This is my first all digital work, I need some honest opinions

[lawlessbe]

This is my first all digital work. What are your honest opinions. Yes, it is out of proportion on purpose.

http://lawless.newdig.com/images/ChaosFinScreen.jpg
Thanks for your viewing

[fukifino]

Well, to be honest, it looks like a filter frenzy. And it almost works, but not quite. It looks like a combination of 3d rendered material and photographs that have had photoshop filters applied to them. (I see some obvious filters on the bottom of the page, the tip of his chainsaw and his shoulder pad, along with what looks like difference clouds for the sky.) The shoreline really isn't working...it looks more like a picture frame than a shore line. Also, the image looks flat overall.

I don't really know what to say other than that. It would help to know how you created this and what kind of crit you're looking for. I'd like to see the composite pieces and the original render of the figure.

[lawlessbe]

The only 3D part is the gun. The figure and everything else were done with PhotoShop. The city in the background is cut up pictures with filters on them. The "shoreline" is supposed to be a low wall, that was blown away and crumbling, since it is not in any type of perspective to be a shoreline. Everythnig besides the gun and city started as a sketch with my Wacom and worked itself into the final image. Thanks for the feedback. I usually don't do backgrounds at all, but I thought I would attempt a quick one for this one.

[theincredibleandy]

I like a lot of the drawing, but most of it is getting lost with your values. If you lose some of the background detail and gray it up a little, the character will pop out better, especially at the edsge of the sword. Right now the background's competing with it, so the sword edge get lost in all the detail. In general, it just needs a stronger sense of focus (less background detail and contrast) and light (separate your lights and darks better. It would give a better sense of space and form).

Nice work!

[Scubasteve]

theincredibleandy is right on the money! It could be a really good image if you fixed the contrast problems. Also, since you are new to photoshop, you may not be aware of the over use of filters. When ever I use a filter, I do it VERY carefully. People go crazy with them and can be spotted from a mile away! Use your rendering skills to make your textures! And please, oh please don't use the lens flare filter!!!! Oh, and I like the figure alot!

[tumbra]

It seems abit busy. There's no need to say what was already commented on. If you have to use your filters use them wisely. I know new photoshop artist have the habit of over doing the bevel n emboss tool quite abit. Just remember that your background is suppose to compliment the character, not compete with it. I'd like to see the original sketch and compare the two.

[pvrhye]

I looked at it in photoshop just to be sure. There are some wacky things going on with regard to color temperature. So with the different approach to rendering and the warmer temperature the gun really stands out. The Sword is also pretty warm.

[lawlessbe]

pvrhye, I am not sure what you are talking about, can you explain. I am interested to know.

[pvrhye]

the chainssword and the gun are brownish. Put into greyscale then take a look and you can see what I mean.

[lawlessbe]

There does not seem to be a big difference. Do you mean that the composition looks better that way? Also, do I have to have any picture that I want to put up on this forum already somewhere else on the web?

[lawlessbe]

Here is a slightly modified version.
http://lawless.newdig.com/images/ChaosFlat_new.jpg
Does this one allow the character to "Pop" out more?

3/25/04 - slightly modified again, for color and standing out more.

[pvrhye]

I still think that color is distracting. Just hit desaturate in photoshop and it'll get rid of that.

[otis]

The background is repeating from too much stamping. And yes, it is VERY flat. My favorite part is what he did with the chain of bullets. That looks like it could've been rendered in 3D.

[lawlessbe]

Otis - Actually, I did not reapeat any of the buildings with stamping. They are all different, some more than others. The chain and the gun were done in 3DSMax, since the angle I wanted would have been hard to draw. Check out the nbew version and let me know what you think.
BTW - Cool Dog icon, did you do it? Love to see a full version.