Little help please, tear it appart

[FoxinShocks]

So, it's a WIP but I'm still not exactly sure where it's going. I know the pose is lame and the composition is lame, but that's because it's a reference picture for when I do other drawings of the same creature. Needs more shading, too, but I'm still thinking about where/how, I'm trying to make it look dirty and oily.

I'd like to know what you think will improve it so please, bash away. I can take it.

[FoxinShocks]

anyone? >.>(bump)

[alex_86]

Hey there. Interesting creature. Some sort of Ratpaca lol? Anyway here are my thoughts... I don't quite get what the orb in the middle has to do with anything. It looks like a large marble or something like that. Maybe you could clarify the idea behind it? Also, I see you've abstained from adding many highlights. If this is due to the greasiness of the hair, you should reconsider. You just need to decide on a light source and start adding hair patterns like this picture for example. Notice how it's dark on the inside and has very defined stripes of reflected light? You could try that. Or (if that look is too brushed for your liking) you could try looking for a wet animal picture. Short hair on a dog or cat tends to start looking a certain way (like hundreds of paintbrushes almost) when it's moistened. Long hair tends to do the same thing as for humans. In other words it sticks together and forms larger "strands" and becomes wavy in some cases.

http://commondatastorage.googleapis....al/4507851.jpg
http://www.fotosearch.com/bigcomp.as...8/px347036.jpg

good luck

[FoxinShocks]

Hey, great advice thanks! I'm working on the fur now, I'll try and update as I go

[FoxinShocks]

getting there, it's looking a bit anime at the moment with all the stupid glowing sh**, I'll try to bring that back and add some more shading on the underside

[alex_86]

I think part of the problem is that you've started slapping on the bright colors too soon. I'd start with a much darker base for the entire figure and then have fun discovering little places here and there to create slick looking bits of hair using those brighter colors (and white specular highlights wherever it's really shiny). Check out the left shoulder blade, how it's rendered between the red and green colors. That's what you should be going for. Light on dark.