What does a web designer do ?

redrabbit

I am in university at the minute, and when i finish i would like to either do software development or web development.

I'm not sure if i would be very good at the web design side, because my designing skills arnt the best.

But anyway, i was wondering what sperates a good non-pro designer from a pro designer. What does a professional web designer/coder do that someone amateur doesnt?

leatherback

Hi,

One thing to keep in mind I suppose is that there is a difference between:
- Web Design (Graphics, layout, very little on programming/background routines)
- Web programmer (The actual coding)
- Web developer: Combines both

I pesonally do not htink there are very different things to be done. I would say in principle the main difference would be that a pro makes a living out of it? -- Isn't that a general definition of amateur vss pro?--

I build sites for small compagnies in The Netherlands, and I am not a professional. Although I get payed for it, I only work/take a job when I feel like it, and when I like the assignment/people. But I am working a PhD on the side, which pays for my bills. I assume that would be a lot different if you have to make a living of it.

My 2cts

redrabbit

Just out of interest, how do you get those jobs, because i would like to start desiging sites for companies/people as a freelance.

Well i am crap at graphics, really really bad. But i like to think im good at programming in xhtml/css. Im learning php and mysql but i am still very new to it.

laserlight

You cant really program in xhtml or css (though you probably can program in XSLT 😃 ), but they will be very handy when it comes to web development.

If you just want to be a web designer, then you should be good at working with graphics and layouts in presenting content.
You should know the principles of design, and be able to apply them well.

It might be easier to invest in PHP, and then offer serverside scripting support to offset a weaker design side.
You could then partner with an artist or a designer who lacks programming skills.