WIP Faceset Art

[JD_Slasha]

Hey there everyone, welp my girlfriend just gave me a scanner and I've been messing with it and I've been trying out new stuff now that I can scan my drawings directly. The following is by no means my best work, just something I scanned to test out what I could do with the combined power of my new scanner, MS Paint, and the Gimp program I use to color. I'm not the best in terms of coloring mind you, but I wanted to know what you people honestly thought of the coloring and if you think this kind of style could possibly work out? Thanks for the time and input in advance.

-J.D. Slasha

Original Scan:
http://img40.picoodle.com/img/img40/9/9 ... f288a8.jpg[/img]

Cleaned up Colored version:
http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/9/9 ... f1d10a.png[/img]

 

[Rye]

The highlight in his hair looks ugly, most likely because it looks random. Unless of course that was the style you were going for. In addition, the lines look too hard. I don't mind the lines hard for when it is outside the character, but when it's touching the character (like his face to his neck for example) I think it looks unprofessional and bad.

Otherwise, I think it does look nice. Definately matches the style that seems to be of your game. (at least from what I can see from your banner in your sig.)

 

[JD_Slasha]

The highlight in his hair looks ugly, most likely because it looks random. Unless of course that was the style you were going for. In addition, the lines look too hard. I don't mind the lines hard for when it is outside the character, but when it's touching the character (like his face to his neck for example) I think it looks unprofessional and bad.

Otherwise, I think it does look nice. Definately matches the style that seems to be of your game. (at least from what I can see from your banner in your sig.)

Yeah I usually do the highlights differently (I usually color them in like I would sprite on a characterset) but thsi time around I tried doing something different, guess it didn't work out well.. ;p I also was thinking about the lines as being too hard, because I made it the double thick line in MSPaint... maybe I'll just try using the normal sized lines in my next attempt? I appreciate the input Rye! I'll post here again with another attempt and see what your thoughts are on that.


EDIT: Ok, I've tried THIS:

Original Scan:
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/9/9 ... 2bf37e.jpg[/img]

Version 1:
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/9/9 ... 43bca0.png[/img]

Version 2:
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/9/9 ... 38b700.png[/img]

 

[Grathea]

Looks good to me, JD. The hair looks better that way, in my opinion.

 

[Rye]

I think the thicker lines as an outline and the thinner lines on the inside looks much better (specially on version 2). The hair still bothers me (but that's because of the style) but it looks much better than the previous attempt. Course there is anatomy problems, but that's probably not something you really are fretting about. ^^ looks very nice.

 

[Siege]

I personally like version 1 the best. It shows the best detail and in my opinon the other two look blurry.

 

[coyotecraft]

I like the coloring for the second version. But have you tried other color styles besides cel-shading? You have a really cartoony drawing style, maybe using solid colors instead or gradiants.
You could also color the inside lines so that they're not all black. For example, the orange hair would have orange lines. It almost looks like you did that in the second version.

 

[Sirc]

Not bad at all. One thing I noticed at first was that his neck is pretty long. About the actual coloring and line art though, I like the more crisp lines in the first version, but then the smoother colors in the second. I think that extra cartoony style has it's own charm, but you should try messing around with blending the colors in a different way. It does look like you just applied a blur filter or something on the whole picture.

 

[JD_Slasha]

Looks good to me, JD. The hair looks better that way, in my opinion.

Thanks, I do like how I took the time to make actual highlight areas in the second drawing as opposed to the first where I just burned and dodged everything like a madman.

I think the thicker lines as an outline and the thinner lines on the inside looks much better (specially on version 2). The hair still bothers me (but that's because of the style) but it looks much better than the previous attempt. Course there is anatomy problems, but that's probably not something you really are fretting about. ^^ looks very nice.

Thanks, Rye, yeah I've never really officially had any art training, I just started drawing when I was very young, so there are a lot of technicalities when it comes to drawing and anatomy with me, but I really do appreciate your advice and it helps to hear from another artist, y'know?

I personally like version 1 the best. It shows the best detail and in my opinon the other two look blurry.

I'm a bit stuck on both. I like version 1's details, but I don't like the thin lines on the inside so much. Whereas with version two, I like the thicker lines, but not so much the added gradients.

I like the coloring for the second version. But have you tried other color styles besides cel-shading? You have a really cartoony drawing style, maybe using solid colors instead or gradiants.
You could also color the inside lines so that they're not all black. For example, the orange hair would have orange lines. It almost looks like you did that in the second version.

