lumber jockey is also the title

How about an axe resting against one of the tree stumps? Just to break up the symmetry a bit. It's looking great, though!

see, I think if I add an axe it will take away from the focal point - just be off to one side and the lj is in the middle.

love love love

If you can make it work, try using a little woodpecker's beak as the needle. He could be hanging off of the side of the stump.. or maybe standing on the top branch nub.

Maybe some squirrels grooving to the music..

Yeah, I see what you mean... I guess I felt like the stumps were lacking substance with so much of the background showing through, and there's also that orange being confined to a relatively small part of the picture, maybe that was another reason why I suggested balancing it out? It'd be tough to do without bringing the whole image off kilter though. It definitely works without it.

I do quite like Duracell's woodpecker idea, if you could fit it in somehow...

Hahaha! Good one!

I too think the design is a bit too symmetrical. Maybe vary the tree heights so they're not so mirror image like. Also, maybe a different color for the beard? That's a lot of orange happening in one area.

Anyway, terrific idea and illo ;)

I really live it but I think the speakers kill it.. Just my opinion .. You may could add 2 little speakerboxes on the ground around the trees...

i'm so sick of working on this I'll probably just scrap it. I think if it's not really working as is AND I have to basically redo it, I'll find something else. Thanks for the input all!

You don't have to scrap or redo it. Just take a breather.
Try making his beard/hair the suspender color. Then woodpecker can has orange or red tuff on his head. Seriously, just take a break and come back to it. You are so close.

it's definitely interesting. I get the pun you're going for. I do agree that adding a woodpecker to one of the trunks might help break up the symmetry a bit.

my only nitpick would be that I'm not in love with the silver color tee color. I'd prefer to see something else a bit prettier. Maybe add flesh color to the guy's skin and then try placing it on a brown, or possibly mint colored tee. The grey just seems to drag down the orange.

I agree with +duracell-. no need to scrap a good idea, come back to it when you feel like it.

Also pyr4lls makes a good point, maybe some earthy, woodsy colors would be a better color scheme for this design?

Anyway, terrific idea jill! I wouldn't scrap it but that's up to you in the end. Cheers ;)

For more break up of symmetry you could add a fox down in front, kinda left of center. He could be jamming out with some glow sticks or something. Or not, haha. :P

*er.. right of center i mean

ok, i'll leave it for the time being. thanks for the encouragement and advice everyone :) I have to work on some freelance projects now anyways so it's probably best to put this aside for a bit.

I'd like to see it on a shirt before i give more feedback. The composition seems rather square. Happy New yearJill!