I think putting outlines on this would not be an improvement, and instead would just change the style for the sake of changing the style.
It already has en excellent balance of lineless and detail lines.
It's not easy to know where to separate colors, indeed.
Not to mention that good outlining may involve AA so it add some extra layer of complexity. You may need extra colors so outlines will not be pure black and will blend properly with the local region.
The best way to improve yourself or your current artwork is to run some test and experiment, you can then update your image here. (Sometimes I slightly modify or enhance some of my own pixelart here so its okay).
For a good starter I would advise you to look at animated manga close to your style to see how outlines is done. I thinks its the fatest way to improve: by standing on giant shoulder ;)
I see, so some of the areas have colors that need separating, and some parts look flat, and I should try using outlines to solve this?
That's good feedback. If you have an idea of which areas you feel are problematic, I'd appreciate it, but no worries if not, you've given enough help as-is. My guess is the face looks flat, and the light hair color blends into the light skin color. I can see that's an issue, at least.
I don't generally use outlines as you can see, and when I use them in only a few places it tends to look weird, I worry. That said, I used outlines in some of my recent pieces (the two nudes I have up) and it worked well there.
*I would like to go on date with Kara*
For the outlines, I feel like it miss some lineart (kind of black inking) which would separate more clearly colors. Its too flat for me and it would enhance the manga feeling. Using outline would also do justice to your actual drawing, appart of the pixel side aesthetic, the drawing is really really cool.,
yes, it's my oc, her name is kara (and i have a few drawings of her in my gallery). can you elaborate on what you mean about the outlines? i don't understand.
niiiiiiiice ! Too bad there is no straight outlines ihmo. But still nice ! Is this an original character from you ?
, nice work tcsc
yeah the lack of outlines is mostly a style thing, although i think there are probably a few places it could use them. (thanks for the very nice complement too)