I know just enough php, html and css to be dangerous. I have made a few skins for other software like IPB and Invisionfree and another one.. cant remember the name atm.
And I work with Photoshop for all the graphics. So all the buttons, the icons, colors, themes, headers, all the graphics for the java script can be customized to exacting detail ... within a few parameters.
Its not a simple task in so far as the finer details go, thats for sure. A few of the things that most of us see and take for granted have to be individually integrated into every skin, the shoutbox for example (to match the "theme" of the site). But its usually a lot a fun for me anyways (when you can find the time of course).
If it was me, I would probably create and host a beta board to "test" from and to get input from others as work progresses (unless someone else has a better idea). And Id probably have to use my own ftp (unless somebody has a better idea) for real control from the beta because the script etc has to conform to certain SMF "rules" within the originating software and because of time constraints. Working from an ftp speeds the process up enormously. It cannot be stressed enough.
It would require a fair amount of detail (preferences) from the folks who have an interest in the project too. Thus the need for them to have access to the project as it develops. On the other hand ... they do have those "pre-made" templates to choose from. I have to admit though, I havent personally seen any that really "grab" my attention. Nothin says somethin like ones own imagination in my book.
But I realize the constraints on such an endeavor. I suppose its partially a matter of personal preference (time and talent aside).
Wow. Just talking about this gets the martinis .. err I mean inspirational juices flowing.
