Robert Tipping
Company: Symetrical Compulsion
Website: www.strungoutonfreeware.com
A proffesional (as in i get paid ) web designer and marketing agent. I specialize In small business web sites and marketing materials and have a broad variety of experiences within that segment.When i have time I enjoy reviewing and promoting freeware on my word press blog strungoutonfreeware,
Users Concepts
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Users Last 25 Reviews
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Concept: New home page and colors for a quiz site
very wordyI would say on first impact this is very wordy and therefore a little daunting.
Your first three column (feature )breakouts could have more meaning full icon type graphics break down the words or even replace words as section headers. I would be tempted to go more sensational link than wordy explanation on home page .
i belief a branding icon (logo picture is perhaps necessary) for what I am assuming is a school/college/university demographic.
In short reads like a mid term paper rather than a fun challenge.
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Ok I am confused I could not get on the link before review know I can and most of what I mention here is implemented on the site. What is it you want reviewed ? the link or the concept media image featured here.?
Robert Tipping
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Thank you Robert. Design is iterative. We are working on a new iterating and doing some much due clean up. We will make the images better and bigger. Reducing word coutn as well.
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Concept: First Web Comic
Dont get it - Im sorryEither this borders on retardation or Its going over my head .
Take heart I said the same thing about Celine Dion and they tell me she does quite well.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: Web Site Redesign Jewelry Sales
I would try a more contemporary portrayel of metalWe have a weird thing here perhaps the only site Ive seen that *should *be using a metal gradient but unfortunately it dates the site(IMO)because every body and there dog did the metal gizmo thing with flash and without.
As mentioned it is valid topically and on a brief stroll through the site everything works as expected. So i would say you have a fully workable site here and because I know what a lot of work these commerce things are I would say good on yer mate start collecting money.
Now if it where my site to redesign I would bring it all down to basic black and really try and draw the metal and gradients from the rings themselves I would try hard not to compete with the rings In terms of metal gradient or shadow the very thing (IMO)that the titanium ring brings to the texture by default. Im not keen on the text and im not sure why ?have you tried globally reducing size I think its a bit big or maybe the line space which I see is at 1.4? Also I have mentioned before(but nobody cares lol) that going outside the css 2.1 schema when most browsers cant even handle 2.1 properly ...well lets say it leaves me dizzy .
Good luck nice rings.
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Thanks Robert. When I set up the black text I looked at other sites such as CNN, Apple, etc. I tried to match what other major sites were doing. You are correct, I did increase the line spacing. To me it gave a more open feel.
I am using some CSS3 for rounded corners and drop shadows - so you will see more eye candy if using Firefox or Safari. Let me know if you think any of it is excessive.
Can you point to an example of a "contemporary portrayal of metal"? I certainly don't want a heavy metal "game site" appearance.
Ed Ferguson 62 -
No not game sites lol (as if I have a clue about game sites)
No if this where mine first I would be looking for architecture to ahem borrow something like this
http://www.rfknox.com/img/custom-architectural-metal-design-fabrication.jpg
http://img.archiexpo.com/images_ae/photo-g/metal-wire-mesh-facade-cladding-159729.jpg
http://www.a2mg.com/images/MetalServices.jpg
I would create what I call a flat palette first (I use the ink suction Joby in illustrator)and then mix some gradients. Then I would try and support the structure with the shapes and blocks that appear with the buildings so whatever I felt supported metal naturally. The advantage of this approach or similar is you are not going to end up with a game layout or a widget box .
A ui is a ui (user interface) whether its a web site a sky scraper elevator or a toilet -just looking at websites(important as it is)will get you looking like another web site.
Robert Tipping 858
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Concept: Website design for www.wasiyat.com
Needs PicturesThe web is a visual medium even if you are a tax man or an undertaker you need pics -
Given the complex(sometimes)subject - pictures could be used as pecs(language substitute illustrations for special needs).It would liven thing up and be useful at the same time.
Although we wont be handing out prizes for the color scheme it may be a good balance again for the folks who are going to find this difficult to complete. I don't know if its possible to have a typical will(fictitious) on show - some folks may find that helpful. I am dragging my **t on my new will I have to say Its not something I would consider online however a feature blurb for naysayers on your home page ? could be a good Idea. All in all this could be a good venture . The fingerprint is doing nothing for me a standard quill and scroll is where I would be heading for a logo.
