At first glance, web design snd develppment design might seem like an unlikely fit to be included as a career in the Hair & Beauty industry, but with creative careers like web design, a professional will often become known within a particular industry and become a specialist there. Sometimes this can be partly because they also have experience in that other industry, which is the case with our Web Designer / Developer Industry Icon Kirstie Wyatt, who is also our web designer / developer for SAHBA.
A web designer is a creative professional who specialises in designing visually appealing, user-friendly websites. They combine artistic design skills with technical knowledge to create engaging online experiences that align with a brand’s identity and goals. Whether working for businesses, e-commerce sites, or personal brands, web designers ensure websites are both aesthetically pleasing and functional across different devices.
KIRSTE WYATT
Freelance Graphic & Web Designer/Developer, Educator, Hair and Makeup Stylist.
INDUSTRY ICON
Kirstie Wyatt from Wyatt Creative has enjoyed 30+ years of success as an industry expert freelance graphic & web designer/developer, educator, and hair and makeup stylist.
She has excelled in all areas of graphic/web design including logo and branding, magazine and other print collateral as well as web design and development and event branding and management . She has also been an industry leading stylist in Adelaide providing makeup, hair and body art services for photography, television, corporate and private events .
This extensive career has seen her work alongside numerous brands, in Australia and also overseas, in a huge variety of industries. Her clients range from small sole operators and start ups, through to global brands such as InStyle and Marie Claire. No matter how big or small the client, Kirstie brings expertise and passion to every job, working collaboratively with her client / the team to ensure that the best result is achieved on time and within budget.
She strongly believes that excellent communication is one of the most important parts of the creative process, and her strength in this area has led to many regular clients who come back to her time and time again; many have been with her for decades.
As a sole trader, Kirstie can offer a bespoke, boutique service that is tailored to every client, every job. When jobs are larger and require more than just her expertise, she has other industry expert contacts in her network to call on as collaborators.
With her extensive experience, she can also deliver training in person and online.
Kirstie is based in Adelaide South Australia, but works with clients anywhere in the world.
Details
What Does a Web Designer Do?
Web designers focus on the look, feel, and usability of websites, ensuring they are visually attractive and easy to navigate. They work closely with clients, developers, and marketers to create engaging online experiences that drive user engagement and business success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design website layouts, colour schemes, typography, and visual elements.
- Create wireframes and mockups to plan the structure and user experience.
- Develop responsive designs that work seamlessly on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
- Optimise websites for fast loading times and smooth user interactions.
- Collaborate with developers to implement design elements through coding or CMS platforms.
- Ensure websites follow branding guidelines and industry best practices.
- Stay up to date with web design trends, UI/UX principles, and emerging technologies.
- Use tools like Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch, or Canva for design mockups.
Work Environments:
Web designers work in various settings, including:
Digital Agencies:
Designing websites for multiple clients across industries.
Freelance & Independent Work:
Building custom websites for businesses, startups, and personal brands.
Corporate In-House Teams: Managing and updating a company’s website and digital presence.
E-Commerce & Online Businesses:
Designing online stores and optimising shopping experiences.
Web Design & UX/UI Consulting:
Advising companies on best practices for usability and user experience.
Sills & Qualifications
The following skills will be highly beneficial:
Creativity & Attention to Detail:
Ability to design visually engaging and functional websites.
Proficiency in Web Design Tools:
Experience with Adobe software, such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, Figma, Sketch, or Canva.
Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (not always required but beneficial)
UX/UI Principles Understanding:
Designing user-friendly interfaces and intuitive navigation.
SEO & Web Performance Optimisation:
Ensuring fast loading times and search engine visibility.
Content Management Systems (CMS):
Familiarity with WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, or Squarespace.
Communication & Problem-Solving Skills:
Ability to understand client needs and troubleshoot design challenges.
Qualifications That Can Help:
While formal education is not always required, web designers can benefit from relevant qualifications, such as:
- Certificate IV in Web-Based Technologies (Australia)
- Diploma of Website Development (Australia)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design, Graphic Design, or Computer Science (optional but beneficial)
- UX/UI Design Bootcamps or Short Courses (e.g., General Assembly, Coursera, Udemy)
- Google UX Design Certification or similar online credentials
- Industry Certifications (Adobe Certified Expert, Google Mobile Web Specialist, etc.)
Career Growth & Opportunities
Web designers can specialise or advance in areas such as:
UI/UX Design:
Focusing on user experience, accessibility, and interaction design.
Front-End Development:
Learning coding languages to bring designs to life.
E-Commerce Web Design:
Specialising in online stores and conversion-focused design.
Branding & Graphic Design:
Expanding into visual identity and marketing assets.
Web Design Consulting & Strategy:
Advising businesses on digital presence and design strategies.
Teaching & Mentorship:
Educating aspiring designers through courses and workshops.