Sometimes when we are developing brand new websites from the ground up, we can confuse the differences between visual designers and front end developers. On projects there are cases where one person is in charge and has responsibilities in both visual branding and code. However it may not the best way to go about a project, because these are two different professions. Talents may need to be focused on individual responsibilities and combined to bring out the best. Their roles will cross over as well.
Designers will be leading the complete visual branding and online presence for the client. They will focus their unique talent on the visual presentations, presenting ideas to clients and exploring further with them to meet their needs. There is a fine balance between the visual and actionable, the artist touch, the placement of components, blending of colours, textures, symmetry. They are not concerned about the code, if they are a true visual designer. Their energy is concentrated on the user experience, from a visual perspective.
Web Design
The front-end developers will think in user experience as well and visual presentation, but his focus will revolve around the code itself. In some capacity they can perform some visual work, but not at the level of a highly experienced designer. They might be able to design logos, prototypes, mock-ups but their core strength is in the code itself. You will find similarities too. The designer and front-end developer can both be problem-solvers. They both will focus on the user’s experience and the look and style of the website. However, they will take different approaches to solving the problems one through the graphics and the other through the code.
You may ask yourself as well if one person can do both. They could possibly could cover everything at an higher level. But if you want to someone to truly excel, in most cases two people will need to be contracted with two unique skill-sets. These two disciplines are very different and can require a different mindset. Typically you are better at the visuals than the code or the other way around.