Can a new developer drastically change Genesis theme appearance?

[Clutch34]

Hey everyone,

First and foremost, I should say that I am not a web developer nor do I have any experience working with WordPress, BUT I am determined to learn it! I have taken on a project at school to make a website for a new student-run organization (and potentially a second org, too) and I am intrigued by the Genesis framework and its apparent "ease" of use.

My main question is, as a new developer with limited HTML/CSS knowledge, does Genesis offer me a way to drastically change the appearance of any given theme? I understand that significant customizations will require HTML and CSS, but will I be able to make minor changes here and there to make the same theme look completely different? Or am I kind of stuck just changing template colors and page layouts?

I apologize in advance for this completely noob question, but I would appreciate any feedback/suggestions. Thanks!

[JohnEniste]

I would say to make significant changes to the appearance of your theme you will need at least a basic knowledge of html, css and php:
-php to build new areas, or move/filter elements
-html for your output markup
-css to style your output

I think that would be the case with most themes apart from those that have the "builder" type admin areas - but they are generally code-heavy.

[AffordYourPassions]

Before buying my first Studiopress theme, I had a small knowledge of html, but no knowledge of PHP and CSS. That was less than 2 months ago. My site now looks very little like the original child theme. My changes weren't just color changes etc.

Original child theme: http://www.studiopress.com/themes/modernblogger
My site: http://affordyourpassions.net/

Good luck!

[Clutch34]

Thanks for the responses, I had figured being familiar with HTML and such would needed. I appreciate you showing me your website Susan. That's what I was hoping for as far as making minor tweaks to the themes! And it's nice to see another Texan! I'm from Frisco, but currently in dental school in Utah!