Hm, haven't posted here in a while... I've been trying several different styles to try and find one that's functional and that I'm comfortable with using. Here's just something I made a day or two ago. I decided to base the sprite on Davy Jones from RON, just so I had something to work with (part of my problem is trying to design a character while I make the sprite without a clear view of what I want; I think basing a sprite on an existing design makes it a tad easier).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/EnoRed/Sprites/DavyJones.gif)
I tried to minimize outlines and instead use shades to separate the particular body parts on the sprite (like using a lighter grey colour to differentiate Davy's arm from the rest of his jacket). I dunno if it worked too well, and the shading probably isn't very consistent, but I thought I'd let people see it to judge for themselves.
Admittedly I'm not sure if I'll continue to use this style, at least not before I try a few other ones first.
Looks awesome to me!
(The grey works well - it could probably be a shade darker and still work.)
The only thing that bothers me is his lack of neck. Perhaps if his head was moved forward a pixel it would work better.
May I?
(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9060/davy.png)
The main problem I had was the shading of the head, it just made him look like he had a beard to me.
Also the way the hair was shaded gave the impression that the light source was shining in his face.
I also went for a dark blue for the clothes, it seems easier to shade.
Actually, I don't like the shading of the clothes, Calin, the different colors are too similar.
Yea, you're right.
It could use a lot more contrast.
I really like the original EnoRed, I think it's a great style! I kind of like the 'lack of neck', gives it some its distinct cartoon style. Keep it up!
Thanks a lot for the feedback so far, guys. It's a lot more positive than I expected...
I've attempted to add a neck on, but I don't know if it worked out too well. Maybe it's just my rather lame attempt at it... Here it is, anyway.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/EnoRed/Sprites/DavyJones2.gif)
Apologies for the top of the head getting cut off slightly while I was cropping the image.
I think it's great! I love the new look you've found for Davy, and hopefully for the rest of the RON characters as well! You've squashed him down a bit, which really really works, and the black clothes and gray shoes retain the classic Davy Jones look.
I've edited it:
(http://spentertainment.webs.com/MISC/DavyJones2%20and%20a%20half.png)
All I did was move the neck back one pixel on the right and edited a few pixels on the face and ear. Compare and contrast! Hopefully what I've done helps :)