[WIP] Mandy the pragmatist

[xegnma]

I came across one of Helm's blog entries a while back (see link here) and liked the idea of revamping
old school game art while keeping within the palette constraints of the original (EGA in this case).
I liked it so much I decided to take a stab at it myself

So here's the original sierra piece from Helm's blog:



followed by my current progress thus far:




and here's a (2X zoom) animated GIF progression (takes a while to load, so be patient):



If you've seen Helm's version and made comparisons, it's clear I'm aiming for a different mood.
Unlike Helm's version (which I hereby dub Mandy-The Discontent), this version is a bit more
pragmatic. This photo gig is a means to an end for this particular Mandy. She has her own goals.
Goals which this job may help move her towards. The girl is working this angle for all its worth.
Who knows what opportunities may present themselves ready for her to exploit...

C+C welcome.

[STE 86]

sumbliminal or not THAT is Jadzia Dax

Steve

[xegnma]

sumbliminal or not THAT is Jadzia Dax

Steve

I had to google that one...As it turns out I'm not much of a Trekkie, so any resemblance was purely coincidental.

[Helm]

Xegnma, I welcome interpretations on the concept

You've got the determined, slightly predatory look in the eyes well, but the actual eye shapes are a bit invented. People can't push the midddle of the arch of their lower eyelid upwards in a curve, it's a bit manga and I would suggest doing it without that crutch.

Second, the doubleres square highights, I feel they're a bit too much but I can't exactly tell you why, style preference. Take it as you will.

Make the ear look like a real ear

Will you work on the hair?

[xegnma]

@Helm
Admittedly the piece currently lacks the level of realism that is generally evident in your work, but I hope to improve on that in future iterations. As for the hair, I intend to tackle that eventually, though I'm not looking forward to it 

[Helm]

I don't think lack of realism is the problem, it's that most parts ARE realistic and then they eyes have this slightly manga-esque thing to them which throws me off. That uncomfortable between-space.