Should designers learn how to code? In short … maybe. As a web designer, you should first decide if you think it’s more important to specialize or diversify your skill set. Both options come with ups and downs and you should understand all the variables before jumping to a conclusion. Here are a few things you should keep in mind. Why and how should you diversify? direction If your current specialty has a grim future, better diversify There may be a few reasons you’re interested diversifying your skill set. Are you: In a creative rut? Not feeling challenged? Not seeing yourself going far in just one part of the design industry? Noticing an increased demand from your clients to expand your service offering? If so, then you may benefit from learning how to code.
However learning a new skill is very demanding and very few of us have the luxury of spare time. So if you want to learn but lack the time, then you may need to work up to it by: Specializing in your current area Gaining financial stability Deciding what you can take on next, and determining the steps to accomplish it In short, start coding if you feel drawn to it and believe it will improve background remove service your value. Think about it in the long run and anticipate the pros and cons. Just remember to work up to it gradually: don’t torture yourself and bite off more than you can chew. Why be good? Go be great (at one thing)! false-issue Great designer or great coder? In the beginning of your career, you can probably choose only one. Time is both our friend and our enemy.
That’s why in the beginning of your career you should only choose one area of expertise. If you’re a designer, you know you’ve reached this level of design quality over a long period of time yet there’s still a long way to go. The same applies for coding. You can’t become an amazing coder just by learning a little bit of HTML and CSS, and asking Google for help now and again. Would you partner up with a coder who is just okay? Of course not! You’d expect the same level of quality and attention to detail that you invested in the design phase. So to sum it up: If you’re at the beginning of your career, start with only one field: designer or coder If you’re an experienced designer and want to learn how to code, prepare to invest a lot of time Don’t offer your coding services if you haven’t spent an adequate amount of time learning All things considered.