Results of spending to much time in CaS & not enough time in training mode

[orangeislands31]

So I think I just sat in front of my computer for probably a good ten minutes trying to think of some great & witty way to start this CaS thread off... Then I realized that I am wasting my time, witty sayings are delightful & all but they are just not popping up in my brain right now at the moment. Now onto more pressing matters at hand, I have CaS to present to all of you wonderful people who will be viewing this & I'm quite excited/ nervous..! Of course this is an amazing opportunity to heighten my creativity skills so that's a plus. If you so happen to contribute to the critical critiquing of these characters, you all would be bestowing unto me a precious gift. I'm going to try & include my best designs in this thread so that I know what works & what doesn't... So that in the future I can make even better CaS based on the things I have learned from you all! I have a slight amount of un original CaS but I'm leaning more towards making mine mostly original, though their will be some video game references & what not... Okay I'll stop rambling now. :p

Spoiler

Kuzokori- Evil doer seeker of demons.

Zhur- Taa Old- Ripped of from Magic the Gathering Gruul theme.

Meiya- She's a Geisha by day & a ninja by night!

This is Kikimara- Daughter of Kamikirimusi...? Hmmm...

Initiate- Dark Brotherhood initiate from the Elder Scrolls! :D

Raynaveichi- Genderbend of Ezio's design :p

Maiquin- Crazy white tiger lady :D

 

[orangeislands31]

MORE :D

Spoiler

Alice- From Alice Returns to Madness(Her silk maiden dress.)

Latias- From pokemon.

Froslass- From Pokemon.

More of Kikimarah!

 

[VILARCANE]

Some of those designs i have seen in motion, some not, but while there is still room for improvement technically, artistically, they all appeal to me somehow, like you have your own universe, and even give recreations that little twist that make it special.

I put together a little of your CAS poetry in this slideshow, where some of Le Bello's most recent CAS are also featured (and a few new pics of mine thrown in as well).
Enjoy !

http://www.photosnack.com/ADA6EFAD75E/ph5qb3mj

 

[TsunamiBye]

You have some interesting CAS. Some could use a bit more work, but others make me want to go and use some your ideas and make something more out of my CAS. Keep on sharing.

 

[SpellcraftQuill]

I'm liking your characters really. Looks like I'm not the only one in it just from the customization...

 

[chobek]

I love your stuff..., the characters... they feel unique and personal... and use patterns and colors in ways I have not seen. :)
Very nice!

 

[orangeislands31]

Some of those designs i have seen in motion, some not, but while there is still room for improvement technically, artistically, they all appeal to me somehow, like you have your own universe, and even give recreations that little twist that make it special.

I put together a little of your CAS poetry in this slideshow, where some of Le Bello's most recent CAS are also featured (and a few new pics of mine thrown in as well).
Enjoy !

http://www.photosnack.com/ADA6EFAD75E/ph5qb3mj

Thank you thank you :D

 

[orangeislands31]

You guys are great, thank you for the compliments I will be supplying more CaS when ever I can :)

 

[orangeislands31]

Some of those designs i have seen in motion, some not, but while there is still room for improvement technically, artistically, they all appeal to me somehow, like you have your own universe, and even give recreations that little twist that make it special.

I put together a little of your CAS poetry in this slideshow, where some of Le Bello's most recent CAS are also featured (and a few new pics of mine thrown in as well).
Enjoy !

http://www.photosnack.com/ADA6EFAD75E/ph5qb3mj

Aww i loved it :D

 

[ThePascuzzi]

I've seen some of your designs around the CaS forum and generally liked what I saw. Some of the other senior contributors like your work, too, so I think you've got potential. Thus, I took some time to write detailed critiques of your designs in this thread so far. Be warned: there's quite a bit to go over. In general, I think you could learn to be more creative with detailing as you sometimes tend to leave big gaps open with a lack of texture, but just as often, you also use the denim pocket sticker to great effect. Your coloring basics are also down solid, which squarely places you in the upper percentiles of new contributors in this forum. I think as you create more designs, we'll be seeing your ability grow by leaps and bounds.

