Quote banners, help!

[xstar]

How the heck do people make quote banners? This is my first ever, feel free to laugh :P

http://i32.tinypic.com/2e14pc4.gif

How do I make the text actually readable?

Edit:// Version2, which do you prefer?

http://i32.tinypic.com/24zvxwl.gif

[SamOwen]

Nice :)...

[xstar]

Thanks, added another version, which is better?

[dragonfly]

Thanks, added another version, which is better?

I like version2 , both look great though.

[neelam007]

version 2 is better, they are fricking amaziing! you should defo sell x

[xstar]

Thank you! Would they actually sell? xD

[Anne]

lower the opacity on the background just a little more, and I'd say you were a pro at making them!

[xstar]

lower the opacity on the background just a little more, and I'd say you were a pro at making them!

aww thanks! which background, the first or the second?

[Anne]

The second one..... It will make the letters really pop out at you.

[chaotic]

They look great to me!

[HollyHood]

They both look almost the same to me, I like the colors you used, very nice.

[Ammy]

#2 looks better... definately consider lowering the opacity of the gray swirls like Anne said... it looks a bit messy as it's so dark... but it looks nice :)

[xstar]

Thanks for the nice comments everyone, especially Anne and Ammy for giving me tips :D