How often do you change your banner?

[#1]

Maybe I've got too much free time on my hands today (at home, in bed with the flu!). But I just finished a small painting today and decided I like it so much I would design a new banner around it. After a ridiculously long time trying to remember everything I've forgotten about photoshop -- voila!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/watermediaworks?ref=si_shop

Would love everyone's feedback and, more importantly, would like to understand how often you all are changing your banners and how important you think it is to keep things looking "fresh" vs. having a shop that people recognize when they go back to it. Thoughts??

[MobileSuncatchers]

I think your banner is your brand / logo. Its a reflection of your business.

Large companies do change their logo / brand but for a reason. Cos the logo is dated, their culture has changed and they want this reflected in their brand...
For consistence and for your customers your logo / brand should seldom be changing.
If you think your current image / banner is a problem - hold a survey in a thread and maybe in a few teams (for more exposure) - before changing it.

Cheers

[KriyaDesign]

The banner is originally the wall paper on my computer. The woody image sooth me. After a month I opened the store,I told my husband to squeeze the wood on there (pointing to banner space). Folks told me they can't read the words on left and right :-) Not supposed to. I love the green and both, the chaotic and orderly nature of the wood.

I may change it to birds on tree - still green. I saw it somewhere on Etsy, a seller's sample of her works on banner. I have to find her though. Then I have to change the avatar to that too. However I am quite attached to the lotus.

Love your new banner. I remember it right away. Because the color combo is soothing yet begging my attention. I am a color person. Most of the time, l remember more of what you wear than your name.

[Former_Member]

I haven't changed my banner and I don't plan on changing it in the near future. I have the same banner for my art blog and my art website. I also use the same colors on my etsy banner that I do on my website colors. I want to create the feeling of branding and consistency throughout my entire online presence.

[Former_Member]

Just wondering if anyone would mind giving me some advice on my banner...I didnt really know what I was doing when I made it but it seems to work. Not sure though. Thanks!

[Former_Member]

nice banner :)
I changed it 3 times since I started, but the logo is the same :D I want to change it for every occasion, but don't have much time :S

[watermediaworks]

AuroraShadow to my eye, the image in your banner is a bit blurry. I think it's a blown up portion of a key, but I'm not sure!. My personal preference would be to see an image that is easier to make out - like your avatar. Or you could take this fabulous item, and take a photo of it on a bold color velvet or cloth and have that be what gives your banner the color you want.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90225486/steampunk-skeleton-key-bib-necklace?ref=pr_shop

[watermediaworks]

GalleryTwelve, I really like your banner - the graphics and design. My only suggestion would be to brighten the whole image a few notches in photoshop so it's a little less grey. It would still pop against the white with that splash of color across it.

[watermediaworks]

BlissfulWillows - Have you seen this blog post? It looks good, but I really haven't tried anything but photoshop!

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2009/seller-how-to-banner-tips/

[Former_Member]

I've pretty much had the same banner since i started here. I don't feel the need to change it as i think it represents an element of my work and is striking enough. Also I'm probably too lazy to change it and I'm quite fond of it really!! ;)

[normasbath]

I don't change my banner to often unless it's an new holiday or something!