Functionally, danielbuettner.net is a basic site. It’s a portfolio site with all the normal pages. It’s real interest is the illustrations. By and large the illustration style is pretty entertaining though it does push the actual content a ways down the page.  I especially think the homepage illustration is rewarding. The figure background relationship gives credibility to left nav and balances it nicely. Plus the sign is a great convention for relaying the point of whatever page that I’m viewing. The subpages are a little less successful. I think that making a new Illustration for each page would be nice or just doing away with the large illustration all together would work too.

The home page establishes the character of the site. Small illustrated details here and there throughout the rest of the site would suffice to carry that mood. Also, the style of illustration between elements lacks a certain consistency that I think would add cohesion to the overall experience. If the line quality were slightly more consistent the illustrative qualities of the site would be more successful.

I do like this trend of hand drawn sites gaining ground in the design community. Hurrah for illustrators!!

Okay, I’m done.