Open Critique Day #29

Folks, it's time for another Open Critique Day!

If you have a HeroMachine illustration or another piece of artwork you've done that you'd like some help with, post a link to it in comments along with your thoughts on it -- what you think is working, what you're struggling with, etc. I will post my critique of the piece, hopefully giving some tips on how to improve it.

Of course everyone is welcome to post their critiques as well, keeping in mind the following rules:

  • Make sure your criticism is constructive. Just saying "This sucks" is both rude and unhelpful without giving specific reasons why you think it sucks and, ideally, some advice on how to make it better.
  • Each person should only post one illustration for critique to make sure everyone who wants feedback has a chance.
  • I will not critique characters entered in any currently running contest, as that doesn't seem fair to the other entrants. You can still post it if you like for the other visitors to critique, but I will not do so.

That's it! Hopefully we can get some good interaction going here and help everyone (me included!) learn a little bit today.

94 Responses to Open Critique Day #29

  1. Zaheelee says:

    I am really proud of this piece, but I think it is a little boring. What can I do to spice it up (and other general critiques)?

    http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Zaheelee/Zaheelee-VisionHawk.png

  2. Mr.Q says:

    Last week on the Saturday Meta, I posted a catwoman I was working on and got back some helpful comments on improving it. Below is two versions of the new face (may need further tweaking), one in the original colors minus the time-consuming spots and the second in panther black colors.

    http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/2286/mrqferalfacev2original.png

    http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/6536/mrqferalfacev2panther.png

    I also took another stab at a new body with the aid of a female pose by MartianBlue in panther colors. Would like to have done more in terms of claws and other things, but it was getting late when I did this and my eyes were bleeding. ^^; jk

    http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/4104/mrqferaljungledesign2.png

    Let me know what you think of the revisions and thank you for your time.

    Mr. Q

  3. MLS says:

    @Zaheelee #1 – That’s a tough one. The beauty of the image is in it’s simplicity. Adding to it would almost detract from it, y’know? And yet at the same time, it clearly needs… something.

    My suggestion would be to try doing then image as black & white rather than color. Give it a grayscale, artsy photograph kinda vibe. That’s the best I got.

  4. Dionne Jinn says:

    Here is one I would like to get some feedback on: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=336903849660384&set=a.201686679848769.61050.100000223159388&type=3&theater

    There is also a re-do from a one that I kept throwing around in some earlier critique days, if someone still can be bothered to comment on it: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=336904212993681&set=a.201686679848769.61050.100000223159388&type=3&permPage=1

  5. Doornik1142 says:

    FukushΕ«

    http://fav.me/d3khlcf

    Looking back I’m not so sure about the combination of the green/brown cloak with the red/black clothes.

    (Also, on the off-chance that anyone here knows Japanese I’d love to know if I got the translation right.)

  6. Doornik1142 says:

    Zaheelee (1)

    I’m not sure I’d call it boring so much as…simple. It would definitely be boring if she didn’t have wings, but because she does it becomes interesting and makes me want to know more about her.

    But you do have a point that there isn’t a lot going on in this picture. I think MLS’ suggestion is a good one. Try making a greyscale version, just to see how it comes out.

  7. Jeff Hebert says:

    Zaheelee: I agree with MLS and Doornik1142 that the beauty of it is in the simplicity, so I’d hate to lose that with a lot of activity and jingle-jangle. That’s an Official Artist Term, by the way.

    Because the composition all arches in on her, along with her hunched shoulder, you get the feeling that this is a person with a lot of worry and burden. Which is great, but if that’s what you’re going for I think you should really go for it, reinforcing it with a more appropriate expression — it’s a little blank at the moment — maybe a darker background than yellow and blue (which are a bit cheery), and maybe some kind of abstract “anxiety arcs” reinforcing the shape of the wings as they huddle around her.

    If that’s NOT the mood you’re going for, I’d separate the wings out a bit so there’s negative space between them and her head, and unhunch that arm, maybe lighten up the expression some.

