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ADOBE CS6 - REVIEW shoutOut 18 hours, 9 minutes ago by DuncanBoxie in peeps |
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Time to take your design to all new levels! Adobe recently released its CS6 software to much fanfare and now that the dust has begun to settle I thought we could take a look at this remarkable product and how it is going to change your design world.
The first thing that hits you about CS6 is how Adobe has opted for a new interface aesthetic, which I must say looks very sexy indeed. Many websites are saying that Adobe has gone to the “Darkside”, which is rather Photoshop CS6 also has more power! Their new Mercury Graphics Engine is set to dramatically ‘up’ your work flow capabilities. This is a seriously intricate engine which I won’t dare profess to know the complete ‘ins and outs’ of. However, what the Mercury Graphics Engine does is properly enhance the capabilities of your machines GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) on your graphics card, enabling a sizable performance boost. GPU acceleration speeds up specific aspects of CS6, such as super-quick “feedback” on puppet wrap, liquefy and a whole host of lighting effects.
Another cool point about the Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine is that it will supposedly support AMD‘s OpenCL, but also the highly anticipated Trinity accelerator processing units. More power to us! ;) I first started mucking about with Adobe’s Content Aware features back in CS5 and I must say they opened up my design world in a huge way. Not only has Adobe improved upon their Content Aware technology, but they have also included new and exciting functions. Content Aware Move and Content Aware Patch are the new functions which are going to make editing a dream in CS6.
Adobe has also released its CS6 in conjunction with their new Creative Cloud service. Think of the Creative Cloud as an online storage facility where you can access all your data anywhere/anytime. It also serves as a proxy for renting the CS6 programs. This is a rather intriguing option for Adobe and I’m very interested to see how it plays out for them. If you consider that it would take Adobe many times longer to accrue the full value of a program via the ‘renting scheme’ than it would for out-right payment, you wonder how safe this idea really is. I suppose they are hoping for a long term play which will bring in a whole new crop of users who can afford the monthly payments. I have also heard the phenomenon of people buying an older version of the Adobe Suite and never bothering to upgrade to the latest version. Perhaps this will help incentivise more people signing up for CS6…only time will tell.
What do you guys think of CS6? I’m interested to hear whether or not you will be upgrading to CS6 or sticking it out with CS5. Personally at the moment I’m saving for my wedding so I will def be staying with CS5 for a little while longer, but as soon as I can raise the buckeroos, I will be all over this latest version, BAM! |
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Crowdopolis – taking the pulse of a crowdsourced planet shoutOut 1 day, 15 hours ago by DuncanBoxie in wordUp |
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Take every person on the planet that’s evangelical about crowdsourcing. Take the managers of Fortune 1000 companies. Take a convention centre in L.A, add excitement, new developments and the launch of a (as yet unnamed) new crowdsourcing company. Mix together, shake vigorously and what do you get? Crowdopolis 2012, of course! Bringing the many talking heads of Fortune 1000 companies and leading lights in the crowdsource sector together, Crowdopolis is the brainchild of DailyCrowdSource provides the lowdown on the effect crowdsourcing will have on advertising, tech and content marketing in the next three years. Taking place on July 19th, there’s probably no better place on the planet to be if you’d like to take the pulse of what’s about to go large online. And what’s more our CEO, Eran Eyal, is a speaker at the event and will be on hand to give delegates insights from the Springleap perspective. Can you say ‘industry leaders?’ Damn straight! After all, with online marketing now a long-established force to be reckoned with, the next phase in creating engagement is where the real action happens – at the coalface where consumers and brands interact. With Fortune 1000 company managers speaking on their experience and leading crowdsourcing providers sharing their insights, this is one networking and learning opportunity no-one with an interest in this dynamic part of the web should miss. More info? Go: Crowdopolis
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Leaving the Building 03 - Asian Designers of Springleap shoutOut 1 week, 1 day ago by DuncanBoxie in peeps |
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Springleap actually has its roots in the Asian market! Once upon a time, before Eran Eyal and Eric Edelstein founded Springleap.com, they owned a funky little store called eSquared Fashion (I was the manager), which sold the very best t-shirt designs from across Asian. Through sheer passion for design the business then evolved into Africa’s most successful design contest platform!
In recent times we have had a huge influx of designers from this side of the world and boy have they made some serious noise. Obviously there are so many designers I would like to mention, but here are a few that you should all know very well by now, hehe. Kookylove is a designer of immense proportions! So far he has won 3 separate contests on Springleap, which includes a victory in our coveted annual Battle of the Best contest. Kookylove has a quirky design style that always has the ability to make me smile…or laugh uncontrollably! While his designs are for the most part on the humorous side he also has the ability to create thought-provoking submissions that raise important issues. Take for example the design that saw him win Battle of the Best 2011, Longing to Breathe. This awesome design has an important eco-friendly message, which reminds us just how lucky some of us are to still be able to breathe clean air.
