It has been proved. You can become a “RockStar” developing WordPress themes. Think at the audience, think at the creative process… in my opinion a great WP theme is like a great rock song.
In my experience I’ve developed some themes for this great blogging platform and when I start a new WordPress-based project my mind automatically thinks at the development of the website in four steps (once the concept is set). My brain sends me the following orders: first, design the general web-layout in Photoshop; second, convert the mockup to a (x)html/css webpage; third, develope the theme for WP; fourth, hack your template. My brain often is a strange company.

The steps are clear and in this post you can find some useful tutorials and excellent readings to really become a star as WordPress Themes Designer.
I tested many of the following tutorials, and they help me to improve my skills. My brain thanks.

First Step: Design Your Layout in Photoshop

Below there are the top tutorials for learning how to design a perfect web-layout. They show how to create the essential elements for a WordPress-based website using amazing techniques in PhotoShop.

How to Make an Impressive Blog Layout in Photoshop

Create an Elegant Photoshop (PSD) Template for Wordpress

Create a wordpress interface in Photoshop

How to Create a Unique Wordpress Theme

Creating a tech blog layout in Adobe Photoshop

Wordpress Layout #5

Create a Vibrant Modern Blog Design in Photoshop

Create a Magic Night Themed Web Design from Scratch in Photoshop

Creating A Professional Magazine Web Layout

How to Create a Sleek and Textured Web Layout in Photoshop

How to Create a “Worn Paper” Web Layout Using Photoshop

#71: Building a Website (1 of 3): Photoshop Mockup

Second Step: PSD-to-HTML Conversion

I understand, maybe you are bored switching from Photoshop to a blank page that needs your skills to become a perfect (x)html/css web-layout. Don’t worry, below you can find more information to speed and to improve your techniques in psd-to-html conversion.

How to Convert a Photoshop Mockup to XHTML/CSS

Styling Post Headings That Stick Out

Animated Navigation with CSS & jQuery

Tips for Developing Semi-Liquid Layouts

#72: Building a Website (2 of 3): HTML/CSS Conversion

SportNewsPvm Coded, How To Plan A Web Layout For A WordPress Theme

MakingSEO coded, Free CSS Template with PSD-to-HTML tips

How to Code a Grunge Web Design from Scratch

Third Step: WordPress Rocks!

You are ready “to get in the zone”. Read the following posts to discover the techniques and tricks to build a great WordPress theme.

#73: Building a Website (3 of 3): WordPress Theme

How To Create a WordPress Theme: The Ultimate WordPress Theme Tutorial

How to Create a Wordpress Theme from Scratch

How to write your own wordpress theme

Build a Newspaper Theme With WP_Query and the 960 CSS Framework

Styling Your Wordpress Comments

So you want to create WordPress themes huh?

Four Step: Hacks to Improve your Theme

Customize your website using the tips collected below. You’ll find some fantastic suggestions on how to boost your website.

The Ultimate Wordpress 2.8 Optimization Guide

Display Thumbnails For Related Posts in Wordpress

Displaying Author Meta Information in Wordpress 2.8

How to : Make a control panel for your wordpress theme

Display Subcategories on Category Pages in WordPress

How To Rearrange Comments in WordPress – Display the Most Recent One on Top

WordPress loop: Get posts published between two particular dates

Wordpress tutorial: Blog posts in different columns

Multiple WordPress Loops Explained

Extra: Resources and Utilities

Build your own set of tools to speed up the the development of your website proudly powered by WordPress.

Wordpress – Lorem Ipsum Test Post Pack

WordPress PSD Framework

Blank Wordpress Themes

Thematic, A WordPress Theme Framework

Free HTML 5 WordPress Theme

ThemeHybrid is about users, quality and WordPress

WP Framework, A blank WordPress Theme Framework

Whiteboard – A Free Wordpress Theme Framework

Extra: Other Useful Articles and Roundups

Below you’ll see a collection of other great articles and roundups to find other awesome resources.

Wordpress Posts Explained…

WordPress Theme / CSS Techniques

Power Tips For WordPress Template Developers

22 Mixed Quality Wordpress Hacks

135+ Ultimate Round-Up of Wordpress Tutorials

300+ Resources to Help You Become a WordPress Expert

Top 50 Wordpress Tutorials

Personalise your WordPress Weblog

Best of the Best? WordPress.org!

All-In-One! Browse Wordpress.org to discover the secrets behind the state-of-the-art publishing platform.