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Thank for your comments Robert. The thumbprint has a cultural context - it was used to sign documents till a few decades back. Thought about the quill and scroll thing but have been it in too many places.
John Aj 79
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Concept: Redesign of interactive agency
#ED145B on #8B6D3BWe have hashed out the hot pink more than once on this forum I guess its a love it or not kinda color but without a doubt it is used with "big" Impact here.
Excpt for when the pink tries to blend with #8B6D3B in the composite gradients on the home page its very effective. I think further in the use of the big bold black and excellent white space is more my cup of tea but the pink grabs your attention thats for sure.
Im not sure the lower case (type) nav is working against the larger than normal headers ?I assume you would have tried it both ways but I thought I would mention it. All else is groovy nice job.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: Re-design to increase conversion
Some room for improvementThere are many good things about this site but there is some room for improvement.
The drop down menu has no rollover or active state this is not just a personal preference but on FF latest it was hard to tell if my menu(click)command was working.
I am deeply appreciative that some of the Icon action is repeated in text at the bottom of page -however the text looks somewhat sloppy in contrast to the terrific icon job above and again there was no link rollover state in ff latest.(barely visible underline in black mainly lost).
the css on at least home page is a disaster needs cleaning up large - I do appreciate jury is out on seo and validated material but it just rubs me the wrong way.
If I may suggest the "Family of brands be Introduced through the segment Icons themselves or a separate page listing I don't think they are working below the fold again I see there impact within the segment icon.
The "tool tip"you have at "my cart" and "checkout"(rollover state) could also be used at the left bank of icons where it gets a little muddy.
What I did like the color -bang up job on using pinks logo and tag -mercifully simple and direct right column icon navigation -these are exactly the questions I would have if i where sending gifts abroad.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: MediaCore: An Open Source Video and Podcasting Platform
Looks goodEvery thing looks present and correct - nice Job.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: Website redesign for nDzynes.com
css out of 2.1 ?With most of us (and savvy customers) basing validation on the 2.1 9W3c)schema I think you may asking for some tight trouser days with 41 errors on the home page .
Appreciating that many of the newer browsers can handle opacity ,shadow etc already there are still many that cannot.
Certainly with ie6 which I no longer support but lots still insist - you could foreseeable notice performance problems as it cannot even render the current schema never mind outside.
The Vista thing is groovy but to my eye clashes with the first "screeny" on the left perhaps for the home page picking something more complimentary from your portfolio may serve you better. Im not sure if you are using Images for your text on the nav tabs but they are quite blurry FF latest at 1280 x 1024 . A basic screen size change courtesy web developer tool bar ff latest choppered your view port in half at the infamous 800x 600.
Switching off styles similar to a crude panic degradation test did render a usable page
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thanks for your thoughts! I'm actually validating my site against css3 - I know it's not 100% valid yet - because of the use of some css3 effects.
I considered the 800x600 issue when making the site, but I'm not too worried about that because of the thousands of visitors my site has had over the last year, only 39 have been at 800x600.
Nathan Parikh 128
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Concept: Diabetic Nerve Pain 30 or 60 second TV Spot
I am posative I could not Improve on thisThis must be tough subject day . Man I think you did what you could we have a clear shot at pain is not OK and maybe we can do something. I don't think the message could be confused and everything is simple and straight forward and it flows forward like you would expect . Good job - my hat is off.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: hatchergraphics logo design
last one -your avatarI only think the last one has any validity -In saying that it does seem that it is squeezed and I sense it needs to relax on the width after that I think it will become serviceable.
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Thanks!
Eric Hoffman 327
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Concept: Cardiac Stent InfoGraphic
My brain hurtsOh man this is a tuff go and I was whining about a table lol.
Tiffany what can i say I think you did a bang up job on a tuff go but I confess the ADD kicked in about 3/4 the way through .
To paraphrase Amadeus "to many notes"
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I hear you. I think the biggest challenge is when they give me a 20 page powerpoint deck and tell me to fit in all the tables and data onto one poster. I'm hoping though that the client will take the time to read it... seeing as they spent a few thousand dollars for the study. Thanks for your comments!
Tiffany Gagnon 1068 -
Your are a trooper .........i'm not feeling so sorry for myself this morning lol.
