Cups Suit: Page of Cups - Janus

[tushantin]

...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAND here's where I fix the neck. But... doesn't look good, does it? Compare with the previous post.

Any ideas for the background?

[xcalibur]

as for the background, that depends on what situation he's in. Zealian? Ocean Palace? or as you suggested, overlooking the Fall of Zeal (presumably before he was time bastarded).

a Fall of Zeal setting certainly allows for more water in the background. but I'd lean towards Zealian, since it's easy to get creative without going wrong. maybe there could be a fountain in the background to emphasize water, or we could save that for another Cups card.

[tushantin]

I could actually draw the water (juice?) in the cup itself. Not sure how I ought to draw Zeal / Ocean Palace in the back, though. Hmm...

Any creatures from the Ocean Palace we could use as a symbolic and connotative representation of the card?

[tushantin]

Brainstorming for ideas:
http://zabobula.deviantart.com/art/Moving-Mountains-188806690
http://noorl3yoon.deviantart.com/art/Move-202921108
http://wroth.deviantart.com/art/Sleepless-Mornings-II-93069301
http://0bo.deviantart.com/art/mountain-186701643

http://scienceandbelief.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/blue_sea_parting.jpg

[tushantin]

Sorry for my absence, but you know how important New Years can be. XD (Although, I'm not sure if I received my presents from either Santa Clause or Ded Moroz...).

I did a close cut of the Janus card, and while the position seems just how we want it, I'm not sure what background that leaves for the card itself. Check this:

[tushantin]

How'd you guys like the Cups symbol?  Also, I'm not too fond of the the font. Any suggestions?

Now that this is out of the way, let's move on to the next card!

[xcalibur]

very well done. the background is indistinct, but that's not too much of an issue.

let's see what Syna/Angerona/etc. have to say.

[Kodokami]

Very nice, tushantin. Watching this from its development has been pretty neat, and the end result is great.

Is the art for each card being done by separate artists, or the same?

[tushantin]

very well done. the background is indistinct, but that's not too much of an issue.

The background is a simple-painted sky. XD Considering the shot we were planning on for Janus initially, painting the "Fall of Zeal" would have gone unnoticed in itself, but then again that may not have been symbolic to the card in the first place. Of course, I agree it is indistinct; I'll see if there's any way I can simulate the style of Laverinne's decor design. As far as I know, I'm nothing compared to her skills.

Is the art for each card being done by separate artists, or the same?

Sort of; they can be different artists interested in a particular card, or they can be the same if it suits their fancy. Currently, Angerona, Lady Marle and I are the only artists at work currently.

You can join in too! Pick a card. 

[tushantin]

Now the font looks better! Still, something tells me the card is incomplete...

If you notice that the horizon is slightly curved rather than flat, yup! I love em curves.

[alfadorredux]

First thing I notice is that the text has no room to breathe (especially "JANUS" at the top). It looks crowded. Make it a couple of point sizes smaller.

Second thing is, I think you should use the same dark semi-transparent effect behind the card name as you did for the border, instead of just dead black.

Thirdly, I think the second version of the card, with more of his lower body visible, gives a better sense of place. The background for the first card could be anywhere, but the second makes it clear that he's standing on ice. You could add some random ice floes to the water, too, although I don't think it's really necessary.

[Syna]

I agree with alphadorredux's assessments!

I'm really pleased with the way this turned out. It matches the spirit of the card quite well! You get the vulnerability, the emphasis on water, and the expression meanings clearly.

[tushantin]

Did you just call him "Alpha-dorredux"? XD

Alfy, thanks for the suggestions. I'll fix it pronto. As for the "Ice", that was meant to be North Cape. Was thinking I'd paint Mt. Woe in the background somewhere, but I was also worried about losing the card's negative space and making it cluttered...

Any design or tweaking ideas is greatly appreciated to have this card complete!

[Syna]

I did in fact. I am way sleep-deprived and crashing off caffeine. XD

[tushantin]