kick your own @ss entry 1 for group 2

original: [link]

revamped: [link]

i think i've definitely grown as a photomanipulator since i originally created this piece. i had no access to photomanipulation programs like photoshop and so i relied heavily on microsoft paint. so the big problem with that is working pixel by pixel and having to keep the image small, this also means that the image quality suffers as you can see in the cut out around the model due to severe pixelization. i had just downloaded gimp the night i made the first image so i didn't have any idea what i was doing with the blending or how to work in layers since i would paste everything together in paint.
the second image was created in photoshop, (which i received as a gift.) the most noticeable difference between these two images is obviously their size; while the original is only about 600 px wide, the new one is 6750px which makes for better print quality. another huge difference is that the pixelization problem i used to have is no longer an issue, even when enlarging stock images to fit a 20x30 frame because i've learned about blending, smoothing, and touching up images. i've been privileged and honoured to have =Alegion teaching me about his blending methods and little tips and tricks that he uses in photoshop when he creates his amazing works. i've also learned how to work in layers and cut out images in photoshop for smoother and easier blending. i've also learned how to use brushes and how to download in install new ones.
i know that the idea in and of itself for this image is overdone, but i think this piece was the first piece i was proud of because it marked my transition from paint to other programs and my transition into being a better artist by not being limited by resources.