Also, be careful what angle you take pictures from. In some pictures, it looks like the upper body is disproportionately larger than the lower body.

Spoiler: Detailed Critiques

Spoiler: Kuzokori

+ I like the hairpiece.
+ I also like the use of the denim pocket sticker as part of construction of leg parts.
- I'm assuming the pattern is blood splatters. It's a bit much. I think you should go with Motif 88 placed by view for smearing effect.
- Not digging the pattern on the belt; the same pattern is on so much else of the rest of the design. Try switching patterns and/or making the colors more similar.

Spoiler: Zhur Taa

+ A lot of features on the upper body complement each other to impart a forest theme: thorny vine and tree stickers, leafy branches pattern, laurel crown, snake choker
- The cloth waistwrap is way to wide to use without a top that is at least as wide at the waist. Not too sure about the scale pattern used on it, either.
- The bottom half of the design seems bare when compared to the intricately designed top. Some more interesting footwear could go a long way.

Spoiler: Meiya

+ Great hairpiece construction complements Geisha haircut very well.
+ The forehead detailing is interesting.
- I like that you used a pattern on her kimono, but that's all that's going on with it. There's a lot of open space on this design that you could use for stickers or special equipment.
- I get that you tried to combine the Pareo and Oiran Kimono, but the open spot at the waist makes them look separate. Cover it to make them look flush or use the exposed spot to your advantage (e.g. maybe the kimono is torn at the waist?)

Spoiler: Kikimara

+ Great job with the horns. The skull necklace is also a nice touch.
+ The color choice is great. Black and purple on fair skin and black hair gives a very goth-y look. I'm not much into the Goth mindset myself, but goth girls admittedly get my engine revving.
- Stickers, patterns, SOMETHING needs to be happening on the kimono. Even a subtle pattern, where the pattern is small and the colors are very similar, would give it some texture.

Spoiler: Initiate

+ Simple, yet elegantly done. I really like what you do with the denim pocket sticker.
+ Again, I like what you do with the pocket sticker on the shin guards. Excellent detailing.

Spoiler: Raynaveichi

+ My favorite in this set. A lot to like, here.
+ Great use of the rabbit ears as the front hood tab.
+ Phoenix sticker adds metallic texture to the Archery Breastplate.
+ Really like the use of denim pocket stickers on the Leather Vest and skirt to add sections of color variation.
+ Also like the use of the ornate stripe on the sleeves.
- I'd like to encourage you to reconsider your choice of belt. It's just too bulky.

Spoiler: Malquin

- I get that it's a tiger, but really...cool it with the stripes. I'm sure there are other details you can think to put on this design.
+ The waist armor on the ninja pants is an interesting combination.

Spoiler: Alice (Silk Maiden)

+ Pretty close to the original, but...
- ...a little lacking in interesting detail. Not sure what else to point out.

Spoiler: Latias

+ Again, pocket stickers on the arms as extensions of the gloves looks great.
- I'm not all for the maid apron. It's like she only has the half front of a dress.
- The boots are going to need some detailing.

Spoiler: Frosslass

+ Instantly recognizable as a Pokemon gijinka from the color scheme, horns, and circles around the eyes.
+ Use of the patch sticker as ice is very clever.
- Big lack of detail everywhere else.

Spoiler: Kikimara (Kamikirimusi-based Design)

+ Frayed kimono with flames is simple, but I still like it. Could use a subtle patern for texture, maybe.
+ Very interesting stuff going on with the gloves. Clever use of the Torii gate sticker; took me a while to figure out how you did that.
- Again, I feel like big spaces are left open and plain on this design.

Spoiler: Kikimara (Third Design)

+ Really like the design on the Archery Breastplate. Very reminiscent of the Soul Edge eye.
- Handprints seem random. Maybe place them by view for blood smear effect.
- Not sure about scale-patterning the Pareo.

