Thank you very much. I really appreciate the criticism, and I think this will help me a lot in the future. The reference pics are especially helpful, and I think I'll try finding some of my own next time. Thanks again!
(I am sorry I don't have enough time to do a longer or more detailed reply)
I realise that you were going for a dark image, but this one is so dark that it's difficult to see. I came here from Critiquers United, but if I had just been browsing the thumbnail page, I probably would have passed right by it.
It's definitely possible to create a dark feel to an image and still use lighter colors as highlights--or even as the background. It's just a matter of the colors you use (faded blood-red orange, toxic yellow-green, that sort of thing) and how you use them. Some quick examples culled from Google. All of these have a dark feel to them, but they all also use light colors to add visual contrast and to emphasise the dark ones.
As for the "falling" thing, a couple people have already commented that the clothes should be hanging differently (the cape and hair should be flying upward, for example), but I think the problem also has to do with their poses. Your characters just look too in control for people who are accelerating rapidly downward! I put together a quick set of pictures that feature people falling/jumping. (One or two of them show some skin, but there's nothing lewd.) Generally speaking, falling people's limbs aren't pulled very close to their bodies.
Anyway, hope some of that helps you!
Last edited by Sara at 12:13:19 PM EDT on May 4, 2010.
I love the way that you colored and shaded the clothes. It's really well done, and the mood is rather mysterious (which is good, by the way). I'm not sure if there is a light source, if there is I think it could have been a lot better defined with the coloring of the clothes and all. I think that it would make it stand out more. The way the clothes are wrinkled is pretty cool --you get the feel that the guy in green has baggy pants. The positioning of the bodies is really well done, but the guy in the back's torso seems too small -you might whant to try to define the shoulders more -make them show so we can see a little more depth.
Overall I really like this piece, especially how you introduce the bad guy in such a mysterious way in which we still get the picture that he's evil and has minions --its very much like a manga/manga poster that creates drama and suspence luring the viewer to watch and see more.
Thank you. I am glad you thought my character design was unique. I always hate it when I create something only to find that everyone else did the exact same thing.
Thank you for pointing out the anatomy thing. I always seem to have trouble wit that, and on her arm I was especially having trouble getting the perspective right. And Leah is a girl. I can understand the confusion, she was supposed to be sort of androgynous. And I've herd form other people that her being muscular threw people off. I do know what you mean about the fists. Honestly, that was laziness on my part, I can't draw open hands.
Thanks for the advice about the background. I was going for a darker feel, so I never even considered lightening it. As for The General, I tried to blend him in because I didn't want a big black spot detracting form the overall picture. I do like your perspective though. "Mysterious and powerful," I'll remember that for his character next time.
I think its interesting you thought I should have made the foreground and background contrast more. I was specifically trying to avoid that, but I do see your point.
Thank you so much for the critique. I think this will help me a lot in the future.
Originally, I though the issue was in the background. But now that you mention it, I do see what you mean about there not being enough air around the clothes. I'll defiantly try to remember that next time.
I am glad you liked the dark atmosphere. This story isn't supposed to be light-hearted. I worried that I made it too washed-out, so I am glad you got it.
Thank you for the compliments. Hopefully I'll be able to do more now that the school year is almost up.
First off, I think this has really good composition. The triangle formation is always a great option, and I think you made the right choice for your manga cover. I also like your character design, especially Leah. It's quite unique, and something you don't see often here on theO :)
I know you're more concerned with the color and background of this picture, but I wanted to offer a little help with your anatomy. Leah's upper right arm is a little bit short. The forearm and upper arm should be the same length, and his hand should be a bit bigger. Also, Leah is a man, correct? Forgive me if I am wrong. His midsection should be a bit wider, and his chest should not be so pointed. I don't see any mistakes with Rgeon, but I suggest that either Leah's or Rgeon's hand should be open. It's repetitive if they both have their hands in a fist.
Now, About the background. I think I have an idea about what you mean by a warped skyline, and that would look really good with this picture. They're a little difficult to see, but I think the buildings that you've already added in the background are good. You should make them more visible. The General is also difficult to see. I suggest that you make the background lighter and The General darker, and his eye should glow more brightly. I suggest you make him bigger, too, to add to his mysterious and powerful affect.
Lastly, to put more emphasis on the two main characters, you should make their colors a bit lighter. Against the current background, they're a bit muted.
Sorry for the super long critique, but I think you've definitely got something really great here! I wish you luck in the contest! :D
Last edited by monochromexii at 1:06:19 AM EDT on April 18, 2010.
I think that what wmade them look like they we not falling is yoru clothing folds. There doesn't seem to be enough air coming up around their pants or jackets. But its still a great effect. They do look like their floating.
I love your background. The warped buildings are a great touch- it matchs the atmophere of the image so very well. They look real, but at the sae time very destorted and gives the image a heavly feel to it. I like it muchly.
I love the darker tones that you used for the colours. It works well with the title name.
Overall this is a really great! You have some great talent and awesome skill! Keept drawing- your way to good to stop!
Rageon
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 05/04/10 | Reply
@Sara:
Thank you very much. I really appreciate the criticism, and I think this will help me a lot in the future. The reference pics are especially helpful, and I think I'll try finding some of my own next time. Thanks again!
(I am sorry I don't have enough time to do a longer or more detailed reply)
Sara
Otaku Legend | Posted 05/04/10 | Reply
I realise that you were going for a dark image, but this one is so dark that it's difficult to see. I came here from Critiquers United, but if I had just been browsing the thumbnail page, I probably would have passed right by it.
