Neogrotesque

Neogrotesque

****- (Rated by 6 people, viewed by 169 people)

Neogrotesque is a graphics page that mainly focuses on JRock and Visual Kei graphics.

Added by yui in Graphics

Neogrotesque has 6 Reviews

Below are the reviews left by other members on Neogrotesque. Jump to review form?

  1. nosoupforyou gave it ****- on 25th Oct 2010 and said:

    Heya, I'm Kayce and I'll be reviewing your site today. I'm using Windows and Firefox.

    Ok so here we go:

    By the way, I like reviewing sites, a lot. I especially enjoy reviewing sites, where reviewers receive such responses as you gave to your latest review. I'm saying all this, in case you'd like to know why I reviewed your site.

    = First Impression =
    ===================================================================
    Wow this is a gorgeous website. It looks classic and romantic. This is just my first impression - elegance. I'm not sure if that's what you are going for at this point... but I will be looking more carefully soon. This was just my first impression at the first glance.

    = Presentation =
    ===================================================================
    So... what do I like about this design? The background: it's an interesting pattern, which could have been used really nicely. Then again, we all know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So ultimately this is just my opinion.

    The colors on the header image are not bad either. And by that I mean, that there is an interesting image there, with a nice combination of colors, which flow together in a seamless way.

    = Content =
    ===================================================================
    One thing that sites like these have, is a lot of content. So in theory, I shouldn't be bored. Then again, I'm the adept of one of those pesky theories like "quality over quantity". But don't worry, I don't have the attention span, so this will probably be ended soon-ish. I love how you announce contest winners though. That is a great way to draw in readers because I was instantly attracted to it and wanted to read more into how I can enter and win!

    Speaking of the introduction message, there's quite a lot of it. And most visitors on the web don't read. Keeping that in mind, I would suggest putting the purpose of your site first, before all the contest winner announcements because I'm not sure what your site is all about at this point and I've looked at it for about 30 seconds. It should make it more clear as to what it is. Oh, I'm sure you have a lot of returning visitors, but... I'm sure you have even more first time visitors. You might want to make it easier for them to find out the purpose of your site.

    - Content -
    The name of the site is a little scary and confusing to me, but after my eyes are drawn away from the contest winners and the actual layout, I can go back up with my eyes and read the first few sentences which tells me what the site's purpose is. You offer your visitors the same quality that you would accept yourself. Some of your content is not bad... but frankly, quite a bit of it I've seen elsewhere before. I would like to see some samples of what you offer, maybe some pictures or little thumbnail images without having to click around too much. Something more easy access. User friendly as they call it I guess.

    Mmm yeah... I do like your wallpaper designs, however I wasnt enthralled about the wordpress layouts. There were only two that I could see and neither were one that I personally would be interested in. I would like to see a wider variety to choose from. But that's about it. Your artwork is very impressive! It just lacks quantity. If you were going for quality over quantity though then congrats!

    = Overall =
    ===================================================================
    Well I can see that your creativity and artwork and efforts were definitely at play here. It's just that there's not a lot to offer content-wise that I could see. But I was blown away by the appearance of everything so I decided to give a rating of 4 stars!

    Using Firefox on Windows | Report This?

  2. [img: avatar]
    cafeamour gave it ***** on 18th Jul 2010 and said:

    Hi I'm Kat :) I'll be reviewing your site today. Let's start out with the layout.

    LAYOUT: Personally I LOVE the layout style. NOT necessarily the layout it's self, it could use some work. For instance the picture at the top although well placed and faded could be improved by a little editing. OR it might in fact look better if the layout behind it was better shaped. The font at the top of the layout could be a little more attractive though Just my opinion.

    Now for the text and the inside of the layout.

    TEXT: the text on the site is very well readable. People can read what you are saying without squinting and forcing their eyes to see it. You bold and color at the right times without it looking flashy. Very impressed. The links are very well placed and you seem quite organized about everything.

    Moving on to content.