    Hope that’s helpful …

  8. Jeff Hebert says:

    Doornik1142: I like it! He has a very distinctive flair. I like the colors and the simple, uncluttered composition that still has enough movement in it from the clothing choices to give it interest.

    My only minor suggestion would be to use a darker red for the pantaloons rather than the same as on the tunic trim to help create a more layered effect, and to do a yet darker red for the pant outside color rather than black, which tends to blend in too much with the line color. When you go with an uncluttered arrangement like this, it’s important to get as much layering as possible through the items you do choose, and color’s a big part of that.

    Good job, though, I think it’s really neat! Oh, and I like the cloak colors over the red/black tunic, I think that’s exactly the kind of layering-through-color I mean.

  9. Debochira says:

    http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/1551/syfusdebochira.png

    Just a fictional Star Wars/Star Trek mix character, Darth Syfus. I think of him as what might have been if Darth Vader or Darth Sion had been assimilated by the Borg. Any ideas on how I can make him more interesting?

  10. Jeff Hebert says:

    Debochira: I think it’s a neat concept overall but I do think it could use some tightening up. I’d start with the background, which I always think works way better as snowfall than as a starfield — stars wouldn’t be so blotchy and splotchy. They’re so big they kind of detract attention away from the main character.

    I also get confused by the flames, which appear to be coming from a backpack or something behind the main lower assembly, while I expect them for whatever reason to be coming from the bottom, if there were to be flames at all. Which, frankly, I’d probably leave off — neither Trek nor Star Wars have vehicles that use flames very much, especially not in space. You’d get a glowing impulse engine or something, but not a rocket.

    Still on the subject of flames, it seems odd that there is fire coming out of the shoulder piece, which looks like a ray gun (especially with the barrel glow), but it makes me think a missile has just been fired from it or something.

    I find the hard metallic dark grays of the armor a little disconcerting next to the almost see-through greens of the flesh. I don’t want to lose the effect of organic-vs-inorganic, but I think something like tattoos or a bit of circuitry bleeding into the body would help make the effect less jarring and more believable.

    Finally, I think the light saber doesn’t really read as a light saber with the black edging. It ends up looking more like a solid bar.

    Hope that helps…

  11. Jeff Hebert says:

    Dionne Jinn: That’s a neat scene! I like the relationship between the man and the tiger, and the way the man is dressed. That all works great. And I like the general concept of the environment. Where I’m having trouble is with the way the figures (including the rock the tiger is on) seem to float above the ground rather than sitting on it. Part of that is the use of orange, which as a color tends to make the human eye think it’s closer to the eye. Especially striped with the green, the effect is to pop the orange even further out. I’d go with a darker green instead of orange. And maybe try using one of the gradients to create drop shadows under the man and the rock?

    Neat idea and as I say, I really like the scene overall.

  12. Doornik1142 says:

    Debochira (7)

    First, put another fireball in front of the “legs” but dial down the alpha so it’s semi-transparent. As it is the flames look more like some kind of nuclear fart.

    Second, his chest is too plain. Try adding some cybernetic pieces over it to cover up that empty space. Maybe make them nice and gory with scar tissue around them too.

    Third, I’m not crazy about the left arm. Mostly because it doesn’t look like it’s connected to his torso. Try adding some metal bits to cover up the gap in the shoulder.

    Finally, I hate that lightsaber color. I hated it in The Force Unleashed and I don’t like it any better now. But that’s just my opinion.

  13. Jeff Hebert says:

    Rozenstal: Love it! The figure’s really cool, he has a great attitude. I love the hooves peeking out beneath the bell bottoms particularly.

    My only suggestion would be to NOT stripe the tail (zebra tails aren’t striped … of course, they’re more like donkey tails than horses’ too).

    Good job, very clever!

  14. Debochira says:

    Jeff: Thanks for the help. I had to stretch the star background to fit behind him, which is why the stars themselves are much larger than recommended.

    The flames were meant to be originating from the lower propulsion system but I couldn’t accurately show that it was coming from there and not an invisible jet pack. As to why they’re there in the first place, I wanted it to be hinted that it was more Dark Side energy than actual flame but again I couldn’t figure out a way to hint it.

