After ages I am proud to present my latest work, Afternoon Tea with the beautiful Yuuki Asuna from the brilliant Sword Art Online Series. Why did it take me this long, you might ask? No, it is not because I have grown slower (which I might have) but due to work.
Anyways... enough moaning on to the vector. This time around I decided to divide my lineart work up further focusing on how some layers are over others and then drawing the lines from bottom to top, it helps to keep things sorted (especially when you start to color the lines) but resulted in plenty of loose lines. This time around I didn't really mess around with the line color too much (most matching lines are the same color) but in future vectors I might make different lines slightly different colors.
Because my previous vectors were rather... faded I decided to spend more time on coloring. I started with the base colors that were in the original image but replaced all of them with brighter versions as I went along (the hair, for example had about 6 different colors before I settled on this one.) Most parts of the image is actually composed of more than one color layer to enhance the overall effect though I fear I still need more practice in this regard. Overall coloring took far longer than expected (mostly due to work) but I think it turned out rather well.
Lastly I want to make a small mention about shadowing. While this is a skill that still requires tons of practice, I went out on my own (at least a little bit) and added some more shadows. Some of them might be overkill, but I still added them just to see how thing would turn out. I initially had the shadows on her face a darker color, which creates a deeper image, but finally settle on lighter shadows as the dark ones were just too... dark.
Oh, there was suppose to be a blog post with images of progress, but due to work it has been pushed out, will add a link if I ever get around to it.
I want to thank all of the people who always comment on my vectors for their good advice. I look forward to hearing from you guys!
Also, isn't Asuna-chan's teapot just the most awesome thing ever?
I want one! <3
Edit: Silly me forgot to add a link to the original image.
Fixed the forgotten colored-lineart for her lips, also making the lines thinner as GlassDemon suggested.
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6 months, 2 weeks ago
So... first question: Why have you left the chibi scene?! D': Okay, so it's nice to see that you're exploring [somewhat] new territory with more emphasis on detail. Even though Sword Art Online is quite a popular anime for the summer season, there aren't as many vectors as I would've hoped so this is a pleasant addition. Though I would still like to see the source image so I can make much more accurate comparisons (I'm way too lazy to try and find that exact scene again...). Anyway, let's move onto the vector.
Overall impression: it looks great. Though one aspect that stood out to me though was her expression. I'm not sure if this was the original expression but it feels as if she's slightly irritated or surprised. Regardless, this is a nice step up from your previous vector. The line art is better but could still use some refinement. The coloured line art is a very welcome addition, not much to say there. Only major issue with the line art is her left thumb... what's with that huge hump? O.O ...And oh, why is her mouth's line art black, not coloured?
The biggest improvement here is your colouring; much more vibrant colours and the inclusion of gradients (did you get a monitor upgrade?). The use of gradients for your shadows is a step in the right direction. It'd be great to see the inclusion of gradients in your whole vector in the future too.
Well, that about covers everything I wanted to say. Looking forward to your future works. ...Funny, I had the same reaction when I saw that teapot too!
6 months, 2 weeks ago
Well, to be honest I haven't really left the chibi scene per se, I just couldn't find a chibi that I really wanted to vector. Also, most chibi's are fairly low detail so there is only so much I can learn from them, however I still have one in my wishlist that you suggested so might do that next as I have no idea what I actually want to vector next. ;) I agree, the lack of SAO vectors is kind of disturbing.
Here is a link to the original image: Clicky!
Ah ha haaa... I haven't really considered her expression, but it is fairly close to what the original one was. I agree, I feel like my lines are too thick, something I intend to work on next time around. Yeah, some of the details might have slipped a little, I blame it on work. :P The lips was a silly oversight, the same thing almost happened with her hands but I caught that as I was uploading the image, will fix it when I have a moment and upload a revision.
No, sadly no upgrade although I did adjust some of the settings on my current monitor and also checked the vector on my new work PC. I intend to up the usage of gradients so will attempt to include gradients across the whole vector the next time around.
Thank you very much for your comments and your continued support, I really appreciate it. :D
6 months, 2 weeks ago
Oh yes, I miss the chibies as well. We're in the same boat with Vesti on that. Okay here it comes: colored lineart check, livelier colors check. My stance on the mouth would be that it's fine that it's black, but the line itself should be thinner. Uhh, seeing the source material would help a lot regarding the expression problem. Why are you so hell-bent on sticking with screenshots? :D I think you should definitely try a scan. No rushing, if you think that you can refine your skills this way better, then that's all what matters. All in all, your improvement is clear to see. I'm not familiar with SAO but that pot is pretty damn nice.
6 months, 2 weeks ago
It seems chibies are much loved. :D It also appear as though they have kinda become my signature vector, so will spend some time hunting some good ones just for you guys.
Sorry, in the rush to get it uploaded the source image have kind been left forgotten, I added a link in my reply to VestigeL so grab it from there. I had actually planned on going with a scan this time round, but found this screenshot just so awesome that I couldn't let it go. I also prefer spending the little free time I have watching anime and vectoring (rather than hunting for scans) so screenshots just kinda come naturally. I have been considering some scans, but overall there are few really good scans for new (or less watched) shows so yeah... :D But will definitely consider a scan for one of my future vector projects, just as soon as I find one, or someone suggest one ;P (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) that I really like.
Thank you very much, most of my improvements come from following suggestions and advice from you guys! I really appreciate all the comments and support.
ありがとう
6 months, 1 week ago
Nice work loved the colored outlines u r getting used to it.
6 months, 1 week ago
Glad you like them, really just think I need to make them a little bit thinner (actually doing that in the vector I'm currently working on) Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it! :D
6 months, 6 days ago
This is an amazing drawing. Only Asuna from the great Sword Art Online would be able to drink tea after fighting monsters.
Love it! ^_^
6 months, 5 days ago
Glad you love it! Thank you very much for your comment, I really appreciate it! :D
6 months, 5 days ago
i love her face smiling
6 months, 5 days ago
Aaaawwww... thank you! And thanks for the fav, I really appreciate it! :D
6 months, 2 days ago
Good
6 months, 1 day ago
Arigatou! :D
5 months, 3 weeks ago
Thx it is awesome!
5 months, 3 weeks ago
Thank you! :D I'm glad you like it!
4 months, 3 weeks ago
can i have this picture with format .eps ?
3 months, 4 weeks ago
Asuna! ! Lol.
Great job! I really like your vector and consider this one of your best works if not the best at the moment.