Designing the Boards [Archive] - The Clockwork Syndicate

Etheriel

July 7th, 2006, 14:57

I've begun work on assembling some images and things for the new forums. For starters, we've got a lovely clockwork design adorning the top and left sides of the forum, adapted from materials submitted by TuffGhost, and a gear design for postcount ranking adapted from materials submitted by Cho-Meric. (Everyone has low postcounts presently, so we each only have one gear. More posts = More gears.)

The current color scheme as well as the vBulletin logo at top are temporary.

Opinions? Suggestions?

PS - You can now enter your own custom title from the User CP!

Saber

July 7th, 2006, 15:25

I made a nice animation for new posts and stuff

Forum has Unread Posts:
http://solescript.dark-solace.net/NewPosts.gif

No Unread Posts:
http://solescript.dark-solace.net/nonew.gif

TuffGhost

July 7th, 2006, 15:32

• as far as color scheme goes i think we should try and stick with black, white, and metallic colors (grey/silver, gold/brass.)
• i really like the animations submitted by saber!
• gear motifs are necessary!

Etheriel

July 7th, 2006, 15:51

Beautiful, Sabes. Beautiful. I've added them now.

edit - I uploaded Saber's locked image also, and I've begun changing some colors.

Saber

July 7th, 2006, 15:59

I guess I should make a Locked image as well...

EDIT:
done!
http://solescript.dark-solace.net/lock.gif

not sure if you can tell, but it's supposed to look like a screw is in between the gears...

TuffGhost

July 7th, 2006, 16:21

I guess I should make a Locked image as well...

EDIT:
done!
http://solescript.dark-solace.net/lock.gif

not sure if you can tell, but it's supposed to look like a screw is in between the gears...

• if you made the gears in the graphic quiver a little bit they would look stuck/locked

Saber

July 7th, 2006, 16:25

there, how's that?

TuffGhost

July 7th, 2006, 16:29

there, how's that?

• perfect! i like it a lot!
• btw how did you manage to save your user title?

Etheriel

July 7th, 2006, 16:32

Wow. A few simple color changes and one new gradient and the boards have a whole new personality. I like it!

Thanks again, Saber, for the fantastic status icons. Now, to try to get rid of some of those last bits of blue . . .

TuffGhost - I added it to the User CP. Check the Profile page.

edit - I'm not sure why the two archive forums don't carry the "closed" forum icon.

Rainbows!

July 7th, 2006, 16:58

Wow. The forum is looking damn hot, I'd say. Wonderful everything. <33

Etheriel

July 7th, 2006, 21:20

With the obvious exception of buttons and icons, all blues should now be replaced with metallic tones in the color scheme.

Also, you've probably noticed that I've added a logo. It's most likely a temporary one, just to get rid of the vBulletin default. To give credit where it is due, the logo is based on Cho-Meric's original design.

Lastly, "clockworksyndicate.net" now redirects to "clockworksyndicate.net/forums/index.php" This is most likely temporary, as I hope to add a splash page.

Saber

July 7th, 2006, 22:15

Does the background have to be white? Maybe it's just me, but I think it's a little bright...

Etheriel

July 7th, 2006, 23:04

I don't know. I like the white, because it provides contrast and also beacause it gives the boards a clean and professional look.

Is anyone else particularly offended by the white background?

Rainbows!

July 7th, 2006, 23:40

Don't really care about the white either way. Will the Post Reply, Edit, Quote, and Quick Reply buttons be changed as well?

Etheriel

July 8th, 2006, 08:40

Eventually.

Windygo

July 8th, 2006, 13:42

The white does provide a contrast, but it's a very sharp and harsh one. It needs to be softened up... maybe really light grey, or a really light grey pattern (of a bunch of clock gears I suppose) but I don't know if that's possible.

Also, I dunno if it's just the computer I'm on, but I keep having to sidescroll past the margin just so I can read the threads, or anything else, on any page. I think it might be the clockwork design pushing things over, but that might be wrong. This is a serious pet peeve of mine, as Near can probably tell you.

Etheriel

July 8th, 2006, 14:05

What is your resolution? The total width of the boards (including the sidebar) should be 900 pixels. If you're on 800x600, for whatever ill-conceived reason, I can see this being a problem.

Windygo

July 8th, 2006, 14:28

I don't know what the resolution is, as this is a library computer, but I do know that my one at home probably won't be high enough either.

TuffGhost

July 8th, 2006, 21:12

Is anyone else particularly offended by the white background?

im not a big fan of the white, but i think you could get away with it if you got rid of the grey behind the black border. if you made the border stretch to the edges, it would take care of this.

