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Question for Graphics Designers

by George Chernikov
4 replies
Dear Designers,

I've recently started designing my own sites, and while I quite like the results, I am wondering if you can help me solve the following issue.

Sometimes, I seem to have difficulties coming up with ways of illustrating the concept of the site for the purposes of the header image. For example, let's take the Job Interview niche - the first thing that comes to mind is the picture of two people in an interview, but that's not really something you can put on the header, because, in my opinion, it's too specific and not conceptual enough for a sales letter site.

I've tried everything - CVs, resumes, flying oodles of cash, successful man jumping up in the sky - in short, everything I could think of, and yet neither seems to fully capture the concept of a job interview.

As such, I was wondering if the designers here would care to share any tips they have for overcoming what is, for lack of a better word, the designer's block. Exactly how do you come up with ways to represent the concept of the subject matter, as opposed to simply depicting it with an image involving people (which, to me, is a bit of an easy way out, unless it's in the relationship/dating niche)?
#designers #graphics #question
  • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
    Hi George,

    Sometimes a picture can be worth a thousand words, but a question or a statememnt that gets right to the point and extracts or expresses the main benefit to your visitor can have greater impact.

    If you are having trouble finding an image that conveys in an instant why your visitor will want to hang around, perhaps the written word will be a better choice.

    I love to fool around with graphics, but sometimes getting straight to the benefit is the better choice. Canned images rarely (imo) have the effect the designer believes they will invoke. More often than not, (again imo) they tend to cheapen the site and make it appear as another 'me too' page.

    Try using the header space as an introduction to what follows using attractive text and then test that against pertinent images if you can find or create any. It may surprise you.

    KJ
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  • Profile picture of the author GrantFreeman
    Originally Posted by George Chernikov View Post

    Dear Designers,

    Sometimes, I seem to have difficulties coming up with ways of illustrating the concept of the site for the purposes of the header image. For example, let's take the Job Interview niche - the first thing that comes to mind is the picture of two people in an interview, but that's not really something you can put on the header, because, in my opinion, it's too specific and not conceptual enough for a sales letter site.

    I've tried everything - CVs, resumes, flying oodles of cash, successful man jumping up in the sky - in short, everything I could think of, and yet neither seems to fully capture the concept of a job interview.
    Seems like "I've tried everything" means everything except asking what your target market wants. If so, that's your main problem.

    What appeals to THEM, is always more important than what appeals to you.

    Ask your TM. They know the answer.

    Grant
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  • Profile picture of the author Lindsay Brynn
    I don't always use images. Sometimes I will just do a type of design with a gradient and some kind of shape with some good text. If I really want a graphic and I can't seem to come up with something - sometimes I go over to a site like istockphoto and search through the types of images and graphics they have available and maybe something will hit me.
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  • Profile picture of the author DrewG
    Honestly, I liked your first idea, with the job interview picture being the main part of the header. Maybe have 2 people in a job interview or 2 people shaking hands, usually something that happens AFTER they've gotten the job.

    Maybe something along these lines - Royalty free stock images | job interview | iStockphoto.com


    The next thing I would do is incorporate some pictures of resumes and cover letters in the background. I would also include a picture of some cash.

    Maybe something like this - Royalty free stock images | resume | iStockphoto.com

    And lastly, do some gradient effects and put the title on there.

    Not sure if that would capture the entire target market, but that's just an idea I had floating around.


    ~D.C.
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