PlaneShift

Fan Area => Fan Art => Topic started by: Aramara Meibi on June 18, 2015, 11:52:31 am

Title: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 18, 2015, 11:52:31 am
So I went and got myself a Wacom tablet. It's hella fun, still getting the hang of it though. I got it so that I can finally get back to work on a web comic thing project I started a few years back, but I need practice!

So I'm taking requests for character sketches. If you want, send me a PM with character description and I'll get to work!
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: MishkaL1138 on June 18, 2015, 02:29:33 pm
Oh, oh, draw Mishka!
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 18, 2015, 04:04:55 pm
description pls. i remember she's a clamod and wears glasses and also likes swords, but i'm sure there's more to her than that!
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: MishkaL1138 on June 19, 2015, 06:05:42 pm
Mishka doesn't wear glasses anymore. Due to a dueling accident (namely getting too cocky or drunk or both), she's got an eye crossed with a scar. She can see now again thanks to a shaman (thanks Zunna!), but her right eye is milky white. Other than that, she's got flecks of silver hairs sprouting on her muzzle, ears, and eyebrows, and seems to have got leaner and meaner. So draw her with a frowny face? And a belt to keep her tools, too. Oh, and a leather jerkin and leather pants (like those 'dem injuns' wear in the westerns, without the flecks).

To be honest, I think Mishk has changed a lot.
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 20, 2015, 03:53:18 pm
Xxaallya
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2eNByDtafhY/VYXRu1nLVFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/bSLNES4fbDw/s556-no/xxaallya.jpg)
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: Ralas on June 21, 2015, 12:22:33 am
yaaaaaay your webcomic is/will be back!  You should draw Ralas.  He's a Nolthrir, I think, and he tends to walk around with a mug (or two) of ale in hand.  He has dark hair and is early 30s in human years.  Medium build. 
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: derula on June 21, 2015, 09:16:43 am
Quote from: Ralas on June 21, 2015, 12:22:33 am
he tends to walk around with a mug (or two) of ale in hand.

Only in Yliakum.

Seriously, that seems highly impractical.
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: MishkaL1138 on June 21, 2015, 09:39:21 am
Quote from: derula on June 21, 2015, 09:16:43 am
Quote from: Ralas on June 21, 2015, 12:22:33 am
he tends to walk around with a mug (or two) of ale in hand.

Only in Yliakum.

Seriously, that seems highly impractical.

You're German, if you don't know how to carry at least 4 mugs in one hand you're a disgrace to the great race.
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 21, 2015, 02:53:24 pm
mishka, you are fourth in line. ralas, you are the sixth ranger.
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: Gilrond on June 21, 2015, 09:12:19 pm
Aramara: Can you recommend some good tutorial about how to use such tablets? I tried using it with Krita, but it's not very intuitive. Stuff like configuring pressure curves and etc.
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 22, 2015, 11:41:15 am
pinterest has been my friend so far. DA seems to also be teeming with such things.

i followed this one pretty much for xxaallya's portrait.

http://ililaz.deviantart.com/art/Coloring-Process-279680716
Title: Re: Requests
Post by: Gilrond on June 22, 2015, 09:22:09 pm
Quote from: Aramara Meibi on June 22, 2015, 11:41:15 am
pinterest has been my friend so far. DA seems to also be teeming with such things.

i followed this one pretty much for xxaallya's portrait.

http://ililaz.deviantart.com/art/Coloring-Process-279680716

Thanks! That's quite an extensive use of layers. I'll try it again. Krita is somewhat different from Adobe stuff, but has enough similarities too.

By the way, is the concept of layers (in digital editors) correspond to some physical drawing practices? I never really had any formal education in that.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 22, 2015, 10:33:06 pm
as far as i know, photoshop was the first to utilize layers and layering effects, and photoshop was first designed as a digital darkroom, rather than any sort of digital painting program. most of the layering effects, dodge, burn, pinlight, saturation, hue, etc. are references to techniques used in a darkroom.

layering also has its place in traditional painting media, especially acrylics, which dry quickly and are versatile in their transparency. but in painting, you are painting directly onto already applied paint, so the functionality of photoshop like layers is missing, ie. you can't toss out a layer and preserve what's painted underneath. different paint media act differently; oils for example, don't ever technically dry, so if you paint over something already painted, you'll pick up and blend into the color underneath.

there's also the technique of onion-skinning, used mostly in illustration, but it involves using trace paper to trace over in ink sketches done in pencil, to do line work etc. I actually think I remember past versions of Photoshop had a function called onionskin which pretty much acted as a layer.

i'm not familiar with Krita. My Wacom came with a version of Corel Painter, which does a pretty good job of replicating the look and feel of traditional media. For Evirea's portrait which I'm working on now, I'm trying out a combination of both programs.

