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Post by Ollie on Nov 2, 2004 17:56:45 GMT
SOTW #21Ok well this weeks theme was to create a mini interface for something like a music player using green or blue. Overall there wasn't so many entries as I would of liked to see but most of the ones that I did see were good. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye this week, don't feel bad if you aren't on this list, there are plenty of other chances to improve your work to make it onto the list: Tao Ren - OK well the colour here was nicely done so that the green didn't overpower it. Overall the image seemed a little bit basic in some places. The shapes to the left aren't very smooth and also uneeded in my opinion. For the buttons to the right perhaps some symbols on those rather than just small dots. The text isn't too bad but for your name I would of taken off the shadow and found something thats easier to read James - Not a bad entry maybe a little too simple. Perhaps some of the areas could have some animation on, especially the equalizer. Also for things like play etc they could be more like a button. For your name in the corner remember to turn off the anti alias in your graphics program. [DLT 1] - Not bad either but could of had some more detail and interest there, you have the basic outline, perhaps the buttons could be made more shiny. Perhaps add selections of lighter areas of grey throughout the interface too. Not sure about the green rectangle in the bottom left hand corner though. Apocalypse - The shade of green chosen here is nice and light, not too heavy on the eyes are anything which is good. Also it hasn't overpowered the piece either. I think it would be good if you took off the stroke from the shape in the middle and perhaps play with the shadow to give it more of an inset look. Same for the buttons. I do think that the text would of looked better smoother though. JzEx - Once again a nice shade chosen here, easy on the eyes. Simple but quite effective looking, the background could be bevelled a little bit though so that it more 3D like. Of course you don't need to use just a rounded rectangle, on a simpler piece like this you could have a more interesting shape to it. Rèédy - Very nice, I like the font used for the player name at the top, again good choice with the shade of colour used. I think the middle area on the player has a nice shape. Perhaps adjust the shadow a bit to get a more inset effect for the buttons And for our Winner: Aphotic (for the second time) Very nice entry, lots of detail put in with the pixel art and the shade of blue is varied in places. Also slightly different from some of the others as its mainly pixel art. Works really well, some animation would of been great on here in my opinion. Well done.
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Post by Ollie on Nov 9, 2004 19:17:31 GMT
SOTW#22 Hello again, This week the theme was a lyrical based sig. We had a small amount of entries with some good results. Had the help of my good friend Joe to decide the best ones. Here are some of the ones that I thought were good, don't feel bad if you are not included on the list there are plenty of other chances.
nick - This looks good, the colour on here could be better, I think it would be good to see a little more variation used here, always works well when there is more than one shade of colour used on there. Perhaps a little more texture. The font chosen on there seems suitable though. optix - Looks nice, again though could be more colour on here. Also I see you have used a scanlines effect which seems to be very commonly used on a lot pf pieces. I think there could be a bit more detail in the background, Defiance - A nice looking entry here too, the colours here work well, but like the others, the scanlines are quite a common effect. The text stands out well here. Maybe you could include some or all of the members from LP on there too. Ashes - Looks good, the colours on there are ok. Some good texture used there too, I think it would be better if there was an image of an eye on there perhaps to make it more interesting. Maybe some slightly more grungier text on there would be good. Once again, not always essential to add scanlines. aztec1989 - I like the brightness on this one, I think it works well. Lots of detail from the images included in the background which is good. I think the text is good but could be a bit cleaner looking. Perhaps something thats a bit wider would be good there. For the smaller text, perhaps choose an alternative font since that one is quite overused. Aphotic - Seems to be a nice amount going on in the background there, but I think it would be good if some of the texture stood out more than other parts. The pixel text is ok, although don't feel that you have to use a pixel font for the lyrics, which I notice nearly everyone did. I don't think the text saying "metallica" matches though For our winner: Live Wire aka AceD Looks good, nice brushing and blending in the background here. The text is ok, stands out well. Might be good with more colour in it perhaps. Overall a nicely done sig, although I would suggest broadening the horizons more in terms of style and trying to make your images more varied. Well Done
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Post by Ollie on Nov 30, 2004 18:16:22 GMT
SOTW #23
No winner due to lack of participation
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Post by Ollie on Nov 30, 2004 19:33:51 GMT
SOTW #24Ok well this week there was a good range of high quality entries making the choice of who to include on this list much harder. So well done to all those who entered. Here are some of the entries that were particually impressive this week. Don't feel bad if you aren't included here, there is plenty of chances to improve your work in future sotws.
