Project 1 Preliminary Critique

[dbranby]

Hi, Kirsten! I was quite intrigued by your story and found myself drawn to your "bridge" version, as it is a wonderful metaphor for the transition you're going through in your life. I suspect the "dark forest" on the other side can be construed as either exciting or terrifying, depending on one's point of view -- either way, congratulations on your bravery!

The only thing I'd suggest for improvement would be to improve legibility of your body copy, perhaps by "ghosting in" a translucent box behind your copy ... it's tricky, though, because you don't want to cover up your beautiful bridge. I think I'd lower the body copy to the lower third of the page and let it live there. Anyway, good luck on your adventure ... and best wishes along the way!

[dazey_duck]

I am favoring your bottom layout as the design is easier to read and has a much stronger sense of unity going on. I really enjoy the low saturated blues you have chosen to contrast your picture of the ocean. I think you just need to work on the placement of your navigation buttons, they look like they are trying to run off the page.

[ariaaearnest]

Hello Kristen! Happy you're taking graphic design classes with us! Since this is your first class I hope you have a great time!

For your first layout, I would try doing a transparent type box under your text so you can be able to read it. I like the idea concept behind the layout.

For your second design I would make your body copy and your welcome sign text darker. Light text on a light background is difficult to read. I would also move you buttons away from the edge of the layout and give them a bit more breathing room. I like the photo you used. More contrast in this design would definitely make it look stronger. So I would go with your second design.


Kinda unrelated to your website but you mentioned in your post how you were finding a lot of unhelpful tutorials for adobe software. I would recommend getting a library card if you don't already have one and getting a Lynda.com account. The washoe county library offers it for free if you have a card and all the tutorials on there are extremely helpful!

[Benjamin_Nance]

both of your web sights have good juxtaposition. the picture sort the info nicely in your web sights. I think i prefer the second one more.

-ben

[ravens.way]

I like both of your site designs. The first site is the one that stands out most to me. It could be improved by using a different color for the lighter colored font to improve readability. The second site is appealing as well. It could be improved by moving the navigation links in slightly from the edge of the page.