Layout Quality, On CB, what determines layout quality? Options

[eshirley]

I submitted my first MySpace Div Overlay layout and it was rejected today. I got a message simply saying "bad quality overall."

The thing is that I've been webdesigning for a while and I thought I knew what quality was - Image quality, blending techniques, origionality, function, and form. I worked hard on this layout (it was mainly the codes that got me) and my response was very vague. I would like to make layouts that CB would find "good quality" and maybe get posted.

I've seen a lot of layouts here, and I just really don't think that mine is that bad, here's the "rejected" link to the layout:

http://www.createblog.com/layouts/code.php?id=18314

and if that doesn't work, it's on my profile: http://myspace.com/emily915


I would really appreciate tips, and maybe enlightenment of what I am doing wrong!!



Thanks!!

[Relentless]

Well basically, you must have great image quality, originality, uniqueness, great use of text, color themes, and such. Something that is appealing to one's eyes.

On the layout:
The layout is interesting but not very attractive. The black blog wavy thing is something that appeals to me. However, not the image it self. It has poor image quality.

If you're going to do quote boxes, make sure the font is "readable". A thin cursive font with thick borders don't really go together and it's hard to see. Don't stroke if it doesn't look very good.

The little IM people (I think that's what they are called?) has a nice creative touch to it but the image is really bad. Espicially with the really THICK stroke on it makes it even much worse.

I realized that the links look kind of default or something, i dunno. As well as having the right choice of colors.

As far as I can see in the layout, don't stroke too much. Sometimes not stroking makes it look nice. I also realized the scrollbar isn't colored but I don't think that matters since the majority of the people use FireFox.

But I do understand that you are using GIMP right? Try finding GIMP tutorials in the tutorial section here or go to google.com

The more you practice, the more likely you'll have a layout that's able to be accepted. I remember my very first layout I submitted and it was rejected.

[eshirley]

Oh okay, that helps A LOT! I really appreciate your reply!

I was going for bold colors, because that's what the image pretty much had - bold yellow and blue. So, I used thick borders to go along with it. (or so I thought - but apparently other's don't think it's attractive lol, so I guess I'll lay off of it) I wanted the viewer to look at it and be like - what? I wasn't going for elegant or pretty, but rather out-of-place and slightly uncomfortable, if that makes sense.

Better image quality - I'm a little confused on this? See, a lot of layouts that I've seen have poor image quality, well to me they use so many brushes and overlays that it really takes away from the image... I dunno, why is THAT considered visually attractive? Sure they may look interesting, but it really gives me a headache.

Yeah, I don't have internet explorer on my computer, so I don't do scrollbar decoration. (Safari and Firefox)

So, better CSS for links - no thick borders/strokes - gotcha!

Thank you very much!!!!

[adolelolz]

Eh, it's just not very interesting.

I have NO idea what it says in the little quote box. I mean, I could try to read it, but you're making me work. I should not have to work to read words on a layout.

Also, the image is kind of blurry.

But I agree, my first layouts were rejected, and I was so mad because I worked really hard and I thought they were really good.

But now I look back, and they're really...not.

So yes. Keep practicing. And keep submitting. =]

[freeflow]

If you get a vague response and you want more you can just PM the person that rejected it and ask for more information please. We know everyone works hard on the layout they submit but even with that we can not accept every single layout out there because of that reason. You can always improve the quality and resubmit.

I was going to move this to feedback , but sicne you want critique on the layout I'll leave it. I can move this to showcase you might get more feedback. Your choice.


Don't take any of this personally its just critique.

• The image: The quality is rather low but not only that but the image is way to blurry. Its hard to tell what it even is. Another thing is you added in fonts and text that are really random and don't fit in it at all. Half the text you added can not be read which isn't a good sign. The blending of the image into the content box can also be better.
  
• Color Scheme: I would suggest working on matching colors better. You have yellow, blue, orange, and black. Those work together, yes , but you could of blended them in better. The background image doesn't really "flow" with the rest of the layout. The way you blended the image into the content boxes isn't as appealing either. You didn't even have to blend it in you could of made them seperately as well.
  
• Navigation : It could be better it looks out of place. Its not only the font choice that looks odd (compared to the rest of the layout) but the glow and stroke don't look that great the way they were used.
  
• Friends list: Either incorporate it in the content or just remove it?
  
• "You're invitied" You spelled that wrong. So I would suggest fixing that as well.
  
• Font color: Maybe one that blends in better?

Overall its ok, but I think it was more than just quality that could of been the reason but as stated above ask the person for more info because I didn't reject it so thats just my opinion. (Most of those factors wouldn't be a reason that it was rejected if I did it, but its good stuff you can fix) Don't take it personally or hate me for it. I'm not trying to be rude just help.

[eshirley]

Wow... blurry? That's so strange because it's not blurry at all on my screen! Do you think different displays could do that? Hm... I'll just have to be EXTRA careful for now on.

Thanks for picking out that I spelled "invited" wrong! I didn't even notice... Sheesh, that's stupid!

You guys REALLY helped me out with your comments and critism. (thanks for not being rude BTW XD) I didn't even notice half of the things that you pointed out! I don't think this post needs to be moved, because you've helped me out enough!!

Thanks for putting a lot of effort into helping me improve my designing!!