Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Hardy Heron Artwork

[BrokeBody]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3975/basicidealsactionattachym8.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2445/basicidealsactionattachjc6.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/734/basicidealsactionattachqj1.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3568/basicidealsactionattachid4.jpg

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/3116/basicidealsactionattachmt9.jpg

Panel (http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/5320/basicidealsactionattachjo1.jpg)

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8721/basicidealsactionattachht1.jpg

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals

[BrokeBody]

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/2789/basicidealsactionattachtk3.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/4493/basicidealsactionattachih6.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/9694/basicidealsactionattachry1.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1939/basicidealsactionattachlh1.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3483/basicidealsactionattachls0.jpg

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Inco...te/BasicIdeals

[flamelab]

Perfect !!!:guitar:

Do you think of creating (temporarily ) a GTK theme ? Emerald ?

[BrokeBody]

Do you think of creating (temporarily ) a GTK theme ? Emerald ?

Ermm... I didn't do this. :) I left the link above. ;)

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Inco...te/BasicIdeals

[flamelab]

Ermm... I didn't do this. :) I left the link above. ;)

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Inco...te/BasicIdeals

Well ... try it ! It is very good !:lolflag:

[oedipuss]

Is this official ? Please let it be the default hardy theme! It's perfect!

[NullHead]

I don't like it .... it's to dark and brown ... I like more along the light brown/orange with white. Like gutsy is now. I suppose I could just change the theme when it's released if this is going to be the theme.

[smartboyathome]

Is this official ? Please let it be the default hardy theme! It's perfect!

It isn't the default hardy theme. :p

[BrokeBody]

It isn't the default hardy theme. :p

It is planned to be the default theme when full version of Hardy comes out.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals

[khurrum1990]

I hate this theme. I sure hope Kubuntu 8.04 has something better.

[bobbybobington]

It looks good, but it may cause problems with other colors ( a blue wallpaper for example) becuase it isn't neutral enough. Other than that, it is bold and gorgeous.

[BrokeBody]

it may cause problems with other colors ( a blue wallpaper for example) becuase it isn't neutral enough.

Well, orange and blue are complementary.

[swj]

It is planned to be the default theme when full version of Hardy comes out.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals


I read that the colors will be orange/black. Although this a good theme for gusty.

[smartboyathome]

I read that the colors will be orange/black. Although this a good theme for gusty.

That was a suggestion.

[k99goran]

I like the overall design of the theme, it is more 'detailed' than the current one. I do however have a few concerns regarding the colors.

1. Don't you mean "Beige"?
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3975/basicidealsactionattachym8.jpg
2. The colors in the mockups are too dark and too saturated. I think a 'weaker' palette would be more easy on the eyes. Creamy Classic (http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Creamy+Classic?content=69907) is a good example of this.
3. I think the highly saturated colors on the panels clash with the icons on it. An example of this is the Ubuntu logo in this screenshot.
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/3116/basicidealsactionattachmt9.jpg
4. Ubuntu has taken some flak over its choice of primary color, and I think this will make it much worse.

[Jhongy]

I think the theme looks fantastic. Thank God that at least the panels are going to finally get a decent theme applied.

[snickers295]

thats JUST what i wanted for 7.10!
i love the panel colors.

[khurrum1990]

I think the theme looks fantastic. Thank God that at least the panels are going to finally get a decent theme applied.
I think the panel theme idea is great, but don't u think the panel looks like a bar of chocolate? I hope they will let users modify whatever they want.

[aethralis]

I like the overall design of the theme, it is more 'detailed' than the current one [...] The colors in the mockups are too dark and too saturated. I think a 'weaker' palette would be more easy on the eyes.

I would like to second that. And add, that the web 2.0 (glossy, plastic) look is in my opinion overused. Look around in the art forums: most designers are bored and fed up with it.

[oedipuss]

I think the panel theme idea is great, but don't u think the panel looks like a bar of chocolate? I hope they will let users modify whatever they want.

Ok, first, yum XD, and second, of course users will be able to modify whatever they want, as always.

[tyler22]

I would like to second that. And add, that the web 2.0 (glossy, plastic) look is in my opinion overused. Look around in the art forums: most designers are bored and fed up with it.


Agreed. This theme is way to in your face. Why do people love mac themes? Nice subtle colours that go well with everything.

[Achetar]

Love it, might make me consider returning to GNOME from Xfce4

[tech9]

I like the transparency, but not the colors

[kevinatkins]

I like this very much. If I have one small quibble, it's that the the browns on the panel are quite dark, but I very much like the general 'glassy' effect - looks great!

[larryfroot]

I think its really really nice. It takes a lot to get me sold onto brown, but the theme on offer does it for me. mind you, no matter how good the theme might ber, It will last about five minutes on my desktop before the whole lot gets changed in The Quest.

[R-Dot-Yung]

when does hardy come out

[ANTDx1]

Personally, I like the new layout. However, i would hope that the included themes (clearlooks, etc.) would also come with their own default panel coloring, so that it doesn't take users fifteen different dialog boxes to make the OS look as they want it. I really like the transparency, and even the colors would make me consider finding a background to fit in. However, it doesn't really look like the "orange and black" idea that everyone seems to be throwing around.

[azad]

How about a Black panel? Black goes well with all kinds of wallpapers and icons.

[khurrum1990]

How about a Black panel? Black goes well with all kinds of wallpapers and icons.
Exactly a black panel would look great.

[nami]

I don't like it .... it's to dark and brown ... I like more along the light brown/orange with white. Like gutsy is now. I suppose I could just change the theme when it's released if this is going to be the theme.I hate this theme. I sure hope Kubuntu 8.04 has something better.

ditto

it is awful. however the effects look good. i hope the anticipated black and orange look better than this. i have to be honest. this theme is so awful. makes the current theme for 7.10 look amazing.

[khurrum1990]

ditto

it is awful. however the effects look good. i hope the anticipated black and orange look better than this. i have to be honest. this theme is so awful. makes the current theme for 7.10 look amazing.
yeah the effects do look good, but the color sucks.

[Gourgi]

I like the transparency, but not the colors

+1

[nami]

yeah the effects do look good, but the color sucks.

+1

I like the transparency, but not the colors

i could not agree more.

[Devport]

ditto

it is awful. however the effects look good. i hope the anticipated black and orange look better than this. i have to be honest. this theme is so awful. makes the current theme for 7.10 look amazing.

I agree - I just switched from gentoo to ubuntu and the only thing I dont like is the current default ubuntu theme and colours. This new theme seems to be as "ugly" - IMHO it would fit edubuntu better as it has a kind of childish look.

IMHO the ubuntu colors are the main bad choice - orange, brown and its flavours are not too popular colours. Popular colours are white black blue + others and to fix bug #1 it should be essential to provide a theme that is pleasing to the vast majority.

I agree that ubuntu should have a unique look, but there are so many wonderful looking themes in the making - why not help those developers / designers out and create a really good looking and windows user attrcting theme ?

I think a combination of these two themes ( first theme with transparency ) would give ubuntu a really unique and futuristic look representing its technical quality :

http://www.gnome-look.org/CONTENT/content-pre1/60326-1.png (http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Glory-Simplex?content=60326)

http://www.cimitan.com/blog/wp-content/murrine_rgba-3.thumbnail.jpg (http://www.cimitan.com/blog/2007/12/12/gtk-rgba-transparent-widgets-with-the-murrine-engine)

[khurrum1990]

I agree - I just switched from gentoo to ubuntu and the only thing I dont like is the current default ubuntu theme and colours. This new theme seems to be as "ugly" - IMHO it would fit edubuntu better as it has a kind of childish look.

IMHO the ubuntu colors are the main bad choice - orange, brown and its flavours are not too popular colours. Popular colours are white black blue + others and to fix bug #1 it should be essential to provide a theme that is pleasing to the vast majority.

I agree that ubuntu should have a unique look, but there are so many wonderful looking themes in the making - why not help those developers / designers out and create a really good looking and windows user attrcting theme ?

I think a combination of these two themes ( first theme with transparency ) would give ubuntu a really unique and futuristic look representing its technical quality :

http://www.gnome-look.org/CONTENT/content-pre1/60326-1.png
http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Glory-Simplex?content=60326

http://www.cimitan.com/blog/wp-content/murrine_rgba-3.thumbnail.jpg
http://www.cimitan.com/blog/2007/12/12/gtk-rgba-transparent-widgets-with-the-murrine-engine
The theme with the white windows looks great, it kind of resembles the theme I use my self.

[nami]

I agree - I just switched from gentoo to ubuntu and the only thing I dont like is the current default ubuntu theme and colours. This new theme seems to be as "ugly" - IMHO it would fit edubuntu better as it has a kind of childish look.

that theme is nice. i don't know if it is just me, but when you sit in front of a computer all day, you normally prefer not to have to look at strong colors all day long (unless maybe you are in the graphic design business), personnally, i would prefer if the theme was light and fresh looking, instead of dark/strong looking colors like orange, black, brown.

you want a theme which is easy on the eyes, not a theme which is overwhelmingly powerful like the one posted by the op.

