If you’ve ever marveled at beautifully designed websites and thought, “I want to create something like that,” that means you aspire to become a web designer. 

But how can you do it? What skills do you need? How long might it take to be one?

Well, in this article, we will be answering these questions as part of our How to Become a Web Designer roadmap.

What Does a Web Designer Do?

The primary responsibility of a web designer is to design visually appealing and user-friendly websites. They carefully select colors, fonts, and images to create a captivating design. They also arrange elements like buttons and menus in a logical and intuitive way so that users can navigate the site easily.

To bring their designs to life, web designers use specialized tools like Adobe XD or Figma. These tools allow them to create a detailed blueprint of how a website should look and function.

Web designers also need to understand user experience (UX). This means they consider how users will interact with the site, ensuring it’s a smooth and enjoyable experience. They might even collaborate with web developers who turn their design concepts into functional websites.

Different Types of Web Designers?

Although it may not seem like it, web design is a vast field and a web designer has a lot of responsibilities, which is difficult to pull off by a single person. That’s why, the roles and responsibilities are divided into three main categories-

User Experience Designer

UX designers concentrate on creating a seamless and user-friendly experience. They consider how users interact with a website or app, building personas, and conducting extensive user testing. 

They aim to simplify decision-making, following principles like Hick’s Law to limit choices and ensure users quickly find what they need. Their ultimate goal is to make users navigate through the designed path with ease, leaving them with a positive experience.

User Interface Designer 

Interface designers take the wireframes created by UX designers and bring them to life. They are responsible for crafting the actual user interface (UI) components of a product. 

They precisely design how buttons, menus, and interactions should look and behave. Their work is vital for consistency and ensuring the user experience matches the initial UX design.

Visual Designer 

Visual designers give a digital product its unique look and feel. They focus on the aesthetics and graphic elements of a website or app. Their responsibilities include creating layouts, choosing color schemes, designing logos, icons, and infographics, and adhering to brand guidelines. They work closely with the brand or company to ensure that the digital assets align with the desired style and tone.

How To Become a Web Designer in 8 Steps

Now that you have a basic understanding of web designing, it’s time to get started on your 8-step complete web designer roadmap. Here we go!

Step One: Understand the Basics of Web Designing

Web designing is one of the most creative jobs in the tech industry without a doubt. But without proper knowledge about the industry and the basics, your creativity will go to waste. That’s why you will need to know about a couple of things as you start. 

Learn Web Design Theory

The most important thing to start learning is the web design theory. Your creative design needs a structure to reach its fullest potential and web design theory will help you to achieve that. 

There are 8 basic web design theories that you must learn-

Visual Hierarchy: This principle teaches you how to organize things by importance. There will be components of your design that are more important than others and you will need your customers to see and react to those parts first. That’s where visual hierarchy will come in.

For example, in this image, the first thing a visitor will notice is the ”All-In-One Divi Plugin”, then they will see the ”Explore Module” text. This will certainly pique their interest in exploring the modules.  

Divine Proportions: Divine proportions or the golden ratio (1.618) is used by designers everywhere, not just in web design. It is believed implementing this ratio in your designs makes them visually pleasing.  To learn more about the golden ratio, you can check out this video-

Hick’s Law: The law of Hick’s is an inherent part of web design, especially in UX design. According to Hick’s law, people have a harder time making a decision when you give them too many options.

So, to ensure a smooth and better user experience design, you need to be precise about what options you will be giving to your users. 

For example, if you were to buy jackets from Amazon, you may get overwhelmed by their huge collection. So, to make it easier for you to buy one, they give you lots of filters.

Fitt’s Law: Fitt’s Law is a basic idea that helps designers create easy-to-use web interfaces. There are two main things to understand:

When you make things like buttons or icons bigger on a screen, it’s easier for people to click or tap them accurately. Fitt’s Law also says that when you put buttons or icons closer to where a person is looking or pointing on the screen, it’s easier for them to use.

As an example, you can think of pop-up ads. The goal of these ads is to make people click on the “Buy Now” or something similar. These buttons are often made huge and placed in the middle of the screen. This makes it easier for people to see and click it.

Rule of Thirds: Pictures speak louder than words, and the rule of thirds helps make images more interesting. 

By following the rule of thirds, you divide an image into nine equal parts with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines spaced equally apart. Compositional elements should be placed at or along their intersections.

Look at this picture for example-

Gestalt Design Laws: Gestalt design law teaches you that the human mind perceives objects as a whole first, then notices the small, individual details.

Look at this picture for example. You can see the dog at first glance with little effort. But as you look more closely, you can notice other details.

Gestalt’s law has eight basic principles, which you can use in web design for grouping. 

White Space and Clean Design: White space, often called “negative space,” is the uncluttered or empty area around elements on a webpage. It’s not wasted space; in fact, it plays a pivotal role in design. 

White space allows elements to breathe, creating a sense of organization and clarity. When used effectively, it guides users’ attention to the most important content and reduces visual noise. 

Take a look at our website to see how we used white space to make our website look fabulous!

