The Official S2C Banner Contest - WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!!

[beeps]

Design S2C’s New Banners!

Everyone remembers the last official contest, the Miss S2C Pageant, right? Well this time around, we are holding a contest for you to show us your creativity and graphic design talent by making S2C’s brand new front page banner and forum banner! If you all can remember back far enough, it was Enayla’s ‘Cecilia Lynn’ who won. Because Enayla disappeared on us for quite some time, we have decided to use the runner-up’s Sim as the face on the new banner. After all, the runner-up in a beauty contest must take over when the winner cannot fulfill her duties!

Therefore, HystericalParoxysm’s ‘Sophia de Muse’ will be the new face of S2C and will be featured in your rendition of the front page banner. There is no theme for these banners – you can do whatever you want! The main requirement is that the banners be exactly the dimensions listed below:

940x130 (front page banner)
297x60 (forum banner)

These are the banners as of now:

Front Page Banner (http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u155/boolPropped2/S2C%20Stuff/Banner%20Contest/sims2community2.jpg)
Forum Banner (http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u155/boolPropped2/S2C%20Stuff/Banner%20Contest/banner01.jpg)

This contest is open to whoever would like to participate, and it will run for 10 days. The first 3 days are for questions, and the last 7 will be for submissions. This means that you must submit your final entries on or before 3.27.07 @ 9:00pm (US Central Time). You may only submit one set of banners MAXIMUM. There are pictures of HystericalParoxysm’s ‘Sophia de Muse’ linked in this thread, which are the pictures you must use for the banner.

If there is a specific pose for the picture you would like to use for your banner, you can PM HystericalParoxysm and ask her politely to take a picture of her Sim in that specific pose for you. You may also request a specific NON PAY hairstyle for ‘Sophia’ to sport in the pose request. If you choose to PM HystericalParoxysm with a special pose/non-pay hair request picture, you MUST follow this example template for your PM:

Hair: Nouk’s Dreads [link]
Pose: “Looking Up In Awe” OfB Reaction Tester from JD Movies; Customer - Browse - High - C [4]

If you do not provide thorough information, including direct links to the non-pay hair of your choice, your request will be rejected.

There is no rule as to how many pictures may be used in the banner. This contest will be judged by the staff, and the winner will be announced on this thread.

*** Remember! You MUST be able to provide the staff with a layer-separated PSD or other layer-separated document for a commonly usable program if you win, so keep that in mind when creating your banner.

DO NOT CHATTER!!! This thread will ONLY be used for questions and entries. Thats it. Additionally, there will not be a separate chatter thread (like with the Miss S2C Pageant). If you fail to follow that rule, you will be officially warned for intentionally disregarding the instructions of a moderator.

RULES:
- You must include “The Sims 2 Community” name on your banners
- You must use pictures of HystericalParoxysm’s Sim in the link below (or follow the example template above for a specific pose)
- The banners must be 940 (length) x 130 (height) AND 297 (length) x 60 (height)
- You can only submit a maximum of one set of banners
- You must submit your final entry/entries on or before 3.27.07 @ 9:00pm (US Central Time).
- DO NOT CHATTER. AT ALL.

Pictures of HystericalParoxysm’s ‘Sophia de Muse’ (http://www.demusedsims.com/sophiapics.htm)

Have fun everyone and good luck!

[beeps]

Contestant List
01. helaene (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810082&postcount=58)
02. 123321 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810133&postcount=61)
03. stylequeen (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810135&postcount=62)
04. joanne_8121 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810140&postcount=63)
05. corvidophile2 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810178&postcount=64)
06. crocobaura (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810234&postcount=65)
07. auroraspirit (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810361&postcount=66)
08. pickpock (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810573&postcount=68)
09. coolh5000 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810597&postcount=69)
10. footballer_17 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810630&postcount=70)
11. squall117 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=810992&postcount=72)
12. redwing (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=811644&postcount=73)
13. Small Town Sim (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=811912&postcount=76)
14. pacotacoplayer (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=811960&postcount=77)
15. purplestarz2006 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=812253&postcount=78)
16. mumof5ferals (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=812871&postcount=80)
17. 19BlkBrdFly83 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=812936&postcount=81)
18. pixie (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=812963&postcount=82)
19. IntrepidLlama (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=813020&postcount=86)
20. emcake (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=813171&postcount=86)
21. FireAzor (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=813451&postcount=88)
22. Nouk (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=813469&postcount=90)
23. SarahKjrsten (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=813488&postcount=92)
24. sidneydoj (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=813644&postcount=94)
25. Daan1302 (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=813692&postcount=97)
26. sims2germany (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814090&postcount=98)
27. Charmy (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814238&postcount=100)
28. CherificSim (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814257&postcount=101)
29. kowaizo (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814275&postcount=102)
30. Urbanique (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814333&postcount=103)
31. Wallpaper (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814336&postcount=104)
32. crzyladyi (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814450&postcount=105)
33. treeag (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=814759&postcount=108)
34. Mickey (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=815334&postcount=109)
35. Sisaly (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=815418&postcount=110)
36. Starrats (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=815672&postcount=111)
37. MizzesSimmer (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=817217&postcount=112)
38. asyouwish (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=817513&postcount=115)
39. Ciane (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=818411&postcount=117)
40. bluemoon11 (http://www.forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=818627&postcount=119)

[pacotacoplayer]

For the small banner, do we put poses of Sophia? Or just the community logo?

