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Best Ways to Learn Graphics Design for the Web?
ConceptDog asks: "I consider myself a fairly good web programmer. In fact, my job evolved from just fixing PC's to being lead designer for most of the new web applications for my company. I'm comfortable with formatting things using CSS, however the one thing that has always escaped me is designing custom graphics for my sites. I'd like to be able to create buttons and interesting backgrounds to punch up my designs and use in other media (Flash for example). I've always had a problem with art. I really can't draw a straight line with a ruler. What are some methods and resources others with more language oriented backgrounds have used to help make the step from just a web programmer to a real web designer?"
Economics: do what you're good at, and trade for the rest.
I think it's rare for one guy to be really good at both graphics and code. Find a graphics guy, and create a partnership. You do the code for his projects, and have him do the design for yours. Or simply pay him. He'll charge a lot less than he would to create the whole site for you (which most of his clients might want), since you're only asking him to do the part he really likes and is really good at.
well if you suck at art you'll probably suck at graphic design. over the years i've become pretty proficient with photoshop and fireworks, but i still contract out for designs simply because i don't have the creativity to come up with new stuff for every website.
Good idea, actually. I think places like Drawspace (http://www.drawspace.com/) are very useful.
I second the suggestion to take an art class. I recently took my first art class at the local community college, and realized that I am indeed capable of drawing more than stick figures! Since then I have taken a photoshop/illustrator course, and have dabbled with some 3D tools (see my deviant art page in my sig or my profile to see examples of things I have made). Don't let others (or more likely yourself) talk you out of seeing what kind of artistic talent you have. Now not only can I code php, but I am on my way to learning how to create icons and honest to goodness art (both traditional and 3D).
I Am My Own Worst Enemy
I'm a straight up software developer. I often develop server/client technologies and sometimes I'm asked to build web components for access/interactivity. Simple enough, but usually when I present an end product I'm asked to buff it up a little. Make it look smooth and professional, like millions of dollars was invested in to it.
/., its easy to imagine what you want to put together, but building it can be challenging. A friend of my in the industry introduced me to this http://www.pixel2life.com/ where I can find many tutorials and tips/tricks for web/graphic design. Its largely community driven, so it has a large variety of talent and techniques devoted to it.
I'm sure, like many others on
I'd recommend it as a place to start.
If i wanted to hear bullshit, i'd go to church.