I've found that a good average maximum size for a signature is approxametly 800px by 150px; some forums allow larger images some only smaller ones. Make sure you read the forum rules and know what size limitations you have. Most forums also restrict in Byte size as well (generally under 50KB).
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| 800x150 image. |
Simple Steps
- Keep your colors simple. For your graphical elements & text pick no more then 4 colors. You can use Images if you desire, but again keep them limited (I would suggest no more then 2). You need to make sure all the colors you are using (including those in the pictures) work well together. There are a number of color picking formulas out there, you don't need to know them, however I would suggest bookmarking Adobe Kuler where you can enter one color, pick your formula and view it's suggested colors. It's generally a good idea to keep away from the straight colors (such as full red or full blue) but to go for tints of them instead. This will help keep your signature softer on the eyes and make people want to look at it more. A brightly colored signature will make people just want to skip over it.
- Keep your text and fonts to a minimum. Use no more then two fonts. Try to keep them a solid color this is easier for people to read. If you must use an image (or gradient, texture, etc) make sure that you have decent contrast between the text and it's background. Keep your body text down, you want to get someone's attention. If they are interested you then provide them with a way to 'read more'. Avoid using Comic Sans & Papyrus, they aren't that pretty of font's and since you are making an image you do not need to stick with web-safe options.
- Limit your effects. Most graphic editing software comes with tones of effects for the most part these detract from the look of your image when used. If you need a drop-shadow, simply duplicate whatever you are making a shadow for, change it's color & opacity) and off set it a bit. Do the same for outlines (especially on text) however instead of offsetting it, enlarge the item a touch, if you use the outline tool make sure you have it set to place the outline outside the object (or text). Gradients are fine to use in moderation, you need to make sure however that the at all places in the gradient there is enough contrast between the object and the background.
- Minimize your Animations. Gif animations are possible however tend not to really be needed. If you must animate, make it small & unobtrusive. Using animations increase file size and loading times and make it hard for people to see your signature
- Transparency. Transparency is great these days, it allows you to make your signature blend in with the forum theme. However this can also be a cursing as well, when designing your signature to have transparency you need to make sure that the majority of the time your signature does not blend into it's background. If your not animating as well use the png transparency, not the gif. The GIF transparency swaps a color for transparency so, you will loose a single color, this can cause issues if you use images & gradients, it will also cause your transparent color to show up in odd places if you resize at all, as the resampling will make new color swatches that are similar but not the same as your transparent color.
Remember: KISS.
Some good resources:
About Greyscaling (best way to check contrast)
www.photobucket.com (good image host)
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