I've seen other tutorials which are much more layer and effects heavy. The one I linked to used layers initially, but most of the work was done after flattening the image.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 23, 2015, 04:03:51 pm
Evirea Finds A Clue
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LM-d2DZByu8/VYnJDrYoQqI/AAAAAAAAAZc/S98_2nLOK7Q/s556-no/evirea.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Mariana Xiechai on June 23, 2015, 04:30:58 pm
I love you.

Seriously, straight up nailed it. Love the expressiveness, which frankly is what I've always liked about your art anyway.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Gilrond on June 23, 2015, 06:59:37 pm
Thanks Aramara! That's very informative.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Tidebringer on June 23, 2015, 08:08:05 pm
I like the way you draw your klyros.

And thank you, for that spot-on portrait of Xxaallya.

I love it. :love:

(Evirea's is cool, too!)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 23, 2015, 08:35:14 pm
the klyros is a really cool concept to work with, although i get lazy with the wings. i like that they are for the most part androgynous. i'm happy that out of the requests i've gotten so far, there's a nice variety of race/gender/age. i'm missing a kran, nolthrir, ynnwn, and lemur though! (I'll do a diaboli too if you all promise not to tell the boss)

i've got a couple with armor, weapons, and magic in their descriptions, so i'm excited to play around with all of that. i'm also having fun playing around with poses and background, so if you wish for your character to be engaging in an activity or in a certain setting, please include that too! when I knew Evirea, she was something of a detective, so it was easy for me to imagine her on someone's trail, poking around in the dirt, looking for clues.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Tidebringer on June 23, 2015, 08:37:56 pm
I think the wings look just fine :)
I think the klyros are probably one of my favorite races, if not my favorite race.

EDIT: I think part of what appeals to me with your images here is the softness... Kind of like when I look at things without corrective lenses.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: BoevenF on June 24, 2015, 02:19:07 am
Klyros! Klyros everywhere!  ;D
Very expressive paintings!
I use my tablet with Linux and I've found that MyPaint (http://mypaint.intilinux.com/) is a very good opensource project, with a nice rendition of crayons, charcoal, watercolours... There's also a windows version 32/64bit.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 24, 2015, 02:03:38 pm
Edara
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhzjrWbkCHc/VYr-YjS_aVI/AAAAAAAAAaM/dNMXs-In5xA/s556-no/EdaraSmall.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Ascomanni on June 24, 2015, 03:20:29 pm
SQUEEEE!!!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Zunna on June 24, 2015, 04:13:10 pm
Impressive work ! It's not just a pic it's an atmosphere.  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Cairn on June 24, 2015, 04:19:59 pm
/me approves, heartily. I love your work Aramara!!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 25, 2015, 09:31:53 am
Thanks peeps! I'm happy you like them thus far. Still getting the hang of it, but I'm able to move quicker which is good. I'm just hoping that by the end of this I'll have developed any semblance of a consistent style or method.

I've got some other projects that need my attention for now but I'll pick these back up next week.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Garris Shrike on June 29, 2015, 09:48:41 am
Keep them coming, I love it!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Ralas on June 29, 2015, 01:54:43 pm
You're not missing Nolthrir!  Unless you forgot me :P
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 29, 2015, 04:06:31 pm
I didn't forget you, Ralas, I just forgot yer a Nolthrir. I actually have two nolthrirs on the books now.
Title: A pregnant kran
Post by: Can-ned Food on June 29, 2015, 05:54:58 pm
EDIT:  whoops, i only just now saw that you wanted the requests submitted in PMs.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Cairn on June 29, 2015, 05:59:14 pm
I liked reading the title of your post on the forum, reading it once, and then coming back to see what it actually was and it was edited. Hilarious :p
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: MishkaL1138 on June 30, 2015, 08:47:03 am
You have forgotten me! :< Or you're too busy. But I'm still waiting...
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on June 30, 2015, 02:31:46 pm
Mishka hawks her wares
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CX-920_L6ls/VZLtvHQoNrI/AAAAAAAAAa8/K9ci5PCnuwQ/s588-no/mishka2.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Cairn on June 30, 2015, 02:34:03 pm
That eye. Pierces my soul.


