Contest: Inspiration

Welcome to Neogrotesque's 1st contest! The concept is simple: I have provided you with an image for you to work with. Think of this image as an ingredient. Your task is to create a premade layout that incorporates the image in some way. It doesn't have to be your main feature, you can use any part of the image, and you can edit it in anyway. The emphasis here is on creativity, imagination, and originality. The deadline is September 19, 2010 at 11:59 CDT (UTC -5:00).

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

Contest Rules

  1. Your entry must incorportate the contest image in some way. You may edit this image however you like, use only part of the image, and/or use additional images. I will even accept entries that simply draw "inspiration" from the image if the connection is clear (in these cases, you may want to include an explanation).
  2. This contest is for premade layouts only. Avatars, wallpapers, etc. will not be accepted.
  3. Your entry must be your own work. Any source materials that you use (scans, pictures, textures, brushes, patterns, etc.) must be credited.
  4. Each contestant is allowed to submit as many entries as is desired. Each entry will be judged individually.
  5. Though not necessary, I would appreciate it if you put up the contest banner somewhere on your website.
  6. The contest deadline is September 19, 2010 at 11:59 CDT (UTC -5:00).

The contest image is public domain and was taken from Wikimedia Commons.

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Judging

Entries will be judged by myself according to the following criteria, with input from 2 guest judges. I will provide detailed critiques on each entry. Check out my rev.iew.me profile for examples of the kinds of comments you can expect to get.

  • Overall presentation.
    This will be more or less of a "gut feeling" criterion-- a "first impression". Essentially, it amounts to: is the layout visually appealing?

  • Originality, creativity, and imagination.
    The contest is called Inspiration because I'm looking for entries that are inspired. I want to see something unique and innovative. I want to see an unusual color scheme, a new blending technique, an interesting layout arrangement, etc.

  • Effort and polish.
    I'm looking for evidence that you've worked hard on your entry. Did you take the time to style your headers to match your header? Did you pay attention to the smaller details? Does your background tile perfectly? Or does it look like you just slapped something together in half an hour?

  • Technical details: coding, accessibility, etc.
    I firmly believe that graphics providers have a responsibility to set a good example, because many webdesign newbies look to graphics sites in order to learn how to design for themselves. This more than just a quick validation check-- in fact, I don't care whether or not your code passes validation. What I care about is whether your code is logical and well-formed and whether your design is user-friendly.

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Prizes

In addition to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes listed below, each contestant will recieve a participation award, as well as a detailed critique of his/her entry.

1st Place

  • $25.00USD, payable through PayPal or in the form of a gift certificate to one of the following sites: Amazon.com, Newegg.com, or CDJapan.
  • Option to get hosting on Absurdist.Org
  • Option to affiliate with Neogrotesque.
  • 1st Place award.

2nd Place

  • $5.00USD, payable through PayPal or in the form of a gift certificate to one of the following sites: Amazon.com, Newegg.com, or CDJapan.
  • Option to get hosting on Absurdist.Org
  • Option to affiliate with Neogrotesque.
  • 2nd Place award.

3rd Place

  • Option to get hosting on Absurdist.Org
  • Option to affiliate with Neogrotesque.
  • 3rd Place award.

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Contest Banner

Please help promote the contest by adding this banner to your site!

Inspiration Contest at Neogrotesque

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Current Contestants

  1. Emily of EE.snazz.org (view entry)
  2. Ali of Wear the Sun (view entry)
  3. Cyndy Asari of Aurorial (view entry)
  4. Erica of Junk&Trash (view entry)
  5. Chelsey of One Last Breath (view entry)
  6. Vero of Trend Killer (view entry)
  7. Cat of Aqua Cure (view entry)

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Entry Form

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

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