 

[orangeislands31]

I've seen some of your designs around the CaS forum and generally liked what I saw. Some of the other senior contributors like your work, too, so I think you've got potential. Thus, I took some time to write detailed critiques of your designs in this thread so far. Be warned: there's quite a bit to go over. In general, I think you could learn to be more creative with detailing as you sometimes tend to leave big gaps open with a lack of texture, but just as often, you also use the denim pocket sticker to great effect. Your coloring basics are also down solid, which squarely places you in the upper percentiles of new contributors in this forum. I think as you create more designs, we'll be seeing your ability grow by leaps and bounds.

Also, be careful what angle you take pictures from. In some pictures, it looks like the upper body is disproportionately larger than the lower body.

Spoiler: Detailed Critiques

Spoiler: Kuzokori

+ I like the hairpiece.
+ I also like the use of the denim pocket sticker as part of construction of leg parts.
- I'm assuming the pattern is blood splatters. It's a bit much. I think you should go with Motif 88 placed by view for smearing effect.
- Not digging the pattern on the belt; the same pattern is on so much else of the rest of the design. Try switching patterns and/or making the colors more similar.

Spoiler: Zhur Taa

+ A lot of features on the upper body complement each other to impart a forest theme: thorny vine and tree stickers, leafy branches pattern, laurel crown, snake choker
- The cloth waistwrap is way to wide to use without a top that is at least as wide at the waist. Not too sure about the scale pattern used on it, either.
- The bottom half of the design seems bare when compared to the intricately designed top. Some more interesting footwear could go a long way.

Spoiler: Meiya

+ Great hairpiece construction complements Geisha haircut very well.
+ The forehead detailing is interesting.
- I like that you used a pattern on her kimono, but that's all that's going on with it. There's a lot of open space on this design that you could use for stickers or special equipment.
- I get that you tried to combine the Pareo and Oiran Kimono, but the open spot at the waist makes them look separate. Cover it to make them look flush or use the exposed spot to your advantage (e.g. maybe the kimono is torn at the waist?)

Spoiler: Kikimara

+ Great job with the horns. The skull necklace is also a nice touch.
+ The color choice is great. Black and purple on fair skin and black hair gives a very goth-y look. I'm not much into the Goth mindset myself, but goth girls admittedly get my engine revving.
- Stickers, patterns, SOMETHING needs to be happening on the kimono. Even a subtle pattern, where the pattern is small and the colors are very similar, would give it some texture.

Spoiler: Initiate

+ Simple, yet elegantly done. I really like what you do with the denim pocket sticker.
+ Again, I like what you do with the pocket sticker on the shin guards. Excellent detailing.

Spoiler: Raynaveichi

+ My favorite in this set. A lot to like, here.
+ Great use of the rabbit ears as the front hood tab.
+ Phoenix sticker adds metallic texture to the Archery Breastplate.
+ Really like the use of denim pocket stickers on the Leather Vest and skirt to add sections of color variation.
+ Also like the use of the ornate stripe on the sleeves.
- I'd like to encourage you to reconsider your choice of belt. It's just too bulky.

Spoiler: Malquin

- I get that it's a tiger, but really...cool it with the stripes. I'm sure there are other details you can think to put on this design.
+ The waist armor on the ninja pants is an interesting combination.

Spoiler: Alice (Silk Maiden)

+ Pretty close to the original, but...
- ...a little lacking in interesting detail. Not sure what else to point out.

Spoiler: Latias

+ Again, pocket stickers on the arms as extensions of the gloves looks great.
- I'm not all for the maid apron. It's like she only has the half front of a dress.
- The boots are going to need some detailing.

Spoiler: Frosslass

+ Instantly recognizable as a Pokemon gijinka from the color scheme, horns, and circles around the eyes.
+ Use of the patch sticker as ice is very clever.
- Big lack of detail everywhere else.

