Learning Web Design...

[A.N.Onym]

I'd suggest learning at least the basics of SEO, usability and accessibility. This will put you in the better top of the web design folk in the world.

If you learn usability good enough, you'll be one of the best web designers. I have yet to see dozens of designers vowing for website usability (I do know a couple, though).

[feline]

Perhaps it is good to have at least a basic idea of HTML and then move on to the other application software, e.g., dreamweaver.

[alphomega]

I would suggest not trying to learn everything, if its the design you wish to do then photoshop is the industry standard.

It would also be worth while looking at accessibility, so you will know how to use the right colour contrasts and also not making designs with "click here" links.

A basic knowledge of HTML and CSS will also halp as you will also learn from experience how to make your designs more friendly for the developer building the website.

[rourkey]

Hi

Put CSS top of the list

Rourkey

[andy russell]

Originally Posted by bumfluff

There are a lot of places that offer graphic/web design courses that aren't really worth anything because the certification isn't recognised anywhere else. Look for a nationally recognised standard. That could mean a HND, degree etc.

As for university, a degree is good, it'll probably give you a head start when entering the job market, but I wouldn't say it's necessary because most places will judge you by your portfolio work rather than what piece of paper you have. If that sounds like it goes against what I said earlier, it doesn't - the reason to go with a nationally recognised course is because they generally have the better course content and you'll learn more.

I'm the senior developer for a pretty major (for our city anyway) web company. If you apply to us qualifications would not matter in the slightest, we would 100% go with portfolio work.

This may be partly due to the fact i have no web based qualifications at all (they didn't exist for a start when i started doing it, we barely used images even) and because a lot of the people i see who have them know far less than those who have just hacked about until they figured it out themselves.

Obviously this doesn't mean don't get qualifications, but it does mean don't be afraid to "put yourself out there" even if you don't.

I would avoid dreamweaver, personally i wouldn't hire anyone who couldn't code by hand.