Constructive Criticism - Post Your Artwork, Project, Concepts for feedback

[judith]

I thought I would initiate the creation of a thread dedicated to the subject, as there have been some off-thread posts of individuals' artwork, website design, etc. with requests for feedback. It's time has come, and why not? I think this is a great place to obtain constructive criticism for those who seek it. Many here are artists, photographers, editors, graphics designers, programmers, educators, etc. and in my experience most are happy to share information and do good unto others. A great opportunity to post your work, and receive some opinion and advice.

Please be constructive. I look forward to seeing others work!

[Genie]

OK - here's something from the CD cover I'm finishing now- please send thoughts

[Genie]

front cover

[Mudbug]

my initial take is that overall it's in the right direction (better than the sepia toned one in the other thread) -

but the first thing I see is the "Genie" type under the lamp in a chrome? filter in photoshop - it's a) too small for the filter, or the filter's too deep and b) its placement looks like it was an afterthought. Make it bigger (you are selling yourself, no?) and put it at the top in the blue sky opposite the clouds - that space is empty right now anyway, and it visually puts your name "higher than the heavens" as your title implies.

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by judith
It's time has come, and why not? I think this is a great place to obtain constructive criticism for those who seek it.

This is a good idea, but its not quite ready yet - plans are in the works to make this a better system, since like the photo thread, things can get way off topic fast. And its hard to keep track of what's been posted and what's new.

This is fine for now, so by all means participate in the thread if you feel inclined to do so.

Genie: it looks good, but the type is a little lost in the artwork, it might be best to do something to pop it out a bit. The drop shadow is a start, but a glow or stroke (subtle is all you need) would make a huge difference.

D :D

[judith]

mmm.. this is nice, I LOVE the hair on that BK, don't change that, the color, all very nice. I agree w/the font suggestion by mudbug. Also I think the texture (conte?) on the dress is too rough compared to all of the finer elements. I love the landscape - reminds me of a Japanese scroll. The entire thing looks very Maxfield Parish - I like it.

[pseudobrit]

Ditch the "GenieSongs.com" tag

It's awkward and clutters up the image.

[judith]

I think that's just a watermark, No?

[eyelikeart]

I'd even consider changing the type. Go with something a bit more whimsical or graceful, which seems to be what u are trying to accomplish. Stay away from using Shelley of any kind. ;)

[pseudobrit]

Originally posted by judith
I think that's just a watermark, No?

That's what I thought at first, but it's on top of everything except the leg and it's shadowed, which led me to conclude it was put there deliberately.

[Genie]

Thanks for the advice- yes, the website address just a watermark that automatically goes on the images because of the Photoshop action...

Here's another panel- this will be black only, no color

[Xero]

hmm.. id like to post something of mine, but im unsure as to how to link to the picture directly from Deviantart.com. i think theyve designed it to prevent people from doing this..

well my gallery is at xeromerc.deviantart.com if you want to check it out. feel free to comment on any and all of my submissions there!! (if your a member that is). i might put some stuff up on spymac soon. if i do, ill post here.

[polyesterlester]

Genie-
I hate doing critiques, because I feel if I don't speak my mind I'm doing harm, but if I do I might hurt people's feelings. So don't take this badly, I'm just trying to help:) I loveloveLOVE the artwork, but absolutely am not a fan of the typography, or the lens glare I believe I see right by the typography. The image is light, airy, and relaxing, while the type brings to mind words like "Porno", "Early '90s Death Metal", "Star Wars" and "Photoshop". Really, an image shouldn't look like it's gone through a Photoshop filter. Go with something more relaxing, more minimalist, and much less drop shadow (in fact, I like my drop shadows to be hardly noticeable at all, the only people who notice are the ones with a designer's eye for detail - that way, the drop shadow becomes less of a part of the design, and more a part of those "little touches" that subliminally make the design that much better). I've come up with an example of what I mean - I've used the font Cochin in this example. I put the type in the top-right, because to me, placing it on top of a rocky mountain put too much importance on it, made it seem too epic, too National Lampoon.

I'm not trying to step on your toes or be harsh. Hope this helps :)

P.S. You're very talented. Nice art and nice voice.
http://www.furtherstudios.com/genieexample.jpg

[Genie]

Cool - thanks so much

I'm learning a lot!

Here's another inner booklet page

[Illmatic]

first off to genie your stuff is looking damn nice...i like the references to the classics a lot. here is something i've been working on for a class of mine...definetly not complete but i'm getting there. let me know what you guys think

[Illmatic]

I guess I'll post another of the pages that is nearing completion...just a simple tracklist for the back of the case but it's getting there

[Genie]

Cool- that 3d stuff is really modern looking.

[scem0]

My only critiqueing will be on Genies front cover - I think it would look better if the text was over the foot.

scem0

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by Illmatic
first off to genie your stuff is looking damn nice...i like the references to the classics a lot. here is something i've been working on for a class of mine...definetly not complete but i'm getting there. let me know what you guys think

I like the comp of the first image - although, again, there is something odd about the text....especially the shadows.

What are you creating this in? Is it 3D or photoshop? Maybe making the perspective a little different, more dramatic might make it pop a little more. Also the horizon (black at the top doesn't do anything).

Add subtle shadows from the cubes on the plane below using a radiosity setting if you have it.

D

[jayscheuerle]

It's a custom, butcher-block bar with a corner niche on the kitchen side for computer access. The Mac is behind the wall. There's internet access, direct wire to the stereo for 35gigs of music, a pull-out keyboard tray, wireless mouse and a Powermate for the stereo volume.

My favorite project ever. The bar is 8' long and required a half-dozen pipe-clamps to hold it together while gluing the wood strips together. I built and shaped it in my basement, brought it up and it fit perfectly! (never happens)...

BarWareX is onboard of course... :D

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by jayscheuerle
It's a custom, butcher-block bar with a corner niche on the kitchen side for computer access.

That's a nice little set up - looks really good - but is there room for dual monitors? ;)

D

[Genie]

Thanks for the comments- it's helping alot!

Here's another part of the spread - another panel that will be black

[skymaXimus]

I'm working on this brochure for a conference my church is doing called let the son arise. This is the cover artwork. They're bringing in a bunch of japanese pastors and stuff so i tried to incorporate that. Please don't hold any punches. What do you really think?

http://destinychurch.cc/ltsa04/images/12.jpg

[Genie]

Very nice!

Another panel.

[polyesterlester]

Okay, here's a design I just finished. It's my Christmas letter I'm sending to friends and family. I designed it all from scratch in Photoshop, without using any photos, just gradients and the like. In case you're wondering, the text is supposed to look smudged in some areas, it's not just poor compression.

Here it is: http://lester.furtherstudios.com/

[Genie]

nice photoshop work

[PixelFactory]

skymaXimus,

Your headline looks a little forced in the space it is in. Below in the maroon is a better spot if you break it into two lines. Here is a quick rendering. Also, the graphic looks like it is really close to some text on the left. That might make that page feel a little cramped.