sketch mag. contest entries - Willow contest part 1 Options

[vector]

Here's a collective look at all the willow entries....

KUZU SKOT


LURK D


THE LEADER


CHEELEE 65


CHEELEE 65


DAN_CHON


VSHANE


SDMCCARTY


GREG FORRY


CLAYBOY

[vector]

VOICE GUY


JOHNSON


BECKNA


DANIELPICCI


VECTOR

[johnson]

A lot of great entries. The turn outs keep getting better and better.

[MichaelNetzer]

Very nice. Another excellent premise for a contest and a wonderful show of varying degrees of influences and talent. The comments and choice for top 3 entries are based on a preference for work which more captures the essence of the character as given in the assignment, and then an additional consideration for the execution of the work, including drawing proficiency, style and visual impact. As always, the work is all worthy of special commendation and the notion that not all of it can be amongst the top 3 choices, in no way diminishes from the very nice effort put forth by all.

First, some comments on the entire set, followed by the choice for top 3 entries.


Kuzo Skot: This is a very nicely drawn entry, and very well designed. The character is bulky enough to have the strength she needs, though she doesn't quite look tall enough. The head would need to be a little smaller to get that height across. There's also something about the expression which doesn't seem to befit a trained assassin, especially one who thinks she's a clone... or even one who discovers her life was a lie. Should project a more serious and troubled look. The costume design would fit well in a teen punk crowd which might be a good cover-up for an assassin that needs to remain incognito.

Lurk D: This entry captures the spirit of the character extremely well. She looks tall and strong and serious, which are the primary considerations. The idea of a civilian costume, changing her looks as needed, is also a more natural solution to such a character. The drawing itself is not yet strong enough to compete with other more well crafted pieces here, (especially noticeable in the treatment of her hair) which would, in most other situations, be a serious detriment. But in this case, it's more important to come up with a suitable look for a character, which this entry accomplishes rather well.

The Leader: This is an interesting premise. Simple, with an emphasis on the face and some arm and hair design. The rest is maybe a little too simple but it becomes more problematic due to drawing inefficiencies. The character looks muscular which makes sense but not bulky enough to bench press a truck, especially in the upper portion. But the drawing problems take a back seat here to the intense and serious projection that the character exudes. Very close to being an excellent entry.

Cheelee 65: This is a very nicely designed costume, and well drawn. The main problem with such a design, though, for an assassin, is that she'd have a hard time not attracting attention in such a flashy costume. It looks more like a formal dress attire or an Elvis inspired show-piece. Which could be alright if she needed to be on show, but that's not what such a character usually demands, which is a more rugged look. She also doesn't seem to look tall or even strong enough to fit the description. The design and drawing abilities shown here, however, are commendable.

Dan_Chon: This is also very nicely stylized. Though she looks a little thin and frail here, the character has a bulkiness at the top and shoulders that seems to convincingly project physical strength. A little smaller on the head might do better for height. It's also a little ambiguous as to character but does come across as an interesting treatment, nonetheless.

VShane: This design clearly exudes the powerhouse that that character is, and projects all the seriousness of her profession. She can easily cover herself up in a jacket or long coat for a more incognito presence. The drawing is very good though perhaps a little overdone with muscular detail. But this is a drawing issue which is compensated by the excellent approach and understanding of the assignment.

SDMcCarty: This is a very nicely drawn and extremely sweet illustration to behold. The lean fluidity of the figure and wonderful character exuded in the face are superb. The main problem though, is in the obvious lack of physique bulk, especially in the upper torso and arms, that Willow would need. The costume is very civilian but not much more may really be needed here. Otherwise, it's a very fabulous entry.

Greg Forry: This entry get the character spot on. She looks tough and strong, as she should. Also hardened by a life of violence. The drawing needs some work, a little lacking in form and too hairy of a rendering technique. But the overall capture of the character is quite on target based on the assignment, except maybe in not showing us her height. But the more important elements needed in the contest have been answered here.

Clayboy: Clayboy is a very talented artist and the stylization here is simply delightful. Willow looks a little old, though, closer to her thirties and the bulk she'd need in her torso and arms have been shifted to a sexy behind that might be missing the point of who the character is. But seeing such stylization and fine illustration technique is very uplifting and should be an inspiration to most artists.

