Web Design

[XTREEMMAK]

Hey guys,
I'm relatively new to this forum. Sup? I recently submited my first site on this page for review and from the looks of it, it didn't do as well as I thought it would . I'm still in school for web dev and mainly have been doing the programming aspect, less of the design aspect. I pick up some design skills from some past experience and current learning experience. My thing is, I dont want my sites to look like everyone elses and therefore strive to keep my designs unique. However (I think) to my understanding, unique is not always the best way to go, which leads me to my question. What are some of the design standards out there now and where can I find and see site dev trends the most? For the most part, I somewhat understand that designs are commonly influenced by operating systems so since vista, I've seen alot of changes in the shiny buttons and multi gradient header bars to give a shiny metallic feel. I also commonly see the chamfered sides, flat bottom look for page sub headers. I also understand that design concepts change based on industry, so you wouldn't design a real estate site the same way you'd design a game site. But yeah and help? Take a look at my clients finished site vs. my personal site layout that I'm working on and what graphically I should be aware of. It's a personal site mind you. Suggestions?

Clients Finished Site:
http://comeliveinpanama.com

WIP Personal Site Layout:
Note: Main background not implemented yet and blue section not complete.->

http://www.webdeveloper.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=8946&stc=1&d=1179552419MainLayoutStep4.jpg

Thanx in advance guys :D

[XTREEMMAK]

c'mon anything?!?

[SydPix]

Perhaps some inspiration from another source may help you in future designs.

This web site is a true inspiration to me.

Css Beauty (http://www.cssbeauty.com/gallery/)

[XTREEMMAK]

Yes thank you! I think this is exactly what I was looking for! If I could get more sites like this so I can keep track on what others are doing around the net similar to this quality, than perhaps I'll have an idea of how to do my sites

[Ascendancy]

What helps me is going to professional web designers websites and looking at some of their design templates and seeing what they are doing. Here are some good links:

http://www.oswd.org/designs/browse/
http://www.templatemonster.com/category.php?
http://www.templatesfactory.net/

[WebJoel]

-How does that axiom go: -'More people visit other people's web sites than visit mine, therefore, I should study what they do & how they do it and learn from it' :)

Bookmarkworthy:

http://www.cssplay.co.uk/menu/index.html

:)

[KDLA]

I found it beneficial to use Google's Stumble Upon (http://www.stumbleupon.com/) service, selecting any topics that may be related to my clients. There are some really nicely designed websites out there, which can prove inspirational.