Using design
software, they are responsible to create web pages that appeal to the tastes of
the site's users and client.
They can
also create applications for the Web.
A web designer may take part in the initial planning of a Web
site, meeting with the client to discuss ideas for the layout and organization
of the site, the types of colors or images to use (photos, illustrations,
videos, etc.), and other matters concerning overall graphic design.
Web designers are therefore responsible for the layout,
visual appearance and usability of a website.
Writing
web pages in a combination of codes,
such as HTML and XHTML, CSS, Javascript, Actionscript, ColdFusion, .Net, php,Flash,
or using code-generating programs, such as Dreamweaver and Visual Studio.
Testing
the site for functionality in different browsers and at different resolutions
and fixing errors.
The web designer may work in a team with other graphic designers and other specialists, such as animators, other
web design language designers, ecommerce developers, video producers and 3D modelers,
who create the multimedia features. Because of the size and complexity of some
applications, there may be several programmers working on one or more aspects
of the application
Together they create websites that draw together multimedia
features, such as text, sound, graphics, digital photography, 2D/3D modeling,
animation and video, according to a designer's specification.
They
determine the information that the site will contain and how it will be
organized, and may use Web development software to integrate databases and
other information systems
Employment
Opportunities
Web designers may work
full, contract or part time. They can also work on a consulting or temporary
basis for specific projects. Employment settings include:
Computer systems design and related services
companies, telecommunications companies, financial firms and insurance
providers, business management organizations, schools, banks and government
agencies. Self-employment as a
freelancer.
Expanding Opportunities for the 21st Century
The increasing adoption of mobile
technologies means that more establishments will use the Internet to conduct
business online. This growth translates into a need for web designers who can
help organizations use technology to communicate with employees, clients, and
consumers.
Growth will also be driven by the increasing
need for information security. As cyber attacks become more sophisticated,
demand will increase for workers with security skills.
Demand for Web developers will also be
strong. More of these workers will be needed to accommodate the increasing
amount of data sent over the Internet, as well as the growing number of
Internet users. In addition, as the number of services provided over the
Internet expands, Web administrators and developers will continue to see
employment increases.
EARNINGS
Web
designers earn from $20,000 to $60,000 plus. Factors affecting earnings include
the education, experience, and responsibilities of the individual as well as
the specific employment situation and location.
The
more education and experience, the higher the earnings will be. Those just
entering the field may earn between $20,000 and $23,000. With more experience, web
designers can earn between $25,000 and $60,000 or more.
Also, some web
designer with certain web design language generally earn more than other
languages.
Skills
Employers also
usually look for knowledge and experience in a combination of:
- relevant software: eg
Flash, Photoshop, Flex;
- programming languages:
eg C++, ASP, Java, .NET;
- Scripting languages:
Actionscript 2 + 3, Javascript including AJAX, Ruby, SQL, PHP, XML, CSS,
XHTML.
- In-depth
knowledge of Web design and operating
languages; analytical thinking; attention to detail; organization;
communication skills. fine arts, graphic design and computer sciences.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Individuals
starting out as junior web developers may, with experience and education,
become senior web developers. They can also obtain managerial, administrative,
or supervisory positions such as lead web developer.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A
four-year college degree in computer science, web design, graphic design,
ecommerce, computer programming, or information science is usually preferred
but is not mandatory. Other degrees may be in engineering, physical science, or
math. Though not mandatory, the degree may be necessary for advancement.
Many
individuals learn web design in high school or vocational-technical school.
Others choose degree programs in two-year or four-year colleges,
Some
employers who hire entry-level designer offer training classes. Most web
designer continues their education throughout their career because of
constantly changing technology.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Individuals
usually work under close supervision until they obtain adequate experience.
While not always a requirement, certification is available. Individuals who are
college graduates with little or no experience in the field can be certified as
assistant web designers. Senior web designers can receive a certificate in web
design.
The
credentialing process is handled by the Institute for Certification of Computer
Professionals. In order to obtain the assistant credential, individuals must
take an examination. Senior web designer must have experience in addition to
passing a core examination plus two more exams in specialty areas. Credential
holders may be preferred for some positions as it is an indication of
experience and professional competency.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Individuals interested in
learning more about careers in web design can contact the Association of
Computer Programmers and Analysts (ACPA), the Association for Computing
Machinery, Special Interest Group on Programming Languages, (SIGPL), the Data
Processing Management Association (DPMA), the Microcomputer Software
Association (MSA), and the Institute for Certification of Computer
Professionals (ICCP), Association for
Computing Machinery (ACM).
TIPS
Look
in computer magazines for the names and addresses of major software firms. Send
your resume and a short cover letter requesting an interview.
Jobs
are often advertised in the classifieds under the headings
"Computers," "web designer," "PHP web designer,"
"web developer," "Joomla web Designer," "flash player developer,"
"HTML editor," etc. Job
openings are advertised in the trade journals of many industries.
Many
jobs are available in federal or state government in this field. Contact your
state or federal employment service for information.
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