06.25.09 Posted in Design by Tim
When thinking about your web design I believe just as critical as the style, layout and navigation is to choose the right color combination. There are many great sites that would be even more appealing if the color palette had been given more thought. Conversely some very simple designs are brought to a new level of visual appeal by having warm welcoming shades.
Our eyes by reacting to images (quite naturally) have a huge impact on our interest, and online this is more paramount than almost anywhere. Here is a great example of linking the colors to the product, in this case tea. As soon as you land on the page the entire aura of the page is conducive to wanting a nice warm cup of tea.
This example shows how you can ensure the image is the focus while the stunning combination of darker tones frames the rest of the site beautifully. How we train the eye is crucial in a design with impact. In the first few seconds on a page the purpose of the site must be clear and colour is key to achieving this.
Finally this site is quite minimal but the color combinations are muted just enough that the cartoonish aspect of the image sets a cooler tone. I especially like the repeated branding of the ‘grape green’ used throughout the site.
I find it interesting that (and yes I know it’s aimed at childen) that this famous homepage has such a dreadful mix of palettes. Yes louder colors are more appealing to kids (in theory) but just check the rollovers when you navigate. A shocker…call the design police.
We’re always happy to work with clients on choosing the right color palette combinations with our client and help ensure the branding via use of color and shade runs through every page of our design.
Thanks – back with more soon.
Tim at greenseedwebdesign.com
06.24.09 Posted in Eco Friendly, Humor, Motivation by Tim
There’s a lot of aspects that I love about my job at the moment, but the number one thing is learning more new things every day. Yesterday was my first chance to see first hand the entire process of creating a logo. It’s an ability I’d like to learn as I think I’ve an eye for composition and creativity, but with a chance to see it up close hand I realize I’ll need some patience with myself.
What makes for a classic logo? I think the key elements in good logo design are as follows:
- Simple – The best logos are typically quite simple, too much intricacy isn’t usually overburdened with detail
- Sleek – Clean edges and design so that you can close your eyes and still see that image
- Bold – A quality logo is the first thing a client might see to represent your business (a poor one sadly is also the first thing they see). It needs to be bold and punchy with impact. As a consumer you know logos by the shape and colors – have a second look at the graphic with this article!
- Elegant – A great logo is like a catchy tune, as soon as you see it it’s almost as if it was always there
So, back to my experience…..there’s a reason a logo design can’t be done well for $10, the reasons are there is a lot of planning to the whole design process. I was part of the first 3 steps to follow at which point I stepped back and learned.
- Consulting – Understanding what your client must have, would like to have and absolutely won’t want is critical. It’s actually an intricate process if done well but will save many errors in design
- Study – Looking at successful logos that might contain inspiration or guidance both within the industry the logo is needed for or containing thematic factors that are needed
- Pencil Time – Sketching some concepts to see where the flow begins and ruling out what won’t work. This is prior to fonts being settled upon. It’s a very creative phase that must be done slowly to work well
- Compile – A good time to break and discuss what works well and what doesn’t. At this stage fresh ideas seem to emerge from the rubble of concepts that were scrapped
- Graft – Putting the pieces together, experimenting with fonts, lines and textures. Color and shading plus effects may come into the picture. Then the actual process of putting out 3 great logo examples can be completed
It’s no exaggeration to say over 2.5 hours of work went into the process and the results (I thought) were fantastic but seeing how the path to great Logo is quite twisty was a revelation. Understanding the process now can only make me better consult with clients about custom Logo design and I also see the value in having it done right.
Tell the truth, did you see that the logos above were just parodies?
Tim at greenseedwebdesign
06.23.09 Posted in Design by Tim
Constantly seeking new ideas and approaches for website/blog design for clients who may be unsure of how to proceed I’m beginning to think that minimalism is an ideal solution for certain clients.
Apart from reducing clutter and enhancing bold lines that connect with your client, a case can be made that for ease of navigation a more refined
and simplified approach might be the answer. I’ve found a number of sites that I think are stunning while maintaining a very simple platform. This design for a developer’s site has really lovely clarity and simplicity. When you’ve seen so many sites that are bordering on chaos this strikes me as a breath of fresh air.
Naturally this cooler approach won’t work for all types of business but if you want your client’s first impression to be one of clean purposeful design an example such as this graphic design site really is enticing. I think the kneejerk reaction with design is sometimes to attach every accessory we can to the home page when the outcome of that may just turn out to be the visitor not wanting to linger and navigate within the page. Personally I want to make sure my next applicable client gives some consideration to this approach, in a medium where standing out is a positive thing it’s remarkable that a home page with just 14 words of text can achieve exactly that.
Again not an answer for every situation but I think for some it’s perfect.
Tim at greenseedwebdesign.com
