Topic: test design for a simple site

Hi all, I've got a basic site design at the moment...
I've started out in Photoshop...but my design skills aren't that great...
image of my design
image of my design v2

I just wanted some advice on layout and how I can improve it...

I know it needs some kind of banner at the top, and the colours are plain...

But there's something about it, that I can't put my finger on, that I just don't like...is it too boring? simple? any advice would be great!

When I finalise the design, I'll try to make it using CSS and not tables

Thanks!

Sorry If I offended anyone with the disclaimer...was watching Eddie Murphy movie (Golden Child)...All the text will be added later, more interested in design at the moment.

(Edited by ShadowImage on 06-14-2004 07:38)

(Edited by ShadowImage on 06-14-2004 08:32)

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.

How about try using less exclamation marks!

Seriously enough, what WarMage said here was correct. It's bland. There's nothing that makes it say, "Hey, this is us." It lacks creativity in my honest opinion, but it is functional, or would be.

And your little "copyright" thing at the bottom is very unprofessional, and you misspelt "bleed." Dictionaries and spell checkers are your friend.


My Artwork - BMEzine.com