Honestly, text is one of the harder things to master with graphic design. Figuring out ways to make things non-obtrusive and blend in is what I had the hardest time with when I started with Photoshop 10 years ago.
For right now, the best way to learn is to practice blending in your renders with your background, while keeping the render a main focus and not completely washing it away. Then work on text.
There's ton's of resources online but the only real was is to practice and learn your way around photoshop. I know every tool and option in photoshop better than the back of my hand because of how much time I've spent with it, so just keep practicing and try new things. Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone!
For now, work on blending, and also some text placement. Text can go in a corner, but most times it's better off not in a corner, and you can even use layers on top of the text to help it blend.
Things to stay away from with text in small signatures like those: Bright colored or default colored glows unless it fits with an image, drop shadows, bevels, large strokes, things like this. The reason why, is because in signatures like the one's you're producing the text is often very thin or small, so so bevels often won't look good. Dark outer glows are great for a multitude of things because it almost looks like a soft shadow but helps brighter colors stand out. (The way you do this is apply a glow, change the color to black, then change the mode to Normal. After that, just mess with the settings.)
Good luck on your endeavors
Oh also, in your second image, avoid distorting renders! If you select a render (or anything really), press Ctrl + T to transform, then hold shift and drag a corner and it will keep the aspect ratio while reducing size! Experiment with different fonts too, dafont.com is a great resource.
If you can, get Photoshop CS6 Extended, it's what I use (I always get the latest versions). It has plenty of tools, although I'd suggest staying away from the 3D tools since they're a little confusing and extremely hardware intensive. If you want to get into working with 3D at all, I suggest Cinema 4D.
But if you can get a hold of CS6 (or any CS for that matter, 4,5 etc) then your work flow will improve once you learn the tools since you'll only need 1 program for a signature instead of two (unless you delve into 3D at all with C4D, but for now stick with Photoshop.)
If you need any other advice or help, don't be afraid to holler.
.I can get it don't worry about that >_>
Photoshop CC has all those 3D tools and I cannot run them because of said hardware failures on my part xD.
I'm not bad with Cinema 4D, I took a couple classes on it so I'm more knowledgeable on that part
Would you happen to have a skype I can talk with you? I could use all the tips I could get >_>
Please do good sir
I will add you now if you would like to send them xD I would love the extra help!
... I really appreciate everyone's feedback and would love to have more tips and hints!
If you'd like to improve I recommend learning which colors correspond well with one another, focusing on render placement (rule of thirds), learning depth and blending techniques, your lighting isn't too bad but always make sure to place the lighting accordingly to the render and it's surrounding which it looks like you have taken into consideration in some of your pieces. Also try not to implement text until you can have a good grasp of it, it draws away from the piece.I love how you've chosen to start making tags in photoshop, this is a great way to really get to know your way around the program.
Your work is really good for just starting out
Here are some tutorials that I think you can benefit from
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt-SHRETxbc
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOHAw40qhNg
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blq45XhFxQ0
If you have any questions or need more help just shoot me a pm m8
