Free CSS v3

I am thinking of doing a redesign for my website http://www.freecss.info. My plans are to develop the site into wordpress and add a new section for css navigations. I also plan to release free wordpress themes from the site and some more css templates.


My favourie design which I think I am going to go with is:http://www.fuvz.com/freefinal.jpg

Also in consideration was an unfinished concept:http://www.fuvz.com/freecss6.jpg

Another design so far was: http://www.fuvz.com/freecss5.jpg

Please your opinions

I actually like your original site, except for the color.

I feel the original is too cluttered. Also terrible for adsense blending which is one reason why I want to change. I will also be adding some plugins so more space for things will be needed.

Try something different, I'm really starting to despise the 'web 2.0' look. It's too shiny! The middle one was a breath od fresh air, despite how great (in a non-confrontational, 'you don't even notice me' way) the other two are they look like templates to me. Add a bit of character. Please?

I actually prefer you existing design over these, it is at least a little bit unconventional, a little original.

Pete.

Only problem is. Plain generic looking websites make more money.

I agree with you that the original seems a little unorganised - but like Pete says, a few months ago these sites were brilliant and new but they're boring now - really boring.

I reckon you should keep the old design but re-organise it a bit better.

If you try to go with trends then you'll look out of date very quickly. There are certain styles that have a longer shelf life. You've gone too much with a single style here, if you try and shake it up a bit, make it bit more subtle, then you will have something more pleasing to more people and that will last longer in my opinion.

As a challenge, design something without using the gradient tool. Try using real textures instead (and by this i mean make your own and scan them in), have a bit of fun. Design isn't all about being at a computer.

Pete.

I seem to have different tastes from the people round here Im not a born designer either. Could you post some links to website which you consider to have good designs.

This design is fantastic I believe - but it is a lot to do with typography and content as well.

http://www.thebignoob.com

CSS Mania has a lot of showcase sites that you might want to look at - organised into various categories so you can see "competition". But again some of these were excellnt because of their Web2.0 look - but have come slightly outdated very quickly.

I do like your designs - they are just quite similar and templatey now.

I model my designs loosely around some websites on css mania. My style which I have been doing for a while is the glassy/glossy look. Its something Im actually trying to get away from.

Yea thats what I mean by quite the "same". It is a nice look but as I say has become outdated rather quickly.

Get Photoshop out and have a play - see what you come up with.

No-one is a born designer, it takes time and practice. Design is an acquired skill like most other things. Take the time to learn the key elements of design then you'll do ok. It's really all about ideas the difference is a good designer knows how to put those ideas into action and create something that communicates something in an instant.

I don't really think this applies to you though, you obviously do have good design skills even if you find it difficult. The designs you have posted are good, there's nothing wrong with them, I'm just trying to encourage you to think out of the box a bit.

I'll post some sites I like in a second.

Pete.

I had wanted to make the site with 0 images before. Have it all css. That proved to be pretty tricky to get anything nice.

When I said I wasn't a born designer I meant im not artistic. I am terrible at art and better at maths/physics.

Yes and no IMO. I do think you are born with a flair for design like you are built with a flair for languages.

But you do acquire knowledge of design as you do more and mroe meddling. However, I believe some people have an eye for design and others don't.

Yes my mum is often useful at giving tips since she is completely new to the internet and more artistic than me.

Also about the new design. I want something which results in higher CTR on ads than my current. That is one of my main problems at the moment. I also want it to be clean.

Poke - Digital Ad Agency
Veerle's Blog - Design/Web Dev blog
J.R. Velasco's Blog - An academic's blog

I like these.

Pete.

Sozu Web Design

I love this site - I came across it yesterday. Its so clean and slightly different from the normal - I love it!

I've come across the two blogs before - never seen Poke though - tidy site very nice.

Ok right now their banner seems to be not working.

But take a look when it is...oooh and the logo is also gorgeous.

EDIT: if you disable the CSS you can see thew banner...they must be editing the site or something.

Mike

What do you think about my new work in progress. I plan for the flag thing on the left to possibly follow down the page. Possibly not though. I will have to shorten it also.

Preview
Update
Update 2

Yet another design

http://www.fuvz.com/freecssr.jpg