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Graphic designer/illustrator vs web designer

The differences between graphic designer/illustrators and web designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a graphic designer/illustrator and a web designer. Additionally, a web designer has an average salary of $63,842, which is higher than the $45,124 average annual salary of a graphic designer/illustrator.

The top three skills for a graphic designer/illustrator include adobe illustrator, adobe photoshop and logo design. The most important skills for a web designer are HTML, CSS, and wordpress.

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web designer overview

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Designer
Yearly salary$45,124$63,842
Hourly rate$21.69$30.69
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs44,85350,899
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3838
Years of experience1212

What does a graphic designer/illustrator do?

As a graphic designer or illustrator, your job involves working with images to create visual displays for clients. If you work as a graphic designer, you may be required to create layouts using computer software. As a graphic illustrator, your job responsibility may revolve around drawing or painting images and uploading them to make digital copies. As a graphic designer/ illustrator, your job duties revolve around understanding the needs of your clients and being able to identify your target audience.

What does a web designer do?

A web designer is a creative professional responsible for creating and redesigning the content and layout of websites. Web designers are required to meet clients and users to discuss the needs and goals of their clients. To create graphics, colors, and fonts, web designers usually use HTML coding to alter the website's layout. Web designers must build their portfolio by taking on unique projects for themselves and the people they know.

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web designer salary

Graphic designer/illustrators and web designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Designer
Average salary$45,124$63,842
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $63,000Between $42,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityMountain View, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyGoogleNVIDIA
Best paying industryTechnologyInternet

Differences between graphic designer/illustrator and web designer education

There are a few differences between a graphic designer/illustrator and a web designer in terms of educational background:

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorGraphic DesignGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web designer demographics

Here are the differences between graphic designer/illustrators' and web designers' demographics:

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Designer
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 60.1% Female, 39.9%Male, 62.3% Female, 37.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between graphic designer/illustrator and web designer duties and responsibilities

Graphic designer/illustrator example responsibilities.

  • Used Applescript, Javascript, and Photoshop actions to automate tasks.
  • Design, illustrate brochures, permanent and temporary signs, van wraps, banners, posters and other print materials.
  • Sketch concepts for t-shirts and business logos.
  • Create and maintain websites using web design software and raw HTML.
  • Illustrate and design posters, programs, and graphs for in house company training, presentations, and events.
  • Design weekly and monthly topical website graphics and banner designs including Facebook social media content.
  • Show more

Web designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage a team of 3 web developers in creating high-end websites that focuse on animation and aggressive marketing.
  • Manage prototype content in wireframes when necessary.
  • Manage and develop a stream line Intranet site for better communication purposes and quicker access to documents and company information
  • Self-Initiat training to increase ability to build sites using HTML5, CSS3, secure PHP, and SQL.
  • Perform QA and create Jira tickets when need.
  • Create unique brand logo; continue to use CSS3 to customize website appearance and improve UX
  • Show more

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web designer skills

Common graphic designer/illustrator skills
  • Adobe Illustrator, 14%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 11%
  • Logo Design, 6%
  • Adobe Indesign, 5%
  • Layout Design, 5%
  • Photography, 5%
Common web designer skills
  • HTML, 7%
  • CSS, 7%
  • WordPress, 7%
  • Html Css, 7%
  • JavaScript, 6%
  • UI, 4%

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