Can some one tell me why I don't like these spreads...PART 2

[sagelike31]

Okidoke in my last thread (>>>>link<<<<)
I had put up an arrangement for you to critique and you guys did exactly that.

So here I am putting up another set based on the recommendations. So shoot away. Thanks in advance.

Note: In the second shot the font was a half assed job. The arrangement, the shots, and the post work all took time. I really didn't want to sit with it any longer with
more text work. So keep that in mind.

Also these are in poster size, 20x30, not an 8x10. So also keep that in mind

[Nicole]

Personally I like these arrangements better than the first ones. Good on you for taking on board what people said

With the first one, I like the arrangement and how it is simple with more than one shape of photo. It breaks up the monotony. And I'm currently up in the air about what I think of that middle photo since all the other shots feature the dogs eyes and as far as I can tell is that a shot of the dogs shadow? Sometimes I like it because it's different from the other shots, and sometimes I don't for the same reason because it is very different.

The second one I like. I think that works really well with the layout you've selected, and each of the shots feels cohesive because they all contain a bit of that blue. Those are some really nice shots. EDIT: This next bit you addressed yourself in your post, but I'll say it anyways to give my feelings on it. The text bothers me because there's not enough of a left margin in the white area. It feels cramped. Maybe a slightly smaller font size if you don't feel you have room to move the text to the right.

The third one feels so completely opposite of the first two. It's cute and fun while the other two are much more sedate. I like what you've done with the angles on it and how the picture go off the frame. Again, mixed feelings from me because of personal preference. Objectively I really like that one though if that makes sense

[alissasanderson]

Those are really nice. I really like that they are 3 completely different styles, and keeping that in mind you worked them all in their own manner.

The first one I believe I commented on over on your blog, and the only criticism that I had was that you had mentioned you had a difficult time getting the shots because the pup is so energetic, and from this arrangement I'd think she was pretty calm and sedate! But overall, I like it. Not cluttered, good photography, nice.

The second one is my favorite, barring the text issues you've already mentioned. The shots are really, really nice, great atmosphere and arrangement.

I like the last one, too. It's cute, and fun. I'm not the one to critique it, however, because I have difficulty with things that aren't straight lines . I'm a little compulsive that way...

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by alissasanderson

I'm not the one to critique it, however, because I have difficulty with things that aren't straight lines . I'm a little compulsive that way...

I have difficulty with things that aren't complete (as in, not fully visible) so that's why I can't critique it. And I totally sympathise with things and straight lines... I'm not compulsive at all

[KJMarino]

the reason i like the last one is because there scattered and only part of the cup in the pictures. i really like the idea that the small pics leave you thinking what is this and the background explains what your looking at. i could see this selling quite well as a poster...

i agree with the text in the 2nd one if you dont want to reduce text size centering the words may help to move the attention away from the left side.

i also dont see the dog as being energetic... the picture makes me think of the dog being lazy and seems kind of sad looking... not sure what effect your goin for with the set?

[Saralonde]

I like the first one with one exception, the middle picture. The fact that the lines are straight and the whole spread is so orderly makes me feel the shots should be like that, too. The middle picture takes me out of that feeling. Of course, this is only MHO. The second one gels together nicely, with the exception of the font, which you mentioned. The third is more lighthearted in it's design which suits the color and shots.

[Redrabbit]

I like the second set a lot better. Only thing I can see is maybe the middle picture in the dog set should be changed. Seems to take away from the others. But maybe thats only me. It was good you put in the text even though you where not happy with it. Maybe try another font. I guess you will have to give us a third set. Good luck.

[jiminyClickit]

sagelike,

It's like having many sets of eyes, this forum:

1) agree, center needs different photo, not getting a message. The lower left snout points out of layout, draws viewer down and away; flip or replace.
2) no-fault photo quality, but in a layout interest is kept with variety. These suggest mug-shots (very good mugshots), same distance, time of day, etc.
3) spot-on idea, also would shine with variety (size, lighting, condition like torn, crumpled, filled with steaming liquid) or having actual photos around/under/tacked-to the actual stool.

Again, I'm not qualified to judge photo quality technically. I see quality in most all of them. Layout and type are nearly as technically governed; definitely some rules were broken here. Sometimes it works, and you get kudos for staying experimental. Like everything else, graphic arts can be learned. As in painting and photography, get the basics clear, THEN experiment. Learn the laws, then break them a little. Typography is an Industry unto itself.

Third set a charm? Look around for magazine spreads, posters, any advertising that grabs the eye long enough to sell the idea. And show more here. Critiques are encouragement to do your best now where you are, with what you have. So, go, do.

[jiminyClickit]

sagelike, Hope this helps more than a thousand words:

[sagelike31]

Originally Posted by jiminyClickit

sagelike, Hope this helps more than a thousand words:

Wow, Jim this is going above and beyond here.
Looks much better. I however wouldn't have blurred it that deep. But I see what you were going for there.

And yeah, I definitely see that typography is harder than it looks. Something I will definitely work on in the next coming weeks. I will also take that tip and see how the professionals do it in magazines and the such.

TO EVERYONE ELSE: I appreciate your comments . Thank you for the time you took to go through my work. I will try to make you guys proud next time around.