Do we need to put the same Sims2Community logo on the big and small banner (the text) or do we make our own text?

[beeps]

For the forum banner, it would be nice to keep it mainly text (ie "The Sims 2 Community" or another version of our site names). However, if you would like to include a small picture of Sophia, that is your call. Its definitely not necessary but will not be counted against your score.

You can use the existing S2C text, make your own or use any pre-made text you may have (Times, Arial, etc).

[Charmy_SC]

I have a question;
If we don't request a pose from HP, and use existing pictures, will that be counted against us?

And I have another question; When requesting a pose from HP, can we also request that it be on a solid background?

This looks so fun!

[beeps]

Of course it wont count against you if you dont request a pose from HystericalParoxysm.

HystericalParoxysm will be putting all pose requests on a solid background. Its up to her to decide which color background she will use for the requested poses.

[Charmy_SC]

Ah, okay. Thanks for clearing that up.


Could we also make adjustments to her sim photo?

[beeps]

It depends on what adjustments you make. Changing Sophia's shirt color, tinting, warping or utilizing general photoshop tools is fine, however you cant like stick the face of a different Sim on Sophia and slap it on a banner. Sophia's face should remain the same as in the pictures (ie same make-up, eye color, etc).

[Charmy_SC]

Ok! I was thinking of that, but so long as her face stays the same, it's ok then.

One last question, I promise, LOL

Now I'm not sure if it's been asked, but does the logo have to be in the banner with Sophia? (Take the logo and paste it onto the current banner)

[ThePolygotNerd_SC]

Is it ok to use animation?

[Cissia]

Similar questions have been asked but I'm not sure if this is the same, do we have to have the "Sims 2" logo or can it just says "The Sims 2 Community" without the Sims 2 logo?

Sorry if it was asked before, different wordings confuse me!

Do you want the small banner bg white like it is now? And a blue colour theme? Or is the forum colours going to be edited around the banner or not?

[HystericalParoxysm]

BTW, guys, I have a set of solid-coloured walls in every colour of the rainbow, so I don't mind if you ask for a specific colour background. Just make it easy on me in terms of finding a hair and what pose you want, if you do need another pic taken. :)

[joanne_SC]

what colour scheme is prefered? i was thinking about doing a green one similar to the colour of the "2" on the sims2 logo.

[discordkitty]

what colour scheme is prefered? i was thinking about doing a green one similar to the colour of the "2" on the sims2 logo.

Use your imagination. Do something you think looks good.

[joanne_SC]

so when are we allowed to post these ... 2 more days?

[schuldig_seiben_SC]

I'm seriously not trying to stir up any trouble - Hp's sim will make a lovely banner :anime - but since Enayla was ill and is now back, does she know her sim is no longer to be the banner model?

[Sizza]

You MUST be able to provide the staff with a layer-separated PSD or other layer-separated document for a commonly usable program if you win, so keep that in mind when creating your banner.

Could you explain this?

[HystericalParoxysm]

Charmy, you are welcome to use the current text, the Sims 2 emblem, or just create your own logo text. As long as it says "The Sims 2 Community" in some way.

ThePolygotNerd, I think we want to stay away from animation, to keep the filesize down and to keep things quickly loading.

joanne_8121/Cissia, regarding the colour scheme (and expanding on discord's statment above), I don't think we'll be changing the whole forum to match the banner, so it should be something that complements our colour scheme, but you are welcome to get creative with the use of colour.

joanne_8121, regarding posting, yes, please wait until the question period has completed before posting your banners. We want to make everything is clear for everyone participating, so there's no, "I already posted mine and I didn't know that!" type stuff.

schuldig, that's explained in the first post. Enayla was gone without communication for quite a while. She had only sent the sim to Lyric, so we don't have her sim. When the banner idea had come up she had expressed interest in helping design the banner, but then disappeared without any more word on the subject. It's only been very recently that she has been back - planning and preparation for this has been going on since before her return (including Sophia's photo shoot, which took several hours). She hasn't contacted us for her prizes, either, nor to notify us that she wasn't going to be around, so we've gone ahead with the runner-up. It is not intended as anything negative toward Enayla whatsoever - we all have the utmost respect for her (I was in the contest and rooting for her to win myself!), but we needed to get moving on this. We have been preparing for this and getting all the details worked out for some time now. If she would like to participate in this contest, or if she would like to get Cecelia to us in a way that she can be used on a later banner, she's welcome to do so. Part of the reason of getting a layer-separated version of the winning logo design is so we can switch out the sim later if we would like to - to put Cecelia in, or a winner of another official Miss/Mr. S2C contest in future. ;)

Sizza, A PSD is a Photoshop document, its native file format, which will allow someone to save all the layers of their image with whatever effects, etc., so it can be pulled apart and changed. We would need a PSD or another common layer-separated format (whatever Paint Shop Pro uses, etc.,) so we can switch out the sim for another one if we choose to run another contest later, to make seasonal changes if we decide to do so, create other graphics using parts of their banner, etc.

