Thread: !Forum Contest! - Forum logo

I'm glad somebody said it. I'm studying graphic design at a University right now. My life is consumed by typefaces, grids, and every little detail that goes into design on a 2D layout and sometimes 3D (package design, promo campaigns, etc.). When we do critiques, nobodies feelings are spared. People get pissed, some people cry but in the end, we're trying to get better and you have to be honest.

I'm really burnt out right now from final term-long projects but I had to do something, even if it's a little rushed. I'd be willing to take some of these further if we had more time.

Like llaprad1, I went with a minimalist approach and want to see something clean and respectable for our new forum. I used a type solution that has no images because I'm not sure if we really need them.

I also made them with the intention that we would have a white background (edges of the screen where it's blue now) and possibly change the minty-fresh gradient images to some clean white reflective look to match these icons. I think we'd have all the icons we need covered (quotes, pinned, locked, unlocked, etc.) by this one file with multiple button states too. It's vector too so we can edit shapes/colors. I know it was stated that we'll use the existing colors but why? They look like they're a Vbulletin template. Why constrain our options?

I came up with 6 but only 3 are worth showing.

Damn, Debunks banners look sick.

Word they look good... any chance you can work them into the current style of the forum?

EDIT -- Reading owns me...

i really like the 3rd one, PLUS i really think this would be a great layout for some shirts!

3rd of Dave's (debunk) is my favorite so far. I like them clean and simple.

Well, I guess I should throw mine in here. I used an original Skyline because that is where it all began. I figure this is where it all begins again. So here it is. I also like the 3rd one cause it is simple and clean. I just really liked mine too cause it's semi simple but not totally.

it's ended right? i'm wanting to see that voting thread.

Good to see someone else from the Design industry perspective.

Debunk, you've got a good start, but I think they're a little simple. There are probably some subtle ways to convey elements that are more thought out. Instead of black, play with really subtle shades of grey (like 60-80% black). Or tasteful gradients.

I would open up the tracking just a hair, at small scales, those spaces are going to close up.

Colors need to be tied a little more directly to the layout Crim is using. I'm not sure about the limitations of the various versions of vBulletin, but I think he's limited to using their icons. (Crim, do you know the answer to this?)

Also, you might want to do a left-justified version. If you do a quick mock-up with a screenshot you'll see if it works or not. With the pending ad banners on the right, you may be limited to the top left for placement.

Personally, I think the first one is a more playful and skilled use of spatial relationships. And if you have time, I'd actually like to see a custom-designed '20' to match the "SE-R" 'S' and 'R'.

Good start!

You have the ability to customize the layout/images in any way you see fit. Unfortunately I do not have the time to spend hours customizing it (nor the artistic skill). If you guys are interested in taking on such a job, I can give you access to the templates. Otherwise I'd like to stay with the current layout.

I'd be willing to at least take a look at what all would need to be done. Can you give me access to a test site? I don't intend on changing any markup, just images and color selections.

David