    As for the shoulder piece, it is indeed a pulse rifle that has just fired. The flame behind it is actually super-heated plasma coolant that has been jettisoned to prevent overheating of the weapon.

    I wanted the green skin to stand out against the cold, dark metal but I think I overshot the mark. I also wanted the lightsaber to be unique and have a black blade as opposed to red since every other Sith has a red lightsaber.

    I’ll get to work immediately on it, thanks again!

  15. Jeff Hebert says:

    Malfar: I like the general look of him, he’s a cool blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements. I’m not sure about the rebel flag in the background, but maybe that’s part of his story.

    The two greens work well in the costume, with the possible exception of the fluffy bits at the ends of his sleeves. I have trouble reading that as the same kind of material as the other same-color items. I think throwing some white there would help add oomph and be less visually confusing.

    Good job!

  16. Asder says:

    IΒ΄m going with this one today.

    http://forums.ugo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81092&d=1321638558

    P.S. @Zaheelee(1): I wouldnΒ΄t change or add anything, the image is awesome the way it is.

  17. Doornik1142 says:

    Jeff:

    I took your suggestion and updated the colors on FukushΕ«. I had to use some custom colors though (which I’ve never done before) so I’m not sure if it came out better or worse.

    http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g416/doornik1142/Fukushu2.png

  18. Jeff Hebert says:

    Doornik1142, I do think that looks better, yeah! How about you?

  19. Dionne Jinn says:

    I tried adding some shadows and removed that orange/brown colour. Does it work better now? https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=337391476278288&set=a.201686679848769.61050.100000223159388&type=3&theater

  20. Jeff Hebert says:

    Dionne Jinn: I think so, definitely! How about you? You might also try making the lineart on the boulder a dark dark gray instead of black, but you’d have to try it and see what you think.

  21. Doornik1142 says:

    Jeff (20)

    To be honest, I’m still a little prejudiced toward my original version (I thought the red/black combo was very reminiscent of Daredevil). But I do see what you mean about the layering effect.

    I think I still need to play around with it.

  22. Dionne Jinn says:

    It was supposed to be dark gray. I don’t know what happened… The stone closest to “us” is the correct colour while the two at the back have black lines. I must have messed it up at some point. I only noticed it now myself.

  23. Malfar says:

    Jeff, About rebel flag background – I was just too lazy to make some nice background, so I took just random Shapes.

  24. Dionne Jinn says:

    Unusually quiet for Open critique day…

  25. MartianBlue says:

    I’d just like a little feedback on this guy. Is he missing anything? Does something not work? Thanks

    Atom the Atomic Man (WWII)
    http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m189/acebase_2006/HM3%20-%20UGO/Super/AtomTheAtomicManv2.png

    I guess technically he’s my equivalanet of Captain America, the super soldier ideal, with powers more like superman’s, but not as high powered in most areas, no flight, no super breath, super strength, super speed, shoots atomic rays from his eyes.

  26. Jeff Hebert says:

    Asder: I like it. The colors and the pose work well.

    I am not a huge fan of the little jaggedy lightning bolts around the hammer, they look a little too cartoony next to the nicer one behind the hammer. And the mouth seems a little cartoony as well — something with lips would be better, I think.

    Otherwise, well done!

  27. dblade says:

    So this is an unorthodox feedback request. I’m working on an asset for HM3 and I need some Machinist opinions. The piece is a cybernetic eye. The first eye I made is more detailed with shapes that are harder to see at a smaller viewing size. The second revision is simpler and less detailed piece that might actually work better at a smaller size.

    The image is a side-by-side comparison with the original on the left and the revision on the right. You will also notice I am showing how the eye appears at two different sizes.

    Which eye do you prefer?

    http://forums.ugo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81218&d=1322852367

  28. Jeff Hebert says:

    MartianBlue: Very nice! Love the patriotic ascot, that’s a nice touch.

