The Learn to Code With Me Advice Column

Design or Development: Which Should I Choose?


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:

  1. Developers earn more. But designers still make a pretty penny. Especially designers who specialize in say, mobile design.
  2. Designers don’t code. If they do, they are called “unicorns”.
  3. 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:

  1. 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)
  2. After one to three months, make a decision on which to put more focus on…
  3. 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

DISCLAIMER: Thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own. Any recommendatons and/or how-to information is intended to be helpful. Also, please note that some of the links are affiliate links. Continue here to learn more about affiliate marketing on learntocodewith.me.


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