Astraia's stuff O_o

[Astraia]

err...i might as well start my own thread where i'll be posting some of my works...so i'll start with these two. ..criticisms are very welcome, thanks.

Lightning! <3
http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=345&pictureid=2705

...and some abstract ghei shiz.....:|
http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=345&pictureid=2704

[Daemon]

I like teh lightning one ... I wish i was better skilled at drawing...

the second one is um... artsy

[rutea7]

that lightning looks awesome, i like the colors on the second one. ;)

[Lord Of Dumbasses]

They are both beautiful. If, I can, Ican give you a challenge. Could you try to draw the main cast of XIII all together? It would be nice to see.

[Astraia]

thanks, guys.

They are both beautiful. If, I can, Ican give you a challenge. Could you try to draw the main cast of XIII all together? It would be nice to see.


SURE. ^_^



....it'll take a while, though.

[Lord Of Dumbasses]

thanks, guys.




SURE. ^_^



....it'll take a while, though.

I trust you skills.

[Fenryr]

First of all, nice pieces of artwork here. I won't give any criticism on the abstract piece, purely because I've never done abstract and could offer no useful criticism on it at all. It's a great piece though from a viewers point of view, nice use of color. Nice to see you aren't afraid to throw it all in there.

As for the first piece, it's nicely done. Nice line variation, however the picture in a whole seems to be off due to some anatomical errors.

The main issue is your chin and neck lining. It's hard to pinpoint one error as each error, if fixed, will make the other work. For example, the cheek is drawn far too large and wide. It makes the rest of her body look out of proportion. You could of either drawn the rest of her body larger (not truly abiding by Lightning's thin physique) or you could simply correct her chin line.

Ellaborating: Her cheek to chin structure fits that of a man's right now, simply because the neck seems quite chunky (which fits the manly cheek to chin structure), and the jaw line itself is drawn at an elongated horizontal angle. Lightning has a sharp, feminine jaw line, which could be emphasized by altering your angles and neck, and by highlighting the curve at the back of her jaw more (which seperates our jaw from the neck in a curved fashion.

Hopefully that makes sense, I appear to be having trouble wording myself right now so excuse the poor explanation. It boils down to simply altering the jawline and possibly the length of her chin

Further nit-picking for sake of criticism, her collar is off. The angle at which it's drawn (on the left of your piece), gives the illusion that it's not really attached to the rest of her clothing, as if it's merely a triangle just thrown in at the back of her neck. It should curve more towards her neck at the top, and curve more towards her body at the bottom (my observations from a few Lightning renders, perhaps her collar is more popped in different shots though). You'd obviously have to draw the back side of the collar due to the fact that it flops towards her body which, at this angle, would show you the underside as well.

Collars can be detrimental to drawing and creating illusions of perspective, as we often lazily draw them flat and with a sharp angle not paying much attention to them. They can however completely flatten your drawing and I find this to be the case here. Especially considering that the brown collar of hers flops down onto her body instead of popping right up and out. I often fall into the habit of half-assedly getting the collar of a shirt done, yet most of the time it will also be the piece that anoys me most and cause me to come back to draw it again and again. It's a key piece of lightning's ensemble in this drawing and could really be that finishing touch.

I think I'm done for now, other than those criticisms. Great piece, if you touch up in some areas it could easily trick me into believing it's a piece done by Nomura in his wonderful The World Ends With You style. Thumbs up.

[Larsal]

woa, Lightning's hot! i like the Kingdom Heart-ish outlines. ^^
2. pic is creepy... xD

[Sadistic]

Wow, you are AMAZING. You have real skill~
Your lines are fantastically clean, and quite in the vein of Nomura's style, it seems.

[Astraia]

First of all, nice pieces of artwork here. I won't give any criticism on the abstract piece, purely because I've never done abstract and could offer no useful criticism on it at all. It's a great piece though from a viewers point of view, nice use of color. Nice to see you aren't afraid to throw it all in there.

As for the first piece, it's nicely done. Nice line variation, however the picture in a whole seems to be off due to some anatomical errors.

