Ok guys.........here I go again.
I have attached an example .jpg of what I have started on for the new www.thomasinamusic.com. I haven't added any nav bars, content, or anything like that yet. This is just the beginning elements. Please tell me what you think, as a starting point, or any suggestions or comments.

Also to note: I have designed this in a 800 X 600 canvas in Photoshop. I don't know if this is correct or not, or if I should bump it up to 1024 X 768.
Once again, thanks for all comments/suggestions.

gretsky

I really feel that the colors are wrong.
Maybe a white background?

I don't think you should have the faded picture in the background, it's going to be difficult to read a large amount of text on. As for the resolution, it would be a good idea for you to stick with 800x600 in this case because you have that large picture on the right side that could get cut off on older monitors.

The large image in the bottom right is going to severly limit where the content and navigation elements can be placed, I would rethink this overall design, remember, you're designing a website, not a CD cover.

Also, when designing for an 800x600 monitor you don't actually have 800 pixels to work with, you need to account for the sides of the browser, you should subtract about 30 pixels from whatever monitor size you are designing for to insure everything will fit properly.

I took a look and I actually kind of like the colors... but then, I'm partial to blues and purples. I do like the faded background, but I agree that it might be hard to read if you put text directly on the background. I like the effect you got by reversing the fading inside the boxes. If you put the text in the boxes like you have there, and keep the text to a minimum, I like the idea. I would like to see a little color here and there, maybe, to break it up. Maybe a contrasting color on the button text???

I would also suggest that the buttons be made a bit less dark and maybe moved up just under the bottom bar of the header.

Overall, I think you have the beginnings of a nice website. I will be interested to see how it turns out.

Please feel free to use what you want of my suggestions and toss the rest... :-)

Terrie