Imo, you are over pixelling. Too much dithering and not enough definition/contrast of the shapes within the creature. The yellows are nice but the rocks in such a pure black are not very interesting. Perhaps using dark desaturated blue/purples?

Obsidian rock is defined by high gloss more than colors. If you had an black obsidan rock under a glowing yellow monster then some yellows, reds, browns would most likely reflect on the stone. However, as this is art and choosing those 'real' shades would make everything somewhat monochromatic I just thought maybe a bit of blue/purple would help the piece overali. Note that I mean almost black colors but leaning to a color for visual interest only...artistic license ;)

Adding texture does not mean you have to pixel all over the place. Sometimes just a bit here and there will suggest more texture than you now have. For example, if the skin of your creature is bumpy then no matter what you do in the interior will not be as effective as bumps on the edges. Now you have a smooth outline so the skin will read as smooth regardless of what you do in the interior. If the bottom part is tentacles or many legs then your definition of that area is not reading that way. Its more of a series of folds and wrinkles.
I apologize that I don't have the time right now to make even a quick edit for you to see a visual... maybe someone else can. For now just keep at it (see other people's work in the gallery - search monster, tentacle, skin, etc) and post updates :)

E: Just added - Notice how much texture and definition can be achieved with little dithering more contrast of areas and forms. Notice how edges suggest the texture.



Edited by jalonso - 06 August 2011 at 8:49am

Question. So to submit to the contest, do I submit it to my gallery first, then do something?

Ahahaha, I'm such a n00b.

Oh! Thank you. :P

Guys, check the 'submit to challenge' when adding to the gallery and if all is cool and rules were followed, etc. we do the rest.

Yea, transparency counts as a color as far as I know.

In pixelart transparency counts as a color because IT IS a color that is masked but technically still exists. This is an old school thing/tradition that remains as a technicality.

@bladeking77, I thought you were still on WIP mode. Its added now. For future work focus on definition a bit. On your entry the color choices makes it hard to read the details. This takes work and practice so don't stress too much but keep it in mind.


Edited by jalonso - 06 August 2011 at 7:57pm

server time. the front page of the site has a countdown clock.

I was doing, but, o don't know how to shad it.



I need some help