QUESTION
Hey!
I’m a 30 year old female who has no prior experience in web development/coding etc. I’m interested in learning how to code but I’m torn between web design or web development.
I would consider myself a creative person who loves Art/Fashion etc. Hence my Associates degree in Writing and Literature. Which path would you recommend for me and also where do I start learning?
Answer
Hey!
So I think this is something a ton of new people get stuck on: web design or development.
When you’re so new, it’s hard knowing which is best for you. Meaning which you’d be better at, and which you’d enjoy more.
I want to point out this article Skillcrush put together not too long ago that covers this topic: http://skillcrush.com/2015/07/07/decide-between-web-designer-or-developer/
In the article, there’s even a pretty infographic breaking down the skills and tools needed for web design and development. (And it shows where the two overlap.)
Nonetheless, here’s a few things to consider:
- Developers earn more. But designers still make a pretty penny. Especially designers who specialize in say, mobile design.
- Designers don’t code. If they do, they are called “unicorns”.
- Designers rely on the “vibes”. And look at the whole picture of a website. Developers focus on the logical function and the details of it.
Here’s what I would do:
- Spend time exploring BOTH paths: design and development (take some online and/or in-person courses as well as talk with experienced people in the industry)
- After one to three months, make a decision on which to put more focus on…
- All the while, keep in mind that you can always change your mind. Your choice to pursue one over the other is not permanent.
I hope this helps!
Laurence