Web Design vs. Graphic Design
Web Design vs. Graphic Design
Posted on Apr 21, 2005
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There are numerous graphic designers out there who really know their stuff when it comes to print design, brochure layout, and Pantone Matching System (pms). However, not all graphic designers are good web designers. Web design is a totally different medium where the "paper size" (the screen resolution) changes for every viewer, colors don't cost extra, fonts are limited to a select handful, and extra images might mean losing customers.
Website design walks a fine line between having a great design and having a great design that no one will see because it loads too slowly or cannot be indexed by search engines. There are many "tricks" that web designers employ to overcome these obstacles and still have a great looking layout. However, many of these are hidden from graphic designers because they don't know the programming that is going on behind the scenes. All they know is how to pull up an image, slice it up in Photoshop, and dump it to the web. (Ok, that might have been a little harsh, but I've seen it done.) Or, if they have stepped into the realm of WYSIWYG programming (insert favorite WYSIWYG editor here), they get tons of extra "bloated" code and increased download sizes and still no real control over their layouts.
Unfortunately, those people who make wonderful graphic designers, normally were not the people in programming classes. They think with different sides of their brains - creative and logical, right and left brained. After learning that a new client was having difficulty getting any visitors to their website, I was asked to look at their site and give an evaluation. After reviewing the site, I sat down and showed them what the site looked like to the search engine. The entire cached site read as follows, "Your browser does not support frames.". Another site I once saw had only a blue rectangle on the cached page. No text, no images, nothing but a blue rectangle. The normal site looked amazing and very appealing to a human visitor with the right plugins (although the site still took 2 minutes to load on a T1 connection). However, the search engines were merely drawing a blank. Any wonder why they were not getting any visitors?
Now I want to say something to all my graphic design friends out there. You are some of the most passionate, strong willed, dedicated people I have ever met. I am always impressed with good graphic design. If you are contemplating doing a little web design, sit down and talk with a 100% pure web designer, someone who has experience with great web design. They will give you the needed guidance to give you a framework that you can build your masterpiece around. (Now please don't send me tons of hate mail.)
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"Web Design vs. Graphic Design"
Comments
2
Scoot Mar 1, 2007
I totally agree with you. I´m a web developer, but although I´m not a graphics designer, I am a competent web designer who utilises full XHTML 1.0 Strict code and CSS styles, all of which is hand coded too. However, a few graphics designers I know think they know all about creating web pages because they use Dreamweaver! A proper, professional web designer does not use Dreamweaver (at least none of them use it that I know). And a web page is more than just HTML code and graphics - its about accessibility and interoperability these days too.
3
erica Mar 22, 2007
What about New Media designers?
4
Ritesh Mar 31, 2007
Nice article. Always fun to see that the article was written in 2005 and people are writing comments in 2007. well I´m a software developer, working with C, .NET, Sybase etc etc. But I´ve been doing serious research on new technologies to learn so I can work on my dream of working with the web and Visual Communications. I must say, this article is very much to the point.
and to all the people who read this and care to give me a few tips, please feel free. My ultimate dream is to be a freelancer (as a second job), developing websites and more fun would be to be able to do animations and learn more about Visual Communications industry.
5
Mart Jan 29, 2008
I´m a graphic designer that has never had an interest in web. Recently though, I´ve been looking for a new job and it seems the web flash jobs outnumber the print jobs. What´s frustrating to me is that these employers want a graphic designer that´s also a web wizard. Is this just a trend happening? At what level do these companies expect print designers to know web design. I honestly have no interest in hand coding anything. Any thoughts on this?
6
Linda Murphy Feb 25, 2008
This comment is my attempt to represent all of the graphic designers that have become increasingly frustrated by web developers who claim to be “designers” and who have presented a wall of discontent towards “real” designers.
My first point and probably the most important one is that we are artists. It is my educated opinion that web developers are “artist wanna bee´s”. You guys think you have a revolutionary handle on a new way to promote businesses on the internet but you have NO artistic flair. You are engineers at best and we (real designers/artists) are the architects. And the sooner you realize it the better off we will all be. You are fighting a losing battle.
I have worked with many web/tech people and am really tired of hearing the same excuse of “we, graphic designers” just don’t have a clue as to how transferring graphics and design to a web format works. Good design is good design. We graphic designers are the people that clients are coming to with the same complaint: Why does the branding direction you created for us not have the same appeal online that it has in print? The initial art direction is created by the agency or independent designer and it is imperative that this direction be carried through to their web presence. What about this concept is so hard to comprehend?
