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A few weeks back, we looked at the world of typography for Web design
(See Type Right for a Pro Look).
Great text design and execution can create an entire look, adding artistic
flair without compromising the message. Many of the samples I have included
for this article have an extra element. The designers have worked graphic
text into the page so well that even the plain text appears to be part
of the design.
Text design for the Web presents severe limitations. Take a little
time and wander through some examples where the designers have turned
design limitations into strengths. To me, one who can work this magic
is a professional in every sense of the word.
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The entry screen for SoulFlare gives a tiny hint of
what awaits the visitor. This site has a three layer rollover navigation
system that is very easy to follow. This site is well worth the time
for a visit if you enjoy excellent text use.
Design by Lance Arthur, Glassdog.com.
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SoulFlare (unfortunately, this link is no longer working)
The first offering this week is in a class of its own for text use.
SoulFlare is a beautiful site. Beautiful for the visual treat, but also
for the way that the designer has worked artistic text into the navigation
system. Let me qualify my words, though, before a flood of irate mail
comes in from designers who make their living designing commercial sites.
This is a very artistic site, and I am not implying that this look and
style would be appropriate for an auto dealership. There are ideas here,
though, that could easily be integrated into a clear, commercial, navigation
system.
Run your mouse over the numbers in the top left hand corner of the
main screen, and the mouseovers give you the section headings. Click
on one of the numbers and the mouseover text is fixed, giving you instant
confirmation of location. Then run your mouse over the letter menu at
the right. Same effect, and if you click, the text becomes fixed. The
top frame, which is an integrated part of the look, has a text location
identifier no matter where in the site you may be.
In addition, the text is very well done. Different fonts and colors
allow text to be placed on top of text, with even three levels of layered
text quite legible.
If you are looking for an example of great text use and imaginative,
artistic navigation, you will not find a better example than SoulFlare.
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