Website check

[jackboulton]

My website is up, have a look at www.jackboulton.com. The links in the the links section aren't ready, but everything else should be fine.

All comments gratefully received. Also, I have another site in development, currently stored at www.labour.jackboulton.com.


J

[webguy]

I hate critisizing peoples work because I can't do much better ;) but I feel I have to contribute somewhere.

As a user I find the background animation annoying, as I do the thing that follows my mouse. Mainly because I hate things that get in the way of of the information that I am trying to read. But I also find that it detracts the eye from what is most important, the information. Also the animation is very jerky on my system (dual 1.25ghz G4 running OSX) so I suggest doubling the frame rate, or adding subsequent frames.

I also do not like the font you used for the links. I don't know what to suggest there, but it reminds me of a wedding invitation or a painters business card or something. Just my few suggestions.

And the other site that you have listed here could very well trigger an epileptic seizure :). I'm exagerating, but really the background text and motion is quite abrupt and overwelms the stage. Reduce the alpha and reduce the number of characters and make it more subtle. I like the pixelated rose but I don't see how it incorporates into the website.

And as a final note, you will find that you get better criticism when you submit a website that is near completion.

webguy

[Timmee_3Styler]

ya the mosue folling dotted lines are so annoying
is it actually useful? does it fit in with the site? you gotta ask yourself those questions

the clouds...the pics are a tad not crisp

[Zarathustra]

I want to concur with webguy here. the most important thing within your design (especially if you are a designer and are using this site to attract potential clients) is delivering information in a clear, unobstructed manner. the clouds are nice, but try just sticking them in a header instead of the entire stage.
Also, the dotted mouse/crosshair - it only succeeds in cluttering up your layout, and that is not good. between the clouds and the lines (dotted, no less) there is just way too much contrast going on for me to get a fix on what you want me to understand about your site and your work.
And finally, "blue." no doubt, blue is the best web color to use, but here is a case where a bit of contrast, used properly, can take you from an okay site to an outstanding site. Try some color contrast with the links, so that they stand out a bit and lead the viewers eyes to the important aspects of the site (namely, how to access the necessary information.)
But it's a nice, simple layout and with time, patience and effort, you'll master your craft!

[jackboulton]

Thanks everybody for your help here. The site has come down for some 'reconstructive' surgery. In the meantime, I have uploaded an old website which I would like you to take a look at. The URL is www.jackboulton.com.

As for the other website (www.labour.jackboulton.com) - the digitised rose is easily explained as the rose is the symbol for the organisation I am designing for. And, I have to say, they really like it too :)

All comments on my home site gratefully appreciated as always.

Jack

[Timmee_3Styler]

well simple temporary site i guess but you gotta get those text crisp..looks so blurred