As part of one of my final modules at University I had to start to thinking about ways of promoting myself, building up a portfolio and how I can get my work out there. My main idea was a complete website re-design, and here’s the final (not finished) product. Although my website is based from a template, I’ve still had to slightly edit code manually to change typefaces and move a few things around to suit my custom.

I’d like to think that this layout has a much better focus on my work and interests and sells myself more as a designer.

The new Twitter logo was introduced just a few days ago. A lot of care and attention, especially in dimension and scaling was used when restyling the logo to ensure that standards were kept with the logo’s usage. One thing I’ve noticed especially is the “quiff” from the birds head removed, making it quite less “duck” looking. Transforming the bird look confident, uplifting and “taking flight”.

Twitter quotes: Our new bird grows out of love for ornithology, design within creative constraints, and simple geometry. This bird is crafted purely from three sets of overlapping circles — similar to how your networks, interests and ideas connect and intersect with peers and friends. Whether soaring high above the earth to take in a broad view, or flocking with other birds to achieve a common purpose, a bird in flight is the ultimate representation of freedom, hope and limitless possibility.

Starting today you’ll begin to notice a simplified Twitter bird. From now on, this bird will be the universally recognizable symbol of Twitter. (Twitter is the bird, the bird is Twitter.) There’s no longer a need for text, bubbled typefaces, or a lowercase “t” to represent Twitter.

The new and improved eBay gives a nod to Pinterest in it’s “new” shopping experience.

“Over the next few weeks and months, we’ll introduce site-wide enhancements that are designed to deliver a cleaner, more contemporary and consistent experience, starting in the U.S. and then extending to eBay sites worldwide. eBay will simplify its site design to offer more streamlined navigation along with larger images and key product information, enabling customers to find what they want more quickly and easily.”

You can have a read on the full article, all to do with eBay’s new look by clicking here.

At a first glimpse of the logo, I noticed a few things I wasn’t particularly please with. Starting with the kerning. I’m a addict to kerning, and there’s a few issues I have personally that really get under my skin. The reasoning behind the kerning of the letters, is to symbolise the “connection with the eBay community”, but I just personally don’t think the logo sits right. Looking at the logo currently on their site, it doesn’t suit at all but I’m sure with the new layout coming soon and the increased use of white space, it will really bring the logo to life and hopefully grow on me. Here’s what eBay had to say about their new logo:

“Our refreshed logo is rooted in our proud history and reflects a dynamic future. It’s eBay today: a global online marketplace that offers a cleaner, more contemporary and consistent experience, with innovation that makes buying and selling easier and more enjoyable. We retained core elements of our logo, including our iconic color palette. Our vibrant eBay colors and touching letters represent our connected and diverse eBay community – more than 100 million active users and 25 million sellers globally and growing.”

I hope you enjoyed reading and please, feel free to leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this re-design. Or you can always get involved via Twitter by using the hashtag #ebaynew.