Critique Wanted

I don't like it. You use bevel, emboss and other filters. These techniques are criticized amongst designers because of their overusage during the last 8 or so years. There is no underlying invisible (or visible) grid this causes all the elements to "swim". The human eye always looks for fixed and aligned parts unintentionally, when it can't find this organizedness the recipient is unhappy. Such a design grid should not only be present in a single site but consequently utilized throughout all pages. Exceptions should be strong enough to point out that they are intentional and not unintentional.
Doc

 

I have to disagree with doctoree about the purported axiom regarding the use of layer styles and filters in graphic design.
Used correctly, they are difficult to detect and often have the effect of adding life and dimensionality to an otherwise "flat" design.

It is the improper use of layer effects by amateurs that has led professional designers to eschew that which is arguably one of the most powerful and useful additions to graphics software since Photoshop 4.0!

I like the soft glow in the center panel text elements.
Subtle yet functional.

 

So, I read your post before checking out the site, and what I imagined was the classic 90's big bevels and ugly boxes... but I didn't see it. I think his subtle use of bevel and such is fine, it looks nice actually!

And I see a pattern to this, Left Nav (aligned vert), top nav (rectangle), and main logo window.

Unless he changed the whole thing from the post, I think you're a tad harsh. For a first site it looks an awful lot better than mine did! But good job to the OP for taking the advice in stride and not biting back. (Like I just did)

 

Oh wow! I really like it! Nice work!

 

The font kerning hurts my head, it just looks so 1993..

 

I like it; nice work!

 

I think it works for showing off your work. Its not my style personally, but thats what makes art so incredible - everyone has their own thing.

By the way, is the first project - the one with the hands holding the flower inspired by a Five Iron Frenzy song? - if its what Im thinking, its one of my favorite songs!

 

the curly thingy at the top reminds me of an ed hardy shirt

 

You really improved it now. But (as someone a few post earlier already said) you have problems with Typography. It is not only the kerning (the distance between letters) that needs work but also your font selection. Make sure the fonts are coherent. When using contrast they should be very clear. Make sure not to use too many fonts. I'd say a max of 3 fonts is ok. Using more than 3 fonts is like using filters, its the temptation modern technology brings to us designers.
You also need to work on the grid. Yust having a tidy menue at the top isn't enough. Please tidy up that mess at the bottom too.

Keep working! Good progress!

Doc

 

Have you ever tried this blog/forum?

http://creativebits.org/

It is meant for us designers who want critiques, discussions, support, trouble shooting, etc. And it's meant for Mac Designers, as well.

Just give it a shot. These guys are experts in all areas of design.

 

I was actually thinking of this song But yea, Five Iron Frenzy is a great band.