Consider the nose..

One thing that always marks out a good bear for me, is a beautifully embroidered nose.  I think the nose can make or break an artist bear.  It is so important for less experienced bear makers to take a critical look at their nose stitching, identify weak areas and try to work out what isn't quite right and how to improve.  

There are so many elements to take into account when to achieve a professional looking nose, starting with the symmetry of head gusset design and how it is stitched in.  If the gusset is even slightly adrift and not entirely central with the chin seam, nose embroidery will not be perfectly level.

Once gusset design and stitching is perfectly symmetrical, the next problem area is often stuffing the head and particularly the muzzle ... lumpy or soft stuffing will not provide a firm base upon which to embroider neatly. Also, no matter if the gusset IS perfectly symmetrical, if it has been cut at a slight angle to the weft of the backing fabric, that will also make it very tricky to stitch a perfectly level and symmetrical nose.

Thread choice is also important ... too thick may look clumsy, too thin may be hard to tension accurately to achieve a smooth finish.

Personally, I prefer to see the chin seam running down centrally from the nose ... I don't like to see it slightly to one side or another because it makes a nose look lopsided and also throws the mouth stitching askew.  Even a millimetre or two can make a difference.

There are of course exceptions, vintage style bears for example, can usually be forgiven less than perfect noses, but the overall rule of thumb is, an imperfect nose has to be a considered element of the bear's design, vintage designs need to be thoroughly planned ... a shoddy nose on an otherwise modern-ish bear does not make it 'vintage' in style!

Also, if treating the embroidered nose with wax, gloss or similar coatings, take note - they should be applied precisely with no messy areas ... the same applies to shading, don't overdo it and if necessary, you could always check your work under a magnifying glass.

Tension is hugely important.  Good noses can't be rushed!  Each stitch needs to lay flat, no wiggly ones and unless a deliberate element of the considered design, there should be no gaps in the stitches.  Also, I hate to see those tricky side stitches slipping away from the nose - that can happen if there are too many layers of embroidery, or the nose is too wide - not a good look for any self respecting artist bear.

To summarise, if your noses don't yet stand up to close scrutiny, best to keep practising!