Analysing Digital Artist

Navigation And Layout

The digital artist website also has it's logo in the top left corner with an add right next to it. It has its login and register buttons above that on the left, and when selected make a drop down option where you can enter your details. In the same line, on the right hand side, it has the search bar. Below the logo is the navigation bar, with clear descriptions of pages (with drop down menus for select icons) and small, unobtrusive social media links next to it. There is also another, smaller navigation bar below that skipping to the products that the site sells.

Below this there are two columns. On the left, there is an image linked to the bar of "latest updates" located next to it - changing the image when your mouse rolls over the different links. Below this is the "Featured Images" with the add on feature of a slideshow. The image is also a link to the persons body of work. Below this is the "latest images" section, showing thumbnails of 15 images and a link to more. Below this is the image categories, (showing works of a specific technique), image genre (search by specific genres), editors choice and top rated galleries (links to specific galleries). Below this is another ad, and the very bottom of the page exhibits a series of related links and contact information.

On the right column is a sign up icon, with site statistics below, an ad, a bigger news and features feed, a twitter feed, a tips and tutorials feed and a resources feed.

When looking at another page, specifically the "about us" page, it appears poorly considered. There is an extremely long scroll with massive gaps of white between content. The layout is very different to the rest of the site, with different icon language and structure.

Color

Color consists of light grey text on black, white on blue and black on white. Also green and pink are used very sparingly.

There is inconsistency with color however. The navigation bar at the top keeps everything blue, however in the roll overs just below the headings change color. Some links are blue, some are in bold and some have a bar of color behind them. The headings change from white on black to black on white, and the colored splashes behind the type is inconsistent. There are also some green buttons.

Typography

Typography wise, there is a bigger distinction between sub-headings and content, however looking at the "above the fold" page, there is only one heading visible. and your eye has no type hierarchy to follow. Similar to the imaginefx page, the type on the ads stand out more than the type on the website itself.

Strengths

The page has more breathing space, with bigger gaps between boxes of content to create distinct separations between content/services. More images on front page create immediate understanding of what the website is about. Clear "About us" page, and unobtrusive social media icons.

Weaknesses

The page doesn't present a clear identity, and it isn't continues on to the other pages. It's positioning of elements isn't consistent with it's services and content. It attempts to use too many different drop down/pop up/roll over devices.