[thelist] site header and logo (fwd)

[Heather Quinn]

Lots of white can be pleasant, so I don't see that as a negative.  What 
you're missing is dynamics.  The expanse of white does nothing to offset 
this.  

Header 2 has the best dynamics, due to the logotype cutout's strong 
shape and the way it focuses the eye on the logo; and the dense 
texture/depth you've achieved via the shades-of-grey and dark red 
typographic interplay in the rest of the header.  

Since you have a big investment in the header's design, consider adding 
dyanamics via color mods (more saturation, more varied palette, bigger 
range of values, or some such change).  

I'm personally not a big fan of using just two complementary colors 
against white or a neutral, as a base color scheme.  Why?  Artistically, 
it hints at risk-taking (strong color contrast) without actually taking 
the risk (white always buffers the contrast), esp. when one of the two 
colors is dulled down, as here (the red).  Emotionally, it reads as 
simultaneously strong and hesitant, which makes me feel uncomfortable 
cause I can't resolve the opposing qualities.

Imagine getting dressed.  Would you put grey chinos with a white shirt, 
dark red belt, and bright green socks?  Nope.  Switch the socks and 
shirt colors.  Again, nope.  OK, it's more formal.  Grey suit with 
lighter grey pinstripes, white shirt, dark red and bright green striped 
tie?  No way.  Got to change that tie's colors somehow.

You're doing business colors, but there's no reason not to throw a 
little hot stuff in there.  In fact, many of the most successful 
businessmen tend to be really great at using color when they dress. 
 Why? They're optimistic and full of life, and express this in their 
clothing choices.  Their appearance, including their choice of colors, 
raises the morale of those around them, creating in others an increased 
willingness to accept and support what these guys promote, which gives 
these guys a competitive edge.

So consider adding a bit more risk or lightheartedness to the color 
intensities, range of values, etc..  Some change of this kind will give 
your header enough interest to make it work the way you want it to.

Daniel J. Cody wrote:

>
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2001 12:07:01 -0500
>From: Amy Gilliland <agilliland at geosolutions.com>
>To: Evolt <thelist-admin at lists.evolt.org>
>Subject: site header and logo
>
>I'm having trouble with a new design for a site header.
>
>The logo was designed to look best on a white background but the content
>will be on a white background so ... too much white. (see screenshot)
>
>I've decided to put the logo section in white and the rest in a light
>grey-green but it's not quite right.
>
>any ideas????
>
>some examples and screenshot
>
>http://www.geosolutions.com/about/headers.htm
>
>
>/**************************************
>Amy Gilliland
>GeoSolutions Consulting Inc.
>Web Developer/Programmer
>agilliland at geosolutions.com
>http://www.geosolutions.com
>http://mapinfo.geosolutions.com
>

-- 
Cheers,

Heather Quinn
info at windyhilldesign.com
http://www.windyhilldesign.com
hgquinn at attglobal.net
http://pws.prserv.net/windyhill