Response: Websites

I just loved looking at my classmates' websites this past week. Since they are all being made through CMS available online for free, such as Cargo Collective, 4ormat and Wix, I was surprised to see how individual they were able to make each of their sites through their logos. I had never really considered using one of these sites before because I bought my own domain in 2008, and I have been using a website I had created through iMac and Dreamweaver. But I really am loving how all of these looks.

Some of my classmates have used slideshows to showcase their work, others pop-out windows and some just scroll-style. I think I prefer the slide show formate because it feels like it is using the web capabilities and making it easier to look through quickly. I love websites with lists and slideshows. And when they are together - total perfection.

I will give kudos to my classmate Blair because I love her logo and the overall look of her website, although I think she should take my green ribbon idea!

Here is her logo:

The logo design is both fun and classy, which is definitely how I would describer Blair. I like how she was able to take her initials and play with them without using a funky font or outrageous colors. She said in class that she often sees people as having a color, and I think she is spot-on with hers. Feminine without being pink, classic without being a standard black and white.


About my website. ... Ugh.

That's really all I have to say about it right.

I am going to build mine in a template online because I just can't get my Dreamweaver site to do what I want.

You can't miss this: Steamy book (covers)

Book covers seem to be a theme this week for my blogging because when I was perusing imprint I came across an article about romance novels and an interview with an art director who has been creating these guilty pleasure covers for 13 years.

Naturally, I clicked to read more.

Here are some examples created by Claire Brown.

Notice anything about them other than, ahem, their seductive poses and titles?

They all use wispy/calligraphy/Victorian typefaces. I think this goes back to that idea (a la Midnight in Paris) of nostalgia, where everyone thinks living in another era would make them happier. Romance does seem more romantic in the Victorian age, possibly because of those corset pushing up your you-know-whats. I mean, look at "Treasure Me."

It's a short article, but I thought it was interesting that Brown says the office is filled with classical art books, contemporary high fashion, architecture and interior design. She also said it helps to have a knowledge of history, classical art, architecture and furnishings.

Some of the challenges that come with designing these books is their small size.

Like any other publication, you really have to know your audience and keep them in mind when designing. These readers like kilts and, of course, chiseled abs.

Critique: Book covers

Final book cover (maybe?):

Well, I have been working on my cover design this week, and I decided to incorporate some old features. This type design should look familiar. You all ranked it as one of your top 3 designs I did from the original designs. (Remember: it was orange with this type) I was really glad that the university press employees liked my type cover, but I was not sure how I was going to attack the redo when they said they didn't want the state of Missouri. I agree that it was too obvious and limited, so I tried to get a little more imaginative without being to "atypical," since that is not really my style or the press', in my opinion.

I decided to start small with changes. The first was that I placed the title inside of the words from the book that describes the brothers since the brothers are at the center of those descriptors. I also took the map idea from one of my first designs and decided to apply it in a non-traditional way. I created a river like design, but I also put in the lines from the typographic map to add some texture. I am a little worry if the blue lines look like a river. I would appreciate any feedback. Of course, I wanted to leave my mark by using my favorite color one last time for the semester - so this is an ode to tangerine, which, luckily, has kind of an earthy look to it.

While I still don't think it is SO exciting. It's no red, white and blue lips at least. I am pleased with how it has progressed since the first designs. This is not at all how I imagined it at all, but I think it is less safe than what I would have designed it at the the beginning semester. I probably would have used the one that kind of looked like a textbook definition of literary/history book. I think this one will jump out on a shelf more than the brown color that I created during the first round.