When designing your author website, why not go for texture? These days, there are more creative ways to incorporate textures into your site than ever before.
Adding texture engages Web visitors by using images that have a 3D feeling, giving your site dimension, visual interest, and freshness. Textured images can add that “pop” that distinguishes a website that’s spectacular from one that’s just okay.
And using texture can be an easy, fun way to exercise your creativity!
Examples Of How To Incorporate Texture Into Your Author Website
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]This Web Design Relief client wanted to convey knowledge, sophistication, and an element of classicism for his business as a professional history lecturer. We chose a fantastic aged paper background to reinforce the subtext of his message without being overly distracting.[/wpcol_1half_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””] The vintage photograph on the homepage of the client’s site drove much of the design, including what direction we chose for the background texture. Because the picture has personal value to her (her mother took the photo when she was a child), she wanted it to look almost like it was hanging on a wall. We chose a background texture that looked like a real wall, but also a bit like canvas. This texture complements that of the picture as well, giving the site a soft, feminine feel.[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_1half_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””] The client’s book has great cover art that inspired our choice of background texture for his site. The cover features two shadows and a man walking on a beach—and what better texture is there than sand? We also incorporated a diagonal pinstripe pattern to the sand texture to change things up a bit. The subtle combination of both really invigorates the white main content area.[/wpcol_1half_end]
[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Since this client wanted an “artsy” feel to his site, but done subtly, we thought the perfect way to spruce up the plain grey background of his content would be to incorporate a colorful, textured background. We chose a bright, stucco-like background that makes the gray of the content “pop.”[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””][/wpcol_1half_end]
Here Are Some Ideas To Texturize Your Website
If you haven’t already, take our What’s Your Web Personality? quiz. Then, based on your answers, find a texture that works to help your site transmit a cohesive message.
- Chalkboards
- Windows
- Glass
- Mirrors
- Metals
- Wood planks
- Plastic
- Moss
- Leaf litter
- Book pages
- Metal
- Clay
- Sand
- Rocks
- Tile
The list goes on!
Where To Find Textured Images
Textural images are easy to find on the Web, and if you’ve got a website that allows for easy changes (like those that WDR develops in WordPress), then adding a new image can be as simple as a few clicks.
The following websites offer textured images. To find an image you like, just search on the word “texture.” You can also add words like “pavement,” “cardboard,” or “tin.”
- iStock Photo
- ShutterStock
- Flickr (with creative commons permissions only)
- FreeDigitalPhotos (images must link back to the site)
- Texturemate
- And more
Don’t Overdo Your Textures
Although we love adding interesting textures to a website in the same way that we love adding interesting spices to a meal, it’s important not to overdo it.
Too many textures can work against one another, confusing visitors by not giving them a clear, defined focus on each page. Also, overdoing textures can make a website look too busy.
It’s best to pick one texture you love, then leave it at that. But most of all, have fun! Don’t be afraid to use texture in your design for big impact.
QUESTION: Add to our list! What else can you use to add texture to a website?
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