A web designer is responsible for creating the design and layout of a website or web pages. Unlike web developers, who specialise in creating new websites' structures and the code that forms these, web designers tend to focus on the visual aspects of a site, such as its layout and its usability. However, there can be crossover between these two roles.

Typical duties include:

• meeting clients to discuss their requirements and agree a brief
• producing sample sites
• keeping clients up to date with the progress
• research user journey needs
• testing site functionality and usability
• demonstrating and receiving feedback about draft sites
• keeping up to date with design trends and technological, software and accessibility developments
• advising clients on search engine optimisation
• designing graphics and logos
• digital retouching and image editing
• providing training and/or support once the site is signed off.

Skills

As a web designer, you could work in house, where you’ll work on projects for your own employer, or freelance, when you take on projects for a number of clients. In both scenarios, there can be pressure to meet deadlines and you may need to work extra hours.

Graduate salaries

According to JobTed, in-house entry-level web designers tend to earn around £19,000 and pay can increase to around £36,000 if you progress to a senior web designer role. Salaries are likely to be higher in London, according to Web Design.

Typical employers of web designers

• Software companies.
• IT consultancies.
• Specialist web design companies.
• Media and entertainment organisations.
• Large corporate organisations.
• Local and government organisations.
• Charities.
• Universities and other education providers.