Which one?
So, as I’m nearing settling on the final design I will eventually implement here, I have arrive at two options now. I originally set up the first draft (first draft of the fourth idea) so that it could be done with either no images, or very few. I like the simplicity, and the colours, but I wanted to see how it would look it I took out some straight edges, and change most of the solid colours to gradients, and changed a little bit of colour around (you probably won’t notice the colour change though) and arrived at draft #2.
Below are the two drafts, which you can click to get the full view (approx. 1000*1400). Keep in mind I design with little or no dummy text, becasue I can just see it in my head. These are the two drafts I have, and I ask you this: which one is better? The first one, based on straight lines, and blocks of colour, or gradients and a little bit of round edges? Maybe I need to go back to the drawing board?
So should I keep it simple or go for a more aesthetic look? I know you people are out there, so if it’s not too much trouble help me out here 
Leave a comment
JW
March 13th, 2007 at 3:36 PM
I like the second draft better, it feels more “finished”. The rounded corners give the design a nice touch, especially for the selected “Portfolio” link at the top. I don’t know for the gradients, as long as they’re not overdone, it’s good.
James
March 14th, 2007 at 5:07 AM
I prefer your current design to both of those. Maybe you should take this design and make it look more finished (in paticular the right hand side of the header).
but, if I had to choose, it would be the second one.
Connor Wilson
March 14th, 2007 at 7:25 AM
Hmm, I was afraid someone would say that. I definitely want to change this, and move away from the blue. I’ve been doing blue colour schemes and having it involved for so long I just want to get rid of it almost. Plus, I like the earth and natural tones a lot better.
James
March 14th, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Maybe keep the lighter tone of the second one, but use the crispness of the first one. Also, the yellow colour on the RSS feed box is revolting.
Connor Wilson
March 14th, 2007 at 2:06 PM
Revloting? Wow…
Maybe because it’s orange
Stephen
March 14th, 2007 at 7:31 PM
My initial reaction was draft #2.
James
March 15th, 2007 at 5:36 AM
It just doesn’t seem to fit in.. maybe lower the saturation a bit?
Connor Wilson
March 15th, 2007 at 7:18 AM
Yeah, I was going to make it more orange by adding a little more red, and maybe moving it closer to brown.
just.xTc
March 31st, 2007 at 6:13 PM
The current design is much, much better. The color, hierarchy and choice of fonts on the new ones just sucks. I say you just try to create a new one
Connor Wilson
March 31st, 2007 at 6:33 PM
I did indeed, and I’d link to it but Akismet would catch me (yes, me) and I’m lazy
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