First impression on new theme?

Instead of spending a lifetime designing a complete theme only to get rejected, i think this time i’ll ask for your first impression on this psd mockup.

Thanks for your input!

edit: here’s the link! http://www.informatik.com/themeforest/mockup01.png

Am I missing something or is there no link?

Am I missing something or is there no link?

Sorry, i just edited the post above to include the link.

Not a bad start, but I think you should focus on the typography and really make the elements stand out from each other. Sizing, color and spacing… it’s all blending together at this point.

Also, not too crazy about the 3 fading tab title bars. I say ditch them completely or heavily rework them.

Just curious, what type of company do you envision using this theme?

@pixelpushr:

Thanks for your input. The design started as an idea for a low volume “cd/dvd printing company” that my friends are running. The “circle” theme reflects the shape of cds/dvds.

In fact, the sample above is more generic… originally in the header, the most prominent circle was actually a stylized disc. I thought any company where the product they’re selling, or subject matter is “round”. For example, CD, DVD , a ball from a sport such as basketball, baseball, etc.

Dumb idea?

How about the graphical “hook” around the slider. (circles with flourishment) Does that have a chance, or should i try something else?

In regards to the “circle flourish” underneath the slider – to me personally, it’s visually appealing, but the important question you need to answer is what function does it serve to the end user? Right now I don’t think its fashion outweighs function as it’s taking up a decent bit of real estate by pushing your three content blocks down a good 125px or so.

Hope this helps!

That’s a great point, Pixelpushr. I liked the look, and it served to “frame” the slider. But it does add to visual clutter and use up valuable real estate. At least the top flourishment is the home to the nav bar, so that kinda has a purpose!

I’ll get rid of the flourishment under the slider plus work on the rest and see what i come up with.

Oh, and sorry for angering some users by posting another thread like this. (i think this post may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, for one person) Another vote for me to have a separate forum section plus not add posts to the new threads list. That is an awesome idea, and doesn’t see that hard to implement.

Since there’s still not dedicated section for these kinds of posts, i’ll continue the thread here.

I re-imagined the theme. Again, here’s the link: http://www.informatik.com/themeforest/mockup01.png

Sorry, i replaced the original link by accident.

It’s much simplified with only 3 small text sections, and no artsy stuff under the slider.

I figured the artsy header/footer wouldn’t work for many “companies”, so now it’s going to be a dedicated personal portfolio site (yes, yet another one! lol). No blog, just a portfolio site for people who only want to showcase their stuff.

Do you think this would work as an html template or wp theme? Is the artsy header/footer ugly?

Thanks for your help and input!

Nobody?

Maybe nobody’s replying because it’s awful and they don’t want to write hurtful comments.

Please, good or bad, i’d love some feedback. I can take criticism.

- is the artsy circles/floral header ugly? - how’s the color scheme? - overall impression?

Thanks everyone!

I personally think the circle/flourish style header is a bit dated, try using some subtle gradients with lighting, pixel borders and maybe some texture

nice example of this: http://www.saturized.com/

I would also recommend using a grid for your design, great post below with a ton of links on designing with grids

http://www.fuelyourcreativity.com/grid-based-design-toolbox/