Learning an art form is something that can take a year or two for the basics, but needs a lifetime to master. However, it’s very possible that the internet is offering a chance to level the playing field altogether, making it possible for all levels of artistry to enter the game. For web designers, the creation of a truly excellent design takes every bit as much expertise as any other art form. But they also recognize that excellence in design doesn’t transmit to sales or traffic, and often the artistic principles seem to have little to do with a site’s popularity.
It’s still important to pay close attention to elements of web design , where the overall look needs to have some artistic merit. This is because the principles of art and design are based on how people perceive color and space, and can make the difference between an eye-catching site or one that gets passed by. It’s also a feather in the cap to have a site that drives traffic but also meets design principles, because artistic flourishes can make an experience more interesting. That’s not to say that a site should strive to be sublime, but if there’s room for a bit of the sublime in the practical functions of the site, then why not?