[Don S]

I like the theme the OP posted. I personally like the brown/orange colours, and the look of chocolate - makes me wanna eat my computer (in the good way).

Personally, I think blue, black and white is way too overused, and every time I have to log on to a Windows computer, my eyes are crushed by the default blue (when I used Windows, I had the colour theme changed to lime).

Anyway, brown with a green background would definitely be my preferred choice.

[aethralis]

I agree on this one. I think the unique colour palette of ubuntu (brown, orange) is a very good idea and it makes ubuntu stand out. It is agreeably difficult to achieve neutral themes that everybody likes with these colours, but originality and idiosyncrasy are even more important. And this makes the result all the more interesting.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Exactly a black panel would look great.

yeh but vista has a black panel.

I opt for an orange one

[nami]

I like the theme the OP posted. I personally like the brown/orange colours, and the look of chocolate - makes me wanna eat my computer (in the good way).

haha, that says it all really. the last thing you would want is to feel hungry for chocolate each time you switch your computer on to do work...

yes, this color is good for a non professional environment for kids and stuff like that, but if you want to have a look which is appealing for home use and the business, these colors are not the way to go.

[SunnyRabbiera]

well more orange is good from my perspective, I do like ubuntu's orange looks more then its old browns and I think we should embrace more of an orange look...
this brown thing goes back to warty, and frankly I hated its brown scheme.
but we could easily take some lessons from suns nimbus theme though, they have a nice pleasant orange for progress bars

[BDNiner]

I really like the theme. It is more pleasant on the eyes. But the colors, i won't even get into what i think about the default colors used by ubuntu. I feel that brown was choosen because it is more 'human'. if this theme is avaliable in different colors then that would be great.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yeh if they did have at least two other color variations then I would go for it, I like the concept dont get me wrong, but the colors make me wanna barf

[aethralis]

New version of the theme is in the wiki (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals#head-12031b5573fbadd2f50ba965e308cb28bb086175) and I think that this one is getting better. The theme is good without the gloss but I would still think that the brown is too saturated...

[k99goran]

New version of the theme is in the wiki (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals#head-12031b5573fbadd2f50ba965e308cb28bb086175) and I think that this one is getting better. The theme is good without the gloss but I would still think that the brown is too saturated...
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_v2_2_w1.jpg
So... they removed the polish, but kept the fecal color?
The problem here might be the chosen background image. It simply doesn't mix.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_v2_2_shift.jpg
I don't know what to say...

[Zipster90]

Wow. That's incredible. Please somebody make this into an emerald theme!

[Hairy_Palms]

that theme is terrible.

[BrokeBody]

Bah, it's too dark like this. It's better with polish.

[tyler22]

I hate to be negative but the colour of these are so ugly. I serious reconsideration should be done.

[khurrum1990]

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_v2_2_w1.jpg
So... they removed the polish, but kept the fecal color?
The problem here might be the chosen background image. It simply doesn't mix.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_v2_2_shift.jpg
I don't know what to say...
This new one looks way better.

[smartboyathome]

By the way people, the guidlines will be out in a few days on what all the themes will have to follow, so this theme may or may not be the one chosen.

[nami]

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_v2_2_w1.jpg
So... they removed the polish, but kept the fecal color?
The problem here might be the chosen background image. It simply doesn't mix.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_v2_2_shift.jpg
I don't know what to say...

that is still way too dark, distracting and childish looking. it would suit edubuntu.

[jrharvey]

Wow guy, these are amazing. I hope Hardy really looks like this.

[khurrum1990]

I am glad atleast with this release people r trying to improve Ubuntu's look, I hope some tries for Kubuntu as well.

[BrokeBody]

I am glad atleast with this release people r trying to improve Ubuntu's look, I hope some tries for Kubuntu as well.

Well, you'll have KDE 4. :p

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yeh i really dont like that newer one...
bring back the gloss at least

[k99goran]

By the way people, the guidlines will be out in a few days on what all the themes will have to follow, so this theme may or may not be the one chosen.
How exactly will the new theme be chosen?

[smartboyathome]

How exactly will the new theme be chosen?

I am guessing (since this is my first release on the art team mailing list) that Mark, kwwii, and some of the other people on the art team will discuss it and choose the final theme from the discussion.

[aethralis]

I think it would be wise to consider the purpose of the theme. The idea is to present a look that is not "trying to be" but what is. This means (imho, that is) the whole web 2.0 aesthetics have to go. Glossy, shiny, pseudo 3d speechbubbles (http://blog.eachday.com/2007/8/1/bubble-logo-insanity) etc are all to be avoided. Not at all costs but the result has to reasonable and "ubuntulike".

[SunnyRabbiera]

I think it would be wise to consider the purpose of the theme. The idea is to present a look that is not "trying to be" but what is. This means (imho, that is) the whole web 2.0 aesthetics have to go. Glossy, shiny, pseudo 3d speechbubbles (http://blog.eachday.com/2007/8/1/bubble-logo-insanity) etc are all to be avoided. Not at all costs but the result has to reasonable and "ubuntulike".

so you rather have a ugly brown and flat theme?
sorry thats not for me

[LuisAugusto]

The color scheme and the panel are awful.

The only decent mockup is this one:

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8721/basicidealsactionattachht1.jpg

[khurrum1990]

The color scheme and the panel are awful.

The only decent mockup is this one:

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8721/basicidealsactionattachht1.jpg
This is really decent compared to the rest, but why not just let it have black panels, they go with everything.

[LuisAugusto]

This is really decent compared to the rest, but why not just let it have black panels, they go with everything.

Puf, I agree with you, but people will come crying out that Vista has a black taskbar...

[Ub1476]

This is really decent compared to the rest, but why not just let it have black panels, they go with everything.

Black FTW. I thought this new theme would have orange and black? Not just brown, brown, brown and orange..?

[khurrum1990]

Puf, I agree with you, but people will come crying out that Vista has a black taskbar...

Ok there is an attached picture of my kde desktop but we could make Ubuntu something similar. The black panels should look awesome.

[khurrum1990]

Let the people who want to complain about black panels complain, but we need to make Ubuntu look good and having a black panel does not mean we r ripping off Vista.

[k99goran]

I'd hate to be conservative here, but I think you should use a bright neutral panel with black font. Not necessarily gray as the current one, but it should be bright.
The reason for this is that subpixel rendering only works with black font. You get much clearer text, especially on LCD screens with lower resolution.

I must say the new screenshots look better. Though I'm still not too happy about the dark brown color.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_win1_1.jpg
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_win2_1.jpg

[khurrum1990]

I'd hate to be conservative here, but I think you should use a bright neutral panel with black font. Not necessarily gray as the current one, but it should be bright.
The reason for this is that subpixel rendering only works with black font. You get much clearer text, especially on LCD screens with lower resolution.

I must say the new screenshots look better. Though I'm still not too happy about the dark brown color.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_win1_1.jpg
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_win2_1.jpg
The windows look horrible.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yeh, ick...

hoo boy

[tyler22]

Two themes, A darker black and orange one. And a lighter whitish orange and black one.

[oedipuss]

Am I the only one that liked the very first ones posted here better?

Btw, there could be some utility to enable you to modify one or two central hues to your liking. I think vista has something similar, and frankly, it's a very good idea. It keeps everything consistent but allows for adequate customization. The glossy mockup, for instance, would look nice in green.

[khurrum1990]

They should have black panels, let the windows have a milk-white color, and some great looking icons, something similar to the oxygen icons. Your theme doesn't have to match ur logo colors, that is what Ubuntu developers need to realize.

[smartboyathome]

They should have black panels, let the windows have a milk-white color, and some great looking icons, something similar to the oxygen icons. Your theme doesn't have to match ur logo colors, that is what Ubuntu developers need to realize.

The problem is that this is Ubuntu's color scheme, and doing that would only make it look like Mac OSX. Besides, I hate how white the oxygen theme is on KDE. :lolflag:

[LuisAugusto]

I must say the new screenshots look better. Though I'm still not too happy about the dark brown color.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_win1_1.jpg
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup%28svg%29_win2_1.jpg

*Running to the bathroom willing to puke*

Oh, man, how ugly.

Anyway, Oxygen is beautiful, comparing it with human or those mockups it's a damn insult, it isn't perfect, but hell is better than those.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6701/oxygenke3.th.png (http://img252.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oxygenke3.png)

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/167/oxygen1dp4.th.png (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=oxygen1dp4.png)

See? XD

[LuisAugusto]

The old ones are infinitely better, I doesn't have the slightest idea how can they think those new ones are better :/

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup_Panels_dropdown.jpg

PS: Sorry for the double post, silly me! XD

[liquidfunk]

I love it!

[meborc]

well... guys, it is still a bit early, isn't it? :) there is time to come up with better ideas... and whoever does that, should try to convince the art team, not us here :)

i really liked the black-orange mockup that was somewhere here, on art forum... i don't know why they chose brown over black - probably didn't want to be too extreme... i guess they achieved just that with the brown bars

go black... go orange... go green (ups!)

