The differences between the web designer and the web developer
Here’s why I think hiring a web designer who is also a web developer is advantageous to you.
Back when I was just starting up as a web designer (not yet a developer), I’ve done web design work for clients who ended up hiring a separate web developer to code my design. When the website passed the development phase and went live, I would look at the end result of my hard work. And more often than not, I’d find myself feeling disappointed. Why? Because the developer didn’t have a trained eye for design.
To the average developer, a slight change in color, font, or spacing means nothing. But to a trained eye, it could mean a lot to the overall look and feel of the website. Most of the time, my designs would end up having buttons that are not properly sized, elements that have been misplaced, and texts that are too nearly spaced that they hurt my eyes.
How hiring a 2-in-1 designer / developer could be beneficial to you
That’s when I realized how having a good collaboration between the designer and developer is of much importance. But sometimes, even that can’t be enough. For the web developer, nitpicking on very small details can be a waste of his time. Yet, for the web designer, not sticking to the tiny details could mean ruining their design. This could result in a huge misunderstanding between the two. And who gets affected the most? The client. You. The one paying hundreds of dollars for the perfect website, ending up having to witness your web designer and web developer locking horns over things that should have been a joint effort. Or worse, an unfinished website.
That is why, having a designer who also does web development can be really beneficial (although not necessary). Another great option would be to hire a firm where they do both design and development. However, doing so can let you pass up the opportunity to hire freelance designers who, if not often, brings better and fresher ideas at a lower cost.
If you choose to hire a separate designer, be sure to ask if he knows can recommend a good web developer. Chances are, he may have worked with this developer previously and has found that this guy knows how to implement his designs correctly. This will save you a ton of headaches! Also, you can set a little extra work for the web designer. Ask him to make sure his design is implemented correctly by the developer. Let him oversee the development phase, focusing on the design aspects. After all, you hired him so you could have a great website design – don’t put that to waste.