Graphic design for web

Hello, I need suggestions about where I can learn graphic design aspects for web (preferably online courses), or what books I have to read.

I want to learn something related to composition, color theory, typhography, etc, and how to apply it for web pages. I am already familiar with HTML, CSS, and Photoshop. Since my education background is information technology, I know how to make web pages that work, but my main problem is I don’t know how to make them look beautiful.

Do I need to take a degree in graphic design to learn those stuffs?

Thanks.

A degree in graphic design will surely teach your the tricks of the trade in more details. However, if you don’t have the time or enthusiasm, you can begin with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, which will help you to experiment and learn. Software like Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, and Flash will also come into the picture as you are ready for transition into the next level.

Making a website look beautiful is a tricky task but there are some great books which can help you (rather than getting an expensive degree):

  • The Zen of CSS Design - This book shows how to use CSS to get clean unique designs.
  • The Elements of User-Experience - A thin book but it covers how to construct a design carefully.
  • The Principles of Beautiful Web Design - One of SitePoint’s books, highlighting how to create great layouts.
  • Sexy Web Design - Another SitePoint book and the sequal to the above, more useful design based tips.
  • The Design of Sites - Like a yellow pages, this covers how to use conventions to ensure a site works well.
  • Thinking with Type - One of the best books on typography for the web there is.
  • Color For Websites - Written by molly, it’s a big but simple book on making use of color within site designs.

The Zen of CSS Design, is my first Guru and mentor…before i was handling website with “td”,“tr” hehehe

yes to take degree is better but as you are an IT personal, you can also learn from online tutorials of Photoshop, Dreamweaver and CoralDraw.

With programming it’s far clearer. If you want to be a developer at most companies your employers will expect some form of undergraduate degree, preferably in Computer Science.

When it comes to Graphic Design I’d be inclined to say that a degree would be beneficial, but a portfolio is what will truly define your skillset. It’s much harder to define the skill of a programmer by his/her work because of the nature of the job.

In short, you don’t need a degree to be a better designer, but it’ll definitely make you a better designer if you get one.