Really lost here, please help!!!

[ariel_medel]

I really really need help with this one, I know it can look good but I need tips on how to render it properly and make it look more realistic yet like an illustration. Much like Mandryk, no exclusively like that but I think you get the idea...

[Marlo]

The shading, make it more dynamic, softer and cleaner.

[ariel_medel]

Marlo, thanks, but what do you mean by more dynamic?

[Marlo]

Im bad at explaining things but, try adding some blues in your shadowed areas, make the lightsource more defined and a wee bit more saturated areads between light and the shadows. hope it helps. Also, it wouldn't hurt to make the edges more sharper, his right arm seems blurred and doesnt standout too much from the background.

[Uziel]

He's a little bit too bright almost transparent with the background. Adjusting the contrast helps the character stand out more. Also a darker background makes him pop out more.
Backlighting is often used to define the shape that otherwise would be lost in the shadows.
if you're stuck - go back to basics - lighting, anatomy, shape/form, volume
hope it gives you some ideas how to take this further - looks good so far

[Euroption]

you definately have some highlights going on, but your darks are only at midtone level. Dont be afraid to push the shadows darker

[ariel_medel]

I haven't incorporated all the crits and suggestions just yet, but I will, I think this looks much better...

[Marlo]

Nice job on softening it up! :o it think it would look better if you applied uziel's critique =)!

[ariel_medel]

An update... I'll work on the skin tones...