Web Designer

OFO No: 251302

Other names for Web Designer:

• Html Coder / Developer
• Internet Developer
• Web Editor / Designer
• Web Programmer
• Web Publishing Advisor
• Website Architect
• Website Developer

What is a Web Designer?

Web Designer’s job is to create exciting and functional websites that people will return to.

Web Designers work with web developers/programmers to plan, build, and maintain websites either working freelance, on contract or consultancy for companies/government, or as part of marketing/advertising firms.

Web Designer’s create and design the front end of World Wide Web (www.) applications. The front end of a website is what everyone sees, like the exterior of a car. Whereas, the back end, what a web developer creates, is like the engine under the hood of a car.

The types of websites Web Designers create are forever expanding.

Here are a few major examples: 

• Information portals: eg: www.careerplanet.co.za
• Search engines: eg: Google
• On-line Business sites: eg: Amazon
• On-line Banking sites: eg: Standard Bank
• Social networking sites: eg: Facebook
• Entertainment sites: eg: YouTube

What does a Web Designer do?

• identifies the market – who the potential users are
• liaises with clients – understanding their vision and requirements
• negotiates contracts with clients
• designs layout, colour and fonts
• designs graphics
• creatse artistic and user-friendly functions
• improves the SEO (search engine optimization), the ranking on search engines
• re-designs existing websites for clients

Are you …?

• artistic?
• computer savvy?
• knowledgable about the Web?
• a good listener?
• imaginative?
• organized?
• work well under pressure?

How do I become a Web Designer?

Very successful Web Designers have a background and/or training in graphic design.  For here, they will move into becoming a Web Designer.

There are many study options to becoming a Web Designer. 

PATH 1

National Diploma in Information Technology 

Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology (BTech)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Mangosutho University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 2

Bachelor Degree of Information Technology

Courses at Private Institutions:

CTU TRAINING SOLUTIONS

They offer a Web Development Course: CLICK HERE

• Become a Web Developer / Website Designer today!
• You will learn how to write computer programmes for websites as well as learn how to ‘design’ one.
• You will use both internet programming tools as well as graphic computer packages.
• If you enjoy computers, this may be the career for you!

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Graphic Designer … or … Art Director … or … Computer Game Designer

Is becoming a Web Designer the right career choice for me?