I have begun doing a lot of javascript development recently, mostly front-end bu

Question

I have begun doing a lot of javascript development recently, mostly front-end but also using node.js. As I am currently in the transition from large company to startup, they expect me as a front end developer to know how to produce semi decent designs (Which I cannot)

I am looking for a book (or set of screencasts) to give me some good well rounded advice on design. I know CSS, but my design are always awful looking, I also know nothing about Photoshop (and am on Linux and have no access to it)

What are your picks? I am not looking to be a full time designer I would just like to be able to contribute.

Explanation / Answer

The folks at Smashing deserve their own answer. They started strong with a website devoted to web and print design covering graphics, CSS, typography, color, and more. Equally matched with these visual aspects of design are their articles and how-tos on coding - specific HTML/CSS techniques and such. I've often called on Smashing advice to determine the 'right way' to handle a some aspect of code and cross-browser trickery.

Since you are heavy into JavaScript, start with what they have tagged in that category. You may pick up some immediately useful tips as well as discover their broader range of content through tertiary links.

It doesn't stop there...the Smashing Network is vast and beautiful. They just published their second book (Smashing Books #1 and #2). While you can probably find all the book content on the site somewhere, it's certainly succinctly collected in book form. Finally, they have a new and growing book series (Amazon search) on HTML, CSS, jQuery, WordPress, and more.

This sounds like an advertisement. It's not. ;)

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