It is necessary to clarify the design? If the web design (as indicated in the tags), you can start with typography. Typography in General is useful everywhere, even just in life. Usually recommend books. The book is useful. But I love the format of articles and lessons.
A good starting point.
To be able to draw not necessary. You need to be able to solve problems graphically (again, if it is about web design). Drawing is for illustrators. A designer needs to establish a communication channel between the service/product and the consumer. Visual communication, and effective and the least means. Well, the basis of communication in the web text. So learn typography.
First you need to understand that there are design. The design is created not for a certain circle of people it is created for the masses of consumers. Design rather design, with elements of drawing )
First you need to choose the direction in design (e.g. design and print production, graphic design, web design, 3D, etc.) to grasp ). Read articles, follow the trends, to apply their knowledge in practice. Everything comes with experience.
What is "design skills"? Skills of work with graphic editors mastered elementary, but if you have no taste, and not your, it will be rough.
Books to read, the only way to develop their imagination. You can use forbidden ways, but the effect is only a few hours.
PS I Agree with the typography. Now the web is important. - brooklyn.Herman commented on July 9th 19 at 13:03