Critique - Does my linework work?

[smceccarelli]

You know I think your linework is amazing. You evidently enjoy the inked lines and you're a master at it - so I wouldn't see a reason to change that unless you want to. You've got it all figured out: the line control, the width variation, the way it describes the shapes - I like all of it.

Now for the render - one thing that strucks me consistently in your work it's that it's overall very dark. Your shadows and midtones are consistently on the dark to very dark side and that, combined with he limited and relatively unsaturated color palette, makes it look "heavy" and a bit "unfriendly".
Here's one of your images with the midtones considerably lighter and a slight increase in saturation (compared to the original):

As for the rendering style, why not just experiment? If you're not sure you want to keep doing it this way, try cell-shading or flat coloring and see how you like or dislike the process and results. I like rendered comic books when they are well done (like in your case) and I also like more flat coloring. It can be a bit easier on the eyes, especially when you're looking at a whole page with many panels.

[Jason Bowen]

@art-of-b haha I felt a little harsh bringing it to your attention but now I feel ok about it, great story maybe its another one of those things like the blue dress

[braden H]

@darian I was in no way thinking about 'hot spots' but I'm gonna have to start! That's an awesome tool for personal critique I think I was missing.

Thanks

[braden H]

@dafoota Thanks for the feedback Goes to show that no matter how much you try and keep values in mind, they sometimes blend together.

[braden H]

@smceccarelli As always, awesome feedback Thank you! The side by side comparison really makes it super obvious.

I do work unnecessarily dark. This morning I thought to myself 'it's gotta be my cintiq, I gotta recalibrate that thing', buuuuuuut I'm pretty sure I need to recalibrate myself. Maybe I'll try restricting my starting values a bit more...

I'm PRETTY sure I want to keep doing it this way. Pretty sure. I do like it and it gives me opportunity to lose some edges. For some reason I really like flat colouring with other stuff, but I've always HATED the way my line work looks with cel shading.

Thanks again! You've given me lots to think about

[braden H]

@jason-bowen Oh, man, not harsh at all The last thing I want to have happen is present my portfolio to someone and have them say 'I'm curious as to why this little girl has such a luxurious moustache' :smiling_face_with_open_mouth_closed_eyes: