Is there a place I can go to stay updated on the newest web design trends specifically for self-improvement?

In terms of finding the best material on web design, the designers themselves often write insightful content in their blogs. This can be a simple and effective way to stay updated.

If you're looking for some recommended resources to explore, here are a few that I personally read and watch regularly:

1) The Grid System is a website that focuses on grids and grid design. While it may not be updated frequently, it provides valuable links to other resources that are more regularly updated. They also recommend books which I have found to be highly beneficial in expanding my knowledge.
2) Design Basics is a topic on the DesignersTalk forum where one of the most knowledgeable web designers of the forum discusses the fundamentals of design.
3) Minimal Sites, Grid Based, and Siiimple are primarily gallery sites, but if you delve into the forums and explore the links, you can discover a wealth of useful information, including blogs.
4) Modular design systems is a project by the renowned Alexey Cherenkevich. Although currently there may not be a vast amount of material available, it's still worth checking out. I also recommend Cherenkevich's personal blog and his posts on Habra.

6) Lebedev's art may seem unrelated, but it surprisingly contains a lot of useful information, particularly in the older materials.
7) I Love Typography is a tremendously valuable resource dedicated solely to typography.

Additionally, I suggest exploring FormFiftyFive, swissmiss, The Personal Disquiet of Mark Boulton, Subtraction.com, and AisleOne. While I won't provide a detailed description for each, they are definitely worth exploring. You may also come across many relevant links through the Twitter accounts of these resources mentioned above.

Smashing Magazine? It's quite amusing, as it seems to lack any true creative essence. It primarily consists of republished articles and compilations of free icons, brushes, and screensavers.

Here's my suggestion: focus on reading literature that offers valuable experience or in-depth analysis. It's crucial to select a specific field of interest; personally, I find typography fascinating.

If you're looking to enhance your skills and gain hands-on experience, I recommend checking out psdtuts.com. On the other hand, if you prefer learning from real-life experiences, Paschenko's writings may be worth exploring. Additionally, engaging in discussions on LiveJournal can provide valuable insights as well.

I highly recommend delving into textbooks on drawing.
Surprisingly, these resources delve into numerous subtleties that can greatly enhance the artistic appeal of your projects. Furthermore, exploring these textbooks can spark fresh ideas within the realm of design.

Understanding the fundamentals of drawing not only improves your technical skills but also expands your creative mindset. By studying various techniques, composition principles, and concepts related to line and form, you can elevate the visual aesthetics of your designs.

Additionally, drawing provides a unique opportunity to explore different perspectives, experiment with visual storytelling, and tap into your imagination. It encourages you to observe the world around you more attentively, enabling you to incorporate beauty and artistry into your design projects.

So, alongside your regular reading on web design trends and theory, consider immersing yourself in the art of drawing. You may be surprised by how it can positively impact your design process and ultimately result in more visually compelling and innovative projects.

I suggest following popular design blogs. Websites like Smashing Magazine, A List Apart, and CSS-Tricks offer a plethora of articles discussing latest trends and techniques. They also have tutorials which is very helpful for self-improvement.

You should also consider subscribing to newsletters from design-focused sites. They often send out emails containing the latest articles and design trends, so you won't miss anything important.

Another great way is to join online communities or forums such as Dribbble or Behance. These platforms showcase work from designers all around the world and provide an insite into current design styles and preferences. You can engage with other designers and get feedback on your own work as well, which is a perfect way to improve.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are also valuable, as many designers share their work there. Following hashtags related to web design can expose you to a variety of styles and ideas.

Don't forget about online courses and video tutorials. Websites such as Udemy, Coursera, or even YouTube offer great courses on the newest technologies and trends. These can help you grasp new skills or enhance your existing ones.
Attending design conferences and web seminars can be beneficial as well. They often spotlight the newest trends, tools, and technologies in the industry, giving you first hand knowledge and inspiration.