Sorry for the wait. We're all busy and have things to do; I'm no exception. Anyway, as horrified as I am to be portrayed with the flamboyance of King Louis XIV, I will be as fair in my review as I can.
why, thanks for doing it eventually, your opinion matters ;o)
The first thing I wanted to point out was the use of the Leather Coat. I'm usually not a fan of it, as it is very bulky and really boxes out a character's figure. However, the typical judge's cloak also does this, so I can see why you chose to use it here. I can kind of see some subtle patterning on the coat, but I'm not exactly what it is, due to the picture quality. Elsewhere on this design, I'm left unimpressed by the rest of the clothing choices. I see that you did some stickerwork/patterning on the leather vest, but I think some subtle patterning that adds texture would be more effective. I'd say the same for the pants; they need some kind of additional detail to keep them from looking generic.
In fact, if possible, I'd substitute one of the puffy shorts and leggings for the pants and socks that are on there right now. It'd really bring out the "17th-century fabulous noble" aesthetic that you seem to be aiming for.
A judge is black and white, period, so i wanted it to be simple and pattern-poor, especially the pants, but i thank you for / and will certainly experiment with...your advice ;o)
The beard and wig are good choices. The makeup and blush, as much as I hate having on a CaS that's supposed to represent me, works well to advance the chosen theme. Finally, the bolt gavel looks well proportioned, but perhaps coloring and/or patterning it would make it look more like a a judge's wooden gavel. If possible, I'd use the tiger stripe pattern to give it a wood grain texture.
I did actually update the hammer (i used gradient at first, which is the only thing that doesn't work well on metal)
There you have it. I am simultaneously dismayed and amused by the direction you took with it, but I'm also humble enough to laugh at myself, so there isn't really a problem. The design itself has some good ideas and is a good start.
Cool, i knew you'd value the effort