It seemed like the main focus of concern on my site was the banner at the top. To be fair, the projector didn’t give a good representation of what it looks like. But to address the concerns, I’ve got a couple of other versions of it that I worked up. I did check out What The Font, but the suggestions it presented weren’t really a close enough match to the Navy logo I’m using. So here are some other possible banners.
First, here’s the original:
Now, a revised version. I added a gradient to cover up the jagged bottom where the feet are. And I outlined the font in black.
Finally, I tried a font using the red and blue from the Navy logo. I think this one stands out pretty nicely.
It is important to me to keep the sailors in the banner, as that’s what this site is about. Without them, it may not be readily apparent that this is a site about people, not ships and battles. I specifically selected these photos of grimy sailors for the banner, because their general appearance helps set the tone for what I’m trying to say on this site.
The red banner is currently running on my site, for a closer look check it out. Feedback is appreciated, as always!
Dave,
I definitely I agree that you need to keep the sailors in your banner. The gradient really helps and makes the image look good. I also think you made the right choice with the red-text banner, it works really well for your site.
I’d also encourage you to keep the sailors in your banner, which means finding a way to work with them. I think your fades and colors are great…my only remaining suggestion is nudging the text down ever so slightly. I think we find it jarring to see text over people’s faces. If you can nudge it down so that it runs over the guys’ torsos (at least the majority of the guys–I think someone is getting a letter on their face not matter what), I think that would help a lot. FYI, you sticking to your guns about Tuesday’s feedback is what my blog entry is all about. I’d be curious for your thoughts since we are obviously going through the same thing!
Yep, the red letters looked good. When I suggested it, I thought that it was a nice compliment to the logo, now seeing it, it just simply looks good!
Keep the guys. But I disagree with Dan, the words over the torso is an odd placement. But you should be able to nestle them right above their heads. By keeping them where you have them, you have 2 areas out of focus: the covered heads at the top and the gradient. Just keep the gradient fade as the only “obscured” area.
Really, just play around with all of our suggestions.
I would agree that this new version is more gradual and comfortable for eyes. Concerning the sailors, I think that if you want to keep them and they are important for your site, then you should find a way to show their faces. Here, the easiest thing would be to leave only the siting sailors and to remove the guys beneath the text. Nice job!
Pingback: comments « Historia Computabilis
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Dan, I tried bumping the text down just a bit, and I think it looks pretty good. I tried making the font smaller to make it fit, but that made it look a bit lost, so I left it as is. Rwany, where are you suggesting to move it up? Completely above the second row of heads? If so, the height of the banner will be a bit too tall I think. Alex, while I was playing around yesterday, I did try removing the second row of sailors, and it looked somewhat unbalanced, so I discarded the ideas.
I decided to bring in an outside opinion on the matter, since we’ve had so many different opinions. I have an uncle who has worked in the graphic design and signage business for decades, and does freehand artwork on the side. I asked him about the banner, and felt the current configuration (with the text slid down off the faces) works quite well. Given his background, I feel pretty good about it.
Dan, I did read your post yesterday, and I’ll be commenting when I get a chance.
Dave (or Dan depending on how your day is going),
I also really like the red lettering. It ties in nicely with the Navy logo on the left. A suggestion to keep the sailors and the lettering in place might be to eliminate the back row of sailors who are standing. That would provide a plain pallete to highlight the lettering and leave the sitting sailors in prominence below. I still think the entire banner looks good.
Good luck and cheers!
John
Pingback: Comments « JCassara's History & New Media Blog
I like the version with the red letters. It gives a nice contrast against the dark background and makes the title easier to read. I would add that I think you’re on the right track to keep the sailors by making them more indistinct, so that they seem to go in the background and do not draw attention from the title.