StrifeZ - I like this entry, some nice smooth effects in the background by the looks of things, the image to the left blends in well too. I think the brightness could be toned down a bit in places though. Aphotic - A nice entry too, goog choice of colours used here, might be good if more than one was used here too. I think that the image to the right doesn't quite fit in with the style of the sig. The text you have used is simple but works well, makes a change from pixel fonts. [DLT 1] - A nice different image here, the colours used here work nicely. I thinkt that the orb on there is a little bit flat, could stick out a bit more perhaps. Maybe add some smaller detail around the edges too, so that it more interesting, but very nice overall. Spectrum - On here I like the variation in the colours. The image to the right goes nicely, a little bit emtpy in the middle area though, I think there could be a bit more texture around there. I see you have used a scanlines effect which works well, very commonly used though. LPF - Good entry, I like how the image blends in to the background but it lacks a little bit of variation in the colour. Not bad background effects, quite a common style. Maybe some sub text would good here. Ion - I like the detail in the background here, plenty going on, I think there could be a little bit more lighting there perhaps, so that more parts of it stand out. I think the text is a nice size, stands out well too. Insane - Nice smooth looking image, the image to the right works well too. I think just the one colour here is pretty suitable for something like this. The clouds in the background fit in well, the pixel dust is quite a common effect though. Perhaps make the text a bit smaller. Rèédy - Good focus to the image on the right there with the burst of light going straight up, maybe a little more could be added in other areas of the sig. The text is a nice size I think, I like the way you have positioned it too. For a winner: Eichi Very nice image once again, the images all blend in nicely here too, some nice smooth brushing also. I like how the eyes have been used to attract attention too. A little bit common in style with the blending options on the sig. I also like how the first and last letters on there have been made bigger. You earn yourself a prize sig: And a star: Collect them
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Post by Ollie on Dec 7, 2004 17:01:11 GMT
SOTW 25Ok well this weeks theme was to design a theme based around a famous person in history. We had a range of people including inventors, presidents, music stars and sporting heros. Not as many entries that I would of liked to see, thanks to those that entered and followed the theme. Here are some of the entries that caught my eye this week. Don't feel bad if you aren't included, its not possible to do all. There is plenty of chances to improve in other contests. XtaduZ - I like the texture from the background, that works well in my opinion. The image added works well with the theme and goes nicely with the colours. I think that the text is the main area for improvement here. I would make the text a little bit smoother looking. Maybe try some alternatives to pixel fonts and the text to the right could be a bit smoother too. Force - The background effect and the colours used look good together, the sig itself is quite nicely done but a little bit common in style with the text, perhaps try some other ideas for that, rather than using similar blending options. LPF - Nice bright colours used here, some areas are a little brighter than others which is nice, overall not a bad abstract background on there, could of done with a little more detail, perhaps some more images would be good to fill space. The text is nice and clear too. JzEx - I like the colours used here, kind of fiery looking, the images blend in nicely, one of the main downfalls here is that the text is a little bit hard to see. Maybe try using something like white or grey. Maybe you could have some kind of pattern to one of the sides of the image, like some squares or something. t0Rn - Looks good, a nice simple but effective sig, the red and blue text stand out well. Perhaps some more going on in the background would be good, maybe more use of colour. The image to the right grabs attention too. And for the winner: LiQuId IcEº Well done, I like the colours used here the blue and orange are a good mix, perhaps the little shape to the right could have more orange/yellow added to it. The image used works well of course with the theme. Also its different from the other entries which is what I do try to look for, the shiny bit at the top is a nice touch. You get a star and sig, collect the stars.
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Post by Ollie on Dec 14, 2004 18:25:02 GMT
SOTW 26This week the task was a to create a signature and avatar around any theme. We had a better turn out of entries than last time. Thank you to all those that entered. Below are comments on some of the best from this week, don't feel bad if you aren't included here, there is plenty of other chances.
