@ Trisha – Thanks for your input. I am really beginning to agree with y’all on type over pictures.

@ Kam – I never knew that about you. That’s really neat, and I like the word association analogy.

@ Cara – Welcome, welcome! Hyphenate or don’t. I don’t mind in the least bit. I’ve struggled with the “to.” Grammatically, it’s more correct, but it does seem awkward. I may yet drop it.

@ VA08 – Thanks for your thoughts. I like your take on it, and I’ll factor that in. I had the same feeling, that late-night writing thing.

Thanks, again, for your responses. I really, genuinely, deeply appreciate the constructive criticisms!

Long-time reader, first-time commenter. (Should that be hyphenated?) I agree with the folks who say the image isn’t quite right. The only other thing I noticed is really small. It’s the “to” in your tagline. Will you lose anything by dropping it? So it would read “Helping Internet writers achieve their dreams.” Just reads a little more smoothly to me.

Of course, you may not want to listen to me on grammar things because I have hyphen issues. Enjoyed your sense of humor about the drive-by and agree with Tei on the dialogue.

Cara’s last blog post..Name your chickens (and your pigs and your cows)

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(Insert all of James’ disclaimers here)

James pretty much said everything I would have said and now here are my thoughts:

Let go of the font. I know you like it, but you have to set it free. It’s too thin and light to make much of an impact.

I love Photoshop filters (Alien Skin has some great ones) but you have to know how and when to use them. The polarization is interesting, but the reflection on the ring is distracting.

If I were you, I’d spend some time searching out a good image to use. If you want to use an image that fills the banner, make sure it has plenty of open space to include text.

Think about the elements that come with the theme too. There’s that little logo square that you can use to add some depth to the banner using a gif with a transparent background.

I like working with this theme simply because the banner area is so large and it’s a single image. Gives you lots of space to stretch out and be creative. Take advantage of it.

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in case my comment was too subtle, I agree with James.

James, that was nicely said and he did ask for opinions, and I just got some good advice and education from that response myself. Please don’t feel guilty……

Wendi Kelly’s last blog post..In the Silence are the Answers…

Consider your banner your logo. In that case, I have to suggest professional design.

Great post and gracious consideration of criticism.

Disclaimer Two: I am not a jerk or an asshole because I do not nod and smile politely. I’m a pretty nice guy. I hope. I think. I just have strong opinions. Please don’t think I’m a jerk.

It’s not a good idea to place font over an image, especially a script font. The font becomes illegible, and would still be hard to read even if it were black.

The image is too big and too overpowering. Hands are all you see. It would be better to find a smaller, more subtle image to tuck in a corner and leave the font on a solid background.

The image itself is quite busy. You have hands, fingers, keyboard, individual letters… there’s a lot to take in on that picture. It also doesn’t quite convey a strong message – it doesn’t mean anything or represent anything to my mind beyond “person typing”.

It’s a better idea to find a photo that makes you think, “Oh yeah. That’s Bob.” Not as in YOU but as in an image that represents your personality, or your work or the stance you take in life. You’re a single person, so you have to work on branding yourself and your business.

Also, your blog is about your business. If you were shopping for freelance writers, and you landed on this site, would you hire yourself?

*creeps off quietly feeling guilty*

Permission granted.

*ducks*

You’ve got it spelled ‘acheive.’ Ought to be ‘achieve.’

And I totally know you know that.

I like the second one, but I think something needs to be done about the font, because I’m sort of losing it against the skin tone color. Maybe bigger, maybe a different font, maybe a different color? Not sure. Not at all graphically inclined, I. Just a horrible spelling Nazi. Forgive me.

P.S. I liked the dialogue. I was totally hooked. Do it again!

Get your ass into gear and shift tha banner from yo post. Hey man, really dug your post. I dig the second pic man since I can actually see what it is.

Would change the tagline to a stronger color (a little hard to see without putting on my spectacles)

High fives bro, over and out.

I learned from your drive-by too. Like you I am definitely not a graphic artist but of the two you presented, number two is my pick. It’s clearer. I would also play around with the font. Kudos to Angie!

I’d say go with the second one, it seems clearer to me and easier on the eyes.

(PS – thanks for the link out!)

The key to coming up with something original is to work up as many different designs as you can. Do 50 or more. You’ll find that you’ll start off by doing the obvious (like the hands on the keyboard) and end up with ideas that are totally out there, but original.

Or just get Men with Pens to do it.