the bear blends in to much with the shirt color.. and i don't see anyone get very excited about a teddybear and a heart

I like the illustration, the bear is cute. As for the blending issue, I kind of agree. But you seem to have some grey sections mapped out in your larger detail, maybe try making those a subtle color of brown or whatever color you decide on for the shirt. Well done, I hope it scores well.

Nice illustration, but it blends in way too much.

Yes, black on near-black probably isn't the best choice. Why put that much work in the bear and in the end not even be able to see him? Also I've grown to hate hearts (thanks to this site) and apparentley the teddy bear theme has been done.



Also, it looks as though (on the white version on the left) that there is another tone (gray) but on the shirt it's just the black cross-hatching and red. Where'd that other darker color go? Shit, maybe it is there. I can't even tell it's so dark.