Soaperlol ([info]soap_committee) wrote,
@ 2008-04-21 14:56:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Current mood: busy

It's goin' around, and it looks like a helpful meme.
1. Do I have a distinct style of drawing?
2. If so, what exactly is it that defines my "style"?
3. Would you say my art usually follows a 'theme'?
4. Is there anything I really need to improve on or change?
5. Does my style (if I have one) remind you of/look like the style of anyone else?
6. Judging from whatever art of mine that you've seen, what do you think I do the best at?
7. What do you think I suck at?

Be brutally honest or whatever! I'm only most aware that I draw too many busty women, not enough original characters, and I have the usual anatomy struggles. I need you all to help me realize my other flaws <3




(Post a new comment)


[info]crinaea
2008-04-21 11:13 pm UTC (link)
1. not distinctive, but your own western animu style. i, for one, love it
2. your style is defined by your ability to evoke a great deal of facial expression in your characters (and it really works)
3. women with big boobs, not that i'm complaining
4. foreshortening of limbs
5. space coyote (i found her through clay's webcomic, then your art through hers--maybe you know kevin bacon too?)
6. faces
7. nothing sucks:P moar backgrounds/settings would be cool

(Reply to this)(Thread)


[info]soap_committee
2008-04-22 01:16 am UTC (link)
2- I'm glad you noticed! That is definitely something I wanna push.
3- XD
5- (I've never even seen a movie with Kevin Bacon but lol) Oh yes! My one-day-ideal style is Arakawa faces, Space Coyote hair, Adam Hughes coloring, Hiroaki Samura soft-well-proportioned-chicks/Ed Benes beefy people, Toshihiro Kawamoto for character design and graphic-style work, and any original twists of my own.

...That seems like a terrible way to go about developing a style. Duuuhurhur

Thank you for your tip-offs!

(Reply to this)(Parent)


[info]rms_141
2008-04-22 01:15 am UTC (link)
1. Yes, I could recognize your art in a lineup.
2. Thin lines, emphasis on extremely varied colors to define the piece. I'd call it "shiny," but that's simplifying it way too much. Also, your human figures tend to be slender.
3. Yes; you tend to draw a scene or setting that happens to have people present in it. (If you don't know what I mean, Google for Gundam Fix; it's a CG artbook by Hajime Katoki. His stated style of CG rendering was to have his mecha blend seamlessly into the scene.)
4. I wouldn't call it a "need," but if you WANT to change something, I would try to improve your rendering of the human form: more varied body styles and more definition in those forms. (Your anatomy is great.)
5. I can see a definite influence from comic books (Ed Benes' influence? Also, check out Leinil Yu and Leandro) in your anatomy, while manga tends to influence your settings and posing.
6. Definitely the depiction of varied scenery. There's a reason my commissions from you always have an emphasis on location. (And boobs, but come on.)
7. I wouldn't say you "suck" at this, but I've noticed you get involved with lengthy projects. I don't know the reasons for that; some of your Photoshop techniques are time-intensive? Or is it us commissioners being detail assholes? (Yeah, I'm still feeling guilty.) I'd say you should try to improve turnaround time.

Also, there's no such thing as "too many busty women," especially when you get paid to draw them!

(Reply to this)(Thread)


[info]soap_committee
2008-04-22 07:04 pm UTC (link)
Also, there's no such thing as "too many busty women," especially when you get paid to draw them!

Well sure, but I was speaking out of personal preference - most clients tend to want idealized long legs and large racks, which I don't find particularly sexy. *shrug* My what's-hot-viewpoints are not going to be "I want to hit that" motivated though, and it's what the customer wants so I try to learn the body type well. I do get type-casted because of my commissions, which take up most of my gallery space and are generally sexed-up in nature, while a majority of pictures I draw for my enjoyment are not like that (I'm NOT bothered by those of you who commission such pictures or answer such for #2 or 3, because I don't expect people to get a non-T&A impression when that content takes up such little space in my gallery...it is my responsibility to show what else I can do, not my clients').