Deriedare - I like the amount of detail on here, plenty going on, some nice variation in the colours too. I think some of the text is done quite well, your name especially, but the smaller text is a little bit too blurry in my opinion. Perhaps an initial on the avatar would be good. Supraswords - The colours in the background are ok, quite a common style of abstract image though, the background effects look appealing. The text could be better though, it needs to stand out a bit more in my opinion. The avatar matches well, though would be better if it wasn't just cropped from the sig. JzEx - I like the the underwater effect that you have done to the text, the background effects work well, maybe some fish would be good Perhaps take the scanlines off, I notice that you and others tend to use them a lot in work. Like above perhaps make the avatar a little more than cropped from the main sig. Dimes - Some nice detail in the background, I like the colour used but it would be good if you tried to use more than one colour for it. Very hi-tech looking by the looks of things throught he use of brushes, maybe it could have more of a focus to it amongst all the different details in the background. Liquid Ice - A nice looking sig, a little different in style to some of the others, the background is fairly simple but works well, the animation on there is a nice touch too. The main let down here was the text, it didnn't seem that sharp looking in my opinion. Crestfallen - A nice simple sig, very effective looking, the orb on there looks nice too. I think you could of taken off the scanlines though, since they are used quite a lot, perhaps just a plain gradient in the background, you could maybe have the orb slightly glowing different colours. And for our winner: Aphotic: A really nice entry, which has been done well, I think it would be good with more than one colour used here. However, the colours work well and the images blend in well. I like the little tree branch in the background. The logo next to the text is a nice touch too. Though perhaps remove the scanlines like suggested above. I like the text, its simple yet works well with the colours as it is white. You could remove the little white strip at the top, thats mainly better in the simpler images. Sig: Avatar: Prize Sig: Star:
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Post by Ollie on Dec 21, 2004 19:37:33 GMT
SOTW #27Ok well this week all entries had to be based around christmas and include a suitable christmas greeting for text. A nice mix of different styles here, which was a nice to see. Here are some of the particually good entries this week, do not feel bad if you aren't included here. There is always a plenty of oppertunity in future weeks.
Sigton - Ok well the colours here suit the theme well, though not sure about the effects in the background created by the filters, they don't seem to suit that well. The text and border fit very nicely though. Although the smaller text would be good if it was less blury looking. Christie - I like the effect on the text with the snow or ice added to it. I do think that the background is a little bit plain and hard to point out any particular details. The variation in the brightness is a nice touch though. aztec1989 - Well there is some nice detail in the background, I think that the snow man fits in really well here. The lines in the background are ok, but quite a common effect. I'm not a fan of the text here it really needs to stand out more. I think it would be best without the snow, its a little overpowering with the detail in the background. Crazed - A nice entry here, I like the little vector shapes here, they go wel, but they would of probably looked better on a less detailed background, perhaps just a solid grey background. The layout of the text seems good, though not the best choice of font here. I think something a little simpler would be good. Aphotic - Very nice entry, quite different too. I love the little boxes for presents outside the sig, makes it look more interesting, though I'm not sure that you really need the ssd logo. I think the background here would also be good a little less textured, maybe add some white to the top of the text, to get a nice ice effect. Maybe make the top bar more like snow, than it being a perfect shape. Liquid // Ice - Exellent work once again, quite a tough decicion for the winner. But not quite there on this one. I like the snow man and the animation on it very effective. The text here could be a little better, not too sure about the shadow behind it. Doesn't quite stand out as much as the winner. And for the winner: ÀnñiH|LªTØR - Congratulations I like this piece its very nicely done. The background has been kept nice ans simple. Though maybe add a small amount of snow falling like some people did this week. The text stands out nicely, the border is done well here too, fits in well with the theme. I think the trees here are good too. Well Done:
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Post by Ollie on Jan 11, 2005 17:10:13 GMT
SOTW #28not judged due to lack of entries. SOTW 29 to be posted below
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Post by Ollie on Jan 11, 2005 18:01:22 GMT
SOTW#29Ok after last weeks dissapointment, this week was much better and we had a greater turnout than before which was good. There wasn't a set theme this week, so people could choose the style they wanted to do. Here are some of the entries that I felt were good enough for a mention here, don't feel bad if you aren't included, as there will be more chances.
