The GDF Colloborative Calendar Discussion Thread

[Kool]

Budafist is our project director and I will be handling the official forum side of things.

Okay, here is the project as I see it. We're going to make a 52 week calendar with members furnishing the art for one or two weeks. These calendars are going to fit in some sort of little modified jewel case type apparatus which will sit on our desks. Each piece of artwork will be (not yet determined) inches which includes a 1/8" bleed. We will then sell these calendars at a reasonable profit and donate these profits to charity.

About this charity, I'm sure we could debate different charities forever so I'm gonna make an executive decision and say all profits from this will go to Ana's family. See, Please Help Us Save Ana (http://http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19598) I really can't imagine anybody objecting to helping the family of an 11 year old girl with a brain tumor. Besides every penny will go directly to the people who need it. You can't say that about most charities.

Let's just plan on this being a 2008 calendar. I know it seems like a long ways away but figuring we would need to have these things ready to ship by mid October and considering the eclectic and voluntary nature of this whole thing, shooting for 2008 will be just about right.

Since our budget is $0.00 at the moment we are gonna need volunteers to do most of the work. We will need artists and pre press and web people so there will be opportunities for all disciplines.

[morea]

since it's being created by GDF, can we insist that September 19th be immortalized on the calendar?

[WannaBrie]

This is great Kool, so what about having all the participants pay, say $10 to particpate (or $5, whatever to at least get the $$ budget rolling)? Then maybe some of us (I volunteer) start calling various paper co.s or anyone we could think of and try to recruit some sponsors? Since we are donating profits to a good charity, perhaps we could get some products (namely paper) or whatever donated also?

[WannaBrie]

Oh, another thought, do we have a theme? or are we just gonna do each week whatever we like?

[fredrich]

Oh, another thought, do we have a theme? or are we just gonna do each week whatever we like?

Maybe something along the lines of this:
http://www.footballheroes.org/

Of course not with a soccer-theme, but something united with a personal twist on each piece.

[Ned]

Please help save Ana sounds cool, Kool. That seems to be a cause that many designers are willing to root for.

[Kool]

I'm sure Sept 19th will be on there morea, especially if you pick that week ;)

All good points Brie, I don't think we'll need an entrance fee but we'll see. The paper idea sounds great but lets wait till we hear from JP.

I don't really want to set a theme. For one thing it would take us a month to decide on one and when we did somebody would still be mad :) Let's let the artists have a free hand, I have a feeling we would get some incredible pieces.

[Ned]

Yeah, Morea gets the week of September 19th. :D

I want the first week of May!

[morea]

Let's let the artists have a free hand, I have a feeling we would get some incredible pieces.

I like this idea... I think that this will be a lot of fun!

[Kool]

I removed that thread where everybody was giving their bios. I was a little uncomfortable with all that personal information just sitting out there in public view. As somebody pointed out that thread could be a goldmine to an identity thief.

[morea]

I am sure I can find time to volunteer with some of the research, Kool... I'll know more a little later this week.

[frankster]

I removed that thread where everybody was giving their bios. I was a little uncomfortable with all that personal information just sitting out there in public view. As somebody pointed out that thread could be a goldmine to an identity thief.

That was my 666th post! I was obviously channeling evil thoughts.

[Ned]

:D Obviously...

[Drazan]

I can supply webspace, uploading abilities, and general hosting on one of my dedicated servers. If no one minds using a "drazan dot something" domain.

[Red Kittie Kat]

Right on Kool .... I am all for the money being donated to Ana... I was hoping that was the direction it would take :)

[WannaBrie]

Sounds good. sorry, I just wanted to include bdays on all our pages, but I think you are right Kool...lets keep this as free as possible...

[budafist]

Well, if you pick a week with your own birthday on it, then you can include your birthday. If someone else picks the week with your birthday on it, you could contact them and ask nicely if they could include your birthday on that day.

[WannaBrie]

sounds good. I like where we are going with this

[danedawg99]

is there an overarching theme for this, or is it whatever we wanna do?

[mac.FINN]

I don't really want to set a theme. For one thing it would take us a month to decide on one and when we did somebody would still be mad :) Let's let the artists have a free hand, I have a feeling we would get some incredible pieces.

nope.

[Kool]

There is some debate about whether to have a set date style throughout the whole calendar or not so don't start anything until that is settled.

[Navian]

There is some debate about whether to have a set date style throughout the whole calendar or not so don't start anything until that is settled.

In a way, I think it would be awesome to see different font styles per week (per designers theme). Giving it an abstract feel.

[budafist]

As I said in the other thread, I think the position of the dates on the page should stay the same for continuity, but the designer can choose the font and colours etc.

[Kool]

We have the green light from Jupitermedia so this project is officially real now. We're just a couple of decisions away from being ready to start designing. The sign up is moving along nicely with about a dozen weeks already picked.

