Web designers Tool Kit Route - Im lost!?

Get Started
1

Hey all,

Im a new tot on the scene having only studied HTML / CSS for 3 months now and played a little with PS & Fireworks on CS5.

I use notepad++ to create any mock or live sites, but heres the problem…

Ive become somewhat overrwhelmed as to what code Im supposed to really know, in order to obtain employment with a design agency .

I would like to think that Im not the only one to have had these thoughts and am after some sound advice for a rough outline of what I should be looking to achieve and in some sort of order.

I also understand how critical HTML & CSS are as building blocks and would like to think I have mediocre knowledge of CSS now ( not CSS3 ) .

Ive watched a few videos for CSS3 and yeah it looks great, but how much of it do I apply ( I understand the progressive enhancement part ) in order to enhance my sites, as I only have knowledge wityh HTML & CSS and how do I make these enhancement render in older browsers or do I allow the sites to fail gracefully ?

Example routes I can take :
Things like : Javascript/PHP/MySQL/JqueryHTML5/CSS3 and so on…

Im pulling my hair out with frustration @ the mo, more so than anything as its really starting to confuse me… ( Should I become a gigalo instead ? lol )

2

Gigolo is more fun…

My take: You already know HTML and CSS, correct? Start learning CSS3, and familiarize yourself to an extent with HTML 5, though that’s not ready for prime time yet and may go through major transformations before it is finalized. JavaScript is a necessity, with JQuery a desirable adjunct. So is a strong working knowledge of how to make mockups and Web graphics in PS and/or Fireworks. After that, it’s more optional. PHP is a very viable option, as is Ajax. MySQL or Ruby on Rails are useful areas of knowledge.

Lots of study time in your future, benisjamin. :slight_smile:

3

I always feel overwhelmed too. I feel like there is too much to know and learn, and now I dont have a comp or the internet I’ve fallen behind.

Sent from my Droid Incredible

4

For now, to avoid brain overload, I’d recommend continuing to study and learn CSS and HTML. CSS is like the Japanese game “go”, you can learn it in an hour and take a lifetime to master it. (Unless your name is Tommy Olsson or Paul O’Brien… :slight_smile: )