It's definitely possible to create a dark feel to an image and still use lighter colors as highlights--or even as the background. It's just a matter of the colors you use (faded blood-red orange, toxic yellow-green, that sort of thing) and how you use them. Some quick examples culled from Google. All of these have a dark feel to them, but they all also use light colors to add visual contrast and to emphasise the dark ones.
As for the "falling" thing, a couple people have already commented that the clothes should be hanging differently (the cape and hair should be flying upward, for example), but I think the problem also has to do with their poses. Your characters just look too in control for people who are accelerating rapidly downward! I put together a quick set of pictures that feature people falling/jumping. (One or two of them show some skin, but there's nothing lewd.) Generally speaking, falling people's limbs aren't pulled very close to their bodies.
Anyway, hope some of that helps you!
Last edited by Sara at 12:13:19 PM EDT on May 4, 2010.
ChocoBits
Grand Otaku | Posted 04/23/10 | Reply
I love the way that you colored and shaded the clothes. It's really well done, and the mood is rather mysterious (which is good, by the way). I'm not sure if there is a light source, if there is I think it could have been a lot better defined with the coloring of the clothes and all. I think that it would make it stand out more. The way the clothes are wrinkled is pretty cool --you get the feel that the guy in green has baggy pants. The positioning of the bodies is really well done, but the guy in the back's torso seems too small -you might whant to try to define the shoulders more -make them show so we can see a little more depth.
Overall I really like this piece, especially how you introduce the bad guy in such a mysterious way in which we still get the picture that he's evil and has minions --its very much like a manga/manga poster that creates drama and suspence luring the viewer to watch and see more.
Wonderful job!
monochromexii
Otakuite+ | Posted 04/19/10 | Reply
@Rageon:
I'm glad I was helpful! :D
kisskiss-bangbang
Otaku Eternal | Posted 04/18/10 | Reply
@Rageon:
I'm glad that you liked it- and i am glad i was of some help. Great drawing none the less.
matt
Rageon
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 04/18/10 | Reply
@monochromexii:
Thank you. I am glad you thought my character design was unique. I always hate it when I create something only to find that everyone else did the exact same thing.
Thank you for pointing out the anatomy thing. I always seem to have trouble wit that, and on her arm I was especially having trouble getting the perspective right. And Leah is a girl. I can understand the confusion, she was supposed to be sort of androgynous. And I've herd form other people that her being muscular threw people off. I do know what you mean about the fists. Honestly, that was laziness on my part, I can't draw open hands.
Thanks for the advice about the background. I was going for a darker feel, so I never even considered lightening it. As for The General, I tried to blend him in because I didn't want a big black spot detracting form the overall picture. I do like your perspective though. "Mysterious and powerful," I'll remember that for his character next time.
I think its interesting you thought I should have made the foreground and background contrast more. I was specifically trying to avoid that, but I do see your point.
Thank you so much for the critique. I think this will help me a lot in the future.
Rageon
Senior Otaku+ | Posted 04/18/10 | Reply
@kisskiss-bangbang:
Thank you for the critique!
Originally, I though the issue was in the background. But now that you mention it, I do see what you mean about there not being enough air around the clothes. I'll defiantly try to remember that next time.
I am glad you liked the dark atmosphere. This story isn't supposed to be light-hearted. I worried that I made it too washed-out, so I am glad you got it.
Thank you for the compliments. Hopefully I'll be able to do more now that the school year is almost up.
monochromexii
Otakuite+ | Posted 04/18/10 | Reply
First off, I think this has really good composition. The triangle formation is always a great option, and I think you made the right choice for your manga cover. I also like your character design, especially Leah. It's quite unique, and something you don't see often here on theO :)
I know you're more concerned with the color and background of this picture, but I wanted to offer a little help with your anatomy. Leah's upper right arm is a little bit short. The forearm and upper arm should be the same length, and his hand should be a bit bigger. Also, Leah is a man, correct? Forgive me if I am wrong. His midsection should be a bit wider, and his chest should not be so pointed. I don't see any mistakes with Rgeon, but I suggest that either Leah's or Rgeon's hand should be open. It's repetitive if they both have their hands in a fist.
Now, About the background. I think I have an idea about what you mean by a warped skyline, and that would look really good with this picture. They're a little difficult to see, but I think the buildings that you've already added in the background are good. You should make them more visible. The General is also difficult to see. I suggest that you make the background lighter and The General darker, and his eye should glow more brightly. I suggest you make him bigger, too, to add to his mysterious and powerful affect.
Lastly, to put more emphasis on the two main characters, you should make their colors a bit lighter. Against the current background, they're a bit muted.
Sorry for the super long critique, but I think you've definitely got something really great here! I wish you luck in the contest! :D
Last edited by monochromexii at 1:06:19 AM EDT on April 18, 2010.
kisskiss-bangbang
Otaku Eternal | Posted 04/17/10 | Reply
What a wounderful idea! Them falling and all!
I think that what wmade them look like they we not falling is yoru clothing folds. There doesn't seem to be enough air coming up around their pants or jackets. But its still a great effect. They do look like their floating.
I love your background. The warped buildings are a great touch- it matchs the atmophere of the image so very well. They look real, but at the sae time very destorted and gives the image a heavly feel to it. I like it muchly.
I love the darker tones that you used for the colours. It works well with the title name.
Overall this is a really great! You have some great talent and awesome skill! Keept drawing- your way to good to stop!
And good luck in the contest!
matt