What Are Web Designers and Where Do They Work?

There are a variety of careers on the digital arts and sciences, Let’s break down what web designers are, what they do & where they work

By Claudio Pires
Updated on July 4, 2024
What Are Web Designers and Where Do They Work?

These days, there are a variety of professional careers focused on the digital arts and sciences. Digital marketers, programmers, and IT techs are just a few. However, a web designer’s job is a relatively unique career that combines the technical aspects of computer programming with more creative aspects of web design and art. Let’s break down what web designers are, what those professionals do, and where they work in more detail.

What’s a Web Designer?

Let’s start with the first part of the question.

A web designer is a creative and technical professional who uses both sides of the brain to create, edit, or rebuild websites depending on their clients’ needs. Web designers use a whole host of skills, from artistic and thematic to programming skills, to bring a new digital landscape to life.

What Do Web Designers Really Do?

Web designers, as their job title suggests, mostly design webpages or websites. However, this is a lot more complex than you might initially think.

Conceptualizing, designing, and then implementing webpages or website features often involves:

  • Selecting what themes or outlines go with a website and its purpose or function
  • Choosing other aesthetic details, such as the appropriate fonts or colors that lend themselves to the website’s personality as a whole
  • They are figuring out how the website’s various functions will interact with the above outline or theme. For instance, where will the contact page be? How can clients sign up for services using a given website? Etc.
  • They determine how a website can attract and retain traffic over the long term. These days, people have relatively low attention spans, so web designers must ensure that the content they create really pops.
  • Ensuring that the website is easy and intuitive to access and navigate. Clunky or hard-to-navigate websites are ignored more often than not.
  • Of course, the web designer must implement all those decisions promptly and make any changes or edits that clients might suggest.

This means that web designers usually have their hands full when they’re working on projects. But this career can be incredibly lucrative and rewarding from a technical and creative perspective.

Where Do Web Designers Work?

The nature of web designers’ work means their workplace arrangements are relatively flexible.

For instance, web design companies may hire different web developers to do consistent work for larger clients like big enterprises or organizations. Many graphic designers work in local agencies based around big cities, such as top agencies in Washington, D.C.

Local design agencies and web designer companies allow newer web designers to gain experience and collaborate with other professionals in their field. They become better at their craft, help a wide variety of clients along the way, and can earn quite a good living while doing so.

Other skilled web designers may choose to work freelance. They normally work from home or may head to a shared office space instead. Either way, they take contracts with clients using their business initiative, effectively acting as entrepreneurs selling their services to those who need them.

Freelance entrepreneurs set their own hours but also have to take on additional work related to finding and communicating with clients. However, this path can also be rewarding for more independent-minded professionals who have a lot of experience already under their belts.

Key Responsibilities of Web Designers

  1. Visual Design: Web designers are responsible for a website’s visual elements, including layout, color schemes, typography, and imagery. They ensure the design aligns with the brand’s identity and appeals to the target audience.
  2. User Experience (UX) Design is a crucial aspect of web design. It focuses on creating an intuitive and enjoyable user experience. This involves understanding user behavior, designing interactive elements, and ensuring smooth navigation.
  3. Responsive Design: With the proliferation of mobile devices, web designers must create responsive designs that adapt to various screen sizes and resolutions. This ensures that websites are accessible and functional on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
  4. Wireframing and Prototyping: Web designers often create wireframes and prototypes before diving into the final design. Wireframes are basic layouts that outline the structure of a webpage, while prototypes are interactive models that provide a more detailed representation of the final product.
  5. Collaboration with Developers: Web designers work closely with web developers to bring their designs to life. They provide developers with the necessary design assets and ensure the final website matches their vision.
  6. Staying Updated: The field of web design is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging regularly. Web designers must stay updated with the latest design principles, tools, and industry standards.

Skills Required for Those Professionals

To excel in web design, individuals need creative and technical skills. Here are some essential skills for web designers:

  1. Graphic Design Skills: Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Sketch is fundamental for creating visual elements.
  2. HTML/CSS Knowledge: While web designers are not typically required to code, understanding the basics of HTML and CSS is beneficial for creating and modifying web layouts.
  3. User Interface (UI) Design: UI design focuses on the look and feel of a website’s interface. Web designers must create visually appealing interfaces that enhance user interaction.
  4. Problem-Solving: Web designers often encounter challenges during the design process, such as ensuring compatibility across different browsers and devices. Strong problem-solving skills are essential to overcome these obstacles.
  5. Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in web design. Even minor errors can significantly impact the user experience and the website’s overall performance.
  6. Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for collaborating with clients, developers, and other team members. Web designers must be able to articulate their ideas clearly and understand stakeholders’ needs and feedback.

Summary

All in all, web designers are talented professionals who bring a lot of value to online organizations. Thus, enterprises need top-tier websites to capture traffic and sales. Any business looking to maximize its success in the online sphere will need to hire at least one web designer to help them build an excellent website or edit an existing website.

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.