How Tech-Savvy Do You Need to Be to Become a Web Designer?

Web design become an attractive profession in the digital age because of the mix of creativity with technological skills.

Most businesses want to have a perfect-looking website with all needed functional. Because of this, the demand for web designers is high. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job’s employment opportunities to continue growing by 8% in the next decade.

Let's discover how many technical skills you actually need to learn to get this job. Here’s a list of the skills that you’re expected to improve or get.

The Basics: HTML, CSS, Responsive Design, and Web Security

HTML and CSS

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are the two main language systems that people use to make most websites.

HTML is responsible for structuring a website’s content, while it’s through CSS that websites are styled and designed.

As a web designer, these two languages are the fundamental building blocks of your technical skills and are an absolute must-have.

Responsive Design

Responsive design is the ability of a website to adjust to different screen sizes on all devices that visitors use. This became crucial since many people now use computers, mobile phones, and tables when they browse through the web.

Web designers must ensure that their websites look perfectly on any device and work correctly on any screen size. Most web designers use frameworks such as Bootstrap for this.

Web Security

In addition to constructing the site, web designers should also be aware of basic web security principles.

Understanding common web threats, using a no logs VPN to protect client information, and using HTTPS to encrypt data are some basic web security practices.

Intermediate Skills: Graphic Design, CMS, and SEO

Graphic Design Software

To create truly visually appealing websites, web designers often need to create more advanced graphics and photos.

To do this, they use design tools like:

• Adobe Photoshop;
• Figma;
• Illustrator;
• Canva;

These design tools are not overly technical but will require some time to be familiarized with.

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Many businesses now also use Content Management Systems to organize their website’s content. Many of them now look for web designers who can also integrate their use of CMSs into their website design. The most popular CMSs include:

• WordPress
• Wix
• Squarespace
• Shopify

Many of these CMSs feature drag-and-drop functionality and are fairly easy to learn.

Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization refers to the process of optimizing a website for search engines. The aim is to make the website one of the very first results when relevant content is searched for in search engines like Google.

This involves optimizing a website’s keywords, metadata, and overall structure.

Advanced Skills: JavaScript, Version Control Systems, and Web Hosting and Domain Management

JavaScript

JavaScript is the programming language used to add interactive elements to a website. It’s used to create animations, sliders, and form validations. Many advanced web designers will be familiar with JavaScript since larger companies will need more interactive and more comprehensive websites.

Version Control Systems

Version Control Systems, like Git, allow teams of developers to track and manage changes and edits to websites. Web designers who will be working with other developers are expected to be familiar with Version Control Systems.

Browser Developer Tools

Experience using browser tools (like Chrome DevTools) helps troubleshoot layout and functionality issues. So that skill will be also helpful.

Web Hosting and Domain Management

A solid grasp of web hosting and domain management can be a big plus to any web designer’s resume. This involves setting up and managing a website’s hosting account, domains, and other website files.

But don’t forget about the creativity part!

However, don’t forget that the creative side of the job is just as important. After all, imagine if you have the technical skills but lack creativity and expertise in design principles. You’ll just create boring and unappealing websites, even if they may be usable. So be sure to learn about color theory, layout principles, typography, and other visual design principles as well.

Conclusion

As daunting as these technical requirements and language systems may seem, there are countless free lessons on the internet about them. Because of this, anyone with time and dedication can learn how to be a web designer!