the Responsibilities of a Web Designer?

Each client has a specific standard and set of expectations when it comes to their web functionality and brand identity. The main responsibility of a web designer to ensure the web pages they create reflect the client’s wishes whilst focusing to an attractive and functional design which would generate the desired traffic.

All the visual elements that a web designer does may be formulated out of the detailed instructions that a client demands or entirely out of their own creativity and resourcefulness. Whichever it is, a series of client consultations is a must in order to generate the kind of web pages the client envisions it to be.

Once the website is set up and uploaded to a server, the web designer’s next task is to test it then refine it for user-friendliness and optimum functionality. Depending on the terms of agreement, a client might require some changes, add-ons or updates on the web pages.

How much do Web Designers Earn?

The salary of web designers depends on a number of things including their credentials, work portfolio, experience and abilities. A minimum starting salary is between AUD 30,000 to AUD 60,000 per annum. Many web designers, though, opt to go freelance for obvious reasons such as flexible working hours and no boss to answer to. They can charge either an hourly rate – ranging from AUD 30 to AUD 80 – or a fixed project payment, depending on their experience and reputation.

How does a typical day look like for a Web Designer?

Web designers, whether working from an office setting or a home-based office, spend most of their working day on a computer with an Internet connection. Regular business hours of 8 am to 5 pm – for employed web designers – are common although tight deadlines could entail longer hours. For freelancers, there is much more freedom when it comes to their working schedule as long as they meet the deadline set by the client.

As a sedentary occupation, the main dangers can range from eye strain, repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome to chronic fatigue, stress-related insomnia and obesity. These can be mostly negated by ensuring your work area suits your height and limb length, taking regular breaks, following a strict sleeping schedule and dietary pattern, and exercising. Making time for a hobby can also do wonders in improving one’s stress management and overall well-being.

Where can I find a Web Design job?

The good news about becoming a professional web designer is that you have many different avenues to choose from. You can work in a corporation or you can go freelance. The bad news is, even if you already have a certification and you possess all the required skills to be a master of the trade, it is tough finding a job no matter which path you choose to take.

Don’t get discouraged yet. There are lots of jobs available whether it is in a traditional workplace setting or otherwise. The key is learning how to look for them. Follow these tips so you can hurdle the first and biggest obstacle in your job-hunting.

1. Even if a job title doesn’t sound like a web designing-related job, don’t ignore it. Job titles such as copywriter, program manager, information architect and layout artists might not exactly what you’re looking for but chances are, it’s a web designing type of job.

2. Look into its job description. Don’t just scan through potential job opportunities. If any one of the duties and responsibilities require an online presence or working in a website, however small that web designing role you would portray on it, then go for it.

3. Competition is tough, whatever industry you’re in. And since the web designing industry has attracted too many players on it, expect it to be an overly saturated market. So as soon as you can get in for an interview, your only job does not entail weaving dreams of how you can soon become a millionaire out of website designing but simply nailing the interview. Once you’re in the organisation, that’s where you can work your way up to your specific dream job and onto the corporate ladder of web designing success.

Sum Up

Hopefully, this simple walk through of how to become a web designer finding a job in this challenging yet very rewarding field. But the truth is, finding success in the web design industry can only be possible if you remember these three things: never stop learning, learn how to sell yourself, and above all, always exceed expectations!