Today’s post highlights the design of CreativeMints.com by Mike Muzhychkov. You may remember Mike’s other creation, EmotionsLive.com that was featured in this series a few months ago. The instantly memorable style that combines rich saturated colors, oversized illustrations, decorated fonts and soft highlights turns what might have been a gaudy display of oranges, purples and greens into a lush and enjoyable creation.

Soft animation effects on the navigation menu, “new and noteworthy” accordion and section transitions triggered by the arrow icons along the right side of this single-page design add an extra dimension of finesse. The smooth animations continue in the cross fades initiated by clicking on portfolio thumbnails; unfortunately the transition to the full-size lightbox is rather abrupt and can use some extra love in the next revision of this otherwise engaging experience.