First attempt at a header graphic

Asher · 09-16-2008, 10:52 AM

Hi guys,

I made a header for my blog. It's my first attempt.
Would need some critiques on how to improve it.
I feel it's still not complete and it's too busy.

Any specific tips to work on?

Here's my header...

Asher

e-mail2u · 09-16-2008, 06:06 PM

Hi,

The first thing that pops out to me is the text is too bunched up, too central and your tag line needs to be on one line instead of two. Also try changing the s in spend to $.

Background i would suggest losing the 100's and replacing with a darker green color.

So far a good effort, and with time you will improve. Everyone has room to improve.

Cpt Jack Sparrow · 09-16-2008, 06:35 PM

Looks TOO CLUSTERED! Instead of having so many images in the background.. make a background color which goes well with your site color.. Put the text on the colored Background and it ll be more legible .. And as suggested Put the Tagline in one line... Use images but not all over .. spread them out in a nice way.. Check some headers done by me at the link below to get ideas

Good Luck!

Header Designs

Asher · 09-17-2008, 01:38 AM

Here's the new one... what do you think? I still think it needs improvement.

Asher

imstar · 09-17-2008, 01:58 AM

the new design is very attractive. the only thing i can comment is the tagline's color should be in different color.

KarlWarren · 09-17-2008, 03:15 AM

The new one is MUCH better...

it could do with a little bit more contrast between the text and background, but overall a fairly polished job.

mun · 09-17-2008, 03:17 AM

I also agree with the above post, the tag line can be a different darker coulour but not too contrasting that it draws attention from the other parts of the design completely

Asher · 09-18-2008, 06:09 AM

Slightly edited with the colour of the main text and enlarged the bottom lines a bit... Also, removed the gradient overlay. How's it now?

Asher

Pete Janelle · 09-18-2008, 08:28 AM

I'm coming into this a little late, but here's my two cents....

The above banner is an amazing improvement over your starting point. If you gain anything from this, realize that the first design is rarely what you end up with (and that's OK).

The imagery is powerful and drives home the point that you are trying to make. Matching the main text color to the coin image color works great and allows the eye to flow into the graphic elements nicely. I'm not fond of having text above and below the main title - it adds too much messaging to an already powerful message. "More Money to Spend" says it all, followed by the tagline. "Isn't that what we all want?" seems redundant to me and doesn't offer much support. Removing it would also allow the elements to breathe a little more. Don't discount white space!

One last thing - the globe graphic was more subtle in the previous version. Try taking it down a bit and see if that works. The three money images really popped before, but now they get lost in the background image. Tone down the bright white streak in the background a little bit as well, just a tiny bit.

Overall, great job. Thanks for posting the progression of your work.

Asher · 09-18-2008, 11:24 AM

Thanks Pete,

I followed your advice and made the changes... how does it look now?

Asher

Pete Janelle · 09-18-2008, 03:05 PM

I didn't expect both lines of text to be gone, but I like it! Four words that make me want to click - "More Money To Spend." Nice. You may want to put the bottom line back, but it can go either way, IMO.

I liked the blue background better, preferably the one with the gradient overlay. Blue = safety. Good work, glad to be of service.

GaryPacker · 09-18-2008, 03:39 PM

Hi Asher,

I'm a bit late into this thread also, however.....

I loved the second one. The globe was nicely faded into the background and gave the graphics punch. I agree that the "More Money To Spend" needed to be darker.

I feel your fourth attempt has gone too far. I don't like the black. I have sinister thoughts about black and money, thoughts like "beware, all is not as it should be". The blue was much better.

Overall though, a great attempt and great that you sought advice from those that know.

Regards,

Gary

Asher · 09-18-2008, 04:01 PM

Hi again,

Thanks for all the input and guidance thus far! Here's the next one with the gradient blue in it.

Asher

Pete Janelle · 09-19-2008, 07:48 AM

Right on! That's the image I had in my head. You might want to reconsider placing an action statement below the "More Money to Spend" text, since people react to directions. Now if it's a site header and not an ad, then keep it as-is.

gillberk · 09-19-2008, 10:42 AM

Hi!
The second header is a better one regarding first one man, but it needs some slight modifications. The Background color is too contrast and gave a one size increment to your text then it seems very attractive and beautiful.

---------------------

Gillberk

SINGLE PAGE ADS

GaryPacker · 09-19-2008, 06:10 PM

Hi Asher,

That's absolutely brilliant.