6- Glad I don't disappoint!

7- Please stop feeling the need to apologize for the last commission, it is my job and I was just telling you where the line was for doable edits at that stage, nothing needing guilt on your part. (Also, I use Painter to paint, not Photoshop - except for that instance where I used the liquify tool to lengthen her legs)

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]rms_141
2008-04-22 07:22 pm UTC (link)
while a majority of pictures I draw for my enjoyment are not like that

Your originals are the highlight of your gallery. Would it surprise you if I said that Lady Liberty is the reason I commissioned you in the first place, and not stuff like Rydia & Rosa? If you keep doing stuff like Vex vs Darlene then you're going to get very popular very quickly, even if it's a commission instead of an original.

Please stop feeling the need to apologize for the last commission

Okay, okay. I'll knock it off.

(Reply to this)(Parent)


[info]junemermaid
2008-04-22 02:06 am UTC (link)
1. Do I have a distinct style of drawing?
I think so

2. If so, what exactly is it that defines my "style"?
It's not anime and it's not american comic style, its a blend of the two where I can't really say which is a more prominent influence~

3. Would you say my art usually follows a 'theme'?
Titty titty bang bang.

4. Is there anything I really need to improve on or change?
I know someone else said you use fine lines, but I tend to think of your inking as thick. I'd actually like to see more varied line widths to your art because I think some finer lines would help unflatten the image some. (I think this is more in regards to your comic work than your illusts tho)

5. Does my style (if I have one) remind you of/look like the style of anyone else?
Wow, someone said Space Coyote? The only thing I see similar is that you both have a kind of chunky inking style, kinda angular? But yeah...*coughilikeyourworkwaybettersinceit'snotapeingsomeoneelse'sstylelikehersiscoughcough*
TBH I can't think of anyone to compare you to, but I don't know much outside of manga so I'm probably not the best to ask~

6. Judging from whatever art of mine that you've seen, what do you think I do the best at?
Big boobed chicks who look like they could kick your ass.

7. What do you think I suck at?
Delicate characters? I never see you draw them, generally your characters look like they could sucker punch someone and get away with it lol~

(Reply to this)(Thread)


[info]soap_committee
2008-04-22 07:23 pm UTC (link)
4- I'm glad you said this because linework is a weakness I always ignore...and drawing comic pages on 8.5 x 11 is probably insane and unforgiving on detail.

5- While the Fujisaki Ryuu influence is there in the lineart, I think SC has her own unique style, especially in her newest work!

7- It's truuuue, even back in Watase-land my delicate characters had like abs and sinewy arms...thank you DBZ. T___T This makes me want to combine all everyone's #7 suggestions into one picture.

Thanks muchly for your critique!

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]junemermaid
2008-04-22 11:37 pm UTC (link)
4- Yeah, working that size will tend to force out details you could put in at a larger scale. I think thats why I work larger than most people, tho I'm trying to parse it down to standard manga size.

5- I can't help but see more Fujisaki than not in her work, I mean, it's GOOD, technically it's VERY good, but it just feels too much like his work for me to really appreciate her stuff I guess. I know I'm not one to talk at all tho since I get "BREEEEECH" every other day lol.

7- Thats kinda what I'm doing XD I'm sketching on things people said I don't do enough lol~

(Reply to this)(Parent)

I'm a long-winded, pompous fucker.
[info]r_magnusson
2008-04-22 04:37 am UTC (link)
1. Do I have a distinct style of drawing?
I'd say that you have definitely scoped out a section of Asian-influenced art for yourself. I think that when pressed, you can show a good sense of versatility.

2. If so, what exactly is it that defines my "style"?
There is a sense of smoothness to the characters, which is a product of the rendering and shading you use on your color pieces. They also feature the full spectrum, using shades of purple for shadows. There are also typically unnatural sources of light, sometimes with unnatural colors to go along with it. Another word I would use to describe some of your work is "flourish". It's a bit vague, but it expresses my thoughts on the matter. Your line use is often very graphic, but without the simplification of the figures and gestures.