[Ghost sdoj]

I use a free program called Photobie which has its own format. Would it be acceptable to provide a Photobie format document and a link to the photobie download site?

[Cissia]

sidney I think they don't mind as long as it's multi-layers like a .PSD file.

[footballer_17]

Can we submit on the 3 days of questioning? :D or do we have to wait after the 3 days..

[HystericalParoxysm]

That's fine, sidneydoj - as long as we have a layer-separated document that we can use. :)

footballer_17, please wait to submit until the 3 days of questions are over. :)

[schuldig_seiben_SC]

Oh, I see :) It was mentioned in the first post, but in a way that seemed to suggest that she hadn't returned, and not a lot of detail into the situation (perhaps because it's not really any of my business :giggler: ) Again, I wasn't intending to critisize, imply that Enayla was being disrespected, or create trouble - I was genuinely wondering :duck: Thanks very much for replying.

I know that Enayla took a complete break from pretty much everything online because she was unwell, and didn't inform anyone because it was an unplanned and genuinely needed break. So I don't think she meant to abandon you ^^;
I watched the contest too, and everyone's entries were incredible, especially in the last round. It seemed a shame that after all the effort put forward, circumstances came about which meant that the banner still hasn't been made - it's definitely time something was done.

And obviously all the hard work and planning that has been going on for a while shouldn't be wasted :) It's a nice idea that the file format must be layered, too, for future use.

{edit} HP, I just had a look at Sophia's pictures on your site. I love her expressions! You didn a great job getting all those :D

Anyway, sorry for interrupting. Good luck everyone! I can't wait to see what people come up with :bunny:

[Apsalar]

Heeeey, I'd like to try something. I love making banners :D

So when it's time to post the banners, we do it right here, right? Or is it in another thread? Also, have I understood it correct, that we should attach the actual .psd file?
Do you want it zipped or rared, or not at all? Also,is there a size limit to the file, or will you compress it yourself?

Hugs, digital_Hannah

[HystericalParoxysm]

It's okay, schuldig. I explained with a bunch of words as I realize, while we mentioned it, others might want a bit more explanation as well. I realize you didn't mean anything bad by it - and I didn't mean to imply that Enayla meant to "abandon" us or anything. Real life and one's health is WAAAY more important than pixel dollies, and we wish her all the best of health and happiness. :)

digital_hannah, it will be in this thread. We'll let you know when it's time to post the banners and the question period has ended. Post the images in the thread here, in JPEG format, using the (img) tags if you have your own webspace that you can upload to, or "Go Advanced" and then use the Manage Attachments button to upload directly. We only need the PSD from the winner, and we'll get that once the winner is announced.

[redwing_SC]

Might HP's portraits be supplied with a different background? The one that has been used makes cutting out the sim's head very difficult...almost all of it evades the magic wand...at least in Paint.NET it does.

[beeps]

redwing... Thats totally up to HystericalParoxysm. It took her hours to take those pictures of Sophia, so she will decide if she is willing to provide other backgrounds for those poses.

[HystericalParoxysm]

It did take quite a while for me to take the pics, and I did try to take them against the most neutral background I could. If there are particular poses or pics that you liked and wanted to use but find difficult to cut out, link me to the specific pic and I can recreate it on a different background (what colour background would you like?).

I -may- go back in and take some more just to add to the pics available if I have time (beyond requested pics), but I won't commit myself to retaking the whole set as boolPropped is correct, it did take a long time to do all those. ;)

I find even in Photoshop that the magic wand select tool may not always work perfectly - I generally like to use it at a fairly low sensitivity setting, set to additive, and doing it in small amounts, bit by bit, then switching to the polygon select tool to fix up any little bits that may have gone wrong using magic wand.

[redwing_SC]

Thanks anyway, HP. Whatever you decide is fine with me. I have no requests. I had thought I might like to combine/overlap 6 of your portraits, but I'll see if I can come up with a different idea. If I can't, no big whoop. Cheers.

[EuroSand]

HP would you be willing to send us Sophia via pm if we request her so we can do our own photoshoots of her, or photoshop poses and such?

[HystericalParoxysm]

No, I will not. The mask she uses is essential to her appearance, and is edited from the content of several creators which cannot be redistributed in the edited form. I always happy to share my shareable sims, but because of her mask, I cannot share her.

[HystericalParoxysm]

Thank you for understanding. If I even remembered where all the textures I used came from, I'd have sought permission to share her with the edited versions, but having used about half a dozen textures from as many creators, and it being quite a while ago, the sources escape me. Of course, if you have specific poses or anything you want me to do with her to make your creation easier or better, please do let me know. ;)

[PunkyBreester]

HP, will you only be PMing requested pics to the requesters, or will they be added to the linked page in the first post? I'm just wondering because it seems that multiple requests might be of the same, or similiar, poses.