It's how I think it should be.

Right on.

Regards,

Gary

Asher · 09-20-2008, 06:53 AM

Thanks for all the help and input!

Cheers!

Asher

Jim M · 09-24-2008, 02:34 PM

the banner looks great - but don't get too hung up on perfection - you don't want to have visitors arrive on an 'ugly' site for sure - but if I've learned anything it's that you can't spend forever looking for 'perfection'

Once it's up and running you can tweak it as much as you want!

brilliantjv · 09-24-2008, 09:00 PM

Great banner - The last one.

How do you get the "sparkles" in the text?

09-16-2008, 10:52 AM	#1
Asher SG Lurker Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Singapore. Posts: 1,713 Blog Entries: 68 Thanks: 487 Thanked 280 Times in 159 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	First attempt at a header graphic Hi guys, I made a header for my blog. It's my first attempt. Would need some critiques on how to improve it. I feel it's still not complete and it's too busy. Any specific tips to work on? Here's my header... Asher
	AsherAw.com \| How To Make Your First $1,000 In Online Income Cash

09-16-2008, 06:06 PM	#2
e-mail2u Certified Aspie/Gimp Guru Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ma , USA. Posts: 348 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 18 Times in 13 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Hi, The first thing that pops out to me is the text is too bunched up, too central and your tag line needs to be on one line instead of two. Also try changing the s in spend to $. Background i would suggest losing the 100's and replacing with a darker green color. So far a good effort, and with time you will improve. Everyone has room to improve.
	Taking it to the next level... Geoff. l Free Gimp Help.. l .Free Webmaster Tools,l free peel away ad help click here .. l.Last orders at the bar

09-16-2008, 06:35 PM	#3
Cpt Jack Sparrow Active Warrior Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: , , . Posts: 41 Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Looks TOO CLUSTERED! Instead of having so many images in the background.. make a background color which goes well with your site color.. Put the text on the colored Background and it ll be more legible .. And as suggested Put the Tagline in one line... Use images but not all over .. spread them out in a nice way.. Check some headers done by me at the link below to get ideas Good Luck! Header Designs
	WSO - 25% Off On Mini Sites Ecovers and Graphics EcoverKing - Professional and Crisp Minisite Graphics, eCovers, Headers etc. Graphic & Web Design Portfolio

09-17-2008, 01:38 AM	#4
Asher SG Lurker Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Singapore. Posts: 1,713 Blog Entries: 68 Thanks: 487 Thanked 280 Times in 159 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Here's the new one... what do you think? I still think it needs improvement. Asher
	AsherAw.com \| How To Make Your First $1,000 In Online Income Cash

09-17-2008, 01:58 AM	#5
imstar Warrior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: A City Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: First attempt at a header graphic the new design is very attractive. the only thing i can comment is the tagline's color should be in different color.
	3 Easy Steps to Top 10 Search Engine Rankings

09-17-2008, 03:15 AM	#6
KarlWarren www.eCoverNinja.com War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 5,988 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 186 Thanked 470 Times in 206 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic The new one is MUCH better... it could do with a little bit more contrast between the text and background, but overall a fairly polished job.
	Amazon, ClickBank & Adsense Earnings Profit-Ready Niche Blogs >> Check It Out NOW!<< $20 Off With Coupon: WSO

09-17-2008, 03:17 AM	#7
mun Mun Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK Posts: 143 Thanks: 8 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: First attempt at a header graphic I also agree with the above post, the tag line can be a different darker coulour but not too contrasting that it draws attention from the other parts of the design completely
	See the glass half full or half empty? The way I see it you have the wrong size glass altogether!

09-18-2008, 06:09 AM	#8
Asher SG Lurker Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Singapore. Posts: 1,713 Blog Entries: 68 Thanks: 487 Thanked 280 Times in 159 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Slightly edited with the colour of the main text and enlarged the bottom lines a bit... Also, removed the gradient overlay. How's it now? Asher
	AsherAw.com \| How To Make Your First $1,000 In Online Income Cash

