NWN2 Launch Ad
Moderator: ALFA Administrators
- maxcell
- Githyanki
- Posts: 1335
- Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:44 pm
- Location: Pennsylvania GMT -5
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I think the banner that goes onto our site needs to blend well with the format of the site itself (if that is the sepia then so be it) And if we are allowed to post that size banner somewhere else, or on our myspace etc...then sure go with silver.
Tha date format should stay 4/15/08 only because the rest of the world will probably actually think about it for a moment and figure the date out, where-as lazy americans like me would just go 'huh?' then move on when presented anything different than what we are used to seeing. Think of it as making it easier for those who need it easier
Also Senor T, wouuld you be able to make a Signature style banner that those of us who are members of other forums could put it in our sigs for an advertisement?
Tha date format should stay 4/15/08 only because the rest of the world will probably actually think about it for a moment and figure the date out, where-as lazy americans like me would just go 'huh?' then move on when presented anything different than what we are used to seeing. Think of it as making it easier for those who need it easier
Also Senor T, wouuld you be able to make a Signature style banner that those of us who are members of other forums could put it in our sigs for an advertisement?
I's like to make a couple constructive criticisms, if I may.
First off, the rule of contrasts is being severely bent, if not entirely broken at the top of the banner with the bold white text in front of just-a-shade-darker-but-still-white background color. The text gets washed out. If, instead of the gradient starting with a solid white color, you brought it to more of a light gray (like RGB E3E3E3), it would work to alleviate the contrast problem. Alternately, you could darken the color of the type so it pulls away from the background more. Don't do both suggestions, or obviously, you'll end up with a darker version of the same problem. Hehe
Secondly, if you went with the light gray at the top, you would want to duplicate it at the bottom, for symmetry's sake.
Also, the typeface you use at the bottom in black seems like it's been vertically scaled down, compared to the (Arial or Calibri, can't tell which) one used for the rest of the ad. If it is in fact a different font, make it so it's noticeably different but not drasticly so. Change it to a serif type (Palatino, TNR, Garamond, etc) or something - you'll have to play with it a bit to see what would fit. The point is, if you are going to use two different typefaces, give them some differentiation. The way it stands now, it looks like it's trying to be the same font but fails. Again, this whole point is personal preference.
Lastly (and this is again more a personal preference than anything), I would prefer to see it as a linear gradient rather than what looks to be a radial gradient, as you have it - simply because when you save the image for web use, the degradation of the gradient integrity becomes more prominent in a radial gradient than a linear one. Notice this in how the color seems to get blocky in circle-ish patterns near the center. It's a bit distracting.
Other than that, I think the rest looks great. Just the thoughts of one meager designer to you.
Wow, that's a lot more than I thought I had to say. Sorry for the longwindedness, but I hope it helped!
First off, the rule of contrasts is being severely bent, if not entirely broken at the top of the banner with the bold white text in front of just-a-shade-darker-but-still-white background color. The text gets washed out. If, instead of the gradient starting with a solid white color, you brought it to more of a light gray (like RGB E3E3E3), it would work to alleviate the contrast problem. Alternately, you could darken the color of the type so it pulls away from the background more. Don't do both suggestions, or obviously, you'll end up with a darker version of the same problem. Hehe
Secondly, if you went with the light gray at the top, you would want to duplicate it at the bottom, for symmetry's sake.
Also, the typeface you use at the bottom in black seems like it's been vertically scaled down, compared to the (Arial or Calibri, can't tell which) one used for the rest of the ad. If it is in fact a different font, make it so it's noticeably different but not drasticly so. Change it to a serif type (Palatino, TNR, Garamond, etc) or something - you'll have to play with it a bit to see what would fit. The point is, if you are going to use two different typefaces, give them some differentiation. The way it stands now, it looks like it's trying to be the same font but fails. Again, this whole point is personal preference.
Lastly (and this is again more a personal preference than anything), I would prefer to see it as a linear gradient rather than what looks to be a radial gradient, as you have it - simply because when you save the image for web use, the degradation of the gradient integrity becomes more prominent in a radial gradient than a linear one. Notice this in how the color seems to get blocky in circle-ish patterns near the center. It's a bit distracting.
Other than that, I think the rest looks great. Just the thoughts of one meager designer to you.
Wow, that's a lot more than I thought I had to say. Sorry for the longwindedness, but I hope it helped!
"Cleavage is like the sun. You can look, but it's best not to stare into it for too long." -Anon
Current PC: Claina Maynarren, halfling
Current PC: Claina Maynarren, halfling
Looks like I have to crawl out from under the rock I call home..
pragmatic (adj.)
The opposite of idealistic is pragmatic, a word that describes a philosophy of "doing what works best."
From Greek pragma "deed," the word has historically described philosophers and politicians who were
concerned more with real-world application of ideas than with abstract notions. A pragmatic person
is sensible, grounded, and practical.
The opposite of idealistic is pragmatic, a word that describes a philosophy of "doing what works best."
From Greek pragma "deed," the word has historically described philosophers and politicians who were
concerned more with real-world application of ideas than with abstract notions. A pragmatic person
is sensible, grounded, and practical.
Okey doke, I went ahead with "April" instead of numbers, which just aren't an option with an international group like this. Ah diversity! As well I changed the gradient per Avaz's suggestion and I'm much happier with the text now, thanks for the advice!
The only issue I was unable to resolve to my satisfaction was the graniness caused by the gradient in a gif file. I tried several alternatives and was unable to come up with one that solved the issue, and I doubt I'll find a simple solution in any case thanks to the limited colors in gifs. So, this leaves me making it a jpg instead of a gif, but I just discovered that the jpg version is still less than half the size of the current ad on the site!
So, without further ado, here's the ad:

Unfortunately, this will have to be the final version due to time limits, so no more iterations for you guys. Hope it works for the next couple weeks!
Thanks all!
The only issue I was unable to resolve to my satisfaction was the graniness caused by the gradient in a gif file. I tried several alternatives and was unable to come up with one that solved the issue, and I doubt I'll find a simple solution in any case thanks to the limited colors in gifs. So, this leaves me making it a jpg instead of a gif, but I just discovered that the jpg version is still less than half the size of the current ad on the site!
So, without further ado, here's the ad:

Unfortunately, this will have to be the final version due to time limits, so no more iterations for you guys. Hope it works for the next couple weeks!
Thanks all!
Currently laying the smackdown on Faerun as: Keryn Tel'Jora, who is XXX-TREME!!!.
Currently explaining the meaninglessness of it all as Vizian Nazyr.
Currently pointing out all other characters' shortcomings as Stephen the Archer.
Currently explaining the meaninglessness of it all as Vizian Nazyr.
Currently pointing out all other characters' shortcomings as Stephen the Archer.
I like this version much better, looks great. Can't wait for it to be put to good use!
"Cleavage is like the sun. You can look, but it's best not to stare into it for too long." -Anon
Current PC: Claina Maynarren, halfling
Current PC: Claina Maynarren, halfling
- psycho_leo
- Rust Monster
- Posts: 1162
- Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:10 am
- Location: Brazil