    I can’t think of too much to add, you’ve definitely hit the high notes and have everything one would expect. He looks a little stuffy, I guess, like he’s in more of a formal uniform maybe … What if you played around with a long scarf behind him or something, also with a flag masked to it? I don’t know for sure, just throwing it out there.

    Really, he’s fine, and if you left it as is it would be great too.

  29. Jeff Hebert says:

    Yeah, it IS pretty quiet around here …

  30. Jeff Hebert says:

    dblade: Personally I like the more detailed one, but that’s just me.

  31. Dionne Jinn says:

    I like the detailed eye, too. It is more mech…

  32. Captain Kicktar says:

    For Jeff: http://i.imgur.com/VUira.png
    Ishmael is a traveler that journals what he sees everywhere he goes.

    And if others want to critique another: http://i.imgur.com/7EFzU.png
    Phaos is an alchemically mutated being.

  33. Jeff Hebert says:

    Captain Kicktar: I think he looks fine. You might want to nudge the sword over to the right a bit so the corner doesn’t touch the corner of the collar, but that’s about it.

  34. MartianBlue says:

    @Jeff I may just give that scarf idea a try. His uniform is a bit on the formal side, and I’ve actually wondered about making him a bit more combat oriented, the reason I haven’t is I wanted him to be presentable, for instance, “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, meet america’s new hope.” something like that. Thanks for the feedback.

    @dblade I agree go with the detailed eye, if someone wanted the larger pupil, a simple circle gradient over the inner metallic circle would do the trick, basically giving both eyes in one.

  35. Jeff Hebert says:

    Meniukas: Love it! Great scene, wonderful details (the flame band in her dress, etc.), excellent colors. Bravo!

  36. Dionne Jinn says:

    Meniukas: WOW!!! Amazing!

  37. Tarkabarka says:

    I don’t make pictures for a while because my spine is not alright and i can’t sit because my back is starting to hurt.

    I want to ask about what think this angel

    http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4685/tarkabarkaangelli.png

  38. Jeff Hebert says:

    Tarkabarka, I am sorry to hear your back hurts! I hope you feel better soon.

    On this drawing, I am having a hard time figuring out how the anatomy works. There doesn’t seem to be enough space to fit in her torso and her legs. And with both arms and the leg all lined up together under her chin, it gets confusing trying to figure out which body part is which. I’m afraid that overall it ends up looking more like a partially disassembled mannequin than a real figure πŸ™

  39. Tarkabarka says:

    Thanks Jeff!

    I know it’s a very hard pose to make it. I think if i have “good body” (my body) i make a clearer and more transparent body pose. After this picture i made side body view. This is my first attempt for this body view. Now i see more particulary i 100% agree with you.

  40. Jeff Hebert says:

    Aaron, I think it’s a fundamentally sound costume design and illustration. My main worry with it is that it might be too close to a Nightwing kind of look. But setting that aside, I think you’ve done a nice job with the colors and item selections, he looks like a real comic book character.

  41. Aaron says:

    i was thinkin the same thing but any ideas on what to change?

  42. Jeff Hebert says:

    The most immediate thing that comes to mind is to not use anything like a bird for a chest insignia, like what you have now. But that’s the thing about “Night Hawk”, the very name is so close to “Nightwing” that you’re going to have a hard time getting past that.

  43. Aaron says:

    thanks

  44. Dionne Jinn says:

    I was talking to a friend about this Open critique day and she would like some feedback on her picture. She is not fluent enough in English to participate on her own, but I do my best to translate, if you could comment on it.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1636801855969&set=a.1302894388491.32688.1714429324&type=3&theater

  45. Jeff Hebert says:

    Dionne Jinn: I think this is a good, if very basic, drawing. She looks like she could be in a “Fantastic Four” comic book from the Sixties — that’s a good thing! I don’t get any kind of a sense of her personality or mission or powers or anything, but it’s a good basic, fundamental uniform.

  46. Aaron says:

    one last question despite “Night Avenger” bein used in “stuntman ignition” as a parody movie could i use that?

