Pointers Appreciated

[constructivist]

Hi All,

Recently I was asked to design all the CD graphics for a local hip-hop MC. I know, the work looks a bit derivative but constructive criticism is most appreciated.

Cover Idea #1 (http://home.earthlink.net/~constructivist/images/b3%20bling.jpg)
Cover Idea #2 (http://home.earthlink.net/~constructivist/images/pos%20copy.jpg)
Inside of the CD Card, text to be added later (http://home.earthlink.net/~constructivist/images/B3%20Int%20copy.jpg)
Inner part of CD card (http://home.earthlink.net/~constructivist/images/Inside%20Card%20copy.jpg)

[dualdesigns]

I like the idea of the barbed wire and the bling bling, but he needs to give you better quality pics, or u need to adjust the brightness contrast and work on blending him more for the inside the cd images

[Ashworks]

the diamonds in the font are to bright, you can barely read it. to be perfectly honest, i think you just have to much going on. make it more simple.

[jtolenti]

cool man, i like the first cover best(with the wire). maybe blur some of the background to separate the text from the background? also, i dont think i like the texture on the font... it may look better with something smoother?

FYI - i'm a total novice so if what i say is way off, ignore it! LOL

[Martin]

If your client doesn't give you a decent pic you should consider stock images instead as an alternative. :)

[constructivist]

The texture on the font is just distort>glass with the tiny lense setting, wont be hard to adjust.

Also, has any one out there worked with darker skin tones at all? I would apreciate some adive on getting consistant skin tones over multiple files.

Thanks for the c&c everyone!

[Edited on 26-3-2004 by constructivist]

[Edited on 26-3-2004 by constructivist]

[Digi Pixie]

I prefer the concept of the 2nd design...the really powerful photo of the guy with some kind of pattern radiating from behind it, but don't actually like the treatment you've given it. Sometimes certain effects work well on screen but don't really cross over so successfully into print, especially in a smaller format. Maybe something simpler with a big graphic impact? And fonts that are easier to read. Likewise, the inside design...the dollar signs repeated as a background is a good idea but the design itself needs a lot of work. The photo is very hard edged & pixellated...& the photo too poor a quality. If you can't get a better one, you might like to think about applying a screen pattern or posterising it or doing a duotone or something. Don't like the cars...it looks like a car brochure...just doesn't seem to fit as it is. And the other design with the boxes likewise doesn't suit the style... I think you need to work on somehow getting a sense of unity between all of the designs.

As for matching skintones...Image > Adjustments > Match Colour does exactly what you're after! :)

[MichalMystic]

I think both of your design are good but the font quality is horrible should be alot crisper.

Also rember that the bling text effect was ment to be done with a thick font. If any thin g do once at 100 font size then use trasform to make it the size you want after.

P.s. Here a good example what I mean about crisp images with bling bling text.

http://www.reddwarriorrecordz.cjb.net (Not my site)

I work with alot of local hip hop artist in my area ever need some help or ideas let me know.

Aslo dont for get if theres cursing and swears to add a parent advisory logo to it.
Hip hop artist always love that, and also it a must.

Kepp the good work up peace!

[Edited on 26-3-2004 by MichalMystic]

[Edited on 26-3-2004 by MichalMystic]

[constructivist]

Digi> Thanks for the crit! Unity is a must and I will work on that along with the other sugestions. Thanks for the tough love. :P

MichalMystic> I will be getting in contact with you. I know what you're saying about the parent advisory thing, he explicitly requested it.

[dualdesigns]

I have worked with a multitude of dark skin, a lot of my banner clients are black and latino - You should try to push him OUT of the crowd, with something totally different. Gangsta Rap is out....

I dunno - lemme know if u need help

[constructivist]

Dual> I know what you're saying. But my client is totally unreceptive to anything other than the status quo. It's frustrating but the customer is always right.:(

[MichalMystic]

I hate to disagree but this pop corn radio rap is going out of style people want people that a real.

Gangster rap far from out of style.

Myself I rap, make beats and involed alot in scene.

If you havent seen it yet here the beginning to a rapper site Im doing.

http://members.shaw.ca/mysticmagic/v2.html

But then again each to there own.

[Edited on 26-3-2004 by MichalMystic]

[Digi Pixie]

Yeah...sorry about that...but I knew you could take it. *Hugs* :)