Bayani
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Posts
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Joined
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Quote:Well the more detailed costumes do require extra work. I see commissioning art as a collaborative effort and if there's anything I can do on my end to make things easier for the artist, I'd be happy to do it if it's within my power. A well-designed costume could be considered a part of making things easier for the artist. I'm a big fan of clean/balanced designs and I believe that it's an important element in creating an iconic/memorable original character. Comrade Hero, Massacre Melanie, Airhead, Deebs, Masked Shrike, Soul Train, Planet Girl, and some of Attache and Jophiel's characters are standout because they've got aethetically pleasing designs that *make* their characters along with nice background stories.Originally Posted by Thornster
Getting good details on a hot pink/black costume is easier
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Quote:Ah, well you're a perfect example, Thornster. You didn't see all the back and forth I did with Kevin Sharpe to get Blackthorn right in the Bayani commission. That piece took several months to pull together because the artist perused your screenshots and they were difficult to interpret without a whole lot of questions. I didn't want to waste the artist's time chatting over the details so I ended up scheduling time with you to get the exact shots with the right lighting to clarify the details. And even then, a few pieces needed refining, which is why I had it inked as well; overall it was alot of work. The thorns still ended up looking like spines and I'm hoping those get corrected a bit in the final colors.Originally Posted by Thornster
Actually I think he said he didn't miss it and that he didn't hate it ... (during his lunch pause at work) ... I don't see the problem there. Maybe I missed something.
As for the model sheet ... I never realized that something like this or this may not be good enough. I know some may think my gallery doesn't compare with some of the better ones out there but I have never had problems with my larger commissions (I'm not talking about the quickies here). The commissions where I chatted with the artist, and got specifics and concepts down all worked fine with this kind of presentation. I know ... I heard ... you meant that it would/could work better with an official model sheet.
I may have to think about that ... but even to convince anyone to do a model sheet for Thornster could be interesting
I have to go check out TJs refs to comment specifically on those though, but I have always worked with screenshots and some explanations for the details.
Overall, my suggestions for your references Thornster would be to have someone else take your screenshots and get higher resolution images with better lighting. It'll clarify the details more and give the artist room to zoom in and examine the pieces more closely. Most artists have seriously high resolution screens so your pictures being at a relatively small resolution makes them more difficult to view closely. Here's a screenshot model sheet I did for PG's other character, Atto-Girl until a real model sheet can be done. Clicking the image will go to the larger version on dA. Note how we chose a background that contrasts the costume's colors to make the pictures pop more.
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Moonfire it is then.
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Quote:Well the character I'd prefer to use is level 39 atm. hoping to hit 40 or so tongiht. we'll see how it works out. I have two level 50s that I could use if that falls through.Originally Posted by Jophiel
We ran Reichsman as well. Was our first 606 TF.
I've never run a successful Statesman and would be interested in trying it.
Or run a LGTF and I'll take Rose and shout out "Earth for Humans!" every thirty seconds. -
So it's Thursday afternoon, and there's no mention from VexXxa regarding a Friday Night TF. What's up with that?! There have been TFs for six weeks straight. It can't end like this!
So far, we ran the Freedom Phalanx's 6 core TFs, in addition to a Hess, Hannon, and ITF. So I guess what's left (in order of level range) are...
1) Moonfire (23-28)
2) Terra Volta Trial (24-33, 34-43, 44-50)
3) Sewer Trial (38-40)
4) Eden Trial (39-41)
5-9) Shadow Shard TFs (40-44, 40-50, 45-50, 45-50)
10) Lady Gray TF (45-50)
11) Reichsman TF (45-50)
12) Statesman TF (45-50)
Any thoughts on which TFs to do? WE could prolly fit in two if we're efficient enough. -
Quote:*shrugs* Planet Girl and I wanted our model sheets done professionally so we had them inked and colored by other artists. I don't see it as complicated. If you compare the galleries of the collectors with model sheets vs. the collectors who don't, I think the differences speak for themselves.Originally Posted by Texas Justice
I'd like to thank all of those who have responded in one form or another as it's helped me clarify some things in my head and given a bit of insight to things I hadn't considered.