[nikRbokR]

It would be great if users could chose the amount of opacity for the menu bars. It would probably be more inviting that way. I really wish that brown wasn't the default color though. It's not exactly the most appealing color. Luckily, it can be changed (i hope!). Compiz Fusion will look gr8 w/ this!

[khurrum1990]

Oxygen is the best. It beats Aqua and Vista aero and every other theme out there. Can anyone tell me what color the oxygen windows are in this format: #FFFFF. Thanks, I want to change my windows color in kde.

[BrokeBody]

Am I the only one that liked the very first ones posted here better?


Nope, you're not alone. :)

[LuisAugusto]

Oxygen is the best. It beats Aqua and Vista aero and every other theme out there. Can anyone tell me what color the oxygen windows are in this format: #FFFFF. Thanks, I want to change my windows color in kde.

Mine is this one:

Windows Background Color: #E0DFDB

Button Background Color: #E8E7E4

Selection Background Color: #7BA1AD

BTW, my color scheme isn't the default one (well, this is yet to be decided), it's called Steel, and it's part of the default set of color schemes.

[khurrum1990]

Thanks I will try this right now!

[bobbybobington]

The new mock ups look more clean and professional imo. The windows look pretty awesome too. They should consider changing the panel colors to something more neutral like the color the taskbar is right now. That way the look will be more evolutionary and only change incrementally, which I think is important because release cycle is so fast and to maintain a sense of consistency.

[k99goran]

i really liked the black-orange mockup that was somewhere here, on art forum...
Are you referring to this one?
http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/fs23/300W/f/2007/323/0/b/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Dark_by_bradwjensen.jpg (http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs23/f/2007/323/0/b/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Dark_by_bradwjensen.jpg)

Alternative:
http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs22/300W/f/2007/321/2/f/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Light_by_bradwjensen.jpg (http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs22/f/2007/321/2/f/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Light_by_bradwjensen.jpg)

[qamelian]

Let the people who want to complain about black panels complain, but we need to make Ubuntu look good and having a black panel does not mean we r ripping off Vista.
It also doesn't mean it will look good. Personally, I hat black panels because I find menu text on them difficult to read unless I make fonts larger than I want and bold. I have yet to see a black panel theme that I could use the same size, non-bold fonts I use with almost any other colour.

[khurrum1990]

Mine is this one:

Windows Background Color: #E0DFDB

Button Background Color: #E8E7E4

Selection Background Color: #7BA1AD

BTW, my color scheme isn't the default one (well, this is yet to be decided), it's called Steel, and it's part of the default set of color schemes.

That color didn't suit my desktop, I found out the current standard kde 4 color though, its #F1F1EF.

This is what my windows look like now, in the attachment.

[Tristicus]

Wow. Hardy looks nice! When is the FULL realease coming? (Stable)

[Sanchopinky]

Replace the brown with black and you got an amazing theme :D

[Muscar]

I demant someone to send me a link to this wallpaper!

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8721/basicidealsactionattachht1.jpg

[Muscar]

Wow. Hardy looks nice! When is the FULL realease coming? (Stable)

April 2008

[peakshysteria]

Are you referring to this one?
http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/fs23/300W/f/2007/323/0/b/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Dark_by_bradwjensen.jpg (http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs23/f/2007/323/0/b/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Dark_by_bradwjensen.jpg)

Alternative:
http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs22/300W/f/2007/321/2/f/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Light_by_bradwjensen.jpg (http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs22/f/2007/321/2/f/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Light_by_bradwjensen.jpg)


These are fantastic. I would really like to have them both. Cant see why people are complaining so much. It's just to ditch what you don't like anyway,

[k99goran]

These are fantastic. I would really like to have them both.
From what I understand, those themes do not exist, they are merely mockups.
Cant see why people are complaining so much. It's just to ditch what you don't like anyway.
Ubuntu's adoption rate, I believe hinges on the default theme to some degree. It is generally people's first impression of the distribution.

[qamelian]

Ubuntu's adoption rate, I believe hinges on the default theme to some degree. It is generally people's first impression of the distribution.
I find that very hard to believe. If the default look had anything to do with adoption rate, Windows 95 would have been no more than another footnote in Microsoft's history. In my experience, most of the users I've converted to Linux have been more impressed by what they could do with it than how it looks.

[k99goran]

I find that very hard to believe. If the default look had anything to do with adoption rate, Windows 95 would have been no more than another footnote in Microsoft's history. In my experience, most of the users I've converted to Linux have been more impressed by what they could do with it than how it looks.
I'm not just talking about people you have personally "converted". The first impression I got of Ubuntu was not a list of features or anything like that, it was a video on Youtube of it running Beryl.
And Windows 95 was miles ahead of Windows 3.11 in terms of user interface. And consider Aero for Vista... or OS-X. People like nice looking operating systems. It's not enough to make them stay, perhaps, but it's enough to get them interested.
I would go as far as to say that the same is true when it comes to applications. The first thing I look at when deciding whether an application is for me is screenshots.

[SunnyRabbiera]

I find that very hard to believe. If the default look had anything to do with adoption rate, Windows 95 would have been no more than another footnote in Microsoft's history. In my experience, most of the users I've converted to Linux have been more impressed by what they could do with it than how it looks.

yeh but win95 did look good for its time, Apple OS7 was really poor in looks by comparison even when it updated.
But times have changed since then, people buy looks as todays market is very materialistic.

[qamelian]

I'm not just talking about people you have personally "converted". The first impression I got of Ubuntu was not a list of features or anything like that, it was a video on Youtube of it running Beryl.
And Windows 95 was miles ahead of Windows 3.11 in terms of user interface. And consider Aero for Vista... or OS-X. People like nice looking operating systems. It's not enough to make them stay, perhaps, but it's enough to get them interested.
I would go as far as to say that the same is true when it comes to applications. The first thing I look at when deciding whether an application is for me is screenshots.
I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it: if people choose an OS based on the first visual impression, they are making a mistake. This is never an appropriate factor...ever. As for Aero on Vista? Personally, I think it's ugly. And the look of Mac OS X bores me stiff. Neither look would entice me to try either OS. And considering that the 40+ people that I have converted are basically all average home users, I think the fact they they weren't swayed by appearances carries quite a bit of weight. I would trust their choice every time over a group of users saying "Oooh, shiny".

[SunnyRabbiera]

well personally I find OSX to be very nice looking, but thats just me I guess

[qamelian]

yeh but win95 did look good for its time, Apple OS7 was really poor in looks by comparison even when it updated.
But times have changed since then, people buy looks as todays market is very materialistic.
That is very much a matter of opinion. Personally, I thought OS7 looked far more elegant than Windows 95. I was coming to Windows 95 from working exclusively with Atari Falcons and Commodore Amigas for several years and at the time, I still thought the Win95 desktop looked ugly and inferior.
The bottom line is that appearance is very much a matter of personal taste. I really don't give a crap what anyone else thinks looks good or "professional". I know what I like and if the default doesn't fit my criteria, I'll change it. But I would never let the default appearance influence my choice of OS. That is just incredibly shallow.

[SunnyRabbiera]

yeh but we live in a shallow world so...

[exploder]

SunnyRabbiera said it best "But times have changed since then, people buy looks as todays market is very materialistic. "

That is how it is and the sooner Ubuntu development realizes this the better. You can not change human nature.

[qamelian]

well personally I find OSX to be very nice looking, but thats just me I guess
That's cool. Everyone has there own preferences. If you look around these forums long enough though, you find that there are rampages hordes of art critics who don't seem to get it that there are far more important aspects to an OS than its default look. Cripes, when I started out with Linux, I was using fvwm which was pretty darned ugly. But it was lightweight and worked snappier on my old 486 than Win95 ever did. I care about things that enhance my ability to work, more than the appearance of my OS. Like most folks, if I can customize my environment to make it more pleasant for me, I will. But it drives me around the bend when the aforementioned hordes seem to think it is their right to decide what everyone else should consider pleasing to the eye.

[qamelian]

SunnyRabbiera said it best "But times have changed since then, people buy looks as todays market is very materialistic. "

That is how it is and the sooner Ubuntu development realizes this the better. You can not change human nature.
I guess I just know a different group of humans then. Like I said: the folks I've helped migrate to Linux didn't give a darn about the looks. Apparently, they are not familiar with this "human nature" you speak of. Maybe they just didn't get the memo.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Yeh but on the flip side I do like ubuntu's human theme.
If anything i think Hardy should just stick with what works but maybe do some gloss up of the human theme...

[k99goran]

I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it: if people choose an OS based on the first visual impression, they are making a mistake.
Not if it's a great operating system. I don't think all the people who decided to buy an iPod regrets getting "the sexy MP3 player". What I'm saying is that people like to try out nice looking things.
This is never an appropriate factor...ever.
So?
But it drives me around the bend when the aforementioned hordes seem to think it is their right to decide what everyone else should consider pleasing to the eye.
If you want to accuse me of something, you had better do it.

