I agree, things have definitely changes around here!! Im only around when work let me, but I can see a big difference from the old school design team!! lol
About the cnc.......I think that the design need a little more flow, its a little confusing, for me, in the area above her arm with the fan! Thats just my opinion!! other than that I think its a great job.......I like the amount of whites, grays, and black you have, and I personally like the amount of blending!! The part nugget was talking about with the fan needing to blend more, I actually like not blended so much! it helps the fan to stand out against the background......I think if you were to blend it in, it would be very easy to get lost in the background!!