The Tribune

By Deidre M. Bastian

Although both web and print designs have a common ancestry, it is necessary to understand that they have many differences and similarities. Recognising these (differences and similarities) can determine the route one takes, skills acquired and the company they choose.

Web design is a broad term covering many different skills and disciplines, using web programming languages to develop web sites on the Internet and viewed via computer. They employ a number of web-based applications, such as HTML, CSS, XHTML, JavaScript, PHP, Photoshop, and images as JPEG.

Graphic design, on the other hand, is the art of combining text and picture graphics to advertise or market an effective message, and any other type of visual communication, via print. Nonetheless, to gain more intellectual feedback with a casual feel, I have consulted with a few colleagues and asked each of them which do they prefer: Print or Web Design, and why? Here’s what a few had to say:

• “Hey, thanks for the spot in the article but I’ve always liked web design; it’s just the instant result you get when you change something.”

• “Through school it was always print, but I’m now learning web design even though it gives me more headaches.”

• “I personally prefer web design as opposed to print, simply because it is interactive. You can change even the smallest of details as many times, even after a product is completed, but with print it’s there forever.”

• “That question is tough, but print is the added real-life interaction that can never be duplicated on a computer screen. Paper is more intimate, and feels more like art on canvas.”

• “I prefer print design because I get an immense sense of satisfaction and pride. I enjoy designing things that people can touch.”

• “I like web design, but I prefer print because of its ‘touch factor’.”

*”I love print. Having a magazine, Tribune, Guardian or Journal on Sundays to read on a bus stop is the way to go!”

• “I’m more of a web designer, but we should be versatile enough to do both.”

• “Even though I like both, I prefer print. Web design can get a little complicated at times because there are so many rules and variables in coding, but they both hold a place in my heart.”

Now that you have evaluated the pros and cons, and have recognised that both print and web has its own challenges, your design path should still never be set in stone, If you have the drive and dedication to become multi-disciplined in both platforms, there’s no reason why you cannot juggle them, as you can only become more marketable.

I strongly believe that graphic designers are overall better designers, as they seem to understand the key design principles and have a more creative insight. Notably, only a small percentage of designers are competent in both platforms.

By the same token, if you are interested in Web Design be sure to study programs such as Fireworks, Photoshop, Word Press and Dreamweave, while learning software such as Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign is helpful when pursuing print.

Granted, print designers can produce a design with a definite view to shouting: “Holy Cow, thank Goodness I’m done with this project!” Unfortunately, web designers rarely get that warm, fuzzy, self-congratulatory moment. Unless they get fired or fire a client, they are never done with a website, NEVER!

Manufacturing a website is like giving birth to a baby: It will not allow you to lay an egg and honourably walk away. No way. Sooner or later it will need a diaper change, feeding or some other ongoing attention. So choose what you love but make an intelligent choice. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee2111@hotmail.com

About the Columnist: Ms Bastian is a trained graphic designer. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.