The main issue is your chin and neck lining. It's hard to pinpoint one error as each error, if fixed, will make the other work. For example, the cheek is drawn far too large and wide. It makes the rest of her body look out of proportion. You could of either drawn the rest of her body larger (not truly abiding by Lightning's thin physique) or you could simply correct her chin line.

Ellaborating: Her cheek to chin structure fits that of a man's right now, simply because the neck seems quite chunk (which fits the manly cheek to chin structure), and the jaw line itself is drawn at a elongated horizontal angle. Lightning has a sharp jaw line, which could be emphasized by altering your angles and neck, and by highlighting the curve at the back of her jaw more (which seperates our jaw from the neck in a curved fashion.

Hopefully that makes sense, I appear to be having trouble wording myself right now so excuse the poor explanation.

Further nit-picking for sake of criticism, her collar is off. The angle at which it's drawn (on the left of your piece), gives the illusion that it's not really attached to the rest of her clothing. It should curve more towards her neck at the top, and curve more towards her body at the bottom (my observations from a few Lightning renders, perhaps her collar is more popped in different shots though).

Collars can be detrimental to drawing and creating illusions of perspective, as we often lazily draw them flat and with a sharp angle not paying much attention to them. They can however completely flatten your drawing and I find this to be the case here. Especially considering that the brown collar of hers flops down onto her body instead of popping right up and out. I often fall into the habit of half-assedly getting the collar of a shirt done, yet most of the time it will also be the piece that anoys me most and cause me to come back to draw it again and again. It's a key piece of lightning's ensemble in this drawing and could really be that finishing touch.

I think I'm done for now, other than those criticisms. Great piece, if you touch up in some areas it could easily trick me into believing it's a piece done by Nomura in his wonderful The World Ends With You style. Thumbs up.

I'll keep that in mind. I really appreciate it, Fenryr! :)

I really need to work on my anatomy skills. I'll do my best to do better. I wonder if I'll make it to the video game industry someday....i'll really work hard to sharpen up my skills...and lessen the nomura-ish strokes.

[defguy17]

The lightning looks good. I think it is just the shoulder position that is throwing it off.

[Fenryr]

I'll keep that in mind. I really appreciate it, Fenryr! :)

I really need to work on my anatomy skills. I'll do my best to do better. I wonder if I'll make it to the video game industry someday....i'll really work hard to sharpen up my skills...and lessen the nomura-ish strokes.

My pleasure. If the video game industry is what you really wish to accomplish, then I'm sure you'll make it. Anatomy is one of the hardest aspects of art, and the rule that practice makes perfect is nearly a key to success with it. For now though, your work is looking more than promising, and as long as you stick with it and put in the hours, I'm more than certain you'll amaze yourself and the rest of us with the results.

Keep us up to date and goodluck with further pieces!

As a sneaky P.S: I second the notion of a XIII cast drawing, even if it was just drawing each individually and lining them up. I'd love to see a take on Hope, as I don't think I've seen any artwork on him yet.

[Astraia]

Thank you so much, Fenryr! :wub::wub::wub:

The lightning looks good. I think it is just the shoulder position that is throwing it off.

*takes a closer look*



yeah. XD

[DarkWan]

Wow great job ^____^

I'm not an artist, but I'm a big fan of that Lightning pic and the style that used on it!

I really like your style ! you made it for me ^____^!

Keep up the good work....I'll be waiting for more pics like that one of Lightning for other characters as well!

Good Luck!

[Devegas]

these are some awesome pics.
the lightning one does remind me of some of the artwork done for before crisis
the second one looks like one that'll be seeing at several art galleries across the country

[copelandmaster]

Excellent Artwork! Can we see a full color version of that Lightning pic, plz!

[Astraia]

i have one in my computer, but i'm kinda afraid to show it off, though. I have to make a few adjustments first.

[Alazais]

The one of Lightning is simply stunning, as always your works continue to amaze.

[Pixel]

The lightning one looks gewd. I would think the mouth would look different though. More open maybe? Or totally closed.

