Talk Wrestling Online Redesign - $150

[Kamran]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 206935H)

Hi,

I’m looking for a new template/layout for: http://www.talkwrestlingonline.com

Prize: $150

Website Name: Talk Wrestling Online

Deadline: August 18th 2003 (might be able to extend it, if need be)

Site Navigation: Home / Forums / Chatrooms / Games / Wrestling101.com

I would prefer to have the link to wrestling101 more prominent/different.

As you can see from the above links the site is going to be reduced from what it currently is, as all the content from Talk Wrestling Online will be moving to its sister site, which you can see a rough layout of here (http://www.wrestling101.com/101/)

What I want:

I want to use a similar template style for every page on the site, so the template must fit in with V-Bulletin too. (I’m not sure what restrictions that would impose, as I never did the current template for it). (I’ve included some links below of sites I like that are similar to what I want)

I want a column on the right of the forums and the normal site where I would include text and maybe some banners (banners probably for main site, and text links for forums). So you will have to leave some space for that.

I don’t want it too graphic heavy as it has lots of interactive features, as it will slow them down.

I’m looking for something that looks professional but fun, last time I went for a professional look, most found it boring/dull :)

LOGO – I like the current logo, but I don’t mind it being changed (might just be a colour change or something drastic). I’ve attached the .png file of the current logo if anyone needs it.

What I like:

- Curves (like the current forum is using)

- Colours
Its up to you whether you try and match the colours with wrestling101 or try something different. I don’t want too bright colours though, as it will be used for the forums too.

You can see some sites I like below:

http://www.groundtradesxchange.com/forums/ - first time I saw the forums I thought wow

http://www.overgrow.com/edge/ - think the forums look great

http://www.sitepointforums.com - notice the column on the right, I’m hoping to have something similar

That’s all I can think of at the moment, I didn’t meant them all to be forums, but it will hopefully give you an idea.

I might need slight changes to the design once I start to implement it, so please bear that in mind.

If you have anymore questions feel free to post them below.

[Kamran]

Logo attached.

[Christian]

Hey there! I used to be a hardcore wrestling fan. :D Let's see what I can come up with.

Do you still want the column on the left?

Do you want any graphic to contain a wrestler? Like the top banner or so?

Do you want colors similar to the ones in your current layout?

[Kamran]

Hey :)

Yup, I still want the column on the right (not left), I'll need it for links / banners

It does not have to contain a wrestler, could be an outline or cartoonish type, but does not need any actual wrestler images used.

I'm open to colours, although I dont want something too bright as I'll be using a similar colour scheme on the forums.

Thanks.

[Kamran]

A week to go... :)

[Christian]

Hey there! Sorry I haven't been on lately, had some things keeping me busy but now I'm free. Here's the first draft of the site, it's fairly simple but it's supposed to give you an idea of the colors I'm using(similar to the ones you already had so there's a type of connection between the old layout and new layout), the setup of where things go, and the banner. The banner I was thinking of would be two sorta cartoony wrestlers, one on each side, looking fiercely towards each other. If everything sounds and looks good up until now, I'll keep on working in this direction. If you had something different in mind, whether it was for the banner or the whole site, just say the word! I really don't mind changing anything or everything. If you like the banner idea, I can either make up two wrestlers, or draw the two that you would like to use. :D

[Kamran]

Hi,

I quite like that, but remember I wont be having any content on that - mainpage will probably just have a standard welcome page, with links to the main parts of the site.

I like the header - especially with the idea of the 2 wrestlers facing each other.

Thx

[Sovetskitch]

I'm working on a design right now, expect a preview sometime later or maybe tomorrow.

[Palmer]

Originally posted by Sovetskitch@Aug 12 2003, 08:53 PM
I'm working on a design right now, expect a preview sometime later or maybe tomorrow.
Only members of the Design Team are permitted to enter contests, please follow the site guidelines (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=35&s=). Thanks :)

[Sovetskitch]

Originally posted by Palmer@Aug 12 2003, 07:11 PM
Originally posted by Sovetskitch@Aug 12 2003, 08:53 PM
I'm working on a design right now, expect a preview sometime later or maybe tomorrow.
Only members of the Design Team are permitted to enter contests, please follow the site guidelines (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=35&s=). Thanks :)
Sorry, I'm new here. Didn't know about that. ;)

[Kamran]

I forgot to mention it would be nice if you could have "Building an Online Wrestling Community" somewhere.

