What it Takes to be a Web Designer Coordinator
In order to be a successful web designer, there are a variety of skills you'll need in your professional toolbox. It goes without reason to say good computer skills are at the top of this list.
More specifically, you'll need computer skills in various programming languages that are predominant in website architecture. Among these are database languages like PHP, SQL, and PERL; programming languages like Visual Basic and C#; and the "granddaddy" of the web, HTML.
Beyond programming skills, the ability to stay on top of the industry and learn new things is a must. The web and related technologies are changing almost daily. New programming languages and standards are common, and you need to be able to stay on top of these things in order to be a competitive web designer.
Creative abilities are a must also. Consider the fact that most websites are made up of eye-catching graphics, animations, videos, text, etc. More than likely, if you work for a corporate web department or firm there will be graphic artists, copywriters, videographers, etc. in house that handle many of these tasks. Just the same, you need to have a fundamental understanding of good graphic design, digital video, writing web copy, and Adobe Flash (for making animations). Being well versed in Adobe Creative Suite-which includes Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, and other graphic design software-is a good start. Adobe CS is the industry standard in design, and knowing how to use it opens multitudes of doors for your web-design career.
A web designer also needs good people and communication skills. While it's true much of your job will entail sitting at a computer and designing the actual site, there is a fair amount of person-to-person interaction in this job. You very well may be working on a team with copywriters, graphic editors, etc. that are all supplying content for the site. Being able to clearly communicate with them what the particular project's needs are is essential. You'll also have to report to top management and/or clients that you are building a website for. They may not have a clue as to how the end results are achieved, but they'll sure be able to tell you what they expect from the site you design for them. Keeping management and clientele well-informed throughout the whole design process is essential in ensuring their satisfaction with the final product.
Along with people skills, a thick skin is a must. Higher-ups are liable to not always like all of the hard work you pour into a website for them. They'll criticize your work and possibly tear it apart. Being able to remain level headed and work out a solution with those in authority is essential to creating a smooth design process.
Finally, some financial and budgeting skills are helpful for the web designer as well. Being able to communicate costs to clients and managers is useful in negotiating the web design package. These people are going to want to see in black and white how the cost (which can easily run up into the thousands of dollars) for a website is going to provide a solid return on investment (ROI). Really blow them away with facts, figures, and graphs demonstrating the ROI other firms have realized through their website efforts.
Having a four-year college degree can certainly help in getting into the web design field, but it's not necessary. What you need beyond computer skills is the ability to create, communicate, and interact with others on all levels. Throw in a dash of entrepreneurial drive, and you'll be able to stop "working for the man" in a stuffy office cubicle and move into your own private web-design practice one day!
