Graphic design is a profession that requires the skills to create visual representations of an idea, often through print or digital media. Web design is a more recent development, and its purpose is to build an online presence that converts users into customers. Both professions use similar design elements and can be equally rewarding, but there are important differences between them.
Web Designers Meet Directly with Clients
Graphic designers often work with clients to create a website that is visually appealing and functional. They help clients understand how the design should flow and how the content will be organized. They may also ask questions about image placement and font choices to ensure the website meets its goals.
Depending on the client, the graphic designer may create mockups or sketches of the site. These can be helpful in developing a clearer idea of how the website will look before it’s launched, and they may help the client determine if the website is within their budget.
A good design can communicate a message clearly and quickly, so it’s important to be able to create one that’s consistent with your brand. In addition, a good web design can keep users engaged and increase brand awareness.
The right layout can make or break a user’s experience on your website. A cluttered design can be hard to navigate, while a simple design with plenty of white space can appear clean and modern. A responsive design resizes to fit any screen size, making it easy for your site to display on any device.
Wireframes are the structural layouts that specify the location of images, text, and interactive elements on a web page. These can be used as templates for creating a design from scratch or modified to suit specific needs.
Illustrated Characters
The inclusion of a cartoon character in your web design can add a whimsical flair to your website and can point to a call to action button without looking too cheesy. Clean illustrations also load faster than photos, allowing them to be used on homepages and other pages where space is limited.
In 2023, we’re likely to see more web designers incorporate these elements in their designs. In addition to the flexibility they offer, these characters can help add personality to your site and give it a more personal feel.
Universal Design and Representation
Graphic and web designers are increasingly concerned with diversity and inclusion. This includes depicting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities. It’s a great way to include those who might be unable to see your designs or have special needs, and it helps ensure your designs are accessible to everyone.
Working with CMS Tools
A working understanding of CMS tools, such as WordPress, is a must for a web designer to be effective in their career. This knowledge can be invaluable when collaborating with a team and helping the website be built in a timely manner.
Familiarity with coding and web development basics is also a plus. This will allow a web graphic designer to be able to make changes to the website, as well as collaborate with a developer to achieve a cohesive design.