    CONTENT: The content seems well organized. Let's start with your premade layouts. They are rather good and you have a lot of them which gives a good variety for people to choose from. I also love the way you have them organized. The wordpress themes are very good as well and since they are so much like the premade layouts I really haven't much to say for them but good job and the organization. The avatars are amazing in themselves. With such good quality and design. It does seem as though you take pride and time in your work which is very good. Lastly we have the wallpapers. Which again are very well designed and I'm sure are very well appreciated by the people who use them.

    Other pages.

    OTHER: All of your other pages seem well organized and easy to navigate which is needed for a website to work well.

    CONCLUSION: My conclusion is: Work on your layout a little more design wise. The divs are great but the overall picture isn't so much. Always make yours the best and the rest close or equal. The better you are at your own designs the better you get for designs for others.

    Overall I think that you deserve a 4.5

    Using Firefox on Windows | Report This?

    yui's Response:

    Thanks for the review.

    I'm actually rather fond of my main site layout, so I'm not really sure what you don't like about it. Can you a bit more specific? What sort of "editing" do you mean?

  3. irinovna gave it ****- on 17th Jul 2010 and said:

    I really love how the desing looks. It look very nice and interesting. The rollover of the menu in the logo are very soft and nice. The other rollover in the layouts section are vey nice to soft and smooth. Overall The design is fantastic. My tip is to add rollovers on avatars for the avatar section.

    I like how you have the links for sorting setup on the top in the right corner. Great idea!!

    The quality of grapics in the design are not that great. it is needs to be 100% quality in photoshop. Optimizing needs to be 0%

    Idea of featured layout is great!!!! Tip: Add rollover of changing border around the layout thumb.

    I also like how you have the dropshadow around boxs for the content!!!

    I advice putting preview of the layout in the new window. . I f oyuo do not want that, then place a link to the layout archive page on all preview.

    Using MSIE on Windows | Report This?

    yui's Response:

    Thanks for the review!

    In my opinion, graphics for internet use should ALWAYS be optimized and should NEVER be at 100% quality. This is because loading time is extremely important for user-friendliness. For example, studies have found that even a half-second delay can cause a 20% drop in traffic.

    Opening pages in a new page is a pet peeve of mine-- I hate it when a website tries to dictate how I'm going to interact with my browser. If I want to open the link in a new window, it's easy enough to use my center-click button or to right-click and select "Open link in new window." The layout previews do already have a "Return" link in the top frame, which will take th user back to the last page he/she was on.

  4. [img: avatar]
    InkedByErin gave it ***** on 6th Jul 2010 and said:

    Hello again Yui! :) Erin again, reviewing another one of your websites. :) I'm using Google Chrome as my browser. I'm going to make this a better, more professional review.

    LAYOUT
    I really like your layout. It's unique and well put together. What I don't like about it though is the head, you can't see the girl's eyes. I love how all of the colors match and how You have the motion. Another thing is the lines, they go vertically, when the lines on your banner go horizontally. I think it would be better if you just extended those horizontal lines. I really like how you have the updates thing added on your blog so that you can easily post the latest update(s). Although, the bullet is plain, I think it works well with the layout.
    I give you an 8/10 on the layout.

    BLOG/CONTENT
    I like your blogs. They are nice and small and get right to the point. You only have 1 WordPress theme, but that is okay since you have just opened the WordPress section of your website. I really like your coded layouts. They are really nice and put together. I also like how your previews are set up. What do you use for that? Is it just a lot of coding added to the layout or is there a script available. I give you bonus points for having that. I really like it. If there is a place to download that please message me and let me know. :)
    For your avatars, what do you use for that? Is that another script? If so, tell me! (bonus points again!) Your avatars are well made. I really like them. You have enough for people with all types of styles to choose from.
    I really like your wallpapers. It's nice that you have them in the 3 main sizes of screens. I would suggest that you make them in 800x600 as well, because not everyone has a big computer screen & some people may have those lap books that have tiny backgrounds. Other than that, I really like your wallpapers. I think I may even use one! :)
    I give you a 20/10 on the blog/content.

    ORGANIZATION
    Your website is very well organized. You have find everything. One thing I don't like, is the fact that I had to find the website credits area. You have it in your sidebar, but I was expecting it to be somewhere in your header with all of the rest of your links. Also, it is very hard to figure out how to get back to the home page. I had no idea that I had to click on the name of your website until after like 2 min. I like to be able to get around a site and find everything I need within 2 min & spend the rest of my time either using what I found or looking for what I exactly I want, like deciding which layout to use or what avatar to use. Stuff like that.
    I'm not going to rate the organization because that wouldn't be fair if any of my websites weren't organized as well as I expected them to be.