3. Would you say my art usually follows a 'theme'?
I guess that if I was to say that if followed an ideology... it would be that it idolizes the perfect human figure, featured and drawn so frequently as to normalize these wildly aspirational body types. Much of it is also a heavy focus on pop-culture, which I guess if you wanted to try and argue it to a more "high art" minded person, could be called a postmodern pastiche of pop-culture. But the argument would be flimsy at best, since it wouldn't really be "elevating" it so much as sardonically pointing at it or in some cases glorifying it.

4. Is there anything I really need to improve on or change?
I think that you need to stress a wider variety in the subject matter and the kinds of anatomy utilized. I think also working on restricting the palettes a bit more could also be useful. Overall, perhaps the occasional attempt at simplifying and streamlining design could be a good way of establishing contrast and showing diversity in your body of work. Sometimes I feel that the color pieces are "over-colored", and it becomes a cacophony of colors, like a clown has exploded. Some people might find that appealing. I myself have only a limited taste for it. If used for the right effect, I can see it working. But overuse easily kills it.

5. Does my style (if I have one) remind you of/look like the style of anyone else?
I really can't think exactly of what your art reminds me of. While it is influenced by a popular style, I really can't say there is a specific individual of note that I can tie it to. Perhaps if you restrained your palate and continued with the advanced, detailed flourishes that sometimes characterize your work, Yoshitaka Amano (I think that's what his name is, he does a lot of the older Final Fantasy art) would be a kindred spirit.

I myself would like to see your take on Kazuma Kaneko. He has a stark minimalism in comparison, and yet he can be very heavy on details, patterns, and rendering. If you look at his artwork for Persona 2, you can see some of that in effect.

6. Judging from whatever art of mine that you've seen, what do you think I do the best at?
You have a very good sense of how to make your compositions exciting and interesting. You place characters in space very well and with a sense of depth that comes from adept use of foreshortening. I can easily see you making very good posters, covers, concept art, and even action scenes.

7. What do you think I suck at?
I don't think you necessarily suck at anything. But perhaps I would say that there isn't a sense of restraint, or a broadness of perspective. This is reflected by the narrow band of character anatomy utilized and the sometimes "overworked" nature of some finished pieces.
Apart from the occasional minor anatomical flaw, you are pretty damn competent and putting things to paper.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: I'm a long-winded, pompous fucker.
[info]soap_committee
2008-04-22 06:57 pm UTC (link)
Pompous or long-winded or whatever, I REALLY appreciate the unique analysis and the degree to which you read into everything!

4 & 7 - I completely agree agree about the body types I limit myself to, I'm glad you pointed them out.

Thank you, thank you!

(Reply to this)(Parent)


[info]cetriya
2008-04-22 02:06 pm UTC (link)
1. very, I can easly define your drawings as you but how you compose all your elements and they why in which you 'draw'
2. Strong character presence. A sort of style you'd mostly see in video games because you draw your characters more realistically proportioned and then nicely stylize the facial expressions
3. I would have to see more recent non commission work. from the few, you realy like to make 'scenes' and not just pin ups.
4. you're better then me so...
5. no one at the moment at least not close enough for it to matter. how ever , I think you would fit nicely in Udon studio. look them up on da and you'll see what I mean
6. Graphic design!! I love your colors and visual textures
7. I dissagree with the delicate character thing simply cause every one is doing that now a days. However, yeah, I havent seen you do so much different types of characters. however, I like the strong characters you do ^^ reminds of anime back when it wasnt so full of 'cute' and 'moe' and 'shouta'

(Reply to this)(Thread)


[info]soap_committee
2008-04-22 07:31 pm UTC (link)
3- I'm so glad you noticed. ;__; I feel like that stuff gets buried under the boobage.
5- Hahah, that is what my roommie says!
7- Strong characters are most enjoyable for me too, but drawing soft things would be good just so I can show I'm capable of it.

