it's not the colour, just that I don't know how to find my way around.

Speaking of Colors..
 

My Son Mike has come up with this. You like?

http://www.smithbassforums.com/images/misc/ksb-logo.gif

I like the use of Kens hand writing! Thats got a nice friendly feel and the wood is a lovely touch if you can get the colour of the forum to tie into it (shouldn't be too hard). Have you planned what kind of feel you want the forums to have? Having an overall concept in mind can sometimes help whittle choices down when it comes to the detail. For example, if you wanted to go for a feel that was warm, with organic tones (emphasising the importance of wood), then you might also choose basses or features that had been photographed in soft light rather than a hard flash.

I think the images of the basses are cut out a little roughly, I've learned there's a real art to doing this properly. You've got to leave the edges slightly fuzzy so that the objects don't look too disassociated from the background. It also helps to pay attention to the lighting sources used on the images - too many sources of light can prevent the banner from looking visually cohesive.

The other thing is that I've found it helps to think about the banner having layers of depth - ie. a foreground, midground and background. Usually I put the lettering in the midground, have some foreground features and then a background texture. Usually it helps for the background texture to have some kind of depth to it on its own.

Using transparency helps to ensure that the elements aren't all competing for attention as well. I generally knock the background textures back to 70% or even 50% opacity.

Was the irregular shape of the banner intentional or was it just part of the sketchy work in progress?

If Mike wants any help on that front I'm happy to assist.

Richard, just get in there and muck about. :) Pretty much anything you break I can fix apart from deleted posts.

I've had to do just that as admin and there are HUNDREDS of settings behind the scenes that I need to learn. Then there's the stuff they DON'T tell you, like how to import a skin.

Kens hand writing?
 

No, it is not my hand writing. It's just a font Mike found.

YES, it is a 'work in progress' so it has a ways to go.

I would want the heading more 'left' to start with so the Scroll is not the border. Also 'Yes' again he needs to 'cut' a bit cleaner and that requires a large blow-up and patience as well.

I think it is a nice 'Idea' which is all it is at this time, an Idea.

Background Skin is next after we get the Logo done. We have to remember that he is not working full time for me. He is a 16 year old High School student in 10th grade and currently with a 4.058 g.p.a. doing some A.P. as well as Honors courses not to mention he's on the 'Tennis Team' and plays in the #1 spot singles. I think with his limited time, he has done wonders here so he can take his time putting on a new Face for the Forum..;)

Ken, I hope you don't think I'm having a go at Mike - far from it. That's why I extended the offer of help. I'm busy too but I can make the time if Mike would appreciate the support. :)

offer?
 

Yes, I can see that and Mike will too. Just thought I would make it clear about his time schedule.

Could the Down Here (NZ) thread please be green and black?
These are the official Wainuiomata colours. No rush on this one though Mike.

LMAO

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopi...images/cat.jpg

Aaaaaaah Mr Prowse, we discover your plans for world domination!!!

DO NOT DENY IT!

Just because I'm working to turn brother Rob into a 'mini me' is no reason to jump to conclusions.
Ps. Steve can you please refer to me as Mr Evil from now on.

Hey! Evil is Live backwards!
scary...

Yes Mr Evil!

BTW, it sounds like you might be interested in personal development through The Art of Bonsai. Have you tried bonsai on Rob yet?

I know a guy who can help.

http://www.airamerica.com/maddow/fil...edish_chef.jpg

"Hoooooooong deboef de chop chop!"

What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in enthusiasm and speed.

I've tried mutant deep sea bass...
too hard to import sharks these days, what with all regulations.

Its them laser beams on the heads. They require a special license for the importation of military hardware.

http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/03/sharks_lasers.jpg

Black?
 

Maybe if it were black on black my eyes would finally get a break. Currently, I have not a single clue what goes on in that Thread or some of the others you are 'involved' in.

Yikes..
 

WILL SOMEONE PLEAZZZEE GIVE THAT FISH A "HAPPY MEAL"????

Thanks for the tips Steve, I'll be sure to post some revisions of what I've started so far to give everybody a feel for what's going on.

Come on Ken, I thought you loved the Down Here (NZ) thread you always seem to be reading it when I log on.

I think he's just monitoring you.

Ken monitor me? Why?
Ah, well, I'll just have to keep a stiff upper lip.

I've got one I don't use much these days if you need it? PM me your address and I'll pop it in the post.