Hi all,

 

This is my first post here. I'm a novice web designer/developer, still learning HTML5, CSS, Javascript and JQuery.

 

I enjoy coding websites in HTML/CSS, but I don't think server-side stuff is really for me. On the design side, I also really enjoy making websites look good, but I'm not particularly good with WYSIWYG programs, such as Dreamweaver.

My question is: what field should I go into, career-wise? If I become a developer, I'd rather focus on just the client-facing stuff, so would this make me a front-end web developer? Can I call myself a web designer if I don't use 'proper' web design software? Maybe I'd be best to market myself as a hybrid web designer/developer?

 

It seems the lines between all these terms are increasingly blurred nowadays. In short; I don't know which route to take or how to market myself. Any ideas?

 

Thanks in advance,

chrisjf19

Hi mate and welcome. I dont have any solid advice for you other than do what you enjoy most - that's whats important aint it?

 

HTML5, CSS, Javascript and JQuery are all "web designer languages", so if your looking to put yourself into a box your a web designer in the making Developer is mainly php, mysql etc.

 

As for software, sure you can call yourself a designer without using Dreamweaver. I've used notepad in the past for coding things up quick. Dreamweaver's good for code hinting though (you can ignore the WYSIWYG crap).

 

Yeah the server side is a bit boring compared to the rest of it I suppose but you'll pick it up in no time. If you havent already, get familiar with FTP and learn to use filezilla

Hello, and welcome to the forum. I really don't know much about the technical differences in what to call yourself, but I do think it sounds like you are more leaning toward being a designer with some skills in development. I would guess almost everybody has a mixture of both sides, just a greater skill one side or the other. I do not think it matters what software you use or don't use - it comes down to how good your portfolio looks. If a client likes what they see, they are going to be interested in hiring you.

Hi, and welcome to the discussion. I truly don't know much about the specialized contrasts in what to call yourself, however I do think it seems like you are all the more inclining to being a planner with a few aptitudes being developed. I might figure very nearly everyone has a mixture of both sides, simply a more terrific aptitude one side or the other. I don't think it matters what programming you utilize or don't utilize - it descends to how great your portfolio looks. If a customer likes what they see, they are going to be intrigued by enlisting you.

I am afraid I disagree with danners, you are not a designer unless you know the skills of a designer, building websites has two fold, designer and developer, at the moment since you know nothing about design but know a little HTML5, CSS, Javascript and JQuery, I would say you are a developer.. I would not call myself a mechanic just because I can change the tyre on a car.

I've met great designers, great developers and good hybrids.