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.
Web designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real web designer resumes:
- 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
- Pinpoint, track and fix issues for Dev and QA teams from inception through final delivery via JIRA.
- Code the website using HTML5 and CSS3, and continue to make updates and add documents using the same coding.
- Develop JavaScript to manipulate DOM and CSS dynamically.
- Create forms with HTML and transferred/manipulate information appropriately with PHP.
- Create information architecture, flow and wireframes.
- Maintain all Linux services to ensure security.
- Develop web and system applications with PL/SQL and JAVA.
- Create python script to decrease running time and increase efficiently.
- Work with back-end development and systems teams to troubleshoot bugs.
Web designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Web Designers are proficient in HTML, CSS, and WordPress. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Artistic ability, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of Web Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- HTML, 7%
Developed and administered HTML training to copywriters whose new responsibility included using HTML.
- CSS, 7%
Updated website universal typography hierarchy by generating CSS layout rules for consistent message and appearance.
- WordPress, 7%
Integrated WordPress content management systems to alleviate client knowledge of programming with future website maintenance.
- Html Css, 7%
Advanced use of HTML CSS, JavaScript, XML, MS SQL serverFluency in written and spoken English.
- JavaScript, 6%
Position included troubleshooting functionality and JavaScript issues as well as providing technical support for end users and online community management.
- UI, 4%
Developed various UI design elements and navigation principles for other open government websites such as Data.gov and Performance.gov.
Common skills that a web designer uses to do their job include "html," "css," and "wordpress." You can find details on the most important web designer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a web designer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "graphic designers must be able to perceive their work from their consumers’ point of view to ensure that the designs convey the client’s message." Web designers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "designed complex concepts and data into compelling visuals for social media web pages. "
Artistic ability. Many web designer duties rely on artistic ability. "graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers," so a web designer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways web designer responsibilities rely on artistic ability: "key accomplishments * established and devised artistic themes for internet user interfaces such as icons, guides, and toolbars. "
Computer skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of web designers is computer skills. This skill is critical to many everyday web designer duties, as "most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "experience in the field of various computer programsskills usedknowledge of various computer programsprecise photography, and detailed digital editing"
Communication skills. For certain web designer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a web designer rely on this skill, as "graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately and effectively convey information." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what web designers do: "designed web pages for the office of communications and media relations showcasing student life on campus. "
Time-management skills. Another common skill required for web designer responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of web designers all the time, as "graphic designers often work simultaneously on multiple projects, each with a different deadline." An excerpt from a real web designer resume shows how this skill is central to what a web designer does: "praised by client for meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations in new website design and ongoing support. "
Creativity. While "creativity" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to web designer responsibilities. Much of what a web designer does relies on this skill, seeing as "graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of web designers: "developed the prototype to dynamic web pages compatible to various browsers with a pinch of creativity. "
The three companies that hire the most web designers are:
- Cengage Learning52 web designers jobs
- Uline18 web designers jobs
- Robert Half6 web designers jobs
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Compare different web designers
Web designer vs. Graphic designer, marketing
A graphic designer of marketing specializes in developing creative imagery as part of a company's marketing efforts. Their responsibilities typically revolve around coordinating with the marketing team to share insights and strategies, conceptualizing designs in adherence to objectives and deadlines, and preparing presentations. One may also subject designs into various revisions and edits as needed. Furthermore, as a graphic designer, it is also essential to keep abreast of the latest trends and have an understanding of the target audience.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a web designer are more likely to require skills like "wordpress," "html css," "javascript," and "ui." On the other hand, a job as a graphic designer, marketing requires skills like "brochures," "blog posts," "flyers," and "in-house." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Graphic designers, marketing really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $52,640. Comparatively, web designers tend to make the most money in the internet industry with an average salary of $81,039.On average, graphic designers, marketing reach similar levels of education than web designers. Graphic designers, marketing are 3.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Web designer vs. Graphic designer internship
In a graphic design internship, one of the primary responsibilities is to accomplish tasks while under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. An aspiring graphic designer may use this opportunity to observe and participate in designing for various industries, handle different clients, participate in creative meetings, and learn strategies from experts. Furthermore, there may also be technical tasks involving research and analysis, gathering materials, coordinating with vendors, and producing reports and other necessary documentation. They may also be responsible for maintaining a database and responding to calls and inquires.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that web designer responsibilities requires skills like "wordpress," "html css," "javascript," and "ui." But a graphic designer internship might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "graphic design intern," "blog posts," "flyers," and "typography."
Graphic designer interns earn a lower average salary than web designers. But graphic designer interns earn the highest pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $41,614. Additionally, web designers earn the highest salaries in the internet with average pay of $81,039 annually.In general, graphic designer interns achieve similar levels of education than web designers. They're 4.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for web designers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.
Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida
Web designer vs. Graphic designer/production
A Graphics Designer in production is the person in charge of designing and interpreting ideas pointed out by the client or the company. The graphics designer must use market standard applications and techniques to produce attention-grabbing designs intended to market a product, service, or company. Graphic designers are an integral part of a company's digital marketing, especially over the internet. The graphic designer must have a good eye for style, typesetting, and the use of colors.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from web designer resumes include skills like "wordpress," "html css," "javascript," and "ui," whereas a graphic designer/production is more likely to list skills in "art direction," "adobe indesign," "signage," and "brochures. "
Graphic designer/productions make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $59,531. On the other hand, web designers are paid the highest salary in the internet industry, with average annual pay of $81,039.When it comes to education, graphic designer/productions tend to earn similar degree levels compared to web designers. In fact, they're 4.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Web designer vs. User interaction designer
A User Interaction Designer works with product management to develop and implement innovative solutions for product direction and visuals. They execute all visual design stages.
Types of web designer
Updated January 8, 2025
