I'm having trouble designing the content area of websites in Photoshop.

Here is an example..

Yes, i know this is terrible . I created those red rectangles from my wireframe.

 

How do i determine the correct padding and spacing to use? Is there a default padding and spacing between elements that all designers use? Also any tips on the colors to use compared to the background? For example those red squares look terrible on that light background.

 

Thanks

Here is an updated version. I'm having trouble making the text look "professional" in the content area. What am i missing? Character spacing?

 

needs more white space and a touch more line height try 1.4

 

also the Jaycee's 'y' overlaps the 'R' of tutoring at the top