Occam’s Razor: Occam’s Razor preaches simplicity. It teaches you that the simplest solution is often the best one. 

When applied to web design, it means removing unnecessary elements or complexities. Just look at the most successful website for reference-

Learn About Web Design Tools

With your creativity and knowledge of web design at your disposal, you will need proper tools to visualize your design. There is an infinite number of design tools available for you to learn about. Some of the popular ones are-

• Adobe XD: Adobe XD is a powerful and versatile design tool that allows you to create interactive prototypes and design user interfaces for websites and mobile apps. It’s known for its ease of use and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

• Sketch: Sketch is a macOS-exclusive vector-based design tool that has gained popularity among web designers. It offers a range of plugins and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for creating website mockups and UI designs.

• Figma: Figma is a web-based design and prototyping tool that enables collaboration in real-time. It’s known for its cloud-based approach, making it easy for teams to work together on design projects and prototypes.

• InVision: InVision is a prototyping and collaboration tool that helps designers bring their web and mobile app designs to life. It allows for interactive prototypes, user testing, and collaboration among design teams and stakeholders.

• Webflow: Webflow is a web design and development platform that combines a visual design interface with the ability to export clean, production-ready code. It’s a favorite among designers who want to create custom websites without extensive coding knowledge.

Explore and understand the features of different tools to figure out which one suits you the best. 

Step Two: Master Web Design Tools

Before this step, everything you did was in theory and your first in-hand training will start from here.  

To be a master web designer, you must learn Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to their fullest. There is no going around this route.

Adobe Photoshop is essential for web designers because it empowers them to create stunning graphics, optimize images for the web, and design user interfaces with precision. With its versatile tools like layer masks, brushes, and content-aware fill, designers can craft custom visuals, remove unwanted elements, and fine-tune website aesthetics. 

Photoshop’s integration with Adobe Creative Cloud also streamlines collaboration and asset management, making it indispensable for web design projects. Additionally, features like Sky Replacement and Neural Filters leverage AI for innovative design solutions, further enhancing the designer’s toolkit.

Photoshop has two pricing plans – monthly at $31.49/month and annually at $239.88/year. 

Adobe Illustrator, on the other hand, excels at creating vector-based graphics. This makes it perfect for crafting logos, icons, and illustrations. Its strength lies in scalability – designs remain crisp at any size. This is crucial for responsive web design, where elements need to adapt to various screen sizes. 

Additionally, features like Adobe Capture for scanning, image tracing, and intelligent recoloring streamline the design process. The availability of an iPad app enhances mobility and flexibility, making Illustrator a must-have tool for modern web designers.

The pricing for Illustrator is the same as Photoshop.

Once you learn these tools, you will need to master at least one web design tool. We recommend learning tools like Adobe XD or Figma. 

Figma is a very popular web design tool worldwide due to its collaborative features, real-time editing, and versatile design capabilities. It facilitates seamless teamwork, streamlines the design process, and enables designers to create interactive prototypes effortlessly. 

Its Auto Layout feature saves time, and the extensive library of plugins enhances productivity. With Figma, designers can easily manage projects, making it a must-have tool for efficient and effective web design projects.

The starter pack of Figma is free for all, but the Figma Professional costs $12 per month/per person, and the Figma Organization at $45 per month/per person.

Adobe XD is indispensable because of its versatility and user-friendly features. It simplifies the complex task of creating web and mobile app designs by offering an intuitive interface and responsive design support. 

Features like Content-Aware Layout, Auto-Animate, and developer handoff streamline the design process and foster collaboration. With XD, designers can create interactive prototypes, play videos, and even incorporate voice commands without coding. 

If you want to learn Adobe XD, you will need to spend 9.99/month or 99.99/year if you get the yearly package.

With these tools in your arsenal, you can start leaving footprints in the web design world.

Step Three: Develop Other Essential Skills for Web Designers

With your creativity and knowledge of web design tools, you are ready to become a web designer. But to excel in your dream role, there are some other skills that will set you apart from others in the market.

Technical Skills

With technical skills, what we are referring to here is basic programming knowledge. The designs you make will ultimately be implemented by a web developer. So, knowing some coding at your own expense would go a long way. 

The programming languages we recommend you learn are-

• HTML: HTML serves as the foundation for web design by providing instructions on how a website’s content and elements should be displayed in a web browser. HTML tags play a crucial role in determining the appearance of titles, headings, and paragraphs. 

• CSS: CSS is a coding language that grants designers greater control over a website’s visual presentation. It empowers designers to modify fonts, colors, backgrounds, and various other visual elements, enhancing the overall aesthetics of web pages.

• JavaScript: JavaScript is a high-demand programming language that adds interactivity to otherwise static website elements. It enables users to experience dynamic and engaging features, enhancing user engagement and functionality.

• Content Management Systems: Many web designers work with CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla. These systems simplify content creation and management, making it easier to update websites regularly.

With the knowledge of these components, you can be in sync with the developers and produce better results.

Soft Skills

Other than the technical skills, you should also consider developing some soft skills. These skills are necessary for any line of work, not only web design.