Spoiler: Kikimara (Kamikirimusi-based Design)

+ Frayed kimono with flames is simple, but I still like it. Could use a subtle patern for texture, maybe.
+ Very interesting stuff going on with the gloves. Clever use of the Torii gate sticker; took me a while to figure out how you did that.
- Again, I feel like big spaces are left open and plain on this design.

Spoiler: Kikimara (Third Design)

+ Really like the design on the Archery Breastplate. Very reminiscent of the Soul Edge eye.
- Handprints seem random. Maybe place them by view for blood smear effect.
- Not sure about scale-patterning the Pareo.

Oh man thank you, this is just what I needed, when I have the time I am going to refer to this critique when in creation mode & try to fix some things. Thank you very much :)

 

[ThePascuzzi]

Oh man thank you, this is just what I needed, when I have the time I am going to refer to this critique when in creation mode & try to fix some things. Thank you very much :)

I haven't had the time to sit down and do detailed critiques like that in a while, so it was my pleasure to get back to doing that. I hope it helps! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

If you're really serious about CaS, I have a few suggestions:
1) In one of the stickied threads, "CAS Challenges, Tutorials, and More!," you'll find a link to a thread called "Dampierre and Co's CaS Tips and Tricks Compendium Curio~!" Make time to sit down, go into creation mode, and perform each and every tip and trick outlined in that thread on your own. Knowing those techniques will bring you up to speed with the best CaS makers in this forum.

2) Look at other peoples' CaS. Really look at them. Tease out the details of any special visual structures and arrangements you might pick up on and figure out for yourself how they achieved that and if you can't figure it out, ask the creator. I know you've been in Vilarcane's thread already. There are many, many talented creators that are here and have come through here; you should check their threads out, too.

You can come up with a list of people to check out on your own by going into the ""CAS Challenges, Tutorials, and More!" thread, going through the listed challenges, and noting names of creators whose entries you liked. I suspect additions to your list might include (but not be limited to) these: Le_Bello, KokoYoshi, HolyCarp, Fliptop, Gatsu, Chobek, Brucege, rdmunhoz, Matty82, Mistakoo, and, at the risk of sounding prideful and narcissistic, me. There are probably lots of other names that belong in that list; those are just the ones I recall off the top of my head.

3) Participate in challenges! You're already doing that, though, so no trouble there. If you take pride in your work and bring it to a competitive floor, you're naturally pushed to up the ante and you learn a lot in the process.

 

[VILARCANE]

I know you've been in Vilarcane's thread already. There are many, many talented creators that are here and have come through here; you should check their threads out, too.

Hey, woytaminite ! Yes she's doing her homework in my thread (browsing thru the pages like a scholar and dropping loads of likes my way) and we are having a good time talking ducks and milk clouds and traitors to the crown with Le Bello, so please don't confuse my Rachel and lure her away like that :P

Just kidding Pas, AND thanks for doing one of your famous The Pas review to support her blossoming gallery of souls.

Btw, did you ever review yourself as a CAS, haha, not so sure ?

 

[VILARCANE]

Thank
Thank you thank you :D

you forgot one thank you.
Usually it is :
Thank you thank you thank youuuuu !
No ? oh crap :P

 

[ThePascuzzi]

Btw, did you ever review yourself as a CAS, haha, not so sure ?

I'm pretty sure I did. It should be in there, somewhere.

 

[orangeislands31]

I haven't had the time to sit down and do detailed critiques like that in a while, so it was my pleasure to get back to doing that. I hope it helps! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

If you're really serious about CaS, I have a few suggestions:
1) In one of the stickied threads, "CAS Challenges, Tutorials, and More!," you'll find a link to a thread called "Dampierre and Co's CaS Tips and Tricks Compendium Curio~!" Make time to sit down, go into creation mode, and perform each and every tip and trick outlined in that thread on your own. Knowing those techniques will bring you up to speed with the best CaS makers in this forum.

