Re: Web Design

I've been reading this thread with great interest.  Again, I'm one of those
who picked up web design on my own.  HTML is vitally important.  Even with
the WYSIWYG editors available, inevitably, it won't do what you want it to
do sometimes.  When you can pop over to HTML view and actually FIND the
problem and fix it, the job of coding is much less stressful.

So my response to the original poster is, "as much as you can learn".  Daily
the technologies that are the internet and browsers change.

1.  Get a great command of HTML, it will be a lifesaver in a pinch.  CSS
replaces, or rather corrects, inadequacies in HTML so CSS is also a
prerequisite.  As XML develops into a standard, XML will solve other
inadequacies of HTML, so start learning it to as you go.
2.  Get a basic understanding of layout... whitespace, colorizing, eye
direction on the page, etc.  Even a knowledge of text and typography is
helpful, and will become more so as embedded font technology improves....
3.  Learn how to create engaging content.  This is where I'm at right now.
The writing skills I gained in HS and college are proving invaluable.

Once you have these three, and you can develop the skills in your practice,
then you have choices of specialty.  Whether it be graphics creation and
optimization, animation, scripting, streaming media, e-commerce, or any
number of other possibilities.  Find something you enjoy and become great at
it, while getting a rudimentary understanding of everything else.

In the end, your designs and your business will reflect the time you've put
into them.  You decide how great you want to be in this business and the sky
is the limit!


HoustonGuy <houston.guy(at)usa.net>

Kenneth Finkel
Homegrown Web Publishing
http://members.xoom.com/HoustonGuy

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