[ProjectComplete] Due July 10 - Meeting Planning Company - $350

[fairwind]

Admin code added by Abby - 978264009E8312348

Hi, all! After a great experience here with the creation of my company logo, I decided to come back for another dose of creativity. This time I’m looking for a template for my company Web site. This is a brand new company and I’m looking for a professional, clean page. Anybody in?

COMPANY DETAILS
1a) Name of Company
FairWind Meetings & Events, Inc.

1b)Company Tag Line or slogan
None

1c) Do you have a company logo?
Yes, various versions are attached. In addition to the company logo, I would like the MPI Member logo included on the site. It does not have to be a focal point … perhaps on the bottom. If you need any other file types, please let me know.

1d) Do you have a corporate visual identity (a customized (non stock) logo and color scheme carried out throughout your office, stationery, business cards, etc.)?
At this point, the only corporate identity I have is the logo. I would like to incorporate the logo colors into the Web site, but I’m also open to adding colors that compliment them.

1e) What is the nature of your business?: Briefly describe your products or services:
“Much like a favorable wind that guides a sailboat to its destination, we are committed to helping your organization meet its goals and objectives through the planning and execution of effective and memorable programs. As a full-service meeting and event management company, we will partner with you from beginning to end, or with anything in between. Our services include everything from site selection and contract negotiation to on-site management and program evaluation. We specialize in planning and executing conferences, conventions, galas, banquets, incentives and special events. Let us take care of all the details and ensure smooth sailing.”

1f) Who is your target market? Who are you hoping to reach with your site?
Our target market is anyone who hosts meetings or events, but our primary focus is corporations and associations.

WEB SITE DETAILS
1b) Do you have an existing website? If so, what is the URL?
I have a site, but there’s very little out there right now.
www.fairwindmeetings.com

2b) IMPORTANT: Please list at least 3 URLs (web addresses) of high quality sites that you like the look of (these do not have to be sites who’s business is similar to yours. It aids us in determining what your design style is.) Please consider layout, colors, navigation, graphics, and typography.
keystonemeetings.com
yournextmeeting.com
joels-journal.com

3b) What colors or color schemes would you like?
I would like to incorporate the logo colors into the Web site, but I’m also open to adding colors that compliment them.

4b) List the Navigation links for your Site:
I’d like to begin with the links below, however it’s likely that I’ll add to this as my company grows.
Home
Services
About Us
Testimonials
Contact Us

5b) What type of look are you trying to achieve? (e.g. clean, high-tech, conservative, warm, flashy, etc.)
Professional, clean … but innovative.

7b) Do you have any images for use in the design of your site? If not, do you have images, can you offer suggestions of what you type of imagery you feel would be most suitable for your website:
I do not have any images. A photograph of a sailboat (with wind in its sails, not sitting still) may be impactful. It also may be good to incorporate people, since relationships are key in the meetings industry. I’d like to position our company as an extension of the organization’s team. Ideally, there’s a picture out there with people interacting in the foreground with a sailboat in the water behind them. Wishful thinking, huh?! No wedding photographs please.

DEADLINES AND DELIVERABLES
1c) What is the deadline for your template design?
July 10 – The earlier, the better! I will be monitoring the project closely and providing prompt feedback.

2c) Will you require HTML coding?
Yes – I will be managing the site with Microsoft Expression Web.

3c) If so, will you require it to be ONLY CSS layout?
No

4c) How many pages coded will you require delivered?
Single page only

[fairwind]

Anyone planning to give this one a shot? Any questions I can answer? I'm looking forward to getting the process started ...

[Severner]

Hey there,

The lack of designers for this project could be due to many projects going on with similar requirements but having a higher budget.

However I have been working on something for you!

I'm not totally sure what kind of content you want to display.. but here it is;

[Severner]

Also;

[Severner]

Also;

[fairwind]

Thanks for getting us started, Sev! :)

Of the three designs you posted, I prefer the first one (Message #3). I'm more drawn to the crisp edges than the vignettes. I like the colors you used, the navigation links and the way you framed everything. Not sure how I feel about the fade/transition between the logo and the photo in the header, though ... can anything else be done here?

I won't require search functionality or the events listing, although I give you credit for coming up with possible content. :) The only other items I may include on the Home page are the MPI logo (attached to Message #1) and an excerpt from one of my testimonials.

I appreciate the time you put into these submissions. And thanks, again, for being the first to post!

[Zoe]

Hi Fairwind,

I have been away for a little while, but I will be looking at posting something for you in the next couple of days.