[exploder]

qamelian, just think about it for a minute. People upgrade Windows from XP to Vista, because it looks good. Vista runs like total crap but go to Hardware Central Discussion Forum, people were carrying on about Vista.

Linux User's aren't any different. OpenSuse, Fedora, Sabayon, LinuxMint all place an importance on the look of the os. Ubuntu needs to do the same. These types of threads are all over the forum. These types of threads wouldn't exist if there wasn't a need to improve the look of Ubuntu.

You are absolutly right about Ubuntu running well, just look at how many distributions are based on Ubuntu! Ubuntu is one of the best distributions out there, why can't it look as good as it runs?

[qamelian]

But it entices a lot of other people.
That doesn't mean they are making a good decision. While I know many folks who love Macs and OS X, I know a fair number who regret moving to Mac as well. One of my best friends is trying to unload one she bought about 7 months ago because, as she puts it, "There is a special place in H*ll for the miserable S-O-B who created this piece of crap". She never has issues with Windows or Linux, but the Max makes her crazy. Unfortunately, she bought it because of a combination of the looks and the hype, neither of which help her now.

[k99goran]

That doesn't mean they are making a good decision. While I know many folks who love Macs and OS X, I know a fair number who regret moving to Mac as well. One of my best friends is trying to unload one she bought about 7 months ago because, as she puts it, "There is a special place in H*ll for the miserable S-O-B who created this piece of crap". She never has issues with Windows or Linux, but the Max makes her crazy. Unfortunately, she bought it because of a combination of the looks and the hype, neither of which help her now.
But she did buy it.

Which goes back to my original point, looks influence the adoption rate.

[exploder]

qamelian, your friend could run Linux on the Mac.

[qamelian]

qamelian, just think about it for a minute. People upgrade Windows from XP to Vista, because it looks good. Vista runs like total crap but go to Hardware Central Discussion Forum, people were carrying on about Vista.

Linux User's aren't any different. OpenSuse, Fedora, Sabayon, LinuxMint all place an importance on the look of the os. Ubuntu needs to do the same. These types of threads are all over the forum. These types of threads wouldn't exist if there wasn't a need to improve the look of Ubuntu.

You are absolutly right about Ubuntu running well, just look at how many distributions are based on Ubuntu! Ubuntu is one of the best distributions out there, why can't it look as good as it runs?
I don't have to think about it. If you read my previous posts, my experience has been the opposite. Sorry, but nothing you say is going to change what I already know: that more than 40 people I know personally have switched to Linux without being swayed by appearance. I have never chosen an OS based on looks - only based on whether or not it suited my needs. I know that some people do choose based on looks. I don't care whether the OS is good or not. Appearance is still the wrong reason to choose an OS. I'm actually astounded that so many people have difficulty with this concept.
And again: Vista does NOT look good. That is only your opinion. I still find it ugly in the extreme and don't want anything that even hints of the Vista-look anywhere near my desktop!

[qamelian]

qamelian, your friend could run Linux on the Mac.
But she doesn't need to nor does she want to. She already has a PC for that. You are completely missing the point. The fact is she did exactly what I advise against and now she is regretting it.

[qamelian]

But she did buy it.

Which goes back to my original point, looks influence the adoption rate.
But she will also never buy another one. The point is that in this case the "appearance as selling point" back-fired. She has been completely alienated by her Mac experience and has essentially sworn off all Apple products, for ever. So while Apple has made one sale, where she is concerned there will be know repeat business. No future sale to her will result.
I still say that, based on my personal experience (which is actually based on 20 years in various aspects of the computer industry ranging from sales to support to development), appearance is not the big selling point you think it is. Appearance does influence some people...but it is not the trump card that you are making it out to be.

[k99goran]

I have never chosen an OS based on looks - only based on whether or not it suited my needs.
This is not just about you, please understand that.
I know that some people do choose based on looks.
You concede to my point then?
I don't care whether the OS is good or not.
Then what are you even doing in this thread?
There are literally thousands of discussions going on on Internet forums right now that I don't have any greater interest in, but that doesn't mean I should disrupt them or start preaching.
And again: Vista does NOT look good. That is only your opinion.
What's wrong with exploder's opinion, now? Is he not entitled to one?
But she will also never buy another one. The point is that in this case the "appearance as selling point" back-fired. She has been completely alienated by her Mac experience and has essentially sworn off all Apple products, for ever.
But weren't her experiences based on lacking functionality? If the operating system looked like crap, and if she based her decision on appearance wouldn't she have been alienated anyway?
Appearance does influence some people...but it is not the trump card that you are making it out to be.
When did I say that it was a trump card?

[BrokeBody]

I demant someone to send me a link to this wallpaper!

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8721/basicidealsactionattachht1.jpg

Don't demand next time.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup_panels.jpg

[Brindled]

I liked the first series posted. I'd use it... for a while, anyway.

What I think would be great is if the installer gave you a chance to initiate change of the GUI color and a few basic components while installing. So no matter what your favorite color is, you'd start fresh... happily and content.

[qamelian]

This is not just about you, please understand that.

You concede to my point then?

Then what are you even doing in this thread?
There are literally thousands of discussions going on on Internet forums right now that I don't have any greater interest in, but that doesn't mean I should disrupt them or start preaching.

What's wrong with exploder's opinion, now? Is he not entitled to one?

But weren't her experiences based on lacking functionality? If the operating system looked like crap, and if she based her decision on appearance wouldn't she have been alienated anyway?

When did I say that it was a trump card?
I never said it was about me. I am trying to point out that your argument is faulty. It seems the only way you can refute that is to reply with a personal attack, albeit a mild one.

Also, I did not indicate that his opinion was not valid. However, he did not state it as an opinion. His statement was expressed as a fact, which is simply noy the case. I did, in fact, acknowledge that it was an opinion, but no where did I indicate that it had no value. You appear to be very good at insuating things that simply are not there. Please do not try to twist my words to mean other than I have said. That is not fair play.

Look through the forums at the number of people who have jumped onto Ubuntu because Compiz / Beryl/ et al. sold them on the decision. Also look at the number of those people who are disillusioned because they eventually discover that what they have is not Windows with a shint new lid on top. Every time I see one of these posts, it proves my point. And there are a lot of them.

It doesn't matter whether 1 person or one hundred million people try an OS based on it's looks. What matters is what is under the hood. Although my experience with Ubuntu has been stellar since day one, not everyone can say the same. The number of people who try Ubuntu is meaningless compared to the number of people who stick with Ubuntu. Appearance might draw users in but it is not what it takes to keep them.

My friend's experiences were not based on lack of functionality, by the way. Her problem was that although everything seemed to work, it was not a comfortable working environment for her. The Mac required her to make many changes to her work habits that just felt counter-intuitive to her. She could do every thing she wanted to do, it just took her longer than she would have liked. She also had an intensely bad support experience with Apple when she began experiencing problems with her Mac. In fact, the problems she experienced were things that were commonly being complained about on various Mac forums. But she based her purchase on looks rather than actually researching the OS and any potential issues it might have.

As to what I'm doing in this thread: I'm as curious as the next person about what ideas the art team are floating around. But I really shouldn't have to justify that to you or anyone else, should I?

[jam02]

I don't see why the text in the menus has to glow... it makes things much less legible, and also I can imagine it would make load times higher.

[smartboyathome]

Ok, I think you both need to step away from this thread for a while and cool down.

[qamelian]

Ok, I think you both need to step away from this thread for a while and cool down.
I don't have to cool down...I'm not angry. Just mildly annoyed at someone trying to put words in my mouth. Anyway, I've said my piece and it's obvious that I'm just wasting my breath, so I'm bailing out on this topic altogether. Personally, I like the suggestions for the new look and think they would be logical out-growths of the way the Ubuntu them has been developing. I wouldn't necessarily use them myself, but I applaud the efforts of the artist(s).

[Ripfox]

Someone kill the brown please...:lolflag:

[Tristicus]

April 2008

AWESOME! I will have my other dedicated Linux build up before then, so I can run this! PWNAGE! lawl.

[omega_user]

It's alright, too dark brown for me. This is definitely not the theme that is going to be used though, there is a wiki/discussion on just this topic offsite and it seems that a more "Earth" theme will be used. I think this means they're gonna try and drop a lot of the oranges and bring in a mix of blue-green, kinda like the water and ground aspect. Although this theme is nice with the curves, the color set for "Earth" sounds more appealing to me

Side Note* I just hope that anyone designing the new icon sets does it in full HD. Of course I'm not expecting this for all the icon themes, but for the main theme it should be considered

[LuisAugusto]

That color didn't suit my desktop, I found out the current standard kde 4 color though, its #F1F1EF.

This is what my windows look like now, in the attachment.

Actually, it is impossible for KDE 3.5.x to look like KDE 3.97, basely because oxygen has a gradient ;)

[k99goran]

Anyway... the point I was making to peakshysteria before this thread got derailed by discussions about friends with Macs is that the default theme works kind of like advertisement for the distribution. It's the most commonly used theme and it's the one most potential Ubuntu "converts" will see.

