[X] My Assistant

[AStarshipforAnts]

My new job doesn't start until early April, so I've got a lot of time on my hands. I'm also hoping to learn how to draw more than oval-shaped faces in prep for pursuing an art degree this fall. So why don't you guys give me a hand and give me some character descriptions? I get to practice and you get free art.


bannockburn
1. Detective Luke Parrington
2. Susan Riverflow
O'Ryan
3. Aaron O'Ryan aka "Twitch"
4. The Immortal
5. Trogdyr aka "Mr John Johnson"
KCKitsune
6. Compass
DamHawke
7. Serra Flint
8. Nightcat

[Draco18s]

There's probably a good number of requests over in Squinky's thread that never got done.

By the way, the link in your sig is broken.

[bannockburn]

Cool!
I understand the need for constant practice, so good luck and have fun with the hard work (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Detective Luke Parrington and his Partner, Susan Riverflow:
An end 20s homicide detective, norm, but looks younger. Slightly curled reddish-blonde short hair, Irish heritage. 1,84m, 89kg.
He has rugged good looks, broad cheekbones with a small scar on his upper lip, and a pointed chin, slight stubble on hollow cheeks. Smokes. Datajack in his left temple and good, but obvious cybereyes (not Batou-style, but you can see the Zeiss logo in the retina).
Usually wears good leather shoes, reinforced urban style jeans, and a standard issue Knight Errant armored jacket over a buttoned shirt with tie. Umbrella, when it's raining.

Riverflow is an ork, looks older than she is (25), so about mid 30s. Good face, a bit on the broad side, even tusks. Native American heritage, sharp nose (not as broad as most ork's). No obvious cyberware, she's an adept. Long, black hair, usually braided on the sides above the ears and pulled back in a tight pony tail. Kind of cute, if you like tusks, but with a stern look, after all she's started at LoneStar and those guys like neither metas nor women. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
About 1,90m tall, and you don't ask a woman her weight. She's in good shape, though. Broad hips, below average bust (for orks). Wears tight jeans, leather boots, buttoned shirt (uppermost two buttons open, no tie) and the same standard issue KE jacket.

Hope you can do something with this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[O'Ryan]

Always willing to help out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I've got three main characters, so I'll describe all of 'em and you can pick which (if any!) strikes your fancy enough to draw.

Aaron O'Ryan aka "Twitch"

[ Spoiler ]

Elf male in his early 30s who looks like the poster child of Ares wageslaves- delicately gelled hair, ten thousand dollar suit, Spartan helmet pin on his lapel. He's given up on the classic UCAS looks - the broad blonde action hero - to go a mix of more traditional elven good looks (high narrow cheek bones, delicate features...) mixed with the distinction of age - one of probably few people to dye IN spots of grey to otherwise perfect black hair. For a daisy-eater he's surprisingly fit, and the cut of his suit takes pains to show it off, suggesting either genetech or bioware. Even so, it doesn't look like it'd be too hard to wipe the smug smirk off his face if it came to it. It's a rare sight to see him without a Rolex and sporty sunglasses, even indoors at midnight. It's usually hidden under hair and behind an ear, but from the right angle he does have a datajack.
O'Ryan is, first an foremost, a semi-retired arms dealer who runs for the fun of it. As such he's never far from the newest (heavily modded) Ares toy. It's only when he's checking out a gun or using it that he's genuinely happy and not just dissembling.

The Immortal

[ Spoiler ]

What happens when you take a professional impersonator and decide to throw in 300,000 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nuyen.gif) of cyberware. As full replacement as you can go without being a cyborg, The Immortal alternates between two main guises (though both are covered by mimic skin to hide the cyber arms, legs, torso, and skull): For missions, the classic human action hero. Harley Davidson, black leather, sawn off shotgun, and a face and build that suggest if he and a minivan were to collide, he'd win. In this guise, more often than not the first conflict results in large patches of his synth-sin being ripped away to reveal the "bloody" metal skeleton beneath - the picture of horror straight out of a Cyber-Zombie trideo.
For less overt operations, he goes as polar opposite human as he can manage. Fat, balding, greasy, and dressed in a cheap suit. An affected slouch drops a significant amount of height. His hands are usually fussing with one another in a nervous tic that still manages to convey that not only is unarmed, he probably doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body. (Nevermind the cyberspurs or that all the bone is metal. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ) He would look more in place standing behind a politician than tagging along with a running team.