Shinoda - Not a bad signature, the images here are ok and fit in well with the coloutrs, the background effects seem a little bit common in style though. I see that you have used a different approach for the text which is good. Though you really need a nice empty area there to add it. Spanky - The colour here is ok and works well, like I said when I rated it, I like the colour used for it its not too overpowering. Plus the close up shot the right works well too. The big bold text in the middle is quite big though and may look better if it was brighter, same applies for the smaller text. XtaduZ - Once again the colours here are fine and work well, the images to the left and right are poisitioned nicely though the one in the middle is very small and its just a head. Your name could of been made bigger on this one too. SSJ Sonic-X - I like the nice mix of colours here, really helps the image to stand out a bit more. They all seem to be blended together well too. You could have a ltitle bit more texture in the background perhaps, plus the anime image to the right seems a little blurry too. Rèédy - Well you have some nice background effects here, the orange and the bursts of white seem to be a nice effect. The image seems a little grainy looking though, likely because its gif. Your name on there is in a simple font, but I don't think you have enough text for it to work welll, perhaps add a little quote or something. Insane - The colour on here is ok, though it would be good if it had more than just a colorized feel to it, other colours here would help it. The render is ok, it has a nice shape and the brushing in the background is done well too, though its a very common style, the text seems a little bulky here. crazymocro - Slighty different from some of the other entries has a windy feel to it, the render looks ok, though you can't really get the detail from it here. The colours are done well though, the yellowy part in the middle is nice. The text is just too small though for it to be effective, The Annihilator - I like the background effects here, the flower stands out well, though you could also use a bit more colour. I also see some renders which are a nice mix with the image of the flower. The text isn't really that effective to me, doesn't stand out enough. Which brings me to the winner: Eichi Once again the champ has done it. Some nice brushing on here, could be toned down just slightly in brightness perhaps. The eye here looks effective as they tend to do in images. The font used here is ok too, slightly different from what you usually do for the main text, though the same pixel font used for your name and subtext. The double border around the edge of it fits in nicely too. Good Work.
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Post by Ollie on Jan 18, 2005 19:39:08 GMT
SOTW #30Ok this week, the theme was minimalism, a nice collection of entries this week too, I didn't think I would get as many. Here are some of the entries that I thought were particually good looking, don't feel bad if you aren't included as there are plenty of chances in future weeks.
Nick- Not a bad entry here, the text is ok here, the varied thicnkess on it works well. The little shapes are a nice touch aswell. I think it would of looked better without the scanlines though, as they are a very common effect. Insane - Not too bad, the logo and the text fit in well. though I didn't think the background was too minimalistic, seemed more brushed than anything else, which doesn't really suit. Perhaps a single image would of been better, could of also done with some more colour to it. DimeS - I like the colours used here, stands out well. Again it would of looked better without the scanlines on here. However the text is nice and clear looking, nothing too complex either. It also lacked a little bit in colour variation Rèédy - The 2 colours chosen here contrast nicely together, the butterfly looks good, especially as part of it is blue and the other white. The text is done well too, fits in well with the minimal style. bl00dy - A nice entry too, I like the image of the eye on here, though the colouring could of been a little better, perhaps so the amount of red is a little smaller, so you could add some to the text. The grey background works well. c130 - A nice entry, like some of the others the colours contrast with each other nicely, a good mix. I like the way the text has been done too, the background gives off a nice sunset feel. Which brings me to this weeks winner: Virus Well Done. The little swirl here is done nicely and I like how its been included on the man too. I think the swirl in the background would look good if it was smoother. The two colours that have been chosen also work well together. The idea for the text is good too.
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Post by Ollie on Jan 25, 2005 21:13:52 GMT
SOTW #31This week the theme was based around movies or sport, most entries were of recent movies. Some fairly good entries this week, though not quite up to par compared some previous weeks. Here is a slightly shorter list than usual for the entries that I thought looked particually good.