BTW, are there any themes available today where the menu is placed in the window decorator like in this mockup (http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs23/f/2007/323/0/b/Ubuntu_Theme_Mockup___Dark_by_bradwjensen.jpg)?

[Muscar]

Don't demand next time.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=mockup_panels.jpg

i wasn't serious, and why did you post a link to the image? I just wanted the wallpaper.

Anyway 8.04 looks awesome

[BrokeBody]

why did you post a link to the image? I just wanted the wallpaper.


I just went on 'Copy image Location' and paste it here. I don't know why it posted a link to the image.

[leomelo]

azad azad is offline
First Cup of Ubuntu

Join Date: Aug 2006
Beans: 10
Re: Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Hardy Heron Artwork
"How about a Black panel? Black goes well with all kinds of wallpapers and icons".
No, black no. Black is the color of sin and the color of demons. I has a very bad influence. Brown is another negative color. It best to use the divine colors, like the color of the rainbow.

[khurrum1990]

That theme is with black windows is the ugliest I have ever seen, how is a new user facing problems even supposed to work on his system if he can't read anything. The default theme should be pretty and usable to help u atleast get the system running. After its running then u can mess up whatever u want.

[BrokeBody]

Here's something interesting. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_symbolism_and_psychology

[werewolfzx8]

Here's something interesting. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_symbolism_and_psychology

My fiancee has been reading up on this. I believe color has some sort of effect, I'm not sure how deep it actually goes though.

My old room was very colorful (not by choice), yet I was usually in a good mood. After moving out into an apartment that's completely white, I always seem sort of depressed... I was actually excited about getting the new place too. When I think about my apartment with rugs and more color though, It seems more warm and comfroting in my mind.

With my Desktop theme though, it's a bit different. I like it very dark, and I don't like the colors to vary to much. On windows (at work) I always use a very simple theme, Rainy Day. On Ubuntu I like a black glossy look, but not over the top. I do like brighter themes, but the dark colors are easier on my eyes.

[oedipuss]

Well, the issue with do-it-yourself color psychology is, in my opinion, that it simplifies and generalizes colors. Ok , orange signifies this and that, but what particular orange? Small variations in hue and saturation can have very different effects. For instance , while I like very much some shades of warm orange, colder or very saturated or fluorescent orange annoys me.
Of course someone else might feel differently, that's just what I think.

Back on topic, perhaps it is impossible to develop a theme that everyone likes, and attempting to do so will eventually result in a desaturated, and very neutral theme, that everyone finds acceptable (but not beautiful). Perhaps it would be best for the art team to focus in what they _really_ like, without taking into account everyone else, even if some of us hate it, and in addition provide a revamped 'Appearance' dialog, readily visible on first boot.
Just a thought

[SunnyRabbiera]

Well we certainly do need a neutral color scheme, but then again that is why I do like the orange theme of Ubuntu as its pretty neutral

[BrokeBody]

I would like more orange and less brown right now. :rolleyes:

[BrokeBody]

:(

I've just found out that several sites are promoting the rumor that this is the 8.04 theme, or are at least alluding to the idea that this is said theme in progress. I apologize for any confusion, and I'm sorry to say that this is probably not the next Ubuntu theme.
-- Ken Vermette

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals

[khurrum1990]

We need a scheme which gives the current users a feeling like welcome home or something. The old users should enjoy the theme, and the new users should be attracted to it.

[rainwalker]

I demant someone to send me a link to this wallpaper!

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8721/basicidealsactionattachht1.jpg

It's the Dawn Of Ubuntu wallpaper from way back on Dapper...I don't know why they got rid of it in later versions
http://lucumr.pocoo.org/static/pictures/dawn_of_ubuntu.png

[k99goran]

It's the Dawn Of Ubuntu wallpaper from way back on Dapper...I don't know why they got rid of it in later versions
http://lucumr.pocoo.org/static/pictures/dawn_of_ubuntu.png
If they are to use a new theme for Hardy Heron, does that mean that they will start using different kinds of wallpapers also?
I always though "The Dawn of Ubuntu" would make a nice default wallpaper.

[BrokeBody]

I just went on 'Copy image Location' and paste it here. I don't know why it posted a link to the image.

:???:

I just realized that you wanted a link for the wallpaper, and I thought of a screenshot somehow. :oops:

[onlyproductions]

I hate this theme. I sure hope Kubuntu 8.04 has something better.

shut up shut up shut up!!!!
this is the greatest thing ever

[rainwalker]

shut up shut up shut up!!!!
this is the greatest thing ever

Don't tell others to shut up when voicing their opinion.

[kthakore]

how about something not brown

[DFreeze]

I just noticed subtle changes in the official Hardy art-page (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DesktopTeam/Specs/HardyTheme) on the wiki. It seems the course for the artwork has been reset to a next iteration of the ubuntu human theme we all know. Nothing new and exciting for Hardy, as it seems to have been deferred to the next round. The LTS is the closing release of a series, according to the new course, so it should have the final version of the theme developed in the previous releases.
The new cycle (three 'normal' releases, one LTS) starts with the new design goals.

...I can't help but feel a little disappointed, although I really do appreciate the amount of work involved in creating a new theme (color schemes, icons, whatnot). Maybe it is even a sane decision, since it would really look unprofessional to ship an LTS with alpha artwork. But I was just really looking forward to the new stuff. Oh well, I just have to wait a little longer, I guess...

[khurrum1990]

Don't tell others to shut up when voicing their opinion.
thanks

[nami]

Here's something interesting. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_symbolism_and_psychology

My fiancee has been reading up on this. I believe color has some sort of effect, I'm not sure how deep it actually goes though.

My old room was very colorful (not by choice), yet I was usually in a good mood. After moving out into an apartment that's completely white, I always seem sort of depressed... I was actually excited about getting the new place too. When I think about my apartment with rugs and more color though, It seems more warm and comfroting in my mind.

With my Desktop theme though, it's a bit different. I like it very dark, and I don't like the colors to vary to much. On windows (at work) I always use a very simple theme, Rainy Day. On Ubuntu I like a black glossy look, but not over the top. I do like brighter themes, but the dark colors are easier on my eyes.

wow! need to look into this more...

[mech7]

I realy hope it will change for the next release, cause i dont like this one at all so brown and the thick border.. and the text fades away.. also those close / min / max buttons look a bit fammiliar ;)

Also it still pretty much is sexactly the same, issues with spacing for icons etc.. those need to be fixed if there is ever going to be a decent theme.

[nami]

Well, what seems clear is that this theme is one of those love/hate things, i.e. you either love it or hate it.

[plun]

Well, I haven't read all in this thread but I cannot understand why
the Ubuntu Art group doesn't use a contest... :confused:

Invite the worlds artists and this also leads to PR about Ubuntu

KDEs contest
http://dot.kde.org/1186341626/

And the winner...
http://blog.ruphy.org/posts/25

:)

[Hooloovooloo]

What happened to orange/black?!
Don't get me wrong, i like the theme you're working on now. A few things i would like to change to make it more consistent tho, but overall very nice. But wasn't the "new" in the hardy theme a change in color from brown to orange/black?

[smartboyathome]

That was just a suggestion that turned into a rumor.

[swj]

I just noticed subtle changes in the official Hardy art-page (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DesktopTeam/Specs/HardyTheme) on the wiki. It seems the course for the artwork has been reset to a next iteration of the ubuntu human theme we all know. Nothing new and exciting for Hardy, as it seems to have been deferred to the next round. The LTS is the closing release of a series, according to the new course, so it should have the final version of the theme developed in the previous releases.
The new cycle (three 'normal' releases, one LTS) starts with the new design goals.

...I can't help but feel a little disappointed, although I really do appreciate the amount of work involved in creating a new theme (color schemes, icons, whatnot). Maybe it is even a sane decision, since it would really look unprofessional to ship an LTS with alpha artwork. But I was just really looking forward to the new stuff. Oh well, I just have to wait a little longer, I guess...


If that is the case, the updated Human theme (brown) proposed in this thread looks a lot better than the current theme--I hope its used.

Additionally, I am sure most of you have noticed, but the default gnome theme is not really the "default" gnome theme (gusty), i.e., the ubuntu icon replaces the gnome foot and some other icons may perhaps be different... It would be nice if the actual gnome theme could be an option for those who want to change to it. Does anyone know if this is a bug(s) or intentional? If I have overlooked something in launchpad, I am sorry.

[Hooloovooloo]

That was just a suggestion that turned into a rumor.

Too bad :( I think that could have looked reeeally awsome.

[CarpKing]

I just noticed subtle changes in the official Hardy art-page (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/DesktopTeam/Specs/HardyTheme) on the wiki. It seems the course for the artwork has been reset to a next iteration of the ubuntu human theme we all know. Nothing new and exciting for Hardy, as it seems to have been deferred to the next round. The LTS is the closing release of a series, according to the new course, so it should have the final version of the theme developed in the previous releases.
The new cycle (three 'normal' releases, one LTS) starts with the new design goals.

