First attempt at a custom sprite (Please give constructive criticism)

[Cobalt Blue]

a word of advice: do not use the shape tool to draw your characters. and actually try to pu some though into what you're doing coloring a bunch of squares and circles for the sake of doing something is not going to take you anywhere. set yourself a theme, and a character, and work towards making something out of that goal. otherwise, your work will be as meaningless as a bunch of random scribbles on a wall.

[Powerstars321]

I tried again, without using manual shapes, and it still sucks. Where did I go wrong?

[NICKtendo DS]

It goes wrong at the very root. You seem to lack proper knowledge of anatomy and working from reference. The straps on Mario's overalls shouldn't go straight down, but follow the curves of his body. This shows that you also lack a sense of volume. Also noticed you dithered. I had to zoom in, because of the hardly notable contrast. Don't dither and add more contrast. You're not limited to MSPaint's default colors. If I go into further detail, I'd get cramp in my hands from typing.

I'm sorry, but eventhough it's a slight improvement, it's far from decent. Try to get the basics down first. Draw. Look at tutorials. Practice makes perfect. Don't take this the wrong way. There's a long, long road ahead of you.

[recme]

I suggest you read this if you haven't.

also, focus on anatomy.

[Ivyleaf1212]

Okay, he's read the dictionary.
Moving on, yes, that is true, but I'm with you. I need major help too, as I'm new! Try to learn anatomy is what I would say, although you've already been told that.
Just don't give up. Everyone has to start somewhere! (Like me!)

[recme]

Okay, he's read the dictionary.
Moving on, yes, that is true, but I'm with you. I need major help too, as I'm new! Try to learn anatomy is what I would say, although you've already been told that.
Just don't give up. Everyone has to start somewhere! (Like me!)

Then he should reread it.

http://www.pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_po...?TID=11299

read that tut.

its more accurate than the Spriters Dictionary.

I suggest you read it. you too ivyleaf.

[/protonpost]

[Ivyleaf1212]

Okay, he's read the dictionary.
Moving on, yes, that is true, but I'm with you. I need major help too, as I'm new! Try to learn anatomy is what I would say, although you've already been told that.
Just don't give up. Everyone has to start somewhere! (Like me!)

Then he should reread it.

http://www.pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_po...?TID=11299

read that tut.

its more accurate than the Spriters Dictionary.

I suggest you read it. you too ivyleaf.

[/protonpost]

Thanks, it actually looks like a good place to really get started than just vocabulary...
Reading it now.

[Butler]

I tried again, without using manual shapes, and it still sucks. Where did I go wrong?

You've got his leg bent in a semi circle and his stomach is coming out at a 45 degrees angle, instead of a curve, the arms look detached from the body and everything Nick said, but keep trying as Ivyleaf said, we all need to start someplace, and i'm pretty sure i'm going to mess up my first attempt soon, too, so don't worry, and continue trying to fnish this project.

[Powerstars321]

Alright, I'll give it another shot!

[Gors]

look, I suggest forgetting about pixelart for a while. Honest.


as I said before, if you don't even have a notion of how traditional art works, then you'll hardly master pixelart.

If you don't know how to make firm lines, anatomy, coloring, shading and following your references, then you shouldn't bother with it.

[Powerstars321]

look, I suggest forgetting about pixelart for a while. Honest.


as I said before, if you don't even have a notion of how traditional art works, then you'll hardly master pixelart.

If you don't know how to make firm lines, anatomy, coloring, shading and following your references, then you shouldn't bother with it.

Alright, I'll take a little break, then I'll study up and try again.