August Entry: Magic Compass

[HellHound]

Man, I love how it looks like it is holding down the parchment.

[RPMiller]

Hey, you're doing fine...keep it going too!

I plan on entering myself...if no one objects of course...since the results are based on users votes, there's no bias...I wish I could enter my compass rose that I based the site design on, but that wouldn't be fair since its already done. My WIP will be coming soon though.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm definitely not done yet.

Man, I love how it looks like it is holding down the parchment.

Thanks! That means that it is working out as intended thus far.

[ravells]

I wouldn't shortchange yourself Rob, just make the base flat, and put some snow in the globe....

Seriously, I really like it. Especially the transparency and refraction.

Ravs

[pyrandon]

Nice one, RP!!!! What a clever idea for a compass!

[RPMiller]

LOL

Thanks. I really don't like the pointer though. I'm going to have to change that. I think I'll do a disk with the pointer on the disk instead. That will give a better impression of a compass I think.

[RPMiller]

I changed the pointer and added a "sky" inside the globe. I think this will be it.

[Gamerprinter]

I really like the transparency, where you can see the map's scroll work through the edges (slightly refracted) in the glass globe.

Nice effect, RP!

[pyrandon]

RP--I like this better than the other except for 2 things: 1) I think the inside plane should be at less of an angle, so more surface is seen. This is just personal opinion., & nothing "wrong" with the pic. 2) The shadow seems wrong; it could be an optical illusion, but if this map is on a flat, horizontal surface like a table and the globe is holding is holding it down then the interior shadow seems off.

Great work & a clever idea!!

[Gamerprinter]

Pyrandon's right about the shadow.

The shadow cast by the "crystal ball" appears on surface that is "below" it, (which doesn't exist here) when the shadow should be cast behind it onto the map's surface.

Try a drop shadow effect through a transparent object...

That should fix it - and you'd have the perfect rose!

[RPMiller]

Look at the drop shadow on the edge of the map. Now look at the shadow from the orb. You'll notice that they are the same angle. I think what is giving the impression is a severe optical illusion caused by the angle of the disk. Which pyrandon nailed as the problem. The disk should be fully flat since you would be looking down at it, and in turn the shadow would be darker and a bit larger. I was actually designing it as if it was being held in your hand which is where the problem came in. I'll "turn" the disk to the correct angle tomorrow and fix that shadow. Thanks guys!