...I can't help but feel a little disappointed, although I really do appreciate the amount of work involved in creating a new theme (color schemes, icons, whatnot). Maybe it is even a sane decision, since it would really look unprofessional to ship an LTS with alpha artwork. But I was just really looking forward to the new stuff. Oh well, I just have to wait a little longer, I guess...

That approach makes sense to me (though I was also hoping for something more radical). However, it is the complete opposite of what they've done before. The current theme is the result of a radical change that they made with the last LTS (Dapper).

[chris4585]

i love this theme, especially the new menu's

[graabein]

Well, I haven't read all in this thread but I cannot understand why
the Ubuntu Art group doesn't use a contest... :confused:

Invite the worlds artists and this also leads to PR about Ubuntu

KDEs contest
http://dot.kde.org/1186341626/

And the winner...
http://blog.ruphy.org/posts/25

:)

That's a great idea plun.

My two cents are 1) don't go with a dark theme and 2) make sure the default wallpaper goes well with whatever theme ends up as default.

Having a theme with multiple colour options would be fantastic... sort of like Blended (http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php?content=26050).

[Solenoid]

I love it, no matter what people say. Somehow Ubuntu gets away with all the eye candy it has (speed wise). XP/Vista are so slow I just can't bear them any more, I removed all the fancy stuff from my XP partition and it boots faster than Ubuntu, but now it's ugly and doesn't have any programs.

[Kver]

(I have no idea what the etiquette on this is)

Hey!

I just finished catching up on this thread and decided to post some info; It looks like this theme has some potential (not sure how much, but I'm just cautious in what I assume); But reading, it's a bit of a love/hate relationship with this theme!

I'm trying to figure out some alternate colour schemes, there's going to be blue themes, and possibly a black/orange theme - and I want to know what you guys want to see in alternate colour schemes! Links to other themes with colours you like is a plus, or even just pictures or raw descriptions. There can never be a single theme everyone, but I can make a few that almost everyone (hopefully) will!

The same goes for the current style: if you know where better buttons are, amazing (open) wallpapers hiding, or just a good font for window titles - please let me know!

Anyway, here's the latest image, the size of a full desktop:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y111/raraken/fulldesksvg_v3_1_thmb.jpg (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=view&target=fulldesk%28svg%29_v3_1.jpg)

-Ken Vermette

[rainwalker]

Honestly, the only thing I like are the menus and how they blend together into one piece.

Just a quick note: I personally think that all separators whould be lines that fade out at the sides into whatever the color of the theme, just because I think it looks really nice that way:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s236/thevoiceless/Screenshot-2.png

[Jhongy]

That approach makes sense to me (though I was also hoping for something more radical). However, it is the complete opposite of what they've done before. The current theme is the result of a radical change that they made with the last LTS (Dapper).

And ever since Dapper, everyone has said "we know we have problems with the artwork, we're working on it. The next release will be radically different." Mark Shuttleworth even said something to that effect on his blog (I think it was prior to feisty). However, each release, it gets "deferred".

Good God, so it's going to be late 2008 until we see panels with any clothes?

[SunnyRabbiera]

(I have no idea what the etiquette on this is)

Hey!

I just finished catching up on this thread and decided to post some info; It looks like this theme has some potential (not sure how much, but I'm just cautious in what I assume); But reading, it's a bit of a love/hate relationship with this theme!

I'm trying to figure out some alternate colour schemes, there's going to be blue themes, and possibly a black/orange theme - and I want to know what you guys want to see in alternate colour schemes! Links to other themes with colours you like is a plus, or even just pictures or raw descriptions. There can never be a single theme everyone, but I can make a few that almost everyone (hopefully) will!

The same goes for the current style: if you know where better buttons are, amazing (open) wallpapers hiding, or just a good font for window titles - please let me know!

Anyway, here's the latest image, the size of a full desktop:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y111/raraken/fulldesksvg_v3_1_thmb.jpg (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=view&target=fulldesk%28svg%29_v3_1.jpg)

-Ken Vermette

Hopefully we will get a blue theme or something, this is just ugh......

[mike_pin]

sorry but this is way to bubbly and garish.i dislike it with a passion.

REMEMBER!

If you round too many corners then you loose your edge!

[SunnyRabbiera]

well most modern systems do round themselves out so its only natural that ubuntu follow suit... its the colors that got me.

[mike_pin]

oh and i like the menu rainwalker posted up as an example (post #156) maybe not in black because this would feel rather heavy to the end user, but the separatorsshould defintatly be subtle, no morre then a pixel high and i think sharp edges are back in. Rounded corners is just a bit too gloopy for me.. maybe some subtle corners.. but nothing over the top the like 1st post in this thread and many others ive seen as hardy possibilities.

[aethralis]

Just to add support to Kver's work and to comment that the personal color preferences of "everyone" are in this case quite irrelevant and instead try to improve a theme that is brown and ubuntuish.

[Kver]

Update!
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=view&target=fulldesk%28svg%29_v3_2.jpg

Honestly, the only thing I like are the menus and how they blend together into one piece.

Just a quick note: I personally think that all separators whould be lines that fade out at the sides into whatever the color of the theme, just because I think it looks really nice that way:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s236/thevoiceless/Screenshot-2.png

I agree, that's the plan aswell. If you look directly underneath the toolbar on the one example, you'll see one; it's a little outdated now though: You can see one in a dropdown in the current mockup.

sorry but this is way to bubbly and garish.i dislike it with a passion.

REMEMBER!

If you round too many corners then you loose your edge!

While I would normally agree, the rounding in this theme is made to lead the eye into whichever element you're looking at. Dropdowns are probably the best example because I catch myself always reading the contents of the drop when I try to look at the panel.

This theme isn't necessarily made to look good, and I'll do my best to made it look good - but those subtle cues are king. ;)

Just to add support to Kver's work and to comment that the personal color preferences of "everyone" are in this case quite irrelevant and instead try to improve a theme that is brown and ubuntuish.

There's also going to be alternate colour themes - brown, orange and tan colours aren't everyones cup of tea (I myself use black and silver themes at the moment); One thing anyone looking over the theme needs to admit, like the colour or not, is that it's very easy on the eyes.

But yes, the theme is based around official Ubuntu colours - and unless I email Mark and tell him some people don't like his pallet, I don't see this changing in the near future...

--Ken

[nami]

Update!
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=view&target=fulldesk%28svg%29_v3_2.jpg


that looks a lot less childish. it actually looks good. shame about the darkness.

[coloured]

I personally dont mind the darkness - but dark panels are obtrusive and have the illusion of making your overall desktop size a lot smaller.
This is a SS of my current theme - notice how the light coloured panel almost alludes the eye.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8636/desktopxq3.png

[benhagerty]

that is amazing

[rainwalker]

Update!
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals?action=AttachFile&do=view&target=fulldesk%28svg%29_v3_2.jpg


Getting better, but still, too much brown! I don't have anything against using brown, but drowning the entire theme in it is disgusting, in my opinion. Also, the menus (Applications, Places, System) are their own little bubble after the Ubuntu logo. I personally think that the left side of the menu's border should be expanded to include the icon, maybe even all the way to the edge of the screen so that it's only rounded around on the right side of the menus.



Kind of off-topic, but I have a question: In XP, there are little fade effects (like right-clicking on the desktop, menus appearing, etc.) that Ubuntu only does when desktop effects are able to be used. Why is XP able to do this (small, but very appealing) effect without any compositing?

[cank1090]

I agree. There's still too much darkness in these themes. Ubuntu has to open up, become more (user-) friendly - that ain't possible with dark colors making you almost depressive when working with it. Make the future theme brighter, more friendly!

[Kver]

that looks a lot less childish. it actually looks good. shame about the darkness.

Could you be more specific about the darkness?

I personally dont mind the darkness - but dark panels are obtrusive and have the illusion of making your overall desktop size a lot smaller.
This is a SS of my current theme - notice how the light coloured panel almost alludes the eye.

(Big Image)

There's arguments for and against light and dark panels; Overall brown panels just fit the spec.

Getting better, but still, too much brown! I don't have anything against using brown, but drowning the entire theme in it is disgusting, in my opinion. Also, the menus (Applications, Places, System) are their own little bubble after the Ubuntu logo. I personally think that the left side of the menu's border should be expanded to include the icon, maybe even all the way to the edge of the screen so that it's only rounded around on the right side of the menus.



Kind of off-topic, but I have a question: In XP, there are little fade effects (like right-clicking on the desktop, menus appearing, etc.) that Ubuntu only does when desktop effects are able to be used. Why is XP able to do this (small, but very appealing) effect without any compositing?

It's literally the difference between the Super Nintendo and the Playstation. The Super Nintendo can handle basic transparencies since it's just an inexpensive effect low-end hardware can handle. That's why some Super Nintendo games have limited transparency.

XP handles transparency (more/less) how the Super Nintendo does. The KDE desktop environment can handle it as well.

Compositing handles things more like a Playstation. It doesn't actually render a face directly onto the screen - it first puts the face onto a 3D model, then puts the 3D model onto the screen. Because most video-cards nowadays handle 3D competently, Vista, OSX and Linux compositing were born because videocard can handle 3D more quickly than 2D.

