Web Designer Job Description Information

A Web designer is an information technology professional. He is responsible for designing the graphics and overall layout of the pages of a website. In addition to having a keen understanding of computer science, he is unique in the fact that in order to perform his job effectively, he must also be artistically inclined. He may work within the IT department of an organization, for a graphic design firm or for himself as an independent contractor.

 

Job Responsibilities

  • Codes such as HTML are used to program each Web page. A Web designer meets face to face with her clients. During this initial consultation, she ascertains the scope of the project as well as the desires of her clients. After negotiating a project fee, she will draft and administer contracts. Working either individually or with a team, she designs and creates a color scheme, images and graphics for the client's prospective website. Codes such as HTML are used to program each page so that all designs translate into a functional website. The verbal content of the page may be provided by the client, allowing the Web designer to simply copy and paste it into her work. If it is not provided, she may either create it herself, or subcontract this duty out to a professional writer. After receiving approval from her client, she submits the sites to all major search engines.

Job Opportunities

  • Most institutions that offer training also offer job placement assistance. For the entrepreneur Web designer, business development is accomplished through networking. Each client should be used to introduce your work to new potential clients. Additionally, companies and individuals may post wanted advertisements highlighting their Web development needs. Online search engines are also excellent resources for those seeking work as a Web designer. Finally, most educational institutions that offer training in online media also offer job placement assistance to their graduates.

Qualitative Requirements

  • A good Web designer must be an exceptional visual artist. He must understand color and scale. He must also be able to understand how the intangible qualities of a product or organization translate into the colors and graphics that will make up the website. Equally important are listening and communication skills. If a client's desires are not properly understood from the beginning, the outcome of the project will not be satisfactory to either party.

Educational Requirements

  • HTML Writers Guild offers a formal certification program. While a four-year degree is not required to obtain employment as a Web designer, most successful candidates are formally educated within the areas of graphic design, animation, fine arts or a related field of study. Candidates should also be trained on various graphic and Web design software such as Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator and Flash. Many junior colleges and proprietary schools offer courses and diploma programs within the area of graphic Web design. Additionally, the HTML Writers Guild offers a formal certification program within various areas of online media.

Average Compensation

  • Employment in this sector is expected to increase by 38 percent through 2016. In 2009, the median annual income of a Web designer employed in the United States is $50,725. This is a very good field to be in, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in this sector to increase by 38 percent through 2016, a much greater rate than the average industry, which is only expected to grow 11 percent.

Read more: Web Designer Job Description & Salary | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5401620_designer-job-description-salary.html#ixzz1gnn0Wdyz

Web Designer Salary Information

Web designers are responsible for Internet website creation, design and development. They utilize graphic art of various types, and make sure the sites are attractive, compelling and functional. Web designers also update sites as the client requests.

 

Starting Salary

  • Median starting salary for web designers in 2009 is between $35,000 and $38,000, according to the PayScale salary survey website, with an increase to $47,000 to $51,000 with 5 years experience.

Salary Range

  • Robert Half International, a company which provides specialized staffing services, shows salary range for web designers in 2007 between $47,000 to $71,500.

Average Salary

  • Average annual salary in 2009 for web designers is $59,000, according to the Indeed salary website.

Graphic Web Designers

  • People with the title of graphic web designers are making $51,000 annually on average, according to Indeed, in a range from $43,000 to $57,000.

Potential

  • Flash web designers have an average annual salary of $64,000 in 2009, and senior web designers $70,000.

Read more: Web Designer's Salary Range | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5188726_designer_s-salary-range.html#ixzz1gnlyKAIg

How to Become a Web Designer

A college degree isn't necessary to become a web designer. Many website designers are self-taught. However, since the field is constantly changing, taking classes to learn the latest methods and reading to brush up on your current skills may be necessary to keep up with this growing career field. As a website designer, you could work freelance or for an corporate or nonprofit organization.
  1. Learn coding, scripting and programming, such as HTML, DHTML, XML and JavaScript. Free online tutorials can be found at the W3 Schools website.
  2. Experiment and learn various website building packages, such as Dreamweaver, FrontPage, PhotoShop, Flash and Fireworks.
  3. Learn your way around a personal computer as well as a Macintosh.
  4. Take a marketing design class at your local college to learn how colors, fonts and graphics affect the consumers.
  5. Build your own website, and use it as not only a marketing tool for your services, but as an example of your work. Make sure it is free of mistakes and that all your links work.
  6. Design other websites. Perhaps you could design one for friends or a family member. This will help build your portfolio. The more examples you have, the more you have to show your prospective clients.
  7. Keep up with the ever-changing world or technology. Subscribe to publications, participate in seminars and know the latest design fads. Joining a professional organization for web designers could also keep you updated and give you a venue for networking with others in your field.