[DonPatricio91]

hi,
i am currently working on a social networking site. my programming is really good, but i can't continue coding unless i start working on the design, because it gets too complex. However, I understand nothing about design and don't have a lot of creativity even though I know css and all that perfectly. Now, how do I make a professional looking social networking site. Am I supposed to work, with frames, tables, divs? When I got my pictures for the design, how do I position them in the website? Is there maybe a little site in the internet where I can learn how to design?
Thanks

[cjgraphix]

I wish there was a simple answer to your question, but there isn't. Just like programming, design is a skill that is built over time (years).

Best thing to do is learn XHTML / CSS and keep it simple to start. HTML and CSS Tutorials, References, and Articles | HTML Dog

As for the frames / tables / divs question. Don't think of any of those for design, but use divs to group information together and then style them with CSS. Use tables when you are display tabular data like a spreadsheet, and stay away from frames all together.

[Hunch]

Your assertion that your programming is very good, and your CSS is perfect, combined with the naïveté of your questions "Am I supposed to work, with frames, tables, divs? When I got my pictures for the design, how do I position them in the website?" makes me think perhaps you're not cut out for it.

[haku]

"I know css and all that perfectly."
"Am I supposed to work, with frames, tables, divs?"

The question proves the statement to be wrong.

[ahref]

perhaps this user is aware of all the techniques but doesnt know how to apply them.

for example a writer knows how to write but lacks the inspiration to create a fantastic story

but i am merely commenting on another possibility. This users post is confusing

[illvibe]

My 2c is it's a lot easier to learn programming/language than an eye for design - some would argue that it can't be taught.

[pgo]

Originally Posted by illvibe

My 2c is it's a lot easier to learn programming/language than an eye for design - some would argue that it can't be taught.

I would argue that one can certainly be taught to recognize good design and appreciate good design. But replicating it or creating it is a different story.

If you can't do design then hire a designer! Simple as that.

[haku]

Thats exactly where Im at. I can recognize good design, and I can mark it up if someone gives it to me, but I have crappy design sense. Im currently looking for a designer in my area to tie up with for the projects Im getting on the go.

[ahref]

im sort of similar i sit there with like loads of cool bits of css and php ive wrote that just dont fit into my design which is kinda stuck looking... well im not happy with it ill post it in the showcase section soon

[proc355]

Originally Posted by illvibe

My 2c is it's a lot easier to learn programming/language than an eye for design - some would argue that it can't be taught.

you can learn the nuts and bolts all you like but there is an art to beautiful and elegant code; the creativity required in programming is generally overlooked, usually by self-important designers...

[pgo]

Originally Posted by proc355

you can learn the nuts and bolts all you like but there is an art to beautiful and elegant code; the creativity required in programming is generally overlooked, usually by self-important designers...

Very true, but I think the point he's making is that there's often an innate "design sense" (call it "natural talent" if you will).

I think anyone can learn anything. Different things are just easier for different people.