But 4 real Aramara, that's some pretty dang good work. I really like your personal style.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: MishkaL1138 on July 01, 2015, 09:54:06 am
I can't tell which is scarier, the eye staring from the shadows or the white one glaring blankly D: That's a damn good job. And I have trouble giving praises, fyi.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 01, 2015, 12:55:06 pm
I'm happy you like it mishka. I went through phases of frustration with yours, but it came together in the end and I learned a lot from it.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Alvero on July 02, 2015, 06:15:18 pm
Brilliant, these are really well made (though i know next to nothing about art)

The schoolar and student, Alvero Alenciar.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 03, 2015, 06:18:11 pm
"Watch yer godmoddin," warns Mogrrim, "or I'll lay ye flat with my banhammer."
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K5fsWiLEBWM/VZcXQYYaDnI/AAAAAAAAAbs/9pH7FRWcE20/s612-no/mogrrim.bmp)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 03, 2015, 06:23:08 pm
the foreshortenings... they are hard...
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: MishkaL1138 on July 03, 2015, 07:51:55 pm
Sorry, I couldn't help it, but I recently got hooked on Hearhstone and... well, I couldn't help it, I said. Here it is:
(http://i.imgur.com/sljYxaf.jpg)

Your drawings are awesome D:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Mariana Xiechai on July 03, 2015, 10:01:40 pm
Mogrrim!!! *fangirl squeals*
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Zunna on July 05, 2015, 02:35:26 am
*Mogrrim chuckles, his hand stroking his beard : " Thank ye, my lady. Ye are a fine artist to be able to sketche such rough traits!"

 \\o// Thank you Aramara !! That's definitvly Mogrrim! He might be a bit more podgy now, with all his wifes cakes but ya xD

If you permit me, I would like to link this tread on facebook, sharing the art  :D
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 05, 2015, 04:29:36 pm
Quote from: Zunna on July 05, 2015, 02:35:26 am
If you permit me, I would like to link this tread on facebook, sharing the art  :D

go right ahead, i'm glad you like it :)

Mishka, I had to look up what Hearthstone is, but cool! I hope a 2/2 weapon is good!

Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 06, 2015, 11:01:37 am
aren't there ingame models for male nolthrirs now? can somebody link to an image of one?
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests — in-game male nolthrir
Post by: Can-ned Food on July 07, 2015, 03:23:38 pm
Here are some screenshots via BitTorrent magnet; hoping this is helpful.
magnet:?xt=urn:btih:eeeb7517d45919d64203e99f493ff86ee77f14f3&dn=Mascul%20Nolthrir%20for%20Aramara&tr=udp%3A%2F%2Ftracker.openbittorrent.com%3A80 (http://magnet:?xt=urn:btih:eeeb7517d45919d64203e99f493ff86ee77f14f3&dn=Mascul%20Nolthrir%20for%20Aramara&tr=udp%3A%2F%2Ftracker.openbittorrent.com%3A80)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 10, 2015, 04:35:01 pm
Ralas has the tavern all to himself.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ffjutyjkRkY/VaA5xCUe55I/AAAAAAAAAcg/CpMDbPUvp9M/s612-no/ralas.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 10, 2015, 04:37:13 pm
\o/
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Mariana Xiechai on July 10, 2015, 10:22:11 pm
I love the expressiveness of your portraits, Ara.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 16, 2015, 11:45:17 pm
i took some time off from your character sketches to do a sketch of my own.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrd7eFfMmLA/VaiGpKhTelI/AAAAAAAAAdA/AT88_C54Jko/w426-h930/theGiftGiver3.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Gilrond on July 18, 2015, 09:24:03 pm
Great work, Aramara!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Cairn on July 20, 2015, 03:13:33 pm
I really like the lighting in that particular portrait, and I feel like perhaps that was something you wanted to emphasize. If so, well done.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 21, 2015, 02:03:24 pm
thanks guys. the majority of the first book of my comic will be set in the underworld, so yeah, trying to capture the appropriate feels. here's another one.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QdjU1DupNUw/Va6VvO14jXI/AAAAAAAAAeM/C1iSH8n0xm4/s612-no/goblinLeader2.jpg)

ok, i'm gonna get back to your portraits as requested now. thanks :)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Can-ned Food on July 21, 2015, 04:44:00 pm
BTW, you might be interested in reading my backstory, The Kokro Legacy (http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=42234.0), which describes a little of the characters (Derorund and the gemma) I mentioned.  Well, if you really wanted to draw some kran anyway.

