well i downloaded gimp, and messed around for a while. i can already see the flames coming in, but i also expect constructive cc

 

 

and if anyone can direct me to GOOD tutorials (dont say google because i tried) and nice brushes id be thankful

 

 

 

EDIT: new one

 

I think you should try to make the background not so blurry, and try to match the colours a little better with the render. Also try to get a bit of excitement in the left area, by adding text or some nice effects.

 

 

 

If you're looking for tutorials for GIMP try gimptalk.com, it's a wonderful site with a lot of helpful tutorials.

Search in google "deviantart gimp brushes".

 

As for tutorials gimptalk.com.

 

Quite good for a first.

 

And unfortunately, patterns like the leaf and woodones, with blur filters don't make the sig that good.

 

You should blend the render too. If you did, it isn't very noticable.

well the best tip i have found to blend is using the blur tool on the borders. any better methods?

Blending the render with the background. I use, not really blending but, I use my eraser, put it on lower intensity (like 25.), then use it on the edges.

made a new one

 

Looks good, but I think you should try to match the colours of the background with those of the render. For example by copying the render a lot of timesand pasting them on one layer to fill the layer, then run effects on that layer. that would already help with blending the render.

 

 

 

There are a lot of ways to blend your render, I'll just give 2 now.

 

 

 

- Copy your render and smudge it

 

 

 

- Use the same values to change the colour of your render and background.

 

 

 

If you want to know more ways, do full sig tutorials as they also include blending the render.

Wow I like the second one very much. Looks good. :D