As a grahic / fine artist that has moved into webDev (JS, java, grails) there is no short cut or easy answer to be an all in one coder / designer. You need the

As a grahic / fine artist that has moved into webDev (JS, java, grails) there is no short cut or easy answer to be an all in one coder / designer. You need the basics of graphic design first: COLOR, DOMINANCE, LAYOUT COLOR: a good color palette will take any project up a notch http://www.colourlovers.com/ http://www.colourlovers.com/ http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-the... DESIGN STRUCTURE: much the same way you create Classes that can be extended, you can do some in design. There are Dominate objects in your code that you use to create other object. ----dominant, subdominant, subordinate Design http://www.vanseodesign.com/web-design/dominance/ http://www.vanseodesign.com/web-design/dominance/ Also, if you create a dominate visual design feature, repeat that element(color / pattern / shape) else where on the site, to build consistency Also for Page Layout, rules in Photography can be a great help. Looks that the Rules of 3rds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds The most important part of creating anything is inspiration. Pinterest is great for looking at designs, picking what works for you and what doesn't. You have to understand that all of your early stuff will look like crap. Much the same way we've all said "Wow, that code I wrote 6 months ago is a pile of junk. I'm surprised it's still working." Alos, buy a sketch book and put it next to your bed. Draw before you go to sleep. Even if you just doodle. Advanced Typography is not something I recommend right off the bat, as it can lean towards fine art at times http://www.fromupnorth.com/typography-inspiration-753/ http://www.fromupnorth.com/typography-inspiration-753/