Looking for feedback

[Judy Elizabeth Wilson]

Hey guys. I'm working on a Christmas picture book.

The composition feels off on this page, too heavy over to the left.
Also the Cheerometer is connected to the machine border and I wonder if it confuses the perspective.
Does anyone have any ideas?

There will be a subtle machinery background behind the characters.

In the story Santa and friends are discovering there is almost no Christmas cheer in the Cheerometer.
Thanks. Jude

[theprairiefox]

Jude,

I think part of the weight issue is Santa. Being red he pulls the viewer to him and doesn't let go. Now you have to deal with that because Santa is Red!

A couple of thoughts... but I am not sure which I would try or which would work.

1. Put the reindeer and snowman on the right this will help with balance

2. Boost up the read of the dial and move the elf's hat to red. Doing that will create a lane of red from Santa to the elf and back.

3. You could add the machine (with details and red) behind the elf only to bring weight to that side.

Just some thoughts hopefully you can work it out.

[Judy Elizabeth Wilson]

Thanks! @theprairiefox

Your idea to up the red on the dial and the elf will help distribute the weight. Awesome. And also I will add some red behind the elf (just a little) and on the machine border and go from there. Thanks so much

[Judy Elizabeth Wilson]

Thanks to @theprairiefox and some smart advice I think this looks better now. Firstly I moved the snowman to the other side of the spread which gives more breathing space. Secondly I added more red in the Cheer-O-Meter dial, elf's hat and in the diagonal line from santa to elf.

[theprairiefox]

@Judy-Elizabeth-Wilson Looking good. Much improved.

[Judy Elizabeth Wilson]

@theprairiefox Cool. Thanks!