While being a front-end web developer working a ‘normal’ job you’ll probably get assigned to a single, code-related task most of the time, it’s not always the case if you’re a freelancer. Of course, you can focus solely on coding and offer those services exclusively, but knowing some of the basic concepts of stuff like graphic design and user experience can save your client’s money. And where will that money go afterward? That’s right — directly into your pocket.

Obviously, it would be impossible for you to learn everything there is to learn, let alone be good at it all. Outsourcing isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and even the most successful companies find themselves doing it quite often. The thing is, though, that being able to offer more than just the code part can make you stand out from the competition. Especially when you’re a beginner, if you offer your clients to create a website layout for them instead of telling them to get it somewhere else and contact you again once they already have it can sometimes be a game-changer. In fact, I’ve heard of many situations, both from freelancers and from their clients, where that was the case.

Graphic design

Knowing the basics of graphic design is very helpful is you’re a front-end web developer. Not only will you be able to create your own layouts but also, if you decide to outsource it, make any changes necessary yourself, making it suit your client better.

Useful tools to learn here would be Adobe Photoshop and Adobe XD, among other frequently used by designers. It should be of little importance which one you decide to learn, though, as becoming familiar with one of them will make it easier for you to switch to another should you need it.

In addition to that, your graphic design skills can also be used outside of web development, for example, creating a resume.

UI/UX

It’s pretty similar to the graphic design one. Knowing the basics of user interface and user experience, you’ll be able to deliver a higher quality product to your customer, even after deciding to outsource it.

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