TSI gets back into it: Drake Enforcer & Warden

[thespaceinvader]

Warden halberd decoration is a possibility, I'll see how that goes. Meanwhile, this should, now, be finished, after the work I did on it at FOSDEM.

[Djehuty]

I prefer LordBob version on page 3.

[Reepurr]

I prefer LordBob version on page 3.

Me too, possibly because LordBob's version has the metal shading blended in a bit more with each other (very noticeable on his right wing armour for example).
It would be nice if Djehuty gave a reason too though.

[Dixie]

I dunno, LordBob's one looks a bit more desaturated and dirtier... I kinda like this last one from TSI, personnally.

[StDrake]

I liked the shading of the wing protector in LordBobs version. Mainly cause the one here has some weird colour section jumps

[LordBob]

Please keep in mind this isn't a shading competition. TSI is doing the job, and comparing the respective qualities of each rendering will help him less than focusing on precise comments about what and how you would like to see his work tweaked.

As far as I'm concerned, there only remains the matter of the flat knee : no amount of logic will change the fact that it looks disgracious such as it is now.
Solve this and he's good to go.

[homunculus]

i guess the argument is about the metal looking smooth as if from a modern factory rolling mill or from under a hand-held hammer of a smith.
a careful smith can make a smooth enough surface, but a less smooth surface might look more friendly to people.
both versions are cool in their own way (as if my opinion mattered, just clarifying).

[Djehuty]

Hello and sorry for the unexplained post.

In LordBob version (I'll call it the 2nd) the "inking" lines are smoothed out or non existent in some parts, the metal has a more depth/3D look, giving me the feeling a more realistic material.

The head in the chest plate, for example, gains more dimension in the 2nd then in the 1st (TSI version).

The look and feel of the horns blend better with the metal from the 2nd.

In the 2nd, I get a feel of thick metal, while in the 1st is more spray painted plastic. The 2nd has texture while the 1st is too flat/shiny.

I've searched for images of gold in google, and even the polished ingots reflect light with soft blends and/or in non-uniform ways.

Also, the inking in the 1st is to prominent. I don't know if it is its colour but I think the image is too outlined.

The two "bumps" (wing and forearm protector) look like they don't belong to the metal. They look more like rain drops over the metal.

This besides my "itches" from the previous post.

[Reepurr]

Please keep in mind this isn't a shading competition. TSI is doing the job, and comparing the respective qualities of each rendering will help him less than focusing on precise comments about what and how you would like to see his work tweaked.

I took that to mean "Stop comparing the portraits please."

[thespaceinvader]

Basically, yes. I've restrained myself, in this thread, from commenting about the peanut gallery. But it's not been easy.

Bob: I'll fix that and post a finalised version today - I had done a bit to it, but it clearly wasn't enough. Thanks.

EDIT: voila.

[thespaceinvader]

Unless there are any objections from fellow Directors, I'm going to commit this in the next day or so. Please comment if you need to, kitty, bob and jet.

[StDrake]

will you be very angry if I pick on a few details instead?
1: the main culprit, sourcelee dent in the shadow
2: minor, that angle could do a little smoothening
3: that line bends left too far, with a shading dissection that visible the layer thickness inequality along the vertical axis shows badly

numbers 1 and 3 are the most visible

[doofus-01]

Those are very, very, very minor details...

[thespaceinvader]

Nonetheless, I'll clean them up before I commit. Kitty, Bob, any further issues?

[LordBob]

I'd rather you spent time on the forewing bump. It does look like a drop of water, mostly due to its very sharp edges : here's reference that will be easier to read.
And the (our) right knee. On my screen, it really really really reads as an ugly black patch, while nothing in your setting justifies such a dense shadow. Whenever I look at it, I can't stop thinking I'm looking in the mouth of a canon, as if he had a hollow knee

Solve these two and he's good to go