    SIDEBAR
    I like how you have your sidebar set up. You have the newest links to each page, a featured layout that changes each time you change a page, the site navigational links, network, and then affiliates. I would suggest that you take away the newest links because you already have links to those pages in your header and you have the newest updated listed on each blog, so it is kind of redundant, in my opinion anyway.
    I give you a 9/10 on your sidebar.

    THE "ABOUT THE SITE" SECTION PLUS SUB-PAGES
    INFORMATION & RULES
    You're about the site beginning is very nice. I would suggest that you either delete the rules or put the fact that they are outdated and that they can be ignored on every page where the rules are listed. If people want to do good and follow the rules without looking on this page they will follow them and the may also not use them because they are inconvenient or something.
    CONTACT
    Your contact form is set up very nicely. You have your email listed that way if your contact form doesn't work.
    CREDITS
    I like how you have your disclaimer on this page. It looks like you credit everyone like you should, so, there really isn't much to say. I really like how you organized it with all of the different categories.
    AFFILIATION
    I like how tell everyone about you vanishing for months at a time before they sign up. That is really nice. Your "stuff you should know" is really nice. I like how you explain yourself about how you choose your affiliates. I also like how you explain why you are affiliates with each of the sites and tell everyone about the web-owners.
    LINKAGE
    Your link back buttons are really cool. You only have a few, but I can't say much, as I really don't like creating link back buttons myself. I love how you have your links set up side-by-side when you list the affiliates, admired, and link exchanges.

    All-in-all, I give you a 9.8/10. I took off .2 of a point for the rules, as I see that you listed the fact that people can ignore them on one page and I think it would be unfair to take off more than that.

    THE NAME
    "Neogrotesque". It kind of combines "neopets" with "grotesque". I don't see how neopets can be grotesque but okay. I see where you got it from. You got it from a song on an artists album. It does fit your designs, like you said. It is hard to remember though.
    I'm not going to rate the name, as it would be unfair and you can't really change the name at this point in time.

    OVERALL
    I only see a few problems with your website. As I don't have valid coding, I am not going to review the validity of your coding. That wouldn't be fair if you reviewed my website(s). Anyway, all you should have to do is fix the rules or remove them. You can't really change the layout at this point in time so that was just advice for your next layout. :)

    All-in-all, I give your website 4 1/2 stars for it's organization and content. :)

    Using Safari on Windows | Report This?

    yui's Response:

    Thanks for the review-- I especially appreciate that you took the time to review both of my sites.

    The picture featured in the layout's header is not actually a girl-- it's a venetian mask. The reason that you can't see the eyes is because... well... there are none-- eye holes have been cut out of the mask to allow the wearer to see with it on.

    The graphics pages on my site are dynamically generated using a MySQL database and some PHP coding. If you're interested in how it's done, I suggest reading this php tutorial.

    The credits page isn't among the main links at the top of my layout because I don't think most of my visitors would be interested in it. My top navigation features links to the main content sections of my site, and I think my sidebar is obvious enough for those that want to "delve deeper," so to speak. I also think that it's fairly common for the site title to contain a "Return Home" link. There is also a "Home" link at the bottom of each of my pages, but I'll consider making it more obvious when I redesign the site.

    As for the sidebar, I figured that I should make it as easy as possible for people to find the graphics, so a little redundancy is fine with me.

    The "rules" that I was referring to are the ones that are actually on some of my early premade layouts. Since I have about 30 premades on the site, it would be a pain to go through and edit all of them. Most of these older layouts are in line to be scrapped anyway, so I figured that I'd save myself the trouble.

    Finally, about the name... "neo" is not a reference to Neopets. "Neo" is a prefix signally a "new" form or the revival of an old one. Examples of its use include "neoclassical," "neoconservative," and "neocortex."

