Curls--I need help asap

**Elissiam** · March 18th, 2011, 02:02 PM

I'm trying to submit this to a cover of a paper and I'd love some critiques a.s.a.p. so I can get it in soon!

Thank you!

**johanerik** · March 18th, 2011, 02:26 PM

Big!! can u make it smaller?

**OracularDream** · March 18th, 2011, 02:37 PM

One think that pops out to me is the line work. It doesn't look like it scanned in properly. Also, all the lines are the same line weight so the picture flattens out, especially around the lips.

**Elissiam** · March 18th, 2011, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by OracularDream

One think that pops out to me is the line work. It doesn't look like it scanned in properly. Also, all the lines are the same line weight so the picture flattens out, especially around the lips.

Yeah, I thought the same thing...yet I liked it that way. But I did redo all the lines and people just didn't like it as much...

Here it is.

**OracularDream** · March 18th, 2011, 02:58 PM

I see, you textural it in photoshop. Yes, I agree. It's not as appealing at the first design. The colors look a bit better and I do like how it looks traditional.

Have you thought to mess with other Photoshop settings to get different looks?

**Elissiam** · March 18th, 2011, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by OracularDream

I see, you textural it in photoshop. Yes, I agree. It's not as appealing at the first design. The colors look a bit better and I do like how it looks traditional.

Have you thought to mess with other Photoshop settings to get different looks?

Well, what happened was the scanner I used was one that I would not have preferred if I had a choice. So, it didn't scan everything clearly and was very light and the shading I did in pencil was grainy. I took it into photoshop and changed the curves and added a filter (can't remember which one it was now) and that's what I got.

**Loveless_Ari** · March 18th, 2011, 03:43 PM

It kind of looks like you are using a mouse. If you are, and you think you are going to do more digital art, invest in a tablet. The first thing I notice is that the drawing is overall, very flat. There is no light source. You need to add values and work on texturing hair so it looks like hair. The eyes also look very flat. Getting a tablet will greatly help you improve your digital art skills.

**pimpwacker** · March 18th, 2011, 05:00 PM

As far as I'm concerned the first one looks a hundred times better than the second.
I think it is because he linework is so shaky, the poor scan hides this well and makes it look like a stained glass. the second one is better quality as far as the scanning is concerned, but this just reveals the flaws in the actual piece.

When I first opened the thread I though that it was actually meant to be a stained glass in a semi classical style, and I thought it was really good. If I were you I'de stick with it. If you want to go further towards the second one, get rid of the chin line. It will make it look heaps better.

**Elissiam** · March 18th, 2011, 05:11 PM

So I've been working on this while I'm at work and this is what I have so far...does it look any better?

**Elissiam** · March 19th, 2011, 02:54 PM

Is the last one I posted any better?

**Black Spot** · March 19th, 2011, 03:03 PM

Yes, it's better, but I would use more lines and make it more graphic. More variation in the width of the lines would also help especially on the hair.

**Elissiam** · March 19th, 2011, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Black Spot

Yes, it's better, but I would use more lines and make it more graphic. More variation in the width of the lines would also help especially on the hair.

Well, it's a bit Art Nouveau inspired. I don't know if that changes your opinion at all.