Robert Tipping 858
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Concept: Bolvar Solutions Home page
Highlighting/rollover depictionI think this starts of with a good feel /ambiance then gets bogged down .
Although I like the big balloons and the space that is created on the home page
I think its to much to carry through as a header and would have to be toned /scaled down through out the balance of the pages.
The highlighting/background color at text definitely gets old fast I think you need to reexamine that if only to have it less in your face.
Over all I like where its going .
This review has no comments.
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Concept: Company Website
Looks serviceable to meI sense a little angst? "last ditch attempt"
OK its no http://www.subtraction.com/ however It looks quite serviceable to me .
The place holder content throws out my tired brain when Im looking for Target Market: Corporates, big businesses
but I can see this working out fine
chin up -put in some fresh content t take a deep breath and see if things look better.
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Cheers
Aaran Casey 2012
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Concept: www.ismartart.com WebSite Logo
I like No. 1Well certainly cant accuse you of lack of Imagination. No.1 is really quite original Im not sure if I like it -but it is really nice to see something completely different-well done.
I suppose if we start pulling it apart I think some experimenting with scale as the parts relate to each other , However very refreshing to see something new.
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Thanks for your review
Peter Safwat 344
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Concept: Identity Design
The TagThe art is good font fits right in and black and white always works for me.
Target Market: Middle level professionals of Oil and Gas Companies.
I don't have a better tag but im not keen on this one seems like a literal definition-maybe that's appropriate? I like 3 best its like a lennon song open to interpretation.
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Thanks Robert. Couldn't help it with the tag-line. Client's choice.
Shabbir Hussain 458 -
Been there done that at least it was not purple and neon green . (im not kidding 3 years with purple and green - i was young and needed the money).
Robert Tipping 858
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Concept: Logo for project management Web App
Very InterestingDraggler is a cool name has no perverse or dissident negativity as far as im concerned.
I don't think you need the large toast stack on 1 and 2. I think what all of this is missing is a mouse cursor to bring the point home.(pun intended).
I think the concept is strong enough 1 and 2 but the font is not. I don't like 3 & 4 at all it hurts my eyes as I try to focus on the blur.
Objective: Memorable, showing the main concept
So with what we have No.1 is best get rid of the toast or balance into small icon at left of the word drag. Change the font. Include a mouse cursor . That takes you fist base expand from there .
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Thank you very much Robert. As I said above I`ll create some variations. Most likely without toast, perhaps with mouse cursor. About the font: I will try some others, but this one was the best fit here (imho).
M. H. 300
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Concept: Logo Design for TelStrong Business Communications
1 and 2 work for meIf you have not done so all ready create at least 3 other logos with 3 different fonts and themes.
I think you are to focused on this one "everlast 'type and variety drives the juice. If it has to be this one then Kerning needs attention specifically how the Tag interacts/compliments the tel strong. I don't like the dropped "S" You may find this link helpful http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/typespacing/a/kerningtracking.htm
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Thank You! I was wondering where I have seen this style before. I've officially ditched the dropped S. If I understand what you are saying, the tagline needs to line up underneath directly, like the edge of the B needs to line up with the E in Tel, or does the main Telstrong logo need more attention to kerning?
I will work several more, new ideas, my older ideas sucked really bad.
Thank you very much for your advice.
Mark Norton 54 -
I've added one that reflects what I think you're saying to the top.
Mark Norton 54 -
Yes the first one know is what I would call at first base rather obvious and still a little loose but you got the jist well done.
"like the edge of the B needs to line up with the E in Tel, or does the main Telstrong logo need more attention to kerning?"
Ok 9 times out of 10 when some one says watch your kerning and tracking it is a math thing yeah.
Typically 1 or more fonts are stacked or aligned in some manner and they have to be altered either optically or using metrics to make some kind off sense or symmetrical balance. That does not mean asymmetrical is bad nor does it mean everything has to be centered or the same shape or size .
In your case as pointed out the spacing of the main characters/font could be considered uncomfortable to read certainly as we see the impact of the tag our eye has lost its comfort level(typically sweeping left to right in this neck of the woods) Or to rephrase one need not necasserily center the tag and using spacing to be symmetrical but it is certainly worth considering of the top of my head reducing the tag line font size and tucking it hard left would also be an easy read you can experiment out from easy read to arty and see where your comfort level lies. I often sit and play with smart guides which will point out every conceivable mathematical alignment after which I will look for "happy accidents"if nothing grabs me I go back to obvious again and then push out till im happy.
