Pixelation

Critique => Pixel Art => Topic started by: Jates8 on March 19, 2009, 04:08:04 am

Title: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: Jates8 on March 19, 2009, 04:08:04 am
(http://i43.tinypic.com/95pzio.png)

CC appreciated :).
Title: Re: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: Squiggly_P on March 19, 2009, 04:23:38 am
It's either a brilliant example of postmodernism or you forgot to include the image.

EDIT:  well, nm i guess...

First off, I think this is still WIP :D
You might want to reduce the size.  You look like you're still trying to get a handle on the basics, and it would be more worthwhile to work on some smaller images before trying something this large.  Instead of a 500x300 image, why not re-make it at 100x60?  I think most people here will say the same thing.

You might also want to work with a pencil and paper as well.  You'll learn things like volumes and shading a lot faster with a pencil than you will with pixel art, and the things you learn in one will improve your work in the other.

Overall, tho, you will want to work a lot smaller.  It's hard to give crits on something like this, as there are so many places to work on.  Don't take that the wrong way or anything.  Everyone has a starting point, and the more stuff you do the better you'll get.  Step one for you would be to work smaller.  That's really all I can crit without overwhelming you, I think.  So the next piece you do, or if you decide to re-make this one at a smaller resolution, then you can post that and there will probably be a "step two" waiting for you.  :)
Title: Re: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: Mathias on March 19, 2009, 04:45:37 am
It's a pleasant scene, but very flat. Composition actually isn't that bad at all. Rendered style is uninteresting and amateur. The font isn't pixel art, it's auto anti-aliased vector letters, can't read it well enough anyway . Lighting not dusky enough for the sun being halfway set, it is dusk I assume, and not morning. Your crazy texturing is very distracting and complicating; way too noisy. Fishing pole string seems to have been starched in the wash - much too light and pulls to much attention. Sun is too big, if it were that close to the earth we'd all be crispy fish sticks. Pillow-shading galore - boring to look at as well as inacurate. The kid's form is way off, his neck and head are elongated in an odd alien way, he needs more contrast, his shadow doesn't match the sun's directional light source. The scene as a whole is not believable. Water is very bland, it shouold have some shimmering reflecions from the sun in it. Colors consist only of monotonous ramps, also boring. Even your border is offset wrong. Don't be discouraged Jates8, see what you can fix and re-post whatchya got!


EDIT*  just read Squiggly's updated post. Yes, make it smaller, and yes, work with pencil and paper first. Consider traditional drawing a prerequisite to most anything digital - like learning to walk before you can run.
Title: Re: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: Shrike on March 20, 2009, 01:59:49 am
Just a quick rant regarding the composition-

I'm not an expert, but I think there should be some things added/changed.  I think an object (maybe large, not small though) perhaps a tree should occupy the lower right/right.  Sun could be brighter, but do make is smaller as Mathias said; Also, make the fishing line less prominent as it gets closer to the water.

And the lighting is not very consistent with the image.  The darks and lights of things could be accentuated more, and definitely add more darks.

Just a thought.
Keep pushing!
Shrike
Title: Re: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: Dr D on March 20, 2009, 04:42:14 am
I'm not an expert, but I think there should be some things added/changed.  I think an object (maybe large, not small though) perhaps a tree should occupy the lower left/left. 

The left? Don't you think that would kind of make the picture left-heavy? I think adding something to the right would give the picture some balance. Of course, as long as it doesn't take away from the focus of the picture, which is, at the left.
Title: Re: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: Shrike on March 20, 2009, 05:02:45 am
...Fish.

Yes.  I meant the right.  I was brain dead at the time and going through a nervous breakdown.  I did mean right.  Thanks.
Does the rest of my critique prove stupid-proof?

Later
Shrike
Title: Re: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: Dr D on March 20, 2009, 06:14:12 am
Don't worry about it. We all make mistakes sometimes.
Title: Re: Pixel, Maybe finished, maybe WIP
Post by: The Mozack on March 20, 2009, 09:37:58 am
Starting small is a very good idea. Considering the size of the current picture, you will have to contend with a larger area to refine, and that can be a real pain, especially when one is inexperienced. Preferably start with a canvas within 150x150 to 200x200 pixels, which is good for pixel-by-pixel editing but large enough for more freedom in design.