Pixelation
Critique => Pixel Art => Topic started by: taarna23 on June 15, 2006, 06:28:05 am
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...and I know my sprites need help. I need practice, and people to point out what needs help. So... Thank's what I'm here for.
...I admit I'm nervous showing off anything I've done publicly. :-\
(http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3986/twinblademale8wz.png)
It's supposed to be a .hack twin blade. I did it mostly from memory, because otherwise I would try to put too much detail into too small a space, hate what I was trying to do, and not save it. Not what I wanted.
PS - I hate feet. So I know he looks like he's standing on buttons. I was also too lazy to transparent it yet. :P
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No reason to be ashamed to upload anything, it is a given that with practice you will improve. I'd put more detail in the face and work on that static pose first off. The detail on the jeans looks more like veins than folds at the moment, I'd concentrate more on the shadow of the folds than the highlights.
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Actually, they aren't folds, they're meant to be dyed-in markings on the pants. Kinda like the star on the top of the hat.
Edit: Here, I did some work on it, made the tunic look more like a tunic, added some hair sticking out of the hat, adjusted the shadow of the face and gave it some highlights, and modified the eyes and shoes.
(http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5430/twinblademale6fp.png)
Edit2: Tried to give legs and torso some dimension. Going to bed now.
(http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/1687/twinblademale5ai.png)
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Lil' anatomy crit (you could chalk the difference up to style but I think it would look better if the anatomy was more correct) -- his hands should hang down to about halfway between his waist and knees.
It is a solid beginning. I like it =) It doesn't have that flair of excellence -- but unfortunately, none of my stuff has that flair either, so all I can do is advise you to keep searching. Look into shifting some colors around, because right now they look alright, but they aren't going to "wow" anybody.
(I also agree that the post could be more interesting -- he looks a little like a plastic action figure right now...one of the ones without bendable joints).
As for nervousness -- you put forth a good effort, and there's noticeable improvements in your edits. You don't have to be a magnificent pixel artist in order to be an asset to the forum. Not a single thing to be ashamed of in your art or your attitude =)
Things to fiddle with: try using colored outlines *inside* the sprite instead of black ones (like at the shoulders and waist and neck) and try using some sharper shadows (there's a subtle top-left lightsource right now, but I think you could give it more depth). Not saying those things WILL be better, but they will at least be good practice ^_^
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(http://www.iamnotoriginal.com/images/taarna23_twin_blade_edit.gif)
I made an edit. Hope it helps. I just tried to give him a more natural pose and to give him more consistent shading.
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David, that pose does have more character (though I dunno if I'd call it more "natural"), but you have gone and pillow-shaded him!
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Oh.
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No offence, but he looks like he's about to break into a jig or something. It's... not really the look I was going for...
This type of character is what I was attempting to recreate:
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/5687/xddwal575um.png
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Oh.
This was my reference:
http://www.gamers.at/Content/Reviews/718/conpics/char-shuugo.gif
Sowwy :( :( :(
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Since it sounds like you won't be referencing David's edit, I went ahead and played with his.
(http://www.monsoon2d.com/images/thedump/hack.gif)
Shame. I really like his edit.
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I dunno, the feet and arms bug me. And it doesn't much look like a relaxed stance. I don't know many people that stand around with their elbows bent.
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Dude, Taarna, the edit is very nice. Learn from it.
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Well look at it this way, everything that the others post on this forum are to help you out. They're not saying anything bad about your sprite but are just giving their own input on it, dont take it like they think everything is wrong with your sprite. Personally I think that Davids edit looks quite natural and a good basic standing pose and a bit more natural than yours since some parts of your sprite need work. (anatomy wise)
Its not bad and could turn out to be quite a good sprite once it is finished.
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This is true -- I like David's edit as well (everything but the shading). I just didn't think it was the relaxed-type stand you're looking for...but your stance also is stiff. Think about the character, and how he would actually stand if he was at rest, and try to represent that. (I like the edits -- David's looks enthusiastic and Monsoon's looks aggressive. Even if you don't use their stance, take note of how they show emotion in the stance).
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I never said that it was wrong, as I so obviously am in having an opinion. I'll endeavor to learn from the above and by viewing, from now on. I'm sorry to have wasted your time.
Edit: Alright, my friend told me that this forum can be really helpful. He also told me I should study Monsoon's edit for shading purposes, whether I like the style or not. I did. If someone here had mentioned that, maybe it would have been helpful. Please, keep in mind, this is basically the first sprite I've ever gotten so close to finishing, and not just my first post here.
I altered shading, extended the arms a little (thanks CrumbBread, it actually kinda surprised me), added some stuff, removed other stuff, and generally tried to make it look better. I'm sorry if I'm not up to par with you people that have done art for years, but I'm trying to learn.
(http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/4924/twinblademale2lo.png)
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Nobody here is saying that you aren't up to par. There is no par =P
Look what has happened since you posted here -- your sprite has improved magnificently in only several days and is now very beautiful (IMO). He has pleasing depth now n'everything =)
Your friend is right =) Stay here and continue learning.
I understand that you're tense with nervousness because it's your first sprite and everything. But if you're interested in improving, take criticism as help instead of personal insult -- if you go back and read the replies objectively, you'll see that it's legitimate C&C and that people are giving it because they want to help you =) And the results show that it's worked =D
(And you sure aren't wrong for having an opinion -- look at Alex Hanson White, who continues his mad course of low-saturation work because he thinks that it is fun. *But* he doesn't get offended when people suggest that he increase the contrast ^_^)
You don't have to listen to C&C if you don't agree with it. Personally I am glad that you listened to the shading crits, and I am glad that you did *not* listen to the pose crits (for the reasons I mentioned previously).
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Thanks. I'm working on a diagonal view, but I suspect he needs some angle help. He kinda looks like a piece of paper right now.
(http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/454/twinblademale24ke.png)
The hat and the head. That's what bugs me.