Yes, there are artifacts in the gradient background, and gradient backgrounds are one of the things that show JPG artifacts most clearly. It is a good thing to be aware of when using more extreme compression levels.
But i don't think it is of practical importance, at that compression level. The point of the image is very obviously the swords. A gradient background isn't going to increase the artifacts on the swords, and normal viewers will be looking at the swords 99+% of their time with this image.
Oddly enough you have focused on a minor flaw, to the point that you missed a bigger flaw: contrast between the object and the background. The lossy gradient version is a better, more powerful image than the either of the flat background images-- since the background provides more contrast, and helps the swords to "pop".
I like the direction you are moving in general. Some observations:
Fonts:
* The small-caps serif font for the buttons (with effects?) isn't working well. The letters go mushy and blend into each other. Also some of the words are capitalized and some aren't Probably you should be using some version of the sans typeface you used elsewhere.
* The OpenGameArt logotype at the top doesn't match anything else. Either use that font elsewhere for headings, or replace it with something more logo-ish.
Viewing art:
Using a colored background is generally a bad idea for viewing random images. Any color you pick will clash with some images, and leech the vibrancy out of others. Of course with low-saturation colors this effect is lessened, but if you think about it, any top of the line website or application for viewing random images will surround that image with grey or black. It's the only way to present each image at it's best.
Edges:
Sites that run all the way to the edge of the window like this bug me somewhat. There's no visual confirmation that i'm actually seeing the whole thing, and there's not more icons or buttons just outside the window. Also without some sort of side edge a site doesn't stand out as well from the other windows on the desktop.
* I'm glad you got rid of all that glowing. It was a nifty effect, but wearying on the eyes.
* Do we need such a large type "Top" button on every comment? Do we need it at all?
I think i see where you are going -- a cleaner, more consistent look.
One aspect troubles me: blue is the background for everything-- including art. It's a bad idea to put a random art on a colored back, some will clash with the background color, and other selections will look dull. You'll notice that any high-level image browser application or site will use grey or black.
HMM... the only way to see the comments is to hit the "add new comment" button?
Yes, there are artifacts in the gradient background, and gradient backgrounds are one of the things that show JPG artifacts most clearly. It is a good thing to be aware of when using more extreme compression levels.
But i don't think it is of practical importance, at that compression level. The point of the image is very obviously the swords. A gradient background isn't going to increase the artifacts on the swords, and normal viewers will be looking at the swords 99+% of their time with this image.
Oddly enough you have focused on a minor flaw, to the point that you missed a bigger flaw: contrast between the object and the background. The lossy gradient version is a better, more powerful image than the either of the flat background images-- since the background provides more contrast, and helps the swords to "pop".
Don't miss the forest for the trees.
I like the direction you are moving in general. Some observations:
Fonts:
* The small-caps serif font for the buttons (with effects?) isn't working well. The letters go mushy and blend into each other. Also some of the words are capitalized and some aren't Probably you should be using some version of the sans typeface you used elsewhere.
* The OpenGameArt logotype at the top doesn't match anything else. Either use that font elsewhere for headings, or replace it with something more logo-ish.
Viewing art:
Using a colored background is generally a bad idea for viewing random images. Any color you pick will clash with some images, and leech the vibrancy out of others. Of course with low-saturation colors this effect is lessened, but if you think about it, any top of the line website or application for viewing random images will surround that image with grey or black. It's the only way to present each image at it's best.
Edges:
Sites that run all the way to the edge of the window like this bug me somewhat. There's no visual confirmation that i'm actually seeing the whole thing, and there's not more icons or buttons just outside the window. Also without some sort of side edge a site doesn't stand out as well from the other windows on the desktop.
* I'm glad you got rid of all that glowing. It was a nifty effect, but wearying on the eyes.
* Do we need such a large type "Top" button on every comment? Do we need it at all?
* Avatars are good. Please don't allow super-large and/or animated avatars
* Why such a wide column for avatars on pages such as this?
I think i see where you are going -- a cleaner, more consistent look.
One aspect troubles me: blue is the background for everything-- including art. It's a bad idea to put a random art on a colored back, some will clash with the background color, and other selections will look dull. You'll notice that any high-level image browser application or site will use grey or black.
HMM... the only way to see the comments is to hit the "add new comment" button?
Looks very high quality
Nice!
I don't know of any tutorials. It's mostly good old-fasioned painting, with a digital tablet happening to be the medium.
I do use one "trick". These are all painted as grey-scale, with a gradient-map on top that applies colors.
Coincidence then, i have no idea what "Demon's Crest" is.
I spent a good amount of time looking at various WoW icons, and random photos on Google, but didn't copy anybody's art.
Tartos: Re: combining icons
Clever!
XAYS:
The beam of light is certainly not my best. Some of the color variations are more clear than others.
Completed the Frames. 10 different shapes (including plain) in three colors each, or all 10 colors for the plain frame.
EDIT: today completed the Runes
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