That's why you can get better effects with compositing as well, it's the exact same reasons why 3D games can look so much more amazing than 2D games.

Hope that's a decent explanation!

I agree. There's still too much darkness in these themes. Ubuntu has to open up, become more (user-) friendly - that ain't possible with dark colors making you almost depressive when working with it. Make the future theme brighter, more friendly!

I know what you mean by making it brighter, but I'm skeptical when colours are associated with user-friendly. Brighter colours are happy-friendly, but not necessarily user-friendly.

I'll bring up my case with Microsoft Bob. That there, was a great concept (and on paper, I'm a fan of it); An interface that is represented with everyday objects. But Microsoft started thinking "User friendly" means "friendly", and "Friendly" is of course "Happy" and Happy is bright. So "User friendly" is "Bright". For more on Microsoft Logic check out Monty Pythons "The Holy Grail", skip to the scene where they try to figure out if the girl is a witch.

Anyway, we all saw a result that almost patronized users. It's the same reason why people make fun of XP for it's "Gum-Drop Lollypop" interface. As long as the interface gives you all the right cues, messages and moves your eye in the right direction - you've achieved user-friendly.

At this point, I think the interface has hit the right medium between "Professional" and "Friendly" in terms on Brown and Tan. There will be alternate colour themes, both more professional and more friendly. Also, the brighter the colours, the more it will strain the users eye. Turn off your lights at night, whip out the brightest silver theme you have and see how quickly you wish you had eye-drops. Black themes are almost worse for this because the text is white.

[k99goran]

[QUOTE=Kver;3982574Also, the brighter the colours, the more it will strain the users eye. Turn off your lights at night, whip out the brightest silver theme you have and see how quickly you wish you had eye-drops. Black themes are almost worse for this because the text is white.[/QUOTE]
I've heard this argument a lot, but I've never actually experienced it myself. If the screen is so bright that it causes you pain, then I doubt the manufacturers would be allowed to sell it.

Here's a theme/background I've been using for quite some time:
http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/kinggoran/th_710desktop.png (http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/kinggoran/710desktop.png)
You can't see much of the actual theme here, but it was a rather bright gray. I never had a problem with it. I think the eye strain comes more from high contrasts than pure brightness.

About your theme, while I like the idea of having a very consistent color scheme (including the text), the dark, highly saturated brown doesn't play nice with other colors. Remember, the theme doesn't have to blend with just itself but also with icons and backgrounds (which you have very little control over).

[Kver]

I've heard this argument a lot, but I've never actually experienced it myself. If the screen is so bright that it causes you pain, then I doubt the manufacturers would be allowed to sell it.

Here's a theme/background I've been using for quite some time:
http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/kinggoran/th_710desktop.png (http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k169/kinggoran/710desktop.png)
You can't see much of the actual theme here, but it was a rather bright gray. I never had a problem with it. I think the eye strain comes more from high contrasts than pure brightness.

About your theme, while I like the idea of having a very consistent color scheme (including the text), the dark, highly saturated brown doesn't play nice with other colors. Remember, the theme doesn't have to blend with just itself but also with icons and backgrounds (which you have very little control over).

That's a very bright theme!

Eye-strain is a result of brightness though; Somewhat like looking into the sun vs. sitting in a dark room. It's also why graphic-design programs (hardcore design programs) use black or dark themes: Because you can stare closly at the monitor for hours on end without hurting yourself. Ubuntu Studio is an example.

Getting on track though, the colours of the brown and tan have been tweaked to where the most people are satisfied. I preferred it even darker for example, but I was in the minority.

Watch out for the alternate colour mockups, I think you'll like some of them.

The comments I'm looking for now reflect more towards layout decisions, Orange, buttons/widgets, etc.

[CarpKing]

Kind of off-topic, but I have a question: In XP, there are little fade effects (like right-clicking on the desktop, menus appearing, etc.) that Ubuntu only does when desktop effects are able to be used. Why is XP able to do this (small, but very appealing) effect without any compositing?

I heard somewhere that XP comes with a very simple, non-3d compositor. That's also how it does the dropshadows. If you ever have occasion to do so, try to make a tooltip (or something else that makes a shadow) in XP go over a window that is using an overlay for video (such as VLC). It has the same effect (a solid black shape instead of a shadow) as when you do the same with Compiz.

[Kingsley]

Gosh... I can't help but wonder how much worse off Windows or Mac would be if their default coloring scheme was orange or brown. I do realize and appreciate the fact that Linux users have the choice to easily find a suitable look though.

[aethralis]

I agree more with Kver here. Actually the point is, that the colors have to be neutral for design programs, because against dark or very light background the colour perception changes and the (perceived) tones will not be accurate. Thats why most of the time the backgrounds are in middle tones neutral (tending usually towards warmer). This is in my opinion why overall brownish look is very good, but as i have argued before, I prefer more desaturated (ie neutral) tones. RGB equivalent of this would be around 130/120/100.

[k99goran]

That's a very bright theme!

Eye-strain is a result of brightness though; Somewhat like looking into the sun vs. sitting in a dark room. It's also why graphic-design programs (hardcore design programs) use black or dark themes: Because you can stare closly at the monitor for hours on end without hurting yourself. Ubuntu Studio is an example.
Yes, but this is meant for day-to-day usage. I would think that under bright conditions, especially when using a glossy LCD screen, a dark theme is not preferable. And I would never use a screen that was as bright as the sun. I doubt it would even be sold if it were. :)

There's a new post on Digg.com concerning the theme. source (http://www.digg.com/linux_unix/New_Ubuntu_Hardy_Theme_Mockup)

[urukrama]

This is really ugly! I really hope this won't become the default theme. Can't we have anything more elegant?

[smartboyathome]

This is really ugly! I really hope this won't become the default theme. Can't we have anything more elegant?

I am working on one which might fit better, but it might fail due to it having a touch of gloss to it and to it using black/brown/burnt orange.

[pt123]

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals
This is so childish, worse than the KDE3 default Kindergarten look.

At least this one has more sophistication to it. Could appeal to someone with a normal 9 to 5 job.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/Hardline


But looking at these lines


Suggestions / Requests no longer considered

After several updates to the theme, several requests are surfacing that would regress to the styles of previous versions. At this point, some portions on the theme have officially hit the "Happy Medium", to the point where any changes would just have suggestions to be reversed. Further changes to the listed below will either need to be applied personally, or at the authors lone discretion.

*
Basic colour pallet: Ubuntu's official colours are Brown, Beige and Orange. Black, Green, Blue, Silver and other colours would necessitate alternate colour schemes entirely.
*
Brown Saturation / Hue / Lightness
*
Beige Saturation / Hue / Lightness
*
Gradients from Brown to Beige
*
Wallpapers (The wallpapers shown in screen-shots are not part of the theme

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals

It is just another case of an "Open community" project where the lead "maintainer/developer" takes over and enforces all these ridiculous criteria so his ideas can be selected by him. What a joke.

[Ub1476]

At least this one has more sophistication to it. Could appeal to someone with a normal 9 to 5 job.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/Hardline
.

That one was really beautiful. Want it!

[Kver]

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals
This is so childish, worse than the KDE3 default Kindergarten look.

At least this one has more sophistication to it. Could appeal to someone with a normal 9 to 5 job.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/Hardline


But looking at these lines


https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Hardy/Alternate/BasicIdeals

It is just another case of an "Open community" project where the lead "maintainer/developer" takes over and enforces all these ridiculous criteria so his ideas can be selected by him. What a joke.

If you would like, all the source files are there for you to fork whenever you want to make a more open version, you can even make it less Kindergarten too: There's no lock-down, and you'd have everything that's already been made. I upload my source files alongside everything else, and if I missed some, just ask and I'll put them up. While you make your theme, make sure you never specify that you don't want remarks like "Kindergarten": Doing that would just be taking over and enforcing criteria like "Not Kindergarten".

One thing that's easy to forget is that with themes like this, you just can't satisfy everybody. I personally would make it darker if I had the choice - and I'm the ridiculous rule-enforcing dictator!

What I was getting at when I put the freeze on those specific requests is that I would have more people upset at -any- changes than I could satisfy. I would get 4 people telling me I should do 2 different things with the brown, so while I'm flip-flopping on the brown trying to satisfy everyone, no-one is telling me how horrid the orange is because they're too busy trying to get the brown switched back for the third time.
Vicious cycle thing.

Open-source doesn't mean everyone gets there way with the core project, it means everyone can take that core project and expand it. Blubuntu came from Ubuntu which came from Debian, and so on. At some level, there's going to be somebody that makes the decision because you can't refine forever. There needs to be a final product; and if you don't like that product, you can download the source and change it. That's what open-source is about - when you don't get your way you make it your way. But when you do make requests/criticism for the core project: Please, please pretty please make sure it's at least constructive.

[pt123]

What I was getting at when I put the freeze on those specific requests is that I would have more people upset at -any- changes than I could satisfy. I would get 4 people telling me I should do 2 different things with the brown, .

