Hey, Mar! Thanks for your comment. I do really recommend that you try out 3D softwares, Zbrush especially! It has helped me think about shapes and lighting! You spend a lot of time problemsolving if the concept for the model you are making isn't clear, and you often have to do it in ways that fit reality. This mentality translates over to 2D, and is really helpful!
Hey, Fira! Yes, to both questions! Zbrush is an awesome program
And as for the painting, the technique I used didn't necessarily require gradient maps, but it is a quick way to put down color so you can work on top of it afterwards! By managing values separately, you can put more focus into making it look right and then jump into colors with gradient maps and start working off there Glad you liked my derpy fish too!
Here is the textured model that I posted a few days ago
https://sketchfab.com/models/3956dfef78f34298b986ed6dbc562e60
@delta_hexagon @Schmigel and @Imphelikz - Thank you!
Not sure who you mean by Hampton, but I love Andrew Loomis, he was a great artist from the early 1900s. I am probably going to look more into references from this time, as there are a lot of great forgotten modern artists from it. This will have to wait until next week though!
Wont be posting until tuesday as I have an exam on monday Thank you all again.
Nice work!
I think I would make both the chars eyes much smaller/not that wide open. It looks like they're VERY scared or excited
With the right one, the jaw line stops too far to the back and her ear is quite thin. Her nose is very small for how realistic you've drawn and you give the chin too little space. Here's what I mean:
I think it helps to first sketch out the head shape and proportions before adding any detail.