Desktop Wallpaper

[Ian Jones]

To be honest it doesn't really turn me on... it is pretty average imo. Sorry if I'm sounding harsh, I'm just try to give you honest crit. This may take a while... in the end it's only my opinion but I'll see if I an break it down for you.

It is generally quite nice, but it is lacking something. I think part of the problem is the overall composition. It doesn't seem to have one actually. The 2d shapes seem to just distract from the rest, and push out into sort of emptyness of the rest of the wallpaper. I think they should either make better use of this space or not be there at all. It just feels uncomfortable that these shapes are sitting there. Perhaps they hold too much 'visual weight' and kind of scramble the composition around as if you didn't have any particular focus area or theme. Removing them would probably improve the composition. Or take a look at adjusting their scale.

Scale. I think if you were to focus on a better defined set of elements and composition then you should also consider using scale to your advantage. It is my opinion that 'contrast' is an extremely important factor in design. I'm not talking just about value contrast though... I mean also contrast of scale or contrast of texture. kind of like Juxtaposition if you like. For example you can make something look really textured and bumpy by putting something really smooth next to it. The same ideas can apply to scale. Varying the scale of different elements (within reason) can drastically improve the way objects interact and unify visually.

I think that having some fine detail is a must to capturing visual attention and holding it as a viewer explores. to me personally I held attention for a short time and quickly begin to realise that the elements in your picture exist on a macroscopic scale and I find I have visually finished exploring their forms and lose attention. If you look at some really great wallpapers you admire, personally I like Jens Karlsson and James Widegren, then you'll see a macroscopic and microscopic world within their images. This is something that fascinates me, because I can find myself exploring the subtleties and enriched by all the visual information... its not a bombardment of visual information though as you may expect from lots going on in an image, because it has been carefully balanced and unified with other areas lacking detail. This sort of 'orchestry' of visual elements is something every designer struggles with whilst making artwork. To me your wallpaper hasn't found the unity and correct visual balance it needs. It needs detail, and detail in the right areas.

I got a bit philosophical in there, and that may not help you much. What I hope it will do though is spark an idea in your mind about where you could possibly take this wallpaper further.

Let me reaffirm the fact that I do think it is generally pretty nice. Please dont forget that. I just think you can also improve it more.

I hope that helps. :)

[Ian Jones]

I forgot to say, welcome to the forums! have fun! :bounce:

[CaUsTiK]

Thanks very much! A very informative and interesting reply. I do know what you mean by some of the points you explained, and already you have sparked some ideas on how i can improve it. I will also look into them people you listed and take a look at their work, maybe gain some more ideas and inspiration. Now, back to work on it. Thankyou once again.

Good to see another Aussie around here aswell, hopefully i will meet many more on these forums.

Thanks

[Ian Jones]

hey, np, glad to help. Follow up on those ideas you had!

for Jens Karlsson http://www.chapter3.net/ (bit of a strange site layout, click on the horizontal gallery or the vertical gallery.)

for James Widegren http://www.idiocase.com/

If you were wondering why their websites look so similar it is because they both live in the same flat and often collaborate on design projects. James taught Jens how to use 3dsmax in the early days. I personally don't like their webdesigns. that pale yellow look they both have is kind of 'yuck' imo. Check out their other work though! you should be blown away! :bounce:

There are staxx of other Aussies on cgtalk, visit the general discussions forum and find the Australian cg artists thread. Cgtalk is actually run by Leonard, who lives in Perth! bet you didn't realize that. :D

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