Also, this has already been asked but I'm still not very clear on it. Exactly how much sim-editing is allowed? Adding hair, changing clothes, manipulating poses, etc.. is all that OK?

edit: just thought about something else.. lol. Are other sims allowed to be in the banner as well (like how there are four in the current one)?

[beeps]

PunkyBreester... Please check this post (http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=806644&postcount=8) for information about photoshopping. You are NOT allowed to include other Sims in the banner - Sophia only.

[HystericalParoxysm]

They will be added to the page linked in the first post, and I'll let you know personally by PM when they're up, as well as posting in this thread to let everyone know that there are new pics to choose from.

You can manipulate the poses based on the pics there. If you would like a different hair or clothes or something like that please let me know and I'll take the pics of her in it - it'll look more realistic and we can be sure we're sticking to free content, which is important to the staff. Filters, changing tint, image manipulation, etc., are all fine, but the overall appearance should be the same - you should be able to still tell it's her. No adding pieces of other pics from other sources to the sim herself to change her overall look.

You can put multiple pics of Sophia in the banner but not other sims besides her.

Edit: Hi boolPropped! *waves!!*

[Ghanima Atreides]

Sorry about that, bP.

I do have a question: do contestants have to give in a set (both banners) or say if they can only get a good enough idea for one of them, simply hand that in?

[HystericalParoxysm]

You can basically do the same banner for both sizes, but because we have the actual front page, and then the forum banner, we need it in both sizes. The two can be the same thing or a variation on whatever you do.

[123321_SC]

So when we submit our entry should it be a layer-separated PSD or do we just need an available copy of it to give to the staff later?

[HystericalParoxysm]

123321, see my reply here: http://forums.sims2community.com/showpost.php?p=807367&postcount=26

[pixie_SC]

Does S2C have a slogan? Or can we come up with our own, in case not? (My current comp really needs extra text for balance :p)

[beeps]

S2C does not have an official slogan, however the following phrase has been used in the past to describe the site: "Sims2Community - bringing you frequent news, updates and finds."

If you want to come up with your own, thats fine. Just keep in mind what the site is all about (NOT a downloading site, a community site).

[pixie_SC]

I have a phrase in my head and no clue where it came from - "Share the obsession!" I like how it sounds and it really seems appropriate;) but I wouldn't be surprised if that is slogan from some other site... which explains why it is in my head. In that case I won't consider using it.
Does anyone know if this phrase is already taken or not?

[beeps]

To my knowledge, I dont think the slogan is taken. However if someone knows that this slogan is taken, they will post it here ALONG WITH A LINK TO THE SITE where the slogan is used.

[android5789]

Can you use "BLUED OUT" official art picture Sims?

[beeps]

Can you use "BLUED OUT" official art picture Sims?
Im not even sure what "blued out official art picture Sims" means... Could you explain further?

[HystericalParoxysm]

I did a google search for Sims 2 and the phrase "share the obsession" and this is all I could come up with: http://p100.ezboard.com/bttcclubrevised

An Ezboard with all of 42 members and 0 posts. I think you're probably safe to use it. ;)

[android5789]

Im not even sure what "blued out official art picture Sims" means... Could you explain further?
I felt like this question would come up.

What I mean is I take a ArtPic from The Sims 2 such as this: [LINK] (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/mule21/business3.jpg)

Then I cut out the white background and color overlay the characters to make a "Blued Out Sim Art Picture".

[HystericalParoxysm]

No, android5789. As stated previously, the only sim in the banner must be Sophia.

[123321_SC]

Is it time to post or should we wait for an official "go"?

[treeag]

should the front banner and the forum banner have the similiar look and feel? I guess it should but decided to ask just in case...

[HystericalParoxysm]

123321, please wait until we say it's time to post - we'll post a big bold message when you can begin submitting your entries.

treeag, they should probably coordinate in some way but they certainly don't -have- to be the same or identical. Exactly how to do both of them is up to you and your creativity. :)

[pixie_SC]

I did a google search for Sims 2 and the phrase "share the obsession" and this is all I could come up with: http://p100.ezboard.com/bttcclubrevised

An Ezboard with all of 42 members and 0 posts. I think you're probably safe to use it. ;)
Ok. I just want to add that everyone can feel free to use it - in case somebody feels like it.:) I don't intend to have copyrights on it, lol.

[beeps]

123321... Please wait for an official "go" before you start posting your banners :)
treeag... Its really up to you!

EDIT: Heya HP - great minds think alike!

[Ghost sdoj]

I have been having quite a bit of luck with using the eyedropper to select the color right next to the sim, then setting it as the layer transparent. There is a gradient effect with the background so selecting too far away doesn't work as well, but I have gotten a clean selection every time when I selected a spot right next to her.

I just thought I would mention this in case it helps anyone else.

