Web design is an exciting but challenging career that provides opportunities virtually all over the world. If you want to become a web designer, the dream can be achieved easier than you think. Even though it will take patience, hard work and dedication, it is still achievable. This article will provide you with some fundamental information as well as steps you have to take to follow this path.
What’s the job of a web designer?
A web designer is a professional tasked to develop the layout and design of entire websites or specific webpages. Web designers can also design apps. They can do these from the beginning or they can update designs of apps and websites that have already been created. In a nutshell, designers work with pictures, text, sounds, graphics and videos.
When designing an app or website from scratch, designers can create different drafts before creating the final design. They may work with clients who will provide feedback which they use to make changes. They may also work with professionals like web developers to produce the complete project. Redesigning an app or website is quite similar, but instead of having to start from scratch, the web designer can make use of already established content from the app or website.
Some of the major responsibilities of web designers usually include:
- Making sample websites.
- Designing new websites.
- Redesigning old websites.
- Editing and retouching images.
- Designing visually appealing applications.
What skills do you need as a web designer?
As a budding designer, you might be confused as to what skills you need to hone during the start of your career. The following are the major skills a designer needs to have:
- Fundamentals of visual design
Visual design is the procedure of enhancing the UI/UX of an application or a website via visual elements which include colors, photography, illustrations, layouts, typography, etc. As a beginner, if you want great visual designs, you’ll have to grasp the principles of balance, scale, visual hierarchy, gestalt and contrast.
- Layout design
This is the process of setting up visual elements (e.g. shapes, text, images) on a page. This process is very important in web design as it determines the entire appearance of graphic elements on a page.
- Color principles
Various color combinations on a page will offer different experiences for visitors — which makes it a vital component of web design. Keep in mind the principles of color, as it will help you create great color schemes for websites.
- Prototyping and design tools
There are a lot of prototyping and design tools to choose from. As a beginner, you need to select one that is easy to use and understand. It should also have some built-in components that will provide you with visual impressions of the website being designed. It should be also compatible with your PC. For example, if you’re using a Lenovo computer, ensure the prototyping and design tool is compatible so that you can access all its features.
- Interaction design
This involves the creation of engaging interfaces with comprehensive behaviors. As a web designer, you’ll need to obtain basic knowledge of interaction design which includes creation of design strategies, prototype interactions and identification of key wireframe interactions.
- HTML and CSS
Web design doesn’t involve software development and you don’t have to be well-versed in front-end development. However, you should have basic knowledge of programming as it will allow you collaborate with developers without any hitches.
