Are you thinking of getting into web design, but don’t know where to get started? If so, look no further than the five resources listed below. They provide the first step towards you becoming a professional designer.

http://www.w3schools.com/

Okay, so my first resource isn’t strictly web design based, but let’s be honest, the

chances are if you’re going to design a website, you’re going to want to know how to

actually build it too. W3schools provide tutorials for building a professional website

with JavaScript and the works. We particularly like their use of ‘try it yourself’ tools.

These allow the reader to experiment with the coding learnt on preceding pages

with ease.

http://www.designshard.com/

This one is a little more on topic. This website offers both tutorials, and inspiration

on web design. I was impressed with the inspiration page of this site, which

contains many lists of sites that carry out a certain effect particularly well. I’m by

no means suggesting that you should copy the design ‘pixel for pixel’, but it’s always

handy to find some inspiration, and you may be surprised at how easy this page can

help you trigger your own ideas.

http://photoshoptutorials.ws/

This one does what it says on the tin. You may already be familiar with photoshop,

but if you’re not, sites such as this one are a must. Web design is all about

photoshop, and for good reason. Photoshop frees the user to design absolutely

anything imaginable, and although at first it may seem unfamiliar, it’s absolutely

essential that a designer learns to use the software’s ins and outs. It’s also worth

mentioning that for Mac users, an equally useful software – ‘aperture’ is available.

http://webdesignerforum.co.uk/

I felt it was necessary to include a forum into this list, and the one aforementioned

covers a lot of ground. Using a forums like this allows one to gain personalized

advice and in conversing with fellow designers, you tend to pick up skills without

even realising it. I can personally vouch for this forum, and they certainly made me

feel welcome.

http://www.webdesignermag.co.uk/

Making full use of the word ‘resources’, I am not referring to the website here, but

rather the magazine itself. Okay, it’s a big step for a fresh designer to pay a monthly

subscription to a magazine, but I assure you it is worth it. If you are serious about

web design and want to progress in it towards a professional level, I couldn’t

recommend this magazine more. Intuitive, friendly, and resourceful, it’s like all the

best web design sites rolled into one.

Filed under: Useful Resources by Will