How to Become a Web Designer

by | Sep 24, 2023 | Web Design, Web Designer

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Why Become A Web Designer?

A website is a collection of online content that is hosted on a web server. It can include text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements. A web designer handles creating and designing websites.

The role of a web designer includes conceptualizing, planning, and creating the look, layout, and features of a website. They also add functionality to websites and define user interactions. A web designer may also manage maintaining and updating a website.

Web designers use a variety of tools to create websites, including text editors, image editors, and web-based applications. They may also use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create website prototypes.

The demand for web designers is increasing in Malaysia. This is due to the growing number of businesses that are looking to establish an online presence.

To meet this demand, there is a need for more web designers who are capable of creating websites that are both esthetically pleasing and user-friendly.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in web design, then keep reading! This article will explain the skills you need to succeed as a web designer as well as the benefits of pursuing this career.

Planning a Website

What Does A Web Designer Do?

A web designer is responsible for the design and layout of a website. They are involved with the graphical aspects of the site and must consider both user experience and navigation when designing the website.

Web designers must have a strong knowledge of web programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They must also be skilled in using design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver.

In addition, web designers should have a good understanding of user experience (UX) design and search engine optimization (SEO).

At Modern Web Design, our website designers also have a strong background in business and digital marketing.  We understand that most websites are designed for business applications, we want our designers to offer our clients a competitive advantage with their business acumen.

The responsibilities of a web designer include:

  •  Meeting with clients to discuss website design
  •  Planning the layout and design of a website
  •  Creating wireframes and prototypes
  •  Implementing design elements such as colors, fonts, and images
  •  Writing code for the website
  •  Testing the website
  •  Launching the website
  •  Maintaining and updating the website
Web Design planning

Making money is all about the hustle & dedication

Do Web Designers Make Good Money?

If you are considering a career in web design, you may be wondering if web designers make good money. The short answer is yes, web designers can earn a good salary – but it depends on a number of factors, including their level of experience, the country they live in, and the type of web company they work for.

Around the world, the average salary for a web designer is around $35,000 per year. In some countries, like the United States, Canada, and Australia, the average salary is much higher – around $60,000.

However, in other countries, like India, the Philippines, and Malaysia, the average salary is much lower – around $15,000.

Currently, Jobstreet reports that Malaysian Web Designers earn between 3 – 4 K per month.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, web designers in Singapore tend to earn higher salaries than those in other developed countries, due to the high cost of living in Singapore.

Glassdoor current reports that the average web design salary in Singapore is 8,000 SGD.

So, do web designers make good money?  It depends on where you live and work. If you’re in a country with a high cost of living, like the United States or Singapore, you’ll need to make more money to maintain the same standard of living.

If your living in Malaysia, you might be comfortable with a 4K monthly salary. At least until you land the big designer job in Singapore!

Modern Web Design recommends to follow your passion, if you get excited building websites, and like to learn, you are more than likely become a top earner in the web design field.

Web Design planning

Great website designers are always passionate about their work.

Extra Skills You Will Need To Become A Really Good Web Designer

Website design is customer-centric, business-centric, and digital marketing centric.  If you want to really excel as a professional web designer, you will need to become an authority in all three of these areas.

A great website does not only have to look good, but it also has to satisfy a customer’s information need, provide a better value proposition than your clients competitors and be able to adapt to the rigors of digital marketing.

A professional website designers should also be able to deal with people and timelines.  In Professional web design, there is no such thing as average, or good enough.  You’ll always be asked to deliver excellence in a consistent manner.

Web Design Framework

Getting started in web design is easy, getting good may take a little longer.

How To Get Started In Web Design

The first step is to educate yourself on the basics of web design. You can do this by reading books or articles, taking online courses, or attending workshops or conferences.

Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can start to specialize in a particular area of web design, such as user experience (UX) design, visual design, or front-end development.

Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can start to build your portfolio. Depending on your interests and skill set you can choose to build a website using frameworks such as Bootstrap or WordPress or use a website development tool such as Divi and Eliminator.

A portfolio is a collection of your work that you can show to potential clients or employers. It is a great way to showcase your skills and demonstrate your experience.

Digital Marketing Strategy

The internet has opened the door to creating a new generation of web designers.

Available Resources For Web Designers

When it comes to web design, there are a few essential resources that every designer should be aware of. These resources can help you to design websites that are standards-compliant, accessible, and user-friendly.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the main international standards organization for the web. They provide a variety of resources for web designers, including specifications, guidelines, software, and tools.

In addition to the W3C, there are a number of other organizations that provide resources for web designers. These organizations include the Web Standards Project, the Web Accessibility Initiative, and the Web Design Group.

Graphic Design

You will know when you have become a profesional web designer, everything will feel natural.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Professional Web Designer

According to Monster.Com a career in web design could take up to four years. That’s of course if you want to attend a four-year college. We believe that you do not have to spend 4 years to make a living at website design.

Most of our web designers with our web design company spend an average of two to three years learning before they can consider themselves full-time web designers.

During the four years, they learn about the many different facets of web design, which helps them to create world-class websites.

In general, it takes a few years to become a web designer. The best way to become a web designer is to get some experience by working on personal projects or by interning with a web design company.

Web Design group meeting

The internet is growing and so is the demand for good web designers.

The  Web Designer Job Market in Asia

The job market for web designers is highly competitive. To be successful, one must be able to stand out from the rest. There are a few key countries that are known for their web design industry, such as Malaysia and Singapore.

As the internet continues to grow in popularity, the demand for web designers is also on the rise. In Malaysia, the job market for web designers is expected to grow by 4.5% in the next 5 years. The average salary for a web designer in Malaysia is RM 36,000 per year.

In Singapore, the job market for web designers is also growing. The average salary for a web designer in Singapore is S$45,000 per year. The demand for web designers in Singapore is expected to grow by 5.4% in the next 5 years.

To be employed as a web designer in these countries, one must have the relevant qualifications and experience. However, even with the required skills, it is sometimes difficult to find full time employment.

The competition is so high that many web designers are forced to work freelance.  If your serious about becoming a web designer, we recommend that you “get your foot I the door” as an intern as soon as you can.

You’ll accelerate your learning process by working along-side professional web designers, you will also become a valuable part of the web agency.

Web-Design-Team

Working with a web dsign agency can accelerate your developmental growth.

Should You Become a Freelance Web Designer Or Work For An Agency

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on your individual circumstances and what you are looking for in a job. However, there are some pros and cons to both freelance and employed web design that you should consider before making a decision.

As a freelance web designer, you will have the freedom to choose your projects and set your own hours. However, you will also be responsible for finding clients and marketing your services.

If you decide to join a web design company, you will have the security of a regular income and the support of a team. However, you may have less freedom in terms of the projects you work on and the hours you work.

The decision of whether to freelance or join a web design company is a personal one – there is no right or wrong answer. Consider your own circumstances and what you are looking for in a job before making a decision.

Business Team Working

Interested in web design?  Contact us to see if  we can work together.

Become a Modern Web Design Intern

At Modern Web Design, we believe that everyone has the potential to be a great web designer. We offer a web design apprenticeship program to give talented individuals the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and become one of our top designers.

If you are passionate about web design and are looking for an opportunity to learn and grow, submit your application today.

Philip Polaski Modern Web Design

Philip Polaski

Hello, I'm Philip Polaski, the creator of Modern Web Design. Currently based in Malaysia, my roots trace back to Boston.

With over a decade of experience, I specialize in building websites that excel in digital marketing & conversions. 

CEO & Founder
of Modern Web Design

Modern Web Design provided us with professional, quality services at a very reasonable cost.  We highly recommend their web design, research and digital marketing services.

Haslam

Genovasi University College