Why can’t you guys implement the creative edge that we “designers” have developed? You rely on templates that utilize y our coding and restrictions including layout, fonts and placement of graphics. It is very regimented and annoyingly limited to a variety of design alternatives that most creatives rely ont. Do you guys even have a background in art or professional design? Sorry, I really don’t mean to be offensive but I am so frustrated with your lack of creative flexibility!! I have created web pages that web developers have applied to code in a way that can be downloaded in a timely manner, compatible with ALL browsers so you tell me why is there a problem? You claim that “graphic designers” just don’t understand the process. Well, maybe you guys need to understand “our” process and do what we all strive to do in this industry: MAKE THE CLIENT HAPPY.
There is a real ego tug-of-war happening here. If you "webbies" just do what you do best on your end and help to support the “artists” and not try to tap into the creative part of your brain (which is lacking, sorry, again, not trying to offend, but really your true talent is more to the other less creative side of the brain, which we creative types truly admire and respect, really. we do) and try to work with us we could accomplish amazing things.
So please let’s get with the program and make it all happen . . . or not. Your choice, we’ll be okay without you. we are the creatives after all, we just don’t want to have to do the grunt work. You guys do that soooo much better. ha
7
Atreyi Mukherjee Feb 28, 2008
I am non-technical person who was having problem in understanding what is the difference between the two.The matter has helped me - But it would have been more clear if I could know what is required skill sets in the two particular fields.
8
michelle mocarski Apr 18, 2008
Hi!I came across your site while I was browsing for information about web/graphic design. I´m trying to choose one of them to take classes on, but I don´t really know the difference between them very well.
Do you think you could send me some "light" into those differences?
Thank you!
9
Kelly Jun 22, 2008
I´ve been a graphic designer for 25 years. I learned Dreamweaver 9 years ago and started doing Web sites. What happened was, I was so concerned with how the page was supposed to function that my designs suffered. Since I knew I had to create the code to make the design happen, my designs became slaves to my limited abilities instead of purely good design. I hate Web development! The rules seem to change daily and it´s a full-time job keeping up with it. I never intend to become proficient in it again, and most of my colleagues of all ages feel the same way. I think that graphic designers should create the designs and Web developers should implement them. That way everyone gets to do what they do best, and clients benefit. This requires both parties to learn a little bit about the other, but not a whole new trade.
10
Lisa Jul 2, 2008
I agree!! I am a graphic designer. Not a web designer!! I am so sick of people wanted a two for one!! They want a graphic/web designer for the price of one! I have had a small amount of training in web design in college (html), but a lot has changed since 98´. Of course I can work my around GoLive, FLASH and Dreamweaver, but I am not in any way an experienced web programmer. I almost think that we need to band together, graphic designers and web designers and make our professions accredited (ie interior designers). That way every kid with a computer cannot claim that they are designers. They are filling up the market, and producing low par work. Not to mention undercutting what we deserve to make for our work. Sorry to rant, but I have been coming up against this a lot lately. I was laid of from a really great position after 8 years of being a Dept. Head Senior Graphic Designer. I have since started my own business, going well, no complaints. However, I still need to make a little more to support my family. So I am continuing to look for a new full time. I am up against employers wanting graphic designer/web designers. They simply do not understand that the two are completely different! Or young kids that can now do it all for little or no money!! Guess I am heading back to school for some Flash, Web Coding classes.
11
Dennis Le Aug 27, 2008
I was wondering should I go to school for grahpic design or web design or both?
12
amanda Sep 8, 2008
Dennis,
That is a good question, I am currently writing a capstone paper for my Bachelors degree in graphic desgin. Its about whether or not graphic designers should seek out a web design degree and what I´ve found in my research is that you should pick either one or the other. Where does your heart lie? Do you love art or computers more? Web designers do a lot of programming and coding while graphic designers do more branding and use more fine art skills. You will find it difficult in searching for a school that offers both web and graphic design in one complete program. And whichever program you choose, do it to the best of your ability and get your Bachelors or Masters, there is no reason to get two separate degrees in graphic and web. Its a waste of money and the salary wouldn´t justify all the student loans. If you enter in graphic design it is good to pick up some web design skills but it is not necessary to be fluent in the field. SCAD offers a good graphic design program that introduces web design. And when looking for a school, find one that is fully accredited. Hope that clears the air for you.
