1) Startups/business. If you haven't, I would read all of Paul Grahams essays. I think startups are a great option (http://www.collegeanswerz.com/risks-and-re

1) Startups/business. If you haven't, I would read all of Paul Grahams essays. I think startups are a great option (http://www.collegeanswerz.com/risks-and-rewards-of-startups http://www.collegeanswerz.com/risks-and-rewards-of-startups), but even if you don't end up starting one, you should understand the business. I would also highly recommend reading Rework. 2) Your site. The top part (good design is good business) and the footer (contact me) are solid, but the rest could use a lot of work. The periods in the 'Hi there' paragraph are on the next line. Could just be my browser, but something you should look into. That paragraph definitely should be "nicer". Maybe something like this: http://twitter.github.io/bootstrap/2.3.2/examples/carousel.html http://twitter.github.io/bootstrap/2.3.2/examples/carousel.h.... The design of the case study is solid. The main problem with your site I think is the lack of information. Tell us more about yourself. What you do? What are your aspirations? Hobbies? Thoughts/opinions? Show us that you know design and programming by telling us your philosophies. Also, have a blog (http://nathanmarz.com/blog/break-into-silicon-valley-with-a-blog-1.html http://nathanmarz.com/blog/break-into-silicon-valley-with-a-...). 3) Design resources. I'm new to programming and design too (~ 1 year of on and off experience), but there are some resources that have helped me a lot. - Definitely learn bootstrap (http://twitter.github.io/bootstrap/index.html http://twitter.github.io/bootstrap/index.html). - Best resource on typography (http://practicaltypography.com/ http://practicaltypography.com/) - Best resource on color (https://www.helpscout.net/blog/psychology-of-color/ https://www.helpscout.net/blog/psychology-of-color/) - Amazing (http://worrydream.com/#!/MagicInk http://worrydream.com/#!/MagicInk) - Fundamental concepts - http://37signals.com/svn/archives2/it_just_doesnt_matter.php http://37signals.com/svn/archives2/it_just_doesnt_matter.php & http://justinjackson.ca/words.html http://justinjackson.ca/words.html - Adjacent in space vs. stacked in time - http://37signals.com/svn/posts/1128-learning-from-bad-ui http://37signals.com/svn/posts/1128-learning-from-bad-ui - solid resource - http://startupsthisishowdesignworks.com/ http://startupsthisishowdesignworks.com/ I think design is partly about understanding this stuff, which well help you develop "empathy for the consumer". But it's also partly about having "internal templates" that you can work with. I noticed that to start, I didn't have many inner templates, and my "tools" were limited. But after looking around and noticing some more things and stuff, I've expanded my inner templates, and my site reflects that (http://www.collegeanswerz.com/ http://www.collegeanswerz.com/). Take a look at my essay/gathered content (http://www.collegeanswerz.com/essays/ http://www.collegeanswerz.com/essays/) for more info on design, startups, business, and other things you might be interested in. I love the initiative, discipline and motivation you have as a 14 year old. Let me know if you have any other questions or anything, I'd love to help: arz21@pitt.edu. Good luck!