How to make an attractive skin?

Maybe I'm just too hard on myself, but it seems all the forums I make look boring compared to others, like this one. There's something about the looks of my forums that is just boring. I can't quite figure out what it is though.

Maybe they do look nice and I'm just not seeing it?

Using this site as an example, when I visit the home page, it's a simple design (not too many graphics), but it's good looking. It looks inviting. But when I visit my own sites, especially my new one (logo excluded ), nothing sticks out as exciting, and it doesn't have that inviting feel to it.

Again, I'm probably just being hard on myself. But what can I do to make my forums appear more exciting? I know content is important, but you can't have a forum that looks like it was put together by an amateur either. I wouldn't call myself an amateur necessarily in admining, but I definitely would with design. I really need some help/inspiration in that department. :p

 

You're site are attractive, you're just being hard on yourself!

 

Color theory, use of gradients, minor touches make things look nice. The bigger things make little psychological difference but they make a huge difference visually.

 

Your cockapoo site is very nice. I like the colors, easy on the eyes.

You have a few default icons that need to be changed out to coordinate with your style. And you need a new header image. The text on your current one is hard to read.

That's all. Otherwise, don't be hard on yourself. You've done a good job with that site.

 

I guess I could edit the text then, because I made that image...

Any suggestion, Peggy?

 

Tom, I'm not Peggy, but how about using a dark-brown-ish color for the text instead of white? A color similar to the .gradient_thead color (used on the notices bar) but darker and 'bolder' - more brown.

 

Hmm...

 

Let me see what Dave thinks of that first - it'll be his call...

:lol:

Burn him up!

 

I have powers that I'm not afraid to use. Be afraid. :devil:

 

Don't be so ban happy and eager to use your powers. :rofl:

 

I've never used my powers on a legitimate user if I recall correctly - I'd like to keep it that way.

I don't even know why I'm threatening you. :lol:

 

Sure hope not, cuz then I'd have to re-do my identity

I agree with you, Nick. Also, a different font. That one is barely readable.
Sorry Tom.

 

I'm not scared either way. I'm quite tough.

Like I said, it will be Dave's call.

 

Just offering my opinion. You asked

 

Yes, bolder. That is what I originally wanted, but when I saw this font with the finished header, I thought it was rather unique and might work well. Told you my creative instincts were a bit off. :p

I'm also working on those default icons. Those little blue buttons on the categories stick out like sore thumbs right now.

And thanks everyone for the encouraging words. I need them when it comes to my creative side, but I can take (constructive) criticism as well.

 

Dave, I know exactly how you feel in regards to designs. I need hand-holding every step of the way in this process. Shelley has been a great help in my endeavors (especially with this forum) and has helped me realized that every. single. default. icon needs to be replaced with a custom one - it makes a surprisingly huge difference.

 

I'm not sure if this is going to be a stupid question, but who's Shelley?

 

She's a well-known designer and frequents a handful of the vBulletin and admin-related sites (such as this one). Her website is vBImageworks where you can find a plethora of custom images (designed by her, of course). That's usually one of the first places I go when looking for a graphic.

 

Hmm, their newest member is someone by the name of "DarkwarrioR." I wonder where that person got the inspiration for that name. I hope his name isn't Dave too...

 

Lol, what a coincidence.