again... welcome...
I think it's pants - rub it out and start again... go to the back of the class... (you said to be unkind) - but serioiusly - I like this...
your training shows when it comes to design...
typographic - nice...
as for pixel skills... it needs some attention... choice of limited pallete is - er... - interesting... vivid and bright which is nice... if a little startling...
the dithering appears a little haphazard up close... but you're brave in trying the 2x2 pixel dither - i'll give you that. you might want to consider tightening up your dithering though... try different variations with just two colors and see if you can transition smoothly from one to the other with different dither patterns... (as an excersise)
your AA (anti aliasing) is crude and shows your lack of understanding in this area (there - that's a bit unkind) but having said that it's a start... (there's some tutes knocking around somewhere if you have a look around)
you're 'shading your outlines' (which is nice) but I feel that the lighter outlines (on the upper section) are incongruous with the darker outlines (on the lower section) - perhaps you chould either choose one direction or the other - or - attempt to mix them from light to dark at the point they transition...? (just an idea)
on the whole though - it's nice to see some typography - makes a change from the ubiquitous trees and RPG style sprites that seem to be the first things n00bs attempt - (that's not a dig @ n00bs - btw - just an observation) - I believe by approaching pixels in the fashoin you are demoing here - helps to brush up fundamental skills... and for that I commend you...
well done... and welcome once more...