Voice Guy: Certainly a bold approach of the girl next door that no one would suspect. A perfect cover up for such a character and she might be bulky enough to convince of her strength. But she just doesn't look like a killer and the drawing proficiency leaves a little to be desired. A very charming and even devious suggestion, but it's not clear how it relates to the ferocity and power that the character needs, as expressed in the assignment.

Johnson: Maybe not flashy or given any special costume considerations, but there's something in this entry that's convincing of the character's description. The drawing is relatively very nice and we get a feeling of a very real professional killer who's also pretty but no overly exaggerated so as to distract from the look and feel as described. A fine line to walk between somber reality and and an attractive design.

Beckna: This is another delightfully crafted entry. Very nicely drawn and excellently stylized. Much character and determination but perhaps a little too soft for the killer instinct Willow needs. She's also not convincingly tall enough or strong enough to fit the bill, which is derivative of the drawing style. The embroidered waist cloth is an excellent design element. Generally a very fabulously designed character from a clearly talented artist.. though it might slightly miss the mark with regards to character specs.

DanielPicci: This seems to be an excellent entry on all fronts. Very well drawn and considerate of the character description. She's tall, looks strong, fierce and hardened as her profession would demand, though maintaining the youth and contemporary look we should look for. The costume design is elegant, functional and easily worn under a dress or jacket for cover-up. Simply a superb entry that answers the needs of this assignment.

Vector: Another fine entry, though for a character design leaves us with a little taste for seeing a full figure in costume. She looks tall but maybe not strong enough in the arms. The expression and look in her face is also a little dreamy, which might take away from the fierceness Willow needs. This is also a good opportunity to comment on the healthy bust which, though sexy and feminine, can be distracting from the characteristics of the hardened troubled character the assignment calls for.


Top 3 entries:

First Place: DanielPicci.

Second Place: Greg Forry.

Third Place: VShane.


Again, a well done to everyone and best wishes in the next stage of the contest. Much gratitude to Bill for the invitation to participate in judging it.

[vector]

Thank you for taking the time to comment on all the entries Michael, it's always helpful to get feed back from pro's

Steve

[VShane]

Michael, thanks for the vote and input!
Yeah I was on the fence about the muscular detail, but Bill emphasized "innate strength" and wasn't too clear on that approach.
Daniel Picci's costume design was excellent and I look forward to working with it on the sequential's. Make sure I tone down that muscle detail!

thanks again

V Shane

[SDMccarty]

Agreed; thank you so much for the input!

And congrats to DanielPicci, Greg Forry, and VShane!!

[The Leader]

Thanks Michael! Close to being excellent... I'm blushing. It's much higher praise than I expected to hear.

I was going more for the Caitlin Fairchild of Gen 13 strong than She-Hulk strong, but I hear what you mean about massing up the upper body.

So Michael's three winners get points or something from his votes and the other judges are needed to determine the winners?

[MichaelNetzer]

A final thought to everyone who participated and made such a good show. Drawing, or creating images is a lifetime learning process which should never stop. It's greatly dependent on our state of mind and personal development. Time and experience are our greatest asset and everyone here has a great deal of both in their future.

So when we think of where we stand as artists in comparison to others, it's good to remember there will always be more and less proficient than the best and worst in the craft. Because we're all links in the middle of an endlessly long chain. The best we can do as artists, which should also reflect in our personality, is to utilize criticism in order to nourish a desire to speed up the development process. The greatest achievers in any medium are those who can look honestly at their shortcomings and are are favorably inspired by the strengths of others.

The choices I made are in no way absolute and only reflect a momentary need to make them at the time. Others will judge differently and the accumulated average is the best standard we have for the overall results of such a contest. Upon first glance, it's clear that there exists very excellent work here which seems to have been preceded by others that may look less proficient. But the overall considerations of the assignment also take precedence over drawing proficiency. The final results based on how others judge the entries will certainly reflect a more realistic appraisal than mine.

The overall good spirit here from all the participants is as inspiring as all of the work itself. This community is an excellent training ground that can only benefit everyone in it. Thanks much for all the good words, and keep on keeping on towards honing these skills.

[The Leader]

Well said Michael.

I know my stuff has vast areas to improve upon, but I appreciate your kind words. They're a source of inspiration.