• Communication Skills: As a web designer, you must possess strong communication skills to engage with your clients. Building a solid reputation and demonstrating professionalism hinge on the ability to convey ideas, understand client requirements, and provide clear explanations throughout the design process.

• Client Relationship Management: Beyond communication, building and maintaining positive client relationships is key to boosting a successful web design career. This involves active listening, understanding client objectives, and providing exceptional customer service throughout the project’s lifecycle.

• Collaboration Skills: Collaboration is key in the world of web design, especially when working in-house alongside professionals like web developers and graphic designers. Exceptional collaboration skills foster a harmonious exchange of ideas and ensure that all team members are aligned toward achieving the best results.

• Time Management: Time management is a critical skill, particularly for freelance web designers who must juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines. Effective planning and organization are vital for creating a timeline that allows for the successful completion of all project phases, ensuring objectives are met promptly.

• Attention to Detail: Web designers should possess a sharp eye for quality. This means paying close attention to every aspect of a site’s design, focusing on both the visual aesthetics and the functional aspects. It’s essential to leave room for adjustments and continuous improvements to create web products that remain relevant and effective over time.

Step Four: Consider Specializing

With the foundation of skills laid out in the previous steps, it’s time to consider specialization within the field of web design. While the earlier stages prepare you with essential abilities, specialization can set you apart and lead to more lucrative opportunities.

You have three primary avenues to explore: User Experience (UX) design, User Interface (UI) design, or Visual design. Although these areas share fundamental skills, becoming an expert in one can enhance your reputation, credibility, and earning potential.

By focusing on a specific niche, you can align your career with your passion and strengths, ultimately landing higher-paying jobs and establishing yourself as a sought-after professional in your chosen field.

Step Five: Obtain Web Design Certifications

Now that you’ve chosen your specialization within web design, it’s essential to bolster your qualifications with relevant certifications. Consider enrolling in courses tailored to your chosen field, whether it’s UX, UI, or visual design. Complete some web designer courses from reputable organizations like Google, Udemy, Coursera, and others.

These certifications not only validate your expertise but also enhance your professional credibility and reputation. They serve as tangible proof of your skills, making you a more attractive candidate for high-demand web design projects and solidifying your position as a respected professional in your chosen niche.

Step Six: Make Sample Web Designs

Now that you are fully confident in your web designing skills, complete some personal projects to showcase your skills. Be as creative as you can be, do not hold back to show off! These sample projects will help you land a client so, do your best.

When you work on sample projects, keep these things in mind-

• Choose various project types like portfolios, e-commerce sites, blogs, or landing pages to display versatility.
• Define objectives for each project, including the target audience, purpose, and unique features.
• Stay updated with current design trends and incorporate them for a fresh look.
• Prioritize user experience to ensure easy navigation and appealing visuals.
• Use high-quality images and graphics that match project goals.
• Ensure your designs are responsive for mobile devices.
• Include interactive elements like buttons or animations.
• Optimize images and code for fast loading times.
• Keep records of your design process, from wireframes to final products.

Step Seven: Make a Web Design Portfolio

With a collection of completed sample projects, it’s time to create an impressive portfolio. As an aspiring web designer, consider building a dedicated portfolio website to showcase your creative prowess.

If you have built a portfolio website before, this video can guide you through-

Step Eight: Apply for a Web Designer Job

With your skills and portfolio in place, it’s time to embark on your web design career journey. Depending on your preferences, you have two primary options:

• In-Site Job: If you prefer working on-site, begin your job search locally or internationally. Platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable for connecting with potential employers and finding job opportunities in your area or abroad.

• Remote Work: Alternatively, if you’re interested in remote work, explore platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, which are vibrant marketplaces for web designers of all specialties. These platforms offer a plethora of job opportunities, ensuring a steady stream of projects to choose from.

Whichever path you choose, your well-honed skills and impressive portfolio will undoubtedly open doors to a fulfilling and rewarding web design career.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Become A Web Designer?

To become a web designer, it can take up to 3 months to complete full-time courses. Part-time courses may take around 30 weeks. If you’re pursuing a self-taught route, it could take years to acquire the necessary skills and build a portfolio. 

Can You Be a Web Designer Without a Degree?

Yes, you can absolutely be a web designer without a degree. Your portfolio of work is the key factor in getting hired as a web designer, rather than whether you have earned a formal degree from a university.

Are Web Designers in High Demand?

Yes, Web Designers are in high demand, and this demand is expected to continue growing. The field is projected to grow by 27 percent by the year 2024, ensuring that salaries and job satisfaction remain high for Web Designers in the foreseeable future.

How Much Can You Earn Being a Web Designer?

Being a web designer, you can earn between $42,000 and $96,000 annually, on average. The average hourly rate is around $30 per hour. But this salary range will vary based on your location, level of education, and years of experience in the field.

Conclusion

To become a web designer, you will need to be a creative individual, but most importantly, you will need to have perseverance. It can be a long and tiresome journey and you will have to have an unwavering resolve to make it.