Which Is More Important To You...

[Satur1n]

...a character or a background?
Perhaps I'm just reading too much into it, but it seems to me it probably comes down to individual preference.
On one hand, you've got a character standing out and adding feeling to the image, and you're being led to feel what they're feeling by their posture, facial expression, words, appearance, etc.
On the other hand, a well-drawn background can immerse you further into the image and change the atmosphere of the situation with as little as a slight degree of lighting.
Which matters more to you?

 

[dude123]

Character all the way. I think that comes first. The most elaborate and detailed background imaginable could be made much less interesting with no one of note to interact with it. Whereas a deeply interesting character in even a drab background can draw viewer interest merely by facial expression or attire. Of course, that is just my opinion on the situation.

Big fan by the way. Keep up the great work!

 

[Dr. Bill Kobb]

If the illustrator is adept enough with little details and has a handle on perspective and all - than a detailed background can really add depth/story to a piece.

Still, a well-rendered subject is usually first and foremost with me when viewing tickling artwork. Gotta have that up front. The rest is secondary.