In my opinion the bigger the banner, the better. But not too big if you know what I mean. :P You need a big banner to make your mall stand out and attract newbies. Even if it is a non-marketplace mall, you need an attractive banner to lure any newbie that finds their way through your shop from the wiz. And another very important thing you are missing is the main mural picture on the top of the banner that contains the mall name as well. That picture is crucial to make your mall attractive. Without it, it looks like an oversized nb ad banner. xD

Given that you are in a mini-mall, the object of the banner is not to attract people from your hut. The idea is to provide an easy navigational system. I think you've done that with size. As mentioned, the coloring and whatnot could all be tweaked. I think the size is fine though :)

Yes, you definitely need the mural image. For example our mall's mural image is the chomby gnome picture.

For what it's worth. I would start with changing the faeries at the bottom around. You might want to move them so the dull colored ones aren't all together (the ones on the left). I would change the air with the dark one. My eye is drawn to the right bottom.. (I would also give them a glow so they stand out a bit more.) It's detail I know. But it's all about balance on a mallbanner. Then, I would defenitly keep it simple. And make it a soft pink and glittery and... Hmm, no, ignore that. (: Do what you did with your shopbanner, and get that smokey effect on the background. That would look really nice. And that way, your can keep your bg one color. But I would choose a bit brighter color for the background, so you can make your buttons a bit "plainer" to get the images stand out more. Well, that's if you are going to use images. About the catergories. I think you have enough. Make sure you have all faeriecategories (you could even put the faerie in that button, so you have an extra line for more shops) and get the most popular ones aswell (wearables get all the hits). Anyways.. I'm sure you are going to do a good job on it! It's not easy to make a mallbanner that everyone likes, so good luck!

hehe i think i found the perfect image to display "subliminal" I sent you a pm. I wanted to give you advice along the same lines as seanaf about the mural image. I even tried to find an image to recommend of neopets whispering or something similar. I ended up finding this caption contest one that fit really well. I fooled around with it in photoshop for a bit, b/c Ive had fun getting better at the program lately. Anyway you only asked for help, not for someone to do anything for you, so I dont mean to take your place. It really only started as something to give you an idea, but then I figured why waste how it came out. Anyway, here it is your welcome to completely ignore, use it for the banner, or use it as an image to place else were not apart of the banner. Your call mayarend, if you need any advice, ill try to help :) [img]http://i26.tinypic.com/2uhtt9h.jpg[/img]

[quote=Nilrem]hehe i think i found the perfect image to display "subliminal" I sent you a pm. I wanted to give you advice along the same lines as seanaf about the mural image. I even tried to find an image to recommend of neopets whispering or something similar. I ended up finding this caption contest one that fit really well. I fooled around with it in photoshop for a bit, b/c Ive had fun getting better at the program lately. Anyway you only asked for help, not for someone to do anything for you, so I dont mean to take your place. It really only started as something to give you an idea, but then I figured why waste how it came out. Anyway, here it is your welcome to completely ignore, use it for the banner, or use it as an image to place else were not apart of the banner. Your call mayarend, if you need any advice, ill try to help :) [img]http://i26.tinypic.com/2uhtt9h.jpg[/img][/quote] I really hate stretched images but it is a good image. If anyone uses an image please make sure it isn't stretched -- there are ways around that. _____________________________________________________ ~ Mimi's Ménagerie Avatars ~ http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=temps_bons&misc

I like the spacing which is what you asked an opinion on. I wonder if you could make it 4 columns and 3 rows to make it more rectangular instead of square. When navigating pages I hate it when the banner takes up the whole top of the shop so I can't see the items unless I scroll. Also, please only put one or two items on the buttons. I agree with you about the banners that are full of items and text...too much!! If you look at any magazine there is tons of open/free space because the eye needs a place to rest. Most of these banners on Neo are way too busy! Of course I love X-mart's banners and this is my second favorite main market banner (it is huge but wow it is gorgeous and so easy to read!): http://i30.tinypic.com/2l892q8.jpg _____________________________________________________ ~ Mimi's Ménagerie Avatars ~ http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=temps_bons&misc

600px is the perfect width :D just remember to add toys and paintbrushes and other missing categories ^^ Come check it out: http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=abrar1646&misc