Justin S — Wed, 21 Feb 2001 19:09:33 +0000

When I first started designing websites, I learned both layout and graphic basics like you Suzanna. I thought it was a crime to learn one and not the other. But nowadays it seems very common to find a "web designer" who doesn't do graphic design. Weird in my opinion, but I don't know.

Mark Hensler — Sun, 18 Feb 2001 05:50:56 +0000

SuzannaNet-
In a sentence... I design and program corporate web sites for the company I work for, and it's customers.

I am not required to do much graphics myself. We have the Marketing department do it. But as far as navigation, and other small things.... seem to get by on our own. (though I would rather not have to )

Web developer/Production Specialist

Suzanne — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 23:56:28 +0000

I wear two hats.

My own company, I do web development -- from the layout, to the production graphics, to the middle end work with forms and JavaScripting, to the backend work of database integration. I feel that web development is more of a programming job, middle end, back end, planning, the behind the scenes stuff.

As a Production Specialist for another company, I have a designer who makes the look, and programmers who do the database work, and I do the integration of the two, including all the middle end JavaScripting and forms and navigation programming and deciding how the site is going to hang together (includes v. templates). The project manager looks after content, meta tags, what will be *in* the site, that sort of thing.

Web design is very limited, as far as I can tell, to the look and feel and layout only.

Web development is the interactivity, function of the web site (this form goes here, this happens, that happens, this is returned to the user), and the inner workings (navigation).

Programming is the application development, web apps are very hot, content management, automated information retrieval, et cetera. I don't touch that, I hire out. It's too specialized and complex and needs a real professional for best results.

***

As far as graphics go, both companies produce their own graphic elements, layout, et cetera. Very rarely would we (either company) purchase or use a third party graphic solution. Our customers are far too specific to get away with general graphics. The only exception would be for regular illustrations in monthly publications and things of that ilk, or when specialized custom photos are purchased for ad campaigns.

Suzanne

SuzannaNet — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 22:04:42 +0000

Quote: My job title is 'web developer'

Hi Mark,
What is your job description?

Adam Oberdorfer — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 22:02:29 +0000

I am a self-classified developer mainly because my skills go beyond layout design and static web sites. I don't consider myself an "artists" or a "programmer" but I can defiantly develop!

I would tend to agree with both of you. A web developer in my mind is someone who has intermediate design skills, integration abilities, and an understanding of programming concepts while a web designer is someone who has intermediate or advanced design skills and a flare of artistic talent. There's also a difference between a graphic designer and a web designer. I would say that most web designers probably have greater technical knowledge then graphic designers.

I work with quite a few programmers and would not let any of them design a living thing. Though a few of them know PhotoShop they just don't have the touch. It's a personality issue I think.

Mark Hensler — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 21:45:52 +0000

This is just my opinion... So please, take it as just that.

I hate being called a 'web designer'. I couldn't draw crooked stick figures if I tried. A 'web designer', to me, is someone who designs the look of a website.

I consider myslef a 'web programmer'. Because most of the work I do is back-end, and very intensive. It requires a good, working knowledge of the languages and databases.

My job title is 'web developer'. I have no clue what that is. I guess a 'developer' would qualify for someone who not only designs the looks, but also how the site should function.

hmahonen — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 21:30:58 +0000

Quote: Originally posted by Adam Oberdorfer
Developer is also a widely used term. What do you classify as a developer? I'd classify most average web designers as designers rather then developers.

As what comes to web developer, it is rather wide term. I think it can range things from web designing to developing web site back-end's (such as content management system etc).

SuzannaNet — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 21:30:32 +0000

Okay, I guess I should explain; sorry about that. I am finding that many people who come to me for subcontracting work either do not have any knowledge of web design or they do their own web design (layout, interaction elements, etc.) but do not do the graphics. I find that interesting. Way back when I started designing sites I learned both design and graphics. Seems to me they go hand in hand, and I'd feel relatively lost if I couldn't design my own button, interface, logos. I also incorporate the clients' photos into my graphics when available. Never really thought about it before, but I guess I don't relate taking a digital photograph part of web development since it doesn't take much study, skill, etc., however, turning that image into a template, interface, logo, splash, etc. ... now that I'd consider doing my own graphics.

Adam, agree the term web developer is a widely term. I'd consider a developer someone who goes above and beyond page layout and graphic creation and who is familiar with several languages. I've also seen the term web designer used pretty broadly too. LOL ... You said: "For example most programmers do not design and most graphic artists do not program." Would you then consider a programmer a web designer? Because when I think of a programmer, I think of someone who develops programs. Most program developers I know do not design web pages; their concept of creativity in cosmetic appearance, structure, layout, etc. is pretty linear. They are more code oriented. Just the situation in my neck of the woods.

Adam Oberdorfer — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 20:59:55 +0000

Developer is also a widely used term. What do you classify as a developer? I'd classify most average web designers as designers rather then developers.

Adam Oberdorfer — Sat, 17 Feb 2001 20:56:35 +0000

Depends on the goals and capabilities of the developer. For example most programmers do not design and most graphic artists do not program. They require different types of people with different abilities. That's where a team environment comes in to play.

Personally I do most of my companies graphic design, integration, and programming. Though I have contractors and team members who I use on a regular biases.