THE MOUTH JUST SEEMS OFF TO ME. As well as a few tiny things that are not even worth mentioning. :awesome:

I demand to see the Prince from The Two Thrones drawn. :aldo:

[Sundance Kid]

I really like that abstract gei shiz as you call it, the Lightning one is very clean and nice.

Are you left handed by any chance?

[Henry]

i like the second one!(Y)

[Astraia]

The lightning one looks gewd. I would think the mouth would look different though. More open maybe? Or totally closed.

THE MOUTH JUST SEEMS OFF TO ME. As well as a few tiny things that are not even worth mentioning. :awesome:

I demand to see the Prince from The Two Thrones drawn. :aldo:


I'll do my best to please you, nocte. :aldo:

Are you left handed by any chance?

well......no.

[Ahmadhelld]

I like the first one, good work keep going.^_^

[Sundance Kid]

well......no.
....awwww
:<
I feel so ronery

[Astraia]

^awwww.. :'(


...i'll try to draw using my left hand just for you. XD

[Pixel]

I'll do my best to please you, nocte. :aldo:

why thank you. :aldo:

Are you left handed by any chance?

I just so happen to be left handed. :wtf:

[Falsate]

Are you in college and what program was used for the first image?
You hope to make it you might as well compile a portfolio which helps tons.

[Astraia]

believe it or not, i'm already in third year college, majoring in Advertising Design. The first image is just a scanned one, i just adjusted the contrast shiz on photoshop.

i'm currently working on my portfolio, but those are mostly print and tv ads, though....so they're kinda boring. <_<

[Falsate]

Oh snaps! Nevermind lol!!! Good job.

[Astraia]

?




...uh..umm, thanks! :cathryn:

[Falsate]

I just didn't know you were that far in college, 3 years..yes that was surprising for me. Again, let's great and maybe one day you should post a tutorial.

[Astraia]

...i'm still 18, though. My country has a different education system. XD

i might move to california after i graduate because i want to take those special art courses. I still suck, ya noe. :(

[Falsate]

What the hell... 18 and 3rd year of college already!? Well yeah there are plenty of classes over here for you take . What did you want to exactly do if you were in the gaming industry?

[Astraia]

a character designer. XD

the whole story can be found here:
http://astraia.1up.com

:cathryn:

[Pixel]

a character designer. XD

the whole story can be found here:
http://astraia.1up.com

:cathryn:

Very nice. :wtf:

I read yo blog.... thing :aldo:

[Falsate]

Yeah..working hard is a must to get anywhere. So with character design that only includes drawing right? What about the 3d modeling? The blog was a good little read up, great artwork too. Now I understand whatt you mean about education.

[BUTTCHEEKIES, OOH]

I'm ranting about my anatomy. I suck when it comes to drawing the human body. I'm good when it comes to pretty faces, facial expressions and all that jazz when it comes to the head.....but from the neck down, augggghh. I blame it all to my ATY1 professor. She sucks. That prof never taught us the vital shiz when it comes to drawing the human anatomy. Curse that bitch.....but i heard she got kicked out of the university for some reason.... -_-

...damn, i really need to study more about anatomy. I'm not rich, so i cannot afford to buy art books and other references....that's why i must rely on something else. Oh good luck to me.Don't stay fixated on the idea that you need specific art courses to learn anatomy, this can perfectly and just as efficiently be self taught - especially with the help of the internet. Of course it can help if you're the type that really needs someone to guide you by the ear but it isn't necessary, especially if you're shelling out $100 just for someone to watch you draw. The few drawing courses I ever had were just teachers telling us to draw still-life, something I could very well just do on my own without shelling out the dough for it.

I read your blog and kinda see where you're coming from, I'm in sort of similar position as you actually ahaha. Anyway, much luck to you!

[Astraia]

oh wow, i'm speechless. thank you so much! I'll do my best to make you guys proud someday.

