Please help me improve this sideart (part 2, w/more pics)

[maraxle]

Hi.  I'm in the early stages of putting together some side art for my cabinet.  Please check out what I've got below and tell me how I can improve it.  I know it's nothing terribly inventive, but I'm not going for inventive.

EDIT:  Oh yeah, please keep in mind that this is going on the side of a bright red cabinet, which is why I went with the subdued black/gray background rather than something bright.

[Pete Harcoff]

Try removing the top four characters (Joust, Mappy, etc) and moving the center logo and faded background image up a touch.

[maraxle]

Something like this?

[Stingray]

Personally I liked the first version better. Should look great on a red cab.

-S

[BobbyG66]

I like the first one also.

How about adding some red? Maybe to the Arcade Classics name in the middle or some of the logos. I noticed that all but three of the characters have red in them.

Looks good!

[maraxle]

Thanks!  I like the original better too, but I figured it was worth a shot.  As for adding some red, I was thinking of possibly changing the little Robotron guy to red, as well as the tie on the frog.  Another option might be to change the Space Invader in the background so that his highlights are red instead of yellow.  I'm also thinking about trying something like the image below.  It lightens it up a bit, I think, but I'm not positive about it.  What do you think?

[mahuti]

The stripe definitely helps bring it all together. Puts the focus on the main subject as well.

[maraxle]

I like the stripe, but I think I found something I like better.  What do you think of this?

[BobbyG66]

Now that looks cool. It will look great on your red cab.
I would not change anything.

Good job!

[Stingray]

I like that last one best too.

-S

[Pete Harcoff]

Oooh, I like the last one, too.  (The reason I suggested removing the top pictures at first was to put more emphasis on the center.  But yeah, it looks better with them in there.)

Good job!

[maraxle]

Thanks, everyone.  I'm going to consider that my final version.

[maraxle]

Hi again.  Ever the perfectionist, I have put together a completely different design.  There's two different sides to it.  Here's the first one:

[maraxle]

And here's the other side.  What do you guys think?  Do you like the new ones?  How can I improve them?

[walls83]

much better

[SpamMe]

much better

[BobbyG66]

It's all good.

Why not make more cabs for all your designs...ha ha

[maraxle]

Why not make more cabs for all your designs...ha ha

Well, my dad decided that he wants one for at my parents' house, so I can let him pick from several designs.  He's an amazing woodworker and electrician, and will probably build a cabinet that will put mine to shame, but he doesn't know much about computers and artwork, so he'll be relying on me for those parts of his setup.

[maraxle]

Oh, and by the way, the reason I kept the font exactly the same as in the first design is because my marquee looks like this:

[Brad]

Do him a deal. He works his magic on a complete custom built cab for you and you'll do his artwork and PC stuff  

Brad

[Pete Harcoff]

The frogger one looks really good.  You've got nice contrast between the red and green.

In the joust one, however, the yellow doesn't contrast as well (red and yellow both being "warm" colours).  I'd try changing the colours so there's better contrast.

[Wade]

I really like the one with more characters on it, and the red outline the best.  The one with the frogger and joust logo real big is just too much focus on those two games, IMO (unless those are the only two games in the cab).

Wade

[Brax]

Your improved artwork looks amazing. Well done.

Maybe you could apply some artistic license and make the knight's armour the same shade of red as your text outline but that's picking some small nits.  

[maraxle]

Maybe you could apply some artistic license and make the knight's armour the same shade of red as your text outline but that's picking some small nits.  

You know, that's a great idea.  I think I'm going to try that.  Thanks!