I see about as many people with backgrounds on their HAs as without, so I was just wondering how you decide whether or not to use one. Do you always use them? Never use them? Do you feel like they enhance the HA, or do they steal the focus? What are your tips for finding the right background?

Usually I use them to tie everything together :D But sometimes yes I do think that they steal the focus a bit.

I honestly really like them. Especially with the new ones like the snowglobes and the terrariums being released, the backgrounds are no longer "cut out" of your character, so there's a lot of room to get really creative.

I personally think it adds a lot of color and makes them more interesting, but I can definitely see why people don't like to use them.

I'm used to no backgrounds because I 'grew up' on a human avatar/forum site that didn't have anything like that.

I don't think I'll ever be using them unless I want to make a theme out of a specific backdrop. For me, the outfit is the only thing that matters. No backdrops, no foregrounds - just an outfit.

I think backgrounds are fantastic if you're trying to make a themed avatar or cosplay. They can also serve as beautiful scenery, so I mostly use backgrounds in those instances. There's lots of examples like:

Or I've also seen some people use only backgrounds and get of the HA completely, then add Lifelike Dolls or other small animals. You could use something like:

I think they definitely enhance your HA, but they can also drown your HA out. I usually choose whether or not to use one based on whether or not I want my HA to be in a particular place or if I want a certain theme. Most of the time, I don't use one though. The hardest part for me is finding the perfect background to match!

I usually just buy whatever I really like, to be honest. If it has good art, if I think I can use it, if it's pretty... Stuff like

for, it depend on the HA i'm using. some background do help to enhance my HA, otherwise it will feel very empty. but some are just clutter. some HA is good enough without background. sometime i use them to blend in.

but mostly i use them to set the mood/story/situation of my HA.

I'm addicted! I like layering backgrounds and foregrounds to make interesting scenery and effects. <3 The one I'm wearing now is just me being lazy, but they are so much fun! I definitely think there are times when the outfit looks better without one, but usually I feel like they're necessary. I like to put my character into a setting. ^_^

I do both HAs with and without backgrounds. It depends on what you're wearing, I think o:

For example, this HA's clothes are very simple, so I added a background in order to complete it.

But on this HA, I thought that adding a background, like you mentioned, would steal the focus:

I adore backgrounds, but sometimes the outfit's so complex that a background either distracts from some of the item detail or just makes the whole thing too busy. It's kind of a judgement call, really.

...I tend to default toward a background even when it would probably be better not to have one. xD

I do definitely look for either contrasting or complimentary colors or the right "feel". If the tones are off just a little bit, it can detract from the outfit. Some backgrounds definitely work better than others.

For me, it really depends on the HA itself. If I have something that'll go perfectly with the HA/theme I have in mind, I'll go ahead and add it. Otherwise I won't worry about it and I'll just go without one.

I love backgrounds, but do often feel that they take away the focus from the avatar, so I use various implements to make it smaller and more complementary. I often use and over a background, like in my current avatar. I like the "ornamented window" effect. ^^

I find it depends on the outfit. Sometimes it's complex enough without a background adding extra visual input, sometimes it looks weird without one. I also tend to put filters over the background but behind the base to "mute" the background if I feel it works well with the outfit but is a little too distracting.