Qimstudio is definitely somebody I would like to mention. Not only does this pilot in training have mad illustration skills, but he has also got a crazy imagination which
The final designer I would like to chat about is a two-time winner on ‘The Leap’, Dewedhe. Ok, so his designs are awesome, but what is interesting about this guy is the fact that he can create vastly different submissions seemingly with ease. Dewedhe has a style that makes it easy for him to tweak his execution to suit pretty much These guys are just a few of the impressive designers leading the Eastern Charge and we have high hopes for their future! It has been a pleasure working with you all and I will stay in contact on FB. Peace out!
** If you would like to read my original 'Leaving the Building' posting please CLICK HERE |
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Leaving the Building 02 - South Africa shoutOut 1 week, 3 days ago by Duncan Boxshall-Smith in peeps |
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It’s AYOBA time!!!
South Africa is a country bursting with artistic talent.
I’m not sure why, but in the past there seems to have been a stigma about South African designers, in that they are not ‘on par’ with the international community. As far as I’m concerned this is a complete myth. Our designers are easily up there with the best - not only in digital design but traditional as well! Young South African designers seem to aspire to “get out” of South Africa and move overseas. They look to big international names for their inspiration instead of taking a good look at the amazing designers that live right under their noses. This is a sad fact, but luckily it is beginning to turn around in a big way….in no small part to many of the designers on our platform. Here are a few designers I have had the pleasure of dealing with and who carry the torch proudly for the South African design community. Grant Shepley (aka: CHUCKY) is a designer that has been with us for many a moon. If memory serves his first winning design with us was his ‘local ‘n lekker’ Taxi Wars design which scooped the top spot in our Township Bling contest. This design earned CHUCKY some huge respect and a faithful following. My absolute favourite CHUCKY creation is undoubtedly his Quarantine design with the gasmask. I wear mine soooo often…in fact I should make a mental note to grab another before I leave. It’s been a pleasure to work with this man, rock on sir!
Ron Olivier is a designer I would definitely like to mention. It is honestly hard to deny just how talented this guy is. What I dig about this dude is the fact that he is a machine at putting together designs for our branded contests. Creating design that works for corporate clients is not an easy endeavour. Indeed, you need to train
Also, just a quick mention about Greg Darrol (TokyoGoGo), who is a very inspirational local designer! If you think that the majority of South Africans are without adequate internet/computer access it really puts things into perspective. We may be at a disadvantage in regards to some technological aspects, but the tide has already begun to change and things are improving by the day. The future is bright!!! |
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Leaving the Building 01 - TokyoGoGo shoutOut 1 week, 6 days ago by DuncanBoxie in peeps |
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Yesterday I mentioned that I was leaving Springleap to begin doing my own thing. Greg has submitted something like 30 designs to Springleap, 15 of which have actually been printed…that is crazy prolific. That means that half of the designs he has sent through have won, that’s super impressive!
His character design powers are honestly some of the best I have ever seen.
Every now and then a designer submits to the contest that makes me yell “HELL YEAH”, because I know they will help take us to the next level.
Greg has become a very well known designer in South Africa art scene and his new endeavours and artwork are of an even higher standard than in the past. After all this time he still participates. Despite his busy schedule he still manages to grace us with his powers; Swooping in from the shadows to deliver a sneak-attack of supreme design superness. If you would like to see more of Tokyo's work, please cruise across to his website - its freaking kickazz :)
Thanks for all the amazing designs Greg. |
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Duncan Boxie is leaving the building shoutOut 2 weeks ago by Duncan Boxshall-Smith in wordUp |
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So long and thanks for all the designs! :)
............................... 'LEAVING THE BUILDING' POSTINGS:
1. Leaving the Building 01 - TokyoGoGo
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any concept. This is most notably seen with his latest submission for the 'Glass Going Green' contest, 
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We love our European designers!
The Euro Crew have long been a hugely important part of our community. I suppose you could say that they make up a big part of our designer ‘backbone’. They are always pushing the limit and coming up with super unique designs, which leave our community drooling for more!
The sheer amount of talent that comes our way from this part of the world is simply breathtaking.
I have a few European designers that I simply have to mention. Chances are you will already know their names well!