What of yours has been printed so far, if I may ask?
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 22, 2015, 11:05:20 am
nothing. I started this webcomic idea a few years ago, but it fell to the wayside. you can find the very beginnings of it here: https://whereattentionlies.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/prologuepg1/

i plan to reboot the whole thing though. once i do i'll let you all know.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Cairn on July 23, 2015, 01:33:00 pm
Please do, I thoroughly enjoy your artwork!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 25, 2015, 09:03:58 pm
 Naadah keeps her back to the wall.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-10y8_iI8DHc/VbQ_lzJZ3LI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/NNuTQUiuM34/s612-no/naadah2.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: MishkaL1138 on July 26, 2015, 09:21:03 am
Hey Ara how many in the list already? Also you should come back in game, I need great RPers for my guild!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 26, 2015, 10:40:48 am
i've done 7 out of 10 requests. If I start playing again, I won't have time to finish these  :'(
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Demagul Riwe on July 31, 2015, 12:15:55 pm
Every time you post a new picture I'm blown away yet again. Great work!  \\o//
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on July 31, 2015, 07:49:58 pm
Moja stands in defiance of tyranny.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mEf3oUGHUq8/VbwWYaeTf1I/AAAAAAAAAgE/YdDAfhBmhfY/s612-no/moja2.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Roled on August 01, 2015, 02:29:03 am
Love the soft focus modeling you use, talented Aramara!

Roled- defender of Justice, seeker of knowledge, lover of a few good men  :innocent:

So have you considered an extremely handsome  ::) and yet rugged Dermorian mage, blessed with terrifically bloodred hair and warrior's knot, strong arms, a great  ::| butt, tight fitting leathers, fancy cuffed linen shirt under black leather vest, and a terrific, as of yet unfinished, tattoo of the Celtic Tree of Life down his back and between his shoulders (how you gunna see that, unless shirtless Roled is looking over his shoulder into a mirror?  :-\  well you're the artist, not me!!!) and a newly polished blue way tattoo over his heart of a D and R back to back, with a newly added T crossing the middle stem of the older tattoo, glowing with Blue energy.  A mage  :sorcerer: who's good with a blade and around whom swirls of magicks float. Oh, and Arizona tourquoise blue eyes, a few scars around his neck where some nefarious menkis  :devil: tried to behead him, and signs of early stage alcoholism?  Just a suggestion....  ::|  Thanks if you care to tackle Roled- he would love to be tackled!  :love:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 01, 2015, 11:59:44 am
you're number 12 roled.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Moja Aere on August 03, 2015, 03:19:43 am
Quote from: Aramara Meibi on July 31, 2015, 07:49:58 pm
Moja stands in defiance of tyranny.
Amazing... \\o//
Thanks, talented Aramara :)
All your portraits are pretty full of expressiveness, but in this case I've also to say that that's her: that's a Moja, definetly :thumbup:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 03, 2015, 05:31:11 pm
Thanks everyone. I've been enjoying these tremendously. I'm happy to contribute to this community in whichever way I can.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Garris Shrike on August 04, 2015, 05:01:53 pm
Some of these characters look like they would be tremendously fun to RP with.

Thank you for your hard work, Ara! As everyone's mentioned before, you bring them to life, not just still-life.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 07, 2015, 02:27:11 pm
Derorund Kokro joyfully awaits that fateful day.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YD58UMRDxmY/VcUFonHh05I/AAAAAAAAAg4/7RIzjEVg8gY/s590-no/derorund.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Demagul Riwe on August 07, 2015, 03:56:26 pm
Great job on this one and all the others Aramara! I love how you're using different styles for different characters; it really adds another layer of expressiveness and uniqueness to each piece.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Jilerel on August 07, 2015, 03:58:48 pm
Hey ! I would like one too =D

Jilerel - Curious Nolthrir, wearing a formal suit (http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=41948.msg475291#msg475291). He has blue eyes.
He's kind, and always willing to solve mysteries. Jilerel is Overlord in the Empire, and has a lot of paperwork to do along with solving problems. He's also good in azure magic and with sabres.
One of main habit is to raise his finger at the height of his head when he think he has found something interesting.