Y'know, I've tried many different coloring styles, and as far as I can tell I think the better results come from "cel shading", and ironically enough, I was totally going to do the matching color lines thing, but ended up opting not to. Perhaps I'll try it with my next attempt?



ANYWHO, thanks to all of you for your input on this matter, as I really want to have my own art in my project and coloring is a bit difficult for me especially when I want to rival (or atleast stand on the same page) with works from Team Dragonfly, Rye, and Darksydaz.


Edit:

Not bad at all. One thing I noticed at first was that his neck is pretty long. About the actual coloring and line art though, I like the more crisp lines in the first version, but then the smoother colors in the second. I think that extra cartoony style has it's own charm, but you should try messing around with blending the colors in a different way. It does look like you just applied a blur filter or something on the whole picture.
__________________

That would be the after effect of the "cartoonism' tool in Gimp. I didn't like it either. But alas, I'm still working on what works and what doesn't. Good to know we're both feeling the same way about it.

 

[Makio-Kuta]

I like version 1 a lot better. The fuzzy look of version 2 almost made me think it was suffering from jpeg artifacts or something. O.O (but a quick inspection told me that it wasn't)
I've never used GIMP, so I'm not sure what kinds of restrictions it has, but rather then colouring with a hard tool like you used that does exact pixels and then applying a filter, I think you'd be better off using a softer tool to begin with. *tempted to find and download GIMP just to see if it has what she means*

I really like the drawings themselves though. Your style shows a lot of personality. XD

 

[JD_Slasha]

I like version 1 a lot better. The fuzzy look of version 2 almost made me think it was suffering from jpeg artifacts or something. O.O (but a quick inspection told me that it wasn't)
I've never used GIMP, so I'm not sure what kinds of restrictions it has, but rather then colouring with a hard tool like you used that does exact pixels and then applying a filter, I think you'd be better off using a softer tool to begin with. *tempted to find and download GIMP just to see if it has what she means*

I really like the drawings themselves though. Your style shows a lot of personality. XD

Yeah, I'm still experimenting unfortunately, and I really don't too much about GIMP. But I have to agree with ya maks when u say version 1 looks slightly better. I think version 2's blurriness is what turns me off to it. But hey WIP right? But seriously, all you guys really are helping me out, so again, thanks!

JD

(PS: Does it make you cringe seeing what will be the destroyer of you game's thunder? :P)

 

[Makio-Kuta]

Well, I downloaded GIMP just to take a look like I said I might. And can now fully say that what I was saying is possible! Yay! Only now with pictures.
I'm going to guess that you did your shading with the pencil tool, and then applied filters. Rather, try using the brush tool and not touching it a filter at all. Keeps a softer look without looking blurred.
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4414/gimpvz7.png[/img]

(PS: HAH! Me scared? Of a few pixels. It'll take more than that to break me Slasha!)

 

[Siege]

I'm a bit stuck on both. I like version 1's details, but I don't like the thin lines on the inside so much. Whereas with version two, I like the thicker lines, but not so much the added gradients.

Why not take version 1's details and just give it thicker outlines. Then both the bits you like are incorporated.

 

[Venetia]

One thing that turns me off about the Akira Toriyama style of anime is the eyes: it always looks like they're cross-eyed, staring at their noses, when they look forward. Yours suffer the same fate.

Secondly, the necks are way long.

Next, check your face out in a mirror real quick. You'll probably (unless there's some deformation) notice that your ears span from just under your nose to just around your eyebrow in vertical length. The guys's ears are very low.

Lastly, angular can be great sometimes, but it feels overused here. I'd like to see more smooth lines and curves.

They're certainly not bad, I'm just trying to give a few notes other people haven't noted yet. [I think]

 

[JD_Slasha]

Why not take version 1's details and just give it thicker outlines. Then both the bits you like are incorporated.

Good point. To be honest I've been looking for a way to have the "pencil" tool in MSPaint to make nicer smoother (and slightly thicker) lines. Haven't gotten too far in finding something like that though.... I've been trying to mess with GIMP a lot, but I'm not getting too far in it. I suppose some tutorials exist for it online somewhere, maybe that would help me with this thickness problem I seem to be having...

One thing that turns me off about the Akira Toriyama style of anime is the eyes: it always looks like they're cross-eyed, staring at their noses, when they look forward. Yours suffer the same fate.

