A WIP of a cool platformer. need help with Animation and Pixeling C+C

[Nirel]

Hi everybody

I'm working on a platformer and I'm going to update this thread as I make progress, I have practically no experience in drawing so I enjoy any comment.

I'm currently working on the main character, I want him to be distinguishable, interesting and funny if possible.   

First try at pixel art:



2nd attempt after reading a few tutorials:

 


I made a first sketch of the first standing animation, I've limited my self to 'only' 30 frames lol... but if you count the different parts of the body I think it isn't as terrible. I was hoping you can tell me how I can make this better 

edit 22/9/2013 : fixed the head a bit and gave him more weight.
edit 24/9/2013: new animation, made it 12 frames.

22/9/2013
Thanks to @PixelPiledriver, made a new version inspired by his edit.
I also managed to get him down to 31 colors, I think its ok for now.
edit 23/9/2013: I added shoes because unfortunately it looked like his legs end at the knees, started animating.
edit 25/9/2013: fixed his belt and moved his head in the higher frame
edit 28/9/2013: Noticed I have terrible pillow lighting and/or banding midway into animation so I tried to fix it, ended up with a dithered version, I hope it's not too much. Changed his face also.
edit 30/9/2013: my birthday new dithered version
 

I appreciate any feedback

[PixelPiledriver]

Here's a somewhat unfinished edit:



I completely changed his mood, so ignore that if you like.

if you have any ideas on how to make him simper but still appealing.

A lot of colors could be dropped.
Yours had 78 with a lot of duplicates.
I got it down to 33 just from painting over, more duplicates probly exist.

However now that I think about it, things like the texture on his sword that are easy to draw when it doesn't move, might be troublesome for animation.

You could remove a lot of that stuff, or draw it in a simpler, cleaner manner.

I kind of like the small sprite better.
He looks more depressed and tired like your intent.
And you'll get more done with smaller frames.
It could also use some cleaning up.

[Nirel]

Thanks a lot for your comment! you have awesome stuff here.
I should have mentioned, but the idea behind the 2nd version is a cute creature who is desperately trying to look badass, I have a more solid idea for the game now, and I've started an animation sketch which I'm going to upload soon.

 I will redo the creature and try to take up your suggestions, also now that I saw your edit I'm also considering dumping some of the outline, especially on the sword.


I made a first sketch of the first standing animation, I've limited my self to 'only' 30 frames lol... but if you count the different parts of the body I think it isn't as terrible. I was hoping you can tell me how I can make this better