C&C on character concept

[ildu]

I quickly drafted this character concept and colored it:



It's supposed to be a chef at a crummy diner. But the problem is it turned out way different than I envisioned it. I was trying to get a sam-n-maxy type of character, but this turned out less cartoony than I wanted. I was also shooting for a more timid face and an older appearance. The satired characteristic is supposed to be quiet, but alert - a recessive personality (think husband opressed by controlling wife for example). First I thought his slobbiness as a chef would be well portrayed if he was fat, but I already have too many fat people in my game.

I can't help but feel like the character should be shorter and the head bigger. Also, I'm not sure about the waist bands. They look like they're too low. I'm really stumped. I need to make him look cartoonier, more reflecting of his nature and basically more interesting. Suggestions are very welcome.

Here is some concept art from the fallen Sam & Max: Freelance Police. I'm trying to get a similar style:

http://www.samandmax.net/images/concept/freelancepolice/4.jpg
http://www.samandmax.net/images/concept/freelancepolice/6.jpg

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

I think the main issue with making it look like sam and max is bringing the eyes down farther.  I made a quick paintover to give you an idea what I mean.  I also brought his head down a bit since he seemed to be showing a bit much neck.

Thick outlines, over-exaggerated chins/noses and extremities and dot-like eyes are probably what you want to shoot for (although the styles of the two images you displayed seem somewhat different).  I'm not sure why you want to emulate someone elses style when yours looks perfectly good but I'm sure you have your reasons .

[ildu]

Thanks a lot!! It looks much more characteristic now. I'm gonna redo the face and make him a bit fatter and shorter. Then some other poses and it's off to a final version. I really appreciate the help.

It's not as if I want Sam n Max characters per se. They're just the closest thing to what I'm shooting for. What I want to express most is as much character as I can fit in them. And my game's story and atmosphere resembles a style somewhere between DOTT and SnM, so I thought it most convenient to study those styles. The characters in these games ooze character . One thing I'm doing different from Sam n Max is that I'm probably gonna use realistic eyes, instead of the dots.