[Studies] January (Patreon)

TLDR: I want to improve and be more efficient. I may edit the second one into a series for promo.

I'm on the road of understanding anime-style art and developing the most efficient workflow. Especially after the first Santa-kuna thing, suddenly I had no idea what I was doing and my brain was thirsting for analysis.

I'm still torn between using Multiply layers and manually picking colors, but I'm starting to realise that no matter how much I try, I won't be able to make up rules to follow, as each lighting setup demands a different approach. 

Another aspect I was studying was the role of the lineart and how much of the shading MUST be simplified in order for the lineart to shine, i.e. how dark can the darkest parts be without looking too complicated. 

The main reference point is the characters' features (I mostly draw the JJK/anime boys), which is simplified. My aim is to match the stylisation/simplification of the shading with the stylisation of the features in order to create a harmonious image, while keeping the feeling of the mass of the muscles.

...whoops sorry for the ramble. At uni we had to document every exploration in an art journal and it got graded. Unfortunately, I can talk about this for hours.

(I like the laid back pose so much, I'm considering making it a N/SFW series  for promotional purposes. Of course I would edit the proportions, skin tones, the bodyfat-percentage, tattoos and body hair as well.)

Have a great rest of the day! 

------------------------------------------------

Addition 1

I did another study. I used Gojo, because I have difficulties with his eyes and hair (the other boys have smaller eyes so they don't need too many details). 

Sometimes I feel like I have a wrench stuck in the cogs of my head, so I try something new to get it unstuck, but now I just feel more confused than before, haha. I always have a clear plan, even when I'm doing studies, trying to expect the unexpected, but now I have no idea what I'm doing. Maybe I was doing too many things that are unnatural to me? Or maybe I'm too focused on my plans and I forgot to check if what I'm doing is actually good?