My First Portrait

[DTE462]

I'm struggling but not sure where. I'd like to add more depth. My guess is I'm using too much anti-aliasing in some parts, and not enough in others. For reference I am trying to make a GBA Fire Emblem-esque portrait. Also for what it's worth I am trying to make the portrait of this https://pixelation.org/index.php?topic=24197.0 character. But at this point I'm more concerned with making a good portrait than matching anything. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

[MysteryMeat]

Perhaps harsh, but I'd toss the whole thing and start again. Rough out what you want shapeways more than focusing on the style mockup. For example, in the smaller sprite her hair has a ton of volume to it.
Work out guidelines for the head shape, the face, and then the hairline, then start using THOSE as guides for the expressive shapes you want to put in.

I'm sorry if that's confusing, I'll try to clarify any points that don't quite make sense.

[DTE462]

Gave it a second go. I'm not sure I like this one any better. I like certain things about it better, and other things less.

I like her expression better. And her hair clearly works better, but other things are worse.

[MysteryMeat]

That tends to be how it goes.
Rather than trying to follow through on a full piece again, instead try doing an "array" of like six or seven rough sketches, just to get the feel you want down natural at that core level. Then of those sketches, pick the one that most feels like what you're trying to make and refine that one.

[DTE462]

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

[eishiya]

Don't forget to think about where the light is coming from and how it falls on the form of whatever you're drawing. For example, you have highlights on the right side of the face, but on top of the shoulders, suggesting differing light sources on those two, and the light on the shoulders doesn't make much sense. Light is important to conveying the shapes of things, and you'll have a much easier time making things look like what you intend for them to be if you pay attention to it.