Design / Graphics

[LinuxGold]

I've been into html, heavily dependent on CSS. [not entirely table-free mind you] I have no problem setting up a layout, quickly to the standard design. However, my creativity is limited. Is there any web site or resources that I can use to learn on how to do Web design/graphics (I use Gimp and I'm into photography) to create a good web site i.e. CSS Zen Garden? Or is it based on designer's super powered creativity?

[limbo]

Or is it based on designer's super powered creativity?

Yes and no. The sites in Zen garden are designed by very talented people - but what makes them special is the techniques used to do it.

I'd say to be a really good web designer you need both creativity and excellent knowledge of your tools.

I am not sure you can learn it 'just like that' but if you were to spend some time studying design theories it certainly would help. Look at the basics - form, colour, composition and how those can be used effectively (and ineffectively) for design. We spend alot of time manipulating text so looking at studies on typography would be logical.

From my own perspective - I take notes on sites that I think have an excellent overall visual identity and try to break down why.

Non of them follow a set of rules but all have common themes. Design is ambiguous and subjective.

I do stick to one rule though: - Does *it* have a function?

Form over function is bad design.

[photon]

I was in a similar situation--I was proficient on the programming side, but had no training in graphic design. One book that helped me with that is The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams.

No, not that Robin Williams

[LinuxGold]

Thanks. I googled for that book The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams and find it interesting... I'll buy that book and see what I can come up with.

About functionality -- Since I design website for internal reason, I tend to use white-gray-black combination, very flat and corporate theme. I was trying to think up of "business" sense, making it more encouraging and productive. So that is where I came to CSS Zen Garden -- and found it very inspiring.

About typography -- Is there any freeware fonts that I can download and evaluate them?

[tombola]

Is there any freeware fonts that I can download

Lots of them!
Just google for freeware fonts.