Business websites are an integral part of today’s global markets, and the high demand for quality websites makes web design an attractive career path. Beginners typically ask three key questions:

  • What kind of education do you need to be a web designer?
  • What is the difference between a web designer or a developer?
  • How can I make money as a web designer?

Become a Web Designer

A four-year degree in computer science is not a requirement to find a job in web development. Instead, numerous free online learning resources are available.

Key requirements include:

  • Ability to recognize and implement attractive designs
  • Understanding of creative techniques
  • Concise design skills
  • Foundation in recent web technology

How to Become a Web Designer? (4-Step Process)

  1. Learn the principles and best practices of web design
  2. Learn design techniques and theories
  3. Build your portfolio website
  4. Find your clients

Image/Photo Editors

Photoshop is the industry standard. Studies demonstrate that including a great image is far more effective for communicating your message.

Alternatives:

  • GIMP – Windows/Mac – Free
  • Photopea – Browser-based – Free
  • Photoshop – Windows/Mac – $9.99/month

Code Editors

A good code editor helps increase the efficiency of the developer or programmer. Popular options include:

  • Visual Studio Code – Windows/Mac/Linux – Free
  • Sublime Text – Windows/Mac/Linux – Free trial / $80 license
  • Brackets – Windows/Mac/Linux – Free
  • Atom – Windows/Mac/Linux – Free
  • Notepad++ – Windows – Free

Languages For Web Design

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

It consists of tags and attributes that tell web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari) to display text, hyperlinks, and images.

Resources:

  • w3schools – Basic HTML Examples & Tutorials
  • Codecademy – Interactive HTML course
  • Udemy – Free Course: HTML5 and CSS3 Fundamentals

CSS

It specifies your web page styles, layouts, colors, and fonts. In other words, it makes your website look better.

Resources:

  • w3schools – Basic CSS Examples & Tutorials
  • Codecademy – Interactive CSS course
  • Udemy – Free Course: HTML5 and CSS3 Fundamentals

JavaScript

It is used mainly for enhancing the interaction of a user with a webpage. It enhances HTML & CSS pages by creating interactive elements and animation.

Resources:

  • w3schools – Basic JavaScript Examples & Tutorials
  • Codecademy – Interactive JavaScript course
  • Udemy – Free Course: JavaScript Fundamentals

PHP

This programming language gives web developers the ability to create dynamic content that interacts with databases.

Resources:

  • w3schools – Basic PHP Examples & Tutorials
  • PHP – Online Manual
  • Codecademy – Interactive PHP course
  • Udemy – Free Course: Practical PHP: Master the Basics and Code Dynamic Websites

MySQL

The MySQL Database Software is a client/server system that uses SQL to communicate with a database.

Resources:

  • w3schools – Basic SQL Examples & Tutorials
  • Codecademy – Interactive SQL course
  • Udemy – Free Course: Beginner PHP and MySQL Tutorial
  • Udemy – Free Course: SQL Beginner to Guru: MySQL Edition

Free Web Design Training Courses

  • Codecademy – Free interactive programming courses
  • FreeCodeCamp – Non-profit interactive web development learning
  • Udemy – Online learning platform with free courses
  • Codepen – Community for testing and showcasing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

The Bottom Line

If you can build your own web designer portfolio website, that means you are already a web designer.