by D. Sproul | May 22nd, 2009
There are many places to learn graphics and website design outside of the traditional college system.
I highly recommend Lynda.com. They have online videos of a plethora of programs (I’ve been waiting all month to use that word!). The cost is a minimal $25 a month, and its month to month. Remember that any training leading to a job or to keep up your career is tax deductible. I find their videos much easier than just reading a book without seeing the software being used.
Any book by Robin Williams, but especially “Web Design Workshop.” Her books are really great for thinking about the design and the visual experience of using a website, or the look of words in a printed piece, before you start to code or build something on the computer. Many years ago she railed against “mystery navigation,” links with no labels or ALT tags. Try the library first in your city or local college.
Online courses: UCLA Extension and Ed2go.com both have online courses for graphics and website design. (For UCLA try art or communications sections.) I’m sure there are others, as well. UCLA tends to be quite pricey, but again, it could be tax deducted under education expenses. You could also try Santa Monica College Academy.
AIGA.org,a professional design organization, has many articles online, as well.
Good luck!
