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? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

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 of using programmes such as PhotoShop and InDesign

Related job descriptions

    Database administrator: job description
    Software developer: job description
    Operational researcher: job description
    Information technology/software trainers: job description
    Technical author: job description
    Video game developer: job description
    Mobile developer: job description
    IT support analyst: job     DevOps engineer: job description
    Network administrator: job description