Web design is a highly-demanded area that is still young. This was made possible by the rise of mobile content in 2007. The simple entry requirements make website design a highly sought-after profession.
Let’s find out if this is true, and how to master web designing from scratch.
Who is a web developer?
Some say that this specialization is limited to the design of websites. Others add layout and logo creation, while others consider themselves a web-designer multi-armed wizard. A web designer is actually the person who creates the layout of a site from scratch using approved terms of reference. It is not an easy task, as there are many steps involved before you can draw the layout. Let’s begin with the basics of website creation.
A person who needs a website can apply to a studio or hire a freelancer via the Internet. Next, there’s a discussion. The brief is what allows the performer more information about the customer. Next, create a statement for work. Once it is approved, the next step is to build the site. The “classic” construction involves an analysis of the target audience and prototyping.
The web designer is usually only involved in the creation of the layout in the studio. However, there are some who use Photoshop even though this is a long time ago.
It all looks like this: Frames, layers, elements and grid.
A prototyping version of the website is often created by a web designer at the studio. It can be a black-and-white, or a graphic version with clickable elements. This allows you to see what needs to go and what can be left out.
You may have a narrower focus. This is when the prototype is commissioned in a separate specialist, the designer. The web designer creates a prototype of the website, and that is his only competence. Next, you will need to reach the stage layout designers and programmers.
It’s all about the studio. Freelance is a bit different. A web designer who works for himself can be both a programmer and a designer, sometimes even a graphic artist. This specialist can be skilled in design, layout, programming, marketing, and many other areas. Layout and programming are both at the same level. It all depends on which path the web designer chooses – it creates websites on a CMS or by the designer. It is possible to use WordPress without the layout or programming. Only a basic knowledge about layout is required for the constructor.
All of this may not be necessary. Freelance web design can feel good without programming languages or other tools. These orders are limited to the design.
A web designer doesn’t draw logos or create social networks. This is a distinction that should be made.
Let’s sum it up: The web designer is involved in website design and sometimes turnkey development. He is familiar with the basics of web design and can program at an elementary level. If you are looking for a creative career, web design is an option.
What skills and tools are required?
The tools were already mentioned – Figma is the first. It is a great program that lets you create prototypes and layouts for websites. It can be used to create site maps, user interactions, presentations, and more. It works just like Photoshop but is perfectly suited for websites. It can be used to create animations and clickable prototypes. You can also augment the functionality of your website with multivariate plugins.
Other tools
- Photoshop is a very rare tool, but it can be helpful if you have to remove an object from a photograph. However, you can still accomplish this task without Photoshop by using special services.
- Moqups offers online prototyping. Figma is often used to replace it, but it can be used for professional prototyping websites or mobile apps.
- Illustrator is used to supplement Figma for drawing illustrations. This tool is rare in web designers’ arsenal. First, it isn’t easy to find illustrations on other sites. Second, you can also find many suitable images on photostocks. However, if you require a more unique solution, you can usually hire a specialist for such tasks.
- Sublime is a program that can be used to typeset. It can only be used by people who are involved in layout.
Figma knowledge alone will enable you to be a web designer, find high-paying orders, or work in a studio.
You can’t do without tools. Personal qualities and soft skills are equally important. These are more important than tools. It doesn’t matter how well you know all the programs. What matters is your professional growth.
These are the essential qualities you need to be a web designer.
- Negotiation – To resolve conflicts and to communicate constructively with clients.
- Curiosity is the ability to continuously search for new information. As synonyms, I would use “passion” and “interest in the activity” definitions. All of these definitions will work if you’re truly interested in web designing.
- You will be able to get involved in big projects if you have a desire to learn and a sense for purpose. Passion and interest are key here again. These qualities will naturally come if you are passionate and active.
- The most important qualities are perseverance and attention. It doesn’t matter how passionate you are about web design. Sometimes it can get frustrating. If it doesn’t work, it may seem like it’s not your problem. In such cases, diligence is the best thing.
You don’t have to be a natural artist. If you are interested in web design, and find the work of others to be inspiring, you will know that you can also do it. While some may find it more challenging than others, everyone can achieve a great result. This is where diligence comes into play.
What to do if you are a beginner web designer?
It’s best to begin with a basic understanding of websites. You need to understand how they work, how they were designed and what their problems are. Also, how they differ from each other. These and other questions will help you to get to know the core of web design. Next, you will need to learn Figma slowly. It doesn’t take long to master Figma. You can learn the basics and build on it.
The third step is the fundamental skills of web design: What makes a website, how to build it, what graphic elements impact human perception, etc.
Fourth, you need to train, train and continue training. As in sports, if you start running and are not satisfied with your results, you can continue to improve your performance.
It is a good idea to begin by watching YouTube videos – there are many, but some are not true. Many videos show great work and teach you how to do it. They also release clips like “How to make an amazing effect on a website in five minutes.” This is a cool idea, but is quickly forgotten.
It is important to view videos holistically and to practice often. You won’t get much if you only watch a thousand videos. Although it may seem like you know everything and can do it again in one week, this is unlikely. You will most likely forget how to apply a solution and return to the video guide over and over. It is important to put the knowledge you have learned in practice immediately after watching the video.
If you’re watching Figma work, take the Figma and then open it immediately. Don’t do the same actions as the video. Instead, try to understand the process and get to know yourself. Only then can there be any progress.
What should you do next?
Design is based on observation. The more you look at other works, the more creative you will become. If you put in a lot of effort, you can create cool work. It doesn’t matter if you don’t succeed at it. You can be a web designer if you really want to.
It is often difficult to discuss the analysis of works at first. This is because you won’t be able to understand the logic of the designer if you don’t have the experience. It is best to first take some works and then try to reproduce them in Figma. Once you have a solid knowledge base, it will be easier to analyse the work and understand its workings.
Conclusion
Web design is a modern job that doesn’t require a higher education but requires special effort and diligence. It can be difficult to start because it requires you to practice, learn, understand, correct mistakes, and develop soft skills. You will succeed if you don’t give up and keep going for your goals. You will make progress if you study new web design materials, watch videos, and read thematic books.
