Poster - Happy Birthday II

but maybe brighter?

Very cool design. Love the grunginess of it all. Where the red lines overlap, I might try to make them look more like they are overlapping with larger shadows. Just a though, good work!

I think you've a solid design here. Here are my thoughts on this:

1. I would put some more personality into the font...the font just doesn't say "happy birthday" to me.
2. What about making the red ribbons look more like the ribbons on a wrapped present.
3. I would improve the lighting to get a happier feel.

I kinda like your style. Engrossing approach in graphic design.

Just one suggest, the background image will give better appearance if it is free from patches. Actually it depends on individuals taste.

Overall very nice.

This just doesn't say Happy Birthday to me. Or perhaps it's a very sad one. 40? : )

I love the background pattern and the grungy, worn feeling. This could make a great contrast to a happy image or something bright and festive.

I agree that the typo doesn't illustrate Happy ether. And if you are going to have text running within a ribbon, center the text aligning mid-text, not the baseline. Now its too close on the top side of the lettering.