DLT - Not a bad sig, I thought that the bloody splatter on the white backround contrasts nicely, I think it would of been nice to see more of the image to the left. Also perhaps some darker and smaller text here, but quite different from most of the other entries which is good. The Annihilator - The colour here looks fine, though it all seems to be green, maybe more than one colour would of been good here. The background effects look ok, but slightly on the repetitve side. I think the small text here needs to be a bit less blurry looking, maybe another font could be used here. Christie - Another original looking entry, I like the idea behind it, could do with a little bit more work though. The paper doesn't really have a realistic feel to it, that would really help it to look for effective, and maybe have the blood darker to show its been soaked into the paper. I like the idea of the text too, but a handwriting font might of been more suitable here. Insane - I like the shiny style of text here, suits nicely with the theme in my opinion. I do think that the background could be improved a bit more, doesn't seem to flow as smoothly as it could. The images of course go well, with the sig too. Overall not a bad piece but I have seen you do better in the past And for our winner: Reedy! Overall a very clean looking entry, nice bright colours used here and there is some variation with shades, but just the one colour used throughout which lets it down a little bit. The images here are placed nicely, especially with the close up at the front. The text looks simple but works well. I would of perhaps taken the scanlines off here.
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Post by Ollie on Feb 1, 2005 21:27:49 GMT
SOTW #32This week the theme was based around nature, had a nice amount of entries, here are some of the ones that caught my eye.
SSJ Sonic-X - A very simplistic looking image here, I felt that you needed a little bit more in the background or perhaps just have a single elemet of the photo on the image. The colour here is nice though. I do think that some bigger text would of been good too. Digital/Lz0 - Ok I see that a number of images have been blended in here which is good, but you can't really make them out too clearly in my opinion. Maybe take off the little sliver parts around the edge of the image, as they cover some of the background. You could maybe use less images, perhaps concentrate on one ot two. Insane - Not bad, the colours here work well, nothing too strong has been used here which is good, I like the rose here, it stands out well against the background in my opinion, though the brushing there is a little common in style and maybe you could try an alternate style there instead. Crazed- Not too bad either, the colour here fits well, I do think some more texture could of been used, there seems to be a few brushes used here. Maybe images of leaves and things could work well here. The text is a little plain looking though and doesn't really grab attention. Sigton - I like the shape of it here and the shininess on the top of it, works well, but the one thing that it does lack is the variation of colour, especially on colourful insects like butterflies, that would look good with its original colour on there. And for the winner, once again its Rèédy I like the different style of this one, the colours here work nicely together, gives the impression of a sunset. The basic outlines of animals and things all go well and suit the theme. Not too keen on the way the sun has been done here, seems a bit pixelated. Text is simple but effective looking. www.xenodesigns.com/mbd/misc/star.gif[/img]www.xenodesigns.com/mbd/misc/star.gif[/img]
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Post by Ollie on Feb 8, 2005 20:07:45 GMT
SOTW #33This week there was no set theme, allowing users to enter any style or theme of signature There was a good turnout of entries here too, though the only dissapointment was that many followed the same kind of style, as a result its harder to choose between them, so this weeks list is shorter than usual As usual, don't feel bad if you aren't included in the list there are plenty of chances to improve in future contests. Ashes - One of the more different images here, done fairly nicely too. I like the shape on the bottom right hand corner, perhaps have more rounded edges on it. I think the little menu at the top there would be good with some dividers, so that its more broken up from the main background. The shapes in the background are fine, they aren't too overpowering or anything which is good. For the orb on the play on the play button could do with some shorter and darker shadow. JzEx - The colour used here is good, it there is some variation with the shades of red here too. The lighting here is a good thing to do, but the style of it is rather common. Instead of using things like renders, perhaps concentrate on getting more texture into it. I like the way the text has been done here, I assume the small pixel text isn't made to be read or important. The border around the edge is fine too, not too thick. Eichi Firstly, I like the border that you have added here, helps make it a little more interesting. I'd perhaps work on varying your style for the background, its done nicely though, looks effective. Maybe have the eye more of a feature on here. The position of the pixel text is fine though, the main font itself is nice, but probably would be fine without the blending options that it has. Christie - A nice simple looking image here, the light colour work well. I think that the background is a little bit plain though, perhaps try adding a small image of some kind. I like the little characters to the right, they fit in nicely and make the image feel a ltitle more interesting. Now I don't know if they are chinese or japanese, but perhaps related images from that culture could fit here. Nice work.
