Website design?

[Shyla Bernetta]

l would like to design my own website .How do l go about it as l do not have the slightest idea about the creation of websites and the fancy pictures that go with it.l have experience in the design of plant graphics and after that simply use the run time that usually goes with the software to get my real time updates.

[DN_Angel]

You better study Html or much better if JavaScript. Try to buy some textbook regarding this..
I know that some companies offer to do that..

[oliverrural]

I recommend you read a bit about html and play with it so you understand the basics. Then look closely at some of the other features that go into it such a JavaScript, .css and the various graphic formats (jpg, gif, animated gif). Also early on its simpler to use a WYSIWYG editing program to create the site. One of the better free ones is Kompozer (free download), but if you have preferences for spending the Microsoft and Adobe both have programs that will work (I find they add too much extra code though).
One simple site I made wasOLIVER Rural IT Solutions and another is Best Hair Care These were done differently but show what is possible.

[marisalexia]

Creating a website is more knowledge and less program. If you know what you're doing, you can make very nice sites with Notepad. (Granted, it's a royal pain - Notepad Plus makes it a lot easier - and it's still free.) If you don't know what you're doing, even Dream weaver won't help you much.

[jacksonp]

Design Tips:
1. Always use graphics that fit the content.
2. Do not use images that blink or move or change or rotate or flash or do anything on your page.
3. Stick with standard layouts.
4. Whitespace is more than the CSS property, it is a function of your layout. You should be aware of the whitespace on your pages and how it affects how the content is viewed.

[coolmac]

No..no..no...disregard advice you have been given so far!

This is what I recommend for you, it's how I got started...i'm not claiming to be a guru but I know how-to.

1. Download a free open source CMS like Joomla! and play with it. Find out what it is, how to set it and have it running..I'd recommend you use Xampp with it.

2. Get creating. Download components that you feel your site will need. Let's call these "functions". Once you know what functions you need, go to Joomla site and browse for something that meets your needs.

3. Find themes that you would like to use and try them out, rearrange stuff etc...that's what learning is all about. Discover the nooks and crooks on your own.If you're stuck, head over to the community and ask.

Listen, there is nothing under the sun that is new and a problem you may come across, has troubled a lot of people too. Just browse the internet and you will find answers.

When it comes to coding, start off with HTML, CSS. I recommend Head First HTML with CSS and XHTML That should get you up to speed. After that, learn any programming language you fancy, I learnt PHP straight after that.

Remember the best way to learn is by doing, so tweak the software to your needs and keep a copy just for fiddling with it, try new things, if it malfunctions you just reinstall...keep at it and before long, it will be natural for you!

Good luck mate, any questions just ask!

[stopover]

I'd either hire someone to code a custom design for you (on elance or odesk), or simply use one of the thousands of html/css template that are already available on the net. Simply google phrases like 'html template' or 'free template' and you're ready to fly.