PS/I/FW Websiteite Design

unitedcraig · Feb 4th, 2008, 16:25

This may be a really really novice question, iv have just been wondering about it.

Before when i have been messing around designing websites, i have just gone straight into the coding, and seeing how things progress from there.

What should i use to design my website before i start on the coding?

I have got photoshop, fireworks, illustrator etc, so that is no problem?

Also, is there any particular format that i should do them in, PNG, JPG etc.

Does anyone have any good places for tutorials or any advice?

Sorry for the really basic question

thanks in advance

craig

JustinStudios · Feb 5th, 2008, 08:57

Craig's a noob! haha just kidding man.

Ok, when I go to build my websites I always do something strange... I go to my garbage can and I pick out colors I like then I go design a website. I am telling you, you can get some GREAT color schemes if you throw away the right stuff! First thing I do is I get my colors then I put the dots of those colors on a blank template. Then I draw by hand the layout of the site... where the navigation goes, the content, etc etc.... Then I design the look and feel of the site.

Thats my thing... so hope that helps.

alexgeek · Feb 5th, 2008, 10:48

Hey Craig,
I like to setup the basic layout with CSS and t henc reate some snazzy images in photoshop.
I may use illustrator if I have the time, but it's a lot more time consuming that PS.
Fireworks I only use for pixel art, the effects are no where near as good as photoshop's.

unitedcraig · Feb 5th, 2008, 12:28

Thanks for that

I have an idea for a site that i want to do, and i have been sketching it out in college, (amazing how useful English lessons can be

)

I think i will do what you suggest, get the basic layout sorted at first, then work on the colour schemes and images

So photoshop is the best to use for web images then you reckon?

Also, what format should i use, obviously if it's a transparent BG image then PNG, but what about the others, is there advantages to using a particular one, or does it not really matter.

Thanks again

Craig

alexgeek · Feb 5th, 2008, 12:38

What I like to do is leave the bottom layer blank and build everything on top, then when I know what colour my background will be I fill the bottom layer with that colour.
It beats having to play around with transparency.
I usually use png, but if it doesn't have to be that sharp use gif or jpeg.

JustinStudios · Feb 5th, 2008, 16:11

PNGs transparency isn't supported in IE6... So you gotta use faux transparancy's for that.

Photoshop - a program made to manipulate photos. Very useful program and very popular in web development.

Illustrator - a program made to create images. Vector image creation, great for logo's, custom text, and print.

Fireworks - OLD: Photoshop knockoff. NEW: A website layout manager. It's made to actually build the layout of a website and then export it to Dweamweaver / Flash. It has a lot of powerful features but its not as easy to use are PS IMO.

HTH

delusion · Feb 5th, 2008, 16:50

I design in Photoshop/Illustrator and use dreamweaver to dump it all into a site.

While Justin goes through garbagecans, I'd like to keep my hands clean and use colourlovers..

Tons of pallettes for you to pick, and you can download them as swatches in your photoshop or illustrator..

unitedcraig · Feb 5th, 2008, 16:52

I'll have a play around with PS and I, see how i go.

Be prepared for a lot of questions begging for help

JustinStudios · Feb 5th, 2008, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by delusion

I design in Photoshop/Illustrator and use dreamweaver to dump it all into a site.

While Justin goes through garbagecans, I'd like to keep my hands clean and use colourlovers..

Tons of pallettes for you to pick, and you can download them as swatches in your photoshop or illustrator..

Let's get things straight.. I don't go through the garbage.. I look at my garbage can. Colors are everywhere and I find that a half-eaten supreme pizza can help making a great looking website. The color scheme that I got for my blog is based off a Capri-Sun box and some rotted grapes... blog.justudios.com if your wondering... lol.