I'm a new web designer looking for tips

[Arkitech]

I'm in the process of building my first commercial website (fingers crossed) and although I know a little bit about html I still need lots of practice. What I was wondering does anyone on this site know the techniques to create those sites that have that artsy/stylish look to them? For example sites like these:

1. http://www.geocities.com/drsqueegee
2. http://crooklyndodgers.com/
3. http://www.justdaz.org/
4. http://www.suffocate.org/platform

Are the listed sites just plain html or do some of them include asp or flash programming? If those really are html sites then thats a good idea of how I would like to design my page. But the only problem is I don't even know what I should start on first to get things moving. If anyone can offer some advice I'd appreciate it.

Thanx

 

[nickdakick]

Learn how to linkify ?
1.

2.

3.

4.

 

[Phalkon]

The first one uses Flash, thats a given
The second one uses what could be XML, although I'm not sure. Perhaps its Java... either way it slows down my browser window
The third one is just regular HTML with a Javascript on the top.
Last one is regular HTML.

Before designing the webpage on the computer, do it on paper. Get a theme and general layout for the main pages on paper first, that way you have something to work from when fooling around in graphics programs.
One thing that A LOT of people don't use, and I think they should, are Style sheets, which define the font for every type of text contained within your page. It makes pages look so much prettier! Note: You should use only Pre-loaded Windows Fonts for Style sheets, because if the computer doesn't have it, it will default to a different font.

Artsy pages require an artsy type of person to do them, so crank up them creativity skillz! After the creativity part is over, then its all HTML Skillz

Also, don't hesitate to look at the source of a page if you want to learn how to do something cool... just don't rip it off completely

 

[Arkitech]

are there any sites that take you step by step on web page building?

 

[Jonny]

Phalkon, I agree, style sheets are the best, and SOO much less hastle too.
I have recently started doing that and I will never go back.

 

[Jonny]

How about buying a book?
HTML is the EASY part, todays webpages demand so much more. You will have to learn Java, ASP or PHP...and if you want to get creative, learn some flash.

 

[kami]

Hmmm, your building commercial sites and you don't even know the techniques used for making these sites??

First of all, the last two should be pieces of cake for anyone with general web design knowledge. The first one is decent flash work but there is much better out there. The second one...design sucks IMO.

Maybe you should get some books, and what software are you using now? Or are you using straight code? if so, you may find yourself limited at times. Try macromedia software.

 

[Chef0083]

Yes,, Dreamweaver....

 

[kami]

Don't forget Fireworks...that godly software

 

[Arkitech]

Kami: When I say commercial I just mean that I think I have an idea for a site that might make a little income. Thanks for the all the information, I'm going to try and find a copy of Dreamweaver and get started.

One more question tho, are there any free programs on the web that will allow me to create graphics and banners for web sites?

 

[Jonny]

Dream Weaver is nice (I have version 3) but try to stick to writing your own code. When you get good at it (and you will since you will be forced to learn it) the code will be much nicer, and DW can screw things.

I just bought EditPlus 2 (less than a 1 mg download) and its awesome. Great indenting, colour coding, and I personally like the instant ftp uploading.

I will see if I can find the link for you...

 

[Jonny]

oooo, suprise suprise...the link is Edit Plus 2