I found out how to do the image effect & i just had to see if it would work in a layout.
I'm at a loss with the rest of it though. This is all i can seem to come up with and it's really too simple.

Ideas/Feedback much appreciated.

I dont like the dashing outside of the yellow fonts. I dont like the gray font.. It looks like you just stuck it there. Um, I really like the blend but I agree the scanlines should go or should be less visible. I dont think the blue at the bottom goes with the colors of the blend. Maybe make it a lighter color with darker text?

I think it looks fine. I would use it.

I think it's much too tiny.

I agree that it would look better if the gridlines were gone/less prominent.

IDK what else you could possibly do with something that tiny..

Like everyone else said, I don't like the gridlines. Other than that, I think it's pretty good. It doesn't really stand out to me, though. Maybe try a less traditional set-up?

Perhaps it is too gridded (not the grid lines specifically, it looks blocky). It seems as though you just had an image, then a place for navigation, then content, very cookie-cutter style without any sort of integration. It takes a bit more work, but I think you can do it - take a look at a few tutorials on div layers. Also, I think you fonts could be better; they look a little slapped-on as the very standard fonts that people would use (esp. the gray text).

thanks guys :) i'm still working on this but your feedback has really helped me improve it :)