As a web designer you always need to have some good resources under your belt to gather inspiration or just learn the latest new feature that your next client is wanting integrated into their site.
Here are some of our favorite resources that we call upon when our mind goes blank..
This site offers some really useful resources and inspiration. Now that most monitors support 960 up from 760 ,this resource is something we can’t live without. They have templates and a very through CSS reset file that works great.
The 960 grid system also takes into consideration the Golden Ratio which is believed to be perfectly proportioned and aesthetically pleasing. Great minds and artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Salvador Dalí, used the golden ratio in many of their works.
This is a must for graphic and web designers. They are the masters of collecting mashups and summarizing useful resources. If you have a brain fart, this is definitely a first stop to get your mind back on track.
They offer some super freebies… this WordPress template was a freebie from one of many Smashing Magazine contributors, cssmayo. Thanks to them, we were able to S.C.R.A.T.C.H. it up and make it our own. The beauty of the web…sharing. Not only does it make life a little simpler, it makes humans light years better, faster.
How about some great tutorials from our family of tuts… NetTuts, PsdTuts, VectorTuts, and more. There can never be enough turtorials. Since most people have been self taught in the web world having tutorials from several different resources can be very helpful. Every one has a different perspective or way of doing things. One tutorial you can get easy, the next just doesn’t cut it.
NetTuts is definitely a good start in the right direction for a web resource. Don’t foget to use your Google Reader so that you can get all your useful feeds in one place. You can do a search and find some other helpful sites.
Here is another sellar resource for those that make do web design. They publish two quality articles a month. Their articles pretty much cover all the fine details of making professional websites. From code, design to process, they have you covered.
What is also nice…if you are looking for services or jobs, they have links to resources such as job posting through 37 signals and products like AWeber.
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This site shows you the good, bad and ugly of web user interfaces. Why is this important? Well.. a good interface can be the difference between a sale or just a browser.
Putting a finished touch on your websites is what can set you apart in a sea of web and graphic designers. Yes, I believe there is more than enough to go around, but having that extra edge is like icing on the cake for your next interview or client presentation.
Just knowing where to go for information can set you apart.
There are so many resources out there. If you are having a hard time finding different resources, why not try StumbleUpon.. but I have to warn you, it could become an addiction. So, use with caution. 
Tags: A List Apart, css mayo, golden ratio, Smashing Magazine, stumble upon, UI Scraps, user interface, word press