If you know anything about my Photoshop skills (minimal), you'll understand this is a major milestone for me. My personality would never allow me to outsource any of this to talented individuals, so it was produced entirely in-house (in-apartment?). The concept had been in my head for several month. I did my first prop shoot back in January (the wire-snared human figure), started the design using Photoshop Elements 8 about two weeks ago, then hit full steam last Friday with the second prop shoot (the wires) and completion (with the help of some tasty espresso).
I think the design does a good job conveying my perspective behind this blog: how technology has a tendency to ensnare humanity and the possible sinister results that loom because of that entanglement. I readily admit I have become more accepting and excited for the latest and upcoming technology and communications innovations, gadgets, and resulting societal trends since I started this blog. That conversion will never get rid of my inherent wariness, though.
Creative resuscitation
Designing this header proved rewarding for me creatively, in that I'm pleased with the results, and even more pleased there ARE results. I tend to start projects and not finish them (I've still got photos from my honeymoon I mean to get into an online album, with light edits, captions, and map locations. Then there is last summer's trip to Chicago).
Also, as much as I love words (more unfinished projects, including a novel) I really consider myself a visual person. Since I was a child I have always been interested in visual arts -- primarily sketching/drawing as a kid, which I did a lot of, and then photography and video as I got older. I never pursued any formal education for these interests, though, so everything I've learned has mostly been self taught or through observation of those who know what they're doing.
So it's nice to tap into that creative side, which is a facet of myself I feel hasn't been well represented in the last decade.
Comparisons
I actually ended up with three versions of the header. One is the same as above, but with the beveled border option cranked to the max for the background effect. I like it as a standalone, but didn't like the obvious rectangular border when affixed in the header spot.
The other is a simple treatment without the pronged plug. Again, I like this better as a standalone. I like the flow of the wires behind the text in this orientation; it's a calm design that loses most of the sinister feeling the other version emotes.
So, any thoughts on my design? Do you think a reader who bumbles across this blog would get a sense of the thematic content with a glance at this header?
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