I've wanted to do a wall featuring Cloud Strife since I joined the AP community. My very first attempts were horrendous, and I had only been using Photoshop for about a week. The comments on got on that paper ranged from mildly constructive to downright abusive, though in all fairness, looking back, it was a terrible wall :) .
I really liked this AP scan of Cloud, the way he carries both his facial expression and his posture. It reminded me of a Soldier, doing his duty, yet unable to escape the horrors he has seen and committed. Also, Cloud seems to be pensive and lamenting over his past "failures" of being unable to protect his loved ones/friends.
For the wall, I started with colors from Cloud's eyes and uniform. From there, I added various textures, layers, and layering effects. I also worked on a chess board pattern (made from scratch) and ended up incorporating it into the wall (via a central banner). I worked on blurring this image to help create the bg pattern as well.
The reason for the chess board was metaphorical; the idea that Cloud is constantly thinking of his past moves and how his actions/inactions led him to where is situated now, and how he often is unsure of where to move next. Also a feeling of frustration and entrapment, since, he can't just "quit" this game--he must continue until a conclusion is reached.
I also incorporated a icy pattern effect (from scratch) into the bg, but toned it down via layers and effects to leave a simple texture on the bg.
Finally, for the text (which is something I am working at incorporating in way that's ideally, not so stale), I spent hours playing with various texts/quotes/placements, and in the end settled on this arrangement. I wanted the text to be meaningful, but not to inundate the wall. I tried to balance the wall's space with the text, but not necessary cover all parts of the bg with text.
For those of you familiar with FF7, Crisis Core, or perhaps, AC/ACC, the text should make sense:
Soldier 1st Class- Cloud is this rank (or so he claims) and takes this rank in pride...
You're my living legacy-Zack's hopes and ambitions for Cloud...
Embrace your dreams-Zack's motto to Cloud...
We're friends, right?-One of the quotes Zack said to Cloud, which always seems to haunt him (Cloud).
Revision 2: Added some more splatter and distortion to the wall, but I'm not sure if it clutters the wall too much.
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1 year, 8 months ago
Nice text choice! I like the grungy feel, feels like a throwback to a wall style much neglected these days! Nice work!
1 year, 8 months ago
I like the overall dynamic of the wallpaper and your choice of colour for the character. This is merely out of preference but I found the text unnecessary and would definitely make me rethink using this wallpaper. On the other hand, it's great that you chose to make it less obvious by having it on overlay.
1 year, 8 months ago
keep trying! simple but cool
1 year, 8 months ago
I love Final Fantasy VII, this is my favorite, I think Cloud coolest character of all, I loved the wallpaper, congratulations.^^V
1 year, 8 months ago
I like it final fantasy is the best thx :)
1 year, 8 months ago
gosh this wall is cool especially Cloud.