Well, I joined this site so I could DL a couple of wallpapers, but figured it might be a bit rude to leech without contributing, so I was going to submit a wallpaper I made, but it said to post here first so here I am.

Made this one a while ago in PS. Used some simple lighting and filter techniques, and I have no idea where the figures in the corner are from. I saw them all over the internet via a google search, with dozens of different backgrounds and no credits anywhere. If anyone knows who the original artist of that pair is please tell me so I can give credit where it's due.

Anyway, this is a semi-complete version. I made a special edition version with a bit of text for my gf that only she gets. This is the one I post everywhere. I quite proud of it, since it's really the first time I tried anything like this. The only brushes used were photoshop defaults, which I used to make the stars that are corkscrewing up the left side. I don't like wallpapers with a lot going on in them, because then it turns my icons into an annoying mess that blocks the picture.

Anyway, I hope you like it. I have ideas for more. We'll see what happens. Here's the picture, hosted on my Deviantart page. Full size version here

Heya :)
Just the link is fine.

The background color fits really well with the girl :) But your extraction (masking) needs a bit of work, since shes looking a little jagged in parts, particularly along the hair, and lower right dress. Also they do feel a little cramped into the corner, I'm guessing the scan cuts off?

If you haven't already, you should check out the FAQ, mostly the 'submission guide' section will help you.

Lastly, AP requires you to sign your wallpaper with your username :) Just something small and unobtrusive, but not impossible for the staff to find. (Also from the FAQ).

Good Luck :)

Like he said, extract it one more time. and try don't put the purple stroke around the render. so far everything looks fine!

Yeah, usually I use renders (no bg) or pictures with high-contrast, simple backgrounds, but that wasn't possible this time so it came out kind of jagged.

Actually, I intentionally put the over in the corner by themselves like that. I had trie centering them, but it didn't look right. Thanks about signing it. I'll add something...eventually. lol. Got stuf going on, so, as soon as I can.

Agreed with the above posts. The selection needs work (did you save the selection in Photoshop? it's always good to save a selection if you need to fix it later). The hair in particular is very jagged and looks like you just used the magic wand tool to get the job done.

Don't rush an image selection, it never pays off in the end.

Other then the above issue, background works well with the couple and their color scheme. Just need to get rid of the jagged selection.

Indeed some BIG extraction issues.

It's always better to try other effect and brushes than the regulars from Photoshop cause they are really casual and don't look so good in walls...
As you're on deviantart you'll be able to search some amazing brush set there. Free of course but don't forget to give credits! :)

The big circle in the top left corner doesn't look good to me. You should try to remove it.
As for the stars on the left get ride of them and replace them by some better looking ones. Those look too low quality. Again you'll find great ones on DA.

Don't forget your sign.

And I understand you want to keep the text version for your girlfriend. But making an other version with some text on could be of use here cause it's REALLY empty on the right... Or you can add some stars (not too much as you still want this to left some space for your icons...)

Anyway it's a good start for a first time.