Secondly, the necks are way long.

Next, check your face out in a mirror real quick. You'll probably (unless there's some deformation) notice that your ears span from just under your nose to just around your eyebrow in vertical length. The guys's ears are very low.

Lastly, angular can be great sometimes, but it feels overused here. I'd like to see more smooth lines and curves.

They're certainly not bad, I'm just trying to give a few notes other people haven't noted yet. [I think]

Very good points, Venetia! I do realize that there are flaws (many of them to be precise) in my drawings. I think a big thing that messes me up anatomically with my drawings is that I am a very impatient person, so I usually just scribble a drawing just so I can get it on the comp to color it. I think part of the reason why my drawing's a bit odd is because the original drawing (see the scan) was done in under a minute. I took ONE art class at the college I go too, and the teacher noticed that when i slow the heck down, my drawings and shapes and what not get a bit better. I really wanna' incorporate the tips you've given me into the next thing I post in this topic! (and everyone else's too) I'm still wet behind the ears with this coloring on the comp, and I use MSPaint because I can't really use any other programs to draw like I can with Paint. Seeing as you're quite experienced in drawing on the comp (as are you Maks, if you're reading this ;p) would you recommend anything in terms of tools in paint programs, or even programs themselves? Thanks for the time Ven, it really helps me get better!

JD

EDIT: Better? Less cross-eyed maybe? lol.

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/9/9 ... 592b4f.png[/img]

 

[RavenTDA]

To be honest I don't see why you have so many shades. Most anime is 2-3 shades and I think using less will help out your style since it's simpler and cartoony.

 

[Venetia]

Yes, the eyes are much improved, but the left pupil (his left, not ours ... Our right) could maybe be scootched over a little more.

And WOW I'm impressed that's all done with MS Paint!!! I barely ever touch the thing myself, but it is a very good tool for people learning the pixelling ropes, since you can't use the blur or shadow tools or any filters ... Which are very tempting to new pixellers.

I use Paint Shop Pro 9, myself. The last one Jasc produced before Corel swooped in and messed it up. Sure, they added more features, but they dumbed it down and added too many workarounds.

A lot of people use Photoshop but I have a harder time with it for pixelling and small-scale images. There are a lot of workarounds, episodes of menu-surfing, and the zoom functions are a lot more idiotic, which are hugely important when dealing in small details.

Some people'll probably shoot me down there, so in closing on that I'd like to say that the above statement is preference-based and I am biased since I initially learned to make graphics on PSP. I do use Photoshop at work, though. Both programs are great, but PSP (I think) is better for small stuff.

If you can't find PSP9, try Paint.net (http://www.getpaint.net/index.html). I prefer it to GIMP since I've been playing around with it. It's easier to just pick up and use, and it's free, like GIMP.

You won't be able to create truly smooth lines in MS Paint because Paint is incapable of drawing anti-aliasing or feathering.

Another alternative to scanning and drawing on the comp is Adobe Illustrator. Ink your drawings, scan them, import them into Illustrator, and use the Live Trace function. It coverts your drawing to Vectors, enabling you to resize it as you like without quality loss, and every line will be crisp and smooth. Also filling it with paint is 10x easier.

The same effect can be done with Flash, and easier on the filling side, however it doesn't have a Live Trace function.

 

[JD_Slasha]

Appreciate the tips there Ven ^_^

I actually have got a hold of paint.net, but I hav to install it still so I haven't actually used it....

THIS is something I've been working on, I did this on MSPaint (using the line tool XD) at work and I tried focusing on the colors (not so much the anatomy, but I think it's a bit better..) and I think I've come up wth something I like:

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/9/9 ... d574c4.png[/img]

the big question is, does anyone think this would work as an art style throughout a game?

 

[coyotecraft]

That looks great. It looks like a more refined/sharper version of the picture in your sig.
I wouldn't have any problem playing your game if your art style remained constant throughout the whole game.

 

[RavenTDA]

Oh yes, less colors = much better. The hylight however could be modded up a bit. It seems kinda wide right now on the ponytail. You don't have to lose the length on the tips of it but don't leave such a large area of hylight in the middle if you know what I mean. Am I making sence? It's too late at night XD.

Anyways as for the art style it fits well with your sprites so I don't see why not. As long as you remain consistant, I don't think it should be a problem.