Can someone recommend a learning path for building Django sites/apps to someone who has no web dev experience but uses python for scripting and workstation utilities? In particular, I use python for VFX/CGI scripting.
Then start writing your own application. When you have questions read the django documentantion. The django docs are the best documentantion I've ever seen, they are better than most books about django and should answer all your questions. The docs are so good I recommend reading them from start to finish - i.e download this off line version of the docs: https://media.readthedocs.org/pdf/django/1.11.x/django.pdf
and read it from cover to cover. You will not regret it.
Would you also recommend learning CSS, HTTP, PHP _before_ the Django tutorials?
https://tutorial.djangogirls.org/
It covers HTML, CSS, git, etc. in addition to teaching you Django.
Coming from VFX will give you a different perspective compared to other compsci types IMO. Especially if you've worked with things procedurally.
In the end with Django it's more than just Python but other than controlling ornery ORM generated SQL its pretty easy to work with on all fronts and has PHENOMENAL documentation.
Hit me up I twitter @leetrout if you want to chat more.
These things are what I am scared of.