Question about Design contests

[GirlFriday]

I am new to this forum, and I have a few questions before submitting a design contest:

I am a programmer (techi), and not a designer, thus the need for the wonderful talent on this forum. I have been looking at design contests and the ideas are really great. I am impressed. 100% better than anything I could come up with!

I currently have about 5 websites between myself and clients with more to come as my business develops.

Q1: Which do I start with first? A logo or a banner for the website? Is it easier to design a banner with a logo in mind, or is it easier to design a logo after a banner is created?

Q2: Should a logo be embedded into the banner?

Q3: What is a vector based image? I use Photoshop CS2.

Q4: Are the images used in the work royalty free or will there be additional expenses after I pay the designer?

Q5: What about copyright?

I need a logo for my business, but I also need a great looking banner for my website.

Thank you for your time, and looking forward to submitting my first design contest!

GirlFriday

 

[VYFX]

To begin, I'll answer your questions:

Q1: Which do I start with first? A logo or a banner for the website? Is it easier to design a banner with a logo in mind, or is it easier to design a logo after a banner is created?

A: It is, for me, easier to design a banner after the logo is created. This way it is easier to incorporate the site's theme into the banner since most sites are designed around a logo.

Q2: Should a logo be embedded into the banner?

A: I don't like including the whole logo in the banner. Perhaps the same text that is in a logo could be placed into the banner, but I believe including the logo into the banner is too much repetition.

Q3: What is a vector based image? I use Photoshop CS2.

A: Vector-based images are scalable images that can be resized to any dimensions without a loss of quality. Most images designed in Photoshop are not vector, as Photoshop is a photo/imaging program and not an illustration/drawing program. It is, however, possible to export Photoshop files to an EPS vector file. EPS vector still works in most cases as a vector design, but you must be sure to not have any rasterized layers, photos, and things of that such in your design that cannot be scaled. Almost every true vector image you will come across will have been designed in Adobe Illustrator, which is a vector program.

Q4: Are the images used in the work royalty free or will there be additional expenses after I pay the designer?

A: If you're referring to images in the design contest forum, such as submissions, usually designers will sell the entire logo with all contents for the prize amount stated in the contest. If there is a stock photo used, the designer will usually tell the design contest holder that such a file is being used and will either; A) pay for the usage of the stock photo should that design win the contest, or B) notify the contest holder that they must pay the fees for use of the image.

Q5: What about copyright?

A: What about it? It really depends what you mean by this question since it's a loaded question to say the least.

I hope that helps,
Brian

 

[xpressions]

Q1: Which do I start with first? A logo or a banner for the website? Is it easier to design a banner with a logo in mind, or is it easier to design a logo after a banner is created?

A1: Logo first. That is what will set the tone of the banner, website, your entire identity.

Q2: Should a logo be embedded into the banner?
A2: If the banner is separate from the logo, then no. If the banner is inclusive, then yes.

Q3: What is a vector based image? I use Photoshop CS2.
A3: An image that will not lose resolution when scaled up or down. Most important for printing purposes.

Q4: Are the images used in the work royalty free or will there be additional expenses after I pay the designer?
A4: This is on a case-by-case basis. Definately something to clarify from the beginning. Some designers will eat the cost, if any, others will inform you if there is a cost and leave it up to you to decide whether to incurr the extra expense.

Q5: What about copyright?
A5: Please elaborate.

Hope this helps a little and look forward to your first contest. Please make sure you read all the guidelines before starting any contest to ensure a smooth and successful event. Good luck!

 

[GirlFriday]

Thank you for the quick replies!

I will think of my specifications, and try to have the "rules" as stated in the FAQ and start the design contest by next week. I will start with the logo first!!! I am so excited!
GirlFriday