Thanks !
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 07, 2015, 05:09:25 pm
hey jilerel. i really like your sig. you are 13.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests — Derorund
Post by: Can-ned Food on August 07, 2015, 08:39:55 pm
That's a very interesting representation of a gemmation beginning, Ara.  I had just presumed that it happened internally.  I think it should be accepted :sorcerer: as part of the PlaneShift settings (if it hasn't already)!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 07, 2015, 08:53:18 pm
it's supposed to be internal. you described Derorund as being translucent, so I tried to rendered Kra's belly as 'glowing with inner life' as it were. Iunno, just kind of what I imagined.

Or are you referring to the other crystals around kra? those are just there for decoration, or maybe some magical rite performed to ensure a healthy gemmation? I don't know!

Yeah, a pregnant kran seated cross-legged on the floor is hard to draw! sorry if it doesn't read well.  :sweatdrop:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Roled on August 07, 2015, 11:52:17 pm
Well I don't know the character but Ara your rendition of the kra is stunning! Your work is so full of story, wow, sooooo beautiful and impressive! Thanks for creating these beings for us to be astonished by and drawn into...
you ... rock : ;D
RR

Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Can-ned Food on August 08, 2015, 07:20:24 am
Yes, kra was translucent (but not any more :'( ), you were right; and yes, I was referring to the crystals.  I do think they are a neat idea, even if you were only trying to decorate the scene.  There's one for the Blue Way, one for the Red, one for the Dark, and one for the, um, Green. ;)
And it “reads” well.  Your portraits always have an emotive, stylistic air, so maybe you should try to be more stuck-up about your work, like the avant garde.  Then make a tunafish sandwich.  Juggle it. :-*
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 08, 2015, 09:51:59 pm
As long as you're happy with it can-ned food :)

Roled, the character is from can-ned food's story here:
http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=42234.0

it's a good read!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Dannae on August 16, 2015, 01:27:55 pm
It's fun to see so many new paintings from you Ara, now that you have a drawing tablet. Even though they're quick studies, and I guess they have to be to even try and keep up with all requests of your talents, at this painting stage it makes it easier to guess some of your thoughts and process toward building each composition. Or in other words... getting a glimpse inside your head... scary stuff, I know!  :D

Out of curiosity, what painting app are you using?
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 16, 2015, 04:18:41 pm
mostly corel painter essentials 4 (it came bundled with the tablet) and using photoshop for help with lighting, color balance, etc.

the first few were done primarily in photoshop, until I got more comfortable with the brushes in corel painter.

it's great to get feedback from you dannae, i'm happy the summoning spell worked :)

and the inside of my head isn't THAT scary!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Dannae on August 19, 2015, 10:02:31 am
Quote from: Aramara Meibi on August 16, 2015, 04:18:41 pm
the inside of my head isn't THAT scary!

LOL, you know I kid you.

Anyway, it's interesting to know that I use those very same two apps for 99% of my hand drawn art. I can't make myself pay for a full version of Painter even though I'd love to have it. I use Photoshop mostly too just because I know it best. What I really like about painter is the watercolor brush effects that I haven't found a way to do in Photoshop. Artrage is really nice too but I hate that it's limited to screen resolution making it not ideal for my commercial work.

A lot of people like to use canned brush effects and textures and other automatic stuff in their Photoshop work, but I prefer to have everything made by my own hand so I mostly stay away from all the filters or things I feel I could not do on an actual canvas other than a little color shifting. I don't hold anything against people who do use all that's available, but personally, I like to know that my art is all made by me, not some fire or leaf or lightning etc., automatic texture effects.

All your art that I've seen appears to be totally you too, something I obviously like.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 19, 2015, 05:08:46 pm
The tablet I got and the software I use are basically the latest and greatest out of what I can afford and what my obsolete MacBook can run. I have a philosophy that tools are tools, and an expensive tool does not a good artist make (it only makes expensive art). A good artist makes the most out of what they've got.

I also am keeping in mind the nature of my project, a narrative told through sequential art. The limits of that medium dictate that I quickly and consistently churn out images of a congruent style, so that is what I'm working towards here. Still learning, still fine tuning the things I've learned. I also don't know how well "quickly" is going to factor into the equation, personally. Oh if only I were the type of person who could focus on one thing at a time.

