When getting ready to design and develop any web site – whether for a client or for myself – there are a few sets of resources that I find myself going back to EVERY single time.

Of course I save all the great resources I come across on Delicious, however only a select handful get an “essential” tag for quick reference.

I’m here to share with you a few of the sites that I consider to be “must have’s” in any web developer’s toolbox – and find out which resources you find absolutely necessary, as well!

I love WordPress… ok scratch that… I ADORE WordPress! I have used it for several of my own personal blogs, as well as to develop blogs and web sites for clients.

However the more I use it – especially for my own projects where I have full creative reign – I am constantly amazed by just how much it is capable of.

Michael Martine of Remarkablogger just published a new eBook today…

• Starting a Business Website and Hiring a Web Designer
  

Beginner’s Mind

Michael Martine is a Blog Consultant, and has a great deal of experience teaching computer, blogging and other technical skills to beginners. He utilizes his teaching abilities in this book, where he explains in plain English all of the information necessary to starting a business web site.

I wanted to follow up on my recent post highlighting the Save the Developers campaign, which is focusing it’s efforts on getting everyone to upgrade their outdated web browsers – specifically Internet Explorer 6.

Internet Explorer 6 Woes

I’ve been making several design updates to this blog, which is still in the Soft Launch phase while I tweak a few design elements, etc.

I have access to an older computer with IE6 for testing purposes – of course, even though this blog utilizes valid XHTML / CSS, it looks terrible on IE6!

On a personal note, this post marks the launch of version 1.2 of this WordPress theme. I’ve still got several tweaks in the works. Next stop? v 1.3

Thanks to @womanchild on Twitter for posting this link. I love the concept!

Save The Developers is promoting a campaign for everyone to…

Say NO to IE6!

Our current campaign focuses on assisting users in upgrading their Internet Explorer 6 web browser. This campaign will result in former IE 6 users having a more enjoyable experience on the web while (hopefully) creating a less stressful and complicated environment for web developers by hastening the retirement of an outdated browser.

About a year ago, I wrote an article for the main site that outlines The 6 Phases of the Web Site Design & Development Process. As part of my business web site, the article is slanted to how I personally help clients through the process of creating a web site.

Here, however, I wanted to create a more generalized post. Same basic idea, however this version can be utilized by anyone, regardless of who they hire to design their web site.

I hope this helps when considering building your own site!

The Web Site Design and Development Process

There are numerous steps in the web site design and development process. From gathering initial information, to the creation of your web site, and finally to maintenance to keep your web site up to date and current.

The exact process will vary slightly from designer to designer, but the basics are generally the same.

I am proud to announce the official re-launch of iDesign Studios!

This has been in the works for quite some time now, and I’m very happy that the new site is finally live.

The latest version of the web site takes on a much different look and feel than the previous site. It also includes a great deal of new content…

Specifically a new FAQ section with a few articles which give additional information on the web design process, and what you can expect when working with me. I have also added a testimonials section, which include recommendations from some of satisfied customers.

Most notable is the addition of a shopping cart, using CRE Loaded software. This enables us to include detailed information on each of our services, as well as making my rates readily available to the public. This is new, as potential customers previously had to contact me in order to request a proposal for services. My thoughts for this addition was to enable visitors to the site to learn about my services, with minimal effort (ie. not having to complete an online form just to view rates, etc.)

I hope you’ll take a look at the new web site!

• iDesign Studios

I would love to hear your thoughts on the new design as well as on the content, etc. Both positive and negative critiques welcome!

Please post a comment below to let me know what you think.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Today’s Link Love has my fellow techie web designers and developers in mind!

If you are haven’t already visited Smashing Magazine – I urge you to go and run to it! Right now… ok, not right now, right after you finish reading this post and checking out the blog a bit more, LOL.

Then go over to Smashing Magazine and be sure to subscribe it, bookmark it, whatever… This site contains an insane amount of valuable resources and information for web designers. I’m honestly in awe of the amount of helpful information they offer.

Today though, I’m focusing on CSS. I found two fantastic articles with tons of tips and tricks. I am constantly working on increasing my web development skills, and the two posts below will certainly help me achieve this in regards to CSS.

I recently came across an article written by Andy Budd last year – 7 Habits of a Highly Successful Web Designer. It’s a very good read, and I found it to be quite motivating!I personally have quite a few of those habits well established. For example “Loving what you do” and “Never stop learning” – I took a bit of a break from the learning part, but am now back into the swing of things as far as keeping my skills up to date – this is a constantly evolving process.

FreelanceSwitch and GoMedia are hosting a calling card competition. I have to admit this one looks like fun, even though it is a print project. The idea is to use one (or more) of the free vector art samples from GoMedia and incorporate it into a calling card. This is basically a more personalized business card – at least in terms of style.

The calling card defines YOU, not your business. The contact information listed is very brief (if any). From what I’ve seen, it tends to be limited to just your web and email addresses – as opposed to a business card which lists your mailing address and phone number(s) as well.