"Designing with the Stars", Take Joe-I-Can't-Design/Code-Crap and make him/her design... Options

[*Duchess of Dork*]

This came up because I was banging my head against the wall trying to figure out ways to graphically contribute here (other than my silly icons), so I posted the following Backstage and thought I would bring it up here as well to see what folks here in the Community thought of it:

I am so ignorant when it comes to creating a layout. I almost feel that as the only HeadStaff that cannot do this, we should have some type of "Dancing with the Stars" type thing where someone takes a person that can't dance, well, in this case, do a layout, pair with them and at the end of the show they can do a killer layout!

After a little encouragement, ranting continued:

Who knows though, it could be fun to see folks paired up with some of our infamous designers (such as Rachael, Carrie, Kristina (although I know she's very busy right now), Kathleen, Ryan, et al). Could even put up AIM transcriptions of the star designer trying to coach the learner on how to design (if so desired).

Any thoughts? (Oh and sorry for pointing certain super designers out, I know there are more than those, but they are the first to came to mind that morning).

[*Duchess of Dork*]

As far as compatibility with programs is concerned, that could be reasonable resolved in matching up process (matching star to rookie). So how I envision it is that we have a thread asking for participants. In that thread, if you are interested you post your name, etc AND what software you currently own. You would also list what you have done, or are able to do. For example:

Name: Rebecca
Participant Role Interested in:Learner (or Mentor, if you would to be the "star")

Currently Owned Programs

• Photoshop 8
• ImageReady
• Flash
• Dreamweaver
• MS Paint

Experience: I've done graphics in Photoshop, some animation in ImageReady

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That way, once everyone has expressed their interest, they can be matched up. I also like this because I am of the mind that participants should not choose one another. It takes away from the spontaneity of the contest. Also, it gives people a chance to get to know someone they might have otherwise. So it's a contest AND a way to get to meet someone. :)

I think Mona and Kristina's ideas of rounds are perfect. Add to that Reilli's prelim and we've started to formulate a plan. [/Velma]

The idea of a prelim round is good because it does let the mentor know, or at the very least give them an idea of what they're working with. So for example, that round is exclusively up to the rookie. They come up with the logo, or simple graphic and the mentor can see how what they've got in store for them (sort of).