Adventure Game Studio

Creative Production => Critics' Lounge => Topic started by: Lasca on Tue 20/01/2015 12:18:16

Title: Pixel me this!
Post by: Lasca on Tue 20/01/2015 12:18:16
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
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: cat on Tue 20/01/2015 12:25:50
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.
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Lasca on Tue 20/01/2015 12:29:04
Thanks cat!

QuoteThe 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 ;)
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Lasca on Tue 20/01/2015 14:36:25
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:

(http://i.imgur.com/o847bOw.png?1)
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Ubel on Fri 23/01/2015 11:13:03
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. :)
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Monsieur OUXX on Fri 23/01/2015 11:50:01
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.



Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Lasca on Fri 23/01/2015 20:58:26
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)

Quote
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)?

Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: AnasAbdin on Fri 23/01/2015 21:20:56
You can keep the black suit by using lighter outlines
[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/Nn6FcfG.png[/imgzoom]
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Lasca on Fri 23/01/2015 21:52:23
Aaah... Inversion. Intresting.
Btw I just saw the image on another screen and realised it is probably lacking a bit contrast for some ;)
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Problem on Fri 23/01/2015 22:04:59
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]
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Cassiebsg on Fri 23/01/2015 22:32:44
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.
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Lasca on Fri 23/01/2015 23:42:31
Quote
EDIT: Or maybe a blend of A and D?

That might be something. Will try it out!

And thanks for the feedback Cassiebsg!
Title: Re: Pixel me this!
Post by: Dualnames on Mon 26/01/2015 11:47:28
Somewhere between A and Problem's edit, would be perfect. IMHO. A nice sprite regardless.