Banner Contest Recap

First, I would like to personally thank all the?readers that visited our site, took the poll and left comments?on the different designers and banners we had on display.? Our goal was accomplished to get our community involved through this Banner Contest.? We had the opportunity to see work from 6 different designers; some were comedy and others very corporate.? I really enjoyed seeing some of the creativity in the banners that people submitted.? Although the majority of the votes went to our current banner (I’m sure the person who designed it is excited that he had the winning banner), I want to recognize each of the contestants, their work, and announce the prize distribution.

Jeff Kee- Consisting of a team of four, Jeff, Jordan, Steve and Nick have come together to form Jeff Kee Consulting.??I think this is a very talented team and have come through for me in a few different occasions (Thanks Jeff!).? Let me tell you what?I liked and didn’t like about Jeff’s?submission.?

I liked the creativity with this banner.? It’s evident that there was some thought that went into creating shapes, background picture and the gradient look.? However, the first thing I noticed was “You Professional Development Steps to a successful future.”? It just didn’t sound right.

Matt Coddington-?A 21 year old web designer from Clinton, South Carolina, who has really began to create a name for himself.? Notably,?the goal of his blog (NetBusinessBlog.com) is to provide readers with real insight into the world of online business without the fluff.? As you can tell from his submission, it’s a comical one.

I actually really like the left side of the banner for our site in that it has a sophisticated “sky is the limit” feel to it.? Unfortunately, the right side?would probably cause some controversy as to the legality of having?an Office Space?character on it, but I think Matt threw this in as a funny gesture, right Matt? :)? (I thought it was a good one)

Matt Blancarte- Is a member of the infinFX team consisting of Nate, Josh and Matt.? Matt’s personal blog seems to be pretty new having content for the past two months.?

What I liked about Matt’s banner is that it was very simple, yet elegant.? The only downside was that it lacked a personal touch that comes with having people in the picture.? This was amongst my top 2.

DJ- Runs a website called BannersCorner which prides itself in providing “very very affordable prices, attractive banners, and a fast turn around time.”?

Although this was Chow’s favorite banner, I would have to say that the people were a bit too stock to bring this banner to life.? I liked the name of our site and the tag line, they had a great contrast.

Nate Whitehill-?A 22-year old student and web entrepreneur, has a strong blog that I often frequent and have implemented some of his suggestions.? He also is a part of the infinFX team.? The more I read and see of these guys, the more impressed I become.

Now, Nate’s submission is the only flash banner that we received.? Because of this, I automatically give him points.? To view the flash banner, go here.? The background change is great and captures the eye.? However, I’m not sure that this is the right girl for the picture.? Well, I actually saw the “fish hand” handshake she was using and I automatically thought she was a dork.?:)? But again, from the people I spoke to and the students that saw this, the flash was eye catching!

Ali- Runs a weblog that is dedicated to providing its readers with the latest information on Web 2.0 Sites, Tech, Internet News and self thought Open Source Ideas along with other pertinent and related articles.

I know John really liked this one.? I feel like Ali used a girl that people can relate to.? She’s wearing a sweater, some rings, little make-up and?you can see the personality with her.? At the same time, it’s professional as she is in a business setting drawing a chart with her finger.? This banner may seem a little too busy, but definitely one of my favorites.

The Prize

Since the banner we are currently using was the most popular banner, we have decided to remain with it for the time being.? As a result, we will give the designer his due $50 for being the winner.? I’m sure it will be a nice unexpected bonus for him.??

For the runner-up banner (banner #6), created by Jeff Kee of Jeff Kee Consulting, we will do a full review of Jeff’s site.? The review will be coming?in the next couple of days.? Congratulations and thank you Jeff!

I hope everyone found this contest somewhat interesting and I expect to see you all in on the next contest

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