Bayani and Wassy mentioned model sheets, but frankly, I have my problems with that idea. First off, through all the DA galleries I've gone through, I've found 5 with model sheets. I'm sure there are more, but I'd have expected to find more than 5 with all of the galleries I've been perusing of late. Bayani, Planet Girl, Wassy, Comrade Hero, and one other who's name escapes my mind right now. Wassy and the one I can't remember drew their own model sheets, and I can't do that so I'll ignore those. In the case of Bayani and Planet Girl, it seems to be contradicting what Bayani claim that it's not a complicated process. The steps Bayani outlines are rather involved but what one would expect for a fully commissioned piece of art, not just a model sheet. And that's only taking into account the first artist to touch it. Bayani and Planet Girl have 3 to 4 artists involved in the process, which makes it even more complicated.
The other thing that bothers me about model sheets is that if I have one commissioned and then ask another artist to use that as a reference, they are basing their work on the work of another person, not the character. Brandon is a fine artist, but I don't want everyone's interpretation of TJ to be based on Brandon's interpretation of him but rather of how he looks in the game. That's my interpretation of him, and that's the one that counts to me.
The model sheet is just a reference; no artist who's drawn Planet Girl and Bayani after being provided the model sheets as a guide have drawn the characters in the same exact style Brandon.
Well, I prefer working with professional artists because to me, the higher prices are worth what you get in return: generally higher attention to detail and stronger networking opportunities/possibilities. When something has to be done absolutely "right"...you hire a professional. In my experience, the pieces done by real pros generally get turned around faster, are stronger in terms of composition, and without a whole lot of back/forth. I chose Brandon to do the model sheets because he's worked in animation and is very familiar with concept art/model sheets, and because he actually played the game. To me, it was a matter of choosing the right artist for the job. Less risk and hassles that way in the end.Quote:Originally Posted by Caemgen
As for model sheets being more effort than they're worth: The fact that (I think) every artist who has commented in this thread so far has said that they prefers working with them is a HUGE factor to get them.
Specially if you are trying to get art done by a picky or choosey artist who can pick through requests for which ones he really wants to do, there is no reason not to make your request as attractive to them as possible...
Regarding how difficult model sheets are to get: While I agree that there seems to be a distinct lack of artists offering these on their menu, once you do find someone to do it the process likely doesn't need to be quite as complicated as you think.
Byani is very exacting and precise about what he wants and he wants the best. (Or at least that's my take, apologies if I am mistaken...) I would imagine that due to this he was much more exacting and demanding in his model sheets than is absolutely neccessary. I believe he wanted "Pro Quality" model sheets, not just "something that will be sufficient."
Seems to me, the main goal of the model sheets are to make the character clear. To make it easily seen where that stripe goes, the placement of that symbol, how tall the boots are, how low the jacket hangs, etc... I don't think you neccessarily need "Pro Quality" model sheets for that... I believe Bayani wanted them because he is going after "Pro Quality" artists and thus wanted the best to attract the best... If your goals are not quite so lofty I believe you can go with more readily available model sheets that won't be nearly so difficult to get. -
Quote:The references are obscure enough that you shouldn't be worried about those sorts of things. The package as a whole works.Originally Posted by Attache
A few things come up whenever I talk about Janet Planet on the forums so in the interest of nipping that in the bud:
1) I'd seen Rocky Horror but I didn't remember that song "Planet, Schmanet, Janet" when I named her.
2) I didn't recall ever seeing the Schoolhouse Rock video "Interplanet Janet" as a kid but I figure I must have since I've seen every other Schoolhouse Rock short hundreds of times. Maybe it was there in my subconsciousness.
3) There is a Janet Planet mentioned in Alan Moore's run on Supreme but no solid image reference in the TPB. I'd actually bought it but didn't read it after someone in-game mentioned it to me.
I was just trying to come up with a cool, alliterative space girl name and thought I was coming up with something unique. If you google the name, you'll see that I was quite mistaken...but it really is one of my favorites.
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Very sophisticated details on the backgrounds for costume. Heh. I just said that Bayani's costume is form-fitting body armor with impervium weaved into it. I've been looking around casually for an opportunity to make a custom action figure for Bayani. Haven't really found anything yet.
