I've been playing with Photoshop

[thismaz]

And with some trepidation I’m posting my first proper attempt at computer graphics, in the hope of getting a little concrit and some pointers, because I know that some of you, my dear flist, can create brilliant graphics in your sleep.

I had the 1999 version of paintshop pro on my old laptop, but I only used it for basic stuff. I didn't have most of the filters and effects that went with it, so the only time I tried to create a graphic, the result wasn't very successful. That's why I've decided this is my first proper attempt *g*
I got photoshop elements for my birthday and I worked through the online tutorials, until RL got busy. But, I’m on holiday this week, so I’ve actually had the chance to play with it.

It's under a cut, because it is a bit big.

Would you take a look and tell me what is wrong with it, and what I should do to improve?




Things I already know are -

There is a horizontal line in the sky on the left and a diagonal one above the letter.

I couldn't figure out how to make the letter look more solidly golden and glow properly, like this -


I think I did a pretty good job of making sure the light on both Merlin and Arthur was coming from the same direction (see kazzycee, I was listening to your talk at writerconuk in 2007) but I know the light is hitting the grass at the front from a different angle. In fact, I think it is the grass at the front I am most unhappy with.

There's also a shadow on Arthur's arm, with nothing to cast it.

Also, when I tried to upload it as an icon, which is what I intended it for, it lost all definition, as you can see.

I tried doing that by resizing it in photoshop and by uploading it full-sized and allowing LJ to reduce it. Neither method worked. I guess that is because it is too detailed? Or maybe the original material wasn't of sufficiently high quality?

I would be very grateful if you would bear in mind that this really is my first ever proper attempt to create a computer graphic from scratch, so please be gentle with me! *g* But any/all pointers that will help me improve will be gratefully received.

Comments

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. This is so helpful. I will have to study it in more detail, but I wanted to thank you as soon as possible.
I'll have to experiment more with colour tinting (at the moment I am having trouble remembering how to pull up the colour pallet).
Thank you for the hint about sharpening up the areas of flesh. That sounds like something that will be very helpful advice, even if it doesn't work in this case.
Originally I had the background colour of the letter a much more golden yellow, but I changed it to white and that gave the whole letter a better glow. However, I couldn't figure out how to change the orange overlay at that late stage. I will have to experiment more with that whole idea.
Thank you again. This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping (and more than I expected) to get and I really appreciate the time you have obviously spent in putting it together.