CP Artwork - Feels like I'm missing something

[nipson]

I'm currently working on my first control panel and the artwork has me stumped.

I'm not wanting it to look too busy, but it feels like it needs something around the buttons (they'll be black). Any suggestions?

[Well Fed Games]

I'm currently working on my first control panel and the artwork has me stumped.

I'm not wanting it to look too busy, but it feels like it needs something around the buttons (they'll be black). Any suggestions?

Does the cab have an overall theme?

[nipson]

The cab is called the "Flex Box" and I'm using mostly blues for the artwork. However, I'm now starting over  from scratch as my HDD crashed in my laptop and I haven't had any luck recovering any of my files off of it. Back to the drawing board. Literally...

[Well Fed Games]

However, I'm now starting over  from scratch as my HDD crashed in my laptop and I haven't had any luck recovering any of my files off of it.

Ah, that sucks. I have been there!

[Mysterioii]

I've got no problem with the gradient, I'm a fan of keeping it simple too, but I think maybe there's too much pure white there in the middle and goes right across the buttons.  I would either narrow that white band or just have the gradient be very light blue to dark blue with no actual white band at all.

I don't really think you need anything around the buttons, though I know a lot of people put circles around them....  The buttons basically have their own built in circle around 'em, don't know why there's a need to do more than that....   

[nipson]

Thanks for the feedback. While I have to do it all again, I will change the gradient from white to a very very light blue. With black buttons, it should look alright. 

[shponglefan]

It's simple, but simple is good for a CP imho.

What is missing though is a complimentary colour.  If it were me, I would colour the text yellow or a yellow-orange.  Either that or use yellow and orange buttons/ball tops on the joysticks.

[nipson]

I think I will go with a yellow-orange or orange. Thanks for the input. I tried making yellow circles around the buttons before, but it was just too much yellow. A little yellow for the text shouldn't be too overwhelming.

[Mysterioii]

Oh I was gonna say one other thing...  I'm not sure I'm crazy about the font you used for the text... nothing really wrong with it but for some reason where it says "VOL" it looked like "YOU" to me, and I thought that was a weird way to say "Player 2" at first glance...   

[agent_c]

Just thought I'd add a jpeg of my bartop control as I had this dilemma and added the background circles and star to compliment a "plain" front colour with gradient.
I added yellow/red text (disko font) and sent the circles/star to the back behind the blue as this softened their look. My stick ball tops are orange, hope that helps.

This is still a work in progress although my month trial with illustrator ends on Sunday and it better be finalised by then! The white section of the gradient is on the front of the cpo and the buttons (pause and enter) are below on a slightly set back piece.
btw, this is my first post so "hello" and be kind please!.!

[nipson]

Here's what I've come up with so far in my remake. What color do you think would be the best compliment? Remember they are all black buttons except forthe P1 and P2 Start and Coin buttons. They're white. Obviously I still need to do the trackball and finish with the labels.

[nipson]

Well, here's the final version. I think. Unless someone has any other suggestions.

[SNAAKE]

missing that blue planet picture

[Billy_Goatfeet]

  Grids and Lightning are a popular choice.