How does one get better at design?

that depends on the methods you used. it's one thing to go 'ooo, i like that header graphic i need to learn how to do those effects" and to go "oo pretty, i want one of my own". you just become dependent on taking other people's ideas.

the only thing that makes you better creatively is experience/practical practice. you can know how to do every effect photoshop is capable of, but if you can't conceptualize ideas to apply them, you're not much better then the other guy who can't apply effects to anything.

You get better at designing by designing more. Simple as that =)

I learned almost everything I know by reverse engineering other people's designs. When you see something amazing, try making exact copies of it in Photoshop. After a number of tries, and reading tutorials, you'll be on your way.

NOTE: This does not mean rip off other peoples work and try selling it or claiming it as your own. Simply a learning strategy.

One of my favorite Photoshop resources:
http://www.tutorialized.com/

Just practise.
Also if you could download some free .PSDs and learn from them, that might help.

(I am saying that from experience with forum signatures...Not really tried that for web design D

I learn from my screw-ups and definitely try to network with other designers, especially more experienced ones. Everyone has their own little tricks and being able to utilize as many resources as possible is invaluable.

I think it's hard to 'learn' how to make designs look great.

Personally, I think you origionally have to have some artistic ability (As opposed to PHP programming, where you can be taught that). I think 'experience' is the word i'd use to sum up your answer.

You can do hundreds of tutorials, but it doesn't really make you any better of a designer (more just how to know the tools). But to have created your own designs, had them criticised, had clients compliment them.. is the way.

I remember when i started designing years ago. I couldn't tell what looked good and what didn't.. (Noobies for example, use LARGE shapes, LARGE text, gradients.. etcetc.)

But yes. Look at different sites (Maybe sites in CSS galleries?), and understand what makes a good design, first.

i have learnet alot from just checkin out ideas from a tonnn of sites, and now I just make sites all the time, so just keep practicing really

practice, practice and practice! and definatly look at other designers to get a little influence going !

I think an eye for design is something many just 'have'. the ability to pick shapes, colours and imagery which flow can be quite instinctive. You can improve with practice though. I find mimicking/copying to be a constructive learning process at first. Find a peice of work that impresses you and is quite clearly technically advanced and try to replicate it. the process might involve following online tutorials, posing questions to other designers and simply playing around with tools and techniques. All of these things will teach you a LOT and hopefully you will develop a style of your own along the way.

I pray to the Dark Gods...

Practice, look at others work for inspiration, listen to podcasts, read industry mags etc.