Photoshop Fantasies -- Ben Franklin's Desk

This past week I have been trying to help bloggers improve their blog banners.  In the process, I have gathered a lot of icons from the web.  In this graphic below, I combined an antique 18th century writing table with some old books, a quill pen, a notebook, a candle in a brass candlestick, and an 18th century painting of a young woman.  I nixed the 18th century wallpaper I found -- too flowery, and I wanted the walls to convey a studious atmosphere.  So I made a green wall and added noise to give it some texture.

So here it is!  What can it be used for?  Maybe inspiring you to think about a scene that could be Photoshopped for your website.  What is your fantasy scenario?  No, no, I mean the clean one.

My Fantasy Study.  (I put away the laptop when not in use.)

Adrienne's New Blog Banner

My good friend and blogger buddy Adrienne of Adrienne's Corner mentioned that her blog banner was bit plain, and someday she would spruce it up.  I asked if I could do it for her, and whipped up a new blog banner.  It's simple, but she liked it and it is in place there now.  Go see!

I think a blog banner should express the essence of who you (the blogger) are and what you are all about.  Adrienne's slogan is "Still Catholic, Still Conservative," so I wanted to express that in her banner.

She also likes flowers and grows them in her garden.  So I put a simple floral design on the left of the banner, and a stained glass window (with a cross) on the right, to signify her Catholic faith.  Still it lacked something, but then it dawned on me:  stained glass windows are glorious when emitting light.  I added a blue glow to represent sunlight.  Now the window emitting light symbolizes Adrienne's blog, which emits the warm and vibrant light of truth and of faith.

I am just so sensitive I can hardly stand it.

I love that blue glow, though -- it immediately draws the eye to the stained glass window and the cross, telling the subconscious, "this is the essence of Adrienne."

Now, for your blog, who are you?  What values do you hold most dear?  What message do you want to convey?  What symbols, pictures and graphics most closely convey your essence?

Think about it.  Contact me if you want to toss around some ideas.

An Update to Saber Point's Banner

Today I updated my blog banner. I found a saber I liked better and used Photoshop to impart the shiny metal of a saber blade to the words "Saber Point." On the rightmost side of the banner I added a cavalryman on horseback. He may not be visible to those with smaller screens.