Robert Tipping 858 -
Per your suggestion, I've added some variety. I'm interested in your opinion.
Thanks.
Mark Norton 54 -
What has now become Logo 4 is interesting.I like the weight of 3 but the composition of 4 the font in 4 seems stretch upward where as in 3 it sits. The placement of the T Over the S in 4 is better and I prefer how the tag sits n 4 also.
Robert Tipping 858 -
I've made changes and moved the new set to the top.
Mark Norton 54 -
I was thinking something like this http://www.strungoutonfreeware.com/telstrong.png bit of a hack job I just cut and pasted bits from your stuff up top.
Robert Tipping 858
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Concept: www.ismartart.com WebSite Logo
Dancing "s" orb?Im sorry if I am being a dullard but Im not getting the dancing s ? If it has to stay (why? )then no.4 is my choice No. 11 offers some comic relief and im grateful.
Objective: easy to remember and attractive to see
4 with scaled down smoke.
PS if this is illustrator change your smoke to outlines and add an art brush just to see if it worx.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: Wordpress Theme for Pubs (Pt. 2)
Add happy peopleSeems to me back in the day a lot of the ambiance /attraction appeal of the pub was happy people.
No I don't mean hammered I mean relaxed communicative perhaps gaming (darts etc).Im not seeing that here. Also any kinda of club work "soft adult" has to have some "gasp" sex in it .
No im not talking stripper or nasty dance floor up-skirts just beautiful people at work(staff) or patrons young beautiful (the pubs i went to were full of them.)
I am much more likely to enjoy your pubs/sites with the window dressing I have mentioned than what font or logo you use.
I'm in Canada but a couple of years ago I was going back and forth with a lad who built club sites he went to a great deal of effort to outline not only what was going on at the pub but also what was going on around the pub(entertainment other).He was very effective in what he did.
Thats my 10 cents cheers -may life be as good as the beer commercials-.
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Hi Robert,
Thank you for the comments. With regards to the window dressing, this theme will allow webmasters to rotate their images in the top right image which I feel will be large enough. Hopefully pub owners will make the right decisions there and get some beautiful people up ;)
Also agreed on the last line :)
Cheers
Noel
Noel 1572
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Concept: sophistiqada
#4 of the new onesThat illustration rocks
The new font is a good choice but nothing is happening in composition except for number 4 albeit rays are done to death.
You may want to keep going I think you have a great illustration and font but I don't see the killer comp yet.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: redesign
Pop upsUntil you get rid of things that go off that i did not ask for I will consider your site a virus.
That being said you have a tough challenge design wise and you have not failed by any stretch but i see 2 sites here one inspired by the top third and nav the other the wall of fame .
I don't say it will be impossible to integrate but right now they are fighting each other for attention. Some morphing of style I think is required.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: Fitness consultant needs identity
To much stuffThere is at least 3 logo's here if we where to perform cosmetic surgery and remove the Personal Management Institute & get Rid Of the & slim the M at the waste - we should rock.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: Frespiration! Logo
Nothing to changeI missed this the first time around I like them both I like the way the tag sits In 1 better though.
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the thing that makes me prefer the last one is the empty space in the front of the tagline, but thanks for your review :)
Ari Suardiyanti 436
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Concept: BLURi Entertainment Branding
ScribbleEver since Illustrator introduced scribble in cs4 ? i think - its been everywhere -personally Im not keen.
Im glad you included the whole page as it has an attitude and atmosphere greater than its parts - that being said I don't think I like the logo itself -just your page.
No more scribble.
This review has no comments.
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Concept: using Flash and illustrations in my simple website
Scale of buttonsThere is no single error her or in your portfolio more like a bunch of little ones.
I don't think there is anything wrong with view-port flash design (above the fold) but not all the time.
There are reoccurring font ,kerning and scale issues across your portfolio and I think you need to bear down on fine detail - simple it is but parts border on sloppy. Remember flash design has been taken to an entirely different level with the object orientated action script 3 you are in a very competitive arena
Again I would bear down on detail - study up on action script and web design if you expect "wows" from an entirely savvy web generation.
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