first icons, first attempt Options

[polkadotted_acco...]

Feedback would be lovely. Constructive critisism and what not.

It's kind of a big array of er "themes" I guess you could say.

[*Intercourse.*]

I think the first one is good for your first time, although the otheres still need some work. The second one is just a bit weird, I think theres a bit to much red. You can't read the text at all either. Third one the whole white stuff around him looks weird too. The coloring is different though. I think something is missing off of it though. The last one the text doesn't look right, perhaps save the icons different? The first one is the best, I think you should perhaps save your icons as png. instead of jpg.

You did well for a first

[Jeng]

I agree with Holly, the first is the best though, you cant ry some tutorials to improve :D

[much2muse]

I like the second one!

[*Azarel*]

I agree with Holly (Intercourse.) that the first one is probably the best icon out of your set.

For the second icon, not only is the text difficult (if not impossible) to read, but the cropping is also odd. Like, on the right side of the colorized picture, you can see the border but on the left, it's cut off.

[*Duchess of Dork*]

I like that you show diversity in the different subjects you chose for the icons. I especially like that you didn't just do the gorgeous cropped model icon thing (sorry guys, it's getting a bit trite at this point). I think you are definitely off to a great start.

Here's some of my comments:

As has been mentioned, the first one is by far your best. Nice use of black and white with just the figures in colors.

I think it's great that you are experimenting with hues in the #2. I would completely remove the text for a couple of reasons. One, you cannot read it. Two, it's black and everything else in the icon is reddish. It's more than likely a personal preference of mine, but I think that the color of the text should at least somewhat match in hue to the rest of the icon.

Bowie love is always hot. Labyrinth love, even hotter. However, it's just way too blurry. He almost looks fuzzy even. I'm not sure if you used an image that was blurry as your base, or if you were experimenting with filter or blend modes. Either way, here's a couple of things to remember: Use a sharp, clean base. The dreamy effect is good, completely sedated effect isn't. :)

#4 is pretty cute. Again, I like the black and white with a little color. It's blurry though, which isn't good. The text color works this time (and you can read it ;) ), but I would stop by our Common Fonts thread for some more font options.

Also, these tutorials were immensely helpful for me:
(Assuming that you're using Photoshop)
Tutorials by Sherlock.
Vintage Picture, by Madame C

Paintshop pro tutorials (if you're not. I know I just linked all of the PSP tutorials here, but since I do not use PSP, I cannot determine which would be helpful)

[moorepocket]

i liek the first two, but not the last two.