Hello, I’m John Wilson, a web and brand designer with over 13 years of experience in both the bustling streets of London and the creative hub that is Liverpool, UK. You might know me as the founder of The Design Mentor, where I help guide new designers on their journey in the world of web and brand design.
But enough about me. Let’s talk about something many of you may be wondering: Is web design a good career? Spoiler alert: It can be, but like any profession, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows (no career is!). In this article, I’ll share my personal perspective, some of the things that have made me love web design, and also some potential drawbacks that might make you pause before diving headfirst into this creative, yet often challenging, industry.
Why Web Design is a Great Career Choice
First of all, Is web design a good career? The answer is a resounding yes, but it’s important to understand why it’s such a fulfilling and dynamic career path.
1. Creative Freedom and Problem Solving
As a web designer, you have the opportunity to flex your creative muscles regularly. Unlike some careers that require repetitive tasks day in and day out, web design allows for a healthy dose of creativity. You’re constantly tackling new problems and finding innovative solutions for clients’ websites. You’ll work with different industries, each presenting a unique set of challenges to solve through design. One week you might be designing a sleek e-commerce site, and the next, you could be rebranding a non-profit.
Not only do you get to apply your creative skills, but you also engage in problem-solving every single day. Each project presents its own puzzles—whether it’s improving user experience, crafting a visually appealing layout, or ensuring the site functions flawlessly across all devices. If you love creative problem-solving, web design is definitely a career you can sink your teeth into.
2. Strong Demand and Growing Job Market
We’re living in an increasingly digital world, and as technology evolves, businesses need websites more than ever before. Whether you’re working as a freelance designer or part of a design agency, the demand for web designers is only growing. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of web developers (which includes web designers) is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029—much faster than the average for other occupations.
I’ve personally experienced the surge in demand throughout my career. From my early days in London, where the web design industry was a bustling marketplace for innovation, to my time in Liverpool, I’ve seen firsthand how businesses of all sizes—from local shops to global corporations—need a professional and engaging online presence.
This demand for skilled designers also opens doors for a wide range of career options. Whether you want to work for an agency, a large corporation, or even go freelance, web design is a career that offers flexibility, job security, and growth opportunities.
3. Opportunities for Continuous Learning
Web design is one of those careers where you can never stop learning. Technologies, trends, and design principles evolve rapidly. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in both London and Liverpool, where I’ve been constantly exposed to new challenges, tools, and software. Over the years, I’ve had to keep learning, experimenting, and adapting to remain at the top of my game.
From mastering HTML and CSS to diving into design tools like Adobe XD and Figma, and now keeping up with the latest trends in UX/UI design, web design is a constantly evolving field that keeps you engaged and learning throughout your career. If you’re someone who loves to stay on top of new trends and develop new skills, web design can offer a satisfying and dynamic career.
Potential Drawbacks: Things to Consider Before You Make the Leap
Now, before you get too excited about the prospect of becoming a web designer, let’s take a look at some challenges you might face along the way. While I believe web design is a great career, there are a few things to keep in mind before diving headfirst into this industry.
1. It Can Be Technically Demanding
Design isn’t just about pretty pictures and cool layouts; web design requires a deep understanding of technical concepts, such as coding, content management systems (CMS), and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Early in my career, I quickly learned that being a successful web designer isn’t just about having an eye for design; it’s also about understanding the back-end of websites and how they function.
For those who love to design but struggle with the technical side of things, this could be a bit of a hurdle. While there are plenty of drag-and-drop website builders these days (which I’ll admit, can be quite convenient), truly mastering web design requires learning the nuts and bolts of how websites are built and how they function.
Don’t be fooled—web design is about creating a user-friendly experience and ensuring that everything works seamlessly behind the scenes. If you’re not into coding or dealing with technical issues, you might want to think twice before asking, “Is web design a good career?”
2. The Pressure of Client Expectations
Another thing to consider when pursuing a career in web design is the pressure of meeting client expectations. Web design is a service-based industry, and your clients are often very particular about how their websites look and function. In the early days of my career, I faced some tough situations where I had to balance creative freedom with clients’ sometimes unreasonable demands. Clients may want certain features, even if they’re not entirely user-friendly, or they might request revisions after revisions.
The ability to manage client relationships, communicate effectively, and set clear expectations is a skill you’ll need to develop. But over time, you’ll learn how to navigate these tricky waters. Remember, web design is not just about creating something pretty—it’s about creating something functional that meets the needs of the client and their customers.
3. Long Hours and Deadlines
Web design can often be a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. I’m sure many of you have heard the phrase “the deadline is the design’s worst enemy”, and let me tell you—it’s true! There were times in my career when I worked long nights to meet tight deadlines, especially when projects would pile up. Web design is often cyclical, with some weeks feeling like a breeze while others require intense focus and energy.
If you’re not someone who thrives in high-pressure situations or can’t handle tight deadlines, you might want to reconsider “Is web design a good career?” The reality is that long hours can sometimes be part of the job, especially when you’re working for clients with immediate needs.
My Final Thoughts: Is Web Design a Good Career?
So, Is web design a good career? As someone who’s spent over 13 years in the industry, I can confidently say yes. The opportunities for creative expression, the demand for skilled professionals, and the constant potential for growth and learning make web design a rewarding career. However, like any field, it comes with its challenges, from managing technical skills to handling client expectations and navigating tight deadlines.
If you’re passionate about design, love learning new tools, and are ready to deal with some of the more technical aspects of web development, then web design could be a fantastic fit for you. It’s a career that offers stability, variety, and the potential to work on exciting projects across industries. Just make sure you’re ready to put in the work and manage the inevitable challenges that come with it.
At The Design Mentor, my goal is to guide the next generation of web designers, small business owners and entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges while building the skills and confidence they need to succeed whether as a web designer professional or building your own brand and website.
If you’re interested in learning more about web design and building your skills, I’m here to help.
Still interested in becoming a web designer? Why not read this previous article – How to Become a Web Designer in 7 Simple, Effective Ways