Do you need a website but are unsure whether you should hire a website designer or a graphic designer? No worries if not. Most business owners who are creating a website for the first time have these confusions. In this blog post, I have shared a few key differences between a web designer and a graphic designer.
Let’s start!
#1 Job scope
The job scope of a web designer is to build a website that runs on browsers. Their primary role is to combine their design skills with a technical understanding of creating websites. However, a graphic designer’s job is to create visual concepts that effectively communicate messages. Their scope of work encompasses both digital and print media, with a primary emphasis on branding and aesthetics.
#2 Technical skills
The technical skills of a web designer may include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS, cross-browser compatibility, website performance, website maintenance, website repair, and frontend development of a website.
The skills of a graphic designer may include proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, expertise in typography, color theory, and layout design, knowledge of vector and raster graphics, photo editing and retouching, branding and logo design, packaging design, print production, and creating digital graphics for social media, advertisements, and marketing campaigns.
#3 Tools
Most web designers in Singapore use tools like Visual Studio Code (for code editor for HTML, CSS, JavaScript), Figma (for UI/UX design and prototyping), Sketch, Adobe XD (for Wireframing and prototyping websites), WordPress (a CMS for website development), Bootstrap (a framework for responsive web design), GitHub (for version control and collaboration), Canva (for making quick mockups and visuals).
The tools that the graphic designers most commonly use include Adobe Photoshop (for photo editing and digital art), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and logo design), CorelDRAW (for vector illustration and layouts), Sketchbook (for drawing and concept art), Adobe Lightroom (for photo editing and color correction), Blender (for 3D modeling and visual design).
#4 Coding
All web designers are expected to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to structure and style websites. Additionally, many experienced web designers in Singapore specialize in CMS (content management systems) such as WordPress & Drupal.
No coding knowledge is required for a graphic designer. Their role is purely visual, and they create static assets, such as logos, banners, infographics, print media, and social graphics.
#5 Purpose
The ultimate aim of a web designer is to create a visually appealing and mobile-friendly website design. However, for a graphic designer, the goal is to craft visually striking graphics and branding elements that communicate a message, evoke emotions, and reinforce a brand’s identity across both digital and print platforms.