CPO artwork - Final Version???

[Robopede]

Recently I posted a preliminary version of this CPO picture to the Main Forum by mistake, so I'll start a new thread in the correct forum this time.

My main question is regarding the mushrooms. I want elements of Robotron and Centipede, so I added the mushrooms to the background. But I think the mushrooms may clutter the picture too much. (At least that's what my wife says, and she's usually right...) Should they be lit more dimly? Should they be smaller with more of them? Should they be completely removed?

Please feel free to mention any other suggestions or criticisms.

P.S. - The color of the poison mushrooms is just temporary. I'm still working on that too. Also, the drop shadows will be softened up or removed.

[hunky_artist]

yeah, she's right... they do stand out too much. Looks quite cluttered.

If it was my panel I'd dim them down, and possibly put a fake scan line effect on them.. make them look like they're on an arcade monitor.

That would push them into the background more i reckon

[Crazy Cooter]

I'd dim them down.  I'd also keep the drop shadow on them only vertical and downward.  The drop shadow for the joy directions should be above the mushrooms, right now it's intemixed.

[BobbyG66]

If it was my panel I'd dim them down, and possibly put a fake scan line effect on them.. make them look like they're on an arcade monitor.

That would push them into the background more i reckon

That's exactly what I was thinking...

[neuromancer]

I think I like the "smaller and more of them" idea. That would make them more like texture, and less like a design element.

Bob

[Robopede]

After several more attempts to get the 'shrooms to look good, I finally gave up. I couldn't quite let them go until you guys all agreed they didn't look quite right. Thanks for the great advice! I like the cleaner look of the 'shroomless version anyway.

Please feel free to share any more comments/criticism.

Regards,
Dave

[Robopede]

Here's how it will hopefully look on the finished project.

[versapak]

Could always do something like this to keep the shrooms in.

[Generic Eric]

Bring back the mushrooms...how else is it going to be RoboPede?

Also, your trackball graphic should be more centered above the 08.

[Robopede]

Great idea, Versapak! Just when I was ready to give up, you guys gave me some inspiration. Thanks!

Regards,
Dave