The contrast is pretty high, but it seems to be the only way for that style of shading to really work well... I can't really give any specific "fix", and you have a pretty unique way of going about lighting, so keep at it and hopefully it'll develop into your own little niche style.
I'm not meaning to say it's bad, of course. It's a good piece :P
It's been a while avatars, It's been a while icons, It's been a while pixel art, It's been a while forum avatars, It's been a while AOL Buddy Icons
Sponsored Products
Donate
Want to give some dough back to all those amazing pixel artists? Donations provide prize money for contests, help cover hosting costs and support new initiatives.
The contrast is pretty high, but it seems to be the only way for that style of shading to really work well... I can't really give any specific "fix", and you have a pretty unique way of going about lighting, so keep at it and hopefully it'll develop into your own little niche style.
I'm not meaning to say it's bad, of course. It's a good piece :P