Etheriel

July 8th, 2006, 21:35

TuffGhost and I worked together on this new, darker design. It keeps some of the white boxes from before, but darkens the site overall. My feelings on it are mixed. What say you?

edit - Some resolution issues should now be fixed as well. After a few alterations, I'm beginning to like the new version MUCH more.

edit - Found where vBulletin stored the logo code and hacked it over to the right side.

Saber

July 8th, 2006, 22:21

wow. that's awesome X3 I approve XD

too bad about the white pixels showing up in the gear animation on the grey background...

TuffGhost

July 8th, 2006, 22:29

wow. that's awesome X3 I approve XD
• agreed!

Rainbows!

July 9th, 2006, 11:07

Yep, pretty awesome. Love the new layout. <3

TuffGhost

July 10th, 2006, 08:32

so... what exactly is up with the 'w' in the 'clockwork syndicate' banner at the top of the screen? it looks like two conjoined u's or something...

Etheriel

July 10th, 2006, 08:41

That's just what W's look like in the font. You like it.

IMPORTANT EDIT - Since it was recently brought to my attention that the forum doesn't look remotely like it should on certain computers (due to various resolution- and CSS-related problems), I thought I would post an image of what Clockwork Syndicate looks like on my computer. That is to say, the way it's supposed to look:
http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/look7-10-6.png
Sorry if it's a bit large.

Windygo

July 10th, 2006, 19:53

The "Clockwonk Syndicore" is definately looking much better than before. Much more eye-pleasing.

Nearphotison

July 10th, 2006, 22:20

IMPORTANT EDIT - Since it was recently brought to my attention that the forum doesn't look remotely like it should on certain computers (due to various resolution- and CSS-related problems), I thought I would post an image of what Clockwork Syndicate looks like on my computer. That is to say, the way it's supposed to look:
http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/look7-10-6.png
Sorry if it's a bit large.

Yay! Other than being sized differently, it looks like I can handle the images!

Very nice design, it's definitely exceeded my expectations. ;)

Saber

July 10th, 2006, 22:27

Looks fine to me! That w does kinda freak me out XD

Cho-Meric

July 11th, 2006, 14:05

Well since you seem to not like the font I have put togather a collection of other fonts. The first link is the fonts in the current style, the second is in a style that I personally like better and the last is plain font style.

Current (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Cho_Meric/CS_banner_fonts_2.png)
Better (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Cho_Meric/CS_banner_fonts_3.png)
Plain (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Cho_Meric/CS_banner_fonts.png)

Nearphotison

July 11th, 2006, 14:39

Well since you seem to not like the font I have put togather a collection of other fonts. The first link is the fonts in the current style, the second is in a style that I personally like better and the last is plain font style.

I don't think anyone actually dislikes the font, several of us just find it humorous is all . . . ^^

I like the 'better' a lot, too. However, it doesn't match the rest of the board nearly as well as 'current' . . .

TuffGhost

July 11th, 2006, 14:43

Well since you seem to not like the font I have put togather a collection of other fonts. The first link is the fonts in the current style, the second is in a style that I personally like better and the last is plain font style.im not really a big fan of the font that we have now, but i wonder if there is something we can do with that font at the bottom of the pages. i like the idea of the construction lines around the calligraphy. if we put the right effect on it i think it would be perfect. that is just my two sense on the fonts given.

Interian

July 11th, 2006, 14:44

It bothers me that the bg image is so square, so I did something about it and darkened the edges.

http://f10.putfile.com/7/19115430394.png

Cho-Meric

July 11th, 2006, 14:57

It bothers me that the bg image is so square, so I did something about it and darkened the edges.

Yes that sharp bottom edge was botthering me also, thank you for fixing it.

I like the 'better' a lot, too. However, it doesn't match the rest of the board nearly as well as 'current' . . .

Well It is only temporary, and the "better" does match the blue buttons, adn the gold text on the user names could easily be changed.

TuffGhost

July 11th, 2006, 15:05

It bothers me that the bg image is so square, so I did something about it and darkened the edges.
funny, but the contrast on my monitor must be lower or something because i didn't even notice that edge until someone said something about it. good fix though.

Etheriel

July 11th, 2006, 15:28

I noticed that the edge was there, but with my contrast, it wasn't a bother. I was actually planning on reducing it once I had the chance, but it looks like now I won't have to. Thanks, Interian!

Well It is only temporary, and the "better" does match the blue buttons, adn the gold text on the user names could easily be changed.
Fallacy: The blue buttons and other images are from vBulletin's default skin and will eventually be changed. I was originally planning on the new one's fitting the gold/bronze scheme. However, if we like the look of the blue, we can stick with that, but I (or someone) will still make new ones.

