Right Zack at ya! [Updated - again]

[Dawninmyheart]

Fourth, Zack Fair will appear,
Wearing his smile that is not so rare
And bringing his friends courage and cheer.​

-My poem, Birth by Sleep​

Updated versions:

This is definitely the best smudging I've ever done. I do indeed intend to submit one of these in this week's SOTW. What do you guys think?

 

[LongLiveLife]

Re: Right Zack at ya!

The concept is nice, but it feels a little lacking; there is too much empty space. The cropping and placement of the stock, however, is perfect. That said, the second is by far my favorite of the three.

 

[Sexual White Chocolate]

Re: Right Zack at ya!

Use curves, mainly for your background.

Also, Smooth smudging is great, but yours is just a little too so. At least, to make a whole tag.

I think with some key brushing, maybe a little 'harder' brushing (though sparingly), and then some curves layer, with erasing on it's layer mask, you could have something nice.

 

[Dawninmyheart]

Re: Right Zack at ya!

^ Erm, I don't have curves on my photoshop. I wish I did though... :<

Is there anything that could result in something similar?

 

[Dawninmyheart]

Re: Right Zack at ya! [Updated]

I posted the updated ones in the first post. Check 'em out and tell me whether they're better or worse...

 

[Sexual White Chocolate]

Re: Right Zack at ya! [Updated]

Since you don't have curves, try brightness/contrast.

 

[LongLiveLife]

Re: Right Zack at ya! [Updated]

My favorite of the updated ones is the third. I love that spash of red you added; it the tag a lot more interesting! But yes, you will definitely want to toy around with the contrast of your background, or else it won't 'pop' the way you want it to.

 

[Dawninmyheart]

Re: Right Zack at ya! [Updated]

Thanks for the help, guys! I shall look into it one more time before submitting it today.

 

[Dawninmyheart]

Re: Right Zack at ya! [Updated]

I think it look ten times better than all the rest. And yes, I did add contrast. Thanks again, guys! I'll add it to the first post for comparison...

 

[LongLiveLife]

Much better! I agree, it is the best of this set that you published. The contrast makes a world of a difference. Good job!