Comments on: aesthetically loyal

By: Robert McCarthy

Robert McCarthy — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:03:25 +0000

For me the best part is the ‘more information’ link. I was expecting what it states, more information in a written form and this was delivered in a different but lovely way. A photograph of inspirational and conceptual thinking that is obviously a key part of Anthony Kolber’s life and is uniquely and visibly expressed within his work.

By: Benek

Benek — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:03:02 +0000

Thanks for this review. I hadn’t seen the site before. I can’t say I like everything about it, but the more I looked the more it grew on me. I have to give it props for taking chances and being unique.

By: Andi Farr

Andi Farr — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:43:04 +0000

“It’s the pink site that uses courier, and it’s full of amazing work.”

This just about sums it up, doesn’t it. To be honest, the work is of such a high standard that there is zero possibility of any element of the design being left to chance. But I still think the pink is a mistake - even if I can forgive the low-contrast text!

By: matt k

matt k — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:52:39 +0000

The search is really cool - I like the way it highlights the word. It’s a bit confusing though how the page jumps about when there is nothing found in the search. I think that either each link should dissapear if no key letters are found ot the section blocks should stay on the screen but maybe go darker.

By: Elyse

Elyse — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:47:29 +0000

Honestly, I can’t say I liked it. I like Courier used really large, but even on the white pages it’s so difficult to read. I’m not fond of the navigation either, as you have to either scroll to the bottom to go prev/next, or just go back. Why not prev/next at the top also? I guess you can’t please everyone!

By: kuldeep

kuldeep — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:34:04 +0000

I really wish, we had neon signs (hype) like that in reality, less intense and cool. Looks awesome.

Good post!!

By: kevadamson

kevadamson — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:57:38 +0000

This website he designed, and also the illustration, is really nice : http://freelancing-gods.com
Possibly shows off the designers awareness of space and layout better than that showcased …

By: Scott Nellé

Scott Nellé — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:50:33 +0000

I know it’s not type related, but the keyword search filter is pretty cool. It’s utterly useless when javascript is turned off (it doesn’t fall back as a regular search) but fortunately its just filtering the content that’s already on the page.

By: DigiKev Digital Media

DigiKev Digital Media — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:12:42 +0000

What really excites me about this site is the use of the courier font with the use of column labels such as “column 1”. When I studied graphic communication at University one of the first things taught back in year 1 was that courier is used as a placeholder before a typeface is selected to compliment the work. With the visual aids of the column labels and the stuck on yellow sun as you’ve described it are brilliantly clever. They hint at a work in progress but really it is purposefully placed as not to distract from the beautiful work in this portfolio. I would personally describe the yellow sun as a post-it note left by Anthony as a reminder to himself of what needs to be achieved but allowing this to permeate to the end user. An accomplished design indeed.

By: Kevin Zak

Kevin Zak — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:28:58 +0000

Oh, boy! When I first set eyes on this design, I immediately thought that you were insane for reviewing it. Further investigation left me exasperated. Not because I disliked the design, but because I was oddly attracted to it when my mind told me I should be repulsed. As far as first impressions go, aesthetically loyal does not make a good one. When delving deeper, however, one begins to understand the theory and reasoning behind the design.

I will start with something positive. While I have always despised Courier in any form it may take, the unique use of it that this site employs makes it strangely appealing. Using a monospaced font to such a large extent is a bold choice (not pun intended), but I must admit the design actually pulls it off quite nicely. When used with large, uppercased lettering, you start to notice rough edges that resemble artifacts on a poorly created image. This somewhat reduces my initial impression, as it is not as seamlessly employed as I originally thought.

When looking at the negatives, I feel that all imperfections are exponentially exceeded by the large yellow circle distastefully proclaiming “writings”. It is such an eyesore on an otherwise aesthetically-pleasing design that it almost appears to be added to the design later on in a fit of drunken rage. By removing the sun-like atrocity and improving the contrast of the less important text somewhat, it is actually quite a remarkable design.

I believe there is a lot to be gained by adopting the white background from the pages within the homepage itself. Not only would it improve the contrast problem considerably, it also offers a nice balance of color and substance, whereas the homepage currently is overwhelmingly pink.

An interesting choice of site to review, but a good one nonetheless. I think it will spark some interesting debate between people who carefully examine the site and people who just glance it. As I said in my introduction paragraph, this site does not make a good first impression.