TuffGhost

July 11th, 2006, 15:48

I was originally planning on the new one's fitting the gold/bronze scheme. However, if we like the look of the blue, we can stick with that, but I (or someone) will still make new ones.
• i say go with the gold/bronze thing. i like it much more, and the blue seems a little bit forced/gaudy

Saber

July 11th, 2006, 15:49

is there any way to bevel the usernames? Like the "Clockwork Syndicate" at the top?

Etheriel

July 11th, 2006, 16:08

is there any way to bevel the usernames? Like the "Clockwork Syndicate" at the top?
If they were images, but they're not nor will they ever be. I don't know any way of bevelling with CSS, but I'm no CSS expert.

Interian

July 11th, 2006, 19:50

All you can do in css is shadow and glow, and neither of those are supported in Mozilla so using them isn't recommended. Hopefully they'll release a new version of css or something with a bunch of cool new effects.

EDIT: You could turn them into images with some sort of crazy string replace code in php. Maybe even a code to draw an image in php based upon the string and put some sort of loop in... there I go again. Basically I just restated what Eth said, it can be done but at the moment only with images.

MerelyAthinShadow

July 11th, 2006, 21:19

I'm gonna have to say that this is one of the coolest looking forums I've been to.

No changes I can think of, other than changing the basic buttons. [Post Reply, Quote, New Thread, etc.]

Saber

July 11th, 2006, 21:35

I'm trying to think of what to make them. I want to keep with the mechanical theme. But then again, I'm not really in charge of that. X3

MerelyAthinShadow

July 11th, 2006, 21:44

I'm trying to think of what to make them. I want to keep with the mechanical theme. But then again, I'm not really in charge of that. X3
D: I don't see why anyone would be against it.

Can't you just like change the colors of the buttons to dark grays and silvers and such? Or maybe there's already a set of buttons out there that are like that?

Saber

July 11th, 2006, 21:47

I think Eth'll want to change them completely. Not to mention some of them have white borders that don't mesh well with the gray background. (see Post Reply button).

MerelyAthinShadow

July 11th, 2006, 21:50

I think Eth'll want to change them completely. Not to mention some of them have white borders that don't mesh well with the gray background. (see Post Reply button).
Yea, I know what you mean. e.e

TuffGhost

July 11th, 2006, 23:59

• i could maybe work on some buttons also. is there any pixel size i should stay within etheriel?

Etheriel

July 12th, 2006, 11:57

Don't deviate too greatly from anything's current size or shape. No specific restrictions.

MerelyAthinShadow

July 12th, 2006, 15:41

Don't deviate too greatly from anything's current size or shape. No specific restrictions.
Other than sticking to the clockwork theme. =]

Cho-Meric

July 13th, 2006, 15:22

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Cho_Meric/CS_edit_button.gif
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Cho_Meric/CS_edit_button2.gif

Here is a quick one i made with a changed font and color. I don't really know what kind of symbol we should put on these buttons though, and the white border is easy to get rid of.

Windygo

July 13th, 2006, 15:27

I like the colors and the font.

As for symbols? Replace the papers with gears... and the scissors/feathers with tools.

Cho-Meric

July 13th, 2006, 15:50

I like the colors and the font.

As for symbols? Replace the papers with gears... and the scissors/feathers with tools.

I don't know what kinda tools to make but here is it with the gear..
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Cho_Meric/CS_edit_button_gear.gif
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/Cho_Meric/CS_edit_button_gear2.gif

Etheriel

July 13th, 2006, 18:42

I like the versions in post 48 much better. Stick with the original symbols.

Because I'm not at home, I can't offer much more direction right now. When I'm back Sunday, I will comment further.

Windygo

July 15th, 2006, 14:49

When I said I liked the color, the only one showing up was the yellowish one. Heh. Atm, I do like the original symbols better.

Saber

July 16th, 2006, 17:55

For the edit button, I was thinking, like, a wrench or something, but meh.

(sorry I haven't been around for a coupla days. Trouble with the cable)

Cho-Meric

July 17th, 2006, 01:42

For the edit button, I was thinking, like, a wrench or something, but meh.

(sorry I haven't been around for a coupla days. Trouble with the cable)

A wrench would be cool, but then we would have to think of a tool for the quote, and I can't think of anything that would look good. Also I won't be able to get on photoshop due to the car accident I was in, so if someone else wants to make the buttons with the font I used it is called flashbot (I think)

Etheriel

July 17th, 2006, 20:38

A wrench would be cool, but then we would have to think of a tool for the quote, and I can't think of anything that would look good. Also I won't be able to get on photoshop due to the car accident I was in, so if someone else wants to make the buttons with the font I used it is called flashbot (I think)

Yeah, I was sorry to hear about that. I'm in a slightly less crappy position, as my car's engine just exploded and I was only able to sell the whole car for $0 American. (Ask me for details off the boards.)

