Web Design Resources

Since I get asked this a lot...

Written by Janice K. Schwarz, B.S.B/e-B.

You are here: Home  >>  FAQs  >>  Web Design Resources

Many people come to me and say "I want to learn web design, where do I start?". Well, there are tons of resources out there.

First, let me say this: at least learn some basic HTML. Sure you can get a web design program, but those programs can make some hideous web sites if you don't know HTML too. And for the love of all things holy: do not use Microsoft Word to create web pages.

As you learn web design, make sure you're using instructors and sites that focus on accessibility, usability, cross-platform issues, load times, SEO, and designing for your audience/target audience.

Great online resources for beginners (and advanced) include:

HTML Goodies
W3Schools
Websitetips.com
Webmonkey
HTMLSource
HTMLDog
The World Wide Web Consortium

For those wanting to expand on their knowledge (especially for moving to CSS, accessibility, cross-platform issues, etc), check out the sites above, and you can also visit:

A List Apart
CSS Zen Garden
Webcredible
CSSBeauty
Molly.com
Web Developer's Journal
Web Reference

To learn more about the design aspect of web design, take a look at:
Web Pages That Suck (Learn Good Web Design by Looking at Bad Web Design)

Trust me...you'll find far more. I'll add to this list as I recall sites I've visited.

Books and software
These are books I have either used personally, or I've worked with one or two in the series and think the rest would be equally easy to work with on that subject. I am a big fan of the...

  • Simplified
  • Visual Quick Start Guide
  • Lynda
  • Core
  • Teach Yourself in 10 Minutes

      ....series of books.

I'm actually not a big fan of the Dummies books...the material is not often covered well or laid out in a way that allows easy comprehension. Admittedly, it's been some years since I've checked out any of the Dummies books regarding various web design subjects.

You don't need all of these; one or two per category should suffice for a good foundation to build on. These are primarily beginner books just to get started with. You'll find a lot more resources once you've got a good, working knowledge. And of course, if you can't afford to go book shopping, then use the online resources. I used those long before I could afford books. I still check in on them periodically to see what's new or to jog my memory if I'm doing something I haven't done in a while.

HTML

     

CSS
 
 

Little of All 3 - HTML, XHTML & CSS

 

Web Design & Layout, practical uses of CSS, usability, etc.

 

Software