[sims2germany]

It's a nice Contest and nice to change, "undies" - so to say.

1 Question:

Why are there only Female pics to choose from?

Smells like, "Teen Spirit". :P

I see a grouping of 4...(?) Female Sims to choose from, no Males.

There are Male Models in the Fashion World as well as Male Sims....as well as Male members in the Community.

What do I care?.....looking for a small Bra now. :P

[HystericalParoxysm]

Please do not change the clothes on the sim - if you would like the sim wearing different clothes please link me to the free outfit you would like her to wear - it must be very very quickly though as I'll be going to bed soon and by the time I get up we'll be opening the contest up to submissions. At that time, I will not accept any more requests for new/different pics of Sophia, as we are only allowing participants to submit one set of banners, and I would like everyone to have all the pics to choose from before they submit theirs. I'm not sure if we'd want her wearing underwear in the banner though. ;)

That is ONE sim, just wearing different hair - not four different sims (you can't tell?).

As for why she's female, err, it was the Miss S2C contest. In future we may do a Mr. S2C contest and switch the sim in the banner. Not intended as any sort of discrimination against males - we like boys too.

BTW - this is to everyone, not the above poster - I had a question asked of me in PM that I wanted to answer here (so everyone can see the answer).

The question was "can we take in-game pics like of a garden for a background" - the answer to that is YES. You may take an in-game pic as a background or setting or use game elements to combine with the pics of Sophia. Please make sure you use ONLY free content if you choose to do so. You may not change Sophia's appearance basic filters and the like, or splice in pics of other sims, outfits, hairstyles, etc., onto her in any way, but if you want to put an in-game landscape or something behind her, that would be okay.

[HystericalParoxysm]

****YOU MAY NOW BEGIN POSTING YOUR BANNER ENTRIES!!!****

You may either use the img tags to insert your pics into the thread, hosting your pics at a site like photobucket.com - or you can click Go Advanced and then Manage attachments and upload your pic as an attachment to the thread.

Please keep your layer-separated documents in a safe place - we will not need them unless you win, but have them handy to send to staff when we announce the winners.

Remember, no chatter! If you like someone's entry or want to ask them how they did an effect, send them a Private Message (PM).

Good luck, everyone! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

****YOU MAY NOW BEGIN POSTING YOUR BANNER ENTRIES!!!****

[helaene_SC]

lookie, pictures! wheeeeee!

[crzyladyi]

Just one question:

Are we allowed to change our entry during the contest?

I have made like 5 banners and i'm constant changing my mind and having new idea's..

edit: your entry looks stunning helaene!!

[auroraspirit]

Are we allowed to have a 7 word sentence on the front banner or is it strictly just Sims2 Community only please.

Do we have to make both banners or can we opt to make one?

Thankyou :)

Auroraspirit :angel:

[123321_SC]

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9899/bannertwoeg5.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4758/banneronehv5.jpg

[stylequeen_SC]

first draft:

http://i13.tinypic.com/35arhpz.jpg

http://i12.tinypic.com/3zggqp2.jpg

[joanne_SC]

http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/1359/bigonexh3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/2021/littleonehf2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[corvidophile2]

Here's mine :-)

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/5585/s2cbannerbycorvidophileat0.jpg

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/9366/forumbannerme1.jpg


edit:Well , since we can't change our entry i must say that my psd includes other colors also for this banners, like blue, and the text is adjustable :-)

[crocobaura]

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f134/crocobaura/Image18.png

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f134/crocobaura/Image19.png

[auroraspirit]

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/rainbow_becky/Sims2CommunityForumBannerComplete.png

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p300/rainbow_becky/Sims2CommunityBannerComplete.png

Auroraspirit :angel:

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***
Are we allowed to have a 7 word sentence on the front banner or is it strictly just Sims2 Community only please.

Do we have to make both banners or can we opt to make one?
You are allowed as much writing on the banner as you want. We wouldnt like to see it too text-cluttered, but its totally up to you.

You HAVE to make both of the banners (front page banner and forum banner)

Are we allowed to change our entry during the contest?
You are not allowed to change your banner throughout the contest. Pick one, submit it and stick with it ;)

[pickpock]

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u260/pickpock1/Bannerlarge.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u260/pickpock1/Bannersmall.jpg

[coolh5000]

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1525/image29ny7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8053/small2ki3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

p.s you can't see it but the colour of the background on the small one is the same colour of the background of the post.
The words can be changed but they are the things that i think people come to s2c for

[footballer_17]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w248/footballer_17/FrontPageBanner.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w248/footballer_17/ForumBanner.jpg

[squall117]

May the best win :)
Forum banner preview (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/squall117/PreviewS2CBanner1.jpg)
Main site banner preview (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/squall117/PreviewS2CBanner2.jpg)

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***

chris997... The Sims pictured in banners can only be HystericalParoxysm's Sophia. No other Sims are allowed to appear on the banners. Please resubmit; thanks.

