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I'm Chris Coyier, creator of CSS-Tricks / co-founder of CodePen / podcaster on ShopTalk. Ask Me Anything!

over 8 years ago from Chris Coyier, Web Designer at CodePen

  • Lukas HostettlerLukas Hostettler, over 8 years ago

    Hey Chris, love your work and glad you're doing an AMA!

    My question is do you think that web design is dying? Similarly to how you started css-tricks as a get rich quick scheme, I thought learning web design would allow me to make some easy money. 4 years after taking my first class in high school, and here I am still doing doing it, and not just for money, but because I enjoy it.

    However, it seems as though all these free, simple site builders and template based systems like wordpress are killing off the web design industry, at least smaller businesses. I feel like only the medium-large web design companies will continue to prosper, because smaller business sites will be made by things like squarespace.

    It's kinda scary because I don't know what this means for my future, and if I should even continue learning web design. What are your thoughts on this and what I should do?

    1 point
    • Chris CoyierChris Coyier, over 8 years ago

      This is quite the hot topic these days.

      Dave has my favorite take on it so far: http://daverupert.com/2015/02/john-henry/

      Can you ignore these tools? No. Can they become YOUR tools? Yes.

      If you are an intelligent, helpful, strong communicator with problem solving skills, are you ever at risk for being obsoleted? No.

      3 points
      • Pete MillerPete Miller, over 8 years ago

        Also, someone has to design those themes, and the components for the tools. That could be you...

        2 points