I've seen this before in a photo contest. Two or more similar submissions split their votes while a less-popular submission (with no competition that is similar) edges out the highest vote-getter of those that are similar.
This is what happens when you ask a inexperienced bunch to vote on a design matter . . . they go with the simplest "dumb ass" choice . . . without taking a moment to consider what design work has been put into it . . . A 10 y.o. child could have made that cover in paint . . . its just the logo spread onto the whole page . . dduuuhhh can't you see that
Chip Crosby jr - 16 years ago
I can't believe that C is the top cover thus far- its too mundane/basic and really doesn't show any design insight. I find that Smashing magazine is one of the best sites on the web for design inspiration and showcases of techniques, and C just doesn't do the site justice. One thing to keep in mind for those consumers who are not familiar with smashing magazine is that you want the cover to jump off the rack and grab the casual book shopper whos not really sure what their looking for. I think that A. actually is the best of the bunch in this regard- it asks more of the viewer to stop and take a closer inspection (especially if its only the spine that is showing).
I agree with sentimentality that simple is usually the way to go, I do that a lot in my personal work, but for a design book where the idea is to really grab the consumer at first glance, I'm sorry, but C just doesn't do it for me. I think for the first jump out of the gate the primary concern should be to grab as many people into the book as possible, and perhaps with the second volume you can go a little simpler and take a look at C again.
Gaurav - 16 years ago
C is Simple but elegant matching color according to the Smashing Magazine Logo.
John - 16 years ago
d or f ! :)
nebcat - 16 years ago
For a "debut" book, "C" is the top on my list. It defines "Smashing Magazine." Simple! All the others would be great for future follow-ups. Fantastic work on all of them!
I would like to thank everyone for choosing my design so far! (E)
I decided to make it simple yet make it "pop" also, readers should be interested as soon as they pick it up and look at it. the whole point was to grab someones attention, so they would open it up and take a good look at whats inside.....
P.S Just because a design didn't rate well doesn't mean its poorly made. its all based on opinion, people should just see it for what it is A SMASHING BOOK,
thanks for the comments rude or not, i appreciate your feed back
yours truly,
Static 44 a.k.a Dan
Andrea - 16 years ago
I think E is humorous and I would be most likely to pick it up out of curiosity if I had no idea what Smashing Magazine was. However, C fits the brand the most and is bright and vibrant. I think it would easily stand out on the shelf.
I was between C, D, and F. I finally voted F because of the dark look, and for the potential of showing both a simple design as well as a typography inspired design. Both C and D are also very nice covers, so seeing as C is winning is actually a relief. The three designs I wasn't convinced with: A, B, and E, didn't actually rate so well, so it seems we're a bunch that think alike :-)
Look forward to buying the book. The inspiration from reading your online magazine has given me the motivation to start designing websites. Only 4 months into it. However, I am learning all the best practices thanks to you guys.
C looks the best choice because it toked me 1 sec to identify it, and 2 more to relate it to the logo and the favicon, that's your brand so keep on the good work!
mervat - 16 years ago
I like C cover, simple , attractive and strong design.
My votes are for E and F. E is the most insteresting one to me. I like how the texture creates a circle around the logo, keeping to focus there. It has more than just black, white and orange, but the colors are dark enough that it doesn't take your focus from the logo. Like B is doing.
To the man who said the texture doesn't match with the website; so what. It's supposed to grab attention. The rest are either too busy, too simple or in the case of C, an overdone idea. I agree about the blue in B.
As for F. It used the idea of the "S" going off the page in C, but its a little more interesting. With it layed out as text to create the "S", it's not as bold, making it feel like a watermark. Bringing your attention to the full logo at the bottom. The fact that it is at an angle gives it movement.
I did quite like similicity of 'd', the 'smash'ing effect of 'e' and the type effect of 'f' but for me, the one that yells out 'Smashing Magazine' is C and I'll be proud to have a copy on my shelf too.
