I think I might need an art buddy for my comic reboot

[aqua03]

Hey everybody, I recently decided to star a reboot for my comic DRGN due to not being very happy with any of it and I realized that one big thing I disliked about it was the art direction and general design of the comic. So I'm deciding to evolve and modify it to better suit the story and tastes. (Trying to aim for a science mecha fantasy style like Bionicle, Destiny, or the Megaman Zero/ZX games, but with an art style reminiscent of retro anime.) However, I realized that I might need a buddy to help in coming up with and defining said style some more.

Now, I'm not talking about full on "Draw my comic" or "Design my characters" mode, mostly just want somebody to bounce ideas and feedback off of, maybe doodle up an example or two of what I should do if they feel they need to along with help pointing me in the right direction and stuff like that. That sort of thing, if you can catch my drift.

Again, thank you all for the help and I hope I don't come off as entitled or demanding with this.

Here's the current version of DRGN for you to get a taste of the style I wanted to go with initially.

DRGN: Dragon Robots Gone Nitro | Tapas

[nathanKmcwilliams]

If you need feedback, I'm willing to help out.

[aqua03]

Sweet, thanks. I might send you some ideas I had when I doodle them up soon.

[JRHoch]

I'm happy to help too! Sign me up for this secret society!

[comics.resTart]

Count me in! Wohoho~

[Anerdadventure]

I can help with colouring and backgrounds if you need

[aqua03]

@L.O.R.D @Anerdadventure @JRHoch

Rad, thanks. Glad to have so much help! I'll shoot you all some ideas of what I was thinking for my art style.

[JRHoch]

Cool. I've been rethinking one of my comic's look as well, so I get where you are at.

[aqua03]

Neat. Currently working on three different looks for it, so I'll be sure to show you guys when they're all done.

[IndigoShirtProd]

Hit me up if you've got questions, I got answers

[aqua03]

@dragonsparking @IndigoShirtProd @JRHoch @L.O.R.D @Anerdadventure

And here are some examples of the ideas I had. Please give me some feedback on how they look/character design and which style I should go for.

Style 1: More serious fantasy style.
If I don't go for this one in the comic proper, then I might use it for chapter covers and other pieces at least.

Style 2: Simpler Style.
This one is kind of similar to the one I use currently, but a bit more detailed. Made one version with noise and one without to see how it looks.

Style 3: JRPG
Taking a page out of JRPGS and other games like Cave Story or Undertale/Webcomics like Homestuck and Prequel Adventure, I'd use a style that has everyone in a relatively simple and stylized appearance up until battles or more serious moments, of which I would then switch to either style 1 or 2. (I'd still definitely use the Chibis in the comic even if this isn't the style I go with, because I really had a fun time drawing Flare lie this.)

Thanks for the help, and I'd also love to hear your feedback on Flare's design in general. I like it, but I'm having a bit of trouble giving him a color scheme appropriate for his fire powers while still making it pop contrast wise. Also having a bit of trouble with how his orange gauntlets and boots should look as well.

[JRHoch]

Style 1 and 2 are pretty close; I do like the color in style 2B probably the best. I'd suggest a little experiment. A lot of cartoons these days, don't use a black outline. You might want to experiment with using solid color shapes and/or color outlines.

However, if you prefer a black outline, I recommend you play with your line width--something with a greater contrast of thick and thin. Usually objects closer to the light are thinner, and objects on the shadow side or closer to the viewer are thicker.

[nathanKmcwilliams]

I'll say something similar, 2b looked good to me. But I also like 3. I like the idea of using both 2&3 together.

You mentioned you had fun drawing 3, I'd personally go with the one you had fun with the most. Simply for this reason: If you are planning on doing the series for a long time, the style that gives you the most enjoyment, and causes you the least stress while drawing it might be your best bet.

As for the color issues, maybe give Flare's sword a different color scheme, or a lighter variation of the existing one.

[IndigoShirtProd]

I like the style 1 and both of style 2. I agree with @JRHoch when they say vary the line width, it can add a lot of interest to the comic.
I don't know what it is, but your color choice. It's not bad, but maybe there are too many saturated colors on one character, so much so that they clash. The warm colors contrasted with the dark grey looks good, but maybe you could reduce the number of colors on this one character.
For example maybe having one less yellow, only one hot pink, a unsaturated dark red, another lighter red, a lighter and more blue dark grey, and a slightly darker orange, if that helps.

[Reign]

I’m willing to help. I’m still a beginner manga artist, but I can help if there’s anything you need. I’ve been looking at, drawing, and studying manga since I was seven (I’m 23 now) so hopefully I can help in some way. (Again, not an expert, but here if ya need it. )

[aqua03]

Cool, thanks. Always good to have more help on hand.

@IndigoShirtProd @dragonsparking @JRHoch

Thanks for the feedback, especially on the colors. I think I will tinker with a simpler color scheme a bit before showing you guys as well. (Was also planning on doing a bit of a Hirohiko Araki thing and having the colors of the comic fluctuate depending on the mood.)

I think I might go with a sort of happy medium between styles 1 and 2B. Because 2B is a bit simpler and easy to replicate for a comic, but I kind of prefer the design of 1 for the gauntlets. Will also use style 1 for covers and other stuff that requires a bit more oomph. Will definitely keep style 3 around for comedic moments and other stuff, but I don't think I'll go the JRPG route for it after @Chita said that constantly switching between the two styles could look jarring.

[aqua03]

@Reign @dragonsparking @JRHoch @IndigoShirtProd

Say guys, do you have any ideas on how to practice at or get better line weight? Because I've been trying to have better line weight recently, but can never quite seem to get it right.

[nathanKmcwilliams]

That's something I have an issue with myself. Usually I end up erasing the parts that seem off. I'm not well versed in the finer details of brush settings and functions.

[JRHoch]

It depends on what tool you are using. With stylus or a brush you can get thick and thin very easily; markers, pens, etc., tend to be more consistent and less varied.

A quick thing you can do is use a heavier line for the foreground and lighter for midground and even lighter or no line for background. This can give the illusion of depth. Overall, thin lines or thick lines tend to look more impressive than a middle weight line which can be boring.

Lastly, and this for me is the important thing, your hand has to move fast or fluidly. If you "trace" your original drawing underneath, the line work is often not as expressive or crisp as it could be and often has a halting quality. If you're working over pencils or a lower layer, when you do your finishes don't trace, redraw the image.

[aqua03]

@dragonsparking @Reign @JRHoch @IndigoShirtProd

Say, what do you guys think of using a purplish-red for Flare's armor to see if that gives more pop and contrast to the organ? I was thinking of adding Azure highlights to him, but I think I might save that for his power up form so that it gives it a more distinctive look. What do you guys think?