13
Jim Jan 12, 2009
I sort of stumbled upon this post after doing a search for an article that might highlight the differences between "web designer" and "graphic designer." It´s interesting because, like so many others, I will occasionally respond to job ads that seem interesting and that I feel might utilize my web design abilities. It´s frustrating to read many of the job postings out there because, as has been stated in these comments, so many employers "want it all" in just one person. Now let me state up front that while I am told by clients that I have a good sense of balance and that I do some nice design work, I am in no way whatsoever a "graphic designer," which I define as someone who can not only visualize a design, but who has the skills and talent to actually create the artwork that is needed for others to visualize it too.
I consider myself a web designer. Without the help of a graphic artist, I can visualize a web page design and create that design, sans artwork, from raw code. I think many web designers of my ilk might consider themselves artists, but in a different light. I joke to my wife that I "paint with code." All of our brains are wired differently. Some need to doodle, others need to read instructions, others wait for the flash of inspiration, etc. I prefer to take the time to understand the raw content (the words, the message) that is going to be served up on the site, semantically mark it up with XHTML, and only then, start playing with CSS to ´paint´ my picture that being the framework, or the ´bones,´ of what will become the website itself.
Speaking for myself, I am in awe of artists. I love it when I am presented with a beautiful Photoshop comp and asked to bring it to life. Sure, I´ve been given some rather challenging tasks, but that´s usually the case of the designer not quite understanding that web browsers do have some limitations. However, I normally find that if you break things down into smaller and smaller problems, that by solving each of them one at a time you will, 99 of the time, resolve any issues that may have at first seemed insurmountable.
Like most things in life, a little bit of understanding by each side in terms of what each is trying to achieve, combined with a little understanding of the limitations imposed by each party´s medium, can result in a project being completed successfully and to the satisfaction of both the client and the design teams.
14
Nancy Feb 18, 2009
Thank you so much. I loved this. I´m a sophomore in high school right now but I´m obviously already thinking about what college I´d like to go to. I´m also debating on whether I´d like to go into Web or Graphic design. I´ve had experience with web design since I´ve interned for a record label and had to do some of their bands sites, but graphic design always was appealing to me too. but this article definitely just made up my mind. Helloooo Web Design.
Thanks!
15
Delia Soto Mar 14, 2009
LOL, I don´t have a URL because I´m one of "those" Graphic Designers without a website! UGH, it´s frustrating these days, I´m 36 and went to 4 years of school for Fine Arts and Graphic Design. I have a great eye for color, I can make a package design, cut it out, fold it, create a mock-up that looks like the final piece, make a brochure, design the logos, pick the paper and at best, take a great photo of the finished piece and email that to you as a nice JPG! Ask me to create a matching website and yes, I could put the great photos together in photoshop layers, bevel some edges, shadow some fonts, but would it be a working website with clickable buttons and links - NO. I know at least what size image need to be on the web, that images and colors are RGB based, so photos and colors are WEB format, photos are JPGS or GIF files, as I worked with web designers to post items, little Dreamweaver, lol 2.0.Some Flash and lingo, HTML, Javascript, shockwave, copy pasting codes for my myspace page, but sadly I do not have my own Graphic Design or Art website. I parked a free website name a few years ago, just haven´t created the working website. Now, could a great web designer create a great package, brochure, logo or do a nice painting, hmm? Well, I appreciate your blog, and if you can help me create a website, I can help you with something on the Graphic Design side. But you probably already know print.talk to you soon,
Delia S.
16
poker training Mar 28, 2009
Interesting. I agree with those who point out that web design is much more than just visual communication; that it includes content design and design of usability, user experience and other functional considerations all of which have to take into account the specific characteristics of the medium.Visual communication - content. Three aspects of a website. The specialised roles that relate to these aspects: web designer, information architect, web developer. In smaller projects one person may have to wear several or all of the hats. The title the individual adopts will likely depend on where they see their core skillset.
17
Jessica Apr 7, 2009
Linda Murphy wow so you think you´re better than a web designer. I´ve seen plenty of web designers that are a full package and have the right to call themselves graphic designers. I myself have a bachelor´s in graphic designer from 2005, but I also love, love to program. I have also worked with creating several Graphic Designer´s websites, and help them realize what they can put up there, what they need to modify and what is a no-no. I´ve done that more often, than not.
Talk about being one sided, if we are to rely on your to be creative, since we are uh, lacking, then you should rely on us for making giving it its heart beat.