C, no contest. It's the only one that screams Smashing Magazine.
Navid - 16 years ago
I suggest "D" Its very clean and the background color (black rite now) is changeable occasionally for distinguish in different titles (some light and cool abstract will be better in background). But the text "smashing magazine" should be in original format as in the logo on the website.
Mårten - 16 years ago
D is my choice, a slick and black design, a good cover for a excellent choice of topics.
i dont know, i dont like any of these cover, it doesn't look like a book imho
but if i had to choose, i choose C because the strong smashing trademark
odaddy - 16 years ago
C definitely without question :)
Carlo - 16 years ago
I really like A... I guess my taste is different to most people here... All these designs look like comic books (me likes).. The black ones look more sleek but with the big S and dominant black, they look like some "How to ... Sex..." book.. hey nothing wrong with that!
Sachin Ghodke - 16 years ago
Well here is my take on the magazine cover:
(a) Confusing and brand value lost
(b) Resonably well, but the blue has killed the brand
(c) Good typography, strong brand value and cutting the "S" leaves the looker with a hint of suspense. Curiosity is invoked and is prompted to look inside. However, the top dark band value from the website is missing. Unless the back of the cover is completely dark. That would add interest.
(d) Good brand value coming across. Looks neat, clean and has all the elements of the brand. Stands apart. Is something that could be visible from far. But looks a bit cliched.
(e) Impressive use of texture. But unfortunately the website does not have those textured values. I can understand that a feeling of heavy object "S" has fallen on cover and it has cracked. Or rather "smashed" the cover. Its good, but the only reason it does not work for me is because of the texture. Yes i do like textures but i prefer the clean look percolating from the website into the cover of the book.
(f) Interesting typography. Maybe slightly weak in visibility, but interesting.
My choices are C or D. Although i had to make a choice for the sake of voting, i choose D because all the brand values from website are visible on the cover. I have liked C and D both.
I love C the most, but D comes a very close second.
laura - 16 years ago
Difficult to chose : they all poorly designed which si ironic for a (great) site which usually has good critics of the works of others. (C) is probably the only one acceptable.
C has the most impact and clarity.
A has potential, but needs more contrast IMO. The grey smashing logos should be a lot lighter so the red arrow can be seen more clearly.
Tam Mai - 16 years ago
I vote D, very clean cover. Cool! ^_^
bchild - 16 years ago
D for the win!
- It's Modern, Clean and Would look great on my White 'S-shaped' shelf!
Dalin - 16 years ago
The others are artsy but if you want to sell if, you have to be able to read it in a clean clear cut way....D or E.
Jon - 16 years ago
C or nothing... that cover completely epitomizes SM. Beautiful, minimal, totally elegant. All the traits my favorite Dev Blog works so hard to exude.
Is pusy exp, but dont' think feel better. My vote is D
celyd - 16 years ago
For me, perhaps the cover A could look better in black instead of grey
Manuel - 16 years ago
B looks like the pepsi logo.
Randy Carey - 16 years ago
To me it is either d or e. They are so similar that one could be taking votes away from the other. Perhaps once you observe the undeniable top 2 or 3, you could remove the low-vote getters and try one more time with a run off.
I've seen this before in a photo contest. Two or more similar submissions split their votes while a less-popular submission (with no competition that is similar) edges out the highest vote-getter of those that are similar.
Hey, what about d, this is my favourite
These are bad. They don't represent SM at all. I'll go with D, if I have to choose one.
I've seen this before in a photo contest. Two or more similar submissions split their votes while a less-popular submission (with no competition that is similar) edges out the highest vote-getter of those that are similar.
C... Absolutely C.
Thank you!
