I posted an alternate version of this in the 2D forum and my gallery. Misha was good enough to give me some feedback on the original composition, suggesting it was a bit too "busy"....I tend to think he may be right. I have reworked the image using a different bug and removing some elements. I am planning on submitting this for publication approval in a local graphics magazine so I would really appreciate some constuctive feedback Is it still too busy...are there any problems with my compositing techniques....is it just plain crap? *chuckle* *flak jacket on* All images photographs photoshopped: Bug and Ear from ComputerArts cover disk stock images, Backdrop: Agapantha photo of mine, Text on a path added in Expression 3 and bevelled/embossed in Photoshop. :-)>

Attached Link: Is something bugging you?

The original Gallery post for comparison... :-)>

Please do not go against your own judgement because of something I ramble about; I'm just a dufus at this. [I tend to like this somewhat more; seems to have more focus.]

LOL...no, really, I appreciate all input Michael, especially from people (like you) whose opinion I respect. My judgement is often clouded by working on something for too long. :-)>

I like here how the writing in the ear seems sunken in. 3D Freaky. The bug seems very natural. I tend to like the de-emphasized background. [When I read the theme, I envisioned an elegant Lady, maybe with diamonds and a "glow" effect, with this bug...]

I find this one more distracting than the original(could be the flying-towards-it style background?), but it's still cool. Love the composition, good job :)

i do like the desaturation of color better in this one, brings more emphasis, also the lettering & bug is much better... the only thing i might work on is to put the edge back in around the ear so it's not so fuzzy otherwise, it looks pretty super to me! :] you know what really gives me the chills? the ideal of an earwig in the ear! (after some scarey show i saw when i was young) you got one of those?

The text looks great now & I love the new bug, nice blending there! I think the desaturation works well but the ear seemed to blend with the background better in the original & I thought the little fuses (?) added a nice touch in the first one too. It still gives me the creeps!

elusive.chaos

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star...." (Nietzsche)

Thanks for all the feedback people...I'm going to work on this a bit more, but I think I need to step back from it for a couple of days! Thank you all again! :-)>