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Graphic designer/illustrator vs web graphic designer

The differences between graphic designer/illustrators and web graphic 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 graphic designer. Additionally, a web graphic designer has an average salary of $52,574, 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 graphic designer are graphic design, wordpress, and HTML.

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web graphic designer overview

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Graphic Designer
Yearly salary$45,124$52,574
Hourly rate$21.69$25.28
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs44,85351,462
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
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 graphic designer do?

A web graphic designer specializes in the aesthetics and functionality of a web platform, software, and other applications. They are primarily responsible for building a platform that adheres to the subject's purpose and the client's preferred theme while prioritizing an easy-to-use and navigate interface. They must conduct regular testing and maintenance on the platform to ensure its efficiency and significance to the brand involved. Furthermore, a web graphic designer may work independently or work for a company, usually within a team setting.

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web graphic designer salary

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

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Graphic Designer
Average salary$45,124$52,574
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $63,000Between $37,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityMountain View, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMaryland
Best paying companyGoogleActivision Blizzard
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between graphic designer/illustrator and web graphic designer education

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

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Graphic Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorGraphic DesignGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web graphic designer demographics

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

Graphic Designer/IllustratorWeb Graphic Designer
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 60.1% Female, 39.9%Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%
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 graphic 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 graphic designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and develop a stream line Intranet site for better communication purposes and quicker access to documents and company information
  • Close collaboration with Java developers to create and design variety of websites for both personal and business use in HTML CSS.
  • Develop page layout with cool navigation buttons with animation using JQuery plugins.
  • Improve overall styling and styling issues on iPad app, mostly utilizing CSS3 and jQuery.
  • Enhance SEM / SEO strategy to place company at top of Google search for relevant keywords.
  • Assist with all aspect of project lifecycle from concept storyboards, sketch through wire frames to final design.
  • Show more

Graphic designer/illustrator vs web graphic 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 graphic designer skills
  • Graphic Design, 7%
  • WordPress, 6%
  • HTML, 6%
  • CSS, 6%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 5%
  • Website Design, 5%

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