Critique Request Drawing for a buckle

[jbrayout]

Hello all,
Would appreciate critique for this design. When I look at this drawing I realize that I need help. I don't know how to make it flow better in the top center of the design. I think it will be difficult to follow when it is cut. But I have no idea how to fix it. I would appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks
Jenny

 

[atexascowboy2011]

For starters, you don have enough drawing time in to do 3D composition.
Plus with all your backbones, meaning TOO many, it kinda seems like you're trying to mix English scrollwork into your design.
Back off and learn a simple, single layer layout and build on that.

 

[silverchip]

Open up your design, keep it simpler so you can "read it" from 3-4 ft away, it's not polite to lean in to see your buckle design!!!! While it appears you can draw, you are just cramming too much in a little space.

 

[jbrayout]

Thank you for your suggestions. I will simplify the design and post again for your thoughts.
Thanks
Jenny

 

[Sgwiley]

That is a very good try. Keep working it. Recommend getting tracing paper. Keep the overall design and flower, incorporate another bigger flower on the left side and work on connecting them. Spend more time engraving than designing or you will get discouraged. Cut the metal. Contrary to other posts, that is what will inspire you. The more you cut, the more you learn about engraving.

 

[jbrayout]

second attempt. Would appreciate your thoughts.

 

[jbrayout]

Thanks, I will try the tracing paper and flower. I have learned a lot by cutting my drawings. That is why I asked for your thoughts, I knew it was too much. Thanks for your encouragement!
Jenny

 

[GTJC460]

I've seen this orientation of scroll a couple of places recently. I'm not sure I understand the logic here. To me this seems to be coming off the starter scroll in a backwards direction. If was interlocking from the origination point I understand but I don't see in your drawing or in others that have used this, it originating correctly.

I could be totally wrong and would love to hear an explanation of this

 

[GTJC460]

This is what I mean by what I believe to be correct. I'm always open for enlightenment

 

[Skylineski]

just a thought that might flow a little better.

 

[jbrayout]

Thanks again for you ideas. I will keep trying!
Thanks,
Jenny

 

[jbrayout]

I am thankful for your help, I will put in the leaves one I get the backbones to flow. Is this better?

 

[jbrayout]

Third idea. I'll work on the backbones first for flow. Is this better?

 

[silverchip]

That might be better, at least it could be. A suggestion from me is to run your pattern from the larger space toward the smaller area and start off by placing elements like flowers first so they can be proportionate to the area they are in and don't get lost in the scrolls but are balanced with the size of the scrolls. Keep going!!!