Thank you for your comment! I hope you're doing well; your big trip is in August, right?

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]cetriya
2008-04-22 07:44 pm UTC (link)
ah yes it is. so far though, not to much saved since I have to pay for school but still about 3 months to go

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]soap_committee
2008-04-22 07:48 pm UTC (link)
Good luck. :D

(Reply to this)(Parent)


[info]tragedyothelard
2008-04-22 04:14 pm UTC (link)
1. Do I have a distinct style of drawing?
ABSOLUTELY! I can tell that it is your art from a mile away, without even being on a website that has anything to DO with you or your art. (As has been proven!)

2. If so, what exactly is it that defines my "style"?
Your faces are usually a dead giveaway. Also, your anatomy is so specific that it is very easy to tell that it is you. Your art is very intense, the character that you draw is striking the exact pose that you wanted, and it is just in your face, no matter waht they are doing. Your lines are also a big hint, you always have long connected lines with no room for error.
I don't want to use the word stiff, but most of the characters are very stiff like they are totally frozen in time...like you are drawing a picture of a statue.

3. Would you say my art usually follows a 'theme'?
Whatever people ask you to draw, really.

4. Is there anything I really need to improve on or change?
I agree with the anatomy comment. I know that you love utilizing all of the anatomy courses that you took in college, but my only suggestion would be to try to take it less literally than you have been. All of the characters you make have such incredible anatomy, but its like you forget that everyone is not built like a greek god/goddess. There are really thin, non muscular men AND women, and men and women with a few extra pounds, or people who are just average. Also, not everyone has large manly hands :D
I think you would benefit a lot by drawing a series on people who dont have perfect bodies, non muscular females and males etc.
That said, you could easily illustrate for a published book on anatomy.
5. Does my style (if I have one) remind you of/look like the style of anyone else?
None. But then again I dont really know a lot of comics or anything.

6. Judging from whatever art of mine that you've seen, what do you think I do the best at?
Depth. Making people with distinct facial features. Thinking of creative costumes to put them in too!
Hair, folds in clothing, shadowing and shading.
Anatomy, but sometimes to good!

7. What do you think I suck at?
SUCK? nothing!!
I think you could just use a little work on proportions (but really, who couldnt.) And taking a break from looking for those TINY DETAILS that I know you look for and looking at the big picture so that you dont miss any obvious flaws.
Making the character...i dont know...flow? Its hard to explain what I mean, but see question 2 about the stiffness.
That being said, it is not all of your drawings, but more your big ones that you spend the most time on. I think its maybe because you take so much time with every single detail that when its done it looks WAY done.
Does that make sense?

WTF do i know im not even an artist hahahaha!

(Reply to this)(Thread)

XD I love the pose! XD XD
[info]soap_committee
2008-04-22 07:47 pm UTC (link)
1- I know I say this like every day but I STILL can't believe you knew that game art was drawn by me!

4- its like you forget that everyone is not built like a greek god/goddess. I think it's funny you said that, because AJ has compared Western comic book body types to greek gods...I'm sure it's a common comparison, but lol. But anyway, you're right! I must start drawing more varying body types, and somehow put a less generic tiny-girl-big-boob spin on that Orihime drawing I promised you!

7- I think I know what you mean! It was said above that I over-color or over-render some things, and for some variation it'd be good to attempt more delicate figures.

You undersell yourself, if you'd pursued art instead of music you would've been able to do the same thing! ...Though that nursing degree seems like a really good idea right now lawl

Okay I need to sleep off my fever, ta ta!

(Reply to this)(Parent)


[info]hellomightydog
2008-04-23 02:45 pm UTC (link)
I tried doing this, I really did, but I don't feel like I know enough about your influences and genre to really give a valuable critique. :(

(Reply to this)


Create an Account
Forgot your login?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…