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Quote:In some of the othe pieces I've seen him do though of CoH characters, the rendering on the body seem to be less sophisticated/detailed than the faces he does. I think in the comments for this piece, Jocachi did mention he used a specific reference.Originally Posted by LadyJudgement
Actually FD, I'm glad you brought it up. While I enjoy the work... I was dissecting it for it's almost over powering slickness. I have a theory that he does of course use reference for the faces. And yes he does paint the entire thing, so there is some of his own style coming through. My theory is that he uses a Poser like program to do the bodies, as sometimes the arms have an odd foreshortening.
Again, I'm not trying to knock him, only trying to understand his process. I think the work is very nice despite the method, and well as long as the client is happy. -
Been watching Nema for some time. His style is very similar to Humberto Ramos.
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Quote:Originally Posted by the_fox_Rox
There is a compatible cursors option in game now that you may find beneficial DC. My drivers were up to date, till last wednesday (about then) when 10.4 drivers were released. I've not looked into the problem a whole lot. I'm planning on backing everything up and jumping to win7 sometime this week. There'll be plenty of worms to deal with in doing that, a whole can, i should imagine. So i was going to save the trouble shooting till then.
In the mean time i've not been on much cause i've been rather involved in a game that can not be named but not because it's an unholy aberation on the face of MMO's but because they'd boot me if i make mention of it. Anyway that ended for the timebeing so i should be back to bumming around LFTing PB to 50 (45 so close yet so very far)
I've been running a small mission group nightly if you want to tag along. -
I wrote a short guide regarding collecting original art awhile back.
Collecting Art: Helpful Advice
Admittingly, it could use a little more updating as I've gotten four more years of collecting experience under my belt since I that short overview.
I've posted several times over the past few years about model sheets and how useful they are to collecting art of your original character(s). Most of the art I've collected after pulling together the model sheet had short turnaround times because there's little to no confusion over the details. Most artists get Bayani and Mae-Day correctly the first time around, too. Here's the Bayani model sheet for example...
Looking at all the talk about model sheets lately, folks are making it out to be a complicated process. It's really not, especially when you're prepared and organized. It's like any other commission, but you, the creator, need to take an active role in collaborating with the artist. Most artists should be capable of doing a model sheet. Provide your references. If you have any specific notes, include those with the pictures. The artist gives you some thumbnail sketches to review. If there's anything off, you let him/her know and he/she will make the necessary adjustments. Once you get a rough draft, you'll go through another approval process until you have a final piece and after that, you're done. I've looked at your reference gallery, Texas. In my opinion, you have too much going on there. You (and any other collector for that matter) would be better served in the long run commissioning one well-organized model sheet and developing a more concise presentation.
Essentially when you're commissioning original character art, you're selling your character. If the artist doesn't feel like your project is worth their time, they'll either decline you or they'll charge you a higher rate. Remember, professional artists have work projects before they get to your stuff. They inevitably end up forcing themselves to draw when they don't want to draw or when they're in a funk. (Just like anyone else who works) Your commissions are extra jobs for them and they could very well be running on fumes by the time they get to your piece. Unlike overtime at a typical 9 to 5er, they're getting paid *less* for the extra work. They're charging you less than what they'd charge a publisher. If the artist isn't "feeling it", you could be in for a longer wait, higher costs, and risk receiving art that you're not completely satisfied with. The more the artist is engaged with the work, the more likely you'll end up with something really awesome. Having a well-organized model sheet and concise presentation is an important step in engaging the artist's interest in drawing your character, and drawing him/her well. -
Quote:You were known enough to be impersonated in a less than accurate way. That counts for something.Originally Posted by Caemgen
Hey! I am not famous enough to impersonate!!!
lol, nice job though! But, for the record, Fen has short, orange hair
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Quote:I agree on your points. If we assume that a majority of the voting bloc won't grant immunity to someone who's not going to be eliminated that month, you could in theory have a winner of the contest who only did 6 pieces of art...basically doing half the work. I don't think that'd be a particularly cool way to win the contest, but oh well.Originally Posted by U-Naught
I've been wavering a bit over posting this, but I guess I'm going to go ahead and put in my three cents.
1. I, too, think its kind of crummy to NOT vote for an artist's piece "because they already have immunity." If the piece is good - then its good, regardless of whether or not it "has immunity." Your vote is yours to give as you see fit, I just think thats a crummy excuse to NOT give it.
