Critique Request Sam’s Pendant kit design

[ByrnBucks]

Good day gentlemen, Thought I’d try this on a practice plate first as it felt a bit out of my league. Sam’s layout and shading are amazing, I tried to follow the leader if you will and for some reason it doesn’t look like the picture haha But I was wondering if this is at least coherent. Lot of “firsts” for me during this endeavor so any major or minor mistakes anyone sees I should avoid next time around please tear it apart. The background is awful, I ordered a GRS Maestro EX so next one will be... different haha till I tame that beast when it gets here. Thanks for your time and I hope everyone has an extraordinary day.

 

[AllenClapp]

You r correct that the Maestro EX will do a great job on the background. When you get it, be sure to try different stroke settings to see what you like best. In this pass, there seems to be a little too much shading for my taste, because is limits the contrast and, thus, decreases the volumetric/sculpted look and feel of the leaves. Sam's kit is a great practice tool. As recommended by Layne Zuelke, it is great to number each practice plate try so that you can see your progress over time.

 

[ByrnBucks]

Much appreciate, a case of less can be more, admittedly once inked I was very surprised at the amount of darkness that seemed to appear, while cutting it did not seem to have much contrast at all. Perhaps another understanding that comes from practice, trial and error. Thanks

 

[AllenClapp]

You may also find that putting three or four facets on the stippling graver point, instead of grinding it round, will increase darkness. Then again, you may not need it if blackening the stippled area with Rustoleum flat black paint.