Alright guy's I'm at it again. As I've said before, I learn best by trial and error. So I'm working on another template. I'm looking for some pointers, I like where the template is going, but I tend to make things worse by adding to much etc. Any ways I want to know what you think. Basically the header is complete and the content box is complete, the rest shows the basic layout I'm going for.

Thanks for any input,
Kevin DiGennaro

dont use so much color change, use a greyish all the way through for content boxes.

wat do you mean by color? the only color in the actual content box (the "skates" box) is the images and the red glow around the text. Is the glow wat your referring to?

Thanks,
Kevin


Edit:
I added a little more.
@wozzym: do you still see a color issue?



You probably noticed that the content boxes aren't centered with the middle section. This is because I'm debating whether or not to put a couple content boxes there. They'd be longer skinny boxes, one for videos, and iono the other one yet. I guess I'll try it out and see how it looks.

I'm proud of the header on this one, it's pretty simple yet pulls off a cool effect, I am also proud of the text I choose, that always to me was my biggest weakness, I could never pick out the right text.

you need to make the side content sections the same colour grays, at the moment you have one Light Gray and the other a Dark Gray/Light Black you need to make them the same colour to kept some Consistency.

Also the two side boxes are higher than the middle section and creates a kinda step down up the top of the main section, make them the same level.

Your Menu looks good tho, i like the menu but the higligthed section over laps the header image so just lower the highlight area a bit and will be good

But keep working on the template and it will come along

i was thinking about what softz said. the consistency of the color..

Just to show you a little of what I think, I screwed around with it for about 5 minutes. Basically adding lesser gradients, ones that aren't so harsh. And making the gradient run along the top in one even line.

Oh and I made the righ column the lighter colour of the left column. I just think even though that is a big difference in whats going on, I think it just fits. The darker color was just too dark.

This is just some of what needs to be done, but I think you can get the gist of it.



Oh and I really don't like the center content areas. Not sure what to do about them though. And I don't think you need any more columns. Make the center content the width of what is there, and leave it be. (Also I think both sidebars should be the same width).

thanks everyone, and thanks for taking the time to edit that trippin, Ill go back and fix up the template and in a couple days post the results.

Thanks again,
Kevin

Can't wait to see the result. And since you say you seem to overwork the layout, save random screenshots of it as you go along, then after an hour or so, compare the screen shots and see what looks better.

I don't know if this type of theory will work with you, just an idea to maybe let you see exactly what your doing, and maybe you'll choose to undo some stuff you've done/added.

thanks again the tip trippin, Ill try that out, sounds like a good idea

-Kevin

edit: here's an update



edit: oops i didnt mean to double post



edit again: here it is, im debating whether or not to fill the rest of the content, maybe i will tomorrow.

I like the progress in it, but I'm not to keen on so much gradients in navigation. But, great progress from what it was first.

Like I said, and showed you in my image, and even cmain has said, use a gradient that doesn't have such a harsh change. Going from black to white in such a small area is really harsh. Use from black to a middle range grey.

Very nice so far, from what i first saw i didn't like it but that last image brings it to life

thanks for your comments guys, im working in my sketch book now but after im done ill try using a less harsh gradient, thank your for specifying what you and crown ment when you said that, I didnt exactly under stand lol but now i do

Thanks,
Kevin


Edit: Added a few finishing touches. There's a gray line that spans across the page by the first content box.... Iono where that came from... I think my PS is bugged because I've been having a ton of problems like that. O well.

I fixed the gradients and added a little more content just to fill the page.


Iono what I'm gona use this template for.... If you're interested in it PM me, I'll send you the PSD.

Looks ok so far. Far better than what you first had. I dont like the color choice neither do i like the way its layed out. Some elements such as the more with both back and foward arrows could be a little more suttle.

I think you have way too many gradients in this design. You have a gradient on almost every single element. Try toning it down a bit. Have one gradient repeating from top to bottom of document. As for your typography choice i would say that was a disaster as well. At least choose font sizes and fonts that are standard compliant cross browser friendly such as arial san serif verdana etc. Its just a suggestion but you can if you want a unique approach use images instead of text. But loadding times are effected.

Keep up the good work

Thanks for the comment flyboy, it seems like you never like my color schemes haha.
The layout is a little clustered, maybe for an online shop it would be okay. I'd have to say, really my favorite part of this design is the header area, the content area needs a little work, but i was very pleased with the Header.

As for gradients, I always seem to over do them, having one gradient in the back isnt a bad idea i never thought of that, maybe ill try it out.

As for text, I always have a hard time choosing it.... maybe partially because ive got so many fonts on my pc. I actually really liked the font in the header, and that's why i continued to use it for most of the page, although i used Arial for the actual content. I try to only use text as images for things such as the header, or important titles.

Thanks for the feed back,
Kevin DiGennaro

so far so good. i like the 3D effect of the site. its like embosed or something..it looks nice.
its just.., the header is kinda plain... well its not yet finished and i have high hopes with your
designs...