Hi, I only know how to build sites with Wordpress--I would love to figure out how to use web templates--i have no clue how to build a simple site with any thing other than wordpress--where do I start? I get a template, yeah, but how do I edit it--what do I do with and where do I upload it to--how do I make pages, etc?
You design sites using an image editor like Photoshop or GIMP. You learn how to construct sites at W3 Schools. You build sites using a HTML editor like Dreamweaver or Aptana Studio. You buy a domain and hosting from a webhost like HostGator. You upload your files to your webhost using an FTP program. You can start by downloading a template, opening it in a HTML editor and editing it as you want. However, if I were you, I would start from scratch. In order to become a great Web developer, you must learn (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP and MySQL at the very least. It'll take you a few years, maybe more. Welcome to Web development!
I would suggest using a service such as webalized.net The staff there is willing to help you step by step as you build your site.
I learned to do this by reviewing the code on other templates. I would start by buying a bunch of different ones and just start dissecting them. Once I figured how different features worked, I started building my own. Here's a couple places that can get you started: Boxed Art boxedart.com 200,000 Template Clearance Sale dashwoodmediaservices.com/templates/sale Hope those help.