advice sought..

[Critter04]

Here's the deal. I've been trying to teach myself web-design now for the past 2 weeks or so (That's nothing, It's a long, never-ending process, I know, but here me out). I knew nothing two weeks ago and now I have a general knowledge base regarding XHTML and CSS. I was told to start here and am glad I did because going into Dreamweaver seems way less intimidating. Anyhow...

I really want to continue absorbing more about webdesign and start internalizing everything more, but I feel like I hit a brick wall. There are plenty of resources for those just learning XHTML and CSS, but not much out there after the basics.

And so I ask; where should I direct myself from here to break down that wall? Does anyone know of any good tutorials and or strategies/exercises to help me? I feel like I have an understanding of how XHTML/CSS correlate, but it is still cloudy in a number of areas. I want to read that code like NEO!

Quick example, I will go through a tutorial and everything seems to make sense because of it's simplicity, then when I open up a websites XHTML and/or view their CSS it is overwhelming.

Please Help! Thanks, Crit.

[tZ]

Sounds like you need a good intermediate level read:

http://www.amazon.com/HTML-Utopia-Designing-Without-Tables/dp/0975240277/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215789719&sr=8-1

If you find that book beyond your level of understanding this is a step down but every bit as good for the beginner.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/104-0827944-2195900?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=build+your+website+the+right+way&x=0&y=0

I would probably consider this next book the grail of advanced/intermediate CSS techniques. This is a book you would want to explore after that cloud is gone.

http://www.amazon.com/CSS-Mastery-Advanced-Standards-Solutions/dp/1590596145/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215790095&sr=1-1

This last book begins to introduce the reader to javascript and some newer CSS techniques and hacks. You could probably read this book before CSS mastery and understand it.

http://www.friendsofed.com/book.html?isbn=9781590598030

Beyond those its just about exploring others code and reading articles on the net. A site will want to check out is ww.alistapart.com. This site and resources within it are invaluable.

One other great source of information and design is www.smashingmagazine.com. You'll want to check this site for some inspiring CSS design and techniques amoungst other things.

[Critter04]

Thanks TD, I'll check those out. Sometimes I'm in front of a computer for too long and forget that bookstores even exist.