Video
How to become a FULL TIME Web Designer | Full Guides 2023
This video from the YouTube channel ‘Create a Pro Website’ gives an excellent overview of how to make the leap to becoming a full time web designer.
See more 👉
Web Designer
Being a web designer involves creating visually appealing, user-friendly websites that provide a great user experience. Web designers focus on the look and feel of a website, ensuring it is aesthetically pleasing and functional. Good web designers are creative and detail oriented. Familiarity with design & prototyping software, as well as basic HTML and CSS knowledge are advisable.
Summary
Almost every business and organisation needs a website, each of which is unique - so there is plenty of work out there for good web designers.
At it’s core, a web designer is responsible for planning, designing and optimising how a website looks. This is different from a web developer who is responsible for implementing these designs and looking after the functionality of a website. Web designers are expected to have knowledge of specialist software used for designing websites - such as Adobe XD, Illustrator or Figma. They may be expected to create prototypes or wireframes during the planning phase.
A good web designer will be familiar with UX / UI (principles that underline how users experience and interact with websites), and may work with or specialise as a UX / UI designer. Designing websites could come under the umbrella of graphic design - although a graphic designer is a broader skill-set which may include designing logos, brochures, adverts and other visual content. Web designers may also have knowledge of the basic coding languages HTML and CSS, as it is likely they will work with a front-end developer, whose job it is to implement their designs and build websites.
Typically, a web designer will work for a digital marketing agency who offer website design and development services. Web design is also well suited to freelance or contract work. Larger companies or organisations may have an in-house web designer. Web design is suited to remote work, as in many instances employees or freelancers can perform the job without needing to be on site or at an office.
At it’s core, a web designer is responsible for planning, designing and optimising how a website looks. This is different from a web developer who is responsible for implementing these designs and looking after the functionality of a website. Web designers are expected to have knowledge of specialist software used for designing websites - such as Adobe XD, Illustrator or Figma. They may be expected to create prototypes or wireframes during the planning phase.
A good web designer will be familiar with UX / UI (principles that underline how users experience and interact with websites), and may work with or specialise as a UX / UI designer. Designing websites could come under the umbrella of graphic design - although a graphic designer is a broader skill-set which may include designing logos, brochures, adverts and other visual content. Web designers may also have knowledge of the basic coding languages HTML and CSS, as it is likely they will work with a front-end developer, whose job it is to implement their designs and build websites.
Typically, a web designer will work for a digital marketing agency who offer website design and development services. Web design is also well suited to freelance or contract work. Larger companies or organisations may have an in-house web designer. Web design is suited to remote work, as in many instances employees or freelancers can perform the job without needing to be on site or at an office.
Responsibilities
A web designer is responsible for designing the layout. visual appearance and usability of a website. Their key responsibilities are as follows.
Visual design. Selecting colour schemes, typography and imagery that align with the identity of the brand. Creating graphics, icons and other visual elements using design software.
User Experience (UX) design. With knowledge of user-centred design principles, a web designer can ensure that their designs are user-friendly, easy to navigate, and accessible to all users.
Website layout design. Creating the structure and layout of web-pages, using tools like wireframes and mockups. Deciding on the placement of elements such as text, images, menus, videos, forms and other features.
Responsive design. A web designer is usually expected to create designs for different platforms - usually desktop, tablet and mobile.
Key skills & traits
Web design is a specialised job which requires certain hard and soft skills.
Graphic Design.
A strong understanding of visual design principles, which may include colour theory, typography, and layout. Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, or Figma.
UX / UI Design.
Knowledge of user-centred design principles. The ability to create wireframes, prototypes, and conduct / analyse user testing.
Creativity.
A creative approach to take a vision, capture the branding of an organisation and bringing it to life on the page.
Problem-solving.
The ability to troubleshoot design and usability issues. Finding solutions that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Attention to Detail.
Being organised and precise is important for creating pixel-perfect designs.
Education & qualifications
When looking for a job as a web designer. a university degree in a related subject (for example, graphic design or digital media) may be beneficial but often is not a necessity. The same can be said of certifications in web design, UX / UI or specific tools. Usually a strong portfolio of previous work is an excellent indicator of a good web designer, and considered more important than qualifications. Like any role, requirements may vary between organisations.