[Falsate]

Well..I was downloading so many anatomy ebooks yesterday and I read a complete book which didn't help one bit at all. But that was just yesterday and my first time searching for the books. I don't know IF you know, but you should like checkout some of the old time anatomy books cause they are way more helpful than today's (at least when I compared the two). Don't take my word for it though, that's just one book. If I find anything I will help you because I'm taking intro to drawing at the moment.

[Astraia]

thank youuu <3

[Pixel]

Don't stay fixated on the idea that you need specific art courses to learn anatomy, this can perfectly and just as efficiently be self taught - especially with the help of the internet. Of course it can help if you're the type that really needs someone to guide you by the ear but it isn't necessary, especially if you're shelling out $100 just for someone to watch you draw. The few drawing courses I ever had were just teachers telling us to draw still-life, something I could very well just do on my own without shelling out the dough for it.

I read your blog and kinda see where you're coming from, I'm in sort of similar position as you actually ahaha. Anyway, much luck to you!

I can agree with that in some respects, but I think that instructors are not just for people who need guidance. Granted, I am not in college to learn how to be a character designer or animator, but the few drawing classes I have taken, the teacher actually helped me out a lot.

Not telling me shit I didn't already know (execept when we tried painting, I fail at painting T_T), she helped shove me out of my normalities in the drawing world. Well, that and bringing all of the elements of art into everything I drew.

I supose a teacher can do different things for us all anyway. :wtf:

Btw, I am not that good at drawing (I play video games too much now. T_T), but people say I am, but I say nay. I will post some of mu stuff in a few weeks I guess.

[Falsate]

I mean sure you can achieve a degree of character artist skills, in the end I would say it is nessecary if you want to nearly master the skill. Teachers are very useful because they take you beyond what you want to learn, almost as if they're the driving force.

[Hynad]

I any of you here want to have good advices, really useful tips about how to properly draw anatomy, I suggest you go look for Burne Hogarth's books.

Like Dynamic Anatomy (My personal favorite), Drawing Dynamic Hands, Drawing the Human Head,
Dynamic Figure Drawing, and throwing in Dynamic Light and Shade in the lot would also be of great help for most people here.

[Sundance Kid]

a character designer. XD

the whole story can be found here:
http://astraia.1up.com

:cathryn:
You're a cutie.
But that's not the point of your post
:cookie:

Nice blog

[Falsate]

Thanks hynad, I've been looking around for a good anatomy book.

[Astraia]

I any of you here want to have good advices, really useful tips about how to properly draw anatomy, I suggest you go look for Burne Hogarth's books.

Like Dynamic Anatomy (My personal favorite), Drawing Dynamic Hands, Drawing the Human Head,
Dynamic Figure Drawing, and throwing in Dynamic Light and Shade in the lot would also be of great help for most people here.

<3


....wait a minute. FIVE books? D:
...i want a teacher.... >_<


@kenna: <33333 lol

[rutea7]

if u are looking for course, workshop or art tutor make sure you know the teacher's work before and that u like it or apreciate it.

it's a pain to get lessons from someone whose methods you dont like. you should admire your teacher's work.

[Falsate]

I've yet to see my teachers drawings but this is only intro to drawing so I doubt it will pave my style. I think my teacher told us specifically we will eventually develop our own style by the end of the course.

[rutea7]

i think it's the same for any area.
i had a teacher for one of my photography classes and he showed us his work, i didnt like it.
but i have to admit that the fact that he kept bitching about the publishers and art galleries that didnt accept his work didnt help me respect the bastard. he was such a freaking moron.

[Falsate]

Oh I ment the class is just the introduction to drawing and we haven't got anywhere, not that it "just" applies to drawing. Sorry. I know what you mean though.

[Astraia]

what dslr do you use, rute? i'm taking up photography classes too. the professor's nice and i really admire his works.

my anatomy teacher sucks bigtime. Her works were good, but she was too lazy, and it affected the performance of my whole class.

i'll avoid being nomura-ish from now on. i still have my own style, but i change it from time to time, depending on the audience.