09-18-2008, 08:28 AM	#9
Pete Janelle Head Distrustee Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 32 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: First attempt at a header graphic I'm coming into this a little late, but here's my two cents.... The above banner is an amazing improvement over your starting point. If you gain anything from this, realize that the first design is rarely what you end up with (and that's OK). The imagery is powerful and drives home the point that you are trying to make. Matching the main text color to the coin image color works great and allows the eye to flow into the graphic elements nicely. I'm not fond of having text above and below the main title - it adds too much messaging to an already powerful message. "More Money to Spend" says it all, followed by the tagline. "Isn't that what we all want?" seems redundant to me and doesn't offer much support. Removing it would also allow the elements to breathe a little more. Don't discount white space! One last thing - the globe graphic was more subtle in the previous version. Try taking it down a bit and see if that works. The three money images really popped before, but now they get lost in the background image. Tone down the bright white streak in the background a little bit as well, just a tiny bit. Overall, great job. Thanks for posting the progression of your work.
	My GPS Camera Phone: adventures in mobile phone photography Brain (dis)Trust: a meeting of my minds

09-18-2008, 11:24 AM	#10
Asher SG Lurker Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Singapore. Posts: 1,713 Blog Entries: 68 Thanks: 487 Thanked 280 Times in 159 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Thanks Pete, I followed your advice and made the changes... how does it look now? Asher
	AsherAw.com \| How To Make Your First $1,000 In Online Income Cash

09-18-2008, 03:05 PM	#11
Pete Janelle Head Distrustee Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 32 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: First attempt at a header graphic I didn't expect both lines of text to be gone, but I like it! Four words that make me want to click - "More Money To Spend." Nice. You may want to put the bottom line back, but it can go either way, IMO. I liked the blue background better, preferably the one with the gradient overlay. Blue = safety. Good work, glad to be of service.
	My GPS Camera Phone: adventures in mobile phone photography Brain (dis)Trust: a meeting of my minds

09-18-2008, 03:39 PM	#12
GaryPacker Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Coast, UK Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Hi Asher, I'm a bit late into this thread also, however..... I loved the second one. The globe was nicely faded into the background and gave the graphics punch. I agree that the "More Money To Spend" needed to be darker. I feel your fourth attempt has gone too far. I don't like the black. I have sinister thoughts about black and money, thoughts like "beware, all is not as it should be". The blue was much better. Overall though, a great attempt and great that you sought advice from those that know. Regards, Gary

09-18-2008, 04:01 PM	#13
Asher SG Lurker Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Singapore. Posts: 1,713 Blog Entries: 68 Thanks: 487 Thanked 280 Times in 159 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Hi again, Thanks for all the input and guidance thus far! Here's the next one with the gradient blue in it. Asher
	AsherAw.com \| How To Make Your First $1,000 In Online Income Cash

09-19-2008, 07:48 AM	#14
Pete Janelle Head Distrustee Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 32 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Right on! That's the image I had in my head. You might want to reconsider placing an action statement below the "More Money to Spend" text, since people react to directions. Now if it's a site header and not an ad, then keep it as-is.
	My GPS Camera Phone: adventures in mobile phone photography Brain (dis)Trust: a meeting of my minds

09-19-2008, 10:42 AM	#15
gillberk Warrior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	First attempt at a header graphic Hi! The second header is a better one regarding first one man, but it needs some slight modifications. The Background color is too contrast and gave a one size increment to your text then it seems very attractive and beautiful. --------------------- Gillberk SINGLE PAGE ADS

09-19-2008, 06:10 PM	#16
GaryPacker Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Coast, UK Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Hi Asher, That's absolutely brilliant. It's how I think it should be. Right on. Regards, Gary
	Website Traffic Secrets Uncovered. Traffic generation for newcomers. 50% affiliate commissions.

09-20-2008, 06:53 AM	#17
Asher SG Lurker Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Singapore. Posts: 1,713 Blog Entries: 68 Thanks: 487 Thanked 280 Times in 159 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Thanks for all the help and input! Cheers! Asher
	AsherAw.com \| How To Make Your First $1,000 In Online Income Cash

09-24-2008, 02:34 PM	#18
Jim M HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 162 Thanks: 32 Thanked 28 Times in 23 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First attempt at a header graphic the banner looks great - but don't get too hung up on perfection - you don't want to have visitors arrive on an 'ugly' site for sure - but if I've learned anything it's that you can't spend forever looking for 'perfection' Once it's up and running you can tweak it as much as you want!
	Jim Montgomery www.a4magic.com - video tutorials and more DavidJamesPublishing.Com

09-24-2008, 09:00 PM	#19
brilliantjv Active Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 67 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: First attempt at a header graphic Great banner - The last one. How do you get the "sparkles" in the text?
	Free SEO Software