Another First Time BG

[Foolish Koala]

I made this background for my brothers game. I used Artgem. Please tell me how to make this and future BGs better. Thanks.

[Flippy_D]

A little dark, maybe, and the kerb is slightly too broad - you want it more bunched, or - if you keep that width - you want to redo the perspective of the cracks/seperations. The fishtanks are kind of contrary to the style otherwise, and the sky has too bright a light source at the centre there. Is the grey a cloud? That's unclear.

Otherwise, solid, if a little empty - no random litter, or posters on the news shack. Nice subtle texturing. The 'JOE'S PETS' sign could do with a different font IMHO. But yeah, nice.

Also, is artgem like paint with layers? I wouldn't mind knowing.

[Stefano]

Well, I must say I like it! It's a good bg. I assume the dark colors were used because the sun is almost gone.
The only thing bothered me: the fish tanks (Aquarium?? Forgot the proper word for it!  : ) - the gradient you used make it look cylindrical and I think you just wanted to illuminate it. Plus, fish tanks exposed to sun heat in the main facade = fish soup!!! hehe.

[Foolish Koala]

Alright I fixed the fish tanks and added some crap in them. I put a little more stuff on the news stand, however I am leaving the rest open for objects in my brother's game. I lightened it up a little and added a sewer grate as well as using a font on Joe's Pets as opposed to freehanding it. Also, Artgem is kind of like paint with a few more tools, easier to get colors, and layers. Tell me what you think of the updates.

[ildu]

Ok, first with this viewing angle there should be no sky in the background, unless this is from a very high hill and there are the only these houses on the hill.  You're looking downward, so there should only be roofs of other houses, if the terrain is flat.

Second, sink the fishtanks and the door a bit into the wall. So just show the edges of the wall.

Third, the newsstand plaque is really nice, but redo the 'Joe's Pets' -sign and add some borders to it.

Fourth, make the door just a bit darker, so you notice it better.

Fifth, add a few cracks to the sidewalk, fence, walls.

Finally, add shadows.