Spring Break Site - $200

[aspen]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 547T53)

The name of the site:

"4 Spring Break" -- the spaces between the words are important.

It needs to have a left menu with text links, but the headers above the links can be graphical. So the header of "Mexico" can be graphical but the link of "Cancun" below it needs to be text.

I need the menu headers given to me in a format so that I can easily add more. So basically an unflattened PSD with an editable text layer. So if later I want to make a header for "Alaska" or something I can do so.

For starters I'd like 6 graphical headers for the left menu.

"Mexico"

"Florida"

"The Caribbean"

"The West"

"The East"

"The South"

You can put whatever filler text links underneath them that you want.

Also, overall for the left menu a header of "Destinations" would be fine. Something big and funky. Not a requirement but an option.

I also want room for a footer text menu along with the copyright statement, or a header text menu. In this menu will be links for "Spring Break Home | Destinations | Articles | Contact | Whatever "

The design should be 780 pixels wide (or 100% -- your choice) and it needs room for skyscrapers and banners.

I want a very graphical header (it can be quite large) like in these sites:

http://www.daytonabreak.com/
http://springbreak.sopadre.com/

For layout I like the style of

http://www.4hedonism.com
http://www.thecolumbusgroove.com

Both products of designers here so I know you can do that good.

I want light, fun, colors, I like the colors of this site: http://springbreak.sopadre.com/

white backgrounds for the content section is fine.

Fun, sexy, high energy, young, mtv, beautiful

I'd like to end this in two weeks, so lets say the 1st of October -- but thats not definite, I'm not in any hurry to make this site (Spring Break is a ways away.)

In addition to the template and a psd of a menu header I'd like an unflattened psd of the whole thing.

[Huhhso]

Hi I plan on entering something very soon..
Thanks!

[ant1832]

I'm going to start on an entry soon

[Huhhso]

Hi here's my first shot at it...
Feedback welcome
Thanks! :D

[aspen]

I like the header -- not the left menu so much -- maybe a smaller text size.
The generic rounded rectangles seem a little, well generic.

Good first attempt though.

Also, for you and all others. I'm not a huge fan of embossing. The drop shadow on the header looks fine but the newsletter box (which isn't needed by the way) is a little too embossed for my tastes.

[marengo]

i'll post my entry too. I've started my work already :)

[marengo]

Hello,

my 1st attempt: CLICK HERE (http://marengo.neopages.net/aspen/travel.htm)

Feed-back will be very helpful.
Thanks,
Nat

[aspen]

I really like the style but the image in the header is wrong.

This site is going to be aimed at college kids, so the header should reflect that. You've got a family up there. Replace that family with a bunch of coed and thats good.

Also, on top of the menu, it should be "Destinations."

[marengo]

<!--QuoteBegin-aspen+Sep 28 2003, 01:55 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (aspen @ Sep 28 2003, 01:55 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->

This site is going to be aimed at college kids, so the header should reflect that. You've got a family up there. Replace that family with a bunch of coed and thats good.
[/b][/quote]
could you please tell me what age should be students?
Thanks for patience,
Nat

[marengo]

may be this one? :)
http://marengo.neopages.net/aspen/travel2.htm
they are 16-18

[Severner]

Nice entry, clean design with a great header, I like that! :P

Ill try and get one on the ball :)

[marengo]

Thanks. :)
Aspen, if these peoples are ok I'll make some changes with this photo.
(http://marengo.neopages.net/aspen/travel2.htm) I'll remove 3d girl without head :P .

[aspen]

Thats better marengo. Its not the best though -- the kids do look a little young.

College Kids go on spring break to party, for many that includes getting drunk and having sex. So I'm looking for an image that is perhaps a little less innocent and or a little sexier -- nothing like my last contest but something more than family time at the beach.

[marengo]

May be you can show me some samples? (like your last contest :) )

http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/hom...omeCreative.asp (http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/home/homeCreative.asp)
http://www.fotosearch.com/

If no, I'll try myself

[Severner]

Sexy now were talking, im getting somethign together to show you, probally tuesday :)

[aspen]

<!--QuoteBegin-marengo+Sep 28 2003, 01:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (marengo @ Sep 28 2003, 01:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> May be you can show me some samples? (like your last contest :) )

http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/hom...omeCreative.asp (http://creative.gettyimages.com/source/home/homeCreative.asp)
http://www.fotosearch.com/

