Web Designer: What it Takes

Could you be a Web Designer?

If you are technically savvy and creatively motivated, web design could be the right career path for you. If this could be your dream job, let’s take a closer look at what you need to know to be successful.

High-Tech

At many graphic design schools, there are classes in web design. These classes should aim to provide a working knowledge of the Adobe design suite, HTML and optimization techniques. Employers will ask about your confidence with these programs, so sharpen those tools! Likewise, as you take these classes, or if you have already, assess honestly whether you enjoy the material. If you dread every assignment in Photoshop, web design may not be a fit.

Ins & Outs

Just as you wouldn’t start building a car without understanding mechanics, don’t design a website without understanding how the internet works. This general knowledge can help you overcome obstacles, find loopholes, and simply sound more professional and knowledgeable to your clients. Not all graphic design colleges provide this training, so seek it on your own. The World Wide Web Consortium provides plentiful information on the history of the internet as well as how it works and progress that is still being made.

It’s Not all Links & Codes

Many web designers work freelance. To be a successful freelance worker, networking and interpersonal skills are key. Don’t overlook this aspect of the job description.  Without aggressive networking and tuned client management skills, you could be waiting a while for that first job, and the one after, and so on.