JGPalmos

I have learned HTML, CSS, and Dreamweaver. When I have combined what I know with these 3 things, my website is very bland. I have proper structure, and spacing, and the content is presented solid. But im missing the "WOW" factor. I have no designs flowing through my layout, i have no graphics, or creative navigation. How is this done? Are the really nice layouts done with either Photoshop, Illustrator, or Fireworks? And then "SLICED" into dreamweaver? I discovered a link to a website called "35 Tutorials for Creating Website Layouts in Photoshop" found here: http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design/website-layout-photoshop-tutorials/ So my question, are CSS Layouts like beginner layouts? More advanced layouts are done with photoshop and then sliced?

i want to have a div called NavContainer i want this NavContainer to have 4 smooth edges, top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right insinde these top and bottom smooth edges i would like to insert custom text, whether its paragraph or vertical text links ect.. u created buttons it seems, i want to know the proper way to create the smooth edges for the box that will contain custom text. so far the best method i've found is creating an circular image 20x20 and using background position: -10px tutorial here: http://www.kyleschaeffer.com/tutorials/karate-corners-easy-rounded-corners-xhtml-no-script/ he also has a new tutorial about transparent corners, but i cant seem to get it to work for me tutorial here: http://www.kyleschaeffer.com/best-practices/reusable-transparent-css-rounded-corners/

ok first and foremost thanks for the replies on how to create rounded corners. ive viewed a few tutorials and multiple methods. it seems the best and easiest is using the rounded rectangle tool in photoshop cs4. now my next question is how to properly apply this? do i create the entire navigation in photoshop? like create the top rounded borer, then flip vertical for the bottom. how do i get the borders on the sides? i only need 2 pieces correct? top and bottom? can u create the entire navigation bar as a graphic, and target text as a link? im very new and researching as i post this, thanks for any one who takes the time to read this and leave feedback. James

hey everyone, im trying to find a good tutorial that shows you how to create the rounded corners in photoshop, then applying them. thanks James

hey jack, i checked out your site. i thought it was a good site from looks alone. im a beginner as well but from seeing other sites and reading others feedback, it seems your on a good start with this one. my only opinion is your, little red Jack logo. i think u should make it a little bigger, i think it looks good. i think your font text should be just a little bit brighter, but thats my opninion as well and your HOME/BLOG text i think you should make it look nice with either some simple coding or a graphic. seems to be large and very visible. thanks for posting your site, good luck James

good job luke, i thought the website was nice

i liked the site, how did u make the sliders? im new to web design

add a nice image or graphic. maybe a good blend of martial art photos

hey im james, wanted to say that im here for the same reasons. im very new to web design but i enjoy it very much. ive obtained some lynda.com tutorials and just learning. but i enjoy it and very eager to start something. let me know if ud like to start something with me for fun. i have photoshop cs4, dreamweaver cs4, and flash cs4. i really want to learn them well good luck James