First off, thanks to HellJumper for reducing the intimidation in the making of a model. You've inspired me to give my own model a shot.

So when I'm creating the shape of my hat, do any dark areas make a difference if I haven't baked the AO yet? I keep getting some corners that are dark.
http://i.imgur.com/85D0mQr.jpg

If these corners aren't supposed to be dark, how do I fix it? I've tried recreating them, but it still looks darker than the others.

EDIT:
Well I remade the edges as best as I could and smoothed out the hat.

I'm at the seam-marking stage. I'm making a variation of the backwards ballcap, but for the sniper. It's something I've always wanted to see for the sniper. I'm not sure if I'll submit it to the Workshop yet, but I want to finish it for my own use, probably in my SFM poster making.

I am not sure how to go about unwrapping this :s I would appreciate some suggestions.
http://i.imgur.com/j4aOW5K.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jUyTQ12.jpg