Viewing Thread:
"Web Design. Where should i start?"

OK the title to this post may read "where should i start", but thats not totally correct. But i still really need help.

Ive been making websites for about a year now, at one point i thought i was good but now i really do get the feeling that im going backwards!
Heres my story:
I was originally learning html and gettin on nicely, learning html while making sites. But the i got a copy of Macromedia Dreamwever, and also bought PSP7. I still cannot decide if this is the best or the worst thing i have ever done. You see now i dont know html at all really, and when making sites i can make good graphics, but that seems to be it. My sites now just seem to be a collection of seperated graphics! Ive got to the point now where i realise i need to do something about it. What do i do next?

What should i learn? (can u link to sites that will help or reccomend books please)

What makes a good site?

Any other help or tips?

Im always making websites (not many uploaded) but i feel im not getting any better, and at times i feel im getting worse.

Please Help, coz i know you guys are the only help i have left (lol bit over dramatic, but hey i need help here!)

Ah, but not out of the box. I'm sure you could get a plugin for almost anything with PS7. However, I'm afraid the same applied to the GIMP...

Not that I'm saying the GIMP is better than Photoshop, because it's not. However, it's really damn near.

Turbonutter wrote:
> I really resent that. I did it in the GIMP, you can't get lens flares
> as good as that in Photoshop, or PSP7.

Really? I've been producing lens flares like that in PhotoShop for years!
I agree, you'd have a hard time doing it in PSP7, but trust me Rob... You can acheive much better results in Photoshop, especially with plug-ins like KPT.

well fanks guys, ive gathered quite a few good tips of you in this topic. Well im just about to go out shopping and buy a PHP book, and learn that over the next 10 weeks or so.

Also check out xboxsource.co.uk

I designed that new design for it. I think its pretty good to look at, there are a few changes i will have to make though. I know that you guys will find a load of coding problems with it, because yoo not what your doin and i don't but hey critiscm is good!

Also join the XBS forums they are getting good!

Fog wrote:
> *sigh* Fireworks isn't better than Photoshop, I used to think it was,
> but it doesn't come close anymore, I don't used Fireworks for anything
> else other than changing my photoshop files into .gif/.jpg
>
> Then again Fireworks is free, I was very lucky to get my copy of
> Photoshop.
>
> Turbonutter, you logo was made in Photoshop

I really resent that. I did it in the GIMP, you can't get lens flares as good as that in Photoshop, or PSP7.

> and your snakeskin was
> made in Gimp, you can make something similar in Photoshop though..yet
> nothing other than whats on your 'images' page was made in Fireworks.

That probably has something to do with the fact I don't have Fireworks any more. Screwed Windows box - remember?

I like Fireworks for Animations, but personally still prefer Photo Shop Pro for most Image altering.

I have to disagree liammdg, I don't think Frames make a sight look like its been designed by a beginner. I think if they sute a site, then why not use them. Just make sure they look good in multiple resolutions and they are ok (well I think so anyway).

Have a look at http://special.reserve.co.uk/common/membership/join.php, and click the 'Click here to browse the Free Gift selection', does't thta look ok to you???

*sigh* Fireworks isn't better than Photoshop, I used to think it was, but it doesn't come close anymore, I don't used Fireworks for anything else other than changing my photoshop files into .gif/.jpg

Then again Fireworks is free, I was very lucky to get my copy of Photoshop.

Turbonutter, you logo was made in Photoshop and your snakeskin was made in Gimp, you can make something similar in Photoshop though..yet nothing other than whats on your 'images' page was made in Fireworks.

A good site is one with a good layout. If the first page is well laid out, clear and visitors can instantly see what's what. I would definitely recommend using tables, but DON'T use frames. They're tacky and make your site look as if you're a beginner. Don't use too many colours - stick to a maximum of four main colours for backgrounds, links, text, etc.

Everyones got different opinions, personally I love Fireworks and I just can't get used to PSP, Fireworks makes effects really easy.

Fireworks wees on all other graphics software from a great height, well, Internet-wise.

So yes, it is better than psp7, although you shouldn't just use one or the other exclusively...

As for usability, wait for Tyla to post his links.