Suggestions on Techniques

[Animelee]

So, I this is my first topic, errr, post, in the Fan Art forum. I've been drawing since I was born, and from then, it's been a deep hobby of mine. I know I am not the best; or even average, but I still do it. Why? Just 'cause.

I draw pretty often - mostly Pokémon or Nintendo characters. My friend has his own oekaki, so I said to myself, "Eh, why not? You've been doing it with a pencil for so many years, why not try a mouse?" So, I tried...

http://filb.greenchu.de/php/oekaki/p...ctures/493.png <--- This is my first attempt at mouse drawing. I know, I know, don't tell me...

http://filb.greenchu.de/php/oekaki/p...ctures/494.png <--- This was my second, just a few hours after my first.

http://filb.greenchu.de/php/oekaki/p...ctures/513.png <--- Ugh.

http://filb.greenchu.de/php/oekaki/p...ctures/504.png <--- Better, but still not the best.

http://filb.greenchu.de/php/oekaki/p...ctures/524.png <--- My jaw dropped when this one got archived. I think my friend felt sorry for me, LOL.

http://filb.greenchu.de/php/oekaki/p...ctures/552.png <--- This is my newest one, inspired by playing Colosseum all the time. I know they look babyish, I did that on purpose. Remember, Ho-oh created the legendary dogs, so this is how they looked as youngins.

So, please, give me tips, ANY tips, on how I could improve. Do you notice any patterns I have that I should change? I want to get better, so I figured why not ask for help from the forum-goers of the forum I visit the most. ^^ I hope to one day be as good as Ken Sugimori, if that's even possible.

[Civmonopolis]

I'm confused is this supposed to be links to the pics or is my computer just stupid and takes me to the website where everythings in German. I'm so confused!!! I really want to see the pics because I'm a fan of art anykind especially pokemon and you say you've been drawing all your life that must mean your at least better than me. Which is good in my eyes. Anyone better than me is good. I'm saying I'm good or anything I'm just saying that I'm bad.

Oh sorry getting a little carried away.

[Soneko]

Oekaki is efil.

Lugia- I like this one. Im not really fond of pictures that are only of heads (and little other bits) inless they' were worked on alot... but it looks nice. I think you should try shading more areas, like all the feathers/fingers on the wings... also, I cant see any shading really, just lighting. S'yeah... But other then shading, I like the lineart, and its drawn real nicely.

Jirachi- His pose is cute. The shading could be worked on (like before) but thats really it. Maybe try using the burn/dodge tools. Ehm, yep... nothing looks wrong, or anything. Its just... cute. ^^;

Lati- Kay... uhm, its neck seems to be as thick as its body, I think thats the problem. Also it needs thicker lines with lower opacity, or just thicker. The shading is nice though, maybe try blurring it (Im not sure if you did, Im stupid that way)... Also, if you draw pokemon in the backround, you should either work on they're anatomy, blur them, or choose simple pokemon. Rapidash looks kinda stick-figurish. ^^;

Group pic- I like this ones lines, and shading... I like the whole thing really. ^^; Im not overly fond of cel shading, but you did it nicely... so yeah.

Starters- Its cute... Im not overly fond of chibi stuff... The eyes are sweet. I think the shading could be worked on more (again.. ^^. Oh, and Charmanders right arm seems to be coming out from lower then the other arm. Doesnt matter much since its chibi though. X_x

Teh legendaries- Its nice, like the above. Shading and all, and lines. I think Ho-oh's lower beak part thing is larger then the top one, and his left talon is smaller the the right... and Raikou doesnt seem to have a chest, but thats it. ^^; Ehm... yeah, its good, I just think the few proportional problems could be fixed.

Overall, I think yer very good, but you draw pokemon in unoriginal poses a bunch... or else just changing little things. I think it would be nice if you drew them doing stuff you dont always see, or in ways you dont always see... its usually more interesting. ^^;

[Animelee]

Woah, thanks for the tips. I will definitely work on being proportionate and I'll try out more original poses.

http://filb.greenchu.de/php/oekaki/p...sortartist2=Go <--- Does this link work, Civmonopolis?

So oekakis are evil? I'm getting a scanner this weekend, so should I post sketches to get evaluated, instead?

[Soneko]

The link works, if you meant to link to the oekaki... ^^;

And I think that yes, you should post your scanned drawings. It would be a good idea to get an art program too, like Paint Shop Pro or Adobe Photoshop. They're both good, but Photoshop is uh, better (inless your getting PSP8... then its basically equal), but more expensive. ^_^; Kay.

[Animelee]

I used all the advice I could gather, and I made a new one, which is attached to the message. My friend just upgraded his oekaki to use Shi-Painter, which is totally awesome -- smooth, and easy to control.

I did this from memory, so I know there may be a few features missing.

Any furthur advice would be appreciated.

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