18
Sick of Eliteist Graphic Designers Apr 23, 2009
Linda Murphy: You are the perfect example of what is wrong with graphic "designers." I bet you, like most of your colleagues think you can only design on a Mac. You prove to be the arrogant, insecure designer I have spent my career dealing with.
I am a web designer, and a good one. I come from an 3d animation and illustration background, but I have the added knowledge of front-end coding. Most actual web designers are better than their print bretheren in that they can design for anything AND have the intelligence to learn some code.
If your print designs don´t translate well to the web, you are a bad designer. Every web site/ email/ flash ad I´ve made has looked amazing, has made the client more than happy, and has adhered to their style. I never once had a problem with print to web translation.
It sounds like you are confusing the terms developer and designer, as most people do. I do not code much beyond CSS and Actionscript. I use Adobe creative suite on a PC. I am a designer, I am creative, and I´m good at it. I´m sorry that I´m taking your job, but perhaps I´m just better than you.
19
Donna Jun 16, 2009
Good read. I am first and foremost a print designer. I can do some web design, but I would never claim to be a web developer and sorry, but I don´t like to code! I had to make this decision years ago because I just could not keep up with all the web software in addition to the print software you need to keep up with. I really wish there was more education about this difference in the workplace though. I see job postings where they expect the Designer to be the "be all, end all, jack of all trades" in regard to print, web and multimedia design. I suspect very few people can do it all like that.
20
MR PLOW Jun 17, 2009
Don´t artistic people explore with different things? I grew up drawing everything imaginable but once I graduated from college (won a bunch of stupid awards but I also won money;) I started to realize the limitless possibilities INCLUDING WEB. I had to force myself to learn XHTML/CSS (tried to work in Strict). Now I´m working with php and now Ajax and Wordpress are next to learn .WTF are these anyway? I guess I´ll find out as I did everything else. I´ll never master code but what I´ve been able to create by knowing just a few things has blown my mind! I also picked up on photography and it´s become one of my favourite (Canadian spelling :) ) things to do. My dream is to work in the special effects industry but tuition is 30G´s Cdn and that would hurt but I haven´t ruled it out! Might just do the two year web program this fall so that I can call myself a real web designer; I have until the 23rd of this month to make up my mind so that´s why I´m here looking around at what others are doing. It´s great program and this is where I originally went to school and also have done all my upgrading.
I claim to be a great designer and I´ve had great reviews but there are some freaks out there that I just don´t understand how they´re so good! They´re rare but they can do it all! Check out a site at www.thefwa.com. Some of the solo designers on there will blow your doors off!
It´s amazing that some clients/friends see me as a graphic designer, others as a web designer, a photographer, an athlete (LOL, yep, but that's another story!) a musician (not that great on guitar but I sometimes hit an open mic downtown).
It makes for an unstable life, I´m always changing things up and probing around looking for something new to learn. It keeps me busy enough that my friends often get on my case; I feel quite selfish and weird sometimes but that´s just the way our type is. I recently sold my house and quit work so that I could freelance and find more time to learn web. I figured it was a good time to do it with the state of the economy and with me still being rather young at 32; I´d likely never have a chance to do it again.
All I can say is never stop learning and never stop exploring.
21
Celeste Sep 3, 2009
Wow.stumbled upon this blog and I feel relieved to know there are others like me. I´ve been a graphic designer for 15 years and a few years ago attempted to do web design. Taught myself html and Dreamweaver, but found learning code difficult (and boring). So my attempt to learn Flash was a failure (because of ActionScript). So I have resigned myself to stick with what I know best.print media. I love, love, love Illustrator and Photoshop! AND I AM A PC USER! But I love the MAC too. I am also frustrated by the job ads that advertise for "graphic designer", but what they really want is a "web designer/developer". I never let my clients/employers know that I know html or anything web. Last time I let that out I ended up managing 3 websites (Coldfusion) and hating my job! I´m gonna stick to print from now on.
22
web design sydney Feb 10, 2010
It is really great having opportunity for reading this great information’s. I like reading it because it is brief and step by step well explained, so everyone can understand it. It is really great tips for everyone, Thank You.
23
Shamima Sultana Mar 8, 2010
Great article thanks for the post
1
Hull Jan 12, 2007
Good read here. I am a photographer first and formost, but I have worked in web for several years, along side and most times right beside print designers, there is a difference, and many things they just don´t get about building for the web. I enjoyed your article and can relate with it!