My Journey from Graphic Designer to Web Designer: Embracing New Technologies
I began my career as a graphic designer in the 1980s, working for small advertising agencies in the New York City area. By 1999, I had become an Art Director at a publishing company in NYC. During this time, I was introduced to Dreamweaver and Flash, which were new tools for creating websites. While I enjoyed learning about these tools, I didn't have the opportunity to use them in my work.
Back then, many graphic designers were reluctant to embrace the web and digital technologies. However, I had always been interested in technology and enjoyed learning how to use new software on my Mac. I was able to figure things out quickly and never shied away from exploring new technologies.
When I left my position as an Art Director, I decided to start freelancing for publishing companies, a wine distributor, and local businesses. It was during a political campaign in 2012 that I had my first opportunity to create a website. My client had hired someone else to create the website, but the project had fallen through. He turned to me and asked if I could create a website for him. I said I would try. And so, my journey as a web designer began.
I taught myself how to create websites, using online resources and trial and error. I joined networking groups and local chambers of commerce to get the word out about my services. Eventually, I began to get small business website design jobs, and I was hooked. I loved the challenge of designing websites that were not only visually appealing but also functional and easy to use.
Today, I continue to work as a web designer, helping small businesses and individuals create their online presence. My background as a graphic designer has been invaluable in understanding the importance of creating visually appealing designs that communicate the client's message effectively. I'm grateful for my journey and for the opportunities that I've had to learn and grow in my career.
While my journey from graphic designer to web designer may seem like a natural progression, there are significant differences between the two disciplines.
What is a Graphic Designer?
A Graphic Designer needs to have a strong knowledge of creativity and design skills. These skills are needed for designing print materials, logos, marketing materials, signage and so much more. They need to be able to express ideas and thoughts to communicate messages. Typography is also a very important component being a good graphic designer.
Then there are the necessary tools - ILLUSTRATOR, INDESIGN, PHOTOSHOP, (and in the olden days, Freehand, Page Maker and Quark Express) that we had to learn and master.
What is a Website Designer?
It is my humble opinion that a website designer should have a strong background in Graphic Design. In the early days of the Web, most of what we saw was information with little or no design. Websites were loud and difficult to make sense of.
Thank goodness for Website Designers with a design background because today we're seeing so much creativity, easier to navigate and more pleasing to the eye websites.
A Website Designer goes through a similar process as the Graphic Designer but in some ways more intense. A strong knowledge of HTML and CSS is very important.
We conceptualize and arrange the content and graphical elements to share and access on the web. It is more technical in nature and focuses on the functionality of a website. Unlike print, you have a very short window of opportunity to catch the users attention. Experience in marketing and advertising is a true plus!
If you have any questions or just want a little guidance…
Feel free to reach out — I’m happy to take a quick look or offer some guidance.
