chillman

I have been doing web design for a little bit now, and have found many many tuts on how to create effects and how to do this and do that, but I can't seem to find thet edge. That look. I think it may be that I don't have a good grasp of what catches the eye of people. I mean, I know bright contrasting colors, but my marketing skills and ability to target an audience is, shall I say, hindered. My question is: Does anyone here know of some educational sites where I could study these techniques? I know it sounds amateur, but I want to succeed at this. With work and two kids to take care of, it's pretty difficult to get back to school, so I have to do what I can in the evening, or during down time at work. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks to all.

Chillman

Blinky2004

mmm... i don't think you're going to find anything specific to cover that topic, without buying a book full of someone else's ideas on what constitutes "cutting edge web design". Frankly, all of the books i've scanned through at the book store didn't impress me enough to want to buy them.

Here, http://www.shorewalker.com/section4/siegel_turns.html have a read through this article. I think you'll find the information worth knowing.

As far as what you're looking for chillman, i think it has more to do with artistic design, and that's not something that's easily taught/learnt on the Web. I've tried. That's a subject better tackled through an education system.

However... if you have a mind to, you can try to learn design concepts yourself through the Web and books. They'll have little to do with Web design, and more to do with real world design concepts.

Another place to start is simply to go around to sites like Macromedia and sift throguh their "Websites of the Day" list. I did a search on "cutting edge Web Design" and found little in the way of site lists. But a different search term may yield better results.

In general, you're simply going to have to visually study any "high end" sites you come across. That's the poor man's way to get ejamacated on this stuff. But if you're focused enough, you can do it.

The Coach

It's all about being creative and coming up with the right ideas and this is something we all have to deal with, whether we are a writer, photographer, painter, web designer, fashion designer, film maker, interior designer, architect, etc.

I do think that lots of people combine their own ideas with the ideas of others or long forgotten experiences.
It's important do figure out what you want to express and who you want to target when you design a site. Making a list of words (on paper or in your head) is always a great way to move your ideas closer to what you actually want to achieve. You want to make a site about gardening? Make that list! You'll notice that these words will help you to find the right colors, shapes, composition, images, etc.
Making the transition from ideas in our head straight to a final design has always been difficult for lots of people and making a list can be really useful.

Using your eyes; I've noticed that I've improved my photography, web design and photoshop skills purely by looking. I've browsed hundreds of galleries, I've watched several shows on TV about art, fashion, interior design, etc and I've read articles and books.
Part of it is interest, part of it is to train my eyes to look beyond what I see on the outside.

Many times I want to know why I like something.
Take for example the photography forum that I always visit. People post their photographs and when I like something I force myself to reply in great detail why I like it. It has forced me to really think about what makes things work and what doesn't, which is very helpful in developing my own skills.

And you know what? Most people have an easier time to say what's wrong with a photograph, web site, art piece, but it's always harder for them to express the reasons why they like something. I don't believe so much in the "I dunno, I just like it" answers. Maybe it's not always easy to describe what you see, but you can always try to describe what you 'feel'.

I'm sorry if I don't have an easy answer for you, but it's because I believe that creating that effective look is something that can't be describe in just a few words.

My advice for you is; look around more often, ask yourself why certain things have more visual impact, experiment and read.
My experience is this; no single book or site can give you all the right answers. That's why it can be very helpful to have a broad interest in any form of design or art and over time you will discover (like I did) how much they all have in common.

chillman

Thanks JoeD. I have been noticing a lot more of what is around me. I appreciate the feedback. You mentioned experience. That is something that I know comes over time, and I notice as I do more work, I do acheive a better understanding of what is around me as opposed to what I see. Thanks again guys!

leenapink

What I do to find the missing creative zing is to keep learning...I find things I like on the net and build them from scratch, what-ever it is may it be a website or illustration, but I try and make them exactly like the original not close I'm talking exactly. I try to think like the person that developed that original image... What I learn is how to think outside of my confort zone. I spend days figuring out how somebody could have developed that image..in doing so I learn the ins and outs now when I have a new project I'm armed with new insights.
Then delete it! By deleting it I'm telling myself I don't need it anymore, I know how its done!

Lasa