[Tinusch]

[Heysoos]

a very provacative image. I think maybe the skull in the backrgound might be a bit cheesy (just my opinion), and the glow effects are a bit overdone. I like the figures and the tree.
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http://www.angelfire.com/art2/wfkeil

[Novacaptain]

I think the theme could have lent itself to a better approach in subject matter, even if the execution isn't too bad. I hope you don't take offence when i say that this looks comically pornographic ... my mind is in the gutter, i know.
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It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice - Scooter

[gLitterbug]

Nearly let this one slipped uncommented, now we can't let that happen can we?

I agree with Heysoos on the skull. Without it the piece would be stronger imo. Also the glow effect on the moon distracts a bit from the rest. Apart from that I really like the execution on this one.

Comically pornographic, hm I can somehow understand that, altough it wasn't the first thing that crossed my mind, even though my mind is probably in the gutter below Nova's.

[Tinusch]

Thanks all for the replies.

Heysoos: I think youre totally right about the background, as usual it's clear to tell which parts of the image were my main focus and which were afterthoughts or just halfassed. The more I look at the background the more I dislike it. I definitely plan to rework this one.

Nova: Not really sure what you mean regarding the theme and subject matter... I think the theme and subject matter are pretty much synonymous? I wouldn't at all say this is anything close to pornographic, just because there is a suggestion of nudity. It has more of a meaning to me beyond what is apparent on the surface, I would have hoped it would be taken more as unsettling than pornographic. Maybe not so successful in that regard.

Glitter: Right on about the skull... Went overboard I think. I liked the idea of the moon being there but I clearly didn't put enough thought into its execution. Just out of curiosity, what about the image seems comical?

[gLitterbug]

Well personally I don't think its comical or pornographic at all(as you intended I found it rather disturbing, but maybe I'm easily disturbable?). I just said that I can understand why someone would think so, since the umbilical cord-like thing connects in the genital area and therefore can be interpreted as something sexual. Guess it depends on ones mindset.

[Novacaptain]

Well i was referring to what looks like the standing figure's wang connected to the sado-masochistically subdued character, arching its back with an expression that doesn't quite suggest displeasure as the pornoghraphic side of it. If it is intended as an umbilical cord, i suggest attaching it further up.

As far as subject matter and theme. You could portray the message (theme) that "we are drained of our life and youth in exchange for money" using different characters, in a different environment doing different things (subject matter).

I might have misinterpreted the underlying message, and apologise for any wrongful assumptions.
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It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice - Scooter

[Tinusch]

I can see how the expression of the figure on the ground could confuse the message, I didn't really pay much attention to it or how it would affect the rest. What went through my mind as I did this was how the money and livelihood are sucked out of the average person, and how they are in complete submission while simply trying to get by, the books in this case referring to college students, but applicable to anyone I guess. Thanks again for the input, I'll definitely adjust the expression to make their relationship a little clearer.

[Chad Weatherford]

i agree with novacaptain regarding the umbilical chord. It should be higher up on the creature if you want to avoid misinterpretation regarding the content or message of the piece.

[Tinusch]

Updated the image, redid the background, I think it works a lot better now. I think its less cartoony/comical now, which is exactly what I wanted.

Chad: It's actually not meant to be an umbilical cord. The suggestive placement was intentional, but thank you for taking the time to comment.

Any more comments are welcome.

[gLitterbug]

YES, I think it's better now, very much so. Good job!

[Mega Muffin]

Yes, the cord looks like a--can we say that on this board? Haha I don't know, but it looks like one. Definately the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw the piece was "uhh is that what I think it is...no it can't be--wellllll, but if it is then what the fuck is going on, like uhhh." Yeah, and so on and so forth. Honestly--and I saw this dayz ago but didn't comment--I couldn't get past it. Attach it somewhere else that's less crotch-like.

[Tinusch]

Glitter, as always, thanks a ton. If I had to choose the one single motivation for my recently increased output, its your feedback.

Mega: Im glad to see my work is causing a stir.

[Mega Muffin]