Are you considering a career in web design? Fantastic! Web design is a great career choice for so many reasons. In this article we’ll explore everything you need to know about pursuing a career in web design.
We’ll cover everything from the average web designer salary, to top online courses for web designers. Let’s begin with the basics.
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What does a web designer do?
In a nutshell, web design is the process of creating websites. Every website that you use, including Job Search Journey, has been designed and built by a web designer.
Web designers design and create the visual elements of a website, such as the layout, typography, and color scheme. They also work on the functionality of a website, ensuring that it is easy to use and navigate.
5 reasons why web design is a great career choice
Here are 5 great reasons to pursue a career in web design.
1. The demand for web designers is on the increase
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. More companies are moving online and many are embracing e-commerce. Organizations need web designers to create websites that will help them to win online.
2. Web design is a creative and rewarding career
Web designers get to use their creativity to come up with new and innovative designs. They also get to see their work come to life on the internet, which can be very rewarding.
3. Web design is a pretty flexible career
Web designers can work as freelancers, as part of an in-house team, or as a consultant. In an age where flexibility is the number one perk this is a great benefit.
4. Web design is an ever evolving field
This means that web designers need to be up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. This means you’ll have the opportunity to keep learning and stay challenged.
5. Web designers can earn a good salary
The more experienced you are, the higher the salary you can demand. Let’s look at the average salary for a web designer in the USA.
What is the average salary for a web designer in the USA?
The average salary for a web designer in the USA is $66,688 per year. This is according to data from Glassdoor, which surveyed over 37,000 web designers in the USA.
The salary for web designers in the USA is quite broad. Ranging from $50,000 per year for junior web designers to $108,460 per year for senior web designers.
Your salary as a web designer will depend on the size of your company, your city and your level of experience.
An experienced web designer working for a large Silicon Valley firm will earn more than one working at a small Midwest company.
You can find up to date web designer salaries here:
Do you need a college degree to become a web designer?
That’s the great thing about becoming a web designer, you do not need a college degree! There are many different ways to learn the skills you need to become a web designer.
Let’s explore how you can become a web designer without a college degree.
How can you become a web designer?
There isn’t just one route to becoming a web designer. In fact, there are many ways that you can begin a career as a web designer. Here are five steps that you can take to begin your journey into web design today.
1. Learn the basics of web design
The first step to becoming a web designer is to learn the basics of web design. This includes learning about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- HTML is the markup language that defines the structure of a web page.
- CSS is the style sheet language that defines the look and feel of a web page.
- JavaScript is the programming language that adds interactivity to a web page.
We’ll explore some great online tools that will enable you to learn these essential skills below.
2. Build your web design portfolio
Once you have learned the basics of web design, you need to start building your portfolio. This is a collection of your web design work that you can show to potential employers.
You can build your portfolio by working on your own projects or by volunteering your services to small businesses.
When you are building your portfolio, make sure to choose projects that showcase your skills and creativity. You should also make sure that your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate.
3. Network with other web designers
Networking with other web designers is a great way to learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door. You can network online or at industry events.
There are many different online forums and communities where you can connect with other web designers. You can also attend industry events, such as conferences and meetups.
4. Get certified
Getting certified can help you demonstrate your skills to potential employers. There are many different web design certifications available, such as the Adobe Certified Associate in Web Design.
5. Apply for Jobs
Once you have built your portfolio and networked with other web designers, you are ready to start applying for jobs. When you are applying for jobs, make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific position.
5 online platforms to learn web design from home
Web design is a skill that you can learn from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
This is one of the things that makes web design such an attractive option for people looking for a career change, you can learn the required skills whilst still doing your day job!
Zero to Mastery
Zero to Mastery is my personal favorite. There are tons of fantastic courses taught by experts from the field.
Users of Job Search Journey get 10% off a Zero to Mastery subscription when you enter FRIENDS10
Check out the Complete Web Developer in 2023 course, here.
Coursera
Coursera offers a variety of online courses on web design, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and UX design.
The courses are taught by top universities and industry experts, and they are available at a variety of levels, from beginner to advanced.
Coursera also offers a specialization in web design, which is a collection of courses that can be taken together to earn a certificate. One of the great things about Coursera is that you’ll get a certificate of completion that can be added to your LinkedIn profile.
Check out the Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization
Webflow University
An online learning platform that teaches users how to use the Webflow website builder. Webflow is a popular tool for creating responsive websites.
The great thing about Webflow is that it’s a no code option meaning you can start creating amazing sites with limited knowledge and experience.
The courses on Webflow University teach users how to use the platform to create professional-looking websites.
Explore Webflow and Webflow University, here.
Codecademy
Codecademy is an online interactive coding platform that offers courses on a variety of topics, including web design. The courses on Codecademy are taught in a hands-on format, which allows learners to practice what they are learning as they go.
Codecademy also offers a free trial, so learners can try out the platform before they commit to a subscription.
Treehouse
Treehouse is an online learning platform that focuses on web development and design. The courses on Treehouse are taught in a project-based format, which allows learners to apply what they are learning to real-world websites.
Treehouse also offers a subscription service that gives users access to all of the courses on the platform.
Additional tips for becoming a web designer
Start small:
If you are new to web design, start by creating simple websites for yourself or for friends and family. This will give you the opportunity to practice your skills and build your portfolio.
Get involved in the community:
There are many online and offline communities for web designers. Getting involved in these communities is a great way to learn from other web designers and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Attend conferences and workshops:
There are many conferences and workshops that are specifically for web designers. Attending these events is a great way to learn new skills and network with other web designers.
Be patient and persistent:
It takes time and effort to become a good web designer. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and learning, and you will eventually reach your goals.
Work on your creativity and develop a good eye for design:
Make a note of website designs that you like and try to figure out why. Also note the designs that you hate and consider what it is about them that doesn’t work.
Be detail-oriented and have a strong attention to usability:
Good design is all about the user experience. Every time you visit a site, use an app or even pick up a physical product, think about what makes it easy and pleasurable to use.
Practice:
The best way to learn how to become a web designer is by designing websites! Put the knowledge you’re learning into practice as quickly as possible. Get feedback from other people, ideally other more experienced web designers.
Conclusion
Becoming a web designer can be a great career choice. It is a field that is constantly evolving, so there is always something new to learn. If you are interested in becoming a web designer, I encourage you to follow the steps outlined in this article. There is no one right way to learn web design, so find the method that works best for you and start learning today!
