If you’re just getting started in the field of web design, it can be challenging to determine what skills are needed to become a successful designer. This type of role is great for those who have both technical and soft skills, as well as a solid understanding of the industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates web design career openings to experience 13% job growth through 2030, which is faster than the average among all occupations. This equates to nearly 17,900 new roles to open each year, with the national average salary falling around $77,000.
With the demand for Web Designers increasing, it’s important that these creative professionals continue to build their skill sets and master the fundamentals of the field. This article will discuss important information about a career in web design and the ten skills every Web Designer should master in their training.
What Does a Web Designer Do?
A Web Designer is a graphic artist that designs the layout and visual appearance of a website. These professionals combine creative form and technical function fundamentals to develop a user-friendly interface design. Depending on their specialty or niche area, Web Designers may also work on user experience (UX) tasks and coding to ensure the website works properly. Essentially, these creative professionals combine visual design elements together to create a cohesive and aesthetically appealing web page.
Technical Skills
Tech skills, often called “hard skills,” are the abilities and experience you need to perform a particular job. These skills are learned through educational training, hands-on practice, and a dedication to improving technique. Technical skills differ from “soft skills” in that they are your personal attributes that influence how you work and what areas you excel in.
Design Principles
One of the first skills that Web Designers should look to master is the different design principles of both graphic and web design. While many of these principles overlap and influence one another, mastering basic elements like balance, color theory, repetition, and alignment can have a significant impact on a final design.
HTML/CSS
While it’s not always a requirement to learn HTML/CSS, having a basic understanding of these programming languages can help Web Designers to stand out from the crowd. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) provide the structure, format, and visual appeal for a website.
JavaScript
Another coding language that can help Web Designers to stand out to potential employers is JavaScript. Considered one of the most popular programming languages worldwide, JavaScript helps make web pages interactive through animations and different customization options. In addition to web design, JavaScript is also useful for browser games, mobile app development, and both front and back end development.
Graphic Design Software
While some Web Designers are familiar with coding and may complete some back end work, many focus on ensuring web pages are visually appealing and functional for users. Web Designers should master software like Adobe XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator. These versatile programs allow designers to easily create mockups and enhance images.
Visual Design
Web design is essentially a subset of visual design, which is why it’s so important that creative professionals master the fundamentals of this important subject. Looking at web design specifically, there are visual design elements that work to ensure a web page is both easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing. This can include principles such as typography, color theory, and grid systems.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Another important area Web Designers should familiarize themselves with is content management systems, often referred to as CMS. These important systems store and manage any content while essentially acting as a central interface for a website. One CMS that many people may recognize is WordPress, though there are countless options available for designers to utilize.
UI/UX
Web Designers can benefit from learning the fundamentals of both user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). While these specialties are often grouped together, it’s important to note that there are vital differences between the two. UX Designers are concerned with customer experience functions such as finding information, completing tasks quickly, and ease of use. Overall, it encompasses a user’s overall experience when visiting a webpage.
UI Designers create the “look” of a website, advertisement, or app to ensure it meets the client’s creative vision while working directly with UX professionals to ensure design plans are functional and visually engaging. Having a clear understanding of UI and UX skills shows how Web Designers can benefit from mastering these subjects.
Soft Skills
In addition to technical skills, Web Designers should master soft skills to help them balance professional responsibilities and learn to communicate with others effectively. Some of the most vital soft skills for web design professionals include:
Communication
One soft skill Web Designers should learn is effective communication. This is a skill needed in nearly every profession and is necessary for Web Designers who often collaborate with others working on a project. This can include working with other creative professionals such as Graphic Designers, Developers, and UI/UX Designers.
Time Management
Another essential skill for those working in the fast-paced field of web design is time management. It’s common for Web Designers to work on several projects at once, each with its own set of goals and deadlines. It’s crucial that designers are able to balance their responsibilities and adhere to all project deadlines.
Attention to Detail
With web design incorporating both the technical and visual aspects of building a website, it’s important these designers have strong attention to detail. Some projects can have intricate steps through the design process requiring balancing multiple tasks at once. Being able to stay organized and maintain attention to detail is vital for those building web content.
While mastering these skills can help designers excel in their professional roles, it’s also helpful to stay up to date with trends in the field. Many designers use social media to help with networking or attend conferences in their area. Those who are new to web design and are considering a career change should consider signing up for the Web Design Certificate from Noble Desktop. The immersive course provides all the training needed to become a well-rounded web designer with a portfolio full of hands-on experience.