Consistency Issues [UPDATE]

[mode7]

You probably know this: You doing some Backgrounds, thinking of nothing bad and then: "OMFG!!!!! This looks awesmoe" You're Background looks better then expected.
So where's the Problem you would think?
Well the problem is that the previous BGs looks like shit compard to the new one.
I got this problem here and since this is a project for MAGS I can't just go back and repaint them. But I also don't want to  scale down this BGs quality.

So any suggestions how to slightly alter the first BGs so there is still a consistent style in the game?
Is also like some comments about the color scheme.

This is the previous look:

And this the newer version:

[Ilyich]

Even though the second one is unarguably better, I don't see that much of an inconsistency here. Don't forget that the player will be seeing these backgrounds for the first time, and will probably see the picture as a more abstract whole (some beautifully drawn cyan rock walls), and won't notice, that they are a bit different. So sharpening the cracks a bit (with some thin dark lines) and making the walkable part slightly brighter should be enough. Lovely stuff, anyway!

[mode7]

Thx Ilyich. Yeah drwaing some thin tark line in the first one is probably a good and easy way. I'll try it out when i get back to my tablett tonight.

UPDATE:
Tried to fix it. What do you think?

[2ma2]

As your coordinative as well as artistic skill develop, your backgrounds will be increasingly "better" with every new canvas. Consistency is almost impossible to maintain. But what you CAN do is to try to make as many backgrounds simultaneously as possible, never really finishing anyone. Work an hour or two on this one. Work on the next. Work on another, come back to the first, return to the second etc etc, letting every image develop with your own technique.

But sometime, you'll HAVE to let them go. You will hate them within 6 months, but you will love them again in 12.

[mode7]

Thats actually a good idea - this way I can also find a better and more consistent compromise between speed and quality. I'll try that!.

[Ilyich]

mode7, better already! I took the liberty and did an edit to bring these backgrounds even closer together:

-Adjusted the colours to better match the second picture
-Made it slightly hazier
-Further sharpened some of the blocks


Feel free to use it, if you like it.

[mode7]

Thanks a lot Ilych! I actually will use that for the game.