[redwing_SC]

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1478/6296789/15747328/239739554.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1478/6296789/15747328/239744340.jpg

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***

Small Town Sim... You definitely can mirror the pictures of Sophia :)

[pacotacoplayer]

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/loobor_chocolate/S2Cbanner-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/loobor_chocolate/S2CminiBanner-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/loobor_chocolate/bannerPage.jpg :D

[purplestarz2006]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/purplestarz2006/smallbanner.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/purplestarz2006/mainbanner.jpg

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***

Chris997... The banner cannot have any pictures of any other Sim besides Sophia. If you want a Sim collage in your banner, you have to use pictures of Sophia ONLY.

[Mumo_SC]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g272/mumof5ferals/sophialogo.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g272/mumof5ferals/simssophia.jpg

[19BlkBrdFly83]

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/725/s2cforumbannervr7.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8420/s2cbannersg5.jpg

[pixie_SC]

Here are mine:

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9216/pixiefrontpagebannerrg8.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3754/pixieforumbannervz8.jpg

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***

[squall117]

Oh hell I uploaded the wrong banner!! The small banner has the same background of the big one... I just realized that I uploaded a draft cause I forgot to save the jpg (I just updated the PSD on my PC) is there any change I can correct this?

[beeps]

Find your entry post, hit the edit button and make your changes. If youre having problems figuring that out, PM me and Ill explain.

[IntrepidLlama]

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l155/IntrepidLlama/NewSmallBanner.png

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l155/IntrepidLlama/NewBigBanner.png

[emcake]

so here's my pretty boring banner.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v619/greenxlikexjuly/s2cbanneremcakefinal.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v619/greenxlikexjuly/s2csmallbanneremcakefinal.png

[HystericalParoxysm]

I had a question asked of me in PM and wanted to answer it here so everyone can benefit from the answer - it is still okay to ask questions here, guys! The 3-day question period was just to get them out of the way but if you need clarification, it's okay! :)

The question was "Can we change the font for this banner or do we just go with the original?"

And the answer to that of course is, yes, you may change the font of the banner however you like. It just has to say "The Sims 2 Community."

[EuroSand]

here's mine :)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l234/EuroSand/FireAzors2cbannersmall1.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l234/EuroSand/FireAzors2cfrontbanner1.jpg

[Bad Kay]

I have a question (though I'm not going to participate): Who's going to choose the banner?

[Nouk_SC]

http://i12.tinypic.com/2pp0xg2.jpg

and

http://i5.tinypic.com/47j5hg4.jpg

[discordkitty]

I have a question (though I'm not going to participate): Who's going to choose the banner?

As clearly stated in the original post of this thread, This contest will be judged by the staff, and the winner will be announced on this thread.

All staff will be making the decision.

[SarahKjrsten]

Here's my entry:

http://i10.tinypic.com/4ckgbbt.jpg

http://i5.tinypic.com/47tplef.jpg

[Daan1302]

Is it still possible to join? If so, I'll have something nice within a day :)

[Ghost sdoj]

I'm almost embarrassed to post his after seeing some of the other entries, but here's mine anyway:
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6434/smallbannerrr8.png

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2067/buildingacommunityoh7.png

I NEED to stop messing with this and start getting my housework done! :)


Yes, there is still time. It is listed as ending on the 27th, which is about 4 days from now.

[HystericalParoxysm]

Of course. The deadline is not for several days yet, Daan1302.

BTW, I just want to say what amazing entries we're getting - and I would like to ask that everyone, not just the winner, consider sharing their PSDs/layer-separated documents once the contest is complete.

I (and the other staff) are delightedly, pleasantly surprised at all the wonderful entries - we knew we'd get some good ones, but you guys are really wowing us beyond what we expected, even knowing how great you guys can be!

I think the chance to get to learn from other peoples' work would be really nice for everyone - there are quite a few already I'm sitting here going, "Well, how'd they do that thing, that's so cool!" You guys are incredible! Keep it up, and keep those PSDs/layer separated documents somewhere safe! :)

[Ghost sdoj]

You're welcome to MY layer documents if you want them!

[Daan1302]

Made them :) Quite happy about them :)

[sims2germany]

http://i7.tinypic.com/47dua6g.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/2qmq1cm.jpg

FLEEB!

[pacotacoplayer]

Is there going to be second and third place? (just to see which banners were close to winning) ?

[Charmy_SC]

Whee!!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k187/CharmedfreakP/VERSION2copy.png
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k187/CharmedfreakP/SMALLBANNER.png

[CherificSim_SC]

Ta da!!

didn't actually plan on doing this, but i had fun =D

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m23/BangBang_Luver/S2CMainBanner.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m23/BangBang_Luver/S2COtherBanner.jpg

*scampers off*

[kowaizo]

Howdy All! New to the 'boards, but heres my newbie entry! :D

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9206/mainbannercy4.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1909/forumbannersg2.jpg

w00t!

-kowaizo!

[Urbanique]

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9630/s2cawesomevq2.jpg

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/3286/s2cawesomebuv3.jpg

Wow. Finally I'm finished! I've been working on this artwork for many hours. I really wanted to try a modern, abstract theme. I'm quite pleased how it came out. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into this.

