[JoanB]

I decided to draw a new avatar to psyche myself up for the idea of starting the SCS process. Here's my prototype, and I need critiques before I animate it:



I was originally thinking safety sign, hence the black and yellow/gold, but then it sort of morphed into a superhero kinda thingie and I thought that I'd make the lightning bolts flash.

[Mark56]

Amazing!! : o O All I can imagine once animated, it will be cool!

Yup,
Mark56

[Sophie_]

Hi Joan,

I think it's very cool, someone once described my implant when I got it done was like being a bionic human. Why does the hair have to stand on its head, your SCS will help you be more calm, less on pain and of course all going well you will have a smile on your face.

I think it's cool, I love the colour and it's symbolism. Well done misses!

Sinéad

[mrsD]

Oh, I like this topic, and the graphic too.

But I don't have any experience with SCS myself.

When I do graphics and logos, I put them aside for a few short days, and then look at them with fresh eyes. If you do that then you may think of something else to change or add, or you may find that what you have already is what you really want.

I would ask this... is this graphic supposed to be AFTER the implant? A person with no experience with this may interpret the lightning bolts as "pain" not SCS signals. If after...then the smile is appropriate also. This graphic person looks like they are falling... and falling means "problems"...is that what you want to convey? Perhaps another movement would be more appropriate to show SCS success?

If you get your graphic to a point where it satisfies you, I think we can approach DocJohn to have it put at the head of this SCS forum! But then it would be smaller of course, and an informal vote here for approval, and that might be an option in the near future.
Doing a logo like this is very difficult I think, so don't rush it.

Our PD forum has a graphic...so take a look. So does the Stumble Inn at MS.

I would suggest perhaps having the letters "SCS" in the person...say a negative space or banner/belt across the body maybe in gold also?, either like a seat belt diagonally, or across the waist. If SCS is there somewhere, it will make the graphic more understandable, I think. Also I'd suggest trying making the person with rounded edges...sharp edges are less friendly. Many signs depicting people graphically show a softer round look, since we don't have sharp edges. If you do this, then the electrical part will stand out more I think.

But this is a wonderful idea, and going well so far as it is.
I didn't know you were going get the implant. Must have been while I was on vacation?

[JoanB]

Originally Posted by Sophie_

Hi Joan,

I think it's very cool, someone once described my implant when I got it done was like being a bionic human. Why does the hair have to stand on its head, your SCS will help you be more calm, less on pain and of course all going well you will have a smile on your face.


I think it's cool, I love the colour and it's symbolism. Well done misses!

Sinéad

Thanks, Sophie! Here's what happened with the hair (most of it "happened" for various weird reasons ): recently, I've been using spiky "product" in my hair a la Chef Anne http://www.foodnetwork.com/secrets-o...hef/index.html

Maybe I could make it more wavy, or do it some other way, or not have hair at all? Ideas?

Or if it's not my avatar at all, if it's an icon for SCS, as mrsD is talking about, then it might need to be more generic, not something that represents me in particular. More on that...still thinking about her ideas--I hadn't thought beyond my own silly little identity issues when I started playing.

So I'll think about your ideas too, mrsD, and get back to you soon, but in the meantime, it's nice to see you! I haven't really made the decision yet about the SCS...I guess I've just made the decision to talk to the doctor about it. How's that for whishy-washy?

[Rrae]

Wish I woulda thought of it first, Joan!
For your personal avatar, it looks Grand! I like the 'intense-ness' look about it.
And LOOK what you started! The possibility of us getting a LOGO for our SCS forum!! Oh MYY! How very exciting!
You've got some very good critique here!


I love mrsD's ideas! Regarding the forum Logo ...

Also, we'd want to somehow make it gender-friendly? ... He/she could be wearing a bra and pants? no no no, that was a joke. How bout a tie and a skirt? ok, this is getting nowhere.

Pitch in with the ideas! I'm lovin this!

Rae

[Sophie_]

Hi Joan,

I like Anne Burrell's hair and it suits her but it doesn't literally stand on her head! I like the idea of making it more wavy or something, mine is bait like this is not straight and its not really curly either.

Mrs D also had an idea of adding a belt around your waist to represent the SCS, this charging belt will become part of you. If you're going out to the shops for a couple of hours you'll need your stim in your bag, if you're going away for a couple of days you'll even need your chagning kit so all of this will become part of you.

Either way this is your Avatar and what ever you decide will be fantastic and you will become a bionic woman too. If you decide to extend it to the wither group then that's fine with me and I think it would be really nice to be identified by something as nice as you have here.

Can we see it before you finish it?

All the best,

Sinéad xxx

[Mark56]

MrsD, you so gently urge us along in a compassionate way that may bring greater identity to our neck of the Sub-fora with your teaching commentary. In this I am tremendously grateful, for the art JoanB inspires could so truly be used to better identify the group [even though, Joan, you would make quite a personal impact with your notions of identity through such an animated graphic].

Now, turning to dear Rrae..... ahem [clearing throat], I should imagine Cleo might object somewhat to my identification with the radically humorous adornments you contemplate were they tied to one such as moi. Gotta admit, you do crack me up!!

Yup,
Mark56

[mrsD]

Well, the title says "group effort". So I thought you wanted it for the group as well.

I have a college art training, including design. So I am used to critiques etc. I just put in my two cents. I'll fade into lurkdom now unless beckoned!

Sometimes it helps to draw it out on paper...first. Then do the computer stuff.

You don't HAVE to do it for the forum... it was my misunderstanding when I read the title.

[Mark56]

A group Avatar could well be the means to draw more seekers into the conversation. We reach out at every opportunity to connect with new folk in need. So, MrsD, I appreciate your shared thoughts, and wonder outloud whether JoanB could both help our group while also stylizing a more personal avatar..... at least to take Rrae's humor to the heart.... I would not be the ugly duckling among Rrae's skirt and bra crowd.... besides, I doubt either would look any good on my physique, to the extent I have one anyway. And I must share, living among a family of graphic artists, I do feel as though the fish out of water at times, although I did [chest puffing out here] design the logos for our company. Ok, back to humility......

Thank you all..... ALL for sharing,
Mark56, a guy, in case some on here had thoughts otherwise : o)