If no, I'll try myself [/b][/quote]
On getty images image# 200068460-001

#200029105-001
#ec6175-001
#ec6170-002
#ba63119
#da60121

Basically I searched for "spring break"

http://www.fotosearch.com/IDX017/230060/#
http://pro.corbis.com/popup/EnlargementInf...age=enlargement (http://pro.corbis.com/popup/EnlargementInfo.asp?USAU=0&Area=search&fdid=&mdid=14442980&CurrentPos=26&qsPageNo=1&JT=0&TotalCount=264&FromOtherTab=0&hidImageSizeSetting=100&page=enlargement)
http://pro.corbis.com/popup/EnlargementInf...age=information (http://pro.corbis.com/popup/EnlargementInfo.asp?USAU=0&Area=search&fdid=&mdid=10983728&CurrentPos=105&qsPageNo=2&JT=0&TotalCount=264&FromOtherTab=0&hidImageSizeSetting=100&page=information)
http://pro.corbis.com/popup/EnlargementInf...age=information (http://pro.corbis.com/popup/EnlargementInfo.asp?USAU=0&Area=search&fdid=&mdid=10522028&CurrentPos=115&qsPageNo=2&JT=0&TotalCount=264&FromOtherTab=0&hidImageSizeSetting=100&page=information)

In anycase the people need to be older, 18-24 or so.

[Bill]

I'll throw mine in here...

Click here... 4SpringBreak (http://www.plgraphics.com/springbreak.jpg)

[aspen]

Its a bit simple penny but you have the right type of pictures (though I'm partial to pictures of female behinds, not male behinds. ;) )

[marengo]

Hi, Aspen,

all your images are Rights Managed. What I mean you can read on fotosearch, gettyimages or on official sites of photos' publishers:

Rights Managed images are licensed for specific predefined usages, meaning that the client identifies how, where, and to what extent they would like to use an image(s) and the agency provides permission to reprint the image. The usage fees are based on the usage as requested. You are typically granted one-time usage rights (although we do offer time buys and unlimited usages), and you must follow Corbis? Terms and Conditions for usage. You are not allowed to edit or alter the images unless authorized. By using rights managed, you are ensured that there is limited usage of the image; you can even request exclusive rights to an image to eliminate its simultaneous usage by other agencies and competitors.
One of contest holders has called at gettyimages for prices and (if I'm right) price was very high.

Only this one (http://pro.corbis.com/popup/EnlargementInfo.asp?USAU=0&Area=search&fdid=&mdid=14442980&CurrentPos=26&qsPageNo=1&JT=0&TotalCount=264&FromOtherTab=0&hidImageSizeSetting=100&page=enlargement) from your list is RF image, but I haven't this one. :P

Well, I've re-worked header again: just made a new collage from pics I have in my library. I think it's better. And plus, not only header makes atmosphere of our sites but separators, icons, illustrations for articles etc.

Hope, you like it. :) If I can make something better let me know.
http://marengo.neopages.net/travel3.htm

Thanks,
Nat

[pod]

this is my work in progress ;

[aspen]

Thats much better marengo.

Pod, I like your layout but the header doesn't look quite right. For one a couple of people are in it twice, also the playing with the inflatables makes it seem posed and childish. If you could come up with a couple different photos for the headers that'd be nice.

You too Marengo, feel free to keep trying different things in the header.

Going back to my first post, I like these sites:

http://www.daytonabreak.com/
http://springbreak.sopadre.com/

[pod]

Aspen ,
Thanks ,for your feedback.
I' m trying different photos for the header

[Liz]

Hi Chris,

Here's an entry from me:

VIEW TEMPLATE (http://clients.snapfire.com/contests/springbreak.gif)

Thanks for your consideration.

- liz.

[Luc]

Hi! I'll try to post my entry asap.

[aspen]

Now that is the kind of image I wanted pod. Marengo, I really like pod's header.

A couple small thing.

1. Removed the ".com" from the very top and trim some of that excess whitespace.

2. You're using a couple different blue-green colors for the header fonts. I'd rather stick with a single blue, like the blue for the top "4 Spring Break" which is also the blue for the bottom footer.
That goes for the menu text too.

3. Can you do something with the menu to make it appear less cluttered? Maybe add some sort of segmentation, left justify the headers, or make the text sizes smaller? For instance check out Marengo's menu. I really like her menu.

Liz, overall I like yours and I like the addition of a slogan. Can the rest of you add a slogan? I want a little more structure below the header though, a white content area.

[marengo]

Aspen, I'm sorry, I have no any similar licensed photo in my library.
If you have some, I'll use it.
Thanks.
Nathalie

Edit (+ slogan ):

<img src='http://marengo.neopages.net/travel3.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[zing]

Sorry to 'invade' this thread but are you designers buying these images that you use in your designs?... the sites where you seem to say you get them from seem to only sell royalty free images for a price...

[marengo]

<!--QuoteBegin-zing+Sep 30 2003, 07:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (zing @ Sep 30 2003, 07:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Sorry to 'invade' this thread but are you designers buying these images that you use in your designs?... the sites where you seem to say you get them from seem to only sell royalty free images for a price... [/b][/quote]
I have bought full CD's which I use for templates.

[zing]

Well I don't have a cd of photos, perhaps the contest holder could provide some photos? Or could other designers lemme know how they manage this?

