What Preparations Do I Need to Make to Be a Web Designer?

Web design includes both creative and technical elements.

If you've always had a flair for creativity and an eye for design, along with an affinity for using computers, a career in web design may be something to consider. Web designers combine art and technology to create a web presence for clients and companies. By combining knowledge and design skills with training in hypertext markup language (HTML) and other graphics-related languages and software, you can be on your way to a rewarding and lucrative career as a web designer.

Web Designer Job Description

Web designers create the structure for websites, design the look and feel of websites, and maintain websites that are already up and running. They perform these tasks by combining video, audio and text elements to create a cohesive unit. Web designers often have only a verbal description provided by the client or an employer to provide guidance for their efforts to shape an online presence. Success for a web designer is measured by aesthetic appeal and ease of use--two components that can present a significant challenge to the designer.

Education

No formal education is required for web designers; many are self taught. However, many employers and clients prefer for web designers to have at least a bachelor's degree along with a background in fine arts, publishing, graphic design and computer science. You can obtain much of this training in one or two years at a community college. Certificate programs make it possible to obtain a certificate in web design in even less time. Additional education in information technology and experience in working with computers and the internet is also valuable for aspiring web designers.

Practical Training

Web designers must be adept in several software and internet applications, including HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS), file transfer protocol (FTP), graphic design software such as the Adobe Creative Suite, and website building software such as Dreamweaver, Drupal or Coffee Cup. You can gain valuable experience as a web designer by volunteering your services to a nonprofit agency or working as an intern for a graphic design firm.

Launching Your Career

Especially if you intend to launch a career as an independent contractor, dealing with the practical aspects of self employment is essential. If you did not assemble a portfolio during an academic program or an internship, do so before launching your business. Assemble the necessary office equipment, computer hardware and software to operate efficiently. Create a logo and use it as part of your business card design. Include your business card in letters posted to local businesses that could potentially use your services. Obtain a domain name and construct a functioning website for your portfolio or for your business. Take advantage of opportunities to speak at conferences or have your work included in a book or other publications.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics:Standard Occupational Classification -- 15-1134 Web Developers
• "Smashing Magazine"; How To Become A Web Design Expert; Paul Boag; August 2011
• "Fabjob Guide to Become a Web Designer"; Barbara Lightner; 2011
• "Speckyboy Design Magazine"; Paul Andrew; February 2008
• "Noupe"; A DIY Web Design Education; Cameron Chapman; May 2010
• WorldWideLearn.com:Guide to College Majors in Web Design
• WorldWideLearn.com: Online Web Design Degree Programs
• ECommerce Crossing; Starting a Web Design Business Portfolio with No Experience; Silas Reed
• University of Washington Career Center: Web Design and Development Internship

Resources

• Adobe: Adobe Creative Suite Family
• ELogoDesign; The Complete Guide to Logo Design; Vukan Karadzic; September 2011
• Flying Cow Design: Web Design Firms by State
• "Smashing Magazine"; Time-Saving and Educational Resources for Web Designers; January 2011
• WorldWideLearn.com: How to Get a Master's Degree in Multimedia & Web Design
• WorldWideLearn.com: How to Get an MFA, PhD, EdD or DA in Multimedia & Web Design