[lang]

I need more clarification regarding your forum. Does this contest include skinning vBulletin, as well as making modifications to its layout? Adding a right column to the message forum would entail digging into the forum code I believe. Perhaps someone else could expand on this.

Lang

[Kamran]

I dont expect anyone to do the forum templates for me, I just wanted you to be aware of it when designing.

What I'll most likely do is use the header/top section, and try to make the right column from the design similar on the forums.

I'll find someone to sort the templates out for me :)

[Palmer]

I'm working on an entry and I will post it tomorrow.

[lang]

Working on something as well, Kamran. :)

[Palmer]

Here it is :) I opened it up a bit and made it look cleaner. I also went easy on the images as requested. Hope you like it...

<img src='http://www.yourwebbuddy.com/templates/wrestling/1.png[/img]

[coredesign]

here is my entry... thanks

Ryan Sorgnard
http://www.coredesign.us

[Kamran]

Hey,

Thanks for the entries:

Palmer: I like the top header section with the links but not sure about the fonts to "forums, chatrooms etc", maybe try something more similar to Core or Christian. I dont really like the yellow, its ok having a little, but I think theres too much of it. I dont like that yellow house icon next to the logo either. I'm just finding it difficult to imagine using something similar to this on the forums, they would still look pretty much the same.

CoreI like that, could you try moving the images on the top line, to the bottom one (alongside the logo), and move the "wrestling101" link above, next to the "forums, chatrooms etc" links. Also move "Building an online wrestling community" under the logo (doesnt matter if you have to make the header bigger). I wont need that sponsor banner or the latest news box. But I would like a column on the right for text and some smaller ad-banners.

Thx

[Christian]

Here's the fixed up version. If you would like different type wrestlers, or in a different art style, just say the word!

[marengo]

Hello, my version is attached. Any feed-back are welcome :) Thanks.

[Kamran]

Hey,

First I'll extend this, till the end of the week, as it just seems to have picked up now.

Christian:Could you make those wrestlers abit more built (not sure if thats possible), they dont really look like wrestlers, or maybe try a more abstract style (I've attached some images you can see, which are ok, from other sites). Also could you make the logo take up more of that space, it seems too small for it. I dont like the "building an..." text where it is, could you maybe move it up into the header or somewhere else?

Marengo: I like that, but I wouldnt want amateur wrestling pics in the headings would prefer pro wrestling ones, or maybe you could try fading them out/more blurry, although not sure how that would look. The logo seems abit out of place (the blue), not sure if you could change that or make it integrate more? Also could you have the "home, chatrooms etc" links under the logo?

Thx

[Kamran]

Heres another one:

[marengo]

Originally posted by Kamran@Aug 16 2003, 04:25 PM
Marengo: I like that, but I wouldnt want amateur wrestling pics in the headings would prefer pro wrestling ones, or maybe you could try fading them out/more blurry, although not sure how that would look. The logo seems abit out of place (the blue), not sure if you could change that or make it integrate more? Also could you have the "home, chatrooms etc" links under the logo?

Thx
ok, i'll re-work it. It'd be very helpful if you can give me links on pro wrestling' photos.
Photos i've used are from this gallery:
http://catcode.com/wrfoto.html
Thanks :)
Nat

[Kamran]

Heres (http://www.evenflow.de/adv3/index.php?page=psds&psdsite=waction&xid=) some PSDs:

[marengo]

Many thanks .

[Christian]

Hey there, here are the changes you asked for. :D

Talk Wrestling Online (http://www.aquagecko.com/misc/DO/webdraftshow3.jpg)

[Kamran]

Looks good Christian, could you change the colour of one of the wrestlers, just so they look different - I'll let you chose, whatever you think looks best :)

EVERYONE - Once I have all the entries what I will do is get a few friends to help me decide on the winner.

So far I've got: Christian, Palmer, Core and Marengo (If anyone else is planning on entering, let me know).

Thx

[coredesign]

ok Kamran... sorry for the delay... here are my edits:

http://www.coredesign.us/designoutpost/two_render1.jpg

thanks,
Ryan
Core Design
http://www.coredesign.us

[Kamran]

Looks good Core :tup: Could you see how it would look having the F/C/G links near the left and keeping the W101 link on the right?