And for our winner: ReedyHe's done it once again! The abstract background here is nice, the colour used on it is good, plus the text has been made to fit in with it too. Its good that there is some lighting on here too, placed well too, so that the text can be seen. I think the style of the background is a bit too common though. But the simple text here suits it really well. Well Done
~ Title Awarded
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Post by Ollie on Feb 15, 2005 14:44:17 GMT
SOTW #34This weeks theme was based around valentines and love etc, there were some nice results, plus a lot more differently styled images. Here are some of the entries that I thought looked particually good, don't feel bad if you weren't included as there are other chances. devine.nathan - Some nice ideas here with the images used, but I feel that other than the rose, the background should of looked a little simpler, so the text would be more effective. The "love" part of the text did seem a bit big though, perhaps decrease the size of it, also I would move the top line of text closer to the bottom, a bit too much distance apart there. TANK ™ [ Edd ] - A nice simple feel to it here to this one. I like the apple to the left with the text added, its a nice idea. I don't think that the lighter area is needed at the top, thats mainly ideal for intererfaces and plain backgrounds, rather than what its been used as here. The text is a nice size, maybe make the pixel font black, so it's more varied from the main text colour. TonyI really like the idea of this one, the squares in the middle with the teddy bears work nicely. The tedy bear to the right also suits the theme perfectly and it compliments the soft colours used in the background. On the main text in the middle, you could reduce the thickness of the stroke perhaps. Also the text to the left spoils the image, you could maybe just remove that, since its really a bit too small. Sigton - Another sig with some nice ideas, I like the less uniform shape here, helps it stand out nicely. The colours chosen here suit the theme nicely, though the purple glow from the text could blend in with the background more. I wasn't too keen on the shadow used for the text or on the heart. Overall a nice image, close winner
Which means that this weeks winner is: ChrisiteThe stock used here is a really good choice, fits in perfectly with this weeks theme. It blends in nicely with the background. Overall the sig has been kept fairly simple, nothing wrong with that here as it doesn't take anything away from the left hand image. The text here is done nicely and in 2 different shades and fonts. Well Done
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Post by Ollie on Feb 22, 2005 16:36:41 GMT
SOTW #35This week the task to make a 3D sig, so it could be a model or landscape that you had created but away from the common style with brushing. Only a few entries, but towards the end it became very close for a winner. b2f This piece could of worked quite well, but he problem here is that the bright yellow lighting here, spoils its too overpowering in my opinion. There seems like some kind of planet at the top there, that seems a little too much for something like this. Also I would of kept the text simpler, rather than having it floating on the water. Tank This was ok too, The water and sunset colours used here work nicely, though the mountain didn't look that sharp though. Also the small amount of brushing here was not needed for this. Maybe try making the text darker? devine.creation The background colours here are good, a nice start for a space scene. But the planets here seem too flat in places, also a bit too close together in my opinion. Maybe a little more texture colournof been added.
These next 2 were all very close winners: c130 I liked the render here, but might of been good to see a little more of it, or more of what you have in the background. Some of the edges on it seemed a little jagged though. I thought the text was done well here too.
Apocalypse - overalll a nice looking render here, good amount of colour here, might be good if it was zoomed in a bit more, then the detail could be appreciated a little better. The file format as gif affected part of the image quality and your text here, might of been better on a strip at the bottom, rather than overlapping your mountains.
Our winner this week is: Annihilation, well done once again. The model here is interesting, similar shape to c130's but a little bigger and more detailed, I epecially like the green lines around it. There has been some tech style parts added here, these are ok as they don't overpower and suit the modern look the sig has. The text is placed well, quite simple looking, maybe a more interesting font could be used here. But like I said a close battle for the last entries.
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Post by Ollie on Mar 1, 2005 20:57:39 GMT
SOTW #36This week the style of sigs was based around photomanipulation, a photo of a bench and some leaves was provided and had to be used in the piece. Unfortunately a lower turnout than I was expecting, but thanks to those that took the effort to enter this week. Here are some of the entries that I thought were some of the best from this weeks submissions. Don't feel bad if you aren't included as there are other chances to take part.
cyberex - I liked the ideas with the text here, especially with the coloured letters, a nice touch I felt, the background is a little dark though and you can't really appreicate a great deal of detail from the photo, which lets it down a bit. The white lines on there contrast nicely but more could of been done detail wise with the background.