  47. DiCicatriz says:

    Here’s a lady I’ve been tinkering with: The Shinto empowered teenage anarchistic vigilante Nisshoku
    http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l607/DiCicatriz/Kid%20Chaos/Heroes/Nisshoku-Suzume.png

    I’m kind of happy with how the pose turned out, I’m just worried her outfit is a little dull. 😐

  48. Jeff Hebert says:

    Aaron that would be fine, I think.

  49. Jeff Hebert says:

    DiCicatriz: The pose is great, for sure. On one hand … yeah, the outfit’s kind of dull. BUT, that lets you focus more on the cool hand and face. You could maybe lighten up the brown on the waist belts and make her shoes some different color to break up the monotone a bit without going overboard.

    It’s a nice drawing, though.

  50. Dionne Jinn says:

    My friend asked me to thank you for comments, Jeff. And said it was only the first version of the character. She was begging me to send another character of hers here, too, but was content to wait for the next critique day for it. πŸ˜‰

  51. Vampyrist says:

    Here is Iblis, a character I’d like to hear critiqued.

    http://forums.ugo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81172&d=1322411366

    Description: “There are Angels, beings of light and then there are Demons, beings of black darkness. These two spirits represent the moral spectrum as well, with the Angels on the good end and Demons taking their spot on the evil end. Now there are some exceptions to this rule, but for the majority, this holds true. Good and Evil, Angels and Demons, forever fighting one another.

    Now life would be boring if there wasn’t an in between. That’s where my kind comes in. I am a Djinn, a being of smokeless fire. We are more neutral, some of us are good, and some of us are bad.

    Personally, I fall into the latter category. I’m the one they call Iblis and I am the leader of the Ifrit, which is just a fancy name for evil Djinn. In the past we’ve mainly stayed in the background, working quietly behind the curtains to achieve our goal. Fortunately for us, Heaven and Hell relations are at an all time low. A war is brewing, and when the light begins to fight the dark, the world is going to burn. And that’s just how we like it.”

  52. Dionne Jinn says:

    I like your guy, Vampyrist. But maybe you could make his hands a bit easier to differentiate from the flames surrounding them. The fire effect is very nice.

  53. Jeff Hebert says:

    Vampyrist: Love the fire hands, that’s a great effect! Aside from that the character design is solid. I keep thinking he could use something to jazz him up a bit more, maybe a longer sash on the belt or a big hoop earring or some tattoos … I don’t know, something to sort of take it to the next level. But, the level he’s at is already pretty darn good πŸ™‚

  54. Jeff Hebert says:

    OK folks, we’ll draw this sloooooow session of Open Critique Day to a close. If you think these aren’t terribly useful any more, let me know why and maybe we will stop hosting them. If you think they’re valuable still, let me know that too. It’s reevaluation time ’round these parts!

  55. Myro says:

    Damn, missed it today. It’s been a rough day so far.

    Still though, I wasn’t sure I was going to submit anything today until now anyway. If anyone else wants to put in their two cents, I did a representation of the Egyptian God Horus.

    http://forums.ugo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81177&d=1322442331

    Despite my non-involvement today, I’d have to say, overall, I’ve been helped a lot by OCD, and would like to see it continue.

  56. Vampyrist says:

    Myro, I like Horus, he’s very good. The only thing I’d change would be the feet. It seems like someone flying would have their feet more relaxed or laid back, maybe try the long, flying-style foot for at least one of his legs.

    Also Jeff, OCD has helped a lot as well, I’d hope it would continue on. The start of the Natalis Invicti season must be slowing everything down, including the OCD.

  57. Doornik1142 says:

    Jeff (58)

    I think OCD should stay. Just because we had a slow day this time doesn’t mean OCD has run out of mileage.

  58. Kaldath says:

    I think OCD should stay, and I would have actually posted one for people thoughts however I have been offline most of day.

  59. Asder says:

    OPD should stay, i agree with Doornik1142, today was just a slow day. Too bad iΒ΄m not done yet with the Thor ajustments.

