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darkspeeds — The Island's Hidden Agenda
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Published: 2008-09-07 13:28:02 +0000 UTC; Views: 3640; Favourites: 85; Downloads: 45
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[SECOND EDIT]I've updated the image with a cross between the original and the new version! So there is less highlights and shadows but it still maintains the contrasting and colours that you would expecting from a semi-glazed painting! = )
Thanks for all your feedback, comments and critique guys! I really appreciate! = ) *thumbs up*
[END OF SECOND EDIT]
[EDIT]
Wow! WOW!
I was having another informative and practical session with via Skype and Team Viewer and he had killed two birds with one stone for me.
One - I had a problem regarding how to create and export a sequence object in one of Adobe's animation programs (it was Adobe Aftereffects that was able to solve the problem). Now I can animated the objects I want to be added into the animation project as a whole.
Secondly he had managed to convince me to use BURN and DODGE tools in Adobe on a finished piece to enhance the colours, shading of this drawing. I was blown by the effects. XXD What do you think of the enchancement now? It looks more realistic and to me I feel that in exchange for having it look more 'overthetop' (which can be bad if you overdo it) but it looks more shinier like a glazed painting. This is the exact look that I want for the cover and the new colouring style.
Thanks a whole bunch bro once again! I owe you big time.
Also thanks to all of those who have been commenting on my work so far! I shall be doing my best to reply to them when I can! *thumbs up*
[END OF EDIT]
Ta-daa!
This took my half my Sunday! I'm enjoying this new painting style! = ) Let's see what do I have to do next? Well I'm going to make further updates to the TGAF website (stay tuned as I will be making a mention of this on my journal on DA!
) and I'm going to continue on with my comic pages as scheduled! Anyways thanks for your lovely feedback on the sketch work of this cover! This coloured version ain't perfect, I'm sure there are several ways to improve this piece!
One thing I have noticed is Ruby... There is something in there that is bothering me... Hmm... I wonder what it is? Is she making the pic look messy/busy? Are her colours off? Is the armour not shiny/metalic enough? I'm actually pleased with Stream, Duke and Salah... But Ruby... I don't know...
Feel free to let me know what you think!
*thumbs up*(Looks like I have set to ALLOW COMMENTS which means critique may be encouraged! O.O; Taking a risk here! *SHOT* XD I'm more than happy to know what I can do to improve the compositions/dynamics (i.e. how I angled or positioned characters, less is better concept etc...) of drawings like these in future! *thumbs up again*)
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Comments: 104
OMG WHAT ART PROGRAM DID YOU USE TO CREATE THIS?! 83
THIS IS SOOOOO COOL! X3
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Just regular Adobe Photshop - I used version 7 for this is pretty oldschool but still works like magic!
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Wow, all the characters look really kewl there. I like their expressions, the colours and the style.
Great job.
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I realize you've already recieved helpful critique on this, but I disagree with the advice given by chemb0t and the result. (Also, I'm not necessarrily stating that you should edit this piece... but regard this critique for future reference, and consider this painting/drawing good practice.)
I can see how the dodge and burn tools helped to give the piece more contrast, but next time I'd suggest playing with complimentary colors for shading instead of black/darker values of the base color. Right now, despite the deeper/more intence values/shades, it feels flat. That can work with lineart to create depth, but not in a piece like this where lineart is minimal.
I also wouldn't use the dodge/burn tools. They're helpful for minor touch-ups, but they just have a heavy-handed result if not done right, which sadly is kind of the case here. In fact, one will often hear digital artists implying that 'crap' artists rely on 'lens flare' and the dodge/burn tool. Those tools are renowned for being overused and tacky. You didn't go overboard however, so that's good. I'd just hate for another artist to be sucked in by dodge/burn as being a quick-fix shading method.
