So I mentioned the other day that I’m trying to design a horizontal main style sheet for my site.  I got the idea from the CSS Zen Garden and specifically the pret-a-porter design.  I’ve seen several other ones like that but that one is the most interesting.  It’s not the type of design you usually see online, it’s more of a print based design – and in fact that’s where he got the idea for his from.  But widescreen monitors have taken off on laptops (which is what I usually program on, especially since my desktop problems) so I thought it was viable.  Plus, since you’re using absolute positioning it’s challenging and different them my other designs.

The problem is that I also wanted to use some drop shadowed graphics to try and create depth – a good example being Zunflower.  I think the combination of the two elements would be a striking addition to my portfolio.

The problem?  My seeming inability to get Photoshop to do what I want it to do.  Everytime I tried to create the graphics the other day it was fine until I tried to save for the web and use it on my template.  Then everything broke down – specifically the drop shadow went ‘wonky’ (a highly technical term, look it up).  After several tries I finally gave up.  In talking with a graphic designer friend he suggested I try adding the background to the graphic, but I’m still not sure how that would help.

So now, stuck on this, I’ve spent the last few days ineffectively trying to get back to the design.  I have managed to do a few other odds and ends around the site, but most of those haven’t made it off my local platform and onto the web.  I’ve hit a virtual wall.

I’m hoping the freedom of the weekend will help and get some creative juices flowing, motivating me to get some work done.  I would like to get that finalize so I can get some templates cranked out.  I would like to offer them on some open source sites soon – I’d love to see others use my work.  But only time will tell.

Random Tidbit: It was awesome seeing Big Papi crank a ‘homah’ on the Indians to win it the other night.  I knew the minute he came up the game was over.  In Beantown we spell clutch B-i-g-P-a-p-i.  Hopefully this season will finally convince people that regardless of him not playing the field he should be the MVP (as he should have been last year).  Winning games – with your glove or bat – is winning games.  Period.  It was also good to see Tom Brady stand up for his teammate Deion Branch.  I have faith in Belichick, but come on, he’s a top 5 receiver and he’s making something like $1.5M this year.  We ask so much of them, we gotta give a little back.