home      contact us      back issues     about us

February 12, 2001

The Fundamentals of Professional Web Sites for Business Professionals    

This Week:

Features

Step-by-Step: Don't Blink! - Selecting an Web Designer

Super Client! — Tips for Working with Your Web Design Team

Reviews

Photo/Graphic Edges Makes Framing Easy

Techniques

I Was Framed! - Instant Graphics

Technique

I Was Framed! - Instant Graphics

by Carolyn Cooper

When you're looking for something original for your site, but working with a tight deadline or budget, try framing your images. The standard box frame can be predictable and boring (see Example 1).

Example 1
A good image with a simple, box frame effect. Not bad, but perhaps predictable and too safe.

By using different framing techniques, images can have a contemporary, fresh feel or evoke an illustration-like mood. (See Examples 2-6)

Example 2
The irregular edges create visual tension. The viewer looks longer and more carefully to find the details at the edge of the image. This edge has a lighter, playful feel.

Example 3
The irregularly edged bright image matches the muted under image creating a dramatic focus and punch. This framing technique produces a more intense feeling.

Example 4
A much rougher, stronger frame creates a fresh, casual atmosphere.

Example 5
The same edging as Example 4, but with the strong black edging there's a sharper, more urban flavor.

Example 6
This framing technique, the slight fragmentation on the edges almost like a photo that's degrading, lends a sweet, nostalgic touch.

When working with frames, remember to be consistent in style and tone. Don't mix styles. I only got away with it because I'm using them for illustrative purposes, otherwise, pick a one style and use it throughout the site. And be sure it's appropriate to the content. A travel agency pushing adventure tours might use dramatic, sharp, rough edges on landscape shots, but a day care will want something softer and fuzzier.

There are a number of ways to create framed images. If you are using a high-end graphics program such as Photoshop, you can create image masks with drawing tools or even use characters and graphics as image masks to for your frames. If you create a small "library" of 6-12 frames you can quickly apply them to different images.

Or you can buy a software package of frames like AutoF/X's Photo/Graphic Edges. The latest bundle includes other effects for quickly customizing your images and can be used as a plugin with most of the high-end design packages or works as a stand-alone application.

If you are using photographs for your site, but want to create a more unique and high-end style, frame 'em!

Find out how to arrange an independent consultation or a workshop for your conference or organization on this or any other Internet-related topic.

Top

Copyright ©1995-2001 Carolyn E. Cooper. All rights reserved.

carolynecooper.com, web site consultation, workshops, design and development. Contact us at inquiry@carolynecooper.com.

Home Books Music DVD  & Video eBooks Software Prints  & Posters Magazines eCards Online - Courses

Check out additional titles on web graphics and design at Barnes & Noble!