Thanks

Zoe

[Lori]

I'll send you a private message with links to my competitors' sites ... may be helpful. I appreciate the time you put into these submissions. And thanks, again, for being the first to post!

Hi Fairwind :)

There is no private messaging permitted between clients and designers while a project is in process - only after a designer has been chosen.

Instead, if you could post those links here in the thread, it would be beneficial to all designers to see them.

Thanks.

[Aliska]

Hello
Please check concept from me.

[fairwind]

Thanks for your submission, Aliska. I like how you utilized a complimentary color (the green), however I'd prefer the overall coloring to be a little more vivid. I also like the use of a dominant photo, although I would like it to relate more to meetings/events (multiple people interacting). Incorporating an image of a sailboat might be impactful as well. I also like the subtle inclusion of the MPI logo on the bottom. :)

TO ALL DESIGNERS -
I don't have a lot of content to include on the home page right now. In addition to the photos and creative elements you design, it will only include the navigation links, company logo, the descriptive paragraph in my original posting, an excerpt from one of my testimonials and the MPI logo (bottom). I'm looking for something simple and clean, but still creative. Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks so much!!

[Severner]

Hello,

Is there any way to get an EPS or AI file of the logo?

Here are the changes you requested;

[clink]

Here is my design, feedback greatly appreciated. :)

[Severner]

I am also working on another concept for you.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Zoe]

I am not sure why, but I seem to be having a problem viewing the attachments.

Sorry but I may not be able to enter on time. We will look into the problem.

If one of the other designers who have downloaded the images could attach them to a post, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Zoe

[Severner]

The files don't work for me either Zoe.. however the bottom logo works. I also got the logo from there present splash page.

Here is that design I was working on using some elements from the previous;

[Zoe]

ah thanks Sev. :)

[fairwind]

For some reason, when I left click on the attachment links in my original email, they don't work (red "x"), however if I right click and save to my desktop, they do work. If you haven't already tried this, perhaps it will work for you as well.

I've attached the eps versions of the logos as requested.

I'm excited about all of the submissions I received this evening ... I'll post comments soon.

Thanks so much!

[Zoe]

thanks Crystal.

These work fine. :)

[Zoe]

Here is an idea from me.

Thanks

Zoe

[Aliska]

Hello
Please check revisions from me.

[Anne]

Here is my entry.

Anne

[Fabian]

Here's mine :)

[fairwind]

Wow! I’m pleasantly surprised by the number and quality of submissions that have come in over the last couple of days. I apologize for not responding sooner, as I was away for the 4th of July holiday. Here’s some feedback …

Sev … #11 – I like the way you blended the background in the header. Is there any way to put a little white back in the bottom of the boat in my logo, though? The testimonial area looks good, too. I like the main photo you chose, but I’m wondering if you came across anything more corporate (but with similar energy and interaction)? I’m getting mixed feedback and would be interested in seeing another option. #15 – I like this version, too, although the company logo seems a little awkward in that position … doesn’t seem anchored (no pun intended). :D Appreciate your work on this project!

Clink … Nice use of color and gradients. I also like that you tried something different with the illustration, but I think after seeing all of the entries I prefer photography. I’d also like to see people included, so it doesn’t look too much like a boating company. Thank you!

Zoe … Your photo selection is great, almost like you’re familiar with the meetings industry. To me, the top of the page seems like it’s missing something … I think I may favor web pages with a more substantial header. Thanks for your submission!

Aliska … Thanks for brightening up the blues and playing with the photographs. Appreciate the revisions!

Anne …Very nice. I like the header design and your choice of photos for the header, although I’d probably find a different sailboat for the welcome section – not sure it’s very smooth sailing. :) Can you do anything else with the gray box that contains “Welcome” and “Testimonials” … seems a little to deep. Also, I’d like to see the MPI logo inside the gray box on the bottom … maybe on the right side? Thanks!

Fabian …Nice design. I’m concerned it may look like I’m selling boats, instead of meeting and event services. :) Any way to incorporate people interacting/meeting/etc.? Thank you!

[Fabian]

Thank you for the great feedback,here is a more interactive picture.

Are you after corporate types (pictured) or more of a casual image ?

[clink]

I'll have a revision for you soon, I'm confused about what you said about using an illustration though? I only used photos for my design.

[fairwind]

Fabian - Is there such thing as "casual corporate"? :) My company plans educational conferences and social events for corporations and associations. I'm not looking for true business photos, but generic photos of people interacting like they may be at a welcome reception, networking function, gala or even in a learning environment. Hope that helps!

Clink - My apologies, the sail boat in your design really looks like a drawing to me (vs. a photograph). Thanks for clarifying!

