wip - beginners attempt!

[squint]

Hi - new to the board, lurked for many years and finally having a bash
after being inspired by som uch great work here and at pixeljoint.

I've been working as 3d env artist for many many years and this is a breath
of fresh air, and fun! (and bloody hard work...)

Started with a really bad sketch, trying to use all I've picked up from the excellent
tutorials around. I've prob made loads of really bad mistakes...so... sorry!
Moustache sucks, seems to be at odd angle, and having trouble getting colours
to look right. blah! Hat looks wrong...in fact it all does heh

[boojiboy]

Quick and dirty edit.
Just points on his stance and form.
I corrected the position of his legs so he's more balanced.
His hat.
His left arm (mines not very good though)
And I tried to do a better nose and moustache, I didn't do a good job, by sort of corrects the perspective problem with them... sort of.

[SirBilly]

It shows you've been drawing stuff before and I must say this is quite good for being your first go on pixelart, (we're all use to see fatal errors and screaming bright lime green colours.)
I takes you a while to understand the basics principles of pixel art and I'm probably not the guy to introduce you to these kind of things since you probably already know a bit about lightsources/shading and anatomy etc. But you'll eventually discover what difference good pixelart is to bad. People appreciate a low colour count with an awesome palette, not 200 colours and straight RED, BLUE, GREEN shading tones that is.
So far you've got a great motive to start with and you will certainly get useful information by experienced pixel artists in these WIP threads.

You will certainly notice people wanting you to reduce the number of colours adding this removing that, but that's what makes one learn the rules for making great pixelart, good luck you!

[Ergg]

The lineart is very good. But you use too much dithering...

I have remaked the face as without dithering. It's more smooth even I have added some faults.. ^^'

[squint]

Cool, thanks for taking the time to respond people!

Boojiboy - thanks man, I prefer the position of your arm and the 'tache is better too, I'll probably keep the pose
though as I kinda like it with that S curve kinda thing (even if it isnt right heheh)

SirBilly - I wont pretend this is my first pixelart - done 3 or 4 challenges which really woke me up to
limited palettes and tried copying some donpachi sprites for fun but thats about it.
What you mention is what appeals to me, the discipline of keeping the colour count low etc. and these forums
are awesome for the information and help available. Thanks mate.

Ergg - thankyou - I like the smooth shading you've done. Thats my problem at the moment, the techique,
knowing when to dither etc. It all helps

[squint]

ok, moved the arm back, cut down a lot on dithering, fiddled with the 'tache
and generally tweaked. Probably gonna chop the top off the walking stick
and simplify it (cheat!) finish the trousers and shoes. Not happy with under
his neck, that dark line doesnt look right, so much to learn

Thanks for those crits guys, I feel its really made a difference to my
understanding, really appreciated. Itching to start another one now!

[squint]

I'm calling this guy finished for the time being, ended up repositioning the
legs as suggested (good call!) and took it easy with the dithering.
Pleased with the result as its miles ahead of anything i've managed before
with 2d. Kept wanted to smudge and blur and heheh. Might make a
3d version of him. 28 colours used, thanks for all the help and thanks to
Fool and everyone really for inspiration: