[C+C] [WIP] Main characters for an endless runner

[MadSheep]

These are my first steps in pixel art. I need some advise about shading and lighting of my main characters. This is Fiona, she loves cats. I have idle and running animations for her but the main problem is that I don't get how to make her more detailed. I tried adding some wrinkles to her t-shirt but failed
And also I have lots of problems with her hair, I just can't understand how to make it look good.

And my second character is Fiona's best friend - cat Mr Phillis. I read that it is not a good practice to use black color in pixel art but how I can draw a black cat without using black color?


Thank you for your time!

[MysteryMeat]

Pro tip: Photobucket is worse than getting a baseball bat to the ghoulies.
Use imgur or anonkun or even gif.ly, they don't block outside hosting.

[MadSheep]

Pro tip: Photobucket is worse than getting a baseball bat to the ghoulies.
Use imgur or anonkun or even gif.ly, they don't block outside hosting.

Done, thanks

(Photobucket is mentioned in the forum rules that's why I used it)

[MadSheep]

I finished a draft of walking animation for Mr Phillis. Any recommendations or critics? Still not sure about shading and lights

Sprite:

[MadSheep]

Added a light source for the girl, tried to add wrinkles on the t-shirt and some light on the hair, the t-shirt and the jeans. How far is it from the reality?