Banners: Contribute your own banner?

[wizz-o-matic]

Well ... since you entered in this thread, I suppose you want some of yours banners be uploaded on AF. Now, making a banner is not that easy as you think ... making a good one is even more harder ... and I'm very strict regarding this (I can say, more strict that in the current contests) ... we don't want AF to look ugly, do we?

Well, if you're still interested ... lets add ... program like Paint does not work out with this ... you should use more advanced programs like PhotoShop, Paint Shop Pro, or Gimp (this one is free to download)

Still interested? Good, we need such people ^_^; ... Well, lets go straight to the main rules that must be followed:

• No fanart! Only original anime art is accepted (either is a screencap from anime, an artbook, or a scan from original artist, manga in genre is alowed, if you can make a good banner out of it ).
• Non-anime related banners are allowed! Within the forum rules.
• Banner size is 900px in width and 122px in height ... tho, for right displaying, it's divided in 3 slices/parts:
  - Left part: 750px x 122px,
  - Center part: 5px x 122px (this is the so called repeating part, for bigger resolutions),
  - Right part: 145px x 122px (the farest right one).
• Accepted formats are JPG and PNG (PNG should be used only for transparent banners - see the default one).
• You must add the AnimeForum.com name/link on it, well visible.

Well, that are the basic rules so far ... what can I say more ... check the current banners as an example

For making your life easier, I made a banner template (only Photoshop users so far) where the slices are already set (made using Photoshop CS2; when opening in older versions the slices may disappear, but the guides should be still there -> in this case, export the banner to ImageReaedy -> go to Slices -> Create slices from Guides -> export back to PhotoShop and continue the work).
Can be found here:
- http://wizzard.underground.si/AF/AF-new-banner.psd
Use it as a base for your banners, just delete the excessive layers, and add your own ones
For saving do the following: export the slices, using the "save for web" export -> saving the whole html, the slices will be in the “images” folder

in the end to add:
DISCLAIMER: by submitting the banners you're giving animeforum.com the permission of using it for any kind of promotions and displaying it on the forums/gallery or any other partner sites.

I'll be happy if someone can make a template for PSP or Gimp users ^_^ with the right slices.

And, you can find here an up-to-date preview of the banners http://wizzard.underground.si/AF/

Oh, and don't worry .... we will still have contests ^_^ I just want to increase the number of the default ones ^_^;; Currently, there's only 7 such banners up v_v

[Ashurii]

I am going to try but it may take awhile but i will try!

Ashurii

[Aura of the Twilight]

I recently upgraded to Pixia from paint so I'm going to try.

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[wizz-o-matic]

Sorry, but I must reject it. The sparkles are kinda too strong, text is hard to read, BG looks kinda plain and repetitive.

[Aura of the Twilight]

Okay then. I'll keep trying till I think I have a better one! You can feel free to delete the 1st post, and this one.

[Gandizzl]

Always really liked this one sig I did for Dawnrune a long time ago, and I thought it might make a fitting banner so I made it into one :3

[Aura of the Twilight]

Well I tried again hopefully this one's better.

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(Extraction for character goes to the wonderful Thronwillow)

[buhbibutterfly]

version 3 ^-^ edited the font again...use a different one this time around.


- edited again -

[wizz-o-matic]

@Gandizzl: The text is a bit too isolated and maybe small. You should make something that brings more attention it, and a "link" with the banner itself. A horizontal line behind it may work ^^;;
Other than that, I do really like the banner ^_^

@buhbibutterfly: in your case, the text is a bit big, and doesn't really fade well with the banner ... that also makes it stand out a bit too much ^^;; And can you try to remove the link on the right part? Don't think it's need there imo.

@Aura: Well ... for 1st thing I think you should learn the basics in CG.
- Monotone ... don't use it if you don't really know how to use it ... it may only make it worse. This approach is great if done right. In your case it made the char look quite low quality ;_;
- Contrast - big contrast differences shouldn't be used freely ... in your case, the pink color is too strong, it "hurts the eyes"
- text - the text should be smooth .... crisp text isn't welcomed in most cases.

Edit: Blah, forgot
Gan's preview
Buhibi's preview

[Ωmega]

ok, I posted this, it showed being posted, then my post disappeared...and I can tell it wasnt deleted =/
Soooo, trying again!

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[buhbibutterfly]

kk...i edited my banners...

[Light Buster]

can we make a banner from a video game like FEAR for example...

[wizz-o-matic]

can we make a banner from a video game like FEAR for example...

Hm, not sure yet .... I'll let you know tomorrow ^_^;;

@Buhibi: hm, much better, but the text is still kinda plain ... it needs something ...

@MaruDashi: To tell the truth ... I don't see any connection between the chars and the BG ... it looks like the chars are randomly floating in there imo. Also, the text is kinda plain ...

[shinobi dog]

Hows this

[wizz-o-matic]

@shinobi dog: Please stop spamming ... and read the rules ... I've already deleted around 4 of your posts ... if you continue, you don't leave us any other choice than warning you!

[Light Buster]

Hm, not sure yet .... I'll let you know tomorrow ^_^;;

thanks for letting me know

[Ashurii]

Ok i thought i would give it a shot.

[Gandizzl]

Here's the updated version :3

[wizz-o-matic]

@Ashurii: to tell the truth, it looks plain. And character used looks like fanart to me o_o; and fanart is an absolutely no!

@Gan: is it only me or the text is hard to read? Suggestion, why don't you try with white text in the pink line? Instead of being above it.

And sorry, still haven't asked about non-anime-themed banners ....

[Thornwillow]

I made a banner! Woots! And you guys are working poor Thorny to DEATH! Oh well, I enjoy it, otherwise I wouldn't do it. XD

I tried to make a MALE banner because I know there was a lack of them, so it's the 4th Hokage. Why not? He's fun and powerful and looks pretty ok in my banner.

Wizzy, if something isn't right let me know. The repeating part is what I'm worried about. ;_; Enjoy. =D

[wizz-o-matic]

Hai hai, the repeating part ^_^;; it's barely noticeable, but the white dots don't fade before it .... When you use layer masks ... be sure that it doesn't surpass the slice lines
Also ... make the dots fade "slowly"

Fix that and the banner is up ^_^

Edit: Blah, forgot again ^_^;;;
http://wizzard.underground.si/AF/Thorn.htm

[Thornwillow]

Here is the modded version Wizzy, hopefully the dots are faded ok and you are so smart knowing I used a layermask. xD Crafty bossman, crafty. lol



Hopefully that looks better! This will be the last time I post a new post, if you need anymore changes, I'll just mod this post and let you know I did. XD

EDIT: Adjusted this post Wizzy, hopefully this is appropriate. That repeating part is such a pain, is it not? lol

[wizz-o-matic]

mhm, still not good o_o;

See here, I've increased the contrast for better viewing


And it isn't hard to guess that you used layer mask ... I mean, all other approaches would be pointless to use >_>;

EDIT: Non-anime related banners are allowed, within the forum rules.

[Thornwillow]

I updated my previous post Wizzy

[Ωmega]

I completly scrattched my first entry and did this (Thorny's entry inspired me X3)

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