Here ya go S2C. Enjoy! :D :elephant: :agree: :nod: :valentine

<3Urbanique

[Wallpaper_SC]

Here's mine. :)

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p74/Veggpryd/banner.png

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p74/Veggpryd/logo.png

[crzyladyi]

Hope you all like it!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/crzyladyi/crzyladyi_s2c_bannerfrontpa.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/crzyladyi/crzyladyi_s2c_forumbanner.jpg

[Charmy_SC]

I have a question, I know that there was already 3 whole days for them but I just thought of this, delete it if it can't be here: If we win this contest, will we get a star like we would in any other contest?

[discordkitty]

You get nothing other than having your banner used on s2c's forums and blog.

[treeag]

Here's my entry :

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/9232/s2cbannerto5.jpg

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/7849/s2cforumjg4.jpg

[Mickey_SC]

Here is mine! :P

http://sims2.inlimite.com/images/s2c/S2C_large.jpg

http://sims2.inlimite.com/images/s2c/S2C_small.jpg

I hope I did everything correctly! ;)

[Sisaly]

Wow, I realize that I have a very hard time making up my mind....

Well, here goes nothing...

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/sisaly/SmallBanner.png

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/sisaly/OfficialBannerDeux.png

[Starrats]

I was bored so I made one to :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/Starrats/S2C_297x60.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v428/Starrats/S2C_940x130.png

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***

[MizzesSimmer]

Hey, heres my entry! It was fun :)

[Mumo_SC]

I was just wondering if this banner contest is a one off thing or will there be a contest every year?

[beeps]

mumo... This is a one-time contest. In the future, there will be more Official Contests run here by the staff, but we are sticking to only one banner contest :)

[asyouwish]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k30/omgsims/simbanner.png

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k30/omgsims/simbannersmall.png


Hey y'all! I just noticed this when I realized my banner was smaller than most people's, and I saw that other people were having this problem, too. I don't want anyone to be disqualified because Photobucket is lame. When you upload your banner, click on 'Upload Options' under the little blue box you use to upload your picture, and make sure one of the options highlighted red is selected:

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k30/omgsims/ScreenShot001.png

The default is 800x600, which resizes your banner to be 800 pixels wide, instead of the 940 required by the contest rules. If this happened to you, just delete the banner, fix the option, and reupload it. As long as you didn't change the name of the file, you won't have to edit your post. (If it still looks the same, refresh the page)

Just thought I'd point that out. :umm:

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***

Thanks for the info, asyouwish!

[Ciane]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/banner-1-3-smudge.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f65/ciane/small1-smudge.jpg

[beeps]

***CONTESTANT LIST UPDATED***

[bluemoon11]

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/4595/majorjpegaq8.jpg

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/984/minorjpegwh5.jpg

Good luck everyone! All of the banners I've seen so far are really nice!

[beeps]

Thanks everyone for submitting your banners! This thread is now closed for judging,and I will announce the winner in this thread when chosen.

Good luck to you all!!!

[HystericalParoxysm]

For all our entrants and everyone who may be following the contest - we're sorry for the delay... we're just having a terrible time deciding! So many excellent entries have made this extremely difficult. Hopefully we should have some results and a winner to report Real Soon Now (tm). :)

[beeps]

This was an extremely difficult decision to make, and everyone's banners were simply amazing. After many days of voting and discussion we have landed on a winner! Well actually two winners...

Congratulations to helaene and Starrats!!!

This means that helaene and Starrats' banners will both appear on the front page of the website and the main forum page at random - every time you refresh or revisit the page, a new set will appear!

We appreciate all the time and effort each of you put forth in this competition, and we cant wait for whats in store next time! Congratulations to you all - and especially to helaene and Starrats :D

[Chinchillagirl6]

Congratulations ladies. :D
Everyone did such a wonderful job. We really have some talent around here.

[squall117]

I new that starrats was going to win.. I love that banner :)
Congratulations to both of you Starrats and Helaene!!!

[Sizza]

Congartulations! They both look fantastic. Howe you mods could pick a winner, is beyond me

[Babbelsim]

Congratulations helaene and Starrats, the banners look wonderfull! :elephant: :elephant: :elephant:

[HystericalParoxysm]

Huge congrats to the winners especially, but also to everyone who participated - we had SUCH a hard time choosing.

I would also like to renew my request that everyone who participated share their layer-separated documents, not just the winners. There were some incredible entries that just floored me (beyond those that won) and I'd love to know how the effects were done by poking at your layer-separated documents - and I bet a lot of others would too. :)

[Charmy_SC]

Congrats, Winners. :D

I will HP, although I had to merge a couple of my layers due to some problems I had, I mean, hey, it was late, I was tired, and I was having a little brain fart. LOL

Do we share them publicly?

I uploaded mine to rogepost:
Large Banner: http://www.rogepost.com/n/7425858546
Small Banner: http://www.rogepost.com/n/4536669883

[wargarurumon]

great, when will we sse them get used?

