Which field should I choose: graphic design or web design?
I need to decide which area of design to pursue: web design or graphic design. Let me explain the situation briefly. I have one month to create a portfolio for a job, but I'm torn between these two options.



On one hand, I enjoy web design, which involves working on layouts and front-end development. On the other hand, graphic design allows me to create logos, branding, banners, and other visual graphics. I am passionate about both fields.

However, I am aware that the web design market is becoming saturated with designers using platforms like Wix and Tilda. This makes me question its potential for growth and success. On the flip side, the pay is higher in web design, and there are opportunities to advance further into the front-end development field (unlike graphic design, where the only progression might be towards an art director role).

To give you some context, there are more job vacancies for graphic design in the city compared to web design, and generally, the demand for layout skills in web design is limited.

So, my question is: which path should I choose, and which one holds more promise for the future?

For your information, I have some basic skills in both areas—I am knowledgeable in Photoshop and Illustrator, and I have some familiarity with HTML and CSS.

I apologize for bombarding you with questions, but I greatly appreciate your experience and willingness to help, my friends!

The decision between graphic design and web design ultimately comes down to your personal goals, interests, and the way you envision your future career. Both fields can offer great opportunities, but they do indeed differ in some key aspects.

Here are some factors to consider:

Future Demand: Technology is a continuously booming field, and the increasing digitalization in business will likely keep web design relevant. Web designers who are well-versed in UX/UI design are much needed to create user-friendly interfaces. On the other hand, graphic design remains a stable and foundational skill in industries like branding and advertising. It's an evergreen career role and will not go out of demand, but it may experience fewer sudden growth spurts compared to tech-related roles.

Career Progression: As you've stated, progression in web design could lead to front-end development or even roles associated with user experience (UX), user interface (UI), or interaction design. These areas are particularly hot in the current job market. Graphic design has a more clearly defined career path, with opportunities to move into art direction, brand management, or even illustration and other specialized design roles.

Income Potential: Typically, web design has higher income potential due to the combination of design and technical skills. However, as a highly skilled and experienced graphic designer, especially in high-demand niches, you might command a comparable salary.

Freelance Opportunities: Both fields have plenty of freelance opportunities, allowing you to be your own boss if you wish. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr have numerous job postings for both web and graphic design.

Job Availability In Your City: You noted that more job vacancies are currently available for graphic design in your city. This factor is important if you plan on staying in your location long-term and prefer not to work remotely.

The Type Of Work You Enjoy Most: If you enjoy working on a project from start to finish and want the work you do to stay forthcoming, web design might be the better choice as it often involves ongoing maintenance and updates. Graphic design projects tend to be shorter and more variable in nature, which can make your work more diverse but also more inconsistent.

Given your situation and the information you've provided, particularly your worry about market saturation in web design and more job vacancies in graphic design, it might be worth considering focusing on graphic design in the short term. However, keeping up to date with web design and front-end development could be beneficial in the long term as those skills can differentiate you from other designers who only focus on visuals, giving you a competitive advantage.

There is also a growing trend of becoming a 'T-shaped' professional, meaning having depth of skill in one field (like web or graphic design), with a broad understanding of other related fields. This could make you more versatile and adaptable in the job market. In this case, that could mean choosing either main focus but keeping up-to-date and practicing the other to a certain extent.

Remember that choosing a career is a big decision, and it's okay to change your mind later. Many skills are transferable between graphic design and web design, and diversified experience is often viewed favorably by employers.


Here are some additional factors that can guide your decision:

Personal Satisfaction and Interest: At the end of the day, the work you do should not only pay the bills but also provide personal satisfaction. If creating logos, branding, and advertising materials excites you more, graphic design might be the best path. But if designing websites, working on user interfaces, and employing your coding skills intrigues you more, you should consider web design.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities: With advancements in technology, new interdisciplinary fields are emerging. For instance, web designers with strong graphic skills can work on UI/UX design, which involves both elements of graphical interface and user experience. Knowledge and experience in both graphic and web design can open up opportunities in these hybrid roles.

Long-Term Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of the last data check by 2021 on my training), the job outlook from 2022-2030 expected a 13% growth in web development jobs (including web design), which is faster than the average for all occupations. On the other hand, graphic design jobs were only projected to grow by 3% in the same period. Changes may have occurred after my last training in 2021, but it's worth considering future job trends.

Upskilling and Continuous Learning: Regardless of the field, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial. In web design, you might need to learn new development technologies and design trends. In graphic design, you need to stay current with the latest design trends and software.

Creating a Portfolio: Since you have one month to create a portfolio for a job, consider which of your skills are strongest and could be showcased most impressively in that time. If your web design skills are already solid, say, you may be able to pull together a stronger portfolio in that area more quickly than in graphic design. But if designing logos and visual graphics is more in line with your talents, a portfolio emphasizing these skills might give you a stronger edge.

Considering web development and design, you should undoubtedly consider entering the digital landscape. Certainly, your preferences will dictate your path - for those inclined towards innovative thinking, graphic design presents an opportunity to cultivate their own originality.

Having experienced both fields, and being formally educated as a "graphic designer", I have faced conflicting opinions even from my mentors regarding what constitutes good or bad design. Interacting with clients is an adventure of its own - one might request an imaginative take on a red cow, citing its minimalist parallels to Apple, another insists that "every expert should place the logo in the top-right corner," while a third may not have a clear vision but yearns for creativity. It can be especially amusing when clients request inventive designs for their logo on small items like pens or business cards. In the utopia of graphic design, perhaps you're the next Lebedev, dismissing unappreciative clients, but realistically, you're likely to wind up in a sought-after studio, servicing regular customers with their peculiar requests for crimson bovines.

Congruently, there seems to be more structure in web design, thanks to widely accepted standards with a keen focus on user experience. When clients come up with outrageous requests, it's simpler to reason why it might not align with best practices. However, this user-friendly framework can sometimes feel restrictive to incredibly imaginative individuals.

It's also worth noting the differential in earnings - web development roles often fetch higher salaries. Although highly paying roles do exist in graphic design, they tend to be in upscale offices with a certain prestige you need to live up to (and I don't mean just your level of expertise).

Reflecting upon my journey, unless you're a rare find, a shining "1 in 1000 star talent", securing a fulfilling job in web development could be an easier route.

A web designer and a layout designer are distinct professions,
yet, each requires a mutual understanding of the other's sphere. However, they are two separate roles demonstrating individual skills.

It's not compulsory to be an accomplished designer before transitioning to front-end development – the journey can begin directly from there.

To genuinely grasp which role aligns best with your style, a hands-on experience in both could be of exceptional value, especially for those invested in design beyond its monetary perks.

Indeed, financial benefits follow naturally for good designers – they often earn sizable amounts.

If you're leaning towards web design, consider the scalability of your skills.
While platforms like Wix and Tilda have democratized web creation, they can't replace innovative UX/UI design. With your HTML and CSS knowledge, you can differentiate yourself by focusing on responsive design and interactivity. The demand for skilled web designers who understand coding is still strong, and the potential for growth into front-end development is significant.