Sigton - Nice mix of colours used here, makes the image a little more interesting but the only details here are the leaves, perhaps more texture would of been good for something like this. I notice that the blue and green parts could fade into each other a little better maybe. Try a white stroke around the text perhaps.
Chrisite - I love the idea behind this one, nice mix of colours and very original looking, an interesting way of doing the theme too, but it does lack a little detail because of its style. I think the text is positioned well at the top there, but I don't think that the text on the bottom is needed.
And for our winner: TANK! Nice detail in the background here, good part of the image used, the hands is a nice idea, I think a small insect would probably work better though. The colours here are good too, lots coming through from the photo. The choice of fonts here is good too, but try making the actual text a little smaller. Overall good job
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Post by Ollie on Mar 8, 2005 18:17:06 GMT
SOTW #37Ok this week there was no set theme, participants were to submit anything of their choice, a number of good entries this weeek plus an improvement upon the previous weeks. Here are some of the entries that I felt were good, don't feel bad if you aren't included, as I have always said there are other chances and the more practice the better.
TANK - Nice use of the images here, I like how they fit together, though it's a relatively simple style of signature it looks quite effective. I think that the text on here could be improved a little more though, try a slightly bolder font for the curly part of the text.
//cyberex. - The colours used here look nice, but I think it would of been better if the top of the face was shown, as there are more details on it. Not a bad choice of font for the main text, though the smaller part could probably be removed. Maybe take off those lines going accross the images here, I think that lets it down a bit.
Christie - Not a bad looking sig, quite different looking,I like how the stock image has been used again at the top there. Quite a simple style though, I think the text here suits fairly well, nice simple fonts used on it, overall a nice job.
Sigton - I like the clean shape you have created here, plus its quite unique looking, but it doesn't really contain enough intrest in my opinion, it's a little too plain. Maybe you could of gone for more of a 3D effect on this one.
Insane - A nicely done sig, with lots going on in the background, the renders and brushing here look fine, but the one thing here that I felt was the let down is the style, perhaps try some alternative styles, as it's rather common around here. Your text here stands out nicely though.
Rèédy - The main thing I like about this one is the mix of red and yellow, though it's a little common in style with the brushing and gaming colour, I think you are a capable of producing something a little more original. Nice idea for the text, but needs to be a little bolder so it stands out more.
Crazed - I like the light colour here, but you could perhaps vary it to include more than just one, the lighting to the right here works well though. The text is done nicely though, you have used 2 different fonts for it it too, plus the lines here work well, as they fade off and don't take up too much space.
Which means that this weeks winner is: c130 I like the use of the images here, like I said in my rating yesterday, some unusual images used there, plus I like how they all blend in. Some nice details in the background here too. I think the text could be improved by placing it on one line instead, maybe take the little lines off to the left of it too. Overall nice job.
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Post by Ollie on Mar 15, 2005 16:47:24 GMT
SOTW #38Ok this week the theme had to based around modern techonology, nice amount of entries entered this week. Many people chose to base their image around things like the ipod. Here are the entries that caught my eye, don't feel bad if you aren't included, plenty of chances.
Immortal - Ok quite a simple looking image mainly, the plain background works well, though I'm not sure if the image needed to be recoloured here. A nice idea with the text here, perhaps smake the I's on each side slightly darker. Overall a simple looking image.
Tony - I like the light background used here, the clocks are positioned well, but not quite the kind of approach I was expecting for this kind of thing, I was thinking of a physical object that is modern technology rather than something that affects it. I think a darker stroke could be used on here though, the grey doesn't really stand out too much at the moment.
Brent - Ok here the images merged into the background work well, but not really suiting the modern technology theme too well. The text on here is kept simple which is fine for something like this. A little too simple looking.
Evolved - Ok I think the image you have used there works well, I like the little squares in the background but I think that some of these could stand out more than others. Also maybe have less of a glow around the text on here, not so keen on that. Overall not a bad image, the pink border here works well.
Christie - I like how the camera on here has been placed, I think the background lets it down a little though, perhaps something in the style of a film strip would be good on here? The text is ok, but not too keen on how the H cuts across the border in the middle of it.
