Alright, Power Shot. First I'll give you the positive points of your sig.
You cut out the character very nicely, I see no rough edges. Next, you chose the right text color. Many beginners pick some wild color (like blinding red or blue) so you can see the text, not understanding how terrible it looks.
I don't like the background. Backgrounds do not do well patterned, and this one looks far too patterned. Secondly, the color isn't exactly pleasing.
Where should I start you...hm...
Okay, answer this question: How much of the tool bar do you know how to use?
Your turn, Petey!
The first thing that stands out at me in the first one is the large text. Close your eyes, and open them. The first thing your brain registers is the large black text. Text should
rarely be the focal point of the signature. Next, I notice the washed out color of the soldier. I'd like you to refrain from washing out colors in the final product, alright? It's generally tacky and most things look better in color.
Lastly, the trees you combined the background with are pretty obvious/recognizable. Also, the trees have that jpeg pixelly look that isn't attractive at all.
I want you to redo this assignment. Here are key points I want to see;
-no washed out colors.
-good quality images
-no focal point text
If you can, don't add any stock to the background. Solely use the image of the soldier to create a background.