February 14, 200818 yr I feel a bit dumb making this thread but well I've looked dumb before and lived to tell the tale so here goes... . I mentioned in the Introductions forum that I was interested in getting into web design. I said there that I was going to be away for six months but as it happens I have returned early and so I'm able to get cracking... But I have all this free time and I haven't done a thing - except some vague meandering around this forum and other web design related sites. I think I need some discipline (yikes) and some kind of work ethic. Its not for lack of wanting to make this work: I really want to make this work! And its not for lack of knowing what to do. I know I need to do lots of *fiddling* with html and css and really get that down. Also I could make a site for my 'business' and my dad needs a site for his. Yep I really feel like wally. Anyway if you have any tips or thoughts post away!
February 14, 200818 yr In other words you're a bit of a lazy git without much motivation No worries though - I believe a lot of people are like this. I certainly was until I got freelance work, and started working for a company. I think you basically need to get an actual contract of some sort - job or freelance, that'll probably motivate you, hopefully.
February 14, 200818 yr Author you're a bit of a lazy git You know me so well. And I'm sure you're right about contracts. I just don't think I know enough about web design to get one just yet.
February 14, 200818 yr In other words you're a bit of a lazy git without much motivation he he - I get like that some days... Mathew, perhaps you need to write a list of things that you need to do, ie build your biz site and your dads site!. Spend some time working on layout ideas, getting your content together and wireframing - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Website_wireframe When you've got an idea how your home page will look start writing some HTML/CSS for it. When you come across a problem (like how do I get this widget aligned?) go find a solution and try it out, only by doing this will you learn stuff. You don't have to do this all day long, maybe set aside 5-6 hours a day as your personal project.
February 14, 200818 yr Play! That's my best suggestion. I play around with markup, and suddenly I'll have a spark and can spend the next five hours writing solid code. So, by playing, you'll not only be productive, you'll also have fun!
February 14, 200818 yr Mr Motivator is safely stored away in my secret underground bunker never to see the light of day every again! nyhaha! ...erhh.. Hi, by the way... *silently sidesteps out*
February 14, 200818 yr Mr Motivator is safely stored away in my secret underground bunker never to see the light of day every again! nyhaha! ...erhh.. Hi, by the way... *silently sidesteps out* Nice techy underground bunker you have there...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwl7Y73sjhs lol "Here we gonna drive the car - right and left"......
February 14, 200818 yr Author write a list of things that you need to do Yes, good idea, I will do that. Tubby Dunn (to be done) lists make work seem manageable and its always rewarding to strike something off the list. Also good idea with the time thing. I'll designate some blocks of time and do my best to stick to that.
February 15, 200818 yr I second the "Make Lists" suggestion and add "Make Deadlines."* Lists can be put off but if you've told someone you'll do something by next Monday, you have to live with their disappointment if you shirk your work! It's horrible and cruel but this works for me (also important to prioritise the list btw - something that takes five days to do and is due in a week gets priority over something that takes 30 seconds and is due in two days). *They can't be arbitrary deadlines. I'm in the habit of saying, "I'll email you tomorrow morning..." and such; otherwise, self-imposed, but unpublicised, deadlines can be ignored as easily as lists can.
February 16, 200818 yr Author Cheers for all your wise and encouraging words (I'm really chuffed I found this community ). I'm glad to say I've been given a kick up the arse and got cracking. I did start by opening a blank html page in DW but that made me cry so for the moment I'll just be really getting to grips with HTML and then CSS until I feel confident enough to start hand coding, assuming that day will come . And may be I'll design some buttons in Fireworks or something when that becomes a grind.
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