Ok, so what do you think?

[Sysmom]

I think you've done better already!

You might try a blend mode on the B&W 'sketchy' layers ... multiply would remove the white and leave the black, and is sometimes great for a concept like this.

To give the entire graphic an edgier look ... drop in a edgier background, use a sketch or outline filter on your image overlays ... and it'll take on a different feel.

To give the graphic a softer look, use a smoother background.

Play with giving the images less of an 'equal' size, too. Use your rule of thirds and golden proportions for guidelines.

[dubya]

Using sysmom's guidelines as a jumping off point (btw, that was a wonderful and concise design tutorial), and judging from the subject matter, the image needs tension. One way this could be arrived at is to put the cross near the top left corner and move the figure closer to the bottom right corner turned away from the cross (as if he is leaving the composition, creating a "pull" between the two elements.) That alone would convey much of the story. Any other elements (if needed) could be montaged in, but make sure they complement the main focal point and don't take away from it.

One other minor suggestion (if you decide to use the person in your thumbnail) would be to use the dodge and burn tools to darken parts of him so he doesn't look so much like Samwise Gambi from Lord of the Rings. (once you make that connection, it's hard to get it out of your head and see the image for what it's supposed to represent.)

God bless,
Dubya

[Sysmom]

Samwise ...!? I did not see that to begin with, now you've gone and done it, that's all I'm going to see!

[Chris3jam]

Thank you so much for helping! I will work on it more. . . . .and, I forgot to mention that the lower third (or so) of the picture will not actually show on the screen (so, that big expanse of color at the bottom will not show). Due to lighting issues at the church, the bottom gets washed out, so we block that part and only use what we call 3/4 screen (it's a bit more, but you get the idea).

[Sysmom]

We lost the bottom of our screens, too, when someone adjusted the flood lights when I was not here ... but not that much of them!

Since it fades out and becomes useless anyway ... use it to fade your images out into. Don't let the image stop above it. Of course, make sure the BUSINESS end of your image is above the fade line.

[Chris3jam]

Didn't want people hanging, here. But, I will work on that concept later. The powers that be decided that there should be nothing up on the screen for the speaking times of the program. So. . . . .. won't be using it anyway! I will (eventually) finalize something, though.

[dgerlitz]

I think that's a better concept than the first one. But, you might try lowering the coins and the man a little and giving it a triangular appearance - and making the cross the focal point. Maybe reduce their size a little (not sure). I like the etched look. How about feathering a little around the lighter pictures and having the contrast between the light and dark be a little more subtle? Just some thoughts.