C and only C....coz it’s simple and clean....simplicity last longer than anything…
This is what happens when you ask a inexperienced bunch to vote on a design matter . . . they go with the simplest "dumb ass" choice . . . without taking a moment to consider what design work has been put into it . . . A 10 y.o. child could have made that cover in paint . . . its just the logo spread onto the whole page . . dduuuhhh can't you see that
I can't believe that C is the top cover thus far- its too mundane/basic and really doesn't show any design insight. I find that Smashing magazine is one of the best sites on the web for design inspiration and showcases of techniques, and C just doesn't do the site justice. One thing to keep in mind for those consumers who are not familiar with smashing magazine is that you want the cover to jump off the rack and grab the casual book shopper whos not really sure what their looking for. I think that A. actually is the best of the bunch in this regard- it asks more of the viewer to stop and take a closer inspection (especially if its only the spine that is showing).
I agree with sentimentality that simple is usually the way to go, I do that a lot in my personal work, but for a design book where the idea is to really grab the consumer at first glance, I'm sorry, but C just doesn't do it for me. I think for the first jump out of the gate the primary concern should be to grab as many people into the book as possible, and perhaps with the second volume you can go a little simpler and take a look at C again.
C is Simple but elegant matching color according to the Smashing Magazine Logo.
d or f ! :)
For a "debut" book, "C" is the top on my list. It defines "Smashing Magazine." Simple! All the others would be great for future follow-ups. Fantastic work on all of them!
I would like to thank everyone for choosing my design so far! (E)
I decided to make it simple yet make it "pop" also, readers should be interested as soon as they pick it up and look at it. the whole point was to grab someones attention, so they would open it up and take a good look at whats inside.....
P.S Just because a design didn't rate well doesn't mean its poorly made. its all based on opinion, people should just see it for what it is A SMASHING BOOK,
thanks for the comments rude or not, i appreciate your feed back
yours truly,
Static 44 a.k.a Dan
I think E is humorous and I would be most likely to pick it up out of curiosity if I had no idea what Smashing Magazine was. However, C fits the brand the most and is bright and vibrant. I think it would easily stand out on the shelf.
D... Absolutely D.
my first choice would be: "C"
followed by a close: "C"
then possibly a good third place might be: "C"
Oh and by the way for those of you who don't think "C" is the best choice: "C"
man who ever voted for C is a dumb$#@ its so plane and lame E is the best no doubt
I really wanted to make it "F"... I love typography....
"C" is quite similar to the academy of arts catalog XD
I vote "A"
Looks like most people have it right... C should be the winner. It's blatant Smashing Magazine.
I was between C, D, and F. I finally voted F because of the dark look, and for the potential of showing both a simple design as well as a typography inspired design. Both C and D are also very nice covers, so seeing as C is winning is actually a relief. The three designs I wasn't convinced with: A, B, and E, didn't actually rate so well, so it seems we're a bunch that think alike :-)
They all look good to me, but i choose D !
Black looks strong and Clean :D
I am going with C because it is clean, clear just fall in love in first sight.
He, what about d. d is small and clean. I like very much d. Good wrapper Design
i choosed c :)
Think d is the best, looks clearer than c. But the books should be muuuuch thicker than those demos!!!
Look forward to buying the book. The inspiration from reading your online magazine has given me the motivation to start designing websites. Only 4 months into it. However, I am learning all the best practices thanks to you guys.
D is nice, that's simple but elegant
matching color if mixed with Smashing Magazine logo
black + orange = perfect
:-)
C looks the best choice because it toked me 1 sec to identify it, and 2 more to relate it to the logo and the favicon, that's your brand so keep on the good work!
I like C cover, simple , attractive and strong design.
My votes are for E and F. E is the most insteresting one to me. I like how the texture creates a circle around the logo, keeping to focus there. It has more than just black, white and orange, but the colors are dark enough that it doesn't take your focus from the logo. Like B is doing.
To the man who said the texture doesn't match with the website; so what. It's supposed to grab attention. The rest are either too busy, too simple or in the case of C, an overdone idea. I agree about the blue in B.
As for F. It used the idea of the "S" going off the page in C, but its a little more interesting. With it layed out as text to create the "S", it's not as bold, making it feel like a watermark. Bringing your attention to the full logo at the bottom. The fact that it is at an angle gives it movement.
