ART WAR 4 | 2D | War of the Elements | Champion | just-an-illustrator

[nesokaiyoh]

Hmm the first iteration with the arrows is nice, but you have a lot of conflicting shapes there in terms of gesture and direction i.e. there are so many straight lines pointing in different directions that it's difficult for the eye to traverse (that includes the straight lines from the swords in her hands too). Have you thought about messing around more with the bear? Like instead of the girl seemingly attacking or defending, you could make use of that great big powerful animal instead. After all, why would she risk injury with a shield like that right?

In terms of choice though, I do prefer the lower one, and it makes more sense story wise

[just-an-illustrator]

@nesokaiyoh Thank you!! Your feedback is really helpful!
I think i see what you mean, about the lines and directions, i think i will change it so it won't be so all over the place.
Hmm, i am not sure i can picture what the bear can do.. i think of it like the symbol of nature and untouched forests, he mostly has to watch how humans destroy nature. But i will sketch some more and see if something comes up!
Thank you!

[nesokaiyoh]

Oh that's fair enough! I had automatically assumed he was attacking too because of the girl lol

[Oceane_Roh]

This will certainly be the 2-2 for me. The arrows are a nice touch and help the eye to reach the important points. And the darker background look more like a wall (kind of a metaphorical wall), they look more cornered and there's a lot of tension going on

[max.minard]

2-2 look better to be to. It attract more the eye to the subject and depict the two characters together, wich I think is way better. Also having her next to the bear help giving emphasis to the size of the animal.

[just-an-illustrator]

@Oceane_Roh
@max.minard
Thank you!!
I like how like entry 2 feels and the dark backgrounds might work really well! I like the wall idea very much. And also i do want to show the characters as a team.

[just-an-illustrator]

As time gets shorter and shorter i think i will only be able to make one illustration. So... colors tests for my entry.
Color is very very important for me, if i can trust my colors i feel more productive and better about what i'm working on.
I won't trace the fox and bear in the final entry tho xD for now they help me make a better idea of what it can be. Time is precious.

[Oceane_Roh]

For me, you should really think of the season and the climat your want to use, this would be huge in term of story telling. Winter -> forest is dead, they are some kind of surviror, Spring -> reborn of the forest, let's kick out these men, Summer -> kind of a equivalent fight, Fall -> the forest is dying.
And I might say I love the fall for the story, so I would go over your last version which has a really good vibe for this

[just-an-illustrator]

@Oceane_Roh Thank you!! This is a very good idea and honestly, it didn't cross my mind xD
I really appreciate this suggestion. I will definitely use the season as a story moment, and also i will keep an open eye and mind for even more ways to add to the story.

[Oceane_Roh]

Yeah this is something we forget about too often, even me, but it a great way to set up a mood and transmit emotions. The weather, time of day, they are a major part of the environnement and they are too often neglected ^^

[just-an-illustrator]

Here is the lineart. Now most of my elements look like i'd like them to.
Some things might still change as i start to color and render.
I really need to find a better expression for her face.

[just-an-illustrator]

Now we're on the rendering train, full steam ahead.
Today's work.
The first step was to fill in and block big shapes and colors. Not too many edges now, but i hope i won't end up with dusty or muddy colors.
I really enjoy the autumn color palette! Thank you @Oceane_Roh !!

[Oceane_Roh]

You are very welcome ! It look really cool. The fox is a very nice touch too, I love the small notes you've add :')
The only thing bothering me a bit is that an arm is a bit smaller than the other one
Keep going

[just-an-illustrator]

Today's progress.
Values have shifted a bit, i darkened some places a bit to much i think, but i will change that tomorrow!
Also.... Tomorrow is the day i try to work her face xD

[just-an-illustrator]

The character is slowly coming along too.
I still need to work on her expression.

[just-an-illustrator]

Only a few steps left now!
Adjusting lighting and colors, tweaking details here and there and i think by tomorrow it will be done! Meanwhile... this meme pops into my head continuously.

[nesokaiyoh]

Haha that screenshot

Yeah it's definitely coming together! I think you nailed the bear's expression! I think the bg could transition a bit better into the middleground though, the trees behind the stairs looks a little 2D like a backdrop. The hue and values are lovely though, it's looking good

[just-an-illustrator]

Today's work.
Last minute changes are so fun. The legs didn't work well, and her arms were just a bit too weak for fighting.
I tried to work on he background more and this is what i can do in this present time xD

[just-an-illustrator]

Here is my final drawing, i did my best.
I am so happy i had the opportunity to enter this contest and i learned a lot!!
Even though this illustration has room to improve, i think it's not altogether bad. It was really fun working on it and it was quite a challenge.
Looking forward for the next edition!

meanwhile... i am looking at it and this pops into my head.

[nesokaiyoh]

Haha congratulations on your piece. This past month has honestly gone by really fast, but I've enjoyed seeing all your concepts and updates and sketches, best of luck friend