I'm not bothered by the arrangement/perspective of the characters. I realize its supposed to be a sort of composite illustration much like a comic cover. However, my problem is that everything blends together. They each have the same light-source, level of detail and colors. There aren't any elements that seperate the characters, or imply that Ruby is in the foreground and Stream in the background... for example, I honestly thought Duke was stabbing Ruby in the head and that's why she looks so distressed, knowing full well that didn't happen in the comic. Giving Ruby more detail and possibly an outline would have helped, as would fading Duke and Streams colors/details a slight bit (stream more so) or make them less bold, because that would imply Ruby was the foreground/focus. In fact, Ruby is blurrier/sketchier than the other two... you'd assume Stream was the focus, as he has the smoothest shading. Like the 'camera' focused on him and ignored the other two. There's also a problem in that your darkest shades are black on each character. Often times its best to avoid black with shading all together.
You always need an area of focus and composition that makes your eye moove smoothly over the page -- right now the focus is on EVERYONe and that's a bit irritating on the eyes. As an artist, especially a commercial artist, you have to think and draw with the intenion of pleasing the eye.
The main reason I'm offering this critique is that you seem pretty set on publication and commercial success, and while the skills shown in the work above are good enough to make an interesting work for fun, they just aren't solid enough yet to stand up to proffessional criticism/scrutiny (I could actually say the same for most of your coloring... your lineart is much stronger than your coloring, which is rather gimmicky and flat). I don't think that this, as a cover, could hold its own on a shelf next to other comics.
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Wow...
Critique of this length and quality doesn't come so often on deviantART. My sincere thanks in advance Amandalafrenais on your advice, acknowledgments and honesty to the conclusion on whether this piece alone in the front stand of a comic book store can sell or not.
I liked how you talked about how they all shared the same light source which distorted the illusion of a separation of the elements pleasing to the eye - that was something I really wanted to achieve but failed I guess to the greedy temptation of shadows and bright glows for a shine effect.
I think what I can do for a future piece similar to this is to have separate layers of each character and shade them with a different and contrasting colour. I've been browsing through a couple of galleries in [link] lately and I've seen some amazing things there. I'm going to see if I can find some inspiration and compile some of the things you said for my next coloured drawing.
Both Jason and I agreed via Skype that the burn and dodge tools are to be used sparingly for touch-ups, we do appreciate the fact that they shouldn't be overdone for effect. Though I may possibly explore a little more on those two tools to enhance the shine of a picture - I feel that there is so much more to offer with the burn and dodge tools.
The funny thing about what you said on the focus between Ruby and Stream was that I thought I've managed to blur Steam out of focus but I guess I didn't blur him out enough to create the fade/distant effect... 
Anyways thanks again for this I really appreciate it. *thumbs up*
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I saw the B&W before, but just now I seeing it in color! Fantastic Job, Elson!
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Holy Moses!!!
This is just stunning work
the colours and the poses are very eyecatching =3
i can't wait for the first book to come out
Excellent 
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Holy Travis Touchdown on a pogo stick while fighting Sephiroth in KH2FM+ on Critical Mode. This is the exact same process you did with The Tempest of Flame and Wind and it's still amazing!
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Oh wait! Painting effect? I've seen that on like Sonic X And pokemon where they'd freeze everything knda. So the colors would be darker! Never mind ignore my dumb comment from before.
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Did Duke always have a tan face? The reason I am asking is because of this pic here [link] But then again...I can see a bit of mild tan on him in this picture....Was it just that the light was shining so bright on him? I thought Duke's face was white from that pic I ju7st gave you the link to though. Maybe it was more of a light tan then white? Yeah, looks to be more of a light tan in that pic....Point is, Duke's skin color seems to be a little darker then before. But still, it's a cool pic.^^
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Yup I made an attempt with the painting style and so far the constructive feedback on it has been generally positive. I really appreciate how some of the guys have been able to approach me honestly on this piece. Some tips and suggestions won't hurt to know and if I don't agree with some of them then that's fair enough.
Oh Duke? Nah it's actually cream in colour. = ) He has white, cream and grey as base colours of his fur/skin. ^^
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Oh! Really? Cool!^^ So the color on his face is cream right? Cool!^^ I have to make more Ashworth fan art!^_^ Be on the look out for my next Ashworth fan picture.
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I'd love to see it Emily!
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I gotta type this a bit quick, since I really need to head to sleep soon. <_< Mmm, honestly I currently prefer your old illustrative coloring style over this one. I feel you should spend some more time practicing your painting style.
