What kind of graphics would fit a site like this?

I'm asking members and visitors to make comments on the looks of the site and what they would like to see. I admit that graphically this site is pretty bland and I am wondering what would inspire you upon reaching this site?

Also, since I have limited abilities in the area of graphics, I would welcome any assistance anyone may provide in sprucing up this site. Let me know if you can help and at least I would post a very gracious thank you for any help that you may provide us.

Well you could go through the FAQ in the graphics area of the forumer support forums to get some basic ideas. You can check out my board perhaps for some ideas: http://epos.2.forumer.com though you won't be able to read any text, it's in Dutch
I don't think you need a classy skin or anything, this one's fine for the type of forum, though a new logo would definitely be a good start. You could also add some random extra's, steal ideas from other boards, add more emoticons or whatever you like
I have been messing around with my board for some time now so I would be glad to help you out.

Thanks for the offer of help and I will need your help because I am a newbie when it comes to graphics and web design. You do have some good ideas and I will invest some time to spruce this place up later on. It would be good to make it distinctive looking and I would like to add some neat features if possible.

I am not the graphics-master type either I don't have any top-of-the-notch graphics programs, I use Paint mostly, though after years of practice I get nice results with that

Sounds like a good method of doing things to me. How does one draw images for example to get the quality they want? I always wondered about that. I remember the early days of computers when things like drawing pads were more common and even average computer owners had them.

The only other way is to create images by hand and then scan them into a software program. I can do that and I guess that is a way to start. It would be nice to use some flash templates etc., as I do like a bit of activity on a site but not too much of course.

What do you mean by that? You could try a program that does vectors...

I'm just referring to the idea of drawing by hand and then digitizing it. It is difficult to do it by keyboard or joystick or mouse for example. In the past we had electronic pads that allowed input of hand drawing and graphics but even that has limits. I think the best idea is scanning in graphics then manipulate them in a program afterwards.

Hopefully I will find time soon to do that.

Photoshop beats it all you can still buy pads for drawing input but they're expensive... make sure you scan it properly or it will look like crap digitally, wonder about your drawing skills, show some of your work

LOL! my drawing skills are basic at most I think.

But you are correct, this is the best method to purse.

Just need to start thinking of what I want to do and how to do it, because I have what I need to do the job.

I am teaching myself some flash and photoshop so if I can be of service

Sure you can be of service.

Do you know much about HTML too?

Enough to get around with, and learning more every day

Edit: I was bored and started making a new banner for this place, I have not longsince finished but tell me if you like the setup:
I have put it here as a Link, because you do not allow .bmp files to be uploaded and my photoshop crashed down so if I turn it to a JPEG it will look absolutely awful

This post has been edited by Imphead on August 07, 2004 12:20 pm

since you haven't replied yet I guess you missed my edit please tell me if you like the idea, I finally can do some photoshop so the next 'version' will be a lot better

Impy;

I checked out your graphic and it is GRREAT!!!

We can use that!

You said I don't allow bmp files, I'll look into that. If I can turn it on then I will.

Please excuse my experimentations with the site over the next few weeks, I want a change too and I'm also on the lookout for new skins that are appropriate for this place.

Wonder if I can find a site that hosts IPB accounts for free?

Forumer and InvisionFree are the only ones. IF allows for more mods and customisations but it has a very irritating ad on top which you can only remove if you pay for it.

As I stated before I don't like everything you did but I'm happy to see you are experimenting, that's the way to get something right

My photoshop is working again, I'll have some fun with photoshop on the banner, you said you wanted some red, how about a red-metallic-reflection-effect? I'll make some more when I feel like it/have time