Project One Prelim Crit

[BreeAnn]

Hi Everyone! I'm BreeAnn St.Onge. I've solved the problem of this assignment by combining a few things that inspire me with writing and direction. I'm not a big fan of color, which you'll see in my mostly black and white designs. I believe I've included all the required elements, and I added navigation in order to make it feel more like a web site.

You'll see in my paragraph about myself that I am inspired by things that are analogue. I show that in design 1 by including old books and a film camera, and in design 2 by using a film image. Additionally, I'm using a typewriter type face for the same purpose.

Websites:
www.tomheerschop.nl - When I found this website, I got lost in it. I love the way they built Toms art over a video of him.

www.hellomonday.com - I was drawn to the design, user interface and the projects on this site.

With both of these websites, I felt like they were playing with me just as much as I was playing with them.

Enjoy!

I appreciate your feedback and I look forward to reading it!

[erose]

Hi BreeAnn:

Your designs are great! the "stonge_prelim2_proj1.jpg" blows me away. I really, really like it! Maybe it's because I'm a HUGE fan of clean black & white! You even managed to include a busy image without sacrificing what is so visually pleasing about black & white. Your text links are spaced apart in such a way that makes it very clear that they stand apart from the 'information' text, even though they are the same color as all the other text. It's very clear they are a part of the navigation bar. Awesome!

I totally like your other design as well. The background and shadows of the image with the books blends perfectly with the black background of the body of your page. My suggestion for this page would be to lower your name, just a bit, so that the transition between the books image and your page is clearer. It's a great transition to look at in my opinion.

[michelek]

Hi BreeAnn,

I have a thing for black and white and really like it. But I keep looking at the one with the books. It seems inviting and makes me want to stay. Like the layout of both designs. I think either one will be good. It may come down to which one you like.

[Stephski]

Beautiful designs! I enjoyed both although if I had to choose, I would go with the first one. Your background image is great! I would suggest to make your navigation slightly bolder to differentiate it from the rest.
The second design works well too, I really enjoy the layout, and the picture of books! I wouldn't change a thing.

[sarah.alvarado]

Hello BreeAnn,
Wow! Your designs are fantastic! Being a book lover and anything cozy I am really leaning towards your second design. It feels very crisp and professional, especially regarding the way you've layed it out. Wonderful job!

[Instructor]

Nicely done, BreAnn. I like the way your creative mind thinks.

I believe your first design is stronger. As much as I love the shelf of old books and the contrast in the layout, your second one lacks unity. It fragments particularly badly toward the bottom two thirds. I say go with your first one.

The first design has an air of mystery about it that's very intriguing. The image of the two people on the couch is lighted so you cannot see their faces. They almost look like a set of suburban cryptids (mothmen perhaps?). You've taken the distressed ethic of the photo and run with it. The typewriter typeface helps as well. I also like the lack of capitals. It gives it a dusty 50s filing cabinet ethic. Your navigation is large and easy to use. Your bodycopy is well placed and easy to read. Every piece reinforces every other.

My only real gripe with it is the lack of bottom margin on your navigation column. The last of your "Recommended Reading" links is awfully close to the left side of your couch. I'd say tighten up your navigation a touch (say, half again as tight as they are now) so it clears the couch with room to spare.

Good work!

[elizabeth_mccurdy]

hello BreAnn,

I like both designs. I think they are each different and unique. I would normally not do a black and white theme but yours looks good. I like the first design better. I think it is stronger and the image in the position. I would maybe change the size of the letters a little bit bigger so it is easier to read and see.

[gracelark]

Feeling torn with this one. I really like your style. Though the navigation and copy is maybe too simple? I think I lean to the old books (design 2), but I have a thing for old books. I also like that design 2 has a clear navigation bar. Although, the first design with the super interesting self photo (like you're telling yourself a secret!) has an overall nonchalant vibe which may not be as easy to navigate but feels artful.

[IvorHarvey]

I think out of the two I'm leaning towards the second design. I like in the first one how the background image fades into the text box, but the use of black and white makes it a little difficult to read. I also like how on the second one you still have that fading image, but using the navigation to break up the header and body copy helps create a separation between the two and therefor it's easier to read. The only thing is I feel like the camera in the corner seems out of place. Maybe use a text wrap around it to tie it in a little better?

-Ivor