Graphic Design Contests

**Paige with an i** · 12-10-2006, 01:31 AM

Just a basic layout - trying to see if I'm headed in the right direction. Would appreciate any feedback!

**genelmx** · 12-10-2006, 03:41 AM

Finally done with mine. More than 6 hours of work in this. I don't like to watermark so I hope no one will steal this.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4305/webmastartalkpb1.gif

**ghiavolu** · 12-10-2006, 04:51 AM

Wow, nice works!
Genelmx that one is definately web 2.0 ! Cool

**TimSchroeder** · 12-10-2006, 11:35 AM

Thanks for the submissions guys. I'm really impressed with a couple of them. I will leave comments later this evening.

**Neonimage** · 12-10-2006, 03:07 PM

Cant wait

**Rakien** · 12-10-2006, 05:48 PM

Here's a sample of one I'm currently making. It might not look like it but I've spent quite a lot of time on it already.

http://eclipse-designs.us/sample.png

Please try to give me some feedback so that I know I'm heading into the right direction. Thanks.

EDIT: Don't forget to zoom on the picture once you click on the link.

**TimSchroeder** · 12-11-2006, 03:51 PM

Republikin: Very creative. Nice Work. The tornado looking background image looks kinda cool but but makes me ask the question "just what is that and what does it represent?" Overall I think the design looks really nice. Maybe experiment with some different header background images (and some that are a little less busy). We also need a placeholder for the adsense header banner.

NeonImage: Looks pretty good but the logo doesn't work for me and the actual forum content looks to squished together. I do like the colors however.

Paige with an i: Yes, I'd say you are heading in the right direction. Category text is a little to big. The header logo does not work for me.

Genelmx: I really like it. Very clean and easy on the eyes. We need to somehow incorporate a 468 x 60 banner spot into the header. Although I might consider removing the 468 x 60 banner and adding a smaller banner in the breadcrumb section somehow. Also please change the logo to webmaster-talk Can you provide an example of what the forum homepage will look like not logged in and possible a vew threads page?

Rakien: The page as a whole is way to bright.

So far I'd say the design that is heading in the best direction is Genelmx. Republikin's is very cool but at the moment is a to busy.

Thanks for all the submissions so far! As always, I'll be sending talkupation to all entrants.

**TimSchroeder** · 12-11-2006, 04:04 PM

Genelmx, actually don't add the 468 x 60 banner spot. I think I may put a leaderboard ad just above or below the breadcrumbs instead.

**Republikin** · 12-11-2006, 07:59 PM

I couldn't answer that question about the twister myself, I guess it didn't really have anything to do with webmasters or the industry in general. However, realizing this posed a new problem, just how could I visually represent this industry. I couldn't think of a meaningful way to do so, so I stuck with something that is still fairly abstract but I think it's less busy.

**Rakien** · 12-11-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimSchroeder

[...]Rakien: The page as a whole is way to bright.[...]

Hmm... Ok, is this any better...?

**genelmx** · 12-12-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimSchroeder

Genelmx, actually don't add the 468 x 60 banner spot. I think I may put a leaderboard ad just above or below the breadcrumbs instead.

Would you like me to create an example of that? I am going to do some minor adjustment to the theme but I will be away until next week. I will have some changes to the banner, navigation and perhaps the color scheme so do tell me if you need any additional changes. I am also not familiar with the term "leaderboard ad" and "breadcrumbs". Do clarify if you don't mind :P.

About the logo, would you just like me to add a "-" to the logo or use the current webmaster talk logo. If you want me to use the current one can you please release the source file for it. So I can edit it to suit the design.

**TimSchroeder** · 12-12-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Republikin

I couldn't answer that question about the twister myself, I guess it didn't really have anything to do with webmasters or the industry in general. However, realizing this posed a new problem, just how could I visually represent this industry. I couldn't think of a meaningful way to do so, so I stuck with something that is still fairly abstract but I think it's less busy.

Very sharp looking. I'll have to discuss it with the other mods and admin. I think it looks great but may be a little to techie looking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rakien

Hmm... Ok, is this any better...?

Yes that's better but know it's to dark.

Quote:

Originally Posted by genelmx

Would you like me to create an example of that? I am going to do some minor adjustment to the theme but I will be away until next week. I will have some changes to the banner, navigation and perhaps the color scheme so do tell me if you need any additional changes. I am also not familiar with the term "leaderboard ad" and "breadcrumbs". Do clarify if you don't mind :P.

About the logo, would you just like me to add a "-" to the logo or use the current webmaster talk logo. If you want me to use the current one can you please release the source file for it. So I can edit it to suit the design.

Use the logo you made and add a "-" to it. Also center the template.

Leaderboard Ad is an 728 x 90 ad. see https://www.google.com/adsense/leaderboard

breadcrumbs is the header navigation box which starts with Webmaster-Talk.com > Website Design and Graphics Talk > Graphic Design Contests > ....etc

I may remove the top 468 x 60 banner and just add an adsense leader board ad just above or below the breadcrumbs box but for now don't worry about any of that.

When will you be returning next week?

**Republikin** · 12-12-2006, 07:45 PM

I've made an alternate and may make a few more, I'm in this to win.

**borzoid** · 12-13-2006, 11:10 PM

Here is mine. Full size is much crisper looking.

**Christopher** · 12-14-2006, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genelmx

Finally done with mine. More than 6 hours of work in this. I don't like to watermark so I hope no one will steal this.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4305/webmastartalkpb1.gif

I like this the best so far. It is very usable, very readable, clean and will translate into a skin nicely. Though I think there is too much gray, we want some color

Just a reminder to everyone that the emphasis is on usability and readability.

I think light-colored styles are better then dark, and fluid styles better then fixed. But that is just my opinion, if you can come up with something that works then submit it

Great work so far guys, I'm pleased with the turnout so far.

**borzoid** · 12-14-2006, 01:59 PM

Any feedback on mine Tim? I'm happy to make changes.

**TimSchroeder** · 12-15-2006, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borzoid

Here is mine. Full size is much crisper looking.

I think it looks ok but like you said i'd probably like it better if I could see it full size. I don't really like the logo and or the greenish backgrounds. It's also very similiar to what we have already with different colors...

**borzoid** · 12-15-2006, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimSchroeder

I think it looks ok but like you said i'd probably like it better if I could see it full size. I don't really like the logo and or the greenish backgrounds. It's also very similiar to what we have already with different colors...

Thanks Tim, I must have misunderstood. I thought you were giving this forum a new skin, not necessarily changing it around. Thanks for the feedback.

**sh.lolz** · 12-16-2006, 05:50 AM

Got a bit excited when I read that it was a forum skin, haven't made one in ages!

Here's what I've come up with so far:

Click

Is there anything you'd like to see changed so far? Please let me know! Thanks

**borzoid** · 10:30 AM

Ok here is another attempt, completely different look from my last submission.
I think the header font is a bit big and would like to make the bordes a bit sharper but please let me know if this is going in the right direction.

http://www.eidolonborzoi.com/contest...astertalk2.jpg