Many people are confused when asked to differentiate between graphic designers and web developers, but there are significant differences between these types of creative professionals. Sure, they both deal with digital manipulation, and will likely both have online portfolios on display, but the professions require various skills and education.

One primary difference is that of the target. Graphic designers are considered artists, and looking at a few design portfolios will likely exemplify this characterization. Manipulating images, pixels, and vectors requires an artistic eye, and the most successful are those that can be imaginative with colors and type.

Web developers, on the other hand, work primarily with codes. They are more mathematically minded, and focus on functionality and accessibility as opposed to visual stimulation alone. While the online portfolio of a web developer may appear quite artistic, the images displayed are usually made by a graphic designer. The web developers work can be seen in the layout of a page, and the special features that make that page unique.

Unfortunately, graphic designers and web developers tend to butt heads when working on a project together. The differences in their work can cause conflict for a number of reasons. One common issue is the graphic designers tend to finish their work faster than developers, leaving impatience and boredom for the quicker party.

Also, each party will likely have opinions about what the other should be doing. The two fields are similar in many ways, even as they are incredibly different. This fact causes graphic designers to try and be involved in the development process, and vice versa, as each type of work can greatly affect the other.

Despite the differences between these creative professionals, when they work together they can produce magnificent final products.

Art by: Andrezza Vantini