Pixel me this!

[Lasca]

Allright!
So, I don't that much pixel art, so perhaps someone can give me some pointers!
I've been working with this:

[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/p8bLlrL.png[/imgzoom]

I'm starting to like it, but I'm having some trouble getting the legs and shoes looking alright. Either stuf looks too straight or to bent. These damn pixels! Jsut so you know, he supposed to be slim (but jackets always give a little shoulder), tall, and have a little hunching posture. Anyways, all manners of critique, pointers, paintovers and tips would be most welcome! Thanks!
/Lasca

[cat]

I really like the sprite!

Two issues:
The colors of the suit should be better balanced - the dark one is really standing out while the mid-tone blends with the brighter color.
The trousers on his right leg look like the knee is in a very weird position.

[Lasca]

Thanks cat!

The colors of the suit should be better balanced - the dark one is really standing out while the mid-tone blends with the brighter color.

So if I understand you correctly, the mid tone should be more mid

[Lasca]

Ok, so already did a rework:

[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/KvWuJif.png[/imgzoom]

The colours feel better, but I'm still not sure about the legs and the balance.
Just for reference, this is he in high res:

[Ubel]

The sprite has a nice form. My problem was with the colors. Most importantly it lacks contrast and some color choices are a bit too bright and clashing with the rest of the sprite, most notably the hair. There were also a few extra colors that were too close to their neighbor colors to be useful. I did a rough paintover to demonstrate my points. I also tried fixing some inconsistent looking shading but those were quite minor changes.

[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/QROsykJ.png[/imgzoom]

Also, it's often good practice not to use pure black but instead use an off-black color like a really dark purple, as I've done here.

The high resolution portrait looks great.

[Monsieur OUXX]

Yes, that is higher contrast. Never, ever be scared to pump up the contrast.
And I also agree with the good practice of never using "real" black but instead some tinted dark grey (whether be purple, or any other color depending on the needs).

Now I think the face needs a bit of rework to match the quality of the body. The close-up portrait shows a longer nose, going all the way down to the mouth, which is quite low on the face. The face itself is rather long with high cheekbones.

[Lasca]

Thanks for the paintover Pablo!
some real good points there. regarding the face and hair colour - your absolutly right. So much right I stole the colours right of your paintover. I also love what you did to the shirt and the new shading on the suit - also right out stole it (hope that's allright).
However, I'm not so sure about the higher contrast. To me, a higher contrast on the suit makes it look more gray than black, and I want this suit to be a real black suit. A high contrast also make me feel like it's a material that reflects a lot, and that's not really what I'm looking for. I've heard the no "true blacks or whites" several times, but I don't really understand it to be honest. If anyone would like to explain why one shouldn't use them I'd be very happy!
Anyway, the purple looked really nice, but it didn't really work with my palette (there's lots of blues in the room (it's a one room game)), so I did a couple of alternatives that I'd love to hear some opions about:

[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/lE2Ytrg.png[/imgzoom]

Personally I'm leaning more towards the C or D. Whaddyall thenk? (B is yours Pablo)

Now I think the face needs a bit of rework to match the quality of the body. The close-up portrait shows a longer nose, going all the way down to the mouth, which is quite low on the face. The face itself is rather long with high cheekbones.

Your right Monsieur! But it so darn hard to express yourself with these little pixels. Please help (ergo, do it for me)?

[AnasAbdin]

You can keep the black suit by using lighter outlines
[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/Nn6FcfG.png[/imgzoom]

[Lasca]

Aaah... Inversion. Intresting.
Btw I just saw the image on another screen and realised it is probably lacking a bit contrast for some

[Problem]

It's a little difficult to judge, because the background colour is quite close to the color of the suit. I think I prefer D. B is too bright and washed out, this doesn't look like black anymore, while C doesn't have enough contrast. So my vote goes to D. But if you want to go for a "gritty" or dirty look, it's A.

EDIT: Or maybe a blend of A and D?
[imgzoom]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1891681/A%2BD.png[/imgzoom]

[Cassiebsg]

I can't really see the difference between C and D on my screen... I know I have it dark, but even moving the picture to my second and brighter screen, they still look almost identical (only zoomed I can see that there is a difference). B looks like he's right in front of a very bright spotlight...
Go with D, but still needs a bit more contrast... try the lighter outline, like AnasAbdin suggested.

[Lasca]

EDIT: Or maybe a blend of A and D?

That might be something. Will try it out!

And thanks for the feedback Cassiebsg!

[Dualnames]

Somewhere between A and Problem's edit, would be perfect. IMHO. A nice sprite regardless.