Once in a while I get an email asking how the get started designing for the Web. So here a very quick draft from the top of my head.

getting-started.md

How to get started with Web Design?

A site that I like to point people to is dontfeartheinternet.com. It has great videos to learn the basics.

There are lots of people that blog interesting stuff, but it's kinda hard to name just a few. Sooner or later you'll find them by Googling or on Twitter.

I'm not really into reading books and rather learn by just experimenting. Maybe tools like codepen.io or cssdeck.com let you play around and see the result instantly updated.

There are also some online learning services like codecademy.com or teamtreehouse.com that teaches more in an interactive way.

And last, but not least: Going to an actual school. It's not really a must and you can certainly start by learning on your own, but it gives you some basic knowledge that is a great foundation. Just remember, once you're out of school, it doesn't mean you can stop learning. Actually the opposite.

My recommendations are a few years old but nonetheless:

I think people should read "Web design with web standards" (2nd edition) and then start building their own site. Use HTMLdog.com for online reference.

For CSS read "The Zen of CSS design". You'll have to bear with the slightly outdated info but it should give you a feel of how web design became an actual career path.

For Javascript read "DOM scripting" by Jeremy Keith and follow the examples. Ignore jQuery until you do that, then start with some basics at http://www.learningjquery.com/ .

You will need type knowledge so read a primer like "Stop stealing sheep and find out how type works". If you like the topic and want something deeper read "The Elements of Typographic Style".

Now read Mark Boulton's "Designing for the Web" for a summary and more up to date information.

The A List Apart books are probably good too.

I'm on the experimentation team here.

The primary benefit of school (programming, for me, but it still applies) was that you have assigned tasks and goals, which means you have that incentive to keep learning, and progressing. After leaving, I had to find the things that excite myself, which was experimentation. No doubt people can get the same motivation to push forward from books ;)

I think another good place to start is Hard Boiled Web design.

The code examples are a little old but the system of thought is vital for modern web design.