I’ve revised my design assignment. Initially, I wanted to make just a few minor changes to my header, but after some experimentation with Gradient tool and Layer Mask, I decided to increase the importance of the text and to let the background image play its role as a background. So, I increased the size of the text and filled it with red color.
In the case of the background image I used the gradient tool. It provided a smoother transition from text to image. Also, using Adjustment Layers with “Curves”, “Hue and Saturation” and “Color Balance” helped me to adjust the transition from black and white to reddish nuances inside the image.
On the level of the whole page, I moved #mainContent and #sidebar1 closer to the header. At the same time, I changed the color of the border bottom from purple to black. Looking forward to your criticism and to the final projects.
Here is my initial design page:
Below is the revised version of the design page:
Hi Alex,
I just found these vintage post-stamps with Lenin. Thought you might be interested.
http://www.pixmac.com/picture/old+stamp+with+lenins+image/000012065237
Rachel
Thanks Rachel! Good luck with the finals!
This looks really good Alex! I liked your initial header, but in this one, the text is easier to read. A very good use of the gradient tool.
You mention you changed the border bottom to black; did you still want your links to be purple on the roll-over? I’m just wondering if in that change you meant to alter your color scheme.
Nice page!
Lynn
[...] Commented on Dan’s blog about the uncertain state of information on the Internet and Alex’s edits to his design page. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)I have ONE hit! [...]
Thanks! Yes, I wanted to have either the border bottom or the links colored in purple. Before, I had both of them colored, so now I decided to add some variety to the menu in order to help the visitors in their navigation. In this way, the links are purple as to emphasize their importance while the borders are black to add some additional fixity and coherence.
Alex,
It looks much better! I like the look of the header now that you’ve emphasized the title and played down the background by using the gradient tool. I think this will work for you should you decide to use it as the platform for your final project.
John
Yes, Alex, good work. The only part I would make sure you have right is the font (style and size). If it is the exact font you need, keep it. I found it to be a bit large (especially after reading your blog–smaller font size). Try to find that “sweet” spot of 14-16 words per line.
But, you may want to ignore our comments for a while. I think we can spend too much time over design elements (I know I did)
[...] By rwanysibaja Comments on Lynn (visual appeal) and Alex (redesign), and I agree with Dan G., in my previous blog posting, on the unforseen consequences of [...]
Hi Alex,
I really like the way you have used the gradient tool…and the red letters look especially sharp. Have you tried changing the image in the background to black fading out to gray? It might provide a little more contrast — red letters against a black and white background. The faded red in the images looks a little pink on my screen…maybe it looks more red on yours. Anyway, the black might really give it a little more punch…but really like what you have done here!
Thanks everybody for comments!
@Rwany, in my worries to provide a readable font, I might have made it a little bit bigger, but I would rather make it bigger than smaller. For the same reasons I extended the line height and the word spacing.
@Toni, I agree that the background image is not perfect, but I tried to do my best to fade the red on the image and to sharpen the color of the font. Also, if I’ll make the image gray or black, I am afraid that my website, [which will not be rich in special effects] would be even more ridden of vividness and playfulness.
Thanks again!