Learning Website Designing

[amycrystal123]

Hello all,
I am new to this site. I have some doubts and would be grateful if someone comes with useful siggestions and advice.

I am currently vounteered as a webmaster and I take care of the application part of the site and I maintain it. But, I would like to start the design part sometime soon. Right now, the web pages are just blah! and my changes are not yet uploaded to the main site.

I would love to learn website designing and graphics.

Right now, I have Macromedia MX Flash and Dreamweaver installed in my computer and I don't have any knowledge of how to use them graphically and for design purpose.

Can you suggest me how do I approach that? What should be my prerequisites and is it advisable to start any classes for me to learn? Looking at the online training is intimidating and I hardly understand some scripts (eventhough they may actually be very easy).

I live in Kansas. Pls help with any suggestions of classes or any good online training.

Thank you. I appreciate your help.
Amy.

[Hope]

Hi Amy,

Both programs you mentioned are great for website developement, but not for design. If you have Firewords, it would be great for design.

I would suggest you going to B&N and purchasing a book on each of the programs you are going to use. That way you know exactly what they can do.

Design is a form of Art. You need to be able to see what you want the page to look like. Once you see this look, then you need to make it as an image (why you should have firewords). Play with this image until it is what you want.  Then you can have Firewords cut it for you. This will make it into a useful webpage for you.

This is the best way for a beginner to learn. There are several classes you can take. I would suggest looking for a computer learning center in your area. See if they have classes for Webmaster, Website Design and Website Development. Classes on Graphics Design wouldn't hurt either.

Remember, as you are learning, use the knowledge. If you don't , you will never remember it all.

[Amy]

Hi Hope,
Thanks a ton for your valuable advice. This side of learning (graphics and design) are new to me and I am looking forward to learn them and check my level of creativity.

I appreciate your help. Can you recommend any good books to start with? Thanks.
Amy.

[Hope]

Books depend on your level of geekiness. What works for me may not work for you. You would really need to go to B&N and sit on the floor in front of the sectin and look at each book. You will get a pretty quick understanding of what works for you. Each book is written for a different type of person and level of understanding.

[Andy]

Hi Amy,

on behalf of the budding webmasters and designers here, I'm just curious if you have employers paying you to learn Macromedia MX Flash and Dreamweaver. This would be great inspiration to know that people can get jobs based on their potential rather than proven on-job knowledge etc.