Signature 'Advice' Thread

I need advice.

Which of these look the best as a base design?

Then, how can I improve that particular one?

I'm working within a strict framework for a current duel...

#1 - Meh...
http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja19ne.jpg

#2 - Just a background so far...but it might be better than some of my other backgrounds.
http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja21rd.jpg

#3 - Probably my favorite, but I'm still not too happy about it.
http://img49.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja34wp.jpg

#4 - Same as 3, with different text format.
http://img49.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja44px.jpg

...any and all comments are appreciated.

I think #1 is the best....

Originally posted by DigiMark007
I need advice.

Which of these look the best as a base design?

Then, how can I improve that particular one?

I'm working within a strict framework for a current duel...

#1 - Meh...
http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja19ne.jpg

#2 - Just a background so far...but it might be better than some of my other backgrounds.
http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja21rd.jpg

#3 - Probably my favorite, but I'm still not too happy about it.
http://img49.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja34wp.jpg

#4 - Same as 3, with different text format.
http://img49.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja44px.jpg

...any and all comments are appreciated.

#1 is pretty cool, but you definately need to work on your text. a) I like giving text a "stroke" so it stands out more, and blending the colors in somewhat.

#3 Would be good too, but once again the text is throwing it off, it's pixelated and there's too much going on in the sig, the render needs to be larger.

Thanks Ken & Calvin. I worked with 2 some. But the text is the same (though it's slightly easier to read). Maybe I should just get a new japanese-style font, because I know what you mean about it being slightly...out of focus or something.

http://img111.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ninja20rr.jpg

...this has just been an awful render to work wtih because of the uber-strict limits on the text, color scheme, etc. Challenging, which is good, but somewhat frustrating.

I would say make the render a bit larger - you don't necessarily have to show the entire render, and it tends to look better, as well as leave less empty space if you only show part of it, like if you were to just have from the character's chest up.

As for the backgrounds, I like #2 the best. It's fractaly 😛

And as for the text...the edges are really jagged, but I remember Barker saying you can't anti-alias with Gimp, or something like that.

Noted. Thanks.

I think I'm going to use background 2, and do something similar to number 1 with the shadow-moving effect, since that seems to be the consensus favorite. I won't make the render larger, but there'll be more of him in the sig, thus taking up more space.

And new text entirely...I have no idea how to touch up text in gimp.

Any tips on my Current Sig?

Originally posted by Barker
Any tips on my Current Sig?

Why's the A so small.

*Shrugg* Is it?

Same font size as the other letters.

Originally posted by Barker
Any tips on my Current Sig?

It seems a little "grainy".

Pfft, nonsense!

(made to use in another forum)
advice?
opinion?

Originally posted by BakaXero

(made to use in another forum)
advice?
opinion?

Looks very cool. I like the animation.

Perhaps a better background, though? Something abstract maybe, and possibly a Levels adjustment layer to bring out the depth?

okay cool

Love the render, though, and I just noticed the glow of the crystal ball thing... droolio

Originally posted by H. S. 6
Love the render, though, and I just noticed the glow of the crystal ball thing... droolio

Any tips/advice?

Originally posted by Bloigen
Any tips/advice?

I don't use the dark forum colors, but I know that most of the time, drop shadows come out all fuzzed up with the dark colors.

Maybe change the color of the text to something darker? Kind of hard to read.

I do like the positioning of the renders, though. 😄

Originally posted by H. S. 6
I don't use the dark forum colors, but I know that most of the time, drop shadows come out all fuzzed up with the dark colors.

Maybe change the color of the text to something darker? Kind of hard to read.

I do like the positioning of the renders, though. 😄

What colour for the text?

The text won't change...