Getting started in web design / graphic design

[brownsfan019 17]

I'm interested in learning more about designing web pages and graphic design. I understand that Adobe is king here, so what would you recommend for someone new to this? Just not even sure where to start... For example, Adobe's website has quite a few programs available, but not sure what is recommended to 'get your feet wet' and not feel overwhelmed.

 

Thanks!

[weiwei 10]

brownfan019, web page design has gotten very complicated nowadays. If you can limit down to what you want to achieve, then it can save you a lot of time on not going to the wrong direction.

 

Design a more graphical web page and designing a more database related web page take different tools and talents.

 

and they all take time to master.

 

weiwei

[weiwei 10]

Sorry, miss the important one.

 

Once I know, I can give you some info on what tool is good to do what you want.

 

weiwei.

[brownsfan019 17]

wei - I understand that this, just like anything worth doing, takes time to learn... With that being said, I would like to start to get my feet wet b/c I've always wanted to be able to create a website from nothing or create graphics, pictures, etc. More of a hobby if you will.

 

As for where to start and such, I would just like to be able to take a blank 'piece of paper' and create a basic website for now. I don't need it to do much right now, I just want to be able to say that I created a site from nothing. Something that can have multiple webpages, some graphics, text, etc. Not much more than that for now.

 

Thanks for the help!

[TinGull 10]

brown, my sister has been doing this for a few years now and here are some reccos from her:

 

Simply enough... Photoshop and Dreamweaver. Photoshop can slice all your images and put them into HTML for you which can then just go straight into dreamweaver where you can add content.

 

Pretty simple.

[weiwei 10]

brownsfan019, to build simple website with minimal effort try using those web site building tool offer by hosting company.

 

register.com and netfirms.com are 2 of the company that offer that function.

 

will find you more option when I get in contact with a pro on this.

 

BTY, Brown's Fan, how about Eric Matcalf on punt return. I remember he single handedly won a game for Brown just on punt return.

 

weiwei

[weiwei 10]

Brownsfan019, Got this from a experience designer.

 

there are the tools that she use.

 

Dreamweaver, Flash and fireworks. Photoshop has gain a lot momentum lately.

 

weiwei

[brownsfan019 17]

wei - thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

 

Regarding Metcalf, he was a special player here. Never the 'big' name but always had the ability to change a game!

[Soultrader 12]

Hi brownsfan,

 

There is also a solution of a CMPS (Content Management & Portal System) which is fully customizable with an admin control panel. For example, I am using a board system in combination with a CMPS for this site. This allows me to add blocks, sections, etc.. without professional knowledge of web design. There are plenty of different CMPS solutions out there. You might want to take a look into as well

[Nick1984 10]

Photoshop is essentail to learn. For more detailed things CAD is pretty cool but might be over the top as well as really expensive to buy. It depends on what you want to do really. My mate uploads his CAD images onto his website for clients to see. He's an industrial designer/architect. But for all intensive purposes Photoshop and Dreamweaver are sufficient for basic stuff.

[darthtrader 10]

you might want to check out GIMP instead of photoshop if you just want to do it more for a hobby.

GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

 

its basically a free version of photoshop. if you have never used photoshop before its fine, its a pain if you know photoshop from a UI perspective but its free.

 

you might even want to start out learning basic html instead of an editor. it will take a little longer but once you know some you can just copy a site design you like.