[Fabian]

Thanks,that helps a lot.I'll be back later today.

[Anne]

Thank you for the feedback

Here are some changes (http://www.alandresen.no/do/Fairwind/v3.html)

Anne

[Fabian]

Hello Fairwinds

I've sent up this lightbox so you could view a couple of photos that im leaning towards.

Which one of these do you like the most?


http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=1555001
http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=2349291
http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=438505
http://www.stockxpert.com/browse.phtml?f=view&id=624064

To view the images please click on the links or copy and paste them into your browser.

Thanks
Fabian

[fairwind]

All designers - I checked and I’m unfortunately under restrictions with the use of the MPI logo … we can’t rearrange the placement of the elements in the logo.

Anne – Thanks for your quick response and revisions! You did a nice job with the modifications. I’m still having trouble with the photo in the text, though. You were on the right track with a sail boat the first time, I was just hoping for one that was on a smoother course (where the crew wasn’t struggling so much). I think a shot of a sail boat with wind in its sails moving toward its destination would be perfect there. Finally, could you also please take a look at the verbiage I provided … looks like you’re missing the end of the second paragraph. Thanks so much! :)

[Severner]

I will have my updates for you tomorrow (Saturday).


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Fabian]

Did you not like any of the photos?

[fairwind]

Fabian – Sorry for my delay responding … I was getting some other opinions on the photo options. The only one that may work is the third one (#438505). The girl in the tank top in the first one is a little too casual. Wish the group in the second one was interacting rather than all posing. And, honestly, the people in the last one look kinda bored. The last think I want to do is plan a boring meeting or event! :) Thanks!!

[fairwind]

Question about stock photography - approximately how much does it cost for each image to be used on a Web site? Thanks!

Anne - Would you also please show me how your navigation links will change when highlighted/selected? I'd like them to be differentiated somehow. Thank you!!

[Fabian]

Thanks,

Im using a stock photography company which only charge a one off payment of between $1-$5 dollars which I'll cover.This is the reason behind getting your views first before making a purcase.

I'll be back later with the revised design,also I may have a new design soon.

[Fabian]

revised design :)

[Fabian]

a new design:)

[Zoe]

Hello Crystal,

Thank you for your feedback. Here are my revisions.

Please note the main photo would be of higher quality should you wish to go with my design.

I look forward to your feedback.

Zoe

[Zoe]

slight modifications - also thought up a play on words with the tag line.

[fairwind]

You all are really putting together some great Web pages … it’s definitely going to be a tough decision! :)

Fabian – Thanks for making the revisions … very nice. Adding the human touch really did make a difference. I prefer the first one (#36) over the second. Seems like a little too much going on, too many photos in the second.

Zoe – Your changes look great. Could I please see the first one (#38) without the box/tag line in the header? Also, I’m wondering if there’s too many sail boats (between the two pictures)… did you come across any options for the header photo with just one sail boat? Just a thought. And thank you!

[Severner]

Here is my revised design;

[Severner]

Another revised design;

[Severner]

Another variation;

[Severner]

Another variation;

[Zoe]

thank you for the feedback.

I kinda liked the sailboats as it was as though they were having a meeting. :)

Different photo coming up in next post. :)

[Zoe]

different images...

[fairwind]

Zoe - That's what I was after ... I like the first version and the last one. Second one seemed a little busy. Thanks for doing the revisions so quickly! :)

[fairwind]

Zoe – I’d like to see one more variation if you don’t mind please. Would it be possible for me to see what the header would look like if the logo wasn’t in the stark white box? Maybe a little more transparent, like the treatment you did with the MPI logo? Or no box at all if that would work. I think the photo I like the best is 2F, so if you want to try it with that one, that would be great. Thanks again! :)

Sev – I appreciate all the layout variations. I like your designs, especially #44, but to be honest the photos really aren’t speaking to me. Thanks for putting so much time into this!

[Zoe]

Here are the revisions. :)

[fairwind]

Zoe - Thanks, again, for the quick turn around. I really like what you did with layout4. Quick question ... is the area where you wrote "Planning a business event ..." an image? Or can it be easily edited? I'm considering including a quote from one of my testimonials on this front page. That may be a good spot for it ...

Anne - Do you think you'll have an opportunity to post revisions today or tomorrow?

I'd really like to choose a designer early this week, so if anyone else is working on a submission, please post soon. Thanks everyone!! :)

[Zoe]

It is an image, but you could always swap it out for some text. :)

[Anne]

I will have a revision ready early tomorrow morning.

Anne

[fairwind]

Anne - I'm looking forward to seeing the revision. Thank you.

