Well, the problem is that it doesn't have an identity.
How about you start really simple. Write down the "Who, what, where, when, how and why" of the site. I mean really write it down, type it, save it somewhere whatever you need to do. Having it in your head is not good enough. Write it down.
Once you have these questions down then you should answer the question, "What is the sites identity? What do I want this site to represent?"
Then you start sketching out ideas, and objects that represent your ideals you have written down. Start combining objects and ideas and see what you come up with.
A lot of people feel that if they can't paint or draw that they can't design. While it helps to be able to paint and draw in the long run, in the short term it is much about ideas, and coming up with ideas. The basics of drawing and painting can be learned by anyone it just takes practice. The design and composition aspect is really hard. This can also be learned.
You need to just write down all your ideas and then research, open up google and see what images pop up that are listed by your keywords, go to the library and take a look at some books, and magazines about your topic of interest. Don't try and rush it. Many people sit down and just start designing. Some of these people even get some good looking sites, but if you want to come up with something special it takes a good deal of research before you even get into it. Take 3 or 5 days to just sketch with a paper pencil and reference material, you will get a whole lot more bang for your buck when you actually sit down in front of the computer and start weilding the mightly mouse.
posted 06-14-2004 05:22
