Newb trying to get better

[macgyver]

Hey everyone! Glad I stumbled upon this wonderful forums you have here. I'm helping make an isometric rpg game, and I am in charge of making the character sprites.

I've attempted a couple so far, but they are pretty darn weak. I'm looking at examples of other peoples work to try and add more depth with shading and outlining and such, but really haven't had much luck.

Is there any suggestions, tricks, or tutorials that could help me improve? Also the way I am creating them is pixel by pixel in photoshop. I've heard of people drawing it out big, and then resizing it down to pixel size, is this a faster/easier method?

Here are some examples of my first tries:

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Lizzrd]

For animations, the whole person should be moving. Try to walk by a mirror a couple of times if you have one.

[Mattsnoops]

it looks as if he is walking west south , that is due to your incorrect shading on the shoe and the shape of the legs, it just looks odd, also add some hands and shoulder movement.

[Wenruto]

Looks Like He's Doing The Moon Dance... The Top PArt Should also  GEt Some Movement  The Arms Also