- Posting Speed
- 1-3 posts per week
- One post per week
- Online Availability
- My timezone is PST
- Writing Levels
- Intermediate
- Adept
- Advanced
- Adaptable
- Preferred Character Gender
- Male
- Female
- Futanari
- Genres
- Homosexual, Romance, Fantasy, Scifi, Magic, Vampire, Werewolf, Supernatural, Angels/Demons, Superhero, Zombies
HOW TO MAKE A BANNER
Salutations!
In this guide, the goal is to help players learn in-depth how to create a banner of their very own. Even the most technologically illiterate will be able to make a masterpiece by the end of this tutorial.
With that said, let's jump into it!
Where to create a banner?
There are many websites online that allow you to use a free template to create a custom banner. However, each website isn't the same. Some are easier to navigate than others, while others have more free resources. But, the ones that I've found to be the best are Canva and Adobe.
In my personal opinion, I prefer to use Canva. It has lots of free resources and customizability options. But, if you already pay for an Adobe subscription, then that might be the better option for you. This guide will focus on using Canva.
How to start?
The first thing you need to do is create an account on Canva. It is really simple and easy and only requires you to input a valid email and password. Once that is all set, you will be able to access their site, and begin creating your banner.
When creating a Banner to advertise on Iwaku, it will be important to input a custom size. You do this by clicking on the large purple button at the top right of the home screen labeled "Create a design".
It will lower a dropdown menu, where at the bottom left is a button labeled "Custom size"
It will lower a dropdown menu, where at the bottom left is a button labeled "Custom size"
Once you click on that, another menu will show up that allows you to input your own custom size. Iwaku's banner sizes are 800 by 100. So, in the blank spot for width, you will input 800, and in the spot for height, you will input 100.
Once you do this, another button will appear at the bottom of the menu saying "Create new design." You will want to click this, and it will bring you to the design page.
Making your banner?
Now that you are on the design page, you will have a plain white banner on your screen. This is where you can start to customize your banner. This is how your screen will look.
How to use the Menu?
On the left-hand side of the page will be a popout, this is where you will find all of your customization options. Each option is important in adding both all the necessary information and creative design to your banner. Starting from the top, I will explain how each one functions.
Templates: The first option that the menu will display is the many free templates that are available for use. This option allows you to choose from a number of preset customization options, so all that you have to change is the text or other small details. However, if you want something more specific to you, you will want to create something of your own. I will explain how to do that next.
Elements: This is where you are going to find all of your graphics. If you want to insert some kind of shape, such as an arrow, or a moving sticker, this is the place to find them. Depending on what theme you are looking for, just use the search bar to look up relevant topics.
While it's important to choose something that will catch people's eyes, remember not to make the banner too busy or crowded. Another tip is to ensure that your graphic is easily identifiable against the background you choose.
Uploads: In this section, you are able to upload additional decorations from the internet or your personal folders. This can include more options for backgrounds and elements.
You can edit your uploads under the section "Edit Image". Here, you can edit the photo's brightness, contrast, and saturation, along with removing the background of an image if you have premium.
Text: As arguably the most important part of the banner, it is important to spend some time considering what to write. Whether you are advertising a group roleplay, or your portrait shop, remember to keep it simple but descriptive.
In this section, you have the option of adding a heading, subheading, and body text. It also has a wide range of premade dynamic fonts, alongside the normal google fonts that you are used to. These all have the typical customization options, such as changing the font size, color, or style.
An important aspect to consider is the banner's readability. For instance, you want to make sure that the font size is large enough for people to read. Also, while selecting the font style, you will want to choose one that is legible even at a quick glance.
Backgrounds: The fifth option to choose from is the background section. In it, you have many different options to choose from. Whether you just want a simple solid color, a picture, or a design. If you have a specific theme for your banner, the search bar at the top is a great tool to utilize. All you have to do is type in some keywords, and it will suggest backgrounds that fit that aesthetic.
More: I'll be honest, when making a banner it is unlikely that you will use any of these extra tools. However, once you get the basics down, it is always great to continue to explore and learn more.
Upload as a Gif
If you decide that you want to use moving animations on your banner, that means that you will have to take a few extra steps.
First, you will want to download your banner as a gif. Next, depending on the animation it might cause your file to be too large. In that case, you will have to use an external site to compress your file and make it smaller. You can find a number of these simply by searching "compress gif".
Once you do that, you will be able to upload the file onto Iwaku.
Upload as PNG
When you are finished with your banner, you will want to download it as a PNG. You can do this by clicking the "Share" button at the top right of the screen. When you do this, it will bring down a drop-down menu. From there, you will want to select download and change the format to PNG.
Once you choose the format you want, the menu will change to have a large purple button labeled "download". Click this, and the download process will begin.
Now that you have your file, you can take it to Iwaku.
Upload to Iwaku
At the top of your screen, you will see a tab labeled "Ad Manager".
After clicking this, the site will bring you to the main ad page. You will find an option called "View Packages" You will want to click this.
Once you are brought to the next page, a large green button will say "Create Ad" This is where you will submit your ad.
After clicking this, you will be brought to the Ad's information page. Here, you will want to name your ad, upload the file and insert the target URL. Remember, you can upload more than one ad.
As soon as you check over your information and confirm it is correct, press the green "Save" button. This will submit your ad for review. You might have to wait up to 36 hours before it is approved.
Ads last a total of 30 days, and you can check their status under "Your Ads" on the Ads Manager page. After 30 days, you will be able to reactivate your ad here as well.
