The best way to get started using HTML is to copy code from existing web pages. You should also print a copy of the NSCA's short guide to HTML for basic explanations of HTML commands. It also helps to have a list of escape sequences for representing special characters. Effective web pages can be created with only very simple HTML commands, if you add a small number of pictures and a small amount of color.
Pages including only black and white text look somewhat boring.
On the other hand, irrelevant or overly elaborate graphics tends to distract the reader. Text is difficult to read against a strongly patterned or deeply color background. A nice compromise is to make restrained use of the standard set of web icons . Ask your local wizard how to access them. Give your windows a white background rather than the default gray.