[pickpock]

Big congrats to our winners!!! :) It was well deserved. :valentine

If someone would like to check how I made mine (just don't expect anything too fancy ;))

http://www.rogepost.com/n/0124169365
http://www.rogepost.com/n/5391951896

Hope the links work.

[HystericalParoxysm]

Charmy - Yep, publicly is fine. Gives more people a chance to download and pull them apart to learn from. Rogepost works fine for hosting, too. Thanks. :)

wargarurumon - Whenever Delphy codes the randomizing and gets that done. So... Real Soon Now. ;)

[MagicBeans]

Congrats to the winners! It's a well deserved win. :clap:

[Charmy_SC]

Okie dokey, HP. I will re-upload them to mediafire later so it doesn't expire soon like rogepost does.

[corvidophile2]

Congratulations to the winners! I loved Heleane's banner it was neat and clear!

[helaene_SC]

WOW! I (jointly) won?????? No way! :D
This totally makes up for my really crappy day!

Starrats, I loooooooooove your banners. They are super awesome gorgeous.

How/When/Who should I send the .psd docs?

edit: thank you corvi... i <3 you!

[auroraspirit]

Congratulations helaene and starrats, I know that everyone deserve a pats on the back, there was sure a lot of competition going on :)

Thanks again for the opportunity. I'm so relieved I wasn't judging lol :)

Auroraspirit :angel:

[Mickey_SC]

Congrats, your guy's banners look amazing! :) Even though I didnt win, I think you guys made a great decision! ;)

[squall117]

All yours :)
Large Banner: http://www.rogepost.com/n/9973846155
Small Banner: http://www.rogepost.com/n/6107519791

How to get the background:
1)Filters>Render>Clouds
2)Filters>Texture>Grain
3)Filters> Blur>Radial Blur
Do whatever you want with them :)

Edit: The font used is "Monotype Corsiva" I don't remember where I got it, but just search in google and you'll find it (I got it for free)

[123321_SC]

Congrats helaene and Starrats! I loved your banners :) You both are so talented and you really deserved to win

[crocobaura]

Congatulations to helaene and Starrats! Can't wait to see the new banners up on the site. :D


Big banner http://www.rogepost.com/n/1240644218
Small banner http://www.rogepost.com/n/0710356315

[bluemoon11]

Large:
http://www.rogepost.com/n/5947585248
Small:
http://www.rogepost.com/n/9870263251

The metallic effect on the letters was found here:
http://polykarbon.com/tutorials/effects/metal.htm

I will really enjoy seeing the new banners on the site, they look beautiful! And frankly, if I saw my own banner every time it would sorta creep me out.

[Ghost sdoj]

HP was mentioning earlier that she hoped that even those of us who didn't win would consider submitting our layer separated documents. Do you still want them, and if so, where do we send them?

[beeps]

helaene... Ill send you and Starrats a private PM with all the information you need :)

[joanne_SC]

congrats helaene and starrats ... your banners were fantastic! :)

[pacotacoplayer]

A Private PM? A Private Private Message? :P

Congrats guys!

[HystericalParoxysm]

sidneydoj, you can just upload them to a site like rogepost.com and post the link here - I'd suggested that not only for my own desire to poke at them but for everyone's education. :)

[footballer_17]

CONGRATS GUYS! Such nice works.

here are my banners! :)

Front Page Banner (http://www.rogepost.com/n/1481600489)

Forum Banner (http://www.rogepost.com/n/0752908252)

[Starrats]

:jaw: I'm one of the winners? :fright:
That's so totally awsome :P
When I saw all the banners I thought , I'm never going to win this.

helaene: I loooooooooove your banners to, with all those cute little plumbobs. :D I love plumbobs :P

[Ghost sdoj]

Ok, here are my layer documents:
http://www.rogepost.com/n/9965062631 for the big banner

http://www.rogepost.com/n/5523387340 for the small banner


They were done with Photobie which is a free image editing program available here:http://www.photobie.com/

The coloration effects of the lettering was done with a setting on the Mehdi Blots 2 filter availabe here: http://www.mehdiplugins.com/

(I used gradient blobs with a ratio and size of 10, then Photobie's adjust color balance function.)

[Nouk_SC]

Awesome and congrats, I really think those look the best and keep true to a real sims color scheme! Well done :)

[pacotacoplayer]

Will the banners be up anytime soon?

[beeps]

Will the banners be up anytime soon?
Yes. Patience is a virtue :)

[squall117]

I just saw Starrats' banner in the forum home page and when I click this post I see Helaene's...
Both look great!! It's also a great idea to have two banners in the site :)

[pacotacoplayer]

Is the main banner not going to be updated?

[beeps]

It will be, paco. We are having some trouble getting both to show up - please be patient! :)

[123321_SC]

Looks like the new banners are up on the homepage! :) I love how they switch back and fourth.

[beeps]

Yep, theyre finally up! And they look awesome as well. Congratulations to the winners again. You two definitely deserved it :)