The reason for this post is to ask a question really.
Recently I feel like some of my works have been...pretty bland, or overall just bad. I feel like I overdo the lighting on most of my pictures, whether it's shading or gradients.

I dunno, sometimes things are better being subtle?

Which of these looks better?
Left has no overlay gradient
Right has an overlay gradient

I made the light shades pretty minimal, and I prefer it that way I think?

Whimsicott © Gamefreak