So You Want To Be a Web Designer
With an excellent employment outlook and a median salary range of nearly $60,000 per year, many people have taken an interest in web design as a possible career path. Here we will discuss the many facets and tools necessary for the job, so that you can be better informed on what it takes to be a web designer. A web designer is tasked with creating the framework, visual elements, and functionality of web pages and websites as a whole. Designers may be involved in all or many of the aspects of the development of a website including layout, organization, graphic design, color scheme, and image or media implementation. In cases where a web producer is employed, it is the responsibility of the designer to produce a design that reflects the vision of the web producer.
As a web designer must work with either clients or web producers to create their pages, it is necessary for a designer to have the ability to communicate well verbally and to properly convey visual concepts to others. Designers must also show flexibility and patience, as revisions to their work may be called for. Also needed are an ability to meet the tight deadlines and changing demands of the client, as often updates are needed to keep a website's content current. Once a framework has been established, the designer must then format any text, image, or media files so that they will be viewable online. Special functions such as clickable links or buttons along with a number of other features may be needed as well. A thorough understanding of hypertext markup language (HTML), file transfer protocol (FTP), Flash, XML, XHTML, and other languages, programs, and extensions is necessary in order to implement these features correctly To properly produce the graphical elements required of the job, a designer must also possess skills in using graphical and web development programs such as Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Illustrator. As the tools and technology of the trade evolve, designers are expected to keep up-to-date on any new or current programs and principles that may develop over time. Because not all servers and browsers are universally compatible, it is necessary for the design to allow pages to be used on any type of server and viewed by all browser types. A firm understanding of browser/server compatibility and multi-platform computer languages such Javascript, that are compatible with a many forms of hardware and software, is also required.. Designers must also be well-versed in working with various operating systems such as Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. Those looking to enter this field may either acquire a two-year or a four-year degree in computer science, or in some cases, no advanced schooling as there are many resources online or in text that can give one the information to teach themselves the skills necessary to achieve proficiency in web design. Many of those that enter the field of web design may come from an art, publishing, or graphic design background as well. Any aspiring web designer should keep a portfolio of their work to show to prospective employers. Often, designers may elect to become freelancers. Self-employed designers seek their own clients and in most cases have their own website that has an online portfolio of their work and description of the services they provide. I'm a web specialist with a focus in web designer.
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