The layering effects and the burn/dodge tools are what Ive been using photoshop for. Basically, I sketch out the character in painter, fill in basic colors, then bring the image into photoshop, do a gradient layer set on overlay to put down basic lighting, bring it back into painter, do the bulk of the work there, add in the background, back to photoshop to do highlights/shadows with the burn/dodge tool, adjust color balance and contrast with the levels tool which helps just tie the whole thing together, then BACK to painter to go over it all and retain the painterly feel. Phew! But yeah, that's the process I've settled on, because it works for me! :)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 19, 2015, 05:27:33 pm
I think my favorite part of the painter software is the color mixing palette, but mixing my own color is my favorite part of painting :)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Dannae on August 20, 2015, 10:48:48 am
I'll share one favorite method I like to use for helping to quickly set a mood. First block in most of the basic coloring and some shading as you normally do. Then, make a new top layer and fill it with a color you think will work well. Set the layer to multiply (usually), and set the layer opacity to reveal as much of the underneath art as you like. Next, use the eraser tool with different brushes, sizes and opacity settings to erase away where you want the underlying art to show through more such as in highlighted areas and any other areas you want to emphasize or draw attention to. You can always go back and experiment with the overall layer opacity and shift it to alternate colors choices to see how it might look.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 20, 2015, 03:26:56 pm
that's basically how i made the glowey crystals for Derorund, except i think i used soft light not multiply
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 20, 2015, 03:36:28 pm
an sneak peak of the graphic novel project  8)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UOVq2v2kKIA/VdY50elYSvI/AAAAAAAAAh0/KfJKz9rMyEc/w376-h291-no/sneakpeek1.tiff)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 20, 2015, 06:57:28 pm
Demagul can not save the dying bird.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VfowJ3dgPZM/VdZoxt-HFcI/AAAAAAAAAig/nb0s4LM3Kkg/s590-no/demagul.jpg)

sad elf is sad.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 20, 2015, 07:12:23 pm
ok, looks like i skipped number 11, so roled is next unless someone can prove me otherwise.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Mariana Xiechai on August 20, 2015, 10:14:49 pm
Perfect Demagul, Ara.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Roled on August 21, 2015, 12:19:26 am
Another terrific portrait sad elf--- too bad he doesn't have big eyes... :o

Roled roasts the dead bird in a pie... no need to waste the gifts of Xiosia...  ::|

RR is next!! WHoo hooo!!! me polishes his tats
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 21, 2015, 11:22:42 am
i really like the outfit you designed for him mari, hope i did it justice.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Demagul Riwe on August 22, 2015, 06:21:00 pm
 :love: OMG THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!  :love: Sorry about the delayed response, I was busy irl and couldn't access these forums. The expressiveness of this portrait, and all the others, is incredible! Great job, and thanks so much! You captured Demagul PERFECTLY ;D  :flowers:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 23, 2015, 09:26:56 am
i'm really happy you like it :) you gave me a lot of material to work with, and I wanted to work more with facial expression and thought this would be the perfect opportunity. thank you and everyone else for letting me take a stab at their character.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 23, 2015, 12:11:38 pm
Icerra ghost-steals the number 11 spot.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YM6QfCciznY/Vdn99aVUiJI/AAAAAAAAAjM/4IWtB2a-Ww4/s612-no/icerra2.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 29, 2015, 09:18:28 pm
Roled brings a pie to the party.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-POjWw-8Ieu8/VeJnhdErrZI/AAAAAAAAAkA/selwjJQrw64/s590-no/roled.jpg)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Roled on August 29, 2015, 10:56:43 pm
The party pauses in mid-revelry and all eyes turn to Aramara :love:

Roled gasps in astonishment!  :woot:
Roled whoopsy doooosss in glee!  \\o//
 :flowers: Roled bows humbly to  :love: Aramara :love: the muse and magician of inspirational artistry! :flowers:
He arches his very expressive, handsome  8) and angular brow with mischief, and looks around at whom to hurl the glorious Party Pie...  :devil:
and decides to sample it himself first!  O--)

 :thumbup:  THANK YOU THANK YOU Aramara for the Roled of my dreams! :thumbup:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Pierrette on August 30, 2015, 02:49:45 am
But do you like it, Roled?

[Aramara these are all exquisite, I'm glad you share your art here.  RR going over the top made me laugh :)  The Roled portrait is great - I envisioned him much more built up in the upper body, because he could give almost anyone a whooping, and more masculine in the face, i.e. stronger jawline - but his expression with the pie held high and hand on hip, eyes nearly closed, that's all lovely and feels very much like him, as I knew him a while ago - prideful and also humble, an interesting combination, in addition to the pie fetish delight.  Anyway, super evocative, excelente!]
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on August 30, 2015, 09:23:14 am
Quote from: Pierrette on August 30, 2015, 02:49:45 am
But do you like it, Roled?