2) Look at other peoples' CaS. Really look at them. Tease out the details of any special visual structures and arrangements you might pick up on and figure out for yourself how they achieved that and if you can't figure it out, ask the creator. I know you've been in Vilarcane's thread already. There are many, many talented creators that are here and have come through here; you should check their threads out, too.

You can come up with a list of people to check out on your own by going into the ""CAS Challenges, Tutorials, and More!" thread, going through the listed challenges, and noting names of creators whose entries you liked. I suspect additions to your list might include (but not be limited to) these: Le_Bello, KokoYoshi, HolyCarp, Fliptop, Gatsu, Chobek, Brucege, rdmunhoz, Matty82, Mistakoo, and, at the risk of sounding prideful and narcissistic, me. There are probably lots of other names that belong in that list; those are just the ones I recall off the top of my head.

3) Participate in challenges! You're already doing that, though, so no trouble there. If you take pride in your work and bring it to a competitive floor, you're naturally pushed to up the ante and you learn a lot in the process.

I have read a little bit of the tips & tricks thread but actually going into creation and preforming all of the tricks would be even better practice! Thank you also for stating names of other people I can learn from as well, I'm sure you know this already but you're being extremely helpful to me bettering my technique. :D

 

[orangeislands31]

I know you've been in Vilarcane's thread already. There are many, many talented creators that are here and have come through here; you should check their threads out, too.

Hey, woytaminite ! Yes she's doing her homework in my thread (browsing thru the pages like a scholar and dropping loads of likes my way) and we are having a good time talking ducks and milk clouds and traitors to the crown with Le Bello, so please don't confuse my Rachel and lure her away like that :P

Just kidding Pas, AND thanks for doing one of your famous The Pas review to support her blossoming gallery of souls.

Btw, did you ever review yourself as a CAS, haha, not so sure ?

Yes our conversations in your thread are very interesting thank you for noticing... Haha their's your other 'thank you' you were asking for, well look at that.

 

[Lucaryan13]

So I think I just sat in front of my computer for probably a good ten minutes trying to think of some great & witty way to start this CaS thread off... Then I realized that I am wasting my time, witty sayings are delightful & all but they are just not popping up in my brain right now at the moment. Now onto more pressing matters at hand, I have CaS to present to all of you wonderful people who will be viewing this & I'm quite excited/ nervous..! Of course this is an amazing opportunity to heighten my creativity skills so that's a plus. If you so happen to contribute to the critical critiquing of these characters, you all would be bestowing unto me a precious gift. I'm going to try & include my best designs in this thread so that I know what works & what doesn't... So that in the future I can make even better CaS based on the things I have learned from you all! I have a slight amount of un original CaS but I'm leaning more towards making mine mostly original, though their will be some video game references & what not... Okay I'll stop rambling now. :p

Spoiler

Kuzokori- Evil doer seeker of demons.
View attachment 32445View attachment 32444View attachment 32443
Zhur- Taa Old- Ripped of from Magic the Gathering Gruul theme.
View attachment 32448View attachment 32446View attachment 32447
Meiya- She's a Geisha by day & a ninja by night!
View attachment 32425View attachment 32449View attachment 32450
This is Kikimara- Daughter of Kamikirimusi...? Hmmm...
View attachment 32431View attachment 32429View attachment 32430
Initiate- Dark Brotherhood initiate from the Elder Scrolls! :D
View attachment 32435View attachment 32434View attachment 32432
Raynaveichi- Genderbend of Ezio's design :p
View attachment 32439View attachment 32438View attachment 32437
Maiquin- Crazy white tiger lady :D
View attachment 32442View attachment 32441View attachment 32440

I really love all of 'em I can't think of anything that would make them better. out of ten i would give it a 5... million.

 

[orangeislands31]

I really love all of 'em I can't think of anything that would make them better. out of ten i would give it a 5... million.

Wow thank you :) But you know they can always get better, their's loads of room for improvement!

 

[Lucaryan13]

that's true! I might even make CaS forum too!