background contest

aloha, as some of you may know I tend to enter the art scene of the game more than the game itself, and i was wondering if you guys would be so kind as to critique my entry before i enter it please Feel free to be bold, honest and even seemingly harsh

~Pixelpixie (formerly Dagger)

Very impressive. I think it could win as is, but I make some comments any way.

I'm not sure the parrot stands out on the background. Perhaps a dove (turtle doves), french hen, or a partridge to match the 12 days of Christmas song?

The deck and railing seem very dark to me. Maybe putting some kind of lighting element (almost like a spot light) in the area where pirates are to stand.

The rope seems like it should be further back against the farther railing. Unless it doesn't interfere where the pirates stand for their portrait. But I worry it would interfere with pets.

Thanks water, your advice was very helpful...i never realized that there are two possible perspectives on my railing ^_^ (I saw it that the black part was a part of the railing and the deck only the red at the bottom...optical illusion i suppose lol. Suddenly there are a whole lot more space on my deck than i previously saw!!! ^_^ I have done some work on it (still need to figure out how to the parrot - definitely want a parrot tho as they are a part of the game)
Anyways here goes...not sure how t handle the merge between the railing/deck. Also can't really add a spotlight where the pirates stand or shadows as they will change based on teh pose (and its automatically added)

Ok let me know if this is better:

That looks really good, Dagz! I like the change in colour on the parrot, now it stands out from the background a bit better yet still doesn't take over the shot.

The only thing that kinda irks my OCD is the orange railing squares. To me they look almost fake, y'know? Maybe they're too bright and stand out a bit too much from the railing? I have no idea what you can do to change it (if you want to change it at all - it's so minor I don't think it's really necessary), but that's my input.

Overall, it looks fantastic and I want it for my next portrait, dammit!

thanks, i'll be out of town today (shopping weeeee!) But will see what i can do when i get back...hopefully in time before the deadline (and if it won it would honor me if you had it as a portrait ^_^)

Ok been trying to work on the railing...and then suddenly *gasP* an idea on what could go on the deck (why is it whenever i think...ok now im done something else pops in my head >.<) Anyways, let me know if the railing is better...its proving quite the challenge.

It's done! (maybe?) Stil have a few days left if i need to make changes if you guys see any needed ^_^

I like the new railing a lot more. It's simple, so it doesn't draw the eye away from the pirate. Another option would be maybe to make the squares into holes so you'd see the ocean on the other side, but I kinda like them dark like this.

The fireworks are an interesting idea! I really like the concept and how the powder bag fits in perfectly colour-wise to the deck, it doesn't seem out of place! Nice touch!

Again, I WANT THIS PORTRAIT DAMMIT.

Very nice changes. The railing looks great now. The gunpowder bag with fireworks is a nice touch.

The parrot coloring now shows up better against the night sky and it looks great.

Can't decide which flags to use and would love some feedback please ^_^:

More simpler vs. Some details:

I like the detailed one better

Big like this, the detailed flags look much better. Shrunk down to forum icon size, I can't see a difference. I'd still go with the detailed flags.

Awesome background, Dagger! I'll gladly pose as a model if ye need one.

I prefer the plain flags - the detailed ones don't "go", to me.