Lol :)

I do hope roled's exuberance is genuine. I might redo the face when I get home tonight, I was getting a Kefka vibe from him and it was bugging me. Also, roled, I put full faith and responsibility on you to establish the bolo tie fashionable in Yliakum ;)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Pierrette on August 30, 2015, 02:13:10 pm
I do not think he's capable of being otherwise  :love: .

I had to look up this Kefka creature, and if that is an Freudian slip (artist-version)...
well, I find that interesting :)  They do look a tiny bit similar.  If you squint.

"While previous antagonists in the Final Fantasy series were distant, cold, ruthless, and bent on their goals, Kefka is loud, short-tempered, maniacal, and destructive."

Favorite phrases:
"Read my lips—mercy is for wimps! -- There's a reason "oppose" rhymes with "dispose." -- If they get in your way, kill them!"
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on September 02, 2015, 09:24:42 am
ok, I finally realized that the 11 spot was supposed to go to Alvero, so he'll be next, followed by Jilerel, and then, I think, that's all the requests so far. I need to get them done in the next two weeks before classes start  :sweatdrop:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on September 18, 2015, 09:09:06 pm
Alvero studies the liberal arts
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x5ObniUZiWI/VfzDVubQQaI/AAAAAAAAAkw/eLmQiyL6P1Y/s612-no/alvero2.png)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Candy on September 18, 2015, 09:31:55 pm
These are all fantastic! I hope you get to keep practicing after classes start. :)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on September 19, 2015, 09:23:19 am
Quote from: Candy on September 18, 2015, 09:31:55 pm
These are all fantastic! I hope you get to keep practicing after classes start. :)

I'll still take requests. I'm very happy to do these and stay engaged in the community in whichever way I can. I promise to fulfill every request I get, just know that it might take me some time. So, keep 'em comin'! I ain't scurred!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Roled on September 19, 2015, 04:47:08 pm
*ahem*

And what physical appearance might Aramara take on?

Please- would you draw your magical avatar- mei bi?  :woot:
RR
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on September 19, 2015, 05:20:14 pm
I've drawn Ara before:
(http://i.imgur.com/3BxAgqh.png)

but sure, i'll do it again :)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Cairn on September 19, 2015, 09:12:35 pm
Quote from: Roled on September 19, 2015, 04:47:08 pm
*ahem*

And what physical appearance might Aramara take on?
 :woot:
RR

That of a turnip shaped lad.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on September 20, 2015, 09:31:30 am
Quote from: Cairn on September 19, 2015, 09:12:35 pm
Quote from: Roled on September 19, 2015, 04:47:08 pm
*ahem*

And what physical appearance might Aramara take on?
 :woot:
RR

That of a turnip shaped lad.

Is there a refrance here that I'm missing?
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on December 20, 2015, 08:11:55 pm
Jilerel introduces himself as such.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UEJXXioZHbc/VndRZx_Cw8I/AAAAAAAAAlc/S77F_c8s-eA/s612-no/jilerel.png)
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Jilerel on December 21, 2015, 11:23:23 am
Absolutely don't know what to say ! It's awesome. Really great !
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Mariana Xiechai on December 21, 2015, 01:22:48 pm
Awesome Jilerel Aramara!
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on December 22, 2015, 08:37:05 pm
hey thank you all for waiting patiently  :love:
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on January 13, 2016, 05:29:54 pm
Did you know that I officially rebooted my webcomic?

Did you know that you can read it here? https://whereattentionlies.wordpress.com

Many thanks for all the players who bravely allowed me to practice my skillz on their characters. It was fun and if I find the time I'll be happy to do it again.

all blessings.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Rigwyn on January 15, 2016, 04:14:43 am
Hey, those men have Wilma Flintstone dresses and pancake titties. What gives, Ara?

Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on January 15, 2016, 10:10:06 am
umm... they're men.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Rigwyn on January 17, 2016, 07:04:06 pm
The third from the left looks like he/she has a little more than a case of man boobs. Perhaps it's a touch of gynecomastia?
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Aramara Meibi on January 17, 2016, 08:40:11 pm
bellisario's maxim.
Title: Re: Character Portrait Requests
Post by: Volki on January 18, 2016, 05:04:24 pm
Nice.