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Mirsguy

Join Date 11/2007

+432

What's In A Master Skin?

With some of the discussion that has transpired in recent months, I got to thinking; what makes a Master Skin a "Master Skin?"

People have mentioned that certain "Master" skins are either well worth their purchase or "not up to par." I feel that if the community can jump in and give input about what they'd like to see in the Master Skin program, that it would help the masters out there to better deliver what the community wants.

So let's hear it: What's in a master skin?

This is meant to be a civilized discussion--not a medium for people to bash, trash, or flame anybody. I did not start this thread for anyone to take it and use it for self promotion, fanboyism, or the belittling of anyone else.

Also, this is not the place for those who don't like the Master Skin program to bash the fact that this site sells skins. If you want to complain about that, go to another thread.

Let's keep it courteous and civil.

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Mirsguy

Join Date 11/2007

+432

I'll go first (since I began the thread)

Personally, I believe that if anyone is willing to put in the time to learn how to skin, and skin well; to develop his skill set to the point that his work stands apart; I think anyone who achieves the level of "Master" should be able to sell anything they want to, regardless of how flashy it is or isn't.

WindowBlinds, for instance, take an INSANE amount of time to develop. Even a "simple" skin can be quite time consuming. I think that a Master has the right to sell because of his title, not because of what the skin looks like.

Of course, I also understand the fact that most people out there will only pay for something if they perceive that it's spectacular.

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RedneckDude

Join Date 04/2009

+2197

I think anyone who achieves the level of "Master" should be able to sell anything they want to, regardless of how flashy it is or isn't.

I agree to an extent. Having earned the title of master, a Master is expected to keep a certain level of quality in their skins. So, to sell anything they want to may be a bad choice of words.

I think that a Master has the right to sell because of his title, not because of what the skin looks like.

Again, a certain level of quality is, and should be, expected of Masters. Taste is one thing, quality is another.

Example, I happen to think you have Master quality in your work, you strive for excellence, which I admire. To think of someone as a master doesn't mean I have to like everything he/she does, but the quality has to be there.

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Mirsguy

Join Date 11/2007

+432

but the quality has to be there.

Agreed. I didn't state this, but I guess I felt it was implied. My bad.

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Mirsguy

Join Date 11/2007

+432

As far as types of Master Skins, I would like to see more non-WindowBlinds, like IconPackages, Cursors, and DX stuff.

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Philly0381

Join Date 11/2004

+844

I think that pretty much says it for me also. A question like this will always be hard to answer from a personal view point, quality wise it has to work when applied and show me something new.

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Philly0381

Join Date 11/2004

+844

Quoting Mirsguy,

reply 4

As far as types of Master Skins, I would like to see more non-WindowBlinds, like IconPackages, Cursors, and DX stuff.

Never really thought about it, but skinners, even Masters will probably continue making the skins that they felt made them Masters.

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RedneckDude

Join Date 04/2009

+2197

Never really thought about it, but skinners, even Masters will probably continue making the skins that they felt made them Masters.

If I ever make master, and I will someday, if the program stays alive that long, lol, I will still do free skins. Only my very best work would be sold.

I would continue to do work to match blinds, and , of course, they would be free. They'd have to.

But I will be skinning a variety of things, and soon, I hope to release my first WB. DesktopX will always be my love, but blinds, and maybe winstep, may be my mainstay in the future, depending on the future of DX.

I agree with reply 4.

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What i would want from a Master skin, is one that sets it apart from all the others. Not to say that everyone feels the same, but I think there are too many plain skins about and i think it would give master skinners a real chalange to produce something like the Toonxp skin every once in a while

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gmc2

Join Date 11/2003

+296

sorts of sounds like a musing about when is my next promotion, only because it sounds so familiar,

I think anyone who achieves the level of "Master" should be able to sell anything they want to, regardless of how flashy it is or isn't.

so..., your a painter, a very good painter but..probably not the best. by what you're saying, you should be able to take all of work and be able to have a gallery take all of it on consignment regardless of what the competition has to offer.

SD placing a skin for sale indicates that that skin meets a certain, although seemingly unspecified, level of quality and excellence and has been produced by a master skinner. some make it and some don't.

As far as types of Master Skins, I would like to see more non-WindowBlinds, like IconPackages, Cursors, and DX stuff.

there is some really great stuff in these categories. but I quote from one much wiser than I:

WindowBlinds, for instance, take an INSANE amount of time to develop. Even a "simple" skin can be quite time consuming

be interesting to know why they are not, I would think it would be a business decision but...

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RedneckDude

Join Date 04/2009

+2197

What i would want from a Master skin, is one that sets it apart from all the others

I think that is what we get, most of the time. I have no problems with what I'm getting as a master skin. All the ones I have bought have been top quality, else i would not have bought them.

Quality is what it has to be about, taste varies so widely. Quality is measurable.

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Mirsguy

Join Date 11/2007

+432

sorts of sounds like a musing about when is my next promotion

Sorry you took it that way, cuz I meant nothing of the sort. Just trying to strike up some conversations and compile some opinions for the community's sake.

Quality is what it has to be about, taste varies so widely.

I agree.

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sydneysiders

Join Date 04/2004

+1042

what I like to see from masterskinners..... is to not rest on laurels..... but keep striving to push boundaries.... whether it be design...... or introducing new techniques like C4d..... doesn't matter if it's simple or complex.... needs to be quality.... originality.... it's not enough to be technically proficient.... gotta have some standouts and individualism...

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DrJBHL

Join Date 04/2002

+3681

Seems obvious to me.

What's in a Master's skin? A Master. Just being facetious. Syd summed it up very nicely. I think technique is very important, but originality and what the artist's inspiration creates in the skin is even moreso.

*doc smiles at Tim

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I like to see sharp, well defined graphics with good use of color and lighting. Whether simple or complex, it should have a "polished" look and feel to it. It shouldn't look like a rush job. It's hard to describe but Masters just know when a blind is "finished" and ready for sale.( Details, details, details) A high quality screenshot helps since there's no way to test drive the WindowBlind.

I'd like to see all possible taskbar setups accommodated as well, as in screen position, height, icon size, etc. as this also can't be checked out prior to purchase unless shown in the ss. (I run mine with small icons, and buttons with text.I got used to Vista)

Matching wallpapers may be optional but I think most will agree it really completes the blind if included.

Lastly, everything that can be skinned should be skinned. Who wants to pay for default images?

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DrJBHL

Join Date 04/2002

+3681

A little present to Randy from the doc in Israel.... 'cause you're a "grand" fella!

*even doc winces at that one.

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Mirsguy

Join Date 11/2007

+432

Another thing: usability.

I have purchased more than one master skin, which, when applied will knock your socks off, but when it comes to using your machine, well, it's hard to because of chosen styles or colors.

In the end, I use my computer for work purposes at least 8-10 hours per day. If I can't use my machine with the skin applied, it ain't worth the money.

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I like to see usability, quality and originality. I wan't to see EVERYTHING that can be skinned, skinned. I don't think just because you are a Master that you can sell anything you want. You have to keep up the quality and originality that got you promoted to that status. You have to keep pushing yourself and the boundries of the programs you are using to create those skins.

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