Head without a cause

[Gil]

I don't usually post doodles here, but I thought I'd show this one off for kicks.
It started out as an XXL RPG template, which would be crazy.

I used Arne's palette for extra lulz...



Edit: Regular palette and a modification to see if it can be used to create portraits

[WM]

It's well-constructed, but the view seems unclear -- when looking at the eyes and the larger portion of forehead/top of the head that is visible, along with the shading on top of the head and the raised ears, I think it is in more of a 3/4's looking down, but when I look at the jawline and nose, it seems to be facing straight-on. Maybe reduce the length of the lower face/chin to lock it into a 3/4's angle, or edit the eyes, ear placement, and the top of head to lock it into a straight-on angle.

[Gil]

It's supposed to be an almost straight on, but not quite view. The camera is up a little bit, but not 45°, more like 20°. I admit having trouble figuring out the shading on the forehead, so that might be what's wrong.

Maybe I just have to move down the ears, which are too far up probably.

[McClaneGames]

Just a quick edit to the shape of the face.  I moved the ears down 3 pixels to line up with the eyes and made the forehead 1 pixel smaller.

[Gil]

This is an edit I made before yours. Pretty similar. Moved the ears down basically. Not sure if I agree that the forehead is too big.

[McClaneGames]

I suppose it looks better at the normal height with hair on it, but when bald it seems off to me...
I don't know, it still looks great!

[bengo]

Feels like it needs more contrast and a bit more rosiness as far as the palette goes.

[Gil]

Feels like it needs more contrast

My palette goes from pure white to pure black, how do you suggest adding more contrast?

[Gizmonicgamer]

Maybe contrast the colors themselves a bit more as opposed to the values; add in a bit more hue-shift. Or balance the shading more so that the darker shades have more of a presence.