One of the biggest strengths of the Ubuntu is it's community. Why not use it?

Why not divide the process into phases and at each phase have a vote off in this forum (have a major link to it on the first page so it catches every members attention). Like an initial phase should have been a vision, then the rest of the phases should be working towards achieving the vision.

Like this vision should have been in the vote off:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=2620273&postcount=1

Just look at how many positive posts are on it:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=2620273

This is like the saga of getting the animal hide wallpaper as the default wallpaper for Gutsy, it got rave reviews on Digg. But then because someone high up makes a decision to go with a bland wallpaper.

If you don't want to use the community then hire a professional design team.

[Juffo-Wup]

One of the biggest strengths of the
If you don't want to use the community then hire a professional design team should have been hired.

Why should he? It is his theme, his 'alternate' Hardy theme, which he started independently without any incentive from Canonical —as he is not someone from 'high up'— and for which he asked some input.

He started quite systematically, defining styles and guidelines before making pretty pictures. His guidelines have evolved over time and now he thinks that some parts of it are Good Enough(TM), why all the bitterness?

Seriously, if you want to change radically the way this theme is being developed, you are free to fork it as the author told you and lead it the way you think is more appropriate.

[smartboyathome]

One of the biggest strengths of the Ubuntu is it's community. Why not use it?

Why not divide the process into phases and at each phase have a vote off in this forum (have a major link to it on the first page so it catches every members attention). Like an initial phase should have been a vision, then the rest of the phases should be working towards achieving the vision.

Like this vision should have been in the vote off:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php?p=2620273&postcount=1

Just look at how many positive posts are on it:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=2620273

This is like the saga of getting the animal hide wallpaper as the default wallpaper for Gutsy, it got rave reviews on Digg. But then because someone high up makes a decision to go with a bland wallpaper.

If you don't want to use the community then hire a professional design team should have been hired.

The reason there isn't a vote off is because Mark gets the last say in what the theme is.

[pt123]

Why should he? It is his
He started quite systematically, defining styles and guidelines before making pretty pictures. His guidelines have evolved over time and now he thinks that some parts of it are Good Enough(TM), why all the bitterness?.
It is a facade with the word "wiki" over the "ideals" pages.

It is not "bitterness" but some of us here care about Ubuntu and know how close it is to breaking into mainstream. The default theme is very important in doing this.

Just from reading the reviews it's clear the majority here and on popular social news sites like Digg don't like this chocolate theme. It is frustrating to see theme developer(s) ignoring this feedback.

I searched google for "Ken Vermette" and I can't find your portfolio. Maybe an introduction on the theme page saying that I am Ken.... I am will be making all decisions.....Here is my porfolio......... would be very useful.


Seriously, if you want to change radically the way this theme is being developed, you are free to fork it as the author told you and lead it the way you think is more appropriate.
The biggest problem in Gnome projects is the reinvention of the wheel. Just look at the 5 average music players in Gnome Vs top rate players like Amarok in KDE and Foobar2K in Windows.

[Kver]

pt123, I'm going to let you in on a little secret;

I never thought about taking input from other people. I never even had a plan, other than "Write down rules, Make rules into pretty picture". I just wanted to make a theme! That was the entire plan.

I decided to post it into a wiki, because I don't have a personal website, and that's where I got the idea to make a theme anyway. That's the -only- reason it went into the wiki. No-where else to put it, that's where it all is anyway. I didn't even think about comments, but I kept the section there because it said "Keep this section here" somewhere. You look at other wikis, and most of them have 2 or 3 comments, at most.

When I posted the wiki, I posted just the rules for the theme. Nobody complained about a barren page with a crapload of rules because it was just some idiot babbling on about what would make (to him) a good theme. It was more of a dictatorship at the beginning!

Then I posted a picture, people liked it. I posted more pictures, people posted comments, back and fourth. I had no plan, I didn't plan any sort of democracy or dictatorship: I was just making a theme man!

Then the 'net decided I was somehow making the default theme. Not tooting my own horn, but I was a little proud that people thought it had that polish. I did the responsible thing, started posting disclaimers that it wasn't the official theme.

Then I decided to read this vast amount of comments in blogs and forums about the new "Official" theme. I tweaked things, and when people started going back-and-fourth on some things, I realized I was chasing my own tail, so, to avoid offending anyone when there requests weren't met, I posted a section on what I wouldn't be able to change anymore.

And now were here.

So, chock my lack of organized votes to disorganization, some of my design decisions to the personal nature of how I started this thing, or the nervousness that this is the default to not putting up disclaimers fast enough... But honestly, I just wanted to make a theme!

[Kver]

I searched google for "Ken Vermette" and I can't find your portfolio. Maybe an introduction on the theme page saying that I am Ken.... I am will be making all decisions.....Here is my porfolio......... would be very useful.

I don't have an online portfolio. I have a few pictures here and there, but about half a year ago my website went down in flames when my host crashed - and a week later my hard-drive died. So I have nothing of what I made before. Because I'm Canadian Air Force, I have no need to start a new one, because I have wicked job security.

Would it be reasonable to assume I'm a better programmer than I am a graphic artist? :p

[pt123]

Can you tell us how you were chosen to be the "official theme" guy?

what was the address of your old site maybe google cache or web archive has a copy.

Honestly if you are not a Graphic Artist, why are you holding this position. I am sure you would be more suitable and prefer a programming position.

Ubuntu has a lot to learn, look at Mozilla they hired professional graphic artists to handle their aesthetics for Firefox2 even KDE did the same for KDE4.

[X40nick]

That is a complete piece of excellence.

I will be buying a laptop that will run Ubuntu exclusively and I will save a bundle!

I can't wait for it to be released! This is getting better and better!

I thought this was going to be a trend of Windows 95-2000 the same old dull Start bar at the bottom! Thank god it is not!

Well done!

Nick.

[syxbit]

are those themes available for download?
i'd love to try the first few in the first post (i'm running hardy, but i don't know when they'll be released into the alpha stage)

[Kver]

Can you tell us how you were chosen to be the "official theme" guy?

what was the address of your old site maybe google cache or web archive has a copy.

Honestly if you are not a Graphic Artist, why are you holding this position. I am sure you would be more suitable and prefer a programming position.

Ubuntu has a lot to learn, look at Mozilla they hired professional graphic artists to handle their aesthetics for Firefox2 even KDE did the same for KDE4.

I'm honestly not the "Official Theme" guy. I don't hold that position; You might be thinking of Kenneth Wimer... I just have no idea how else to say I'm not working on anything official. I'm just a random guy making an Ubuntu theme.

But here's some links to old - really old, websites. None of these are active anymore...

http://www.sunfishgames.com/
http://www.raraken.com/
http://www.hypercomix.net/

Heres some that are still kicking, but it's just random pictures I uploaded.

http://raraken.deviantart.com/
http://ken.vermette.sheezyart.com/

And these guys are still using my designs:

http://www.neomonsterisland.com/
http://www.galacnet.com/

... And there are some, uh, questionable websites using my designs - but let's not go there. PG-13.

As per preferring programming, I like em both - I just don't have any programming projects published right now. I have a small SDL game on the go though.

[pt123]

I'm honestly not the "Official Theme" guy. I don't hold that position; You might be thinking of Kenneth Wimer... I just have no idea how else to say I'm not working on anything official. I'm just a random guy making an Ubuntu theme.

:confused: so confused, I give up.

[Kver]

:confused: so confused, I give up.

This theme has been plagued by mis information - sorry if I came off as hard on you, btw. I thought you knew most of this stuff...

The real rundown, is that this is just a theme I'm working on, which a few blogs and other websites reported as the Official Ubuntu theme. it's not official, and it's just a hobby project I'm taking up until I get shipped off.

- It's not being worked on (officially) by the art team, but I have given them the theme should they want it. It will probably wind up as an alternate theme you can select, if anything.
- It's not the official Ubuntu theme, blogs just jumped the gun and said it was.
- I'm not a professional graphic designer, and I have very little formal training.
- It's not really organized in terms of feedback; I just find useful ideas and incorporate them.
- If for any reason it is selected as the default, you'll probably see major changes to it.

Think of this sort of like the whole "Ubuntu is Orange and Black" meme; it's not actually going to be orange and black (not that I know of). Someone just posted a mockup a long time ago, and so many people liked it, the blogs just spiraled out of control.

Hope that clears things up.

[rainwalker]

For the menus, I really like this:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s236/thevoiceless/Screenshot.png
I love the double gradients and the sharpness of the whole thing.

Maybe change the highlight to an orange color (if the colors for Hardy do indeed change to orange and black) and join the menu into one piece and it would look great!

[Half-Left]

Is it just not best to see if these can be actually done first, after all anyone can do mockups of great themes, doing them in GTK is a whole different matter.

This sort of thing can't be done in GTK and theming is limited at the moment. Maybe this sort of thing can be made with GTK-3.0 but I wouldn't hold your breath for it.

[smartboyathome]

Is it just not best