  5. [img: avatar]
    LoveTyranny gave it ***** on 30th Jun 2010 and said:

    Hey Yui! My name is Chelsey and I will be reviewing your site as of today. (:
    Before I begin, I would like to point out that I use the browser Mozilla Firefox, so your layout may look different to me if you use another browser.

    First Impression
    Wow! You definitely have lots of talent up your sleeve! Your layout is most definitely impressive. I am awed by your talent and your unique sense of style-- it's amazing! I love rolling my mouse over your top navigation bar (haha); I love the effects you put into it. Right off the bat, I can tell that you put a lot of effort into your layout and web site in general. I applaud you for that! (:
    You have all your main points in your top navigation which is good, and you have everything else in the sidebar. Good organization.

    Layouts
    All your premade layouts are just as impressive as your own. Your previews match your theme-- something rare on the Internet nowadays. Your layouts are unique from everybody's elses. You use lots of textures, effects and such to create a professional yet pleasing look. I love all your vibrant colors you picked-- you are able to put "warm" and "cool" colors together so that they correspond to each other in harmony. That is impressive! I see your improvements in your layouts as they become more and more professional looking and more like the one you are using yourself currently. I absolutely adore your layout "Hole in the Sky" as it looks very abstract while still sustaining a professional look.
    I see almost no flaws in this page! I only have one recommendation for this page. I suggest you open a new window or tab for the previews. This way, the visitor won't have to keep clicking the "Back" button and can open multiple layouts at once to compare which one is their favorite. Very good job with your layouts!

    Avatars
    Your avatars are all very amazing. However, they all seem to use the same style. Have you ever considered trying to use a different style by combining lighter textures and effects? I also don't understand your first three avatars. Are they textures? Or are your visitors supposed to customize them? I really don't see the purpose of them otherwise. I like how you use the same picture and create two similar avatars except with different perspectives-- that seems convenient. Some of your avatars look as if you just took them right off of your premade layouts and you just resized and cropped them. That's not a problem, but maybe you should add more variety.

    Wallpapers
    I love your wallpapers. They all look like images you've used in your premade layouts, so maybe you should add a more variety. They are all truly impressive and I like how you offered them in different sizes. Why do you only offer some wallpapers in 1280×1024?
    Anyway, this is another impressive page. (:

    PNGS
    Your PNGS are all very well done. They are all very nicely cut and trimmed, unlike other sites that offer PNGS. Many other sites offer PNGS that are chunky or the edges are squared and have straight sides instead of flowing with the shape of the picture. You cut them evenly so that it seems as if you cut right along the border. It's nice because some people that just have a lack of talent with cutting PNGS (like me, haha) will really appreciate this page. (:

    Site
    Your pages about your site look very nicely organized. You are very honest with your credits and 'About the Site' and I appreciate that. You are very flexible with your graphics and I truly admire that. I really hate it when I see site owners snap at their visitors for "stealing" when they only merely forgot to credit. I am sure that your visitors will all appreciate your work and credit you anyway and even if somebody tried to get away with redistributing your work, they couldn't-- because your work is so unique and amazing. I enjoyed reading about the history of your site and I am sure that your dream will definitely come true someday. I can imagine your site becoming popular with hundreds and thousands of graphics and visitors. Even if you don't reach as many graphics as you want, don't fret! It's quality that counts the most! And yes-- you are definitely improving. That, I am sure. When I look at your newest graphic compared to your older ones, I am absolutely positive that you are improving at a much faster rate than the average designer is.

    Final Thoughts, Suggestions and Overview
    Your web site has been more than a delight to review, Yui! You have a lot of talent and you are an amazing designer. Your graphics are both unique, sophisticated and mind-boggling amazing. I cannot even imagine the effort and time you put into your web site to create something as great as this! You are improving at a very steady rate and those who humbly stumble across your site will be amazed.
    I have rated your site five stars out of five-- the first five I have ever rated. I really look forward to revisiting your web site in the near future and supporting you! Keep making graphics-- it's something you have a natural talent for! (:

    Using Firefox on Windows | Report This?

    yui's Response:

    Thanks for the review! I appreciate all the feedback.

