Web Design Resources

Since I get asked this a lot...

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 run out and buy Frontpage or Dreamweaver, but those programs can make some hideous web sites if you don't know how to hand-code too. And for the love of all things holy: DO NOT USE MICROSOFT WORD TO CREATE WEB PAGES. It adds in extra, garbled, HTML and such, and tends to only look good in Internet Explorer. It's so bad, there is a command in Dreamweaver that is "Clean up Word HTML". I actually avoid Frontpage too as it still tends to be a little less friendly to those not using Explorer (increasing numbers of surfers don't use it, so don't lose potential web surfers by making pages they can't view).

Great online resources for beginners (and advanced) include:

The World Wide Web Consortium
HTML Goodies
W3Schools
Webmonkey
HTMLSource
HTMLDog

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.