[WIP] [C+C] Space Pirate :0

[SilverExe]

Hi there! 

So I've been working a bit on some pixel art this week and I think it's time to ask for help.
I made this "space pirate" dude I want to put in a full picture, but first I wanted to finish him.


As I see him right now it lacks "character" but I like his palette.
Anyway, how do I give him more personality?
Thanks!
xoxo

[Rosier]

The reason it lacks character is that it doesn't really have anything going for it aside from the hair.  You could communicate the entirety of the design in like, eight pixels.  I'd recommend adding something to the design, like a jacket or a cape or even just a bit more something on the shirt.  It's too simple.

Shape and proportions look pretty fun, though.  Maybe up the contrast on the red colors?

[PixelPiledriver]

You don't have to take it in this direction, but just some thoughts on gearing him up to be less plain.

[Hagane]

I don't think the problem is simplicity, it's more that there's not much telling the viewer that this is a pirate. Look for pirate reference and add a hat or coat or something pirate-y so you convey his pirateness better. Making the sword more like a cutlass could help, too.

EDIT: PPD's edit beat me to it haha, that looks very pirate like. You could also take a look at what Space Battleship Yamato does to mix space pilots with older uniforms for ideas.

[SilverExe]

Tried giving him a more "pirate-y" look.



Also changed the face shading. I'm not really good at shading those kind of pants tho...

Oh and eyebrows :3

[MysteryMeat]

Sword doesnt read piracy terribly much, usually scimitars are what's considered a "pirate sword"
Maybe a pistol hanging from the belt?

[heyguy]

MysteryMeat makes a good point about the sword. It doesn't say pirate. To me, being purple, it reads as lightsaber. Your character looks more like it could be closer to an Adventure Time character than a pirate, with the pink skin and long orange flowing hair. I  thought it was a female until I read you said you tried to give him a more "pirate-y" feel. I think you need to rework the colors in some spots and rework the outfit.

[Decroded]

For shirt, Try more puffy sleaves and open below neck to expose chest a bit more?
I dont think the shirt should be same colour as hair personally.
Not sure about the belt u got but a sash is another idea. It could be tied at one side and have bits that hang down.

[SilverExe]

Ok, I guess this is the final version. If you still want to give me some advice, it's totally welcomed!

Thanks for the feedback dudes!

[Coltrane]

An edit for a more "realistic" pirate... don't know what it's worth since he's not spacey anymore...

One advice : less colors is better. I'm sure i still used too many of them anyway.