| MySpace has exploded as the number one social | | | | deeper interest in Web site design. There loads of |
| networking site online. It's a place for people of all | | | | very good free HTML tutorials online to help get you |
| ages and interests to go to meet people with similar | | | | started. |
| interests, make new friends, and build a network. In | | | | 4. Learn about CSS -- actually, you'll find that |
| order to attract others interested in becoming your | | | | tweaking pre-made layouts is more about changing |
| MySpace friends, you'll definitely need to have an | | | | the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) code rather than |
| inviting MySpace layout, something that reflects your | | | | the HTML. The name may sound daunting, but CSS is |
| own unique style. So how do you go about creating | | | | a very convenient way to change the formatting of |
| an eye-catching MySpace layout? Will you need to | | | | your layout without needing to edit bunches of HTML |
| take courses on HTML, CSS, and Web design or pay | | | | tags. |
| top-dollar to a hotshot Web designer? | | | | The old method for changing the style of the text |
| Fortunately, the answer is a lot easier than all that. | | | | on a Web page was to edit each and every font tag |
| With a little time spent upfront, you can create a | | | | on the page. There could be scores of these tags to |
| fantastic MySpace layout that really impresses. Here | | | | change making the job very tedious and error pone. |
| are 5 tips to get you started in the right direction: | | | | With CSS changing the color of the text used on |
| 1. Decide on your style -- keep in mind that your | | | | your MySpace profile page is simply a matter of |
| MySpace page is like your front door to the world. It | | | | changing the value that defines the font color in the |
| should reflect who you are and a bit of your own | | | | CSS rule for the body tag on your page. |
| personal style. Just sticking with the default MySpace | | | | There is a lot to CSS, but you don't need to be an |
| layout will probably give the impression that you're | | | | expert to get started. Like learning HTML, there are |
| lazy and not too original. However, that can be easily | | | | also a lot of free CSS tutorials online. |
| fixed with just a little time and effort to learn some | | | | 5. Tweaking & experimenting -- the best way to |
| basic HTML and CSS. | | | | get started creating your own MySpace layout is to |
| 2. Use pre-made layouts -- the good news is that | | | | grab a free layout you like and start experimenting. |
| you don't need to spend weeks or months learning | | | | Don't be afraid - just jump in with both feet and see |
| HTML and laboring to make your own MySpace | | | | what happens when you start changing around the |
| layout. There are tons of pre-made MySpace layouts | | | | values in the CSS section of your layout. Don't worry |
| available both free and those you can buy. Many of | | | | if you mess something up, just make a backup copy |
| the free layouts are quite good and with so many to | | | | of the layout code to be safe. Who knows, you |
| choose from, you're bound to find something that | | | | might really like some of the changes you happen to |
| suits your tastes. Many of these sites also have | | | | make by accident! |
| layout editors where you can upload your own | | | | So take some time now to peruse the many free |
| images and generate the code right there on the site. | | | | MySpace layouts available and select a few that you |
| If you want to guarantee that you have a unique | | | | really like. You may want to get your friends and |
| layout, then you can hire a designer to design one | | | | family to help you make the final choice. Then from |
| just for you. There are loads of layout designers | | | | there, it's just a matter of playing around with the |
| advertising their services online at very reasonable | | | | HTML and CSS code until you have something you're |
| fees. | | | | really happy with. And remember, what will really |
| 3. Learn some HTML -- despite what you may think | | | | make your profile standout is the content you place |
| or have been told, learning basic HTML coding is not | | | | on it. Then in no time, you'll have a MySpace layout |
| difficult at all. Especially if you're going to just tweak | | | | that you'll be really proud of and you'll see your list of |
| a pre-made MySpace layout. In fact, this is a great | | | | MySpace friends really takeoff! |
| way to get your feet wet and possibly develop a | | | | |