Website Template Design

Hi Jami

I like it, it looks nice and clean. I could only find a few minor details, nothing major.

I'm not sure the dual navigation is necessary in the footer. Others will disagree, but personally I think it would look cleaner without it.

Also when I first see the word "Music" in the slider and the the picture of the truck, that throws me a bit. The truck creates a strong business like impression, but then photos of the cat and sandcastle is something completely different again.

I understand you're trying to appeal to the widest possible market, but the initial impression I get is a confused sense of direction.

I think the impact of the layout would be stronger if there was a clear sense of direction.

Here are a few things I would change:

1. The logo background doesn't really seem to fit. the whole design has a metallic/steel look so I would probably go for a polished steel-look for the logo background, maybe with some screws... if you want to get a bit tacky :)
2. Text (menu?) on the banner. Add some transparency to the background. 90% will probably do. If that isn't possible, try a slightly darker top and bottom border or a slight drop-shadow (2px width with 4px spread).
3. The Continue Reading button has that arrow on the right. the arrow itself is not centered in the square. I would also increase the padding by about 2px on each side. Also, use the same bottom effect for the button as for the light-gray menu at the top.
4. The border around the ads on the right is too large. reduce that to about 5px.
5. Get rid of the bottom menu duplicate or at least make it smaller (10px font size)
6. Make the bottom border, above the menu duplicate, a two-lines divider using the current #262626 color above a #202020 line. Both 1px high. It will add some extra dimension to the whole thing.
7. Add a gradient to the bottom area. Start with something like #282828 and transit to the current #1e1e1e at about 25-30% from the top.
8. Add a 3px white border with a light-gray (between #C0C0C0 and #E8E8E8) outline around all thumbnail images to raise these from the background. The effect you used below the quote under the banner, is perfect for this. Same for the post images.
9. Not sure about the strongly rounded background for the post date, author etc. It doesn't fit with the rest... Reduce that to around 3px or the value you used for the top light-gray menu corners.

Other than that, it looks promising!