Design a Header

If you’ve been to this site more than once, you’ve probably noticed that the header image changes each time the page loads. I’m a big fan of the way Google lets you choose a theme for your iGoogle page, and I wanted to use a variation of the concept here on ItStartsWith.Us.

I lead a team of web designers in my current role, and I love seeing the innovative pieces they come up with when they’re given a chance to be creative. Since this site has such a focus on community participation, I thought it would be fun to open up the header design to anyone who wants to take a shot at it.

Here’s how it works. You design to the parameters specified below, email me the image, and if I think the concept and execution are a good fit, I’ll include your design in the standard rotation on ItStartsWith.Us. You’ll get more content and exposure for your portfolio, I’ll get a more attractive site, and we’ll both get the satisfaction of knowing that we’re doing something positive.

Here are the parameters:

Concept – Keep in mind the two major themes of the site: People making a positive impact in the lives of others, and the “change the world” idea. Anything that touches on one or both of these concepts, or some variation on the theme, should be okay.
Execution – The only thing you must have in your design is the ItStartsWith.Us logo (download below). It can be fully integrated into your design, or separated and used as a branding device . . . as long as it’s there, I’ll be happy. Other than that, do whatever you want – illustration, design, photography, etc. Be loose, be creative, be fun. This is an opportunity to add your unique touch to a cool site.
Technical Specs
- 1600 x 200px, 72 dpi image. Try to include most of your main design elements into the first 960px to allow for smaller screen resolutions. After that, either fade to a solid color, or realize that the rest of your image may not be seen. If you want to design to the full 1600px, however, go for it. Don’t include any dropshadows or border effects at the bottom; I have that coded into the HTML. Check any page of this site for reference.
- High-quality .jpg output, filesize < 150k
- Integrate the ItStartsWith.Us logo somewhere in the design. Download the layered file here.
- Send all submissions to nate [at] itstartswith.us.
Selection – If your design meets all the criteria listed above, I’ll include it in the rotation. I do reserve the right to decline any submission, for any reason. I will respond to your email either way – I respect the time and effort you’re putting into this, regardless of whether it’s used or not.
Recognition – Feel free to put a small signature/URL somewhere in your design if you wish; just keep it subtle. I’ll make a thumbnail of your image and include it on this page, along with your name and a link to your portfolio (or any other site of your choosing, as long as it’s appropriate). If you’re going to be including this piece in your portfolio, link back to this page, since it’s the only place on the site where your image will be guaranteed to be continuously displayed.
Legal – Any images submitted to me become my property, and I’m free to use them in any manner I choose.