Lifestyle
Web design is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a remote career, as many companies do not require physical presence either on-site or in an office. Generally, being a web designer is not considered a stressful job. There is the opportunity to achieve work-life balance.
90%
Remote SuitedSuitable for remote working. Some companies may require physical presence in the office. Often, freelancers or self-employed are fully remote.
20%
StressfulWeb design is generally not considered stressful. Working freelance or having to meet strict deadlines may add some stress.
80%
Work Life BlanceGood opportunities for work / life balance. Freelancers web designers can dial workup and down. Employees generally aren’t required out of hours.
Our collection of reviews from industry professionals have scored being a web designer as 4.0 out of 5 on average.
40/hrs
WeeklyTypical working hours for an an employer are a standard 40 hours / week. Self-employed or freelancers have more control over hours worked.
Salary data
The average salary for a web designer in the UK is £29,109. Entry level web designers can expect to make around £22,000 per year, with more senior designers pulling in £40,000 or more. An intermediate web designer can charge £25 / hour as a freelancer, and specialist web designers or contractors may have higher rates than this.
£23,000
Entry
£32,000
Average
£41,000
Senior
Career path
The career path of a web designer isn’t as rigid as many others. Web designers come from many different backgrounds and may branch out in different directions.
Junior Web Designer
Entry into a junior position is likely to be from A-levels in subjects which may include maths, art, or even coding. A degree in a subject such as BA Graphic design may lend itself to becoming a web designer out of university, but it should be possible to find positions that do not require a university degree.
Senior Web Designer
Promotions will involve more responsibility - for example, running point on clients or projects in a more senior position. In this role, a Web Designer may be able to move laterally, transitioning into an an Account Manager (looking after a client or clients) or a Freelance Web Designer - working for themselves
Entry into a junior position is likely to be from A-levels in subjects which may include maths, art, or even coding. A degree in a subject such as BA Graphic design may lend itself to becoming a web designer out of university, but it should be possible to find positions that do not require a university degree. More important is experience or a good portfolio, which may well come from an apprenticeship or work experience.
Promotions will involve more responsibility - for example, running point on clients or projects in a more senior position, or leading a team in a “Head of” role.
Moving laterally, a designer may transition to
Promotions will involve more responsibility - for example, running point on clients or projects in a more senior position, or leading a team in a “Head of” role.
Moving laterally, a designer may transition to
- an Account Manager (looking after a client or clients)
- a Front-end Developer, if the designer has coding skills to implement their designs
- a Freelance Web Designer - working for themselves
- a Digital Project Manager, overseeing design and implementation projects
- a C-level or Director role after experience running a department or division
Additionally, a web designer may transition into any similar careers.
History of the profession
Being a web designer is a relatively new specialism which has emerged in the digital age.
Reviews
We think that hearing from other professionals in the field is perhaps the best way to figure out whether a career as a web designer could be a good fit for you.
Web Designer for 10 Years
Ortiz
I've been working as a web/interactive designer now for a while and it's a fantastic career. There's sort of two verticals for web design jobs - agency and in-house. A lot of agencies have web designers on their books - your best bet is to find a smaller creative to get your foot in the door as they're more likely to take a chance with someone without experience.
💰£37,000Annual
salary
salary
💼40Weekly hours
🏝️70%Remote suited
🤷♀️15%Stressful
⚖️80%Work life balance
Freelance Web Designer
Mike
The most rewarding part of being a web designer is seeing a project come to life and knowing that my work helps businesses establish a strong online presence. Every project is an opportunity to innovate and make the web a more engaging place.
💰£27,000Annual
salary
salary
💼45Weekly hours
🏝️90%Remote suited
🤷♀️30%Stressful
⚖️100%Work life balance
Reviewing a career on Focus can help others decide whether being a web designer is right for them. If you’ve worked a web designer, please help others by leaving a review using the link below. It takes two minutes and you’ll be improving the careers and lives of others. Thank for helping out! 😊
Similar careers
The following careers are closely linked to being a web designer. It is likely that a web designer may work alongside or transition into one of these roles.
Resources
Want to learn more about being a web designer? We’ve collected the following resources to help you learn about or prepare for a career in web design. Keep learning!
Book
Don’t Make Me Think
Hundreds of thousands of Web designers and developers have relied on web expert Steve Krug's guide to help them understand the principles of intuitive navigation and information design. Its a stellar introduction to web usability!
See more 👉