I'm gonna have to highly disagree with Jason's advice here. I would advise against using the burn and dodge tool in your illustrations. They are basically your worst enemy when it comes to understanding the nature of shadows and highlights, because it's a cheap way out of figuring it out for yourself, and like you said, it creates an overdone metallic look on what's supposed to be fur. All I see is white transitioning to base color transitioning to black. The highlights are overdone, and your yellows and oranges are also too saturated and could use some darkening in some areas. The composition suffers because of these bright, chaotic colors and the fact that there's no focal point with all that's going on in the cover. I would also recommend using much harder brushes, as many areas in your picture are too soft.
Hope this helped.
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I was going to ask for your feedback on this the other night. XD I needed some advance tips from someone who's already doing it for the good of education and profession.
I reckon it's not a cheap way if manipulated skillfully and carefully enough. I'm readjusting the properties to layers and making comparisons at the moment, I think I like what I can achieve which is an in-between of the first and the latest.
The middle-ground version is not too much in the highlights and there is room for comfortable contrasting. *thumbs up*
I even asked my mum for an opinion and she agrees with your feedback.
Ultimately I'm going to use the middle ground version for the final cover - I'm taking into consideration of feedback on both styles and make the most out of it. *thumbs up*
Thanks Raul!
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Hey, I'm always available for feedback. There's no shame in asking for it. I do that a lot too. Jason does have a point, though. Although dodge and burn can be used to correct a few things (REEEEAALLY tiny things), it's still being abused by people using it for quick shading, and I believe this image easily fits that description. Using the tool is an amateurish tactic that will not help you stand out among your competition (aka other comic artists) in terms of presentation quality, and despite your intentions on how you wanted it to look, I would advise you to not get comfortable with it. I could probably go into greater detail concerning this, but I feel these sentences summarize what I'm trying to say. Just remember, the brush is your real friend. He wants to play with you! Have fun with him.
You're certainly welcome.
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And I certainly did!
I spent over 5 hours painting and refining the original version.
Jason showed up at the end of the process and I eventually used his suggestion and it took me less than half an hour to shade the way it is now. XXD
So don't worry I will be utilising both skills as much and as equally as possible!
Man I feel better now that I've finally spoken out how I really felt about the string of events regarding the critique fiasco with Veronica and Oliver.
You remember when I was like 'Mmmh... Neeghh...!' and all when you asked: "Why do you disagree with their feedback?".
It didn't really make sense when I was somewhat agreeing what they said and also not agreeing with what they say. Well... Now you will know why. My full reply is complete and hopefully will bring closure to this issue I've had for many months. I wasn't strong enough to tell you my true reason for being so ignorant of their wise words (I didn't want to pass it on to Jason nor, my family, friends, fanbase nor anyone else. Just wanted it to be kept between them and myself).
I already told you that several times on Skype that Veronica's as well as Oliver's critique have always been excellent but there's just that one thing that bothered me.
That one thing.
Anyway best to ignore it, I'm feeling much better and the only way out of this is to move on (heh...heh... Yeah man... I will do my very best).
I'll be sure to enter the realm of ConceptArt.Org when I feel that I am ready to evolve my art into the next stage. *thumbs up* Thanks for suggestion such an awesome resource - just the splash page alone looks kick ass!
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Glad I could help. =] *bow*
It's funny that you use the word criticism. Colloquially, critique and criticism are different. To most people, the former means constructive feedback and support whereas the latter means destructive and negative feedback, like nit-picking. XD; So I think it's better to say that you would like critique on your painting rather than criticism. I suppose you can call that my critique on your description.
I think that the composition works really well, especially with the logo placed in. It will definitely make an eyecatching cover. Nice work with the new tools as well. There's a lot more depth now compared to the original pic. The only thing I can see that seems to stand out is Ruby's sword. The foreshortening is good, and I think it could be enhanced if it were at a lesser angle. Swords tend to lose their effect if they look short. =B
Anyway as I shared witht Elson, the main reason I think people see the dodge and burn tools as being overrated and over the top is that they try to use them as a lazy substitute for placing in shades and highlights.
