Forest Romp: Hi Res Files

Thank you so much, my friend! This has given me a better insight, though I would love to see your examples of each stage of detail. And that’s basically why I have to versions of the ref sheet ordered: flat for commissions, and cel-shaded for display only. I’m not sure if it’s better to have it entirely flat (as in, one single color is filled in different spots), or if it’s fine to use simple gradients that transition between two colors, conveying fur pattern and depth. The problem I am facing is that the artist has a realistic style, instead of one that is more stylized like yours or Kaji’s. If you’re curious, here is a link to the artist’s submission of my character. It showcases her style and level of detail (and of course, he’s the one getting a ref sheet). https://www.furaffinity.net/view/46942270/

Yep, you pretty much got it! I technically have 4-5 stages of my work if it is something that will be fully rendered. One or two of those stages arn't on this particular post since it's for high res files and I dont often do high res of drafts and sketches. But as it goes; Draft, usually just a very loose doodle, often as a thumbnail sketch, devoid of details, just something to hash out pose and composition. Sketch, a full size drawing, still a little loose, but blocking in details, adjusting for anatomy, perspective etc. Inking, (pictured at the right, above) clean lines, the base for all the forms are solidified here and try and use line-weight to seperate forms. Flat colours (to the left of the inks above) is when I block in all my base colours and markings etc. Ink and flat colours might not be a stage other artists work with, particularly if they take a more painterly approach, it's just a part of how I work. And I think since you mentioned it's for an artist your working with on a reference sheet, I -do- reccommend having at least one of the poses in flat colour. A little debate over the matter, but I know myself any many other artists prefer working from flat colours, even when there is a colour palette. So many times I see reference sheets that are beautiful, and rendered and shaded fantastically, but the highlights and shadows can really obscure the colours and markings and make it difficult to discern what is marking or shadow/light. (I can try and offer some examples in pm if you like). And lastly at the left are finished, fully rendered and shaded pieces. I have a few different ways of doing this, cel-style, soft shaded (these ones) or painted. But it's where I apply all the shadows, highlight, textures and details. Hope that helps some and doesn't confuse the matters XD

Ultraviolet

Out of curiosity… how do you label the different levels of detail in your artworks? I’m guessing the very right in the lineart, third from the right is the flat, and the first two are the full render? I only ask, since I’m trying to help a fellow artist understand the names for each level, and how much detail is applied for them (it’s for a ref sheet of my character). There are two versions that use flat shading and cel-shading, but it’s quite the challenge to explain, haha.