    Regarding having my layout previews open in new windows, using target="_blank" is actually one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it when a website forces me to open a link in a new window when I don't want it to do that, especially since it's easy enough for me to just use my center mouse button or right click and select "Open link in new window/tab" if I do want the link to open in a new window. Plus, target="_blank" doesn't validate as XHTML 1.0 Strict and I would like to keep my code valid.

    About the avatars... for better or worse, the first 3 are a sign of things to come. I've found that my old avatars feel too cluttered, and I'm moving toward simplifying. I actually like these new avatars quite a bit (and have been using them myself). In general, I'm looking to gradually transition away from JRock-based graphics and move more toward public domain photography and my own CG art.

    The wallpapers section is largely neglected. Most of my wallpapers are rather old, so those that don't have the larger resolutions were made before these resolutions became widespread. I've been playing with the idea of getting rid of the whole section altogether. The only thing holding me back is that I don't want throw away all the work I've already put in.

  6. [img: avatar]
    Whisperes gave it ****- on 7th Jun 2010 and said:

    Hi there Yui! I guess I will be the first one to review your graphic site here, so I will do my best to not wander off too much, as I sometimes tend to... but instead provide you with quality tips & feedback on your website. :)

    As a reviewer I consider it my duty to point out any flaws, even if it means that I might offend the person/website/object in question being reviewed. At this point, I have not yet opened your website and am solely basing this remark on the description of your website: unless you have specific permission to use images of any visual kei/j-rock artist or band, you are illegally using images of them and could just possibly get in trouble for that. I am expecting your site to be beautiful, and I am quite certain you are a talented web designer (yes, at this moment I am in fact basing that only on a very appealing looking thumbnail of your current theme) but I feel it is my duty to point this out. Please check Jem’s blogpost on copyright violation for further information.
    This is the only comment I will be making on the subject, I pointed it out, and it’s your choice whether or not you take it to heart. So let’s just get it over with! :)

    Theme
    Your theme, and especially its header has me blown away. I find the entire concept extremely attractive, and I think the theme first your site name perfectly. The venetian mask providers the baroque and dramatic part which suits the ‘grotesque’ part, whereas the rectangular shapes give it a modern feeling, thus making it neo grotesque.
    I am also rather surprised by the fact that you managed to use so many colours and both a very dramatic and a very modern sleek design and still managed to blend them into one well-fitting piece. The only colour that I am not too fond of within this design is the pink.. I think I would have preferred it if you had used the light shade of yellow (which is the background for the ‘news & updates’ header.) instead of the pink.. but that’s all I could possibly complain about.

    Your navigation is neatly organised. Everything the visitor that is looking for graphics wants can be found at the top, and you have site-related links & links to your other websites in the sidebar. Good!

    Content - Layouts
    Gee, even the preview-box for your layouts matches the theme and is aesthetically pleasant to look at!
    After having browsed through what you have to offer here, I can conclude that you have made a lot of progress! You have gone from left/right/bottom/etc aligned layouts with a lot of textures and patterns applied to the images to clean and professional looking layouts (although I presume that you still use a lot of patterns and textures, your usage of them looks much more natural in your more recent themes).
    I have the feeling that your pre-made layouts have taken you as much time as your own theme, and visitors are bound to appreciate that, it shows that you are dedicated to your work.
    “Anatomie” is my favourite of your layouts.

    Content - Avatars
    I have never quite grasped the concept of avatars having text on them that nobody is able to read.. sure, it doesn’t look bad- but what is the point?
    In comparison to your pre-made layouts, these avatars are a bit of a disappointment... they mostly look like you have applied a lot of textures, brushes and patterns, and randomly added text (and text brushes) to them..

    Content - Wallpapers
    A lot of these wallpapers look familiar, as the images were also used in themes. I appreciate the fact that you offer your wallpapers in different sizes. When I pick a wallpaper and it is bigger than my actual resolution on Windows, Windows resizes it and reduces it’s quality. It often ends up in the wallpapers looking dodgy and awkward, so this is definitely a plus. :)
    The Satellites wallpaper is my favourite.

    Content - PNGs
    Hm, I find it hard to say something sensible about this section as I think that this section is the least interesting one on your entire website, it does not strike me as something that enhances your website and I think your website would be just as valuable to its frequent visitors without it, because of the following: if someone is creating a layout, would they not rather cut out the images themselves?

