Weird News Blog Template

-- BACKGROUND -- We are looking for someone to design a new template for a blog which focuses on weird news from around the world. Beyond general weird news, some of the main topics are: * Aliens, UFOs & Crop Circles * Bigfoot * Circuses & Carnivals * Ghosts * Loch Ness Monster -- THE CONCEPT -- * The design should have a late 1940's - late 1950's retro feel (think martinis and bowling) * The design can include retro shapes * The header should contain a lady that looks shocked by the news (preferably illustrated) -- THE LAYOUT -- The layout will consist of: * a graphical header * a top (horizontal) navigation menu * a two column main content area - the left side will be the main content - the right side will be for additional menu items * a footer -- DESIGN REQUIREMENTS -- * Most importantly, this should not violate any copyright laws and we need to know where all graphics came from (original or stock). * CSS based design (div based and tableless) * Works in both IE and Firefox * The size should be 800px wide broken down as follows (left to right): COLUMN 1 - 20px lt padding - 540px main content area - 20px spacing COLUMN 2 - 200px menu/advertising area - 20px rt padding * Graphical header, no taller than 120px * Custom bullets * The design should be centered * There is some creative freedom with the color scheme, but the main content area should be white * There should be link hover styles (changing colors and/or graphics) * Styles for common HTML tags * Styles for form items * The design should be crisp and clean and NOT busy * The background should mesh well with the design and not be distracting (simple is good) -- DESIGNER REQUIREMENTS -- * Spoken & Written English * Available via AIM or Skype M-F 8am-5pm EDT * Prompt e-mail communication * Excellent graphic design skills * Previous examples of similar work -- DESIRED -- * Print style sheet * Preferably located in the United States or Canada * Knowledge of WordPress templates is a plus * Category icons (possibly a future job) -- DELIVERABLES -- * All development files (PSD, AI, EPS, etc.) * HTML * CSS Files * All used graphics -- TIMELINE -- This project should be completed within 14 days from the start. -- QUESTIONS -- If you have any questions, please let us know.