I feel like a moron...I can't get a handle

[1stwave]

on this web design thing.

I've been trying to figure out web design for months now and it just doesn't click.

Is there a online resource or book anyone could recommend for me.

I know the basic html coding and all the sources I've found seem to concentrate on HTML basics for beginners. I can build a site that looks like it was built by a monkey...I want to learn how to build a decent site.

What I what to know is how to bring it all together.

How do I lay out a page with banners/headers...what DO you call the top part of a page, where your logo goes......?????

How do I design the navagation menu...tables?

Geez..I feel like a real dope, I know the lightbulb will turn on for me at some point but ...this is frustrating...help point me in the right direction..please.

Sorry for the rant, thanks in advance for your help.

Heidi

[ADAM Web Design]

There really isn't a single book or tutorial per se since a great deal of it is common sense and will depend on the individual website and its target market.

Here are some of my won personal general guidelines:

1) Logos are usually best suited to the top left.
2) Navigation is often best either on the top or left, and then repeated at the bottom in the event of a long page.
3) Photoshop is arguably the best tool for mocking up a site layout. There are many tutorial sites that focus on Photoshop layouts and interfaces: Here's one now.
4) Keep your layout and font styles consistent across all pages so that users don't get confused.

That's about all I can think of off the top of my head.

[eightfifteen]

First, you're not a moron. I know morons and you ma'am are no moron.

Sorry, that was attempt to make a funny paraphrase of that famouse "You're no Jack Kennedy" line from the VP debate a few years back. If you know that you need a push in the right direction, then you're smarter than about 90% of the designers out there.

Anyway, back on topic. If the budget allows, you might want to consider buying a WYSIWYG site builder like GoLive or Dreamweaver. It will give you the opportunity to lay out the site visually and from that, you can look at the code. to learn it if you wish. If that is out of your budget, I would recommend that you at least download a demo of the software so you can practice.

There can be a steep learning curve with this. I spent years in print design and the transition was pretty steep for me, and I'm still learning. Knowledge in the web design world is never absolute. Information is always changing, and there is always more to learn, which is why it can be very rewarding when you do something nice. Stick with it.

[richkoi]

Just play around with building sites. I have a ton of failed attempts floating around on the web that have helped me create a few aces.

I use Paint Shop Pro and Dreamweaver and have started off with sites that monkeys could have done better to sites that are at least marketable. :)

Start simple and then build on that. Be consistent in your design from page to page (I've found Dreamweaver templates and CSS help me do that).

Dreamweaver really helps if you are tired of hand coding everything. It keeps code fairly clean and compliant and the new Dreamweaver MX comes with some good tutorials and CSS/Template/HTML/etc tools.

Stick with it too, don't get too frustrated and use these forums as much as possible, taking in other points of view has really helped me improve.

Rich


P.S. Share your work...it's hard to improve without other's opinions.

[1stwave]

Thanks for your words of encouragement guys.

I've never struggled with anything in my life and this web design business has me stymied!?!

But, the jist I get from your posts are just keep practicing and you're right that IS the answer. I'm a perfectionist, if I can't do something well, I start over and do it again and again.

I've torn down more sites than I can count...until today...my new system of learning will be build it, host it and move on.

One site that made it online is listed below. I made it with "Site Build It". Not very good but at least it has seen the light of day.

Tommorrow, I'm going to start finishing sites good or bad.

Thanks for the inspiration,
Heidi http://www.satellitetvhound.com

[richkoi]

Hey, for a dope (just kidding) you made a pretty nice site (http://www.satellitetvhound.com).

I think you are already way ahead of where most of us started.

Rich

[MaineWeb]

I agree with the Dreamweaver suggestion. Its nice to know a little HTML, but you may be able to pick up enough of it while using Dreamweaver. If money is an issue (and isn't it always?), you might try checking eBay for a legal copy. Older versions work fine for practice and they can be quite inexpensive. Just make sure you don't end up with the educational version. It works the same but isn't licensed for commercial use. Best wishes!

[1stwave]

for all your respones and I wanted to share this...

The light bulb finally turned on!!....I get it!!

Something you said about just keep building and yesterday I was building a template and instead of getting frustrated and starting new...I just kept going and "EUREKA", it all fell in place!

I feel like I just won the lottery, I'll have to post my new site when I get done and believe me no more perfectionism...it's getting hosted.

Just one thing regarding Dreamweaver, I know it's the professionals choice. I purchased it. I got a bunch of tutorial books. And the learning curve was too much, for me.

I actually think it slowed me down 'cos I just figure out the HTML rules with it.

Now, i'm using Evrsoft's First Page and it has helped me tremendously as did you guys...thanks!

All the best,
Heidi

[richkoi]

AH, I know the feeling. I finally made a site one day that made me feel that way. Kept me going and now I feel like I can improve that site 100 times over but don't need to because the client is still very happy.

I am a perfectionist but I realized at one point or another that I can not let it defeat me. I am not perfect and never will be but I was not going to give up. I strive for perfection even though I can never reach it, nothing wrong with that. I became a born-again web designer that day! heh heh

Rich