Ok so I decided to try to make templates and gimp. So far I have begun working on a simple one just to see how it is done. Below is a screenshot of what I have so far. I am not done with this one yet but suggestions are very much appreciated. I followed a tutorial that you can find here. This is not supposed to be a unique template. Im just trying to learn how to use gimp in order to make web templates.



ps: the black and grey backgrounds are not part of the template. they are just part of the program/screenshot.

v2:

I like V1 better than V2. It looks pretty nifty.

V2 is definitely better then V1.
I personally like the stripes thng you have happening there but the rest of the design is ah, blah. Try to get away from the darker colours and use others...Makes a huge difference.
Check out [ColourLovers] for colours that work well together and palettes to help your designing skills grow.

Jacob.

alright now that i know it is possible to do this with gimp, ill start making some different/more exquisite templates Ill add more design to it and all i was just trying to make one simple like this. I think if i added a a navbar to v1 and maybe a background design it could look better.

Can i ask why don't you just get photoshop?

There can be many reasons, maybe he doesn't like owning proprietary software, maybe he likes the idea of open source, maybe he just wants to try something new, maybe he doesn't have the money for Photoshop, maybe he doesn't want to STEAL it like so many other people do.

Well actually on CS4 Beta they haven't put a activation key thingy on it so its free.

Sure thats a Beta, i'm sure there is something in it that will deactivate it after some time. I doubt they would just release their beta software completely free and unlimited. But ultimately I don't know why wozzym doesn't just get photoshop. Lets wait and see if he responds.

i dont get ps because:

1) its too expensive

2) i have realized i can do just about the same things with gimp as i can with ps. and since its open source, it is getting closer and closer to be like ps

3) gimp of course is free

4) its a challenge

do to suggestions of making the background white, i just did this:

Looks a lil too plain. I like where you're goin with the latest one but you should make the content areas more distinct.
Outline, with a slightly darker gray, or darken the content boxes. Fit in a simple nav bar... and try putting in some content to see what it looks like in action. But thats just what I see