First up, we have the ever impressive Frederic Levy-Hadida, who goes by the name Kharmazero on The Leap. Yep, now you know who I’m talking about dontcha? His winning design Midnight Summer Dream was a massive success and showed the community that a new designer had arrived who meant serious business! This is also one of my personal favourite Springleap tees of all time. I barely wear mine because I save it for special occasions. Kharmazero is also one of our most prolific designers with over 80 designs to his name thus far. He has a bunch of hot new designs coming up for the May 2, so keep an eye out for more ‘Kharma Magic’.
Victor Calahan (Vcalahan) has been a hugely inspirational designer for me. When his first sub came through I did a little dance of joy and marvelled at his crazy intricate illustration style. 
Every single design that comes through from this guy renders me speechless. His powers are great!
This super impressive designer never fails to land himself in any given ‘Top 10’ and it is easy to see how much passion he puts into his work. My absolute favourite design from this man is his super hilarious Monty Python inspired design entitled Killer Rabbit. He also snatched the grand prize in our ‘Spread the Marmite Love’ contest with his old school style Marmite Addict submission. It has been an absolute pleasure working with this dude!
Iñaki (aka: Kakolak) has been with us for a very long time indeed and certainly qualifies as a ‘Springleap Veteran’. He first subbed to our platform with his Boyz in the Wood design, back in 2008 and unsurprisingly WON. Behind the Three Birds is probably his most successful winning design on Springleap to date. This is a natural design with massive personality and a 
distinctive execution. It never fails to draw in crowds of admirers when we are at a show. Perhaps the most important aspect of his work is that it pulls you in and reveals something new whenever you take another look! I’m happy to announce that he has another superb design appearing in our May 2 Open Theme, which will be up for voting on the 17th May. Show it some love :)
Thanks again to the European designers for always being so awesome and for helping take Springleap to the next level, there is simply no denying how profoundly positive your efforts have been for our platform!
I can’t wait to see more radical design coming through, not only from these 3 designers, but the entire Euro Crew as a whole. You are all just so amazingly talented.
Thanks for all the good times, laughs and jaw-dropping design!
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Experience the amazing everyday!
Nokia is calling on designers to show off their talent in the search for the perfect design to pimp the Nokia Developer community.
Nokia’s new Lumia range stretches beyond the limits of what you have come to expect from a smartphone, and truly embraces design as a fundamental to great user experiences.
The Lumia range is the first to be powered by Windows Phone software and incorporates a slick user interface, created using the unique Metro Style design inspired by Bauhaus. 
It is super intuitive and makes for fluid interactivity and lightning-fast connectivity driving the experience of Easier-Faster-Funner.
Springleap and Nokia have come together to bring you a contest bursting with vibrant colour and intense creativity.
Springleap designers will get the chance to help grow the Nokia Developer community by visualizing and expressing the ‘personality’ of the app developers through the design brilliance of the new Lumia.
Nokia is looking for developers to “Illuminate the Lumia” by getting involved with creating amazing apps for these award winning new smartphones.
Show us your vision of the Lumia, Windows Phone and most importantly Nokia Developer, as they illuminate a whole new world of possibilities!
YOUR MISSION:
The main focus of this design contest is to inspire the Nokia Developer base by creating a t-shirt design that appeals to app developers and illustrates what being a Nokia 
Developer is all about. Nokia Developers are proud technologists, but are trendy and adventurous. They live life fully and translate their adventure experiences into great apps and games.
People should see your t-shirt design and instantly recognize the wearer as a Nokia Developer or associate it with the brand.
Show us your vision of the Lumia, Windows Phone and Nokia Developer. Always keep in mind that your design must include 3 important aspects:
1. Lumia (illuminate/light/Metro Style/Bauhaus)
2. Imagination (new ideas/innovation/smart apps/inspiration/outside the box/infographics)
3. Mobile (experience & device)
THE BRIEF:
Designers are asked to create submissions that incorporates the above-mentioned aspects: “Lumia + Imagination + Mobile”.
The new Nokia Lumia range incorporates the unique Metro Style design into both the overall brand, as well as its user interface, to simplify its navigation and give it a clean modern look.
Designers may use the Metro Style design when creating their artwork, either as an inspiration or as the basis of their designs. You have complete freedom to create and express your concept for the perfect Nokia Developer t-shirt!
Your design must be bright and colourful - we do not want to see any boring black and white designs.
The idea is to express the vibrant energy of this amazing device and its community!
Your design must be placed on a BLACK t-shirt. Think of the black t-shirt as if it were the pure black screen of the new Lumia, with your illuminating, bright, colourful design placed onto it.Submissions must work as t-shirt designs, but should also translate well into various other touch points!
Where possible, we would like the various logos to feature: Nokia Developer and Windows Phone. The most important logo is the Nokia Developer logo, as the t-shirt designs should be a statement that “I am a Nokia Developer”.
