Graphics Design: Tips
here is a really good article about web design (graphic design). this is my mindset for designing for web, because it’s the mindset one should use for designing for anything, in particular: “The more elaborate the design, the greater the risk of confusion [...] [S]teer clear of fussy and showy designs. ” (And also all of #3.)
http://www.webdesignfromscratch.com/design-process/dont-decorate-communicate.php
i think you’re pretty much on the right track with your designs (you have a good eye for the templates, etc.) but this reinforces that simplicity is better because of the way our brains & eyes work. anyway, take it for what you will.