🚀 go-pugleaf

"BillP" <n3wsr3ad3r_@_sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:BC9329C4.5362C%n3wsr3ad3r_@_sbcglobal.net...
> Hello,
>
> I have been in print publishing since the late 1980's, and I need to build
> several web sites.  I am familiar with HTML at a very basic level, and
> understand its similarities with Quark XTags. Obviously, I come from a
> mindset that is much different than that used by those who prepare text
and
> images for web.  I am a Macintosh user, FWIW.
>
> My mental limitations are: I ALWAYS need to know the big picture and I
> cannot "just do" something without understanding WHY and how it fits into
> the larger context.
>
> What I seek is some sort of guide/book/tutorial that will give me a very
> structured, 1-2-3 approach to follow.  In other words:
>
> A)  overview of the basic differences between raster based images used in
> print and web, with some discussion of how to do image slicing and why
>
> B) which text handling tools are the best to work with from a web
> development perspective and why
>
> C) EXACTLY what carefully delineated steps (and in the most basic language
> possible) do I need to follow to plan a site, build the assets, host the
> site if I want to, upload the assets, secure the site and add features
> later.
>
> D) A selection of approaches for different situations.  Doing something on
> the cheap initially, with an eye toward bigger budgets later.  How to
design
> something the right way initially without a database back end so that it
> will easily accommodate being driven by a back end DB system later on.
>
> E) overview of java, php and their roles; plus, anything else relevant of
> that sort.
>
> What I need to do first, second, third, etc.  After that, I'm sure my
> approach will become more flexible.
>
> Any suggestions as to these types of resources, along with recommended
> software tools, are most appreciated.  I am willing to acquire whatever
> software will prove useful.
>
> I already have:
>
>     FileMaker Pro 7 and 6
>     Adobe CS (includes ImageReady and GoLive)
>     Dreamweaver and Flash MX 2004
>     QuarkXPress
>     Graphic Converter
>     BBEdit 7
>     Some AppleScript knowledge
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bill Planey


Honestly, until you are familiar with the underlying technologies, your task
will be fairly hopeless. I'd start by working your way through HTML & CSS
tutorials, such as those at http://www.w3schools.com/. Once you can code the
basics by hand, you can THEN think about the methodology for designing a web
site. It is VERY different than other forms of media (especially print)
because of the mix of multimedia technologies involved. You need to know
client side scripting (JavaScript), server side scripting (ASP or PHP),
ActionScript (Flash) on top of all the basics (HTML, DHTML, XHTML, XML).
This needs to be complimented with database skills.

If you can bring good design skills to all of the above you should fly. You
kind of find your own methodology for working as you go along. Web design is
a wide field - a pure programmer could find a role, just as well as a pure
graphic artist. Each would have their own way of working, neither being
specifically wrong or right.

My partner and I are both multimedia designers who produce web sites - we
have a real mix between us. I have a lot more programming skills, while my
partner has leanings in traditional art. We have an approach that works for
us and our clients, but I doubt it would work for all designers.

miranda