I graduated from the IT faculty and now face the choice of which professional direction to pursue. I am torn between web programming and web design, as I have a strong interest in both.



However, I realize that it may not be practical to pursue both due to their demanding nature, so I am seeking advice on which path would be more lucrative. There is a belief that designers can earn substantial incomes, sometimes even more than programmers. Although my programming skills are not as advanced, my drawing and creative abilities are more pronounced, leading me to lean towards design at this point.

My plan is to gain 2-5 years of experience and skills by working in an office before transitioning to remote work, as I ultimately aim to live in a village. I also have proficiency in creating 3D models using Blender and 3D Max, and I hope to incorporate this skill into my design work.

Both web programming and web design attract individuals who strive to create aesthetically pleasing products. Nonetheless, I believe that success in these fields requires genuine interest and talent. In my case, I feel that my talent lies more in design than in programming, given my natural aptitude for drawing from a young age and my struggles with exact sciences.

I seek your opinion on which path to choose in this scenario: web programming or web design? What additional skills or knowledge would be beneficial for success in the chosen field?

In terms of which path may be more lucrative, it's true that designers can indeed earn substantial incomes. With the increasing emphasis on user experience and visual appeal in web products, the demand for skilled web designers is on the rise. However, this field is also highly competitive, and success often depends on a designer's ability to stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies.

It's commendable that you recognize your natural talent for drawing and creative abilities, which are crucial assets for a career in web design. Leveraging these skills, along with your proficiency in creating 3D models using Blender and 3D Max, can be advantageous in setting you apart in the design field.

In terms of additional skills or knowledge that would be beneficial for success in web design, I would suggest focusing on enhancing your understanding of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles. These areas play a significant role in creating engaging and intuitive web experiences for users. Familiarizing yourself with design tools such as Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma could also broaden your skill set.

Furthermore, having a good grasp of front-end development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript can complement your design skills. This will enable you to collaborate effectively with web developers and better understand the technical aspects of implementing your designs.

Regarding your plan to transition to remote work and eventually live in a village, the growing trend of remote work in the tech industry makes this a viable option. Building a solid portfolio of your design work and gaining practical experience in an office setting will be invaluable as you make this transition.
The choice between web programming and web design should align with where you find the most fulfillment and where your strengths lie. It's clear that your natural aptitude for drawing and creative abilities steers you towards design, and nurturing these talents while acquiring complementary skills will position you for success in the dynamic field of web design.

I'd say that the roles of a programmer and a designer have distinct differences based on my experience in the field. Here's my take on it:

1. Programmers typically spend more time on a project compared to designers.
2. Consequently, there are more freelancers in the design field than in programming.
3. On average, programmers earn higher incomes than designers. However, designers have greater potential for career advancement.
4. The work of programmers may not be as visually prominent, but if the program doesn't function properly, its aesthetics become irrelevant.
5. Design work is highly visible and significantly influences product sales. Even a great product can struggle if its design is poor.

It's wonderful that you're interested in both programming and design. You have the opportunity to combine the strengths of both fields. Pursuing what's most captivating to you is essential. Moreover, don't fret about temporarily shifting focus to the other area; it can be a valuable way to prevent professional burnout.

I can share that when comparing the market, it is observed that, on average, the head of development receives less than the art director. However, it's important to emphasize that this is an average and individual cases may differ. In terms of profitability, the field of design seems to be more advantageous. Nevertheless, reaching the position of "Art Director" is often more challenging than becoming the head of development.

In my experience, there are significantly more opportunities for career advancement in the design field compared to development. Designers can progress through various specialized roles, while developers usually advance by enhancing their skills through practice and self-study.

It's worth mentioning that mastering artistic design requires talent and proper education; it's not something one can just pick up spontaneously. On the other hand, programming demands diligence and extensive study, without necessarily requiring an art education.