[javery]

Always always do the front end UI first. Work with someone to build prototypes - either just on paper or in something like balsamiq - and then walk through those prototypes with potential customers/users.

Then you can get designs built from the prototypes - then send the designs off to a developer who will knock it out. (and love you for having it all ready)

[pringle]

Thanks for the helpful and straightforward response.

When you say designs, you mean html/css/js -- everything client side -- right? I assume so, but being a noob means constantly asking dumb questions.

[javery]

A designer will get you either PSDs or HTML/CSS - then you can hand that off to a developer who will build the javascript and server-side.