New Avril Layout!, Better? Options

[funride]

I've been making things a lot lately, but everyone hated the last Avril layout.
So I made two versions of the next one.
Take a look and tell me what you think.

'The Best Damn Thing'

click to enlarge

'Under My Skin'

click to enlarge

[funride]

This is almost the exact same thing as the other layouts. You're just slapping an image on there that needs work.

Thats why I'm posting because I dont know what else to do?
Tips?

[theerinkal]

I think you should change the second one completly. That's now how Avril looked when she release "Under My Skin". She changed her look when she released "The Best Damn Thing", or earlier I'm not sure.

The first one is kind of plain, maybe you should add some brushes to it or something, I'm not sure. It just looks like it took like 15 minutes for you to do that one with 10 minutes spent on the text.

I like the blend though, it looks really cool. I think her leg (right image) looks weird going behind the other leg (left image) but other than that, nice job!

[jiyong]

I think the biggest thing you need to work on, in general, is making each element of your design blend in with the rest of the layout.

Right now, the two images of Avril looked pasted on top of each other. Why? If their legs were truly crossing each other, the left Avril's leg would cast a shadow on the right Avril's leg. Also, because of the perspective of both images, the right Avril's leg should in fact be in front of the left Avril's leg. See how the right Avril's foot ends up being closer to the front of the image than the left Avril's foot is?

The text you pasted in the center of the image looks, well, pasted on. It doesn't match with the rest of the layout. It could be higher quality, and the colors don't match up with the rest of the banner. The stark white of the text clashes with the softer whites and beiges of the image. You should also choose a font that is a little easier on the eyes.

Besides all of which, there's no editing to the banner other than the text and the blending. No coloring, no lighting, etc.

Your blending is quite good. If it weren't for the feet/leg issue, I almost wouldn't be able to tell that you used two separate images. But you need to work on editing your images a bit more. Nobody can really tell you the exact things you need to do to finish a graphic - there's no 100% guaranteed method to perfection. You just have to experiment more and try different techniques. If something doesn't work, try something else.

[AncientWhisper]

I agree with most of the ideas that was already suggested.

Try diversifying your designs. And by variety, we not only mean the banner. We also mean the whole layout of the---well--- layout. The alignment of the content (and modules if added) should vary between layouts. So far, your collection of designs includes almost all content and modules lying side-by-side.

Of course after adding in the content and codes, the layout will look less plain. Nevertheless, it would still be plain. There's a difference between being plain and simplistic. You can be simple with your layouts and make it look marvelous--- as long as they are consistently simple. The banner does not seem to belong to a simple layout with just a black background and a white content area. Don't be afraid to spend a lot of time on your designs to make every single detail in it fascinating. It'll pay off in the end. :]

While I can't say what's best for your layout (since everyone have different tastes), try making the background, alignment, and colors different. Try new combination and new techniques for every new layout you make. You never know what you'll learn by branching off. ;D

Most importantly, try to put effort into your layouts to the point where even you are deeply impressed--- layouts that you would irresistibly and definitely use.

For starters, the banner isn't too bad. I'd say you should enhance the background and lay off from using "templates" AKA same basic layout look and feel. Try making everything less squared. =]

[none345678]

I don't know, I thought the first one was pretty decent compared to your other ones.

[funride]

Here is a different version with coloring.
I'm using pink, black and white btw...

click to enlarge