Budafist has been in on this from the start, she suggested the final plan and has been instrumental throughout. So I asked her if she would like to direct the project. She's agreed so I'll be handling all the forum side of things and she will be in charge of the details of the project. I'll be giving her all my support and I'm sure you'll all do the same.

[Kool]

I'd like us to start thinking about future collaborative projects. It didn't escape me that our project picking poll was actually a tie between Buda's and Urstwile's. I actually voted for Urst's concept but the calendar idea will be a lot easier to pull off for our first project. There were a lot of other ideas thrown out too. What would be great is if people would submit plans for our next project. They wouldn't need to be too detailed but outline the basic plan and our involvement in it from start to finish. Then we could vote on the plans and whoever won could direct the project.

[Red Kittie Kat]

Absolutely :)


Thanks Kool and Buda ... and everyone participating ... this is going to be fun :)

[budafist]

Well I'm getting excited about this now as weeks start filling up. Now I've just got to think of something to do for my page. I think I will try and do traditional media. I do way too much in front of the computer these days.

[Kool]

Well we now have this shiny new empty forum so we can keep all the threads in one place. We're all the way down at the bottom of the forum if you can't find it. :D

[balou]

Great idea. Thanks Kool!

[mac.FINN]

The bottom?

I can't find it... oh wait.

[WannaBrie]

Thanks for all your hard work organizing and setting this up Kool! I am so excited to see this happening. Glad to see everyone is just as excited about doing this!

[Ned]

I've already got my theme in mind... No pirates or pancakes on my week. :D

[urstwile]

Great idea to put this in a separate forum, it does make it easier to keep up.

And here's a thought, we could probably use the same or similar artwork for the gluenetwork project as well, later on down the road.

[budafist]

Recycle! :D

[Drazan]

Are we allowed tag lines on our artwork? Name & www. or email ?

[WannaBrie]

I was wondering the same thing, Drazan. I think it would be nice if we at least signed our work.

[Ned]

You wouldn't be able to read my signature, anyways. :)

How about this... Instead of putting a tag on our page, how about we have a credits page at back of the calendar?

[budafist]

Credits at the back might add another page or 2 that we really don't have space for. Still got to figure out how many pages this thing will hold. I think we should just have a name, email or website on your page. As small as readable. Say 6pt.

[WannaBrie]

I think that sounds good Buda, we could all just sign our pages (5-6pt.) at the lower right hand corner.

[Ned]

Can I sign mine as "Budafist"?

[budafist]

Only if it's the best work you have ever done Ned :D

[Ned]

Dammit... I was only going to do something mediocre. Now I have to either come up with something spectacular, or sign it myself. *sigh*

[budafist]

Exactly :D

[ronin_wolf]

quick question. is there a theme or a style we're shooting for, or is this a free-for-all?

[Red Kittie Kat]

There is a template to follow for set up ... but the design is completely up to you ... as long as it's contents are work safe.


Here is the template link: http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24665

[balou]

Free for all ronin. We do have a layout template to follow so the dates are in the same location for each page. Other than that, we are reselling the calendar for charity so artwork/digital art/photographs should be originals. Most stock photography and stock art have rules about reselling the images so best if we keep it original. The only other restriction is that it is clean and something you wouldn't mind a child seeing.

Here's a link to the template and more info:
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24665

[fredrich]

How exactly do you people make the date boxes? Do you have a template, or just playing around with boxes, numbers and letters?

[Red Kittie Kat]

That format is completely up to you fredrich :)

Just keep it with in the space provided ;)

[budafist]

I've got mine about half done. Sorry I've been so slack! Snowed under with work at the moment. Just in here a little for some time out! :D

[captain spanky]

How exactly do you people make the date boxes? Do you have a template, or just playing around with boxes, numbers and letters?

there was an illustrator template around here somewhere... i think buda or kool did it...

[mac.FINN]

it was Urst; download the template here:
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=354736&postcount=19

[Red Kittie Kat]

Right, but the dates are not part of the template. You may use your own creativity when it comes to the dates ... just keep them justified right and within the safe zone ;)

[urstwile]

Yes, we agreed a while back that we'd keep the dates in the same spot, but that the design of how they looked, etc., would be up to the designer. The template will only show you safe areas to keep within.

I NEED to get crack-alackin' on mine. (Virgo, that cracked me up when you said that, my husband uses that expression all the time). :D

[Virgo Nightingale]

Glad to be good for at least a laugh! :)

[frankster]

Is there a deadline for this? I have waaaaay to much on to add this to my list until at least mid April. Is that a problem? It'll be quick when I do put my mind to it though I suppose.

