Need tips for making new layout

[Zidane007nl]

I'm going to try making a new layout for the website, but I haven't made one for several months already. Things I can say for the new layout is that it will interact more with the forums (only members can download stuff, more forum stats). I'm going to make the layout with Photoshop CS and I'm going to try insert some FF13 elements in it.

Can you guys give me some tips how to make a good layout?

[~CY]

like as far as tips as to what we would like to see on the layout or do you mean the design/style of it?

[Zidane007nl]

More the design of the layout. How I can make a decent layout. I'm kinda bad on making one atm.

[~CY]

hmm well there are many different designs you can go off by.. the question is... what is it that you're wanting it to look like. I'll need ideas in order to better help you with this.

[Zidane007nl]

Ok, I made a sketch of the new version I'm hoping to make myself. I want to make something unique.

To the left you see little images of the games HHN has content about. A picture of the game on it with the text in Final Fantasy font.
Under the header is the welcome message area, were users can login and see their stats. I want to make it so that only members can download stuff from the website.
The menu is just for website links, affiliates etc.

Comments, tips are welcome.

[Trigani-Maru-Suke]

Problem with making it so only members can download stuff is that you will get the members that only join to download stuff and never post, people that just don't bother, and then the people that join, post and download stuff. The third option is good but the other two aren't.

As for the layout, I like the idea of it.

[Zidane007nl]

I know, that might happen. Maybe that downloads should cost credits (like Gil). Ain't that PHP skilled.
But it's more about the layout now than the possible features.

[alexanderpas]

sizes seems okay, and i make just a quick drop here: vbdrupal.org for drupal intergrated with vb witout changes to vb :P (might wanna wait until 4.7).

[Zidane007nl]

vbdrupal.org for drupal intergrated with vb witout changes to vb :P (might wanna wait until 4.7).
Maybe later. My first priority is putting the new layout online.

I made a preview of the new layout, which will be the 11th version. The colors I used are the same as on the topsites, cause I like them and I'm still sick of using grey. :P

Hope you like it, comments are welcome.

[Tsuji]

I like the layout alot, but make sure you use a different banner now. =P No complaints otherwise. :D

[Mirae]

Nice layout Zids, I like it a lot. One thing though, I think the header looks kind of out of place...maybe it's the colour of it, black makes it seem as if it should be part of the background colour instead, it doesn't look as if a header is there =x Imo, give the header a similar colour blue, and maybe put in some rpg characters with some slick graphics to beef it up (but that's optional).
Everything else is cool though ^^b

[Zidane007nl]

Nice layout Zids, I like it a lot. One thing though, I think the header looks kind of out of place...maybe it's the colour of it, black makes it seem as if it should be part of the background colour instead, it doesn't look as if a header is there =x Imo, give the header a similar colour blue, and maybe put in some rpg characters with some slick graphics to beef it up (but that's optional).
Thanks!! _^_

I haven't started making the header yet, only added some text so that it looks nicer. Header making is my weakness, hope some tutorials will help.

[alexanderpas]

nice, nice, nice zid! the section images really seem to work out correctly!

[Zidane007nl]

I'm planning on putting the new layout online tomorrow. Wanted to do it 1½ hours ago, but the database was starting to give problems. My bad luck... :(

Edit: The new layout is online!
Please give your comments here: http://forums.hellandheavennet.com/showthread.php?t=2019