Among us illustration, could use some outside input

[PeterH]

Hey all! I was just looking for some input, purely compositional, on which of these poses you think might work best as a standalone image, and then also with the back split open like the monster from IT or carrion or among us, name a horror movie because she is the monster of course.

I have some idea in my head, but want some other opinions. Also the little helmet will likely be a reflective surface, so keep that in mind as well.

And feel free to share an opinion no matter who you are and why you think it!

edit: forgot to number em!
so just follow this order
1 2 3
4 5 6

[Artcaster]

First of all great concept! I love space horror! Also nice contrast between the cold uniform and the warm skin. And the helmet is such a nice touch.
Now you can either go for man-eating sex monster or misunderstood sympathetic monster. I understand you prefer the first (e.g. IT) but I will explore both because you had such a great idea that can go both ways.
1: Nah. Stiff pose and too symmetric.
2: Great for bad monster. It's an alluring pose and you can show in the visor's reflection her victim's expression; Either lust before the transformation or pure terror during the "change".
3: Great for sympathetic monster. The pose reminds of classic paintings where beauty is emphasized through the curves of the back without being crass with full frontal nudity. Also it reveals vulnerability which amplifies the "human" side of the character.
4: Nah. That's a very negative pose because her expression is hostile, and it implies the viewer barged in. The perspective is off too. Also you don't take advantage of the helmet which is such a great visual element.
5: Nah. Looks like a glamour pose. Nuff said.
6: Great for either the good or the bad monster. It has all the elements of 2 and 3 so you can go either way.
These are my thoughts, and I'd love to see how you realize your vision!

[PeterH]

Ahh! What a fun idea to go with a sympathetic monster. I may very well go forward with that.

I had decided to run with number 3 and 6, which are you said are the best of the poses. I have been delighted by how people who understand art and composition have been so consistent on this. But I was also delighted that people like my wife and kids also thought that those were the best but "couldn't tell me why, I don't know it just looks better for some reason."

I have to say that there is no better verification than getting all levels of interest pointing the same way.

Again, thanks for the input, and thanks for that sympathetic monster idea. I am going to toss that one around in my head before I do the monster painting tomorrow.