It’s time to gather graphic design ideas for your website.

Start by perusing websites and publications that attract your attention. Look for a design that fits your idea of how you want to present your content, images, tone and style. You want a ‘look and feel’ that fits your website purpose, audience and message. What do you like? Does it hold your attention?

If you haven’t already done so, compile a short-list of ‘keywords’ that searchers would use to find your site in their favourite search engine. ’Google’ each ‘keyword’ and visit sites that grab your attention or appear to be your competitors. Is there anything you see that inspires you?

Collect some images, content, titles, 2 or 3 colours and 1 or 2 fontstyles. Open up a graphics program like photoshop or fireworks, or just use a piece of paper and a few coloured pencils, and start playing around with your collection of ideas on the page. It’s much better if you can do this with a graphic program.

• Although it’s really about CSS design, Zen garden is a great site for finding striking graphic design ideas.
• Ben Hunt offers many tips and techniques for graphic design on his webdesignfromscratch site. His web 2.0 design style guide is worth reading.
• This article on graphics fundamentals supports my earlier advice on striking the right message
• The web style guide advice on page design is excellent, infact, it’s well worth the investment in time needed to read the entire guide!