Website graphic design is almost a field unto itself.
There are specific rules that apply when designing for a website.
It is not something anyone can just sit down and succeed at in an hour, but with a little practice and patience anyone can learn to design web graphics.
It does not necessarily require expensive software or a college degree.
Anyone with an interest in art and design can find the tools they need to get started already available to them on their own computer.
Once a person has learned the basics of designing graphics for the web, they can easily put those tools to use in other areas of the graphic design industry.
After you know the basics, you might find yourself wanting to expand into the realm of logo graphic design or even becoming one of those brochure designers.
First things first, though.
There are some rules to follow when getting in to website graphic design.
The number one rule of thumb is to keep things simple.
Large, flashy graphics on a website do more harm than good.
You must hold your visitors attention for the first 10 seconds they visit your page, or you will most likely lose them forever.
If that 10 seconds is wasted loading a large graphic, you've lost a potential customer.
If the graphics on the website are so flashy and "in-your-face" that they annoy the browser, you may lose a potential customer.
It is important to make sure the graphics you design for the page flow nicely with the page, not detract from the content.
After all, it is the content of the page that you want your visitors to notice.
Make sure that your color choices fit in with color scheme of the website.
You don't want graphics that clash horribly with the design of the rest of the page.
You also want to be sure that your graphics are relevant to the content of the page.
It would not be right to have a page with content about finding a new summer home in New Hampshire plastered with graphics of jungle creatures or other some such irrelevant images.
So, just remember, keep it simple, relevant and coordinated and you are well on your way to website graphic design.