While this isn’t a slight to other artistic programs like animation or film, as they most definitely have their audiences, it seems like web design is one of the more popular career choices in this day and age. It’d be easy to simply point at one factor but I’d like to think that there are many which play into this level of appeal.
First of all, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone uses the Internet. Regardless of whether someone is in high school or fifty years out of high school, it’s clear that there are different reasons why the Internet is utilized. As a result, it would make sense that web design would grow in terms of popularity. Keep this in mind: if people didn’t constantly rely on websites, would web design stand out as much as it does?
However, there are a number of layers associated with a web design that art schools in Texas would be able to attest to. For example, the Art Institute of Austin – which houses not only web design but other fields of art as well – will tell you that websites have to appear clean. They have to prove functional as well. Every link should direct the user to where the link in question states. In addition, the site has to be designed so that its overall look does not come across as overwhelming to one’s visual senses.
“Create a site that looks simple; that doesn’t sound like a lot of work,” I’m sure many will say. However, there is a certain art – for lack of a better term – that comes with designing websites that are clean. Assets have to be placed in ways so that they do not come across as clutter, which is a problem if not handled correctly. If a website that you design makes a visitor click away in as quickly as one second, it might very well be a problem on your end.
Keep in mind just how much Internet-savvy individuals log onto certain websites. When they do this, they can come across certain qualities that are pleasing to their eyes and utilize that knowledge for potential art jobs. For example, white background with black text over it, while simple by design, does not strain the sense of sight. There are images added as well but the quantity is maintained; too many visuals and the message of the site is lost. Ideally, budding web designers will pick up on the idea that a single banner image can get the message across best. A minimalist design might very well be best.
One of the most important reasons that budding artists get into web design – and this goes for any other form of art, too – is because they simply enjoy being creative. Inspiration can come about from just about anywhere. They have many different ideas that they would like to incorporate and the ability to bring these ideas into a webpage design is a hearty challenge that they see value in accepting.
Artists do not like being shackled by restrictions, which is why they get lost in this level of design. As long as they can enjoy what they do while bringing to fruition the best possible website designs, the feeling of accomplishment is undeniable. It’s easy to see why art schools, whether web design is the focus or not, see many capable artists.
Getting an Online Web Design Education
Web design is a growing field – seemingly on a daily basis, new web sites are unveiled and existing ones are revamped. To keep up with the demand, there are a host of online web design degrees available to the tech-savvy student, including certificates and diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees. Online design students learn all the fundamentals of web design, including authoring, scripting, design, and e-commerce. The master project management, audio, and visual capabilities, digital image manipulation, and animation.
Online students enjoy the convenience of attending class from the comforts of their own home and the flexibility to work at their own pace. They have the same access to services that on-campus students do, including the same highly qualified faculty and staff, academic advisement, technical support, library resources, career development services, and tutoring. They use email to communicate with instructors and peers and to send and receive class assignments. Online quiz programs are used to conduct exams, while forums and chat programs allow for live interaction and discussion.
Online web design students also use peripherals such as scanners and digital drawing tablets, as well as design software such as WordPress, Dreamweaver, Director, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Most online web design programs emphasize business and marketing skills in addition to technical and design skills. Bachelor’s degree programs, especially, offer students a well-rounded education that includes instruction in math, science, and humanities.
An online web design program is a great option for the working student who has full-time job commitments or a variable schedule that makes it difficult to attend class in a scheduled classroom setting. Online degrees are also convenient for those who live too far from a college campus but do not want to relocate, and for those with family commitments.
