Web Designer Job Description
Everybody uses the internet every single day. You check your e-mail, do some work for your job or school, check your Facebook, or just surf the ‘net because you’re bored and want some kind of distraction. Have you ever wondered who the masterminds are behind the web pages that you’re looking at? These masterminds are called web designers, and making websites is all a part of their job description.
What is a Web Designer?
A web designer is a person who creates websites for clients. Web designers do everything for the website, such as the layout and design of the site, pictures and graphics, and content. They get together with their clients in order to determine these factors, and then they must plan out all of the details for the site.
Necessary Knowledge
In order to get the planned information from just ideas to actually putting it online, web designers must be fluent in a language that internet speaks, which is HTML. HTML is short for hyperlink markup text, and it is absolutely imperative for web designers to understand this language and to be kept updated about any new changes or improvements in the code.
In addition to being fluent in HTML, these people must also have an in-depth understanding of servers, browsers, a plethora of other types of programs that make websites viewable, and other languages that computers know. Programs such as FTP (or file transfer protocol) allow links to be clicked upon. Another language that needs to be known is Javascript, which allows for a website to be compatible with certain browsers.
Skills
Web designers must be fairly creative in addition to having a vast understanding of computers and computer languages. They also must be able to communicate effectively with clients and grasp an understanding of what they want their website to look like. They also have to be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle heavy workloads. Technology is constantly changing and websites need to be kept updated often in order to keep up with the changes. If there is an update in software, and it is left outdated, then a link could stop working, or the whole website could shut down.
Work Environment
A web designer works for a company that specializes in creating websites for companies. These companies often have people on staff who specialize in certain aspects, with web design being one aspect. Sometimes, they have more than one web designer, depending on the size and type of company. For example, if the company is an internet agency, they will most likely have multiple web designers on staff to handle all of the clients’ websites.