Shading Help

[Wallie988]

Hello, as you probably notice, I'm a beginner at shading and would like to ask for a bit of advice. :3 Right now, I have 2 versions of the same made-up critter - both which seem a bit "off". Can someone help me make them better? >^.^<

This is the one that I think is pillow shaded - which is a pity because I can't figure out how to make it look as nice without pillow shading:


This is the strangely shaded one :L :

[Seiseki]

Uhm, that is not pixel art.

[Wallie988]

O.o Oh it isn't... oops. Sorry about that. xP

- Ah ok, I must have misunderstood something.

[tim]

Yeah this is not pixel art.
However, here is a very basic help to give you a hint :



basic steps :
• fill the shape with grey
• paint highlights with an opacity brush
• paint shadows with an opacity brush
• put color back again

First you need to figure where do you want to put your main light. I chose top left. Then you have to try to understand the flow of you animal, his muscles, etc... Follow the shapes as you imagine how it reacts to light. If you don't feel this naturally, don't worry it gets better with time & experience.

[Wallie988]

Ok, thanks.