[Red Kittie Kat]

The tentative time for all submissions it the first week of June so there is time to print and distribute

[Kool]

Master list is all up to date, only one available week left. :)

[Tsmalldon]

Can i score up the Final week available?

Trevor

[Kool]

You got it Trevor. http://home.comcast.net/%7Ernick9/koolsmiley.gif

[Tsmalldon]

Ill get to work on it right away!

thanks
Trevor

[Tsmalldon]

Do we artists get a crack at buying a few when they are ready? I just signed up for Week 27 and besides being for a great cause I think it will look great on my desk at work. Very inspirational.

Trevor

[budafist]

The profits of this calendar go to a great cause so any buying is encouraged!

I plan to buy a few for Xmas presents.

We haven't sorted out a price yet. Goodness so much to do still!

[DesignStudio]

when is the "deadline" on this baby?

[Riya]

I think we already missed it. The real question is how long we can put it off before Buda sics Frankster on us. ;)

[budafist]

Frankster isn't the only one you gotta worry about.

http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/14436/2002995248472295355_rs.jpg

[frankster]

U are be proud Budda. Sharmi is does good inimidating and done talk proper like da queen haz!

[DesignStudio]

crap, well i guess i better get in gear, cause i think frankster still only lives about 15 minutes from me.

[budafist]

Frankster also haz sharp teefs.

[Riya]

^ and big boots.

[carter the artist]

see what happens when work takes too much of your time? I didn't even know about this. But I do like what I see, people.

[Kool]

Carter, there are a few who signed up who haven't even been back to the forum since. We will be trying to contact them shortly and I wouldn't be surprised if a few weeks don't open up again.

[Tsmalldon]

Id be in to do another one if any weeks open up, Had fun creating the first one. and its for a good cause.

Trevor

[carter the artist]

Thanks Kool, just let me know.

[frankster]

Aw, just noticed YNOT isn't signed up to this. Bummer.

[budafist]

Yes, I will be contacting people shortly...

[DesignStudio]

has anyone signed up for two who havn't finished both? maybe someone would like to share the wealth.

[budafist]

Week # 45
2-Nov to 8-Nov

Is back up for grabs. Cnic is busy with job changes.

[budafist]

Also free:

Week # 23
1-June to 7-June

I might just start a new thread on this...

[Kool]

I'll just clean this one up again. :)

[budafist]

Thanks Kool!

[carter the artist]

I'll take 23, what's the guidelines?

[balou]

They are here Carter (including templates to download)

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24665

[Kool]

You got it carter. :)

[carter the artist]

Sweet!!

[rainbow2bryte]

JUST found this!
read through the whole thread.
i see the deadline is 5/15
are there any weeks still available???

also, is anyone posting what they did?
would be interested to see them.

if nothing else, i would MOST definately like to purchase some. :D

[morea]

there's a showcase of completed pages HERE (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25567) ;)

[Kool]

There is still one week available sign up here http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24739

[carter the artist]

If no one is going to take 45, I have another idea I can put together...

[budafist]

That should be fine Carter but can you submit the first before embarking on a second?

[carter the artist]

Okay, I posted both in the showcase... so just let me know how to set the artwork up and where you want me to send them. :)

[fredrich]

Just wondering, how is it going to be sold? Over the Internet using PayPal?
What about shipping to other countries outside USA?

Is there going to be advertising, or mainly jungle telegraph between GDFers and their network outside the forum?

[budafist]

The finer details haven't been sorted yet, but ultimately, there will be a website for this project where calendars can be ordered online, press releases to anyone that might publish a story as well as advertising material.

If anyone has any ideas, make a thread and suggest it.

[Zendada]

Ack, someone got it already. NM :(

If any open up, I’m ready, willing and able.

And great job people. Sorry I missed it.

[morea]

welcome back, stranger. Nice to see you again.

[Zendada]

welcome back, stranger. Nice to see you again.

Thanks. :) Its been too long.

[budafist]

Zendada, don't dispair! There may be some opening up. I haven't heard from everyone, so after the 15th I will post a thread on all the weeks that I havn't had late notes for and they will be recycled!

So anyone that hasn't brought in a late note and are expecting to be late, send me a PM asap.

[panzer]

sigh i think i missed out :(

[wez312]

I'd be interested if anything opened up also...although I get the feeling it's already done, I was looking through the other thread with all the designs in it and it looked great! Good job guys.

[fredrich]

For the front page of the calendar, how about doing something down this lane?:
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27538

Some kind of twist using all the different pictures together to make one front page.

[Red Kittie Kat]

interesting thought fredrich :)

[budafist]

Or even those mosaic things made up of lots of pics. Though I don't think 52 images is enough to make that successful!

[Samakimoto Graphics]

I believe it would work if we varied the transparencies of the 52 images to suit each part of the mosaic.