Starting out in web design?

[Tris]

How did people here start out in web design? What tools did you use & resources to start with? For me personally, being only a very beginner at the moment, I've used free templates which I can then edit a bit to get what I want.

Interested to hear responses.

[Albert Tai]

I use to do web designing a bit just use tutorial.
It teaches you alot...teach yourself its the best way to learn.
~Al

[Jess]

I am not really into web designing but I used to do little designing work few years ago. I used to follow Photoshop tutorials and make cool effects

However I could never get much into designing because I didn't have much time available

[Dragonizer]

I started with a few books from the local library, and just use a notepad, I started on my Amiga 1200 so I did not have any good editing software. I also used w3schools for tutorials.

Now adays I just use templates on most of my sites its alot easier

[sayzlim]

I started web design a few months ago...
=), quite new huh?

At first, I design purely with table by modifying the blogger template,
after a certain amount of time, I begin to indulge myself in learning web design,
all started by visiting smashingmagazine.com and read almost every material in there.

And so I practice creating my own template in wordpress using Photoshop and DW for coding. I do have some books web design related, and also read about layouting coz it'll help a lot when you sketching your template.

[phyza]

I do web designing and even designed a great cart website too for international client but i got a team of professional designers and developers for that so till now i am not into website designing myself but its a great part of my services
Thanks
PHYza

[Sneakyheathen]

I started from taking free templates and modifying them. Once I learned some HTML, I learned CSS, and tried making themes from scratch. Taking free themes and messing around is a great way to learn coding, and I still use snippets and tutorials to learn.

[Matt]

I did the same as Sneaky, a bit of light modification work, cutting and pasting snippets here and there, works a treat to get you learning. Once you get used to the main things, you being to memorize the snippets which makes it easier as you gather more experience.

[Chris]

I started out using some software, and looking at other peoples work as examples. I just got inspiration from every design I looked at. And once you start to get the concepts down you'll find out just how easy it is. Free templates, designs and themes are a great way to get a feel for how things work on the back end.

[Pilib Štěpán]

First, be sure you're good at it. I know that sounds really critical, but there are a lot of people out there that enjoy designing websites and 'think' that they're good, but they aren't. Make sure you add value to the industry.Next, try getting business owners you know to hand over their website design requirements. Build one or two for little cost. You'll build references and a portfolio.

[Sneakyheathen]

Originally Posted by Pilib Štěpán

First, be sure you're good at it. I know that sounds really critical, but there are a lot of people out there that enjoy designing websites and 'think' that they're good, but they aren't. Make sure you add value to the industry.Next, try getting business owners you know to hand over their website design requirements. Build one or two for little cost. You'll build references and a portfolio.

I think he's currently just trying to learn HOW to be a good designer. Selling his stuff might be a little advanced right now.

Good tips tho.

[juanaballerina]

this thread is useful for me, i guess everybody is get college for doing design, so i am wrong