[Hynad]

Many beginners tend to take the style of Nomura or Akira Toriyama. Their styles are pretty simple to copy and if it helps you getting results quickly, don't be shy about it and continue mimicking their styles.

After a while, you'll borrow from other artists you like, and slowly discover how you prefer to draw.

If you start from plain anatomical studies, and develop your style from there, it may be more difficult to develop a style unique to yourself. When you look at your favorite artists' works, most of the time, one of them draws his eyes a way that you like, an other outlines his work in a punchy way that you enjoy, and an other draws crazy artsy stuff that is unique to him.... Take what you enjoy from each of them and try to come up with something unique is what most artists do or did before gaining recognition.

Take Jim Lee for instance, many American comic books illustrator take after him, yet none draw exactly like him.

Akira Toriyama is an other example. Just look at Pokemon and you know where the art style came from.


In any case, Astraia, you don't need to buy all 5 books I mentioned. I mentioned the whole of them (except for Dynamic Wrinkles and Drapery since it's not completely related to anatomical study), but you should start with only one and see if it helps or not. I would suggest you start with Dynamic Anatomy. That's what I did, and it really helped me a lot. ;)

[Astraia]

oh wow! thanks, dan. i really appreciate it. :cookie:

hey wait, are those available at ebay? O_O





other aspiring artists also benefit from the advice and stuff you guys have posted here. i'm really greatful.

[Falsate]

Ahem..I downloaded them all in eBook format and they are pretty interesting! I find the eBook more convienient for me.

Oh yeah, the Prince of Persia artwork is pretty good also. I just need to learn to get the artist name lol.

[rutea7]

i use a sony alpha 350. nikon is good too, my friend has the d80 if i'm correct, i like the quality picture. i find sony's menus and buttons altogether more user friendly but maybe i'm just used to them, i always feel a little lost using other cams that not my own.

i got to use the nikon d700 at school for the fashion photo shoot, GREAT picture quality, but man that thing was heavy... :P

[Astraia]

i got a nikon too! but it's just a D40, though. The sony alpha kicks ass! <3
i fail miserably in photography. i usually get the shutter speed and aperture wrong. :(

CARBON! Link puhleeeeaz! <3

[Falsate]

It's better to send it over MSN for reasons o.o.

[rutea7]

Oh yeah, the Prince of Persia artwork is pretty good also. I just need to learn to get the artist name lol.


Maxime Desmettre did concept art for prince of persia, amazing stuff.

his website: http://www.maxisland.net/

[Falsate]

Wow...he's great! Thanks for the link too. Man..@_@! Painting is so hard for me though.

[Astraia]

http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=345&pictureid=2737


http://finalfantasy-xiii.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=345&pictureid=2738

[rutea7]

cool new stuff, i love the one with all those figures pilled up together.

what colouring techniques do u use?

[Astraia]

......techniques? D:

*thinks..*

i usually use a lot of stuff in my works....watercolour, coloured pencils, the mechanical pencil, poster colors and the handy dandy technical pen. i experiment with them and somehow they ended up looking like that. After scanning, i adjust the other stuff in photoshop.

[rutea7]

cool :)

(The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.)

[Falsate]

Do you have to have a high quality scanner? My Images always seem to have this grey blotch in the middle like a dark spot and it's pure white paper. I'd like my images t look sharp but still not so rough when I turn up the contrast.

[Sundance Kid]

cool new stuff, i love the one with all those figures pilled up together.

what colouring techniques do u use?
She uses SEXY techniques.

[Astraia]

...i never thought wearing skimpy outfits while painting would actually do wonders. D:

[Falsate]

What type of scanner do you use, What brand rather? The one I got gives this gray blotch and the contrast is sometimes horrible.

[Astraia]

it's the 3-in-1 shiz from Brother. i don't know if it's a high-quality scanner/printer/copier, because it's just cheap, but the results are mostly good.

Maybe there's something wrong with your scanner, or try to adjust the configurations.

[Falsate]

Oh ok lol. Well, mine is cheap as well maybe it's your awesome post work that does wonders.