Definitely bear 3. This card looks less photo-shoppy.
The lighter bear does not integrate well with your chosen backgound. There are perspective and shadowing inconsistencies that make it look very artificial.
If you prefer version 1, I think you should use that one. I don't think it looks any more crafty or any less professional than the version 2. I actually think it works better with the theme of your deck.
The first thing I noticed about the star card was not the star itself, but the star pattern formed by the wood in the double screen door. Intentional in the choice or not, it's a nice one!
http://www.tarotforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=57458&d=1339495113
Thank you, garmonbozia, for your critique as it really helped me decide which bear and which back to use!
Thank you so much regarding your comments about my 16. The Star card.
My choices for that card: Everything was intentional in that card and in all my cards.
Like MoonGypsy, I had not gotten the time to come back on AT yesterday...I've just seen your Bear Card
If I would not like a card I would tell you and if I would hesitate I would tell you that I can't make up my mind and need more time...So, don't worry if I would not post about a card, it would mean I just didn't get the time to stop by
So here is my opinion:
When I saw Bear 1 original version, it didn't click at all for me. It was just a nice picture but no connection as a Lenormand card.
Then, the Brown Bear, this one I loved it instantly
. First, it is more inspiring to me, 2nd, it stands out better, 3rd I like the background a lot more than the 1st background. It has more depth and I like the stone path.
Then, the first Bear with a modified tree: that is a lot better for that version...but that is not the Bear for me, I still prefer the brown one.
Regarding your question about the orientation of the bear...For me it doesn't matter which way it faces. I believe that in a reading the appropriate cards will fall on either side to deliver the message. Moreover, I don't really lock myself up in the direction; my intuition will have the last word! LoL!
Back of the Cards:
I like both! Though the 1st one have that lady that I think is just a great addition, so Shabby Chic!
but true the 2nd is more professional....I'll say in the 1st one you can perceive that it is a collage...
LadyZelda, i know you are a busy little bee and will be here when you can...so no problem there, my friend
As well, you know i am so busy too
but somehow you and i get things done !
Regarding your choice for the brown bear: Thank you for your insight into this card,
as i value what you have to say regarding the Lenormand side of each card. That is
probably the most important thing, that a card brings out the 'actual' meaning of the Lenormand.
Regarding the directions of lennie cards...i too, do not like to be locked into just the traditional methods of reading these cards...
But sometimes i do look at the way a certain card is facing...but not all the time.
So, i also agree with you about using intuition because intuition is key for me as well.
i am getting it now, regarding the backs...sometimes, when something 'isn't broken'...'don't fix it' LOL
...i shouldn't have made a 2nd version, since everyone likes the 1st version best actually!
Thanks for your critique...that means so much!
Well, today is a brand new day and i definitely like the brown bear much better than the light bear. The pink flowers need the contrast; and i love his eyes! You can leave out the light bear from the deck, if you wish...
Regarding the card backs, i truly am experiencing major indecision. i like them both for different reasons...
i don't think 2 is more professional than than 1, though. i think the final decision should be up to you, sis! Which one do YOU like best?
If you go with the 2nd version of the back, i do hope you can use the lady from the first version, somewhere else in the deck! i agree with Lady Z--She is very Shabby Chic and so would be a great addition to the deck!
ETA: i just looked at the card backs again, and the 2nd version reminds me of a Wedding Invitation.
[i still like it, though!]
Okay, my sis, like you, today the brown bear is screaming out 'Lenormand' to me...LOL
i see, today, like you, that yes, the brown bear just pops for me now! (however when i
order my own copy...guess what...i will have two bears in the deck ... ha ha)
Thank you, sis, your critique is much wanted here!
@everyone:
YES the 15. (brown) BEAR will definitely be in the deck for everyone!
And, YES the 1st original version of the backs (lady collage) will be on the backs of each card!
...so on to another card...(probably in my other deck...only 22 cards to go there)...
Thank you all!
HUGS
Lyn