Call for graphic experts

[DonS]

Thank you for reading this and for joining (http://spda-online.ca/register.php) our board and becoming a full member (http://spda-online.ca/modules/formulaire/index.php?title=SPDA_Membership). I am preparing some new themes for the site and want the option of a non white background. I'll then have more options for a unique look and to also make it easier for users that might have trouble with a white background (visually impaired etc).

I need a selection of graphics with transparent backgrounds or at least the edges so they look the same no matter what background colour we choose. I have a few but I'd like to be able to use pictures of our own users and cycle them throughout the season(s). Spring is coming and the winter season pics will be out of date.

I originally wanted to use .png format but have noticed that IE refuses to render png transparency. That leaves us with .gif. My attempts at transparency are less than ideal. My expertise is in the server and back-end technologies (not bad eh?).

If anyone is willing to help or help me do a better job I'd be very appreciative.

I'm after tiny icons for general navigation and for Suby pictures that fit the tone of the various modules.

I know my way around Photoshop quite well and can help you out with some content creation.

One thing you may want to remember though is that a white background has its benefits from a design perspective. Ahhh, negative space :)

[DonS]

Thank you for offering help. I have Photoshop like tools but not enough abilities to make full use. Besides ideas you might have I can send you a couple of base images you can use to create a new header graphic. I can PM or email the images. Just let me know.

:-D

[Navigator]

Don exactly what are you looking for? If you want I have the vector image of the SPDA logo already created.

[DonS]

Hello, two graphics people is good. Consider that we want to use the header space. I can place the user info, search box, links, and page title anywhere we want.

Perhaps a selection of graphics that allow different placements?

I'll put up a new theme later tonight using the existing graphic but with a slightly different arrangement.

Let the creativity begin..
Tiny SPDA Logo

[Roger]

Don, u a gimp with GIMP ? :lol:

[DonS]

:-D Unfortunate name for an excellent app but yes. :-D

I am graphicaly challenged. or some such polliticaly correct syndrome. :-?
the gimp (http://www.gimp.org/)
The gimp

Don when you save the .png did you use the png-24 setting? I'm using a Mac, but I browse with IE 5.2 and there's no issue with the .png transparency on that setting.

Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you out with the graphics... that's my area of expertise.

Cheers,
Jonathan

[DonS]

Thanks for offering help, yes I'd like to talk about transparent PNGs. Double check with IE on MS, I assumed it wouldn't.

A set of icons, buttons, and small graphics would be nice for a new look. Category graphics and all that jazz.

thanks again.

Don I checked the .png file on a PC at work using IE 5.1 and experienced the same as you... a loss of transparency (it defaulted to a gray background). Sorry to get your hopes up. :-(

If you must have a transparent background you may have to resort to using a .gif afterall. Drop me an email and let me know exactly what you're interested in doing and I'll lend a hand any way I can.

Jonathan

[DonS]

My hopes weren't too high. :-) A free and open standard that is as technically proficient as another is suspiciously lacking by one company. Oh well Mr Bill.

We don't have to use transparency for most of it. A good graphics crew can colour match easily enough. Sharper and tighter files anyway. Gifs when/if it is needed for transparency.

I'll email some wishes and in the meantime you can talk with Maurizio (http://spda-online.ca/userinfo.php?uid=55) and Navigator (http://spda-online.ca/userinfo.php?uid=27). They have done graphics for us and likely have a good SPDA oriented library of images started.