2. I find it ..odd.. to think of having "Immunity" as a reason to just slide by on that month's entry. Each month I learn something new, each month I try harder. Why waste the opportunity by purposefully "just phoning it in"?
3. I really try not to feed the trolls (but yes - I, too, fall for it sometimes anyway)
..but that just my three cents on it. not meant to harsh anybody's marshmallow.
Perhaps the next competition could have some suggested voting guidelines. Either that or a have a consistent panel of judges. That could be a more fair way of determining contest results because the voters are using more similar criteria than what's currently going on now. The other option would just to switch it to an open monthly challenge and be rid of the immunity stuff. -
Quote:There've been a couple of threads regarding the new issues and ATI cards. Updating the drivers is a sound idea. Just did my update last night for my 8800GT and I had less glitches.Originally Posted by ChristopherRobin
An ATI Radeon 4870 should be perfectly capable of handling all the new visual goodies at any normal resolution. My first thought would be have you updated your graphics driver?
With all the new graphical elements introduced, now is a good time if you haven't in a while. -
Quote:Funny you should mention that...Originally Posted by QuarriosSoul
David Nakayama needs to start posting in here again when he has off time :P
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Quote:Go Tiger Woods. =POriginally Posted by Lasher
Go Android. Also, Kurse, iPhones are bad for the health. They give you bad sex addictions and you'll be like Tiger Woods and sleep with nasty whores. Gotta sleep with the good ones, go Android.
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Quote:The Bayani train's been running just as long and it's continuing to build up even more steam. It just flew under the radar for the first year or so.Originally Posted by Thornster
TA did a good summary of the big moments that I remember too ... I am basically here because the the Rowr, Kat and TA reign ... I drooled over their first pieces for a long time...
I have come to love the Bayani train lately too ...
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Quote:Twenty-two times?! Holy smokes.Originally Posted by LadyJudgement
I know, it's like I DIDN'T draw you 22 times... for free!
(just messin with you bro, I know I'm low on the artwhore totempole... okay that sounded wrong.) o_O -
Snazzy colors there.
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Quote:Originally Posted by Thor's Assassin
Happy 6th year Fanart forums!!
So whats your favorite memories over the years here in the FanArt community? Favorite Art? Anything that stands out to you?
Here are a couple of mine off the top of my head though there are a bunch that I will most likely think of later on and post up...
-CelticBolts Epic thread! How can I ever forget that? My first piece of art and a hell of a nice guy going to town with everyones characters.
-ImagebyAlex's sketch threads that never seemed to stop
-The entire community of artists here came to the rescue when several of us got the shaft by a popular artist that used to post the boards. I think you guys know which thread I am referring to..
-Juggy's FanArt Competition that he ran was really cool
-All the art of the many characters coming through.
-Watching the artwhore nation build through the years and seeing the galleries grow form it
-The Rowr, Kat and TA reign over the artwhore kingdom :P
Like I said, there are several more like the COH Calendar that Rowr did with help from all the local talent. But I'll keep coming back and noting them. For now work calls.
So what about it guys? What stuck out for you over the years?
Pfffft. What a short memory you have.
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Well considering we had 0 controllers in the past 4-5 TFs, an earth/storm would be most welcome.
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Quote:PG and I will join in with our tank/defender duo but yeah, I think we need some serious crowd control. The past few TFs have been successful but it'd be nice to have some lockdown so squishies aren't as overrun. I could bring an Illusion/Emp but honestly, I hate playing him. >.>Originally Posted by Johnnykat
Oh...colored bubbles for everyone (of course, I still may not have taken them all by this level lols).
On a side note this one usually doesn't take so long, if there is time and interest I was hoping to start up an ITF after Numina. Sort of a belated B-day gift to VexXxa since she is a costume nut (like me) and we have been having a hard time getting on a good team for this on Virtue. I will probably play a buffer/debuffer like a rad or therm troller since that seems to be the biggest challenge we have seen on the previously failed ITFs we have had the misfortune of joining. Vex will probably play her tanker, but two tanks are nice for the end to help separate the nictus from Rom if we can't simply rush 'em. Another troller would be cool too. Defs, Veats, and DPS of course would be nice too! -
It looks like a variation on the Jeweled Belt. I suppose you could use the Jeweled option as a replacement and poke the costume dude to make it available to players.
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Very creative.