What a great match!

Yesterday i went to the Coudal tennis court in Chicago to watch some world class tennis. “You say tennis? You’re into that kind of sport, Manuel?”   …in Chicago?

Well, let me explain: It was not about tennis as you know it from Wimbledon, it was “Designer Tennis”. One designer starts with a first image and then other designer has about 15 minutes to edit it or incorprate the idea of the first image into something new. You’ll see, i show you in a few moments.

The first match of the 2007 season championship was between Mr. Shaun Inman (Designer/Programmer) and Mr. Kevin Cornell (Designer/Illustrator), both leaders of the pack - world class. Kevin prepared the first volley upfront and then Shaun had 15 minutes to reply. And so forth, 10 times.

So here are the 10 Volleys:

Great start, but Kevin had time to prepare.

Good laugh, and good idea turning it into a signup.

Excellent transition to something completely new (photo realism) while keeping the topic and Shaun’s sticker on envelope.

That one hit the net.

That one hit the net as well.

Cool twist. Clean and slick.

Funny Idea, not that well executed though.

Cool twist, well executed, but i miss something “special”.

Cool idea, but too easy.

Very good, details rock. Nice incoporation of all art that got produced over the match.

The Final

It was fun to chat with fellow designers and friends in the forum while waiting for the next volley and “listening” to John Gruber’s commentary. Shaun and Kevin even took the time in between to join the party at the forums. In my oppinion, Shaun wins. But Kevin recieves a bonus for his great starter! It was agreat evening (i never refreshed a site that often before) and a even greater inspiration! See you next friday at the court! Only white shirts allowed — you know the rules.

Make sure you visit the original site (just click the images) to view the bigger versions and John’s commentary! All content belongs to either Coudal & partners or the contestants, more info at Coudal’s site (images are linked to the original bigger versions).

And here are Shauns thoughts about the match.