Here are some things I've found to be very helpful.
1) Before you design a site go to template sites and browse around for 30 minutes, pick out the ones you like and ask yourself why you like them. Look at your favorites over and over. You should get your own ideas while conceptualizing your site.
2) Go to Photoshop (or similar tool) and play around with the layout/design. No such thing as a perfect design, but it's not a one day thing either. What you see today may look different tomorrow. Balance of the page (colors, sizes of objects, positioning) is important. When you make a new page, be sure to select 1024x768 or 800x600, whichever you prefer, just make sure it's the right dimensions. Choosing the wrong size might mean having to redo everything.
3) Layers are your best friend. Organize well. Helps with moving around things faster and reuse some graphics.
4) when youre happy with your design, copy merged or save a jpg then start cutting it up. Cutting up and writing the html is a precise thing. I rarely use width="75%" I always use width="200" (except placing main content area in the background, so people can resize their browser without destroying your html). This HELPS a lot with cross browser compatibility. DO NOT touch any html until youre finished with your site design completely. I cannot emphasize that enough. While cutting up, look out for sections you might be able to convert into flash later on.
I'm no expert, but these guidelines have helped me a bit (as well as taking me a few years to learn)
1) Before you design a site go to template sites and browse around for 30 minutes, pick out the ones you like and ask yourself why you like them. Look at your favorites over and over. You should get your own ideas while conceptualizing your site.
2) Go to Photoshop (or similar tool) and play around with the layout/design. No such thing as a perfect design, but it's not a one day thing either. What you see today may look different tomorrow. Balance of the page (colors, sizes of objects, positioning) is important. When you make a new page, be sure to select 1024x768 or 800x600, whichever you prefer, just make sure it's the right dimensions. Choosing the wrong size might mean having to redo everything.
3) Layers are your best friend. Organize well. Helps with moving around things faster and reuse some graphics.
4) when youre happy with your design, copy merged or save a jpg then start cutting it up. Cutting up and writing the html is a precise thing. I rarely use width="75%" I always use width="200" (except placing main content area in the background, so people can resize their browser without destroying your html). This HELPS a lot with cross browser compatibility. DO NOT touch any html until youre finished with your site design completely. I cannot emphasize that enough. While cutting up, look out for sections you might be able to convert into flash later on.
I'm no expert, but these guidelines have helped me a bit (as well as taking me a few years to learn)
