What is it with me and catgirls?

[Technocrat]

Reactivating a project I'd started around Christmas, I've gone and redone the catgirl-in-an-apron, except I've opted for a 320x200 resolution. My intention is to do it with a more "NES" style pixel art for the characters and backdrops, but it's of course a limiting size for shrinking things that formerly had more detail. Particularly the face, I think that needs improving.



And, of course, animated!

[Atelier]

It would be good if you animated the tail both in the walk cycle, and possibly for the idle sprite? The tail looks too stiff and pointed, especially at the bottom. If it was more rounded and bushy everything would be fine, in my opinion.

Other than the tail it's good.

[bearseatbeats]

In my opinion, I think the mid-walk frame (when the non-load-bearing leg bends and comes forward to take another step) should be either a little further forward during the frame, or you could add another frame after it where the leg comes forward more. It might eliminate some of that jumpiness you're getting. Right now, it just kind of lifts slightly off the ground and snaps forward way too fast. Actually, now that I look at it more, her knees are bending too far for that stride. Maybe try to have the movement happen closer to the ground. And yes, the tail could definitely use some animation. Also, I think the shoulders could probably lose a few pixels. You're well on your way, though.

Okay, that's a lot of criticism. Hey, I'm just trying to be constructive! :-)

[Mr Flibble]

I'd make the eyes stand out a bit more, all of the facial features just get lost. Initially I didn't even see any. Maybe outline the eyes and use black for the mouth and nose?

[Lad]

 I hope you don`t mind that I remade her from the front view.    From the side-view she looks quite nice.
I made her a pixel wider(for the gap between legs) and a pixel taller(to fix the face after making wider). I reduced the color count from 20 to 15. Used more contrast, made her shoulders more feminine, made her eyes green so these would be more noticeable, skinned her legs a bit. Also took the apron color from the older remake I made for her when she was hi-res.
Hope I covered all I did, and it is of any help.



Wish you luck on your project! 

[Layabout]

I really think the tail could use some secondary motion and the arms are too rigid.

[Technocrat]

Well, lots of good ideas, but I think a recurring thing is the limitation of such a small sprite - so, I've gone for a different tack, which allows for more detail. Downside is, I'm now having trouble making her look a bit less androgynous, and I ought to find methods for doing so beyond bust-enhancement!



I've given her the apron for the back and 3/4 views to create an impression of its dimensions, and I'll get around to clothing her for the other views, to satisfy the prudes!

[Hudders]

Wider hips, thinner shoulders.

The reason she's looking androgenous is because these two widths are pretty much identical.

Looks good though!

[Andail]

I'll be damned if I ever understand the idea of catgirls...I have to say I find it slightly perverted

[Babar]

Unrelated, but here, Andail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IyU02E9bdM

[Scarab]

Unrelated, but here, Andail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IyU02E9bdM

Spoiler

WHAT THE FUCK?

That is the most disturbing, fucked up shit I've seen in a long, long time, and I hope I never have to endure anything like that again.

[close]

[Ghost]

Yeah, I agree. I mean, pink bloomers on a purple dress?
Sick.

[Matti]

I'll be damned if I ever understand the idea of catgirls...I have to say I find it slightly perverted

Agreed.

Unrelated, but here, Andail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IyU02E9bdM

The Chainsaw Maid is cooler and less perverted.

[FSi++]

I'll be damned if I ever understand the idea of catgirls...I have to say I find it slightly perverted

Agreed.

Unrelated, but here, Andail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IyU02E9bdM

The Chainsaw Maid is cooler and less perverted.

But it's not about catgirls!

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

Get back on topic, please.

[Layabout]

While it is okay, I think the sprite could use a bit more contrast. While it is good to see the black outlines gone, the new much lighter outlines don't really stand out too much.

If you look at Disney stuff (since you are going for a cartoony look), you'll notice how they use contrast effectively between the skin tone and the outlines, and also with other features such as the eyes.



This helps the features of the face look more striking, as at the moment, they are muddy. In addition, adding outlines will help separating the sprite from the background.

You should also take note that your proportions do not look right. While you are allowed to bend the rules, do not take this as free reign to just simply ignore the rules. She is supposed to look sexy, so give her exaggerated hips, lengthen her arms a bit and try give her a more interesting pose. It's dead boring.  I also think her head could be a little smaller.

When doing a 3/4 view, make sure you use perspective. The feet should never be on the same plane as each other.

And now to the initial animation. Ideally the shoulders and hips should roll with the movement. Looks like you are missing a frame on the right foot forward movement. Secondary action is important, it will give more life to your character (ie, the tail) http://www.synchrolux.com/?p=273 Your arm's arcs aren't quite right. Think of them as a kinda pendulum and concentrate on your easing in and out. I know for a 6-8 frame animation easing isn't really that easily portrayed, but getting it right is great. You know what, i am kinda sick of seeing 8 frame walkcycles, but they are the easiest, since you are pretty much blocking out the key poses. You could make her walk a lot more feminine and sexy. Just youtube videos of women walking. Video reference is your friend. A much better friend than tutorials or anything else.

And now link time. If you are interested in animation, go here, it's a treasure trove of information: http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/

Oh i forgot. Asymmetry is your friend. see: http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/2008/12/disney-priniciples-twins-bad-thing.html