Darkjedi

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I think I need to study faces and smiles more...

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Poser has a number of 'problem spots' that I look for, and inevitably have to tweak in Photoshop to improve my pieces. Computers do a wonderful job on items such as reflections and glass, but can't seem to capture expressions, hair, or flowing material such as capes.

The first thing we look at when we see another human is the face. Oh, I'm sure there are other parts that capture our attention (*snort*), but if the face is believable, then the viewer will look for more than a few seconds. That's why I emphasize postwork on faces so much.

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...Is it because that one time I unloaded on everyone ...

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Yes

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...after being inspired by douglas shuler (aka darkjedi... *worships darkjedi*) and his amazing work...

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Yay. Day = made.

Very nice set of commissions.

Oh wow...

I gotta read that CLOSE for dates and stuff!

Thanks for the reference.

Apologies if I came across wrong, Sartori. Let me see if I can clarify;

My comments weren't intended to be a reflection of specific ability between one artist and another, but more a desire that more artists would use a self-critical eye. That is to say, I don't believe enough Poser artists are critical of themselves and therefore don't push for a higher level of achievement. All an artist needs to do is notice ONE flaw in each piece they create and they learn something - but that requires the artist look at their work from an outsider's point of view and critique it honestly. Regrettibly, too few Poser users accept the raw render and don't look again at what they've created with the necessary critical eye to ensure their next piece is better.

You are an exception; from our previous conversations, I know for a fact you push for more, and your pieces are stronger because of it.

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What always amazes me is not the actual Poser work DJ does . It is his retouches . The faces become so natural once he fixes them sometimes. Look at any picture straight out of poser and compare to what he does you will know what I mean.

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Thanks Grey.

IMO, Poser faces are incredibly dead. Sometimes even frightening. I spend a LOT of time retouching the image to give it more life and have found myself re-painting major sections to get the image I want.

In fact, I think anyone that shows a raw poser render is selling themselves short. Poser isn't an artist and it can only put out what it's told... it's the person BEHIND the program that makes the image worthy. Why so many stop at the render phase is beyond me.

HERE is the piece on my little corner of Deviant Art.

Wish I could be there....

*heavy sigh*

I love the cartoon-style! I might have to get in line for one of those.

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See I could never use Poser like you Dj, I'd just spend all my time making boobs.

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HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

LJ, you rock.

I just consider it a 'perk' of the job (pun intended). Thank goodness my wife understands.

I'm loving these!

Back when I was playing EverQuest, I did a series of illustrations (12 - 13?) for my guild called "PLAYWIZ" (named because it featured Wizards from my guild). It's some of my earliest Poser work, actually. I haven't had them on my website for years, but they're all over Google and still get regular requests to make more. Seeing your stuff takes me back.

Post a few screenies of where you are and I might be able to help you out some. I don't have any particular reference I'd recommend at the moment, but after checking out some samples, might be able to steer you in the right direction.

Oh what the heck... Get your sketchpad, some pens, some Taco Bell, a few hours of time and come on over to my studio. I'll get you caught up in no time.

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Did you get my post/ideas on the DA page?

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Yeah, I did. And I'm very grateful for the ideas. I know I'm going to approach them, which is partially why I did this piece; added meat to my portfolio.

I've been studying the art of making comics for a while now, and I love doing commissions like this one; it gives me a chance to try out some new things.

SULFURIC SUGAR - colors on DA

And for the academically inclinded...

SULFURIC SUGAR - Pencils

SULFURIC SUGAR - Inks

Just saw this, and you're getting a LOT better. There's a very 'real' feel ot that piece that Poser normally can't achieve.

Good work.

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Wow! VERY cool news! Glad to find you got picked up so quickly - I might just need to pick up Hulk from now on.

Oh, and for my own shameless plug; tell Marvel I'm available.

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Dude, your stuff rocks. I'd be shocked if you couldn't pick up some prime cover gigs at SDCC with such an amazing portfolio. You going to the show?

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Probably not this year - It falls on a HORRIBLE weekend for me. But I'm assembling a massive pitch for 'the big boys' and am aiming to hit Chicago and San Diego next year. Sequential art has been such a passion of mine, I just can't imagine not pursueing it.

And thanks for the compliments, man!

Wow! VERY cool news! Glad to find you got picked up so quickly - I might just need to pick up Hulk from now on.

Oh, and for my own shameless plug; tell Marvel I'm available.

You should put your pages in a single PDF. Not only would turning pages be simpler, but you could see facing pages like a real comic.

BTW... after having created 5 posters of your characters, it's freaky-cool to see your characters in comic form! I loved looking these over.

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Yes your vanguard piece made it in DarkJedi.

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Cool. Gotta go get it now.

I *think* I did, but I have yet to see it for certain. How do you guys get it so quickly? Or is the hardcopy in the stores already?

Awesome! Simple as that!

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The head's too big, no too small, the nose is too nosey, the feet look the same, the blue particles all look sleepy, and the skin color is too dark, light, medium...

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I agree completely, except for the middle part, and the end. Oh, and the beginning. But I agree with the rest.

The deal with critiques is... when they're not needed, they're REALLY not desired. This piece is the result of an art trade and both parties are happy. That being the case, people should view the piece and simply enjoy it. There's a time and place for constructive criticism, and since the art was presented as a compelte piece, this isn't the time or place.

LJ is a regular contributor to these forums and will certainly ask for comment when she's looking for one.

So... I sit back and enjoy the piece. Well done =)

Wow. That movie makes Zbrush look like a cool tool. I'm impressed with the way some of the features seems to work, and love the idea of painting right into the model instead of using Photoshop as an outside tool and doing regular refreshes.

3D images of superheroes (or any character, for that matter), is one of my specialties. I have an extensive gallery at DeviantArt, and a full price list on my website... both are listed in my sig below.