by geinkotsu » Wed Sep 12, 2012 7:43 am
I really like it, although it's a little hard on the eyes. Why? The white lines are pretty thick, and wobbly. And I have never liked a multiple user of over layered colors, I would have probably taken out that blue color or blended it at least to give it a better transition color (but thats just me).
Sketchy lines or strait lines, it doesn't matter. I like to use both myself. But the characters could definitely use some... extra hand on popping out from that ying yang symbol. You could do this in multiple ways. Backshadowing them, adding shadow to the initial colors, highlights, adding depth to the background. That sort of thing just to make them stand out more.
In my opinion, the face and eyes and hair are a main focal point when it comes to busts. So giving the eyes character by shading and detailing really gives a soul to a character, and hair style is also a good factor. Is it messy, it is loose, it is stiff, is it sleek? Shading and lighting the hair will give it some life as well (but something about lighting hair, it isn't blatan white shine! If you are using brown, us light brown to give it shine. If it's orange, use a lighter orangish yellow- dont just kill it with white.)
One last thing, clothes! they aren't as flat as we may think they are. even stiff vests have some folds (especially in the armpits), try to give clothe some life by giving them folds, shading, heck even detail the seams if you think they are heavy in the clothing you chose.
But that is just contructive critisism for you~ I could probably throw more at you if I really tried, but you gotta take it one bite at a time and practice with what you learn before stepping too far up river without a paddle. Feel free to pm me if you'd like to ask my anything, I'd be happy to help and give more critique on other peices if you would wish me to.