Guidelines for voting in the LIMS
I figured it would be a good idea to make a post explaining more specifically how you guys should vote in the LIMS. I wasn't really sure if everyone knew what I meant by "constructive criticism", so I thought we'd start off with a definition...
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM:
criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions
In addition to the LIMS being really fun, I wanted to do it as an opportunity for everyone to improve their skills! When you know you could potentially be eliminated you tend to make better work (or that's the case for me at least). Also, I wanted you guys to give "constructive criticism" with your votes so that icon makers know how to improve. However, if you don't give good reasons (and suggestions for improval) it doesn't really help anyone!
On this post I'm gonna give examples of voting so hopefully you guys will get a better idea of what I'm looking for... Don't worry, I'm not mad at anyone - I just want us all on the same page here!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
coloring
cropping
good use of text
technique
generally pleasing work
Obviousy, if an icon executes one or more of these things, it's worth a positive vote... If an icon doesn't show these qualities, its worth being voted off in a lims round... I listed "what to look for" to help you explain why you voted for a particular icon...
NOTE: You should NOT be voting/for or against an icon because of the subject! I could really care less if you like the who is in the icon. You should look at the QUALITY of the icon, not who's in it!
Now we'll move on to good examples of voting... I'm going to show some of the votes from the poll for Lims Challenge 1 from our own members...
EXAMPLES OF GOOD VOTES:
01. I think that while the composition has potential, the only part I can make out is Harry's face, the lower right half of the icons seems a bit arbitrary; I think it could stand to tie in more with Harry. Also, the text is a bit difficult to read- the tail of the 'y' in 'boy' disappears.
05. this would be better if I could see his eyes, and while I love the color, the contrast is so dark I can hardly make out who it is or what's going on
08. It seems a little simplistic and uninspired. There was nothing done except cut and paste the covers. Aesthetically the font sizes are all slightly different and thus jagged when pasted together. Also the sections are all slightly irregular which gives it a very scrappy look.
10. The biggest problem I see is with the composition. I tend to find that very centered compositions tend to be a bit stagnant, it helps if the composition works to lead the eye around more. I would suggest trying to utilize the edges of the icon more.
13. though the coloring was well done, it's still dark and chalky. Making it a bit lighter before coloriing the image would have solved that problem and make the icon smoother.
19. The book art is very washed out, almost transparent, while the pink text and boder is very bold. The pink takes away from the book art.
22. The images of Snape and Draco need to be sharpened more, and perhaps Draco could be a bit darker to increase the definition. The green background is a bit too stark for my liking, it could have done with a texture or gradient applied to it.
24. The overall composition of the icon is good, but the image is very blury. Also the font is very stark - especially the tinytext. The opacity should have been reduced to blend it into the icon a bit more.
Ok so that's pretty much it! If you have any questions or suggestions, comment here. Also, if you think of something I could add to the list, I'd like to hear it :)
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM:
criticism or advice that is useful and intended to help or improve something, often with an offer of possible solutions
In addition to the LIMS being really fun, I wanted to do it as an opportunity for everyone to improve their skills! When you know you could potentially be eliminated you tend to make better work (or that's the case for me at least). Also, I wanted you guys to give "constructive criticism" with your votes so that icon makers know how to improve. However, if you don't give good reasons (and suggestions for improval) it doesn't really help anyone!
On this post I'm gonna give examples of voting so hopefully you guys will get a better idea of what I'm looking for... Don't worry, I'm not mad at anyone - I just want us all on the same page here!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Obviousy, if an icon executes one or more of these things, it's worth a positive vote... If an icon doesn't show these qualities, its worth being voted off in a lims round... I listed "what to look for" to help you explain why you voted for a particular icon...
NOTE: You should NOT be voting/for or against an icon because of the subject! I could really care less if you like the who is in the icon. You should look at the QUALITY of the icon, not who's in it!
Now we'll move on to good examples of voting... I'm going to show some of the votes from the poll for Lims Challenge 1 from our own members...
EXAMPLES OF GOOD VOTES:
01. I think that while the composition has potential, the only part I can make out is Harry's face, the lower right half of the icons seems a bit arbitrary; I think it could stand to tie in more with Harry. Also, the text is a bit difficult to read- the tail of the 'y' in 'boy' disappears.
05. this would be better if I could see his eyes, and while I love the color, the contrast is so dark I can hardly make out who it is or what's going on
08. It seems a little simplistic and uninspired. There was nothing done except cut and paste the covers. Aesthetically the font sizes are all slightly different and thus jagged when pasted together. Also the sections are all slightly irregular which gives it a very scrappy look.
10. The biggest problem I see is with the composition. I tend to find that very centered compositions tend to be a bit stagnant, it helps if the composition works to lead the eye around more. I would suggest trying to utilize the edges of the icon more.
13. though the coloring was well done, it's still dark and chalky. Making it a bit lighter before coloriing the image would have solved that problem and make the icon smoother.
19. The book art is very washed out, almost transparent, while the pink text and boder is very bold. The pink takes away from the book art.
22. The images of Snape and Draco need to be sharpened more, and perhaps Draco could be a bit darker to increase the definition. The green background is a bit too stark for my liking, it could have done with a texture or gradient applied to it.
24. The overall composition of the icon is good, but the image is very blury. Also the font is very stark - especially the tinytext. The opacity should have been reduced to blend it into the icon a bit more.
Ok so that's pretty much it! If you have any questions or suggestions, comment here. Also, if you think of something I could add to the list, I'd like to hear it :)