3rd WC Community Skinning Contest
Well, here is my first attempt at making a windowblind skin, and unfortunately the results are not pretty. Anyway, there are some things that you need to know first before downloading and using this skin. First, this windowblind is for XP only, i.e., there is no Vista support. This is because sometimes I feel like the only non-mac/non-unix person on the planet who has yet to upgrade to Vista. So, because I still do not have Vista, none of the "Vista-only" elements are skinned. I can only imagine that this skin looks extremely hideous on Vista. (If I ever get around to upgrading to Vista, I might go back and skin the Vista elements.) Second, this windowblind uses the default XP toolbars and animations. I personally think that Pixel Pirate's "Cardinal" toolbar icons go well with this theme
Link . Third, because this is my first (and pretty pathetic) attempt at a windowblind, there are invariably going to be countless errors, some of which I simply have no clue as to how to fix. I would appreciate any comments/feedback so that my future windowblind attempts (if there are any) will improve. I built this theme for usability, yet due to some poor color choices on my part, there are times when it is difficult to use. (Ironic, isn't it?) Finally, let me say that I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for windowblind skinners (and actually all skinners in general). Now, after this rather futile first windowblind attempt of my own, I can definitely and most certainly say that my respect and admiration has been multiplied by several orders of magnitude. I simply could not believe the number of visual elements that needed to be changed, modified or created from scratch (and I only did the XP parts). So please allow me to thank all of the talented windowblind skinners here at Wincustomize and at Stardock for all of the incredible work that you do and for the amount of time it takes to masterfully craft a windowblind. Also, let me thank all skinners in general who put forth many hours of laborious pixel pushing in order to create exceptional digital creations for the Wincustomize community.
Well, I think I have mindlessly rambled on enough for now. I realize this skin has zero chance in the competition, but it was a challenge that I wanted to tackle. (Unfortunately, I think this skin got the best of me and sacked me for a 15 yard loss. :) ) I did, however, learn some neat things about SkinStudio 6, which by the way, a big thank you to you Stardock for making it relatively easy for a total newbie like myself to even attempt making a windowblind.
Lastly, I am sorry for the lame preview. I don't know how to properly capture and display the various windowblind elements yet. The icons seen in the preview are the excellent "Alpha 2" icons by mrSkope
Link and the wallpaper is "Forever in a Moment" by Burning-Liquid
LinkTake care to all of you, and best of luck and wishes to all of the entries in the contest! :)
Comment #41 Saturday, April 12, 2008 8:07 PM