@pistachio: I appreciate the critique, but there one thing that completely eludes me. it seems impossible for this piece to have banding issues, almost impossible for pixel art in general to have it... perhaps i misunderstand the concept. would you mind elaborating on that?
Flat shading is what i expect to use in the final sprite as well, but I would like to perhaps improve on the palette a bit, its slightly too desaturated at the moment i think.
@kamol: I was looking to give him an awkward pose, and his proportions are not really accurate to any human anatomy but at the same time i do think you make a good point about the slightly strange shape of the arms, like pistachio did as well.
@WM: I suppose it could be an Irish wolfhound or some other big species sure.
I was interested in any ideas regarding his attire, what he's carrying etc. I guess what I've got here right now is pretty solid but if anyone's got any ideas about that id be interested in hearing it.