Requesting Constructive Criticism

[shiviandragon]

I decided I wanted to make a forum signature, so I sat down and gave a serious attempt at making one today. I would like some constructive criticism on it, but keep in mind today was practically the first time I have ever used photoshop to create something. <img src="http://rarebreedeq2.com/shivian.jpg" border="0"> Thanks in advance!

[Tokam]

<p>Im afraid ive not much in the way of criticism to offer matey - it looks pretty good to me!</p><p>The only thing id have a look at is the pattern that you have filled the narrow border with - maybe something a little different would look even cooler?</p><p>Edit: had another look - maybe instead of changing the outer border you could change the colour of the inner stroke to contrast a little with it?</p>

[Seagoat]

<p>I also think it looks <i>really</i> good!  Who knew this was your first real attempt??  Bravo!</p><p>Maybe I'm late and you already changed it, but I like the border you've got right now.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Great work!!</p><p>My only thoughts:</p><p>I would have used red and gold (the colors in your character) rather than purple (which you really don't see anywhere on him).</p><p>A different screenshot in the background would add even more interest, instead of using the same one twice -- especially if you're not going to colorize or otherwise alter the one in the background, besides fading it out a bit.</p><p>I would move the foremost headshot up just a bit, so his chin doesn't touch the bottom of the image...it makes him look a little chopped-off.  You can get away with cutting off the top of the head a lot easier than cutting off the chin.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[shiviandragon]

Thanks for the tips guys. A bit more messing around and I figured out how to do some more stuff. The one I made Yesterday: <img src="http://rarebreedeq2.com/shivian_1.jpg" border="0"> New one made today with two new screenshots (He does have a chin!) <img src="http://rarebreedeq2.com/shivian_2.jpg" border="0"> And finally the same as above, but with (hopefully correctly) recolored armor: <img src="http://rarebreedeq2.com/shivian_3.jpg" border="0"> So should I use the recolored one, use the newer non recolored one, or make a whole new one (ugg) that matches my characters armor? Thanks again for the tips and opinions guys.

[FadetoGrey]

<blockquote><img src="http://rarebreedeq2.com/shivian_3.jpg" border="0"> </blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica">My vote</span>

[Kethaera]

To be honest, I like the new non-recolored one as the gold in his armor gives more contrast with the background. That was my main gripe with your original, is that his dark skin blended too much with the dark background, but having that different screenshot in the background really brings the main one forward and makes your character stand out more. Nicely done. (And I'm not as experienced as the others here, so feel free to disregard me. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />)

[Littleflame]

I like the last one best. Most contrast and shows the actual face more. And your first sig work? Congrats, very well done, it looks great!

[Thunderthyze]

<p>I wish MY first attempt had been as good! I am STILL trying to get the headshots tidied up to my satisfaction so I go with just text at the moment.</p><p>If I could make one comment though, and it applies generally to a lot of sigs, is that I prefer to see "watermark" images something other than an exact copy of the main head shot.....same orientation etc, only bigger. So I prefer your examples where you use a different image. The alternative is to take the original and flip it I suppose. Takes a lot of imagination (and restaint) to make a nice sig...you are well on your way...Gratz!</p>

[DrkVsr]

<span style="font-size: small; color: #993300; font-family: comic sans ms,sand">Add mah vote for the un-recoloured sig: the colour of the armour goes with the 'Jaffa' symbol on his forehead <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></span>

[shiviandragon]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! It was very helpful. I like my new siggy <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />