I heard once that the difference between art and design is that art says “look at me” and design says “look at this”. If this is the case, then one can argue that web design says “Look at this! and this! Clock on this! Read this! explore this! Stay here for a while, learn, and enjoy the experience!” In other words, there is a complicated art and science involved with creating a successful web design that says much more than “look at this”. So what is the difference between graphic design and web design?
There are many similar characteristics that traditional graphic designers and web designers will share. Both must understand and be able to capture a brand identity and to utilize this identity in all aspects of design. Whether the client is going for a retro look or a modern minimalist feel, the designer must have a strong grasp on the aesthetic. The designer must also simply have good taste, basic understanding of layout, color choice, font choice, and everything else that makes a design successful. So why is it so difficult for many graphic designers to make the switch to web?
Many graphic designers think of web design as something that is done in a back room, by some Mark Zuckerberg-type who just writes boring code all day. They feel creativity will be hindered, and are intimidated by the overwhelming task of learning a new language and the skills to go with it. When it comes to web design, they will often create the design in Photoshop and then ship it off to be coded. While this process is just fine, I believe that websites can benefit greatly from being not only designed – but also built by someone who understands the way the web works and the way people use it.
Besides the need to learn HTML, CSS, and the use and implementation of other languages, there are a few things a graphic designer needs to know before making the switch.
-First, different file types are used for images. Images for the web are smaller with lower resolution and in RGB color mode. Image files that are too big will take too long to load in a browser and therefore slow down a website’s performance.
-Second, Font choice is going to be different as not all fonts are web safe. A big mistake beginners make is using a fancy font on their website only to realize that their friends who don’t have the font on their computer can’t see it! When their friend’s browser automatically uses another font the whole design can be thrown off.
-Third, web designers should always design with SEO in mind. Beginning graphic designers are inclined to make their sites image heavy because it’s easier and looks interesting. This is usually a mistake, as search engines can’t read and index images. Search engines index an image based on the words, also known as alt attributes, that are included in the images. Web designers who are writing content must keep keywords in mind and write with the dual purpose of informing readers and influencing search rankings.
Web designers must first and foremost be excellent learners. They must be artists who wish to take their craft to a new level in an ever-changing and evolving field. They must be smart and resourceful, turning to the web, books, and endless forums to find the answers to their never-ending questions. They must keep up with trends (while not being too trendy) and constantly update their practices. The best web designers are also excellent graphic designers. They have a two-sided mind with an excellent understanding of art and design as well as strong grasp on the technical aspects of writing code.
The best combination is one of a graphic and web designer together. In most cases it is difficult to find both of this talents combined. A great graphic designer can not design for the web and a great web designer can not do print design. However, those who can do both have a major competitive advantage in employment and in the result that a customer gets. The best version then is an all-in-one designer who uses their ability and knowledge to create an identity and translate that to beautiful and engaging website. If you are intimidated by the idea of venturing into web design – consider this: nobody has been designing websites for 30 years. Even those with more experience must learn and adapt as technology changes, which is constantly. There is an amazing online community of people sharing information and knowledge, and as long as you have the smarts and the willingness to learn, you can take your designs to the next level by making the switch to web.
Customer Success Manager
