Hello.
I am looking into becoming a freelance web designer. I am very dedicated to teaching myself, and have an open schedule. I just want to ask what the requirements are.
I have access to a computer with CS3 Dreamweaver, Flash, InDesign, Photoshop, and stuff like that. I am not code savvy. I know basic HTML, which I plan to better. Though, for the moment, I want to make great basic to advanced websites with programs, and learn how to code, shortly after.

So, some books to read, sites to visit, or any tips would be great.



Thanks.

First site to visit IMO
http://w3schools.com/

Learn XHTML and CSS. Use div's and CSS for the layout. Don't learn how to do site layout in tables. Tables are for tabular data.

At the top of the CSS and HTML forums here are some sticky threads. They have tons of good information and links.

If you want some hard copy books, Sitepoint and Oreilly have some good ones.
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/
http://www.oreilly.com/

Alright.

Thanks.

"I want to make great basic to advanced websites with programs, and learn how to code, shortly after. "

that's exactly the wrong way round!

So, I should learn coding first.


What types of coding are we talking?



Thanks.

So, our the only code languages needed, HTML and PHP?



Thanks.

laern coding first: start with html and css then move onto something like php as a second stage

This list look accurate?

1. HTML
2. CSS
3. PHP
4. Photoshop
5. Flash
6. InDesign
7. Dreamweaver

I plan to read some online tutorials and books.



Thanks.

A designer doesn't need to know any server side languages at all, a working knowledge of javascript can be useful.

The designers primary job is to come up with a "look", so knowing HTML & CSS is the important bit.

If the site is database driven then the designer may only need to design a couple of templates, or place some predefined code blocks in such cases as blog or forum templates.

you can safely leave InDesign off that list as it's a layout app for print

Dreamweaver is certainly not a "requirement". I don't use it.

Originally Posted by joder

Dreamweaver is certainly not a "requirement". I don't use it.

I agree I never use dreamweaver. Flash however I use daily.

Alright Thanks for all your responses.

What do you use as an alternative to Dreamweaver?


So, I can take PHP, InDesign and possibly Dreamweaver off that list.

Is there anything I should know, thats not needed, but useful?

Should I brush up on video editing, just in case?



Thanks.

Originally Posted by TehDerek

What do you use as an alternative to Dreamweaver?

Komodo-Edit because of the tabs and look like syntax highlighting.
http://activestate.com/Products/komodo_edit/

Alright.

What else should I brush up on?

I am going to stick with Dreamweaver for now.



Thanks.