At present, I am confronted with the challenge of developing websites and creating a distinctive design. While layout designers pose no major concerns, skilled designers are either excessively expensive or not proficient.

Therefore, the question arises - is it feasible to acquire expertise in minimalist web design, or are there any standardized solutions (such as design constructors) to achieve a relatively original website design?

By design, I do not simply imply copying a logo from the internet and pasting it onto a header; instead, perhaps a certain rendering of elements can be utilized.

Apologies for the chaotic explanation, but I hope someone can guide me towards the relevant fields to explore.

I'll tell you about my recent experience working on the company's website, which is approximately 9 years old and has been neglected throughout this period. As a result, it is not favored by Google. While the coronavirus is still rampant, I decided to give it a slight update. However, after five futile attempts and wasting around $500, I resorted to using a template from the WordPress repository and made adjustments to it myself.

For images, I simply searched for them online and flipped them, altered logos (even one that was used in a previous competition), and modified colors. After two days of hard work, the site now boasts 100% uniqueness. Based on my own painful experiences, I would recommend doing it yourself rather than paying someone else.

As far as I am familiar with the issue, it is not easy to create an original design from templates. Again, depends on your ability. For example, I have found my ability to best create multi-layered original images in Photoshop. But not more. On the other hand, creating a full-fledged website design from scratch is also a non-trivial task. Therefore, there is only one advice: do what you do best and do not listen to "experienced" designers. The only worthy critic is the client, the end user.

Quote from: Ekatherina on Aug 12, 2022, 12:01 PMbut I hope somebody will somehow direct me where to dig in which area.

Install Wordpress, take some favorite theme, play with it a bit, if the settings allow. Then you install some kind of visual editor, like Elementor. Try and edit. Looking for a plugin that allows you to edit the appearance through CSS, well, for example, SiteOrigin CSS. You get the look you want.
Well, and with Photoshop will need, of course, to play around.
In general, given the huge number of plugins for WP, which have already created different authors, we understand that the scope for creativity is infinite.
You're going to do it for yourself, right? With your own hands.
Believe me, it's just interesting.

Some individuals possess a natural inclination towards a particular craft due to genetic factors, such as having height for basketball or certain muscle structure for bodybuilding. However, genetics and innate abilities are not the only determining factors for success in a given field.

Regarding web design, many people ask if talent is required to excel in this area, or if it can be learned without it. Talent is essentially a skill that can be developed like any other. Consistent practice, hard work and perseverance are key to improving one's abilities.
One way to develop your skills is by studying the work of designers whose work you admire on sites such as behance. Over time, you will notice progress as you implement what you have learned.

What sets some people apart from others in terms of success in web design is a combination of past experiences, interests, determination, and environment. Even if someone did not have prior experience or was born in an unfavorable environment, following basic rules and putting in consistent effort can lead to growth and success in web design.

Of course you can. When creating a website, you don't need talent, but knowledge and skills. Yes, this is not the easiest idea. However, it's worth it. It is better to start with small simple sites to gain experience. And then improve your skills. The main thing is not to give up.

I would like to share my experience in website development. This topic has become interesting. I began to study various methods of creating a website on the Internet. It turned out that it is not necessary to have a talent in the design field or to know a programming language. Currently, there are a lot of designers to create a website. All you have to do is drag the blocks of interest and visually observe how your site will look, fill it with text and that's it. Thinking to cope even a child. And if this is very difficult for you, then it remains only to look for a master for this work.

Developing websites and creating a distinctive design can be a challenging task, but there are options available to help you achieve your goals. Acquiring expertise in minimalist web design is definitely feasible with the right resources and dedication. Here are a few suggestions to explore:

1. Online Courses and Tutorials: There are many online platforms that offer web design courses and tutorials, covering various design principles, including minimalism. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Codecademy offer comprehensive web design courses that can help you enhance your skills.

2. Design Blogs and Books: Explore design blogs, such as Smashing Magazine and A List Apart, which provide valuable insights and tips on web design trends and practices. Additionally, there are several design books available that specifically focus on minimalist design principles.

3. Templates and Design Constructors: Consider using website templates or design constructors that offer pre-built designs and layouts. While this may not result in a truly original design, it can be a good starting point to customize and adapt it to your specific needs. Websites like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace offer a wide range of templates that you can modify to achieve a minimalist aesthetic.

4. Design Communities and Forums: Engage with design communities and forums where designers share their work and provide feedback. Websites like Dribbble and Behance can be great platforms to find inspiration, learn from others, and receive constructive criticism on your designs.

additional suggestions to explore for developing websites and creating a distinctive design:

1. Experiment with Typography: Typography plays a significant role in web design. Explore different fonts, sizes, and spacing to create a unique typographic style for your website. Websites like Google Fonts and Adobe Fonts offer a vast selection of free fonts that you can use.

2. Color Palettes: Choose a limited color palette that aligns with your desired minimalist design. Websites like Coolors and Adobe Color can help you generate harmonious color schemes or explore existing color palettes created by designers.

3. User Experience (UX) Design: Consider learning about UX design principles and techniques to ensure your website is user-friendly and intuitive. Understanding how visitors navigate and interact with your site is crucial for creating a positive user experience.

4. Mobile Responsive Design: With the rise of mobile usage, it's essential to ensure your website is responsive and displays optimally across different devices and screen sizes. Learn about responsive design techniques to provide a seamless experience for all users.

5. Iterate and Seek Feedback: As you work on your designs, iterate and refine them based on feedback from others. Share your work with trusted friends, colleagues, or online design communities to get valuable perspectives and suggestions for improvement.

6. Stay Inspired and Updated: Follow design blogs, social media accounts, and newsletters of influential designers or agencies to keep up with the latest trends and gain inspiration. Attend design conferences and workshops, both in-person and virtual, to learn from industry experts and stay connected with the design community.

Remember, developing your design skills takes time and practice. Be patient, and continue to explore different techniques and approaches to find your own unique style.