This is not the proper way to use these tools. They are originally designed to control exposure levels on photos, so rather than place in shades and highlights, they are simply meant to enhance pre-existing ones. They can add more depth to shadows, more light to highlights, and interpolate saturation levels, giving a photo or COMPLETED painting/picture more life. The key is to use these tools sparingly on a picture. Over use will lead to over/under exposure, which will make the piece look really overdone (Unless that's what you were going for XD).
I hope that clarifies questions people my have. Dodge and Burn are nothing new at all. It's just that they've gotten a bad rep through improper use. =]
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Holy crud!! Sorry bout' that! I was suppose to write critique, not criticism! X_X;; Ha ha! Must be another late night I'm having! X_X;;;
Gosh you not only have provided feedback on the updated piece but also shared with us some insight and theory into the Dodge/Burn shading tools of Adobe. XXD Nice!
Thanks again bro! I couldn't have done this without your encouragement and help! *thumbs up*
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stream is so hawt
nice job again big bro . i love how this came out.
ruby looks like she's gonna kill someone
good day to you Big Bro and goodluck to making more of TGAF comics
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This so kicks arse! OuO
Excellent work with the use of color! Love the shading and highlights
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Welcome to the "We paint without lines" Sonic Club XDD
Enjoy your time XD
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:3
Awesome shading and lighting darkseeds
Like how the eyes on Ruby seem to stand out alot, as if their glowing. Stream looks pretty netural, he does seem happy more though, which is a good look for him
P.S: Ruby looks as though she's saying "Garrr Scurvy 
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XD dang-- new style coloring but looks awesome!
Duke Vienna wins the coolest pose/expression-prize here >: D
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This is absolutely... stunning. *______*
I am SO gonna try to use burn and dodge now
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Oh wow that looks amazing, defiantly need to buy your book.
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Yeah man that would be much appreciated Phil!
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I've not written anything yet, but I got a flash of inspiration on the way back from work today, so I'm gonna give it a go a little later tonight, I'll let you know how it goes.
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Oh BTW could you do me a kind favour? Do you remember when I had sent your two files of the Lyrics? Could you send me the one containing a whole bunch of lines on the duet song that I had planned to do with Roris? It almost went for 3/4 pages! I still hope you have it cuz apparently my original is deleted! X_X;;
Nevertheless it's all good if you don't have it anymore! *thumbs up*
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I've sent what I have on to you through your msn address, hope it helps.
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I look forward to it buddy!
I may very well make a medley of all the songs I will be singing with friends for the contest! XXXD
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lolz criticize u uh oh
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Looks fucking sexy, one qualm I have with it though is that the shades are too dark, and seem to "overpower" the rest of the work if you know what I mean...
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Whoot! Okay, okay! First off burn and dodge tools are my favorite photoshop tool, hands down. I absolutely detest hard shading. Not from other people, no, but having to do it myself, yes! XD
Now then, about the image itself; it's very very intresting. The colors and the shading are definately something to nod your head at, and the shading style really helps the viewer distinguish the parts of the body. The only thing I can really say that bothers me, is that maybe the highlights may be a little /to/ strong or frequent, because it draws my eyes, and I find it hard to break away, with out flying directly to another one. The composition of the picture is of course as awesome as usual, and it's not hard to tell what's going on. Conflict caused by Stream. Salah's down at the bottom, and that made me a little confused, (I couldn't tell who, or what that was) but now that I know, I think it was a nice touch to balance out the image! ;3 I really like this coloring style over all, and I would love to see a mix of this and your usual for later works.
You know, though, I don't think I know about half the stuff I'm talking about. X_x; Sorreh. XD
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Ah, you know what? Scratch what I said about the highlights. Wehn I look at the image zoomed out, it makes more sense to me. ;3
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Ha ha! XD Nah man I'm cool with your critique Lin!
The final cover will be combining those elements together to get the most out of a cover that may sell well in the store.
Again I appreciate your comments Lin! = ) Don't be afraid to let me know what you really think in future!
Anyways if you don't me I'm going to go off on one with the man who replied to your comment. Please excuse my language.
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Okay.
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Yeah...
But besides that yeah man I've been hoping to bring out Salah a little more because his colours looked monotoned at first! He looked so dull in terms of colour contrast and appeal that he didn't stand out too well. I'm glad you have reinforced what I have planned to do on Salah's bit!
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