Web design is becoming an increasingly vital skill, especially now that more and more businesses are looking into quality web design for their websites. For many would-be web designers, the road to breaking into the industry may sound like a daunting one, but it’s actually much easier than a first glance might suggest. On the Internet, there is a wide range of web design tools available to make the job easier, regardless of skill set, needs, or budget.
That said, many would-be web designers do often have questions about how to become web designers, especially without the hassle of getting a degree. Fortunately, it is possible to become a self-taught web designer. It may take some months of study, of learning how to use the tools and what the basic guidelines of good design are. As you advance, you can start building a portfolio to impress your first clients and start your journey in earnest.
Skills You Need to Become a Web Designer
It’s much easier to break into web design than many think. While web design can be self-taught, there are a few things to keep in mind. Like any other field, there are some vital skills you’ll need to succeed. Some skills to work on to get your start in web design include:
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- Mastering the basics of visual design
Visual design is, simply put, the process of improving the user interface and user experience of a web page through visual elements like colours, illustrations, and typography. These visual elements are exactly what grab visitors’ attention and get them to engage with your web pages. As a beginner, the key to success is understanding basic principles of scale, visual hierarchy, and contrast to drive that engagement and increase usability. - Learning layout design
Layout design is the process of arranging visual elements like text, images, and shapes on a page. Layout design matters because it determines the overall appearance and connection among graphic elements on the page. This is how you achieve smooth message flow and keep your visitors’ attention on-page. - Learning colour principles
Colours always matter in visual media, and paying attention to colour is a particularly effective means of making web design that much easier. Different colour combinations offer different experiences and colour contrasts for every visitor. Always keep colour principles in mind when mixing colours to find effective combinations. Part of the job also involves working with a client’s brand colours, so keep that in mind when finding combinations that make your pages look more appealing. - Mastering the basics of interaction design
Part of web design also involves creating engaging interfaces with well-thought-out behaviours. Interfaces are another web page element that can grab visitors’ attention, so make sure you’re up-to-date with interaction design. Knowing how to create design strategies or identify key wireframe interactions can make a world of difference when it comes to creating a more user-friendly experience for your visitors. - Familiarizing yourself with company product and user group
Whatever your level of expertise in web design, the purpose of the designs you make is to present the value of the business or product you’re pushing. It’s vital you have a clear idea of the company cultures you work with so you can create designs that meet their needs. You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with your clients’ own customer bases to learn how to craft web pages that appeal to them. Remember, it’s easier to improve customer engagement when you’ve created a web site specifically designed to make it easier for them to use.
- Mastering the basics of visual design
When it comes to working as a web designer, keep in mind that you don’t need a degree or elaborate skills for the job. You can typically show off your work through your online portfolio, through online platforms like Dribble or Behance, or through previous jobs you’ve already worked on. In this field, it’s your skills that get you the job you’re looking for, not your studies.
