Modify Colors
Posts in 2008 February 04
In each beta of a new distribution, there are new features, new bugs, and fixed bugs, but one thing that is often not seen until the end is the artwork. Although it might not be the most important part of the system, it creates a first impression that can be quite lasting if the theme is well done. I have gone through the concepts in the Ubuntu Wiki and picked out some of the coolest ones.
Themes
This contains many of the basic (and very attractive) characteristics of the more complete themes below. Although I don’t think this would be used as a theme, it is a very good base from which to work.
This concept may have potential as the final theme, due to its consistency and polish. I particularly like the rounded edges and the shading in the window, though I do not like the background (it seems too busy.)
Another excellent looking theme. Again the shading and rounding in the top window looks excellent. I am not a fan of the mac-ish icons in the dock, though.
There are two parts of this that I like. First, the bar along the top of the windows looks very nice. Second, I really like the idea of having some sort of texture or image in the background of some of the windows, just not as bold as they are here (or as Vistaish.)
Desktop/Login Screen Backgrounds
I don’t really have anything to say except that this is a really nice looking background that fits the Ubuntu color scheme closely.
(The heron is a reference to the upcoming release being called Ubuntu Hardy Heron.) Again, this is a very eye-catching, but not distracting background/login screen graphic. There is not really much to say about it.
Wiki Page for Login/Wiki Page for BG
I prefer the other themes, but I think the background in this is quite nice. If people decide the artwork has to be kept simpler than the other ideas above, this would be a good option.
Conclusion
We are still months from the final release and the artwork is already looking great! It looks like Hardy Heron will be a very attractive release.