What Skillsets are Involved in Building a Website?
“Web Design” is actually a blanket term that encompasses many different areas. Just like the difference between a mechanic and a body shop, each of the following “jobs” would require a different college degree.
Web Developer – This person is fluent in HTML, which is the language used to write web pages. A good web developer will also be well versed in CSS, or cascading style sheets, which control how the site looks and feels. Using CSS will also make updating the site easier in the future.
Graphic Designer - This person creates all of the images that will be used on the website. The skill level of a designer can make or break a website. Once the images are complete, the designer sends them to the developer, who works them into the design. An designer will optimize the images for the web, so your site loads faster.
PHP Programmer – This person is responsible for any back-end functionality. If you need features such as a shopping cart, blog, or you’d like to update your own website, then you need a programmer to create it. A good web programmer should know the PHP language and MySQL database syntax. Simple programs can be developed in a week, while more complicated programs can take months.
JavaScript Programmer - This is another programmer, who focuses on the front-end of the website. JavaScript is what animates a web page. Anything that moves, fades, or slides on a website must be created in JavaScript. These features work in conjuction with the back-end functionality, providing a seamless experience for your users.
Flash/Silverlight Developer – Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight are proprietary systems used to create interactive web applications. Not all computers can display this software, so I try to avoid it whenever possible. I do know how to do it, if you absolutely must have it.
A more experienced individual with wider range of skills will normally command a higher hourly wage than an entry-level designer.
There are very few “DaVinci Designers”
Most graphic designers are creative and artistic, while programmers tend to be very logical and analytical. It’s a left-brain vs. right-brain type of thing, making it impossible for most people to master both fields. Named after Leonardo DaVinci, the term “DaVinci Designer” is applied to those of us lucky enough to be born with his one-in-a-million gift. Not only are we able to do both, we’re able to do so at a skill level that is unmatched even by a specialist. It took me many years of hard work to master both, and I continue to learn new things everyday.
There is, however, one down-side to all this. No matter how gifted I may be, I only have two hands. This can cause projects to take a bit longer than a it would with a team. As far as I’m concerned, McDonalds has a team that can cook my food in 30 seconds flat, but I’d still rather wait for the master chef with Michelin stars. Think about it.
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Faster does not always mean Better. |
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