If nobody else (Saber?) picks up where you left off, I can put it on my list.

TuffGhost

July 17th, 2006, 21:38

• i could also go to work on the same thing. its looking like i will be having a little more time on my hands in the near future.

Windygo

July 18th, 2006, 13:38

There's plenty of tools in the world, and ones that work for Clockwonk. Hammers and screwdrivers come to mind.

Saber

July 18th, 2006, 22:48

TuffGhost

July 18th, 2006, 23:46

Having a gard time figuring out what would be what. So far:

Edit - Wrench
Quick Reply/Reply - a Compass (it's not really clockwork, but it's close. maybe for like designing clockwork stuff. It's somewhat a contrived interpertation, but meh)
Quote - not a clue....
• i like the compass idea, as well as the wrench. what about a punch-card (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Lochkarte_Tanzorgel.jpg) for the quote icon?

Saber

July 19th, 2006, 14:58

We need a place to put original music. Unless I just can't see it?

hmmm. maybe but I'll try to think of alternatives....

Etheriel

July 19th, 2006, 15:08

I'm in favor of the punch-card suggestion.

Do you think there would be a reasonably sized audience for original music submissions? If there's interest and we think such a thing would be successful, original music might make a fair addition, but I am uncertain if it would go anywhere.

On a side-note, any concerns that anyone may have had about the CORPs section should be resolved. If you haven't seen the changes, go check it out. Near and I worked together on it.

Saber

July 19th, 2006, 17:50

I just have a midi file I made and have no where to post it. I suppose it could go in my portfolio thread...

Nearphotison

July 19th, 2006, 21:08

On a side-note, any concerns that anyone may have had about the CORPs section should be resolved. If you haven't seen the changes, go check it out. Near and I worked together on it.

Yes we did! I am quite pleased with the results. :)

I just have a midi file I made and have no where to post it. I suppose it could go in my portfolio thread...

I think Ethy's main concern with starting an original music section would be that not too many people make original music, or have a strong interest in it. I don't know much about that but if their's a sizeable audience out there then I'm sure our fearless leader wouldn't mind making something like that. Otherwise I think the portfolio idea is a good one.

Not trying to put words in anyone's mouth, just my thoughts. :)

Interian

July 19th, 2006, 21:29

I've got a guy, he keeps yelling at me because he wants me to finish a game and use his music but I have... motivation issues. I'll see what he's doing.

Saber

July 19th, 2006, 22:17

I'll see if I can recruit Kuroneko to come. he's my main compser so he'll have some stuff.

Etheriel

July 21st, 2006, 09:32

http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/clockworksyndicate_link01.gif

The Syndicate has its first link image for advertising and affiliation purposes. I've already made use of it over at ETE.

edit - I also made an 88x31 version, which is what dA requires for website buttons:
http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/clockworksyndicate_link01s.gif

Rainbows!

July 25th, 2006, 14:54

No offence, but the font is really starting to look like Clockwork Syndicore again. Especially in the 88x31 version of the button. Is there really no other font out there that we can use?

Etheriel

July 25th, 2006, 15:10

You are quite right. We really should change the font soon. If nobody else jumps on it, I'll work on it a bit later once I have the opportunity.

(The text is actually exactly the same on both versions of the button. Any difference is your imagination. :P )

Rainbows!

July 25th, 2006, 15:17

I have a very vivid imagination, thank you. >| Anyway, I tried to make a button but it looked like crap. I might try to make one, though.

Saber

July 25th, 2006, 16:59

I have around 180 fonts, maybe I can find one we can use.

Saber

July 30th, 2006, 19:46

I suggest a portal page. or at the very least a 5 most recent posts thingy..

Etheriel

July 30th, 2006, 20:38

Plans are in the works, but don't expect anything soon.

Etheriel

August 7th, 2006, 21:50

http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/etheriel/temp/fontexamples1.png

Here's a sampling of different fonts applied to the current logo, with all formatting unchanged. Obviously, further adjustments would be made before turning any of these into the final logo, but, from this selection of seventeen, what do we like?

Saber

August 7th, 2006, 22:16

I like 5 and 8 the best

I have more fonts if you want me to experiment with them.

TuffGhost

August 7th, 2006, 23:27

• i also am fond of 5 and 8. also 15

Etheriel

August 8th, 2006, 12:32

The current logo:
http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/v1_logoBexample.png
A possible new logo using fonts 5 and 8:
http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/v1_logoC.png
A possible new logo using font 5:
http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/v1_logoD.png
A possible new logo using font 15:
http://www.clockworksyndicate.net/forums/images/added/v1_logoE.png

Clearly, they all need more work. Comments?