[VShane]

very inspirational. It didn't dawn on me there are more judges, this should definatley be eye opening. Glad to be a part of it.

[cheelee65]

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOP THREE ESPECIALLY YOU DANIEL PICCI FOR YOUR WINNING ENTRY GREAT WORK

unfortunately i was unable to get the latest Willow re-do in on time but I did post it on the original thread. I'll put it here for anyone that is interested in commenting.

Alright I look forward to the sequentials contest so get a move on Bill and don't let our chops get to cold now hear

[clayboy]

Congrats to the winners! and a big thanks to Michael for his reviews.

[vector]

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOP THREE ESPECIALLY YOU DANIEL PICCI FOR YOUR WINNING ENTRY GREAT WORK

unfortunately i was unable to get the latest Willow re-do in on time but I did post it on the original thread. I'll put it here for anyone that is interested in commenting.

Alright I look forward to the sequentials contest so get a move on Bill and don't let our chops get to cold now hear

I really liked all three of your entries Cesar!! especially the last one!!

steve

[Psychomud]

I'm sooo jealous of you guys right now

[kuzu]

well, i have to say, in hindsight i should have made her taller. I stand by my costume design as much of whats here is typical of what first comes to mind from the name "Willow". I don't mean that as a dis, my first 4 roughs where just the same type of amazon/butch look.

I tried too hard to look into what Bill was giving us as background and thinking about what a girl, that age, in that situation, etc. would be like and dress like, possibly, it's all hypothetical.

at the same time i wanted to create a design that would be diverse and original. allowing for an interesting second phase element to draw and hopefully, allowing the entrants to create a really cool page for their portfolio.

dot screen, should have left it out, wanted to try to create the feeling of different texture keeping in mind that it was going to be b/w, should have just submitted the line art.


this was the 5 or 6th design i came up with, here, she's clearly tall enough, but lacking the character "details" i felt Bill was trying to get across.

again, i think i got to focused on some elements and lost the hight somewhere in the process...

well, live and learn... k.i.s.s... keep it simple stupid, one day i'll figure that out.

[kuzu]

thanks Bill, between you, me and everyone involoved i really liked Clayboy's entry, personally

[gregforry]

Personally, I had trouble trying to determine if Willow was supposed to have a costume or be "superhero-like" at all (given Bill's description), so I kept the outfit extremely generic abd focused on general look, build & abilities. Personality wasn't really relayed in the description either so I didn't give her any type of "attitude" other than a "down-to-business" general look...

Thanks to the kind comments and, for those that had suggestions, they were welcomed & helpful. : )

[kuzu]

Personally, I had trouble trying to determine if Willow was supposed to have a costume or be "superhero-like" at all (given Bill's description), so I kept the outfit extremely generic abd focused on general look, build & abilities. Personality wasn't really relayed in the description either so I didn't give her any type of "attitude" other than a "down-to-business" general look...

Thanks to the kind comments and, for those that had suggestions, they were welcomed & helpful. : )

yeah, personaly, i moved in the super hero direction at one point because of the idea she "may" have been cloned... i figured if scientist had her, they mostlikey have her in some type of uniform... and if she was into "FooFighter" and such. she'd be rebelling against them at some point, on some level, prior to finding out they'd lied to her.... the easiest way to visually show that was with dress.

[VShane]

Personally, I had trouble trying to determine if Willow was supposed to have a costume or be "superhero-like" at all (given Bill's description), so I kept the outfit extremely generic abd focused on general look, build & abilities. Personality wasn't really relayed in the description either so I didn't give her any type of "attitude" other than a "down-to-business" general look...

Thanks to the kind comments and, for those that had suggestions, they were welcomed & helpful. : )

Yeah, that was pretty much my approach. The only confusing part of Bill's description is "time".
At what stage does one design the costume?
Mine was basically at the start, normal clothes, sexy enough, slightly suggestive to also show her strength, and easily concealable with a jacket etc...
I was also under the assumption, due to her great strength, she wouldn't have need of weapons (ala Superman style).
I had a design for the "after effect" of becoming a super, but I was under the impression this is a design for the early before stages.
Anyway, good crits and a wide array of perspective to be noted. Thanks again for the input and votes.