Web Designer - Job Description

Web designers plan, create and code internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics and video clips.

What does a web designer do? 

A web designer is responsible for creating the design and layout of a website or web pages. It and can mean working on a brand new website or updating an already existing site. Their role is different to web developers, who specialise in making web designs a reality or writing code that dictates how different parts of the website fit together. However, there can be crossover between the two roles.

Responsibilities of the job include:creating website designs producing sample sites meeting with clients to discuss requirements and/or project progress demonstrating and receiving feedback about draft sites keeping up to date with recent technological and software developments developing skills and expertise in appropriate software/programming languages such as HTML and Javascript creating products that are user-friendly, effective and appealing digital retouching and image editing

working as part of a multidisciplinary team

There can be some pressure to meet deadlines and so extra hours may be required.

Typical employers of web designers

Software companies

IT consultancies

Specialist web design companies

Large corporate organisations

Any organisation that uses computer systems

Self-employment/freelance work is often possible for individuals with appropriate experience. Vacancies are advertised online, by careers services and by recruitment agencies.

View our graduate IT and technology vacancies.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into web design for both university graduates and school leavers. For jobs advertised to graduates, employers are likely to seek a degree in digital media design or a related subject. Whether you have a related degree or not, you will need to be able to present a portfolio of your best web design work.

School leavers wanting to go into web design should look out for web designer apprenticeships and should expect to have to prove their interest, for example by having relevant work experience to talk about.

Key skills for web designers

Imagination

Creativity

Patience

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Technical ability

Excellent IT skills

SEO knowledge

Experience in using programs such as PhotoShop and InDesign