Start Learning To Code

[Judia]

If you're starting with CSS, then try playing around with blank css templates. These are pre-made templates with no styling, so you can experiment with side bars, dimensions, images and whatever else you like! It's how I learned and I'm designing my own template right now.

Here's an execellent place to start: www.free-css.com

(XD Yes, I know it's cheating, but it saves you PLENTY of time.)

If you'd like an online reference for css, html and the other coding types, then http://www.w3schools.com/ will help you out ALOT.

Be aware, there are errors and other issues that the web tutorials don't cover. Keep an online forum or IM friend handy for when you need to fix a problem.

If you're looking to build a great design, then expect to counter errors and hideous first tries. The great websites are always products of patiences, hard work and plenty of research!

On the road to your first design, try going to http://www.bluevertigo.com.ar/bluevertigo.htm for great resources.

It's always important to check out other websites, though! If you're designing a template, then try going with a theme and research websites with similar themes. Grabbing an idea off of another site isn't a sin. It can be a great idea, and teach you A LOT.

PLEASE (I can't stretch that word enough!) research color schemes. Just because caribbean blue and electric pink are your favorite colors doesn't mean they'll look good on a template. Try going to http://www.colorcombos.com/index.html or go to google and type in 'color combinations for websites.'

I started doing web design because of freewebsitestemplates.com and others like it. I wanted to build a great design for my own website, but could never find one that fit me. I've always been a perfectionist, and would have spent thousands on a designer trying to get everything right. In order to save money, learn and have fun, I decided to do it myself.

It's not impossible. If I can do it, anybody can do it. (Trust me!)

[Judia]

Just wanted to add some software links for you. These programs are free, by the way, because i'm always trying to save money.

http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/site.htm

This is an editor. It carries A LOT of coding langauges and is the best i've found on the net.

http://www.gimp.org/

Gimp is a fantastic alternative to photoshop. It's also easy to understand and very useful.

If you're always on the lookout for free software, you can go to www.download.com and search their website. There are buttons to the left hand side that you can click for free stuff. First, choose a catagory. Then, go to the same left side bar and choose 'free' on the first part of the side bar. Below that, you can choose your OS.

=)

[ishkey]

Excellent piece of writing Judia.
Thanks the info we be useful to all.

[CovertPea]

Great write up there Judia. Thank you.
That bluevertigo site will come in very handy, a definate bookmark for me!

Keep up the great work!

Cheers
CP

[Judia]

You're welcome. =) I had no idea i was suppose to do anything. if i find anything else, i'l post it. =)

[reganstar]

Thanks for tips Judia. Very useful!

[locksmiths]

I think this website can also be helpful for color concept. It provides all the color value and
different color from the color analysis of picture.
You can check and see what is really does. That would be better.
http://www.colorsuckr.com

[matthewk]

Originally Posted by Judia

http://www.gimp.org/

Gimp is a fantastic alternative to photoshop. It's also easy to understand and very useful.

Depends ^^ I've had terrible experience with GIMP , and none with photoshop (as in : learning curve) thinkg gimp is so messed up

well anyways:
http://www.csszengarden.com/ (Very handy to learn from people who are genuine css artists, i've been trying to edit the themes here and that has gotten me to the point where i can start learning slicing / coding templates - in which i fail now tho :') )
http://kuler.adobe.com/ color schemes (and their codes ofcourse)