Here are two new designs for ziebrophotography.com. The first design attempts to minimize the interface by using quiet grey tones and allows the main photograph element to grab the attention. The second design bends to the Web 2.0 trend with a reflection for the logo. Yes, yes I know its starting to get old, but I thought I would try it anyways. This one is supposed to be simple and clean and showcase a main image element.
You will notice I added 2 more designs for a total of 4. (I guess I confused a few people, so I thought I would mention it.) The orginal 2 are the gray one with the 5 links in the menu and the vertical logo box and the one with the red accent. I slapped together the grey design with the horizontal logo and changed the red one, not really caring what colors I picked but just to see what it would be like without red.
John,
I like the second one a little better but I am not excited about the bold block caps for your name. Some thing a little fancier would be better. Also, I think the mirror effect terminates too quickly - the fade should expose more of the mirror image before it ends in blackness. My take.
Opinion not criticism.
Pop
Dad
November 12th, 2006
Thanks Pops! I appreciate the opinion, though even criticism is a good thing when it comes to graphic design. A designer who can’t take criticism should probably find another field of work.
John Ziebro
November 12th, 2006
I\’ll give v2 extra cool points, but I think v1 has a more professional look.
Also, for the reflection effect, was that done in photoshop? I ask because I just came across a javascript reflection package you may like. It\’s a nifty tool that I look forward to trying out. http://cow.neondragon.net/stuff/reflection/
John R.
November 12th, 2006
Hey John,
I think they both are nice. The first one (gray) looks a little more like you want shoot weddings. The gray is soft and the scripty font is wedding friendly. The second one looks like you want to sell cameras. It sort of has a buy a Nikon feel. Can you say Nikon on a blog without getting sued?
Nice work on those flowers. That’s a nice touch for that market for sure.
It need some hearts somewhere though. And maybe a pink pony!!!
Chard Herrington
November 12th, 2006
I like #\’s 1 and 3… they sell weddings…. though# 2 and 4 are creative, they\’d be better happy fun photo sites. how bout them apples?
Jen
Jen
November 12th, 2006
I like the 1st and 3rd options best, I like the darkness of the 3rd ones background but the option of the 1st one to “View your photos” On the 2nd and 4th ones I don’t like the font or the way the options bar is set up. I especially don’t like the blue with the pink of the flowers. Baby blue is just icky in general, if you ask me… Only good for skys and baby boys… The red one is a little strong. On the 1st and 3rd where there’s only a splash on the option bar it’s great…. it compliments the flowers.
Sarah Ziebro
November 12th, 2006
Hi John,
I like the first one best. It is more professional, especially the logo you developed on that one too. (I really like it as it seems to be the trend now. It also fits with your profession). The only thing I would say to “add” to the page would be to bring the size down on the links, because they probably shouldn’t be larger than the type size in your logo as far as hierarchy goes.
Also, have you tried a black background instead of dark gray? Pictures always look great on black because it really makes them pop. A black and white photo on a gray background looks almost too gray. Other than that, I like the centered image and the location of the links and logo. The subtle color is nice too.
Rosella
November 13th, 2006
I like the first one… it looks very professional and artistic.
steve nuzzo
November 13th, 2006
I am going to have to follow suit on this. The first one looks a bit understated and much more elegant. The second one is a nice design, but looks more “online magazine” in nature with the bolder colors and blocky typeface.
Nice work.
Ben Smith
November 13th, 2006
1 & 3 seem to be a best fit for the wedding clientele. I love 2 & 4 but it seems too “artsy” for most people. The average wedding is usually pretty traditional.
Jonathan Penn
November 13th, 2006
Hey there! I really like the third one the best. I like the horizontal logo, and I think the color choices really bring focus to the bride and groom. Thanks for asking my opinion!
Morgan DeSalvo
November 13th, 2006
Thanks everyone for your input, I appreciate you taking the time to look at this and comment on it! It looks like my first design is the unanimous choice. Lets see how quick I can slap this thing together. Im going to use Lightbox V2 for a neat gallery/slideshow effect.
John Ziebro
November 13th, 2006
I agree… pink ponies!
oh crap, is voting over?
well, maybe the ponies can make it into V2.0
d
November 15th, 2006
Like your designs, as always. Have you considered using a duotone on the b/w image, perhaps? In general it seems that one can get more mileage from subtle color schemes when advertising for women.
Adam Gsellman
November 22nd, 2006