[shaithis]

Hey all... long time, no post. =)

I'm working on a new design for texturestudio.com, and I was wondering if anyone had any comments/crits/suggestions. I'm going to be adding more stuff, like rope bridges and maybe some little huts. Not totally sure yet.

It's a combination of photo source, lots of photoshoppery, and tablet work. Here's the pic (91kb):




Anyway, comments more than welcome.

Thanks!

-shaithis

[Ian Jones]

pretty nice. It lacks something though.

It is kind of messy, sort of 'bulky' and 'clunky' if you know what I mean. The textures are pretty insane! Really detailed and chunky, organic looking.. nice photoshoppery. I would personally tone down the amount of chunky texture used though. Keep in mind that contrast is your friend. This applies not only to tonal contrast, but textural contrast as well. Texture isn't just the bumpy kind... there are smooth textures aswell. As a texture studio you would need to show that you can do smooth shiny plastics, metals, synthetics or wool, fibre, canvas etc...

So I would suggest that you contrast areas of chunky texture with smooth silky texture. That would be very effective at showing your varied skills and for visual contrast it would work a charm. Just imagine a smooth, shiny, silky element with a chunky, mossy piece of jagged rock sticking out. That is contrast.

The overall layout I think needs some more work. I'd go as far as saying 'back to the drawing board', not because I'm trying to be mean... but because I think you can do even better. Your manipulation skills are great, I think with the right concept work your website can really be effective.

I hope that helps.

[Ian Jones]

goto: Monaux

His website is pretty nice. It has a great concept and the textures are really effective. See the contrast between the shiny organic bits, and the rock / sandstone 'matte' main area. It is really effective. Of course the main background there is plain and untextured, that also adds to idea of 'visual contrast' because it helps emphasise the areas that are heavily textured by juxtaposing it against complete lack of texture.

[shaithis]

Definitely agree with your points in regard to contrast... I'll definitely try to see where I can work in some varying textures. Thanks for the link, btw... good example of what you're talking about. =)

Not sure I mind the layout, but then... I tend to redesign my sites every few months anyway, so there's always next time!

Thanks for the comments,

-shaithis