Pixelation

Critique => Pixel Art => Topic started by: Roccstar1oh1 on January 03, 2018, 04:40:45 am

Title: Female Idle Animation (Critique Wanted)
Post by: Roccstar1oh1 on January 03, 2018, 04:40:45 am
Hello all, and thanks for taking the time to critique my work.
First and foremost, I am new to the forum and fairly new to pixel art in general.

(https://i.imgur.com/dFZjM0u.gif)
Here is a female template I created using Gimp at 32 x 49 pixels. I would like some feedback on the shading and of course on the animation. Does the movement look fluid enough? The piece was created using 4 frames, and I really couldn't tell you the animation speed because I do not know lol

I am not sure if there is enough contrast between the highlights and shadows.

[EDIT]
(https://i.imgur.com/XuLm5xu.gif)
Here is the updated sprite animation. Fixed the sprite from bobbing front to back and bent the knees on the lowest frame. Also fiddled with the animation speed and slightly fixed the arms so the motion is not too exaggerated. I feel like this is an improvement over the first attempt, although I am not too certain the more I look at it lol

Any other suggestions would be appreciated :)
Title: Re: Female Idle Animation (Critique Wanted)
Post by: Xand0r on January 03, 2018, 02:49:14 pm
Nice start!

I think the first thing that jumps out at me is that from about the knee down the legs don't move during the animation. Imagine trying to lean forward with bending your knees!

You may want to have the character bob straight up and down, rather than leaning forward and back. If you do, then you can have the character's left knee extend out a bit along with their calf. In other words, the feet should be the only non-moving part of the animation (though you could have the feet turn somewhat as well, if you wanted).

I also might recommend slowing down the animation a bit, and maybe pausing a bit at the top and bottom of the animation.

Also, a question: What is the context of the idle? The character looks tense, ready for fighting, perhaps. Is that the case? They seem to have their arms at the ready.

I'll try to work on an edit later today if I get time.
Title: Re: Female Idle Animation (Critique Wanted)
Post by: Roccstar1oh1 on January 03, 2018, 06:11:54 pm
Hey @Xand0r
Thanks for the reply.

I guess the context i originally thought of when creating the character was for some type of platform game where the character would always be in a ready position to attack.

As for the animation, I do see what you mean about the legs below the knee, I basically took an easy/lazy route and just cut the sprite from the knees up and positioned it. I guess that is pretty obvious in the animation. I like the idea of bobbing straight up instead of forward and back. I have not even considered that, thinking it would be too basic of a movement.

I will rework the piece when I get off work and try your suggestions, then I will repost the updated sprite.

Thanks again for taking the time to give me some pointers.