Website Graphic Design

Being a web designer is one of the most challenging fields in the discipline of graphic arts, as the technology and standards of web-based design are constantly changing. However, there is a potential for thousands of people to look at your work on a daily basis, which is the goal of any artist. Because of the transient nature of the Internet, training and staying in touch with the latest software capabilities are a must.

Like all graphic design professions, website graphic design involves problem solving in a visual context. More specifically, web designers create the look and feel of a website--fonts, colors, and icons, for instance--by creating an individual style that is both pleasing to the eye and practical as well. While there are many great-looking websites, those that are difficult to navigate do not solve problems-they only create more.

Along with the aesthetics of a site, a web designer may also have a hand in what content is included on each page. In some cases, though, a copywriter or the client may provide the content. Nonetheless, it's up to the designer to incorporate the substance of a site into the style of the site to create a harmonious effect.

The theories and principles of graphic design are the same in designing web pages or laying out magazines, but the tools are different and often numerous. This is particularly true in web-based media, where there are hundreds of graphics software programs that are always evolving. Since there is an increasing need for web-based designers, keeping abreast of the latest technologies is important in this quickly-growing field.