I want to learn how to select appropriate colors and fonts for a new site

Question

I'm developing a new site, and although I know enough basic programming to make the site, I'm not artistically inclined enough to make the site look nice. So, I was hoping I could get some suggestions or something on what colors and fonts go well together to make a nice looking website; only for the users experience.

So, does anyone have any suggestions, or sites that may help me learn about such a thing? I'm really just developing a basic site, so it can be basic colors, just nothing to dark or light I guess. I'm thinking somewhere in the middle.

Answer 1

Your question covers two distinct areas of design: color theory and typography. Color theory covers why blue text on a red background may not be a good idea. Typography covers the style, usage and spacing of fonts or the letters on the page.

In addition to the links @Luuk provide, you may want to take a look at these:

Typography:

10 Rules Every Designer Should Know - from Webdesigner Depot

A Guide To Web Typography - from I Love Typography

Color Theory:

Colors in Web Design - 1stWebDesigner

Color Theory For Designers - Part 1 - from Smashing Magazine

Color Theory For Designers - Part 2

Color Theory For Designers - Part 3

I had the links handy because I refer to them often. Hope this helps

Answer 2

You may also find this tool helpful: http://kuler.adobe.com

Answer 3

http://webdesign.tutsplus.com and http://www.smashingmagazine.com should give you a good starts. Just browse through the articles. In fact... Article 2 on tutsplus is already about typography.

hope this helps you