Web designers plan, create and code web pages, using both non-technical and technical skills to produce websites that fit the customer's requirements. They are involved in the technical and graphical aspects of pages, producing not just the look of the website but determining how it works as well. Web designers might also be responsible for the maintenance of an existing site. The growth in touchscreen phones and tablet devices has dictated a new way of designing websites, with the web designer needing to ensure that web pages are responsive no matter the type of device a viewer is using.

Tasks:

1. Meeting clients to identify their needs and liaising regularly with them
2. Drawing up detailed website specifications; designing sample page layouts including text size and colours; presenting initial design ideas to client;
3. Designing graphics, animations and manipulating digital photographs;
4. Registering web domain names and organising the hosting of the website;
5. Coding using a variety of software; working with different content management systems;
6. Search engine optimisation;
7. Meeting relevant legal requirements such as accessibility standards, freedom of information and privacy;
8. Designing the website's visual imagery and ensuring it is in line with company branding policy or the requirements of the client;
9. Proofreading content and grammar and making changes where necessary; editing content, debugging code and re-designing web pages;
10. Working with other web specialists including web developers and graphic designers;
11. Testing the website to ensure it is working;
12. Researching current design trends;

Key skills for Web Designer:

• Excellent IT skills, especially with design and photo-editing software
• Exceptional creativity and innovation
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment
• Professional approach to time, costs and deadlines

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £22,083 per year
United States of America: $44,390 per year
Australia: AU$50,530 per year

Qualifications and training required:

There are a number of entry routes into web design. A formal qualification is not always necessary as some employers value creativity and experience. However, larger employers who offer graduate training schemes may require a related degree at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. Relevant degree subjects are numerous but any with either a creative or technical element would be useful and include: web design; multimedia web design; information technology; computer science; software engineering; digital media production; graphic design; fine art.

Many universities offer web design with additional subjects, such as communications, technology, development, advertising, management, languages and many more. These can be useful should you wish your career to go in a specific direction, i.e. advertising, moving into management, or working abroad.

In addition to qualifications, a portfolio of relevant work to show prospective employers will be essential. This could be in hard copy form or using a digital platform such as a website to showcase your work.