Published on 02/15/2006

Web Designers create websites and web pages. In addition to devising the architecture or structure of a site, web designers also design the look and feel, while incorporating features such as e-commerce capabilities, community chats and forums, search engines, animations, and other interactive applications.

Web Designer Job Description

The web design profession has grown significantly due to the increasing popularity of the World Wide Web. Web designers are an essential part of this growth. Sometimes known as web developers, web designers are responsible for the creation and maintenance of almost every web page found on the Internet.

In general, a web designer is responsible for the graphic, textual, and structural aspect of a website. Almost everything a web designer does helps to determine whether or not site visitors will stay on the site or go elsewhere. The specific duties that a web designer performs vary depending upon their title and specialty. Specializations within the web design profession include:

Web Graphic Designers- These designers use various design programs to create graphic elements for a website, including logos, banners, buttons, navigational elements, and animations.

Multimedia Web Designers- Usually part of a large web development team, multimedia web designers are generally responsible for the flashy interactive applications that can be found on some websites.

User Interface (UI) Designers- These designers are responsible for the navigation of a website. User interface designers determine both the layout and the basic presentation of a website. There is approach is normally based on several factors, including the goal of the website and the need of the visitors.

Besides needing a strong knowledge of computer and design programs, web designers also need to be creative and have a penchant for marketing.

Many web designers are employees of advertising agencies, consulting firms, and large corporations. However, there are also many self-employed or freelance web designers that have joined the web design field.

Web Designer School and Training

Many of the jobs in the web design field require a degree from a web design school. There are many different web design schools and programs that are now available to anyone who is interested in becoming a web designer.

Students of web design schools can obtain almost any kind of degree, including an associate’s degree, a bachelor degree, and a master’s degree. Many of the degree programs offer concentrations in specific web design fields.

Besides full degrees, many web design schools also offer short, specialized courses that can help aspiring web designers to break into the field quickly. These short courses also allow web designers who are already in the field to brush up on specific technical skills.

The curriculum offered at most web design schools incorporates HTML scripting, JavaScript, web graphics and animations, video production, and non-technical elements such as project management and marketing trends.

Though all web designers work differently, every designer should have knowledge of HTML and graphic design software. In some cases, web designers may be required to know how to use complex scripts and programming. Because the Internet is constantly evolving, web designers must also be committed to leaning new skills, technologies, and techniques.

Web Designer Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook for web designers will continue to be very good. Employment opportunities in the web design field are expected to grow faster than in the average occupation. Opportunities will be best for web designers who have attended a web design school or other training program.

Earnings for web designers vary depending upon place of employment, skill level, geographic location, and specialization. The median annuals earnings for web design specializations is as follows:

Web Graphic Designers- $63,000
Multimedia Web Designers- $70,000
User Interface Designers- $73,000