Finding free stock photogrpahy is a difficult task. Finding good free stock photography is nearly impossible. I have a few decent links to some free sites, but I have since replaced them with one super-link: Yotophoto.

Yotophoto is tapping into many of the well-known free stock photography sites, as well as wikipedia, flickr, and morguefile.

All you need to do is search for an image you would like to use, verify the license or usage conditions for the image, and then you can use it!

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I was asked recently about the position currently vacant at CITT. In particular, I was asked which skills would be most desirable for a person looking to land a job as an entry leverl web designer or eLearning developer. I put together a quick list of my thoughts.

• XHTML and CSS. These are the basic building tools of web content. Try to avoid developing bad habits such as using tables for layout or using spacer gif’s. Learn how to read and manipulate the code. Relying on Dreamweaver all of the time is a bad habit.
• Know your browsers. Know how to use and test on Internet Explorer 5, 5.5, 6, and the upcoming release of 7. Know how to use Safari, Firefox, and the AOL browser. Test on all of these platforms. They are very inconsistent.
• Study basic visual design principles: color theory, typography, balance, rhythm, proportion, dominance, unity.
• Know how to create graphics using a vector-based tool (Illustrator, Freehand, or Fireworks) AND a bitmap editor (Photoshop or Fireworks).
• I wouldn’t worry very much about Flash. Flash is a very specialized tool that requires a lot of time to become proficient. I think your time is better spent elsewhere.
• Develop a good list of weblogs and read them regularly. I think manky web design books become outdated shortly after hitting the shelves. There are a lot of great web designers sharing techniques that easily apply to eLearning. I recommend using an RSS feed reader to manage all of your weblogs.
• Know how to talk about server-side code, but leave the PHP/ASP/.NET stuff to the professionals. While I think it is good to have a basic understanding of how they work, becoming proficient in them takes a lot of work.

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Jeffrey Veen has released ‘The Art and Science of Web Design‘ in PDF format. This was the first book in my ever-growing library of web design titles. Although it is now 5 years old, much of what he talks about still holds true today. In fact, as I scan the headings and chapter titles, I would encourage all budding web designers to read this book. Particularly because it is free.

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Actually, we are looking for one good person. CITT, a.k.a. my day job, is in the process of hiring a web/eLearning designer to fill a recent vacancy. We have an official job description, but essentially it boils down to this:

• Can you code valid HTML and CSS
• Do you understand the basic priciples of visual design?
• Can you apply these priciples to create usable online materials?
• Are you able to work with some server-side code? (Don’t worry, we’re aren’t looking for a developer
• Can you bring something else to the table? (Flash, Video, etc.)
• Most importantly: Are you passionate about the work you do?

If you are interested, drop me a line.

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A few quickies. I seem to be falling behind.

• Transparent custom corners and borders Newr and improved rounded corners and such.
• Bookmarks for web designers and developers A great (and growing) of links. Good stuff. Particularly in the CSS section.
• Zebra Tables EnhancedNice, usable tables for looking up data.

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