Zoe - I've received a lot of positive feedback about your design, as well as a few suggestions. Could I please see what layout4 would look like if there were a quote (including a name and title) where the text image you created is? Also, would you please remove my contact information and move the MPI logo up in its place? Once you've done this, please shorten the page so there's not so much white space on the bottom. Finally, please make the last line (Let us take care ...) stand out a little more. Perhaps a little larger or bold. Thanks so much! :)

Sev - Just wondering if you're looking for any replacement photos for #44 or if your pictured out? :)

[Zoe]

Thank you for the feedback. Here are the revisions.

[Anne]

Here is the revision.

Anne

[BrianDove]

i will post my entry in a few hours. thanks!

brian

[fairwind]

Zoe - Thanks for the quick revisions ... very nice! Since this is the Home page, let's remove the quotation mark backgrounds in both locations (may work nicely for the Testimonials page, though). Regarding the quote text itself, I think I would like it better if it wasn't in italics. If you could make the name/title a little more separate from the quote, that would be great. And please add real quotations marks around the quote. Appreciate it!!

Anne - Revisions look great ... thank you. I like that sailboat a lot better. On some computers, the light gray box isn't visible ... any thoughts?

Brian - Looking forward to your submission.

[Anne]

I haven't used any gray. The testimonials box is light blue and the footer is light beige. I will add more saturation to it to see if that works better.

Anne

[Zoe]

Thank you for the feedback. Revisions as requested.

Now time for bed. :)

Thanks

Zoe

[Anne]

Can you see if it still looks gray and that you can see everyting now.

Anne

[fairwind]

Zoe - Thanks, again, for making the revisions.

Anne - Yes, I can see the colors better now. Thank you.

At this point, my two favorite designs are #59 (Zoe) and #60 (Anne). I'm going to give it some more thought and I plan on announcing my decision tomorrow. :)

[BrianDove]

here is my try. :D

I hope its not too late.

thanks for your patience,
brian

[fairwind]

Thanks to all the designers who participated in this project!

I'm pleased to announce that I have decided to go with Zoe's design. :)

Zoe, I have a couple modifications and some questions for you before you move forward. Should we communicate via private messages at this point?

[Zoe]

Thank you for selecting my design. I look forward to finalising the design with you.

I have moved this thread to the Revisions Forum, where we can continue to work on the design together. Once you are happy with the design, I will create the HTML and send you the files. Once you receive the files, please post back here to let us know.

I hope you have enjoyed your experience at Design Outpost.

Thanks

Zoe

[fairwind]

Congrats! Your design was the overwhelming favorite among my peers.

Just a few changes I’d like to see please …

* Remove the “thank you” from above the quote in the right column
* Remove the line and image “Let us take care …” under the main text.
* Make the last line of text “Let us take care …” bold or a little larger to stand out

Are you going to use tables to create this site? I believe this is what I’ll need in order to alter that right column on all of my pages, right? For example, I’ll need the ability to remove/replace the quote, photos and MPI logo.

Thanks!

[Zoe]

I'll make those changes right away and yes I will use tables to make it easier for you to make changes to the HTML. I will also supply the original Photoshop file for future alterations you may wish to make to the overall appearance.

Are you happy with the photos I have selected?

[Zoe]

Here are the changes including the non-watermarked photos. :)

I will include the "larger" version of the "yacht-meeting" image and the larger ones of the golf and meeting on the side in my package. However they are still not really large enough for printing. If you wanted to use these for printing I can pint you to where you can purchase the printed versions.

[Anne]

Congrats Zoe :)

[Severner]

Congratulations to both yourself and Zoe. :D

[fairwind]

Looks great, Zoe! And I really like the photos you selected, especially the "yacht-meeting." I don't have any further changes, so please move forward with the HTML. :)

Navigation links - I'm assuming these are images correct? If so, will you be providing me with the reversed images for each of my pages (for the page that's active)? Or just for the Home page that you've created? Just not sure what's included ...

Thanks for your willingness to include the larger photos. Will you also please provide me with the original sailboat photo you used to create the header?

And I'll definitely be interested in the information on how to obtain higher resolution versions of the photos for print. I may also pick out some other photos for use on the remaining pages of the site.

Thanks so much!! I'm looking forward to the finished product! :)

[fairwind]

Thanks, Sev!

[Zoe]

The links will be done is a style sheet with text links. :)

Just working on the html now. :)

[Zoe]

I have sent you a private message with a link to the file download.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you

Zoe

[fairwind]

All files were received and everything looks great. Thanks, again, Zoe! :)

[Zoe]

pleasure. :)