Practicing your web design

Some people like to take an already existing website and see how they can make it better. This is actually a very good idea. As long as you don't publish it. it might be a good idea to ask the sit owner(s) or designer if you can use it for your own progressive purposes. Some people might pay you to change it and publish it. But not always. NEVER publish a site you altered without permission because you could get sued. As a designer, you should continuously practice. Practice makes perfection. Also ask if the owner(s) if there is anything that they definitely want on the site. Always make sure to ask the big designer questions to a client. What are you looking for? What is the subject? Anything specific? etc... Now go get 'em!

Designing a website

Alright, so the main thing to remember when creating a GOOD website is to ORGANIZE it. I'm sick of looking at websites that have crap just thrown on it because the "designer" thought it was cool. Figure out what colors look good together and that go with your site theme.  And if your going to use a picture off the web. Make sure you get the the original photographer's permission. NEVER use a photo and claim it as your own. Also, make sure you have relative idea of what your going to do. If it doesn't work the first time, think of something else. Once your done with your site, let several people take a look at it. Ask their opinion and what they think you should do differently. There are plenty of books about how to create websites. Buy them or check them out from the library. They are VERY helpful.