You have some really good elements (like the header) in a bad design. Much of this design isn't quite pulling together just right:
Keep working on this design. Remember that less is more in many cases.
Hi Aran,
First of all I love the bokeh background image ;)
I'm with Nate on all the above points he has mentioned. However one thing I would work on is giving each content container some depth from one to the next. What I mean is the Black Header, Blue Teaser area & the White content area are so flat and boring. I would add maybe a drop shadow on the blue to the white.
The navigation buttons are a little square on the edges & also boring. Maybe make them with rounded edges like the search text box & overlap them half on the black header & half on the blue teaser area.
Other than that it's a good start. Good luck ;)
I can't focus on reading because my eye keeps being drawn to the right. The background is way too much.
The logo is quite odd, especially with the pink markings at the ends. I would suggest looking for better colours and something that makes it pop.
The main menu buttons are a tad small, and the blue colour seems off.
Other then that I think you have a very nice basis to work from. The exact alignments need some work, but it's a good start.
Nice structure you have there, couple of suggestions to make your DESIGN better:
Your logo doesn't look good, it's not a focal point in the site and it doesn't fit. Change it.
Your buttons needs more spacing and effects.
Reduce the background's opacity.
Your content area feels quite empty. Fill it with more information.
Good luck!
Right now the background is dominating the website. I think you could keep the background if you make a few adjustments to the page:
hello Aran, i think you've got some really nice idea about this design but still have a lot of work infront of you until it will be great.
first of all i liked the background but i did not like the way it's connecting with the header, there's no contrast at the top.
second the design is clean which is very good but it's too clean to the point it feels like you could not have been bothered with your own web site, add something at the bottom of the page.
header-wise: the grandient looks odd and unrelated and i did not like the logo's colours, they are just unpleasant.
as for the button, i'd lose the shadows.
general colours are nice and relaxed but not intriguing at all. consider adding more colour or changing it.
generaly speaking it's a lovely design but needs some work good luck would love you review your second version
Thank you for your review