Whether you are
just starting out as a Web designer or Web
developer or are looking to
become one, there are skills you need to know to be successful. The following
list of technical skills is a list of the skills you need to be a good Web
designer. They are listed in importance to getting a job as a Web designer,
although some may be in higher demand than others.
The list includes information about the skill, where to learn
more about it, training resources, and whether it's more useful to a Web
designer or a Web developer.
1. HTML
HTML is the most important thing a Web designer or Web developer
can learn. Even if you plan on using WYSIWYG editors for most of your career,
knowing HTML will give you an understanding of how the Web works so that your
designs will be more effective.
HTML is imperative to both Web designers and Web developers.
Even Web designers who don't plan to do much work outside of a WYSIWYG editor
should learn HTML so that they know the basis of their Web pages.
2. CSS
After HTML, CSS is the most important
language Web designers can learn. It is what powers the designs and determines
how a page will look.
CSS is imperative to Web designers. If
you don't know CSS you won't be able to design cutting edge websites. CSS is
useful to Web developers, but not as important. Web developers who know CSS
will be able to make their applications interact more effectively with the
design.
3. Design Sense
Having a good
sense of design is important for Web designers. There is a lot more to it than
simply knowing which colors you like. You should be aware of the elements of
design as well as the basic design principles. My Weekly Web Design Class teaches design principles as they
relate to Web design.
Web designers must know design. Web
developers do not need this skill, unless they are working as a freelancer.
4. JavaScript and Ajax
JavaScript is the first interactive element
of a website and Web developers should be comfortable in JavaScript before they
learn any other languages. Once you understand how JavaScript connects with
your website, then you can use it to extend applications and create Ajax
websites.
Web designers don't need to learn
JavaScript. Web developers should learn JavaScript.
5. PHP, ASP, Java, Perl, or C++
Programming Web pages starts with the
language you use. There are many more options than the ones I list above, but
these are some of the most popular and sought after. PHP is easily the leader,
and if you choose only one language to learn, it should be PHP.
Web designers don't need to learn a
programming language. Web developers must learn at least one and the more you
know well, the more employable you will be.
6. MySQL Database
Learning how to build and maintain a
database is essential to most Web applications. MySQL is the most popular
database on the Web, but learning Access or SQL or another database will be
helpful.
Web designers don't need to learn databases.
Web developers would find knowing some database administration helpful.
7. Flash
Flash brings animation and vector
graphics to Web pages. It can be used by both Web designers and Web developers
to create interesting sites.
Web designers can learn Flash to round
out their design and graphics knowledge. Web developers can learn Flash (and
ActionScript) to round out their programming knowledge.
8. SEO
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is
useful for anyone building websites. SEO is affected by the way the HTML is
written, the image quality and content as well as many other things.
Both Web designers and Web developers
will have a more desirable resume if they know SEO.
9. Web Server Administration
Knowing at least a little about the Web
server your website is running on can help you solve problems and make your
sites run better. Most Web designers feel they can ignore the server, but if
you know how the server responds to things then you can build a better site.
Web designers don't need to know how to
administer a server, but could benefit from knowing simple things like shell
access. Web developers should learn more about the server so that they can
troubleshoot their scripts and programs.
10. Project Management
Project management is a critical job
skill for nearly anyone. By knowing how to manage a project, you can help keep
it on track and that will endear you to every manager you work with.
Both Web designers and Web developers
will benefit from knowing project management.