Time after time I see jobs advertised for web designers, web developers, graphic designers, graphic artists etc, and when I see one advertised for a graphic artists, so I go to look at the details only to find they reveal “php and flash is neccessary”. This has irritated me for a long time and I think employers need to know the difference between these before they go advertising for positions and give a clearer definition of who they are after.

Below are some definitions of what each of them are and a few other areas that are also used in the base of making websites or start ups.

—

Web Designer

A web designer offers HTML and graphics services and create visually focused web pages. The difference between a designer and a developer is that a developer usually has more back-end programming skills and a designer is more focused on the look and feel of a site. A good web designer will help you organize the information for your web site and develop navigation and layout.

Web designers usually charge based on experience, designers with less experience may save you money but more experience designers will almost always deliver a higher quality product. Before you choose a web designer you should review other web projects they have worked on, and contact past clients if possible. Some designers charge per project, some per page and some per hour. Make sure you have defined the requirements for your web project and both of you have an understanding in writing of what is expected.

Graphic Designer/Artist

Graphic designers focus strictly on the visual artwork for a project. Graphic artists usually work with print and web. They can design brochures, business cards, logos, advertising material and give you a high quality look. Many companies hire a graphic designer for the art then hand that over to a web designer or developer to incorporate into a website.

Graphic designers usually charge based on experience, designers with less experience may save you money but more experience designers will almost always deliver a higher quality product. Before you choose a graphic designer you should review other design projects they have worked on, and contact past clients if possible. Some designers charge per project or per hour. Make sure you have defined the requirements for your web project and both of you have an understanding in writing of what is expected.

Web Developer

Web developers usually offer HTML and programming services and create interactive or database driven e-commerce web sites. The difference between a designer and a developer is that a developer usually has more back-end programming skills for building shopping carts and member databases while a designer is more focused on the look and feel of a site. A good web developer will help you organize the information for your web site and develop navigation and layout. Many developers also offer basic design services, but a firm will ususall have developers and graphics people. Web developers are programmers and work with web based code like ASP, .NET, Cold Fusion, Java, DHTML, Javascript, PHP, SQL and more. If you are looking for database work for e-commerce or membership sites, you should contact a developer.

Developers usually charge based on experience, less experienced programmers may save you money but more experience developers will almost always deliver a higher quality product with less problems and maintenance issues. Before you choose a developer you should review other web projects they have worked on, and contact past clients if possible. Make sure you have defined the requirements for your web project and both of you have an understanding in writing of what is expected.

Flash Designers

Flash developers and flash designers create interactive animated websites in Macromedia™ Flash. Flash allows for full screen animation with lots of color and movement, audio and video and very dynamic and fluid content. Flash websites are good for promotion and pizazz, they allow you to engage your visitors with a more interactive experience but are not the best choice for sites with lost of text information. Many sites incorporate flash elements with standard HTML web pages. Most flash designers also offer HTML development and design services. Some Flash developers also offer more complex ActionScript programming which allow Flash sites to function as an application, integrating database and other complex features.

Flash designers usually charge based on experience, less experience may save you money but more experienced designers will almost always deliver a higher quality product. Before you choose a flash designer you should review other projects they have worked on, and contact past clients if possible. Make sure you have defined the requirements for your web project and both of you have an understanding in writing of what is expected.

Photographers

A professional photographer can make all the difference in the world. For new products or company pictures a photogapher can help capture the image and show it in the best light. (sorry for the bad pun)

Photographers usually charge based on experience and equipment required, less experience may save you money but more experienced photogrpahers will almost always deliver a higher quality product. Before you choose a photographer you should review their work, and contact past clients if possible. Make sure you have defined the requirements for your project and both of you have an understanding in writing of what is expected.

Writers

A professional writer can help deliver your message with professional polish and grace. Marketing materials, brochures, and web sites should always be written by a professional writer. you can write up the basic facts and ideas you want to deliver then hand it over to a professional writer to edit it and make it shine.

Writers usually charge based on experience and by the size of the project, less experience may save you money but more experienced writers will almost always deliver a higher quality product. Before you choose a writer you should read some of their work, and contact past clients if possible. Make sure you have defined the requirements for your project and both of you have an understanding in writing of what is expected.