[marengo]

<!--QuoteBegin-zing+Sep 30 2003, 07:42 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (zing @ Sep 30 2003, 07:42 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Well I don't have a cd of photos, perhaps the contest holder could provide some photos? Or could other designers lemme know how they manage this? [/b][/quote]
you can try cheap or free services
http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php
http://www.sxc.hu/ etc
If you want I can PM you my bookmarked links.

Edit: I've PMed you links

[Palmer]

Zing, please check out the Designers private forum for a discussion on where to find stock photos. We try to keep things on topic in the contest threads.

Thanks

[Liz]

Chris, here's an updated template with white BG: UPDATE (http://clients.snapfire.com/contests/springbreak2.gif)


Thanks, liz.

[aspen]

thats better liz, but it still just doesn't appeal to me as much as the others. Maybe its the purple, or the unstructured content area (nothing dividing the menu from the content).

I really like marengo's overall design and I really like pod's header.

[marengo]

<!--QuoteBegin-aspen+Sep 30 2003, 09:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (aspen @ Sep 30 2003, 09:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> thats better liz, but it still just doesn't appeal to me as much as the others. Maybe its the purple, or the unstructured content area (nothing dividing the menu from the content).

I really like marengo's overall design and I really like pod's header. [/b][/quote]
I'll try to found pic for header tomorrow. I like my design too :lol:

[marengo]

Aspen, please, take a look at 2 samles

- ..::Samle1::.. (http://site.voila.fr/freddi007/spring/head2.html)
- ..::Sample2::.. (http://site.voila.fr/freddi007/spring/head1.html)

Thanks,
Nat

[aspen]

they're both good.

[marengo]

<!--QuoteBegin-aspen+Oct 1 2003, 01:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (aspen @ Oct 1 2003, 01:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> they're both good. [/b][/quote]
Ok. Can I make some adjustments that might make my layout better?

[aspen]

The only thing I can think of Marengo is perhaps a graphical content header.

Like for the "Welcome to 4 Spring Break" text. Put a background on that text.

Perhaps that orange flower on the left of the text with that wavy blue line underneath it.

Just as a way to dress up the <h> tags a little bit. With CSS you don't even need to make the text graphical, you can assign the <h> tag a background image and then set it's width and height to match the image and display: block.

[marengo]

Yes, it'll be done in CSS. As for flower and wavy line it's also simple. Or do you want to see that before end your contest? (I mean not a code, but how it will be look? )

[aspen]

Yes, I won't be ending the contest for a couple more days -- though right now I do like yours the best.

[marengo]

Ok. I'll post update tomorrow. Thanks.

[pod]

Aspen,
Here is the my template with modifications, http://www.podmultimedia.com/4spring2.html
Thanks

[aspen]

That looks better pod, but at this point I still like Marengo's layout better.

[pod]

Aspen ,
I was make a bonus content page for you
www.podmultimedia.com/4spring2content.html
But if you dont like my layout, it probably doesnt work for you.

THANKS

[Luc]

Nevermind, I couldn't find any free stockphotos for this :( I don't have my credit card yet and we dont have paypal so I couldn't purchase. Good luck to you guys!
Peace!

[marengo]

Hello, Aspen,

your idea is good :tup: Take a look:
...:::CLICK:::... (http://site.voila.fr/freddi007/spring/head1.html)

Thanks,
Nat

[aspen]

Yup, looks good nat.

[pod]

Aspen,
I'll be make new entry tonight with new header & layout !!

[pod]

Hi Aspen ,
This is my new idea for your project.
http://www.podmultimedia.com/springbreak_new.html
Some notes 4 this entry
1-Its first draft ı am still working on it
2-I put a image from your image list if you like it ı'll be buy it
3-If you dont like the new color scheme ı can change it easly
4-I!m looking forward to hearing from you
Thanks

[aspen]

It looks nice pod but I do not like it.

I don't like the embossed text in the header. I do not like the simply-made umbrella and sun. I don't like the pink/violet.

Its not necessarily bad, its just not something I like -- in fact your other design I liked more.

If you want to keep working on it that is your decision, but let me be honest with you, Marengo is far in the lead right now, so before you spend any more time on it realize that you probably won't win unless the improvement is stellar. I don't want to see you waste your time on a design that isn't going to win.

[aspen]

I'll be out of town most of the weekend and I'll end the contest on Monday.

[aspen]

Okay, with no other entries, Marengo wins.

:tup:

Marengo if possible could give me all 3 header versions?

[marengo]

Thanks, Aspen :) I'll send you files (and 3 headers) tomorrow.
Best regards,
Nat

[Michael]

Congrats marengo :tup:

[pod]

Congrats marengo !!!

[marengo]

Thanks guys! :)

Aspen, I've emailed you. Thanks again.

Nat