New Colorist and I need some peers advice

yakattack_one · 03-07-2009, 05:14 PM

Hello,
I have not been coloring that long. I wanted to post this to see what people thought, suggest changes, etc. I need good honest reviews. Thank you. I am a big boy and I can take it please let me have it...

BKMDog · 03-07-2009, 06:25 PM

I think it needs to be considerably larger if you want people to see what may be right or wrong about it.

yakattack_one · 03-07-2009, 08:05 PM

It is hosted through IMAGEBAM.
I am not sure how to get the image bigger.
You can click on the link to see the full size.
I am trying to figure out the problem with the image size.

yakattack_one · 03-07-2009, 08:14 PM

BSJ · 03-07-2009, 09:11 PM

I don't like the background, or the lighting effect that has been applied to some of the buildings, and the street. The reason being the character in the piece, and the style of coloring doesn't mesh with the realistic background.

The character needs more depth. You basically have flatted the character and done a bit of rim lighting. If you character is in the middle of the city, there is likely going to be bits of light coming from all over. Also, you could really provide more detail with your lighting. For example, there are creases in the feet, and ankles, but the lighting on them is very basic, similar to a cell-shaded piece. The forearm is another example. The artist who pencilled, and/or inked the piece has indicated the triceps muscle, but the lighting doesn't support the art.

The character's hair is quite generic, and shows no hightlights. It almost looks like a filter was used in coloring the hair.

I am not a very good colorist myself, and do not get enough time to spend working on my drawing, let alone my color work, so I am not sure how much value this C&C will provide, but just keep working on it, and when you are just starting out, use references, especially if going for a more realistic look. Google Images is your friend.

Keep up the good work.

~Brian

yakattack_one · 03-07-2009, 09:28 PM

Brian,
I value what you have to say. I will start making changes on it ASAP. As for the background, could you recommend something better to use or try?

BSJ · 03-07-2009, 10:26 PM

Just have fun with it.

If you are creating the piece as a learning exercise, then you have a number of options. You could leave as is, or you can use the existing background as a reference, as essentially outline the buildings with the line tool in photoshop, and then color the buildings in the same style you use on the foreground character. Or you could attempt to draw your own background.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I do not consider myself a good colorist, and would say I am probably only average with my drawing skills. I have found that it has been beneficial to me to focus on a particular aspect of a piece and not worry as much about the rest. For example, you could simply work on coloring the character, and paint a generic background in. If you are working to build a portfolio, this would not be an option for you, as someone reviewing your work won't give a damn about a solo character with a generic background...they will want to see completed works.

stardreamn · 03-16-2009, 11:18 PM

I agree with what was said ... colouring isn't as easy as it looks ...lol... old school was easier ... took me some time to convert to digital ... and still learning ... key is to keep trying ... keep playing ... try something new .... my suggestion, don't worry bout the back ground for now ... if you dig this pic, work single lighting, from one angle ... then do it again from another angle ... work the figure, the muscles and how the light would play with it ... throu a graded background in for contrast ... feel the figure in 3D in your head ...

Can't wait to see more from ya!

Miguel Marques · 03-17-2009, 06:27 AM

One that I liked.
http://www.centraldequadrinhos.com/f...131&highlight=

03-07-2009, 05:14 PM	#1
yakattack_one Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 127	New Colorist and I need some peers advice Hello, I have not been coloring that long. I wanted to post this to see what people thought, suggest changes, etc. I need good honest reviews. Thank you. I am a big boy and I can take it please let me have it...

03-07-2009, 08:14 PM	#4
yakattack_one Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 127	Lets try this

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03-07-2009, 06:25 PM	#2
BKMDog Registered Trademark Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,242	I think it needs to be considerably larger if you want people to see what may be right or wrong about it.

03-07-2009, 08:05 PM	#3
yakattack_one Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 127	It is hosted through IMAGEBAM. I am not sure how to get the image bigger. You can click on the link to see the full size. I am trying to figure out the problem with the image size.

03-07-2009, 09:11 PM	#5
BSJ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Langley, WA Posts: 178	I don't like the background, or the lighting effect that has been applied to some of the buildings, and the street. The reason being the character in the piece, and the style of coloring doesn't mesh with the realistic background. The character needs more depth. You basically have flatted the character and done a bit of rim lighting. If you character is in the middle of the city, there is likely going to be bits of light coming from all over. Also, you could really provide more detail with your lighting. For example, there are creases in the feet, and ankles, but the lighting on them is very basic, similar to a cell-shaded piece. The forearm is another example. The artist who pencilled, and/or inked the piece has indicated the triceps muscle, but the lighting doesn't support the art. The character's hair is quite generic, and shows no hightlights. It almost looks like a filter was used in coloring the hair. I am not a very good colorist myself, and do not get enough time to spend working on my drawing, let alone my color work, so I am not sure how much value this C&C will provide, but just keep working on it, and when you are just starting out, use references, especially if going for a more realistic look. Google Images is your friend. Keep up the good work. ~Brian

03-07-2009, 09:28 PM	#6
yakattack_one Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 127	Brian, I value what you have to say. I will start making changes on it ASAP. As for the background, could you recommend something better to use or try?

03-07-2009, 10:26 PM	#7
BSJ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Langley, WA Posts: 178	Just have fun with it. If you are creating the piece as a learning exercise, then you have a number of options. You could leave as is, or you can use the existing background as a reference, as essentially outline the buildings with the line tool in photoshop, and then color the buildings in the same style you use on the foreground character. Or you could attempt to draw your own background. As I mentioned in my previous post, I do not consider myself a good colorist, and would say I am probably only average with my drawing skills. I have found that it has been beneficial to me to focus on a particular aspect of a piece and not worry as much about the rest. For example, you could simply work on coloring the character, and paint a generic background in. If you are working to build a portfolio, this would not be an option for you, as someone reviewing your work won't give a damn about a solo character with a generic background...they will want to see completed works.

03-16-2009, 11:18 PM	#8
stardreamn Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: near Toronto Posts: 74	I agree with what was said ... colouring isn't as easy as it looks ...lol... old school was easier ... took me some time to convert to digital ... and still learning ... key is to keep trying ... keep playing ... try something new .... my suggestion, don't worry bout the back ground for now ... if you dig this pic, work single lighting, from one angle ... then do it again from another angle ... work the figure, the muscles and how the light would play with it ... throu a graded background in for contrast ... feel the figure in 3D in your head ... Can't wait to see more from ya!

03-17-2009, 06:27 AM	#9
Miguel Marques Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Brasil Posts: 2,068	One that I liked. http://www.centraldequadrinhos.com/f...131&highlight=