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The short version is that we just bought www.xmovienow.com (adult) as an existing site, and it has, well no real layout to it, and the existing cms that is on it is not really workable at all. The code for a new version of the site is all ready, and because we aren't able to trade or update the site until we have the new layout to put in with the code. So effectively, we're going to be losing all the traffic and a lot of opportunities until this new layout is ready, so we have to have this like yesterday! The contest is set for 6 days, but if we get a good submission early on we'll call it, and win or not, we're looking for several designers to keep on hand as we have a big demand for layouts, both internally and for our own clients. If we get an amazing submission, you can pretty much guarantee you'll be stocked with work as long as you can continue to pump out great site, and we already have a developed cms that we can rapidly develop on a new site in less than an hour so we can put out as many sites as can be created in all seriousness.
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Okay now to details on the layout. I want something that looks really basic and simple, like the layout right now has nothing to it, but it's adult stuff, the layout doesn't have to be super complex, and in fact I'd like to keep it really lite and sweet. First I want to start off by saying I'm color blind, I code for a living so half of my day is staring at a white and black window, so what I say I want things to look like should be only loose guidelines, and I need people who design for me to use their best instincts. If you're designing, then you probably know what looks good, and I have no problem admitting that I have no design skills. I keep thinking maybe having a layout like the current one in regards to where you can't tell the definitive borders of the main area, so it kind of blends in with the rest. A version my partner cooked up can be found at http://projectshifter.com/upload/files/xmovie%20layout.jpg although it's such a pain in the ass the way it's setup to do that it's not feasible so we're turning to a sitepoint contest. Use as much or as little of the concepts there as you want, it makes no difference but it does have kind of a rough idea of the sections we wanted.
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But to be brief, here is what I need: If you look at the existing site, I have 2 leaderboard ads on top, I'd really like to keep those two ads on that main screen without having to scroll down. A logo is cool, doesn't have to be fantastic or anything, KISS (keep it simple stupid) is all I really need, just something that looks good, so use your discretion, and maybe a spot to put a short motto or slogan for the site would be great. Above the main section but below the ads or whatever up top, I want a few thumbs and a section maybe titled "Latest Hosted Content" or something of the nature, 4-6 thumbs or so are my thoughts, but they will be links to our local media, while the rest of the page will have links to other sites. The main section I'd like divided into three sections, but I'm also open for suggestions. The left part of it, I'd like to have a list of friend links and categories (more friends we can get on there the better, so keep them small please). The middle section I'll come back to in a second since it's the most important, and the right side I want to be reserved for referers (those who send me traffic) and then some thumbnails (we're going to use chosen plugs, call them staff picks or something of the nature that sounds good). The middle section is where we're putting plugs (links out to other sites). Needs to be really plain and simple, I'm going to mix in some adengage ads in there, it will have thumbs but ONLY on mouseover, so nothing that needs to be done on the designer's side. Pretty much needs to have a title, then a description under it, my thoughts are maybe a slightly lighter color and a smaller font, but your call for what you think looks good.
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I'm competent enough at being able to make small changes and such in photoshop, so as long as the main concepts are there, I can change text or move a couple things around. I do NOT need any kind of chopping and/or css/html, I will handle all of that, don't even bother slicing it please, I will take care of it all. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions, this has to be done immediately so if someone gets up a good design quick, it'll be much appreciated and there's a fair chance that you'll have at least one of the 2 other designs we need done this week on your plate if you can handle it. Thanks and good luck!
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I would PREFER the layouts to be 1000px wide or less, but preferably in that area. Also I had the previous URL in wrong, fixed now, it is xMOVIEnow.com and not xVIDEOnow.com (was tired when I wrote this)