EVERYONE - If your the winner, I'll need to have the .psds files for your templates (logo etc), incase I need to make any changes later. I'll also need some images for banners (like the logo and any mascots).

Thx

[coredesign]

sure Kamran,

it would look precisely like so:

http://www.coredesign.us/designoutpost/two_render1_mod.jpg

thanks,
Ryan Sorgnard
Core Design
http://www.coredesign.us

[Kamran]

I prefer it that way (above) :)

I cant think of anymore changes.

[Christian]

Here's another version with one guy's color slightly different and a few other minor changes. ;)

Talk Wrestling Online (http://www.aquagecko.com/misc/DO/webdraftshow4.jpg)

[Christian]

Here's another one. There's a slight change in this one, the thick, black lines over and under the sections aren't 3d-ish. :huh:

Talk Wrestling Online 2 (http://www.aquagecko.com/misc/DO/webdraftshow5.jpg)

[Kamran]

Looks good Christian, I prefer the first one from above (No4). I'm not sure if I would want a bigger contrast in the colours, its nice as it is, just not sure if it would look better having a bigger colour difference between the wrestlers, just so they look more different.

[motiveX]

I might do something here, haven't decided if I will have the time yet.

[motiveX]

http://www.placidminds.com/wrestling/tester.html

:ph34r: <---------------SUPER FLY!

[coredesign]

xterior, that's sweet! although, I expected quality from you after looking at your website... I love your work... very atmospheric and bold!

R

[motiveX]

Originally posted by coredesign@Aug 19 2003, 11:14 PM
xterior, that's sweet! although, I expected quality from you after looking at your website... I love your work... very atmospheric and bold!

R
Hey Ryan-

Thanks for the kind words, your site is pretty darn cool as well if I may say so.

:tup:

[Kamran]

Thanks for entering Xterior, it looks good, I'm just worried about how long it would take to load up, as I'll be using this design for the forums as well (maybe make the header smaller?). Also I'll need that column which you have on the left moved to the right. Also could you make the wrestling101 link more visible, I didnt even notice it as first (maybe move it near the other top links?)

Thx

[marengo]

Hello,
re-worked version attached. What do you think? Thanks for patience :)

see next post

[Kamran]

Looks good Marengo, only thing is I'm not too sure about the foot sticking out, it looks a little weird - i like the idea, but just that image looks abit funny :)

Thx

[marengo]

Originally posted by Kamran@Aug 20 2003, 07:56 AM
Looks good Marengo, only thing is I'm not too sure about the foot sticking out, it looks a little weird - i like the idea, but just that image looks abit funny :)

Thx
:P yes, it's funny :D I've spent too much time looking different video related wrestling. So, I'm abit crazy :lol: I'll change that. Thanks.

[marengo]

done

[Kamran]

Looks good Marengo :)

Anyone else planning to enter or submit any modified templates?

[ant1832]

I've been thinking about it, but I'm kinda short on time right now. Won't make any promises but will hopefully have an entry by the deadline.

[Christian]

Hey there! Here are two picture versions. Also, the bar on the left has been changed to black.



Talk Wrestling Online 1 (http://www.aquagecko.com/misc/DO/webdraftshow6.jpg)


Talk Wrestling Online 2 (http://www.aquagecko.com/misc/DO/webdraftshow7.jpg)

[Kamran]

Hi Ant - Great to see you here :)

Christian: I think I still prefer version4, but I'll still keep these to show my friends too.

Thx

[ant1832]

Here's a template that doesn't have too many images so it should load up pretty fast. I decided to show you what the template might look like with the forum since that is its main purpose. I also provided 2 different navigation locations for the forum. Let me know what you think.

Click thumbnail for full size preview.

Version 1(nav in forum area)
https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r2/ep/va/two_thumb.jpg (https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r2/en/va/two.jpg)

Version 2(nav in header)
https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r3/ep/va/two-2_thumb.jpg (https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r3/en/va/two-2.jpg)

[BrianDove]

nice entries ;)
Brian

[motiveX]

Originally posted by Kamran@Aug 20 2003, 03:07 AM
Thanks for entering Xterior, it looks good, I'm just worried about how long it would take to load up, as I'll be using this design for the forums as well (maybe make the header smaller?). &nbsp;Also I'll need that column which you have on the left moved to the right. Also could you make the wrestling101 link more visible, I didnt even notice it as first (maybe move it near the other top links?)