  60. Lime says:

    I’m a fan of OCD. My work schedule on Fridays keeps me from participating in them as much as I’d like, but one of these days I’m going to get up earlier like I keep telling myself I will …

  61. McKnight57 says:

    I decided to try to create an HM version of the 11th Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith. http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/6480/mcknight11thdoctor1.png

  62. Another vote for OCD. I don’t submit or comment much. Mostly observe and pick up a few techniques. By the time I get home from work, OCD is into after hours.

    People still post and comment over the weekend, too. OCD is for more casual HM’ers. Those who don’t enter Character Contests or frequent the UGO Forums.

    @Zahalee(1): I’m sorry, but VisionHawk looks like she’s ready to punch someone.

    @dblade(29): The cyber-eyes are really good.

    @MartianBlue(27): Great job. Nice detail with the uniform.

    @Meniukas(37): Incroyable! Please post the Design Text for the Airships in the HM Custom Archive!

    @Tarkabarka(40): Hope you feel better.

    @Myro(59): Also well done. Yeah, feet are problematic.

    Welcome to HM, Niina Pyrro!

    Nothing from me this week.

  63. Darth_neko says:

    Hey Jeff! What do you think about these two designs? I had one I was going to enter into the Animalia 2 thing, but I didn’t… And the other one I made on the fly.

    Blue Jay= http://forums.ugo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=80910&d=1320561093

    Wraith= http://forums.ugo.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=81204&d=1322673619

  64. Darth_neko says:

    Damn it, I missed it again! SON OF A WHORE! Argh!! DX

  65. Vampyrist says:

    McKnight, its a very good image of Matt Smith. You got the hair right, which is probably the toughest part. The only thing I’d add is maybe the suspenders. You wouldn’t have to see them all, but just a little bit of them would be nice.

  66. ams says:

    Long live OCD!! Unfortunately, I’ve started a new job and it interferes with my heromachining (got to talk to someone about that), but I still review all the comments the night of or the next day. I think it is a great event to get immediate feedback on any creation posted. And with the holidays coming, I predict it might get a little slower before it picks up. Maybe a different day? Cheers!

  67. gendonesia says:

    @Zahelee (1): her expression looks to plain, I can’t feel the soul. is she angry, sad, concentrating, or aiming. try to makeover the eyebrow and mouth a little bit will help

    @Mr.Q (2) I think if u sharpening her eyes it will make her look wilder

    @Dionne (4): your picture already “talk” its story, I like it, maybe it will be better if u “darken” the color?

    @dblade (29): detailed one for sure! (vote for it)

    @tarkabarka: another custom pose O.o

    @vampyrst: add horn!! (i know, its typical, but i like horn!-yeah)

    have nothing for this two week for share to you guys, so ill just give a comment πŸ˜€

  68. BloodlessRose says:

    Hi Jeff and everyone else

    Here’s an oldie of mine.

    Its a twisted double version of Sleeping Beauty that i created for a horror story i’m writing. Any tips on how i can possibly make it a bit better, bullets points would be best as i will have to remake the whole image due to a computer file clear out.

    http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k584/BloodlessRose/WideshotSleepingBeauty.png

  69. Kaylin88100 says:

    TOOL (64): The top half is good, the bottom half not so much. The girl’s legs look too thin and you really need to change the guy’s feet. Like the concept though and I can see what you’re going for. Also, bonus points for using the axe as a sword hilt πŸ™‚

  70. Dionne Jinn says:

    I wote to keep OCDs running. It is a great way to get helpfull feedback. And I just like to look at what others have done to get some new ideas what can be done that I have never thought before.

  71. Dionne Jinn says:

    @gendonesia (72): Thank you. I hope so. When I get all “Sandokan” pictures done (might take a long while… or forever) it should be a kind of a picture book.

  72. Nick Hentschel says:

    Mr.Q (2): I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you yesterday (VERY busy), and that no one ELSE had the courtesy to give you some tips. But in case you’re still reading, here goes….

    For the most part, the changes are good. I prefer the first color change to the second, since the black-furred color scheme makes it hard to distinguish her features. If you decide to keep that, I’d suggest tinkering with LineColor a bit, to make more contrast. In *either* case, I’d suggest reviving the leopard-spots you you originally used, or some tiger stripes, etc. That improves the overall look, making her visibly more catlike, and not just a pointy-eared monster.

