How to make a GREAT banner?

[Former_Member]

I've had people tell me my banner frankly sucks, which I agree with... But! How exactly do you go about making a good banner? Am I missing a certain secret to the art? Please help!

[Former_Member]

i don't have alot of experience with this but what sticks out for me is the font and color, it's sort of hard to read for me.
I'd brighten up make it bolder....

otherwise, personally, I like the pink.

[Former_Member]

Hi Julie, cute shop!

Your banner is sweet but not memorable. Compared to your sister's, it looks "flat"...hers has more depth/shadows/three-dimension...an unusual font...that might be all the tweaking you need!

[Former_Member]

I'm in the same boat! I have made a couple basic ones using GIMP, which is a free program you can download to manipulate images. I still need more practice with it, but you can find some tutorials on YouTube to get you started. I also saw this thread which explains how to make a simple banner in PowerPoint. I use OpenOffice, so I wasn't able to get it to work for me, but it's worth a shot:

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/5222913/

The other thing that I've been thinking about is just buying a set from one of the sellers on here. I've seen people selling custom store banners that include a banner for different sections or to announce a sale and the prices seem pretty reasonable.

I'm sorry I can't offer much more help. I'd like to see what suggestions other people have for you as well.

[CuttingPixels]

Youll need a basic understanding of a graphics editing software. I think the banners that people tend to like focus on your product and then your shop name in a font and color that pop. Then you add effects.

[Former_Member]

contact me i can help :)

^~~~~~

[Former_Member]

I had an etsy artist do it- she made my banner and gave me files for business cards- wasn't too expensive. :)

There are lots who do it if you don't want to do it yourself!

[Former_Member]

Have a look around at shops you like, find the banners you enjoy and remember, and try to translate that to your shop. Don't plagarize, but get some ideas off of a few stores that look really good.

[DontPanicDesign]

I like the simplicity of it and the font is readable but nice. I would add something to the background, like a chevron stripe, or some other design that you like. Also, trying using two different fonts. One for the name, and one for the tag line. Also, I like that the fonts are justified together, but play with the spacing a bit using the rule of thirds. Maybe move it to the left so there is a greater space on the right hand side.

[Former_Member]

I've had about 4 different banners in my shop. I've used gimp mostly but my newest banner (which I like the best) I made with picmonkey collage and gimp.

I basically created the collage with my own shop pics in picmonkey and then laid the banner text over top with gimp. then saved it all as a jpeg.

Both are freeware for now.

Hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

When I look at your banner I see Pink first, and "Blissful Boutique" second. The Eye is drawn to color, this is why white backgrounds work best for product photos, and that is why they can work better for banners and everything else we read. IF you are going for a more simple look I would suggests switching the font color & background color (and getting rid of the outline), but if you are going for a different style (Funky, Trendy, Girly, Vintage, etc.) you may want to do more: add photos/clip art, change the font style, add a paler background color, have both a non-white font color & a non -white background.

There is unfortunately no "secret to the art" It is mostly just playing around with colors/pictures/fonts/styles until you find a combination that you like & that accurately represents the over all style that you want your shop to be.

I would suggest looking at other shops similar in style to yours to get a little inspiration, & figure out what you do & don't like some what before you start.

[Former_Member]

My 16 year old designs my banners and does a great job! :)

[dalystudios]

You have to lose the scripty font for your shop name. Make it clear and readable. You can keep the subtext in a smaller script font but the important info has to stand out and be LEGIBLE above all else. Less is more... so dont think you need to get all fancy shmancy. Just keep it clean and classy. (No shadows on type either.)

[Former_Member]

Mine was purchased through another Etsy seller who made custom banners. That was a good choice for me because I was brand new here in January and am not a graphic design guru! Good luck to you with your banner!

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

I agree with everything Christine said. You have beautiful items and photos in your shop. Choose ONE image that you want to represent your shop and include it in your banner, along with your shop name and description. Choose a neutral colored background (maybe a light gray) so the banner doesn't blend in with your listings and you'll be good to go.

Kelly, your banner is adorable. It suits your shop perfectly! I love the cats playing around the text. :)

[Former_Member]

I like making banners but if you do not like to or know how I would buy a premade one off of etsy there are some great ones that are not that much money just search premade banner and pick out a few