I started out with a good knowledge of HTML/CSS, learned the basic ropes of javascript to meet my needs, and then dove into Ruby and Ruby on Rails. I'm really h

I started out with a good knowledge of HTML/CSS, learned the basic ropes of javascript to meet my needs, and then dove into Ruby and Ruby on Rails. I'm really happy to have chosen that path, as with RoR you can build cool functioning prototypes without tons of experience (e.g. for me a month or two of casual learning). RoR is also pretty common in the start up world, and just knowing the ropes of it can be a great advantage even just as a designer. I'm not sure what you're plans are for your year off, but I would live in a city with lots of companies/industries and activities that interest you. Not everyone feels this way, but the vibes of being in a big city aren't really matched anywhere else