    The new pose/body is a great idea: the stone knife and new clothes add elements from another archetype, the Cavewoman, and makes her seem a more innovative concept. The only trick is working her catlike traits back in, perhaps via claws on the hands/feet: a compromise between the two poses may be best.

    Hope you get this, and that it helps.

  73. Nick Hentschel says:

    Oh, by the way: KEEP OCD!!!

  74. TJ says:

    hey everyone, I don’t post alot and i’m far from a heromachine “pro” but i love the program and the work i see is amazing all the time. I was hoping to get some feed back on my last 2 contest entries(sports) just to see what i could do better next time, thanx

    http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx70/celticdragon79/thebroadstreetbullie.jpg

    http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx70/celticdragon79/phillie-1.jpg

    and an alternate of the second image
    http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx70/celticdragon79/phillie.jpg

  75. TOOL says:

    @Kaylin88100, I had trouble with the girls legs and guys feet. I don’t really like her skirt either now, I may go back and do one of the outer clothes that looks more detailed like leather. I got my over all concept though, I just didnt want to make another plain standing arms down character.

  76. BloodlessRose says:

    KEEP OCD’S PLEASE πŸ™‚

  77. Worf says:

    @TOOL: First sorry for being SOOOOO late…. If this was a study of the upper body positions I think you nailed it and Kaylin has it right about the girl’s legs and guy’s feet. My only other thing is with her left hand. I know you masked it to his torso to get that, but the fact that it has absolutely no volume over his shoulder is a problem…. Either way, those upper bodies should go in the custom item forum.

  78. Worf says:

    Oh and Jeff, keep OCD, even though I haven’t been able to participate as I like to.

  79. Whit says:

    Dang, I always forget about this til it’s too late. :-

  80. Syntax says:

    This is what I get for leaving to go to Nawlins with my family. I know this is late, but I wnated to get a critique of this picture I made a while back. This was actually the fisrt image I made with Heromachine that wasn’t based on a pre-existing character of mine.
    http://i.imgur.com/dnIv8.jpg

  81. Nick Hentschel says:

    Syntax (85): Cute.

  82. FRM says:

    here are some police supersoldiers from Astropolis, Texas(i made that up) tell what you think.

  83. FRM says:

    there names are, from top to bottom, Lynx, Hydra, Shock, and Crackdown.

  84. FRM says:

    I’d feel complimented if you’d post characters on my wiki.

  85. @Darth_neko(68): Wraith is awesome. His head / mask seems rather small in proportion to his bulk. A touch re-sizing might help. But not too much. Likewise, his right-hand seems too large. If it is meant to be over-sized, maybe an off-set color or more blending into the forearm guard.

    @BloodlessRose(73): Really like both costumes. The Beauty on the ground’s legs are too close together. Her right leg should be crossed on top of the left. It looks like both her legs protrude from the same hip.

    Her skirt is rather stiff. Unless there is a hoop underneath to support it. Perhaps use capes so the skirt lies against her body not sticks up in the air.

    @TJ(79): Well, Philadelphia is the anti-City… aside from that, Phillie’s costume is overall well designed. The colors complement each other. The flaming baseball could use an action arm such as an underhand pitch for effect.

    For example:

    http://forums.ugo.com/picture.php?albumid=227&pictureid=2178

  86. gendonesia says:

    @Syntax: LOL

  87. Tarkabarka says:

    The Atomic Punk (67) – Maybe a little bit better, but i hate the cold weather, always i feek someone stab a knife for my back. I can’t sit long and make pictures πŸ™

    Gendonesia (72) – Thank you, i work a lot of this pose.

  88. TOOL says:

    One more character for critique! I figured since the blog was still on first page and people didn’t want it to end I would try and post another piece. Here’s an idea I had, hope you like it.

    http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/cameron_stanley_84/My%20Characters/TOOL-SkullWarrior.png