What is a web designer?
The web designer is an expert in creating the graphic design of a website, more commonly known as the graphic charter. This profession combines creative skills and technical know-how, and is at the crossroads between the functions of a web integrator and those of a computer graphics designer and art director. Whether employed or self-employed, they may work in the publishing, advertising and IT service and consultancy sectors.
Web designers specialise in the digital world, and more generally in multimedia. Companies and brands entrust them with defining the graphic, ergonomic and visual interface of their Internet platforms. This requires a perfect command of graphic and ergonomic techniques. Added to this is a mastery of the various IT tools used to design and integrate websites, as well as image processing and graphics software.
They must also have in-depth knowledge of communication and marketing strategies for businesses. It should be noted that they generally work as part of a team with other web professionals.
What does a web designer do?
As the guarantor of a professional’s online presence, the web designer carries out a wide range of tasks in the manner of a true architect. Their role consists of building the structure, as well as the graphic identity, of the website entrusted to them. They must respect their client’s various marketing objectives, while ensuring that the interface is attractive to Internet users.
The Web designer :
- targets the needs of the client company in relation to its objectives and context;
- is responsible for defining the specifications (animation scenarios, creation of the graphic charter, interactivity, architecture and ergonomics of the site, tree structure);
- participates in the development of the graphic elements essential to the site’s development and the creation of its visual identity (Flash animations, banners and illustrations, for example);
- produces models;
- combines images and text, playing with colour and creativity to capture the attention of web users;
- defines and designs sales aids and communication materials;
- ensures post-delivery monitoring of each project;
- maintains commercial relations ;
- makes adjustments and alterations to the projects it carries out, based on continuous technological and commercial monitoring;
- supervises the work of web integrators, computer graphics designers and graphic artists, taking into account the technical, functional and artistic constraints of each project.
It should be noted that the Web designer’s involvement in the process of creating a website complements the work of the Webmaster. The webmaster is responsible for all design and maintenance operations on the platform.
Why become a Web designer?
The profession of web designer is very much in vogue these days, and is popular in most business sectors, whether private or public. These companies need to use multimedia to follow their customers, work remotely and exchange with their users or partners.
Given that a professional website has become indispensable, its visual identity needs to be well thought out, hence the constant search for web designers. What’s more, this profession offers a wide range of career prospects. These range from Head of Publishing to Senior Web Designer, Flash Designer, UX/UI Designer, Art Director, Web Project Manager and Illustrator.
How much does a web designer earn?
The gross annual salary of a web designer varies mainly according to their level of experience and status. A junior contractor can earn between €22,000 and €35,000. Senior web designers can earn up to €40,000. An expert can claim a salary of up to €50,000. However, self-employed workers define their services on a case-by-case basis and can expect to earn between 300 and 500 euros a day.
What do you need to study to become a web designer?
There is as yet no compulsory qualification for web designers. However, you generally need to follow a course of study ranging from Bac+3 to Bac+5, leading to an artistic diploma. This is possible with the courses offered by our Sup de Pub advertising school. You’ll learn the basics in a structure that favours a teaching approach tailored to companies and their needs. This applies to the SP3 Visual & Digital Creation and SP5 Art Direction & Visual Design sandwich courses.