Thx
I could easily move the column thing; that is no problem at all.

As for the header. I could make it smaller, but I think it would really take away from the "cool" factor of the design...any smaller and you are talking about a very uneventful and boring design, IMO.

Just my $0.02 as a designer, per what would look best from my view.

:tup:

[Kamran]

Very nice Ant :tup:

Only thing is the column on the right, but we can leave that, and if you win, you can make the changes then?

Thx

[Kamran]

Originally posted by xteriormotive@Aug 21 2003, 03:17 PM
I could easily move the column thing; that is no problem at all.

As for the header. I could make it smaller, but I think it would really take away from the "cool" factor of the design...any smaller and you are talking about a very uneventful and boring design, IMO.

Just my $0.02 as a designer, per what would look best from my view.

:tup:
How fast do you think your design would load up?I've got no idea, as I said before the only worry was someone waiting a few minutes for it to lall oad up.

Thx

[ant1832]

Originally posted by Kamran@Aug 21 2003, 03:17 PM
Very nice Ant :tup:

Only thing is the column on the right, but we can leave that, and if you win, you can make the changes then?

Thx
of course, np

[motiveX]

Originally posted by Kamran@Aug 21 2003, 05:20 PM
Originally posted by xteriormotive@Aug 21 2003, 03:17 PM
I could easily move the column thing; that is no problem at all.

As for the header. I could make it smaller, but I think it would really take away from the "cool" factor of the design...any smaller and you are talking about a very uneventful and boring design, IMO.

Just my $0.02 as a designer, per what would look best from my view.

:tup:
How fast do you think your design would load up?I've got no idea, as I said before the only worry was someone waiting a few minutes for it to lall oad up.

Thx
The header graphic optimized at 80% is a 33KB file.

http://www.placidminds.com/wrestling/main.jpg

That would be the only thing loading outside of any other smaller graphics you would have.

Once a person has loaded the site, the header image would be cached anyways..and I am guessing you have a lot of repeat visitors? If that is the case I wouldn't see a 33KB header file as being a major problem...it also depends on your demographic.

[Kamran]

Loads up fine for me, but I have broadband, I'll ask some dialup users to see.

Thx for the help.

Anymore entries? Deadline is Saturday - or if there are going to be no more, I might end it early, as theres quite a few entries I like :)

[marengo]

Sorry, but if you have some strong limit of the size in kb, you can notice it here. There are many special appz which use modern algorithms for resizing. When we post our entries here we don't use em. For example: screenshot with min gfx can be >150 kb , but it doesn't mean final version (optimized, sliced, coded) will have the same size. :) So it's really not too difficult to optimize our sites (just not too many clients ask designers about that, but it's really simple)
Thanks. :)

[coredesign]

yeah, to back marengo up... once we get passed the design phase, things like image optimization, browser compliance, etc. are just understood and I bet all of the designers here have that as part of their production process... so no worries! ;)

R

[Kamran]

Well hello there :)

After much deliberation I think we have a winner...xteriormotive (subject to changes).

I'll write up what I need changing and PM you to see if its ok or not, theres some stuff I didnt realise till some friends pointed it out, although I hope it wont take much time.

I have to say this was so difficult deciding, I've done quite a few template contests, and this has been the hardest to pick by far, so thanks everyone, your designs were very much appreciated :tup:

[motiveX]

Originally posted by Kamran@Aug 26 2003, 04:58 PM
Well hello there :)

After much deliberation I think we have a winner...xteriormotive (subject to changes).

I'll write up what I need changing and PM you to see if its ok or not, theres some stuff I didnt realise till some friends pointed it out, although I hope it wont take much time.

I have to say this was so difficult deciding, I've done quite a few template contests, and this has been the hardest to pick by far, so thanks everyone, your designs were very much appreciated :tup:
I have to re-read and let what you PM'd me sit over night to see if it is worth jumping into. My initial thought is that its going to be like basically redoing the template over again with the changes you have mentioned.

I will let you know tomorrow. I already went through and made some of the changes and don't really like what it has done to my design, but I will think it over.

Regards,
Sean

[ant1832]

Congrats xteriormotive :tup:

[coredesign]

go strongbad... I mean xterior!! you rock!!