Question by Ali: What does a freelance web designer absolutely need to know in order to be successful?
I am thinking about pursuing a career in web design. I learned there was a huge difference in web design and web development. I’ve studied the design aspect for a while now and I really want to know what is essential to be a successful freelance web designer. So far, I’m comfortable with HTML/CSS, Photoshop, and a tiny bit of Flash…is it necessary to know PHP and other coding languages in order to build a website? And while I’m at it, what is the difference between HTML and other languages?
Best answer:
Answer by Benoît Bouré
Hi!
Well it seems obvious to me to know at least a little bit of PHP and/or ASP in order to develop a website.
There is not only the design part of it, but the functional part (process of forms, retrieve data from a database, etc).
You can always use CMS’s like joomla for instance and just create a web design for it but you should at least know how it works and be able to adapt the code if necessary.
Concerning the difference between HTLM and other languages, well, it depends which ones! ^^
(X)HTML is a front-end language that will be interpreted by the browser to render the visible content of the page. CSS is also a front-end language, it handles styles.
For instance, php is a back-end language, it will process information on the server side.
So you will definitely need php if you want to create a website from scratch.
Or you can find an associate that will do the programming and you will do the design.
Otherwise, you can only dedicate your work to web design (banners, logos, etc).
I am a bit in the opposite situation as you are. I am a developer and don’t know well about design (I’m a beginner). So, if you feel interested in exchanging experience, contact me 
http://www.bbwebconsult.com
What do you think? Answer below!