These are bad. They don't represent SM at all. I'll go with D, if I have to choose one.
D i chuj
C screams Adobe man! u don't want that. Nothing wrong with adobe but hey, you're smashin', not adobey.
d) for me... although make sure it says 'smashing' rather than 'mashing' as on the full cover view
I vote: C
I did quite like similicity of 'd', the 'smash'ing effect of 'e' and the type effect of 'f' but for me, the one that yells out 'Smashing Magazine' is C and I'll be proud to have a copy on my shelf too.
Alex | Zen Elements
C, no contest. It's the only one that screams Smashing Magazine.
I suggest "D" Its very clean and the background color (black rite now) is changeable occasionally for distinguish in different titles (some light and cool abstract will be better in background). But the text "smashing magazine" should be in original format as in the logo on the website.
D is my choice, a slick and black design, a good cover for a excellent choice of topics.
i dont know, i dont like any of these cover, it doesn't look like a book imho
but if i had to choose, i choose C because the strong smashing trademark
C definitely without question :)
I really like A... I guess my taste is different to most people here... All these designs look like comic books (me likes).. The black ones look more sleek but with the big S and dominant black, they look like some "How to ... Sex..." book.. hey nothing wrong with that!
Well here is my take on the magazine cover:
(a) Confusing and brand value lost
(b) Resonably well, but the blue has killed the brand
(c) Good typography, strong brand value and cutting the "S" leaves the looker with a hint of suspense. Curiosity is invoked and is prompted to look inside. However, the top dark band value from the website is missing. Unless the back of the cover is completely dark. That would add interest.
(d) Good brand value coming across. Looks neat, clean and has all the elements of the brand. Stands apart. Is something that could be visible from far. But looks a bit cliched.
(e) Impressive use of texture. But unfortunately the website does not have those textured values. I can understand that a feeling of heavy object "S" has fallen on cover and it has cracked. Or rather "smashed" the cover. Its good, but the only reason it does not work for me is because of the texture. Yes i do like textures but i prefer the clean look percolating from the website into the cover of the book.
(f) Interesting typography. Maybe slightly weak in visibility, but interesting.
My choices are C or D. Although i had to make a choice for the sake of voting, i choose D because all the brand values from website are visible on the cover. I have liked C and D both.
I love C the most, but D comes a very close second.
Difficult to chose : they all poorly designed which si ironic for a (great) site which usually has good critics of the works of others. (C) is probably the only one acceptable.
C has the most impact and clarity.
A has potential, but needs more contrast IMO. The grey smashing logos should be a lot lighter so the red arrow can be seen more clearly.
I vote D, very clean cover. Cool! ^_^
D for the win!
- It's Modern, Clean and Would look great on my White 'S-shaped' shelf!
The others are artsy but if you want to sell if, you have to be able to read it in a clean clear cut way....D or E.
C or nothing... that cover completely epitomizes SM. Beautiful, minimal, totally elegant. All the traits my favorite Dev Blog works so hard to exude.
C it the one, if this is book that delivers all that is Smashing Mag then the cover should be the logo and nothing more. Can't wait to pick it up....
Hey, what about d, this is my favourite
absolutely, looks like c is it
Far and away C. I don't think any others are close.
C is simple, clean and SCREAMS SmashingMagazine.com.
C... Absolutely C.
no doubt, d is the one for me
Is pusy exp, but dont' think feel better. My vote is D
For me, perhaps the cover A could look better in black instead of grey
B looks like the pepsi logo.
To me it is either d or e. They are so similar that one could be taking votes away from the other. Perhaps once you observe the undeniable top 2 or 3, you could remove the low-vote getters and try one more time with a run off.
I've seen this before in a photo contest. Two or more similar submissions split their votes while a less-popular submission (with no competition that is similar) edges out the highest vote-getter of those that are similar.