Web Design for Beginners

As with any profession, web designers need to have a good foundation in the basics before they can really start to push the boundaries. You may be able to wow potential clients with your flashy sites, but they won’t appreciate the problems that come with badly written code. Keep reading to learn the basics of design.

If you are looking for a single piece of software to assist you, look into getting Adobe Dreamweaver. It is the basis that most programmers use when creating a site. If you have used it before, than that is good, but ensure you are using the latest version. You may want to take a class to learn how to use all the tools that are offered with this software.

Taking the occasional class will help you stay up with any design skill you are lacking. There are plenty of schools that are offering online, day, or weekend classes on any topic you could imagine. If you are not planning on designing more than the occasional simple site, then free classes are probably plenty. On the other hand if you are looking to do this professionally you may want to invest in some more advanced, paid classes.

There are many reference books coming out all the time on good web design practices. The best are usually quite expensive and will need to be replaced from time to time as technology develops. Check reviews and page through any book you are considering at the local library before you make a purchase. You could also check into online subscriptions that are constantly being updated instead of buying paper manuals.

Periodicals related to web design will be a great help as you grow in your profession. They are specifically designed to help you keep up with changes in the standards that help hold the industry together. If you are not working as part of a design community you can quickly get left behind. If this is the case, it is doubly important to keep up through newsletters and magazines. Set aside a few hours each week to get updated with design developments.

One of the most important ways to learn web design is to actually do it. Create at least one demo site before you start handing out your business card. This will give you something to show that demonstrates that you actually know how to create a page. As this is a test page, feel free to make it a bit more flashy. You want clients to see elements that they would like incorporated into their own pages.

Now you know what you need to do to get started. By taking the time to learn your business before taking on your first client, you will have an easier time getting your foot in the door. Web design is not for everyone, and this also gives you a chance to dip your toe in before you are treading water in the deep end with no way out.