The Art of "Making it pop"

(oh how I hate that term.) The internet is saturated with in your face advertisements left and right to the point where many of us are to some degree, desensitized. As you've seen with most of my posts, I keep it short and simple. I will give you a few simple tips that have helped me along the way when designing attractive banner graphics which I think could help you too.

Tip 1: Keep it simple, have a focal point.

Its easy to get lost with what clients call "priority" items. At the end of the day, one has to take precedence over the other or the heiarchy of importance is lost. Make a simple list of what needs to be on the banner, what is the main message you're trying to get across. Based off of that simple list you can then determine how you'll approach your design and you'll highlight and what will serve as supporting elements towards your main message.

Tip 2: Negative Space is OK!

More is not necessarily better, especially when trying to grab a users attention. You can splash the screen with color and information, they may see it, however seeing it is not the same as actually paying attention and absorbing your message. Try balancing your design with a balance of negative space.

Tip 3: Good typography goes a long way. Experiment with using typography as a design element, not just smacking it onto your graphics. Its a major part of the design that many times goes ignored, remember to have fun and challenge yourself in trying different styles of typography that are appropriate to your design. Some good examples in typography can be found on Typography Served, Dribbble

Some Examples of Hero Images

Wowpons Homepage Concept

Challenge:Wowpons needed Galan Design to design three banners that would touch on the main points of their business while keeping the experience easy to use and visually engaging.

Solution: I used a bold color palette and made the mobile call to action front and center. I used typography to support marry the graphic elements together to what you see below. The message is simple and direct to the point.

Thoughts: Notice how the banner is not cluttered by the various messaging going on. There is a clear action that the client wanted with this message, to "Get the App", everything else around it was used as supporting elements or messaging to get the user to that point.

Beget Email Campaigns

Challenge: Beget wanted to launch a series of "mega deal" campaigns which would entice users to become regular Beget users.

Solution: I designed a series of emails that were bold and exciting. I used typography and a call to action on the left hand side and coupled with enticing product collage to bring it all together.

Thoughts: The outcome was a colorful email campaign with strong messaging and imagery.

Arlovski.com Hero Imagery

You Plus Media Hero Concept

Pro-Foods Oversized Hero Imagery