    Content - Website
    About: I like your website’s introduction. It proves what I was already suggesting when I was dealing with your pre-made layouts: you intend to provide your visitors with quality, rather than just quantity. The explanation of the domain name also made sense to me, as aforementioned: your theme fits your website’s name.
    Contact: Nothing to complain about here, everything looks good.
    Credits: Your credits place looks sufficient enough. I cannot imagine you missed much here.
    Affiliation: Your application rules are.. honest. It’s smart that your website is/websites are not the most important part of your life. They should be a creative outlet, and nothing more. Once a website starts to control one’s life it is time to move on.
    Linkage: Again, nothing to complain about here. Although I do not entirely understand why you link your affiliates here as well when they have a page of their own?

    Conclusion
    The reason why my rating might come across as low to you in comparison to what I have been saying has to do with what I mentioned in the introduction. Although the quality of your graphics, and especially your pre-made layouts is very high, I do think that the copyright issue is something I need to take into consideration with my rating. I think you would do marvelous if you would one day consider stepping away from the celebrity based layouts because your ‘miscellaneous’ graphics are as beautiful as the rest of your work.
    I would like to wish you all the best with your website, and I hope you will have appreciated the review! :)

    UPDATED 07 Jun 10:
    I'll be definitely checking back every once in a while to check out your updates. I found your original designs (i.e.the satellite & anatomie themes) very beautiful, and I'm positive that visitors appreciate that sort of themes as well.
    You might also attract a broader range of visitors that way, as not many people are into jrock. (I am embarrassed to admit that the only jrock ban that I know is Dir en Grey - because a friend of mine is obsessed with Kyo, haha)

    I think that photography or CG-based avatars would be a nice change. Simplicity is, as far as I am concerned, usually the most effective approach for avatars. Beautiful pictures or illustrations with a subtle texture application usually does the trick.
    Avatars are usually 100x100 max, and thus it often appears to me that an icon designer tries to cramp in too much effects into such a tiny space.

    Having read your comment on the PNG, I do suspect that you have a point, yeah.. I have never bothered trying to cut out an entire image but I can imagine it is tedious (especially if it's a large image).
    Eventually replacing the section with Wordpress themes over time sounds like a brilliant idea though. As far as I know, It's the most commonly used CMS for bloggers that have their own (hosted) space, and I have to admit: getting to know it can be tricky.
    I ran a WP-based blog for a long time a couple of years ago and only recently got back to it, and I find myself struggling to merge my designs into the system.

    I'm glad you appreciated the review, and again: good luck with everything!

    Using Safari on Mac | Report This?

    yui's Response:

    Thanks for the review! I'm aware of the copyright issue, but, having branded myself as JRock/Visual Kei graphics source for many years now, I'm reluctant to change. I've been trying to branch out more and more into using public domain images, as well as my own photography and digital art, however, and my plan is to slowly replace the JRock ones one design at a time. It will probably be several months, or even years, before I complete the process, which will hopefully be less of a let-down for my visitors.

    I know that the pink is ugly, but I was too lazy to make my own poll script and the service I used had a bunch of ugly premade color schemes. This was the least offensive one I could find, and it should be off the main page in 3 more updates. When I have the time, I'll probably try to tweak the colors a bit more.

    The avatars section is probably one of the most neglected sections of my site. To be honest, I don't actually like to make avatars very much and most the ones I have up were cut out from sections of the layouts and wallpapers I've made before. I will probably either scrap the avatars sections altogether, or, as with my layouts, try to focus more on photography or CG-based avatars in the future.

    The PNGs were originally concieved as something that would be convienient for other designers. The process of cutting out images can be tedious, and I hadn't seen any other sites offering JRock PNGs at the time. This section is probably the most neglected section on my site, since I find cutting out pictures pretty tedious as well. I will probably be scrapping this section and replacing it with WordPress themes or something to that effect.

    Overall, your review confirmed a lot of thoughts I was already having and gave me a good nudge to try to make some of the more drastic changes that I had been wanting to make but was unsure about: switching over to more generic imagery for one, and scrapping one or more sections of my site, for another. Thanks again.

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