Think the left one looks really cool.

 That's awesome for your first pixel! Looking forward to seeing the background as well.

thanks so much jalonso for the comment, im going to invest some time into this pixeling thing.

it's a new world for me, very exciting!

The BG and surrounding dead space actually take away from the portrait itself. Skill and quality potential is evident so thats great. I look forward to something completed/polished and refined :)

Hi frost thanks, yes i agree... working on it =)

I think the biggest drawback are the unfinished leaves.  I love number 7 though

Thanks cels, i have an idea for a better background / image, i'l edit later.

I quite like the design and the colours. But maybe you could replace the huge sloppy background with some simple transparency?