Design and Layout Suggestions

[zourtney]

Yeah, sorry, I forgot to post back on this one. The idea of those trees in the banner could be cool, but it seems like it'd have to be a more abstract scene. Which is ok, too.

The other day, I looked at the main site's banner and was like, "wow, that's cool." I like the shapes. I never really look at it and kind of just see "logo, strangely placed text, bland green blobs." But when I look at it, I like it. And it's a good contrast with the intentionally spartan RL Seal. (I wanted to use the term "juxtaposition" because it has a lot of syllables, but I couldn't fit it in the sentence.)

Verdict: I don't know. I like the main site's cool trees for bannerage.

[zourtney]

Dude, we should work on that logo again. That was look. I like the "three trees seal" thing.

You could even do an HTML canvas / SVG version

[Nick]

That sounds cool. Another web technology that should have been standard 5 years ago, not just now coming into use.

Ok, think any changes need to come before we put the image into use?

[zourtney]

What is the most recent version? I was liking it, though I do think we should keep to a relatively simple background.

[Nick]

Yeah. I was trying to get a mottled, kinda vintage faded look for the background. But I unfortunately have no idea what I am doing and ended up with a bunch of other (cool looking) things I wasn't after. Perhaps a light gradient will do for now.

[zourtney]

Yeah, maybe a gray or light brown? So as to get a lot of contrast with the trees.

[zourtney]

So, out of the choices posted on the testo page, I pick this one:


I think the fiery one is all kinds of cool, but is a bit over-dramatic for everyday use.

I'm a little torn on the coloring. It's got that kind of washed out look, which I like. But it doesn't grab attention like colorful, saturated colors do...and perhaps that's why I like it

Seeing as how Randomland readership is hovering around the 2.5-3 unique visitors per ever, I suppose it doesn't matter a great deal. What do you (all?) think?

[Nick]

I am never completely satisfied with anything I make, but eventually I get to feeling that I am doing more harm then good and just call it finished.

I think I could take the fiery one and  make the whole background that texture, but more brown. Unless I have already made one like that and didn't like it.... I should look.

What would you do to change it (anyone)?

[zourtney]

Can you upload the source file? I have a few ideas, but I don't know how they look until I try them...like maybe doing a background so light that it's almost white? Or matching the circle's green to one of the center tree's colors? Or applying a subtle radial glow on that outer circle? Just subtle change ideas...I don't know how they'd play out.

But, even as it is: I like it!

[Nick]

Here is the plain-Jane one. Any particular file you want?

[zourtney]

Well, in my quest to come up with a more definitive answer to the eternal logo question, I just ended up with more questions. I guess the idea behind the monochome ones was stickers, t-shirts, etc. I didn't really end up doing anything, but maybe it'll spark some ideas. Then we can get working on that Drupal 7 theme!


Pretty much same as before, with a little bit of a radial glow. A bit overdramatic.


Useless but interesting variation which seems to make the center tree "pop" (to me, anyway)


I'm going monochrome. And I don't know why.


My favorite of the useless ones -- this one is totally unprintable and worthless as webpage decor. But it's dark and delicious (like some chocolates).


Finally, what says "randomland" more than a lone tree? Minmalist, lone, and standing tall. 

[Nick]

I like them all in one way or another. And I do rather like the idea of making the center tree 'pop' more. With a little refinement, any of them could work. Now I'm not sure what I like.... Good job

I would perhaps like to make a few monochrome window stickers for the blazer (or anywhere)

[zourtney]

Looking at them on my phone in a brightly lit area, I think we do need to accentuate the center tree. The top one, with the browns and greens has too little constrast to be "instantly" recognizable. And as much as I like the brown background, perhaps white is the way to go.

Shine as flashlight at your monitor, squint hard, then turn your head slightly. It'll be about the same effect. I think "first glance" recognition is important.

[Nick]

Do we really need to worry that much about "brand recognition"

[zourtney]

Of course not. It's the principle of the matter!