[WIP] Drill Driver game character

[KevinTrepanier]

Hey,

I'm working on a new game and I'm doing some pixel art for it. Here's the first two frames of the main character (one serious and one smiling).

Old --------> New
      


I'm obviously having problems with it and I need your C & C to make it better!!

Here is a vectorial reference of the main character (from the title screen).



Thanks everyone!
kevin
www.smallinteractive.com

[alspal]

you could probably start by changing your shading so that its showing form, rather than how awesome you can make an outline.

[KevinTrepanier]

Ouch! Point taken. I'm trying to give it more form but I'm just not that good with shadings... Here's an update, I've decided to make the head bigger so it has more expression to it. Also changed some colors for better contrast (though I'm still not sure the contrast are defined enough).

[Sm.]

Your main problem is your colors, they're downright unappealing .

Since this is a more of a cartoon approach, feel free to experiment, and stray from contrastless colors.

If your looking for a seventies acid-trip, then my edit is for you!



I see no problem in the sprite just in the colors and a little but in your shading which... yeah has lack of form .

Post end on happy note .

[KevinTrepanier]

Great thanks for the edit! There is definitely some ideas I want to keep in it.
Here's an update:



I'd like to find a way to make the mouth stands-out a lot more but I'm clueless about it..

[Sm.]

Remember: teeth are curved so there is depth involved, which means shading should come into play (appropriately).

Your colors are much better, but the sideways shading doesn't do much but make everything look cluttered and messy. Remember that colors compliment the image in this case, and don't conflict it. Keep it simple .




I'm going for the more top-down shade with a hint of horizontal-shading, but if your game does need horizontal-shading, you still should try to avoid using every color of the palette and instead polish the outlines with darker colors.