GRC 175 Learning and Discussion Forum

Here are my four roughs

Hi McKenzie, these roughs are wonderful! I really love the use of the colors in both, the purple and orange are really nice together. For the first rough I think you could get away with white instead of black text, there's also a lot of empty space in the desktop layout, so maybe moving the picture over and increasing the size of the about you part, and bringing down the navigation and adding clickable links to projects, references, etc. could bring that one together, but I really enjoy what you have so far! For the second rough I have a lot of the same critiques, maybe dropping the opacity of the boxes and increasing the size of the about me so that its the next thing you read after your name if that makes sense. Otherwise I really enjoy these and I'm excited to see what comes next!

Hi Mckenzie,
I like the feel of both of these, kinda sherberty, if that makes sense, also I want to cuddle that cat. I like the colors together, perhaps you could play with different tones and hues and add some layers for depth and pop. Or use your fonts in different colors to add some cohesiveness. Awesome.

Between the typefaces and colors used in these roughs, I get the impression that you're going for a groovy/80s vibe. Which is totally awesome. I actually think you could actually sort of combine the two concepts. I like the second one in terms of layout a little better, but that cat in the first one is totally rad and you should keep him. I support the groovy cat. Other than that the only thing that I could think to suggest is to play around with using color and size to play up that hierarchy. I think you can get away with some bold colors with these vibes. Good start. Can't wait to see you develop these ideas!

Hey Mckenzie,
I really love the colors in your first concept along with the cute photo of the cat in the middle staring right back at us haha! My only critiques would be adjusting all the elements in the center, even though the cat looks cool in the middle, I think it would work the best if it was on one of the sides and the "about me" paragraph was on the other (and the inspiration and project buttons underneath the "about me" text). Additionally, I am also having a hard time knowing that this is your website because your name is very tiny, you will need to have a big headline with your name so I could associate what I am viewing with you. Other than that, this concept is already starting off strong and I can't wait to see your adjustments for the final submission! Amazing work!

Hi Mckenzie! I love the color harmonies you are working with, it shows some personality! I also think you have the start of some good hierarchy with the different weights in your type. I think my only critique would be to work with the alignment more to create a more unified and visually flowing design. Nice Start!

I like your first hippie flower power design better, McKenzie. That kitty makes me smile.

The whole layout is very clean, just begging to have some pattern put in the background. That cat pic is great. Clearly she knows something I don't know and is willing to teach me if only I pledge all my assets to her commune. I like your font choices too. They really reinforce the beginnings of a psychedelic concert poster that you have going on here. I actually like the bolder bodycopy in this instance, usually I'm harping on people to tone down their bodycopy type. It has good contrast which I hope continues as it grows. Your navigation is easy to see and use.

On your computer and mobile designs, I'd take the kitty image out of the background and bring him to the foreground. Also enlarge him quite a bit. I'd also take out the purple ovals and include more color. Take a look at hippie artwork and incorporate some of their patterns and more of their visual language into both your computer and mobile designs. Don't hold back! Depending on the size of the kitty image, you may need to tighten up the overall layout on your computer layout, too.

Good effort! Don't forget to put your name in your signature, BTW.

Hi McKenzie

I like your first design as the colors are nicer to look at, and the cat in the middle is just so cute.
The mobile version is perfect in not overloading the viewer but also getting the point across.
However, with the web version, it feels empty. Maybe because of the size of the type. Plus the amount of space between the picture and the type around it. Perhaps you can put a flower in the middle for the background and have the cat be the center of it. That'll take up more room and fit the vibe of the whole design.

Assuming you find one that works.

I like the second design you have posted here, it is a nice simple piece of work and straight to the point. I would say moving forward that your negative space is a bit more than makes me comfortable. Have you thought of using a mask and enlarging the record graphic? On the other hand I enjoy the use of desaturated compliments it gives it a smooth appearance, but I would watch out when mixing san serif and serif fonts together, it gives things an inconsistent feel and will make some designers head explode, lol. Otherwise I am interested to see where you go with it from here.
Regards

I think you could go with either moving forward, I personally like the first "cat" concept better, but I really think either will work. For the "cat" one I would just toy with size and/or placement., especially on the web version. The cat is too small or there is too much negative space around it. I would really toy with the size of the cat on both versions, I mean see what super blown up looks like, but if nothing else I would increase the size at least 30%.