Help with my Web Banner

[NoxMortus]

I'm making a banner for a gaming / modding website, I've done some of it, but now I'm stuck. I'm not happy with the way the text looks, and I can't find a render that looks good on the left. I'd appreciate any help here, aswell as suggestions on changing the banner.

 

[monoVertex]

First, flip the render so it looks to the left. Second, remove the reflection of the text. Third, make the text with glowing edges. And fourth, make something under the text. Somekind of underline...

 

[NoxMortus]

I can't flip the render without it looking crappy, because it was cut like so;

I'll try the other stuff you said.

Edit~ I have to spread rep around before I can give to you

Edit2~ Ok here it is so far;

 

[monoVertex]

Can you send me the image? (I suppose you have it with layers and such, right?)

 

[NoxMortus]

Sure, it's too big to attach here though, do you have msn?

Edit~

Nvm lol just saw that you do.

 

[Chile]

All designers start with thumbnails drawn on trace paper with a pen. The process of thumbnails is meant to aid the designer to find the best visual solution.

a few alternate suggestions (off the top of my head):

At this point, the banner has a Dragon way over on the right and it looks rather uncomfortable because there is an odd visual balance. If you absolutely must use only this graphic, consider placing the text on the same side as the dragon, and in the corner (bottom might be better).

There is a visual problem with the scale of the dragon and the scale and placement of the logo. The dragon is overbearing to the logotype, so you could increase the scale of the logotype to run across the bottom of the banner.

You have a great render of the Dragon. While it's cropping is very uncomfortable, and not at all ideal for the purpose, your real aim is to present the name of the site. If you like, consider methods to blend the logo with the background. Dark on Light. Light on Dark.
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Every designer faces these challenges. At times, we do not have a choice over which visual elements are available. And so, we need to compromise. Use thumbnails to find interesting compromises, and you'll likely find your designs improve and are created much faster.

 

[Whitesock]

I think you might want the text in the middle and have the head of the dragon kind of creeping up behind the text. You would need to take the height down a bit though.

 

[Chile]

Another option might be to reverse the graphic, place the logotype on the left, and then create an imagemap menu for the website on the right.