Having trouble with the finishing touches

[grippie]

I'm nearing the painting stage of my build. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,141069.0.html
The artwork question that I have is how do I make this cohesive? I'm trying to create a front panel where I can put USB input(s) and a volume knob. At one point, shown in the first pics, I was toying with putting the power button there, but I don't think that is necessary.

image 1 - original concept trying to mimic the Sega Genesis
image 2 - toying with the usb and volume icon layout. Was suggested to use this car style usb mount.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MW6HRO/ref=s9_simh_gw_p263_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12EZDGR0D13VVA3YMV1S&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
image 3 - marquee for reference
image 4 - sidepanel for reference

I also just thought about scrapping the whole thing and using software volume controls and putting some usb's on the back panel. Then I can just make this look like some genesis line work and be done with it.

any suggestions on this or other pieces of what I have here? I'm no artist but i tried!!! Any feedback is appreciated.

[opt2not]

Re: USB/Volume/Power switch panel, personally I wouldn't, because I tend to like my builds simple and child/drunk people/idiot proof, so normally I put all my "admin" controls in a spot that isn't directly accessible. But really, it's a subjective matter, so you gotta think about what you really want for it.

That being said, since this was posted in the artwork forum, I'll just comment on the art.

I think you're on a really good track here. There are two things I would do to it to really get it cohesive and pro-looking.

1. First, fix the font size. It looks like you're scaling the 16-bit font vertically, so it's getting a stretched look. The original Genesis's 16-bit title didn't look so narrow.

2. Shadowing, and Highlights.
Take a look at this genesis picture:

Notice how there is a highlight (and fade) on the rounded front bevel of the genesis' base? Also how the rounded area of the cartridge slot is shadowed and highlighted, giving it that 3D effect of depth. 
I believe your artwork could use this to really push it further.  Try choosing a light direction and adding some highlights to the edges, while adding shadows to the parts that are supposed to be extruded out.

The theme is solid, it just needs a bit more to push it to a completed cohesive state. 

[grippie]

personally I wouldn't, because I tend to like my builds simple and child/drunk people/idiot proof

Bingo!

1. First, fix the font size. It looks like you're scaling the 16-bit font vertically, so it's getting a stretched look. The original Genesis's 16-bit title didn't look so narrow.

Yea you are right. I actually have a bit more vertical space that I can use now that I have the wood cut and assembled. I've been in the details for the last bit and haven't looked at the overall view.

Thanks for the suggestions

[grippie]

I posted this in my build thread but thought i'd update this one too. I retooled the "USB" section and made it mimic the actual console. My vector skills, which I learned just to do this, are nearing their limits. I understand what was suggested, but am unsure of the techniques that can be used to finalize the look. I'll keep plugging away while i'm finishing the final construction pieces, but if anyone has some suggestions or is able to help that would be awesome.