Web design book

[brentman]

Can anyone recommend me a book to learn design fundamentals? Primarily for web site design, but also advertising/marketing pieces. Gonna be takin on some new responsibilities at work and want to be prepared.

Thanks all,
Brent

 

[InverseOfNeo]

I am not sure but I was somewhat wondering the same thing. I have found that much of what I have read is either too simple and doesnt tell me what I want to know or that it is too advanced and I cant associate it with what exactly I need it to do. Not sure if you were in the same/similar boat as me or if you do want learn the real simple stuff.

 

[brentman]

I already have a good solid base in technologies. I am good with HTML/CSS/ASP/ASP.NET and getting better with flash. I just want to make more 'visually pleasing' layouts and designs. Catchy looking stuff.

I just have a lack of creative ability I guess. I am kinda looking for a book that outlines typical guidelines to creating nice looking designs.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

First, the WebHostingTalk (WHT) forums are a great resource. Also, I would reccomend just searching online for good tutorials such as those from SitePoint.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: brentman
I already have a good solid base in technologies. I am good with HTML/CSS/ASP/ASP.NET and getting better with flash. I just want to make more 'visually pleasing' layouts and designs. Catchy looking stuff.

I just have a lack of creative ability I guess. I am kinda looking for a book that outlines typical guidelines to creating nice looking designs.

Also, you might want to hook up with someone who is good with design, but poor with coding.

 

[InverseOfNeo]

Originally posted by: DeathByAnts
First, the WebHostingTalk (WHT) forums are a great resource. Also, I would reccomend just searching online for good tutorials such as those from SitePoint.

That sitepoint resource looks good. I didnt know about that before.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: InverseOfNeo

Originally posted by: DeathByAnts
First, the WebHostingTalk (WHT) forums are a great resource. Also, I would reccomend just searching online for good tutorials such as those from SitePoint.

That sitepoint resource looks good. I didnt know about that before.

You can buy some of their stuff online, or get it in book format. My college library didn't have a copy, but by browsing the other colleges in the system I was able to find copies of most of their stuff.

 

[Ness]

Graphic Design Solutions
The book on the "better together" called "Visual literacy" is also a good book, albeit boring.


The first one is the one I use from day to day that I had to originally by for my fundamentals of design class. Very good stuff.

Pantone Guide to Communicating With Color -Great for people in ANY design field, shows colors that work well together and the moods they convey, etc.

Visual Interface Design for Windows This one is really about a 3 out of 5 rating from me, but it makes some good points and puts things in perspective quite well.



Other than that, I'd say that the best teacher is experience. http://www.websitesthatsuck.com can teach you a lot, too 😉

By the way, I'd be more than happy to look stuff over for you and tell you what I think, as would much of AT crowd. ATOT is a brotherhood!