The snowflakes . . .

[NikonErik]

Here's how I used the snowflake custom shape that I downloaded from the collection called SWWD Custom Shapes posted by BioRust member "Mary Dixon."

Thank you Mary!

[NikonErik]

This organization also wanted a year-round version of a thank you card too. I used one of my favorite mountain bike trail photos that I collected one morning a year ago . . .

This design hasn't been viewed yet, so I don't even know if they'll go for it! Wish me luck!
(They'll be 5x7 when folded)

[unleash]

I think the second one is really neat! maybe you should have taken an action photograph(like mountain bikers on the track)...but this looks pretty cool to!!
the first one is a bit too busy for me, but as that one has already passed the test, I probably be outnumbered there

Here's how I used the snowflake custom shape that I downloaded from the collection called SWWD Custom Shapes posted by BioRust member "Mary Dixon."

I don't want to be the bringer of bad news, but I think that I can't get away from it this time...So here it is, did you ask permission to use those recources for commercial usage?

[NikonErik]

Originally Posted by unleash

I think the second one is really neat! maybe you should have taken an action photograph(like mountain bikers on the track)...but this looks pretty cool to!!
the first one is a bit too busy for me, but as that one has already passed the test, I probably be outnumbered there




I don't want to be the bringer of bad news, but I think that I can't get away from it this time...So here it is, did you ask permission to use those resources for commercial usage?

Well, er . . . no.
Maybe since I volunteer my services (and accept no compensation) for this Not-for-Profit mountain biking advocacy group, it would be okay ??

Knowing this, I didn't even think of it as a transgression on my part.

This could lead to an interesting technical discussion though . . .

I'll be sending a message to Mary Dixon . . .

Thanks . . .

[MarysMac]

Looks really good, Erik!!

[NikonErik]

I received an email from Mary Dixon last night:

Erik,

It's my pleasure to allow such use of anything I've created. Do so with my blessing!!


Mary Dixon

Thank you Mary . . .

-E!

[unleash]

Haha, that's great!!

and, it was no accusation...it's just that you can get problems before you now it when using such brushes for commercial use.

As it's okay with Mary i can only repeat what I already said:

I think the second one is really neat! maybe you should have taken an action photograph(like mountain bikers on the track)...but this looks pretty cool to!!

[NikonErik]

Thanks Unleash. I pride myself on doing things respectfully and on the "up and up." I was really bothered when you pointed out my oversight. Not because you were accusing me, but because you were right!

Anyway, Miss Dixon is a generous Biorust contributor, and I'll be sure to contribute to this community just the same. I can't say it'll be a set of brushes, or custom shapes, but I will and always have . . . at PhotoChimper for example.

[notjustgraphics]

Hey NikonErik

I think you'll find most contributors here at BioRust share much the same spirit as Mary Dixon...

Still, Unleash raises a very good point that it is always better to do the courtesy of asking the contributor so that:

1. They get to know that their efforts are appreciated
2. You protect yourself from any legal issues in the future

As for your work, i really like the second one... on one hand, i agree with Unleash in that an action shot of some mountain bikers racing around that dirt trail would be exciting, but it would obscure the watermark logo. On the otherhand, this group may be into the actvity for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors, in which case, your photo selection may be more appropriate!

The first piece i agree is a bit too busy. Personally, i would make the snowflakes a bit smaller to balance the white space and i would fade them back a bit to be much lighter than the mid-grey they are now.

If the logo itself is your design, it's really quite neat. My only suggestion would be to adjust the spacing/width of the text to make the left edge of the logo, the letter C and the underline all line up on the left and the same on the right.

Its nice to have another active member here at BioRUST.

Cheers.

Mike.

[NikonErik]

Busy-ness is a thorn in my side! I'm getting better at avoiding that over the years.

The logo is not my design, so that's fixed. I like your tip for fading the snowflakes a bit. I think I left them as bold as I did because I want to make sure that they're visible in the final. My system is calibrated, but I never really know until I get the work back. -And sometimes it's too late by then to make changes.

My photo that's absent of a rider is fine for this group. While they (we) are a group of Type-A personalities who ride these trails with gusto, we are also a group of what I call "Progressive Conservationists." Which basically means we'd want to develop and use the environment without destroying it, or encouraging erosion.

I encourage the use of photos that depict our trail system as useable beautiful environments in the tradition of Ansel Adams when he campainged for the National Park system.

Thanks for the good words folks!