Pixel Joint Forum: Cats... not good at them...

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   First time I'm asking critique on here... well, here we go.

I'm no stranger to pixel art, but I would love to improve. Anyhow, I'm having problems with anatomy atm, as it seems too canine-like to me, and it doesn't really... feel like a cat. 

Here's the reference I've been kinda using for the pose itself: Cat stock

So... any help? 

Author	Message
ZombieFish Seaman Joined: 15 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Topic: Cats... not good at them... Posted: 23 March 2012 at 3:19pm
	First time I'm asking critique on here... well, here we go. I'm no stranger to pixel art, but I would love to improve. Anyhow, I'm having problems with anatomy atm, as it seems too canine-like to me, and it doesn't really... feel like a cat. Here's the reference I've been kinda using for the pose itself: Cat stock So... any help?
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cure Commander Joined: 23 March 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2859	Posted: 23 March 2012 at 3:24pm
	feet are too large, the jowls (cheek area) should probably be more substantial. eyes look to be too close together. front leg is massive. would be better to find a ref that's more like the pose you're going for.
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ZombieFish Seaman Joined: 15 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Posted: 23 March 2012 at 6:33pm
	Update: I changed the pose, and hopefully made it more cat-like instead of dog-like. Might do a small scene with this, but I don't know yet.
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Partack Commander Joined: 20 October 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 260	Posted: 23 March 2012 at 9:56pm
	awww your new one is a lot better,very cute looks like an illustration from a kids fairytale book. very whimsical i feel the ears may be a tad too big and far back on the head and the front paws deserve a little more attention, try to define a toe or two I also think it would look cuter if the mouse looked at the cat instead of away from it. dunno why. nice lineart. very clean. dunno what that fuzzy blue thing jutting out from the collar is though..
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ZombieFish Seaman Joined: 15 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Posted: 25 March 2012 at 5:32pm
	Starting on background now: I think I may need to fix the shading on the cat but... :S Not sure how exactly. @Partack Thanks~ n_n The blue fuzzy thing, or rather the red fuzzies are feathers attached to the collar.
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cure Commander Joined: 23 March 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2859	Posted: 25 March 2012 at 7:22pm
	The front legs look rather short, I doubt the paws would be that far backin this position but if they are then the leg should probably be more bent
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9_6 Seaman Joined: 16 November 2006 Online Status: Offline Posts: 14	Posted: 26 March 2012 at 7:14am
	You should look at some refs. Cat nose bridges flow into the forehead very strongly to the point that they form a flat surface for most big cats. The jowls are attached to that and, depending on the size of the cat, have different volumes which ultimately forms the ^-shape of the mouthline. Their eyes also tend to be angled upwards due to the shape of their face. The lower jaw is usually bent quite strongly too so it would probably not form that round shape you have there. The forelegs would also either be angled down more or positioned backwards a bit more depending on if you want a relaxed or an attacking pose. Collars also tend to go around the immediate area beneath the head that is thinner than the skull. The thing you have there is so wide, it'll just fall off the cat.
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H\|F Commander Joined: 14 March 2020 Online Status: Offline Posts: 363	Posted: 26 March 2012 at 11:57pm
	The new version looks like a munchkin .... though I don't think that is what you mend to do? If SO then I would say my only crit would be that the tail looks very thick where it is joining with the body. Oh and also it's left ear (our right) looks like it is sitting very far back/turned in a funky way. Can't see that lil mouse, give it more contrast Edited by H\|F - 27 March 2012 at 12:01am
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ZombieFish Seaman Joined: 15 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Posted: 31 March 2012 at 11:54am
	Still trying to figure out the other stuff but here's what I have so far: I think the grass is crowding the sprite, so I might remove them, but the problem is that I kinda need something to go into the background so suggestions are helpful. @H\|F What do you mean by a munchkin?
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Friend Commander Joined: 01 April 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 710	Posted: 31 March 2012 at 1:21pm
	I think it's coming along pretty nicely, but why do you dither everywhere? It makes an unwanted texture. You can always add colors or simply choose colors that blend better
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cure Commander Joined: 23 March 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2859	Posted: 31 March 2012 at 1:45pm
	yes, the dithering on the cat's fur is fine as the texture it creates works for fur, but on the grass and ground and rock etc. it just adds noise. the cat's pose and environment say "predator", but the back hair standing up says "i'm scared!"
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WIP (Work In Progress)
Pixel Joint Forum : Pixel Art : WIP (Work In Progress)