Rèédy - I like the minimalistic feel this one has, the reflection of the headphones seems ok too. A nice idea with the text faded into the background aswell. I think that the simple fonts which have been used here suit nicely too.
And finally for our winner: t0Rn Although looking relatiively simple, I like the simplicity here it works well, the vector of the ipod and headphones look good here. The ipod text here of course suits it, plus your name fits in nicely too. Good Job www.xenodesigns.com/mbd/misc/star.gif [/img] www.solidsnakedesigns.com/oliver/sotw/sotw38.jpg [/img] www.solidsnakedesigns.com/oliver/sotw/torn.gif [/img]
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Post by Ollie on Mar 22, 2005 17:41:08 GMT
SOTW #39Ok well this week, the theme was minimalism, a nice amount of entries here too, good to see people putting the effort in and giving it a go Here are some of the entries that I thought looked particually good, don't feel bad if you are not included on the list. One thing I did notice with quite a few was that they weren't quite minimalism or were a little too complex or uninteresting.
divine.creation - I like the pattern used here, very smooth looking but it could do with being a bit smaller too, it shouldn't really take up the whole background, perhaps just add it on one area. You may like to add some text here that could fit in a little better around which ever theme you have based that pattern on, unless it's just random of course.
Evolved - The image of the strawberries works really well, plus I like how you have made them suit the text. The plain background here is fine, for this as the strawberries really stand out quite a bit. I would try some more interesting fonts for the "strawberry" part perhaps.
Tony - Not a bad entry here, I like the stars which have been used, I think they suit it well. Maybe remove the scanlines here, they are quite a common effect on images. I personally didn't find it too interesting to look at, maybe you could vary the text a little more with sizing etc.
Insane - A nice idea here, especially with the scissors and dotted line along the middle of it, I think I can see the meaning behind this one too. I think the blood behind the line could be a little darker and deeper though.
Crazed - The colours here are good, though I think that the text does seem a little too big for a minimal piece, I would of kept it a bit smaller than that. The little star logo here is good, stands out well, but like the text I think it would look better if you made it a bit smaller. I like the shapes in the background though.
Reedy - A very nice signature, I liked the colours used here, they work nicely, plus you haven't overpowered it too much with colour either. I think that it would look better without the scanlines on it. But I do like the little logo in the middle of the image, the text also fits in well. Maybe a black border would suit this better.
Which means for our winner this week, it's torn! Again! A nice entry too, I especially liked the colours chosen on this one, not the usual kind of colours people use, the shapes and lines here are all very smooth. I think that the text here stands out nicely too. Perhaps just a single black border could be used here. Overall nice job well done
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Post by Ollie on Mar 29, 2005 18:11:35 GMT
SOTW #40Ok this week the entries were based around easter, majority featured eggs and were very colourful which was nice to see. Here are some of the entries that caught my eye, again don't feel bad if you are missed off the list as there are plenty of other chances available.
Brent- A colourful image here with the little chicks and everything, though I think that you could of possibly gone for more of a minimalistic feel, you could of kept the chick in it's original colour, then played around with the text a little more.
optix - I thought the green worked well on this, the images weren't that clear as being easter related though, I think you needed one in the middle to focus it a bit more. I think that it would be good if the text was a little clearer at the sides too, overall not a bad job.
.enigma - A very colourful entry which is good, but I think it had a bit too much colour perhaps. The bunny looks ok, but would be good if it wasn't cut off at the sides. The choice of font suits it well, also the border chosen for this one fits in nicely too. Again, not a bad entry plus it's also a little more original.
V a l i a n t - A close winner here, a nice amount going on, I like the images used on here, suit the theme nicely. Plus it's not all one colour which is good. I think that it would be a good idea if you worked on the spacing on the text a little more though, notice how there is more spacing between the "a" on the second line than elsewhere.
And for our winner: *cyberex Well done, a nice original looking piece, which is an important factor. A nice amount of colour used here, while not being overpowering. Not too filled with images, but I don't think thats needed. The font here works well, though I do see it used quite a bit. I think that some of the lines in between the little blocks of colour could be smoother though. Good Work www.solidsnakedesigns.com/oliver/sotw/cyberex.gif [/img] www.solidsnakedesigns.com/oliver/sotw/sotw40.gif [/img]
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