Designing my HTML Email

So we're moving right along in our web design class... and our second project deals with designing an email in HTML for a client. First thing was to sketch out a wireframe of our idea. I used Illustrator to quickly map out some boxes and spacing ideas. Here's the initial layout I had in mind.

That tan color you see closely resembles one of the colors used in the client's logo, so I want to repeat that color scheme in the email. I'm finding a "Donate Now" button online in a different and brighter color, so it'll stand out a bit when the reader scrolls down the page.

Hunting Down That Perfect Template

Perusing the web for a half hour, I'm already getting the feeling that I'm going to have to design my own header eventually, as I'm not finding exactly what I want when it comes to my subject: how to make better home movies.

So here's what I've found so far that's at least in the ballpark:

DIRECTOR

Nice little director's chair in the corner, and the background works, but I'd want to change that light blue stripe with the tabs and go with something a little less jarring.

SPOTLIGHT

I like the filmstrip and red curtain touches, but I'd like to expand that center column a bit more - there's a bit too much empty space on the sides that could be better utilized. I'd also want to change and resize the title, as this current one's a bit on the meek side. On the flip side, the header's a bit cluttered with things that aren't entirely on topic.

MOVIE THEATER

I'm only showing you this one for the cool filmstrip column on the right. I'd love to use that in my finished product. As for the rest of this template... well, I'd rather stick with dark colors. Plus, that header's not working for me - that scary cowboy face has to go.

MOVIE TIMES

This one's got potential for showing video clips, which I'll very likely be doing with the pro blog. After seeing some of the more interesting headers, this one's very plain, so I'll have to spiff it up a bit.

NEWSSCOPE

I'm really liking the layout of this one - the video boxes could work nicely with the topics I'd be covering.