The most important thing to remember is that designs must differentiate ‘Nokia with Windows Phone’ from simply ‘Windows Phone’. The design must be about being a Nokia Developer.
To get a better understanding of the Nokia Lumia, watch the inspirational videos below:
DeadMau5 Launch
CONTEST DO’s & DON'Ts:
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Designers must use the BLACK t-shirt template from the Springleap.com Submission Kit.
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Incorporate the Nokia Developer with Windows Phone logos as appropriate – with preference to the Nokia Developer logo. These can be found in the downloadable iconography pack on the submissions page.
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Designs must be versatile and work as a t-shirt design, but should also translate well to various other touch points.
Find out more about the Nokia Lumia by visiting the Nokia website, Facebook page and on Twitter via the links below:
Nokia Website
TIME TO BE AWESOME!!!
DATES:
Submission period:
17 April 2012 –11 June 2012
Voting period:
28 May 2012 –26 June 2012
Winner announced:
27 June 2012
PRIZES:
1st - US$ 2000 (R15000)
2nd - US$ 400 (R 3 000)
3rd - US$ 300 (R 2 000)
RULES:
1. No obscenities or hate speech.
2. Only original works will be accepted.
3. Incorporate the Nokia Developer & Windows Phone logos as appropriate – with preference to the Nokia Developer logo.
4. Black t-shirts only.
5. Each designer may submit up to five (5) designs.
6. Winners will be chosen by the Springleap design panel, in conjunction with Nokia SA.
7. Standard Springleap and Nokia Terms & Conditions apply over and above.
8. Nokia SA operates independently from Springleap.com and all commercial transactions completed through Springleap are in no way linked to Nokia SA. All queries relating to this contest and the website should be directed through Springleap.com
9. Nokia SA and Springleap reserve the right to request the high-resolution artwork of any entry submitted into the “Illuminate the Lumia” design contest for non-commercial benefit, such as media covering the process.
10. The contest will run from 17 April 2012 to 11 June 2012. The Springleap community will vote on designs from 28 May to 26 June 2012. Final winners will be chosen by a panel and announced on 27 June 2012 via the Springleap.com website and Facebook page, as well as Nokia SA website and Facebook page. The winning designs are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
11. Prizes are not transferable.
12. All designs submitted outside office hours, over weekends and on public holidays, will take longer to approve.
Get started on your designs by downloading the Springleap Design Submission Kit and get designing!
Confused or uncertain about anything? Post your questions about “Illuminating the Lumia” theme contest below or click our online support button to the left of our header.
Good Luck & Happy Designing!
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Hi there guys and girls,
Some of you may have already heard the good news but The Glass Recycling Company has decided to extend the voting period for their ‘Glass Going Green’ contest. This great news for community - they will now have more time to cast their votes and have their say on the super-cool submissions that have come through.
Voting has been extended until Friday 18 May 2012.
The winner will now be announced on Monday 21 May.
Designers, this is likewise a golden opportunity for you to promote your designs and get some extra points on the board. Tell your friends and family to get involved and lend you a helping hand….go social media crazy, hehe.
Spread the word and get your vote on!
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Hi there guys and girls .
Its time for another thrilling Springleap OPEN THEME contest!
NO specific theme, only regular guidelines apply! You know the drill NO OBSCENITY, NO HATE SPEECH…all that jazz.
This is your chance to show us your creativity on your own terms. Don’t be shy – just put it out there! Let the world be your inspiration. We wanna see what lives within your artistic mind.
You can submit up to 5 designs so go wild! The more designs you submit the greater chances you have of winning!
So, get designing peeps. The time is now to show us what you got!
One winner will receive
… 4 printed t-shirts, a cash prize – US$500 (R4000)
DATES TO DIARISE:
Submissions period:
10 May 2012 - 29 May 2012
Voting period:
31 May 2012 - 17 June 2012
Winner is announced:
18 June 2012
You could be the next winner on Springleap.com and gain exposure for yourself! You also stand a chance of winning amazing prizes and loads of cash .
Winners will now be chosen using votes as an indicator. The top 10 voted designs will get the golden stamp of approval and go in for review . The final verdict will come down to our esteemed design panel here at Springleap . For those that don’t win, you still stand a chance to have your designs printed! We’ll be keeping all top 10 designs in our re-seller catalogue and who knows we could be printing and selling your designs nationwide!
Everyone WINS!!
In order to get started on your designs download the Springleap t-shirt Submission Kit and get started right away!
Confused or uncertain about anything?
Post your questions about the OPEN THEME competition below or click our online 'support button' to the left of our header.
Good Luck and Happy Designing!
The Springleap.com Team
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