So I was bored the other day and I realized I never have tried to attempt an isometric drawing. There also happened to be a rubix cube lying next to me, so after a short period of time:
(http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5059/iso1na8.gif)
(http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/5059/iso1na8.gif)
Yes, the reflection is a lame idea for a trick.
The only rules of ISO that I've heard is that you must use a 2x1 brush (or is that 1x2?) and keep the right angle for objects.
I originally planned to make one side darker but then I thought that would increase the color count by double (side-nooby question: why does color count even matter? Yes, old systems were limited to less number of colors, but I don't really care about the number of colors in my drawings).
I tried to add details (smudges, the tape falling off [it is on mine]) but they all turned out ugly. I also wasn't sure how to shade the black edges in between colors and sides, so there's probably a better way I could do that.
Crits, comments, paintovers, etc are all appreciated.
Colour count doesn't matter actually. Its just that it is easier to define a palette if it has certain small amount of colours and not 154. In some game engines, like in AGS, manual palette insertion is necessary. But it doesn't really matter if you have 15 or 30 colours, its just the matter of representing the skill if you can do 30 colour pieiece with only half amount of colours.
For a first piece, its very good and realistic looking, next step you might want to try is adding some highlights.
It a question of skill, that's right, but a sprite looks more pleasing and harmonic if it uses a restricted palette.
(http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6020/redrawthejzu0.gif)
(http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6020/redrawthejzu0.gif)
Fixed the grid and added some very basic highlighting.
I'm no artist (so I won't post an example) but I think that some white highlights on a few key points would make it look more plastic. If that's indeed the effect you're going for.
Personally, I think simpler looks better, but it depends on what you're looking for. As far as I'm concerned it looks great!
Tried adding some highlights:
(http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7518/iso2yv4.gif)
(http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7518/iso2yv4.gif)
By the way, there are literally black edges on the outside of each square, they're not just there for outlining purposes.
oooh, much better. Love it.
I can't help but think the cube itself is slightly squashed but I think that's just an unavoidable optical illusion due to the isometric perspective.