Trogdyr aka "Mr John Johnson"

[ Spoiler ]

A western dragon, copper coloured, just on the sentient side of adulthood. His more common form is that of a 17 year old ork chav from the suburbs of his native England. (Or so his Nike-made flag t-shirt would have you believe.) Eastern european features fit the ork genome well, and though nobody in their right mind would call an ork attractive, he's doing his best. The shaved head and pierced ear are an attempt to draw attention away from his pearly-white tusks. He's dressed in baggy pants, skate shoes, and a windbreaker left just open enough to show off the aforementioned flag shirt when he's out and about. He's probably got bling in the form of wallet-chain (since pounds sterling is still a paper currency) and thick necklace.

[KCKitsune]

My character the Combat medic mage Compass

25 year old white human SURGEling with Fox tail and fox ears. 5'8" tall, 150 lbs, Gymnast's build. When on a run he wears full set of FFB and an Armored Vest.

Cyber eyes & left cyber lower leg. Main weapon of choice MGL-6 with narcojet grenades. Second weapon of choice Ares viper slivergun

[DamHawke]

I've got a couple if you're up for the challenge (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Serra Flint

[ Spoiler ]

Female, human streetsam-for-hire in her late 20-ies (about 27-28). Medium length slightly wavy red hair with dyed black tips. American. Height 5'7", toned build. Bust, general looks and other features are average. Has a thin scar running horizontally across her left cheek, hands are slightly scarified from an acid burn accident. Intentionally heterochromic (green/blue) cybereyes (non obvious) Tends to wear your basic boots (wears retractable rollerblades when on a run), reinforced urbanwear yada yada. No trenchcoats here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grinbig.gif) No obvious cyberware to speak of. Quite no-nonsense looking.

Nightcat

[ Spoiler ]

Female, elf fixer/B&E expert. Appears to be in her mid twenties (but is likely much older than that)shoulder length dark brown hair done in dreadlocks which is then tied back. Tanned skin, Egyptian heritage, sharp features. Height 6.2". Lanky but curvy build, medium bust. Obvious cyberarms on both sides, with retractable hand blades in front and retractable spurs at the elbows. Wears vision enhancing shades and chameleon suit on runs (otherwise just favours chic clothing). Has that sly look that makes you feel a bit uncomfortable.

Thanks a bunch mate (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[AStarshipforAnts]

Cool!
I understand the need for constant practice, so good luck and have fun with the hard work (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Detective Luke Parrington and his Partner, Susan Riverflow:
An end 20s homicide detective, norm, but looks younger. Slightly curled reddish-blonde short hair, Irish heritage. 1,84m, 89kg.
He has rugged good looks, broad cheekbones with a small scar on his upper lip, and a pointed chin, slight stubble on hollow cheeks. Smokes. Datajack in his left temple and good, but obvious cybereyes (not Batou-style, but you can see the Zeiss logo in the retina).
Usually wears good leather shoes, reinforced urban style jeans, and a standard issue Knight Errant armored jacket over a buttoned shirt with tie. Umbrella, when it's raining.

Riverflow is an ork, looks older than she is (25), so about mid 30s. Good face, a bit on the broad side, even tusks. Native American heritage, sharp nose (not as broad as most ork's). No obvious cyberware, she's an adept. Long, black hair, usually braided on the sides above the ears and pulled back in a tight pony tail. Kind of cute, if you like tusks, but with a stern look, after all she's started at LoneStar and those guys like neither metas nor women. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
About 1,90m tall, and you don't ask a woman her weight. She's in good shape, though. Broad hips, below average bust (for orks). Wears tight jeans, leather boots, buttoned shirt (uppermost two buttons open, no tie) and the same standard issue KE jacket.

Hope you can do something with this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Detective Luke Parrington

Susan Riverflow

I'm only doing portraits for now, not fullbodies. Sorry if it's disappointing. OTL

[bannockburn]

ha! very cool! keep up the good work ^^

[Lionhearted]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Practice make perfect, say... Would you be open to some constructive feedback?

[O'Ryan]

Detective Luke Parrington

Susan Riverflow

I'm only doing portraits for now, not fullbodies. Sorry if it's disappointing. OTL

Looking good. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[AStarshipforAnts]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Practice make perfect, say... Would you be open to some constructive feedback?

Sure thing!

[DamHawke]

Detective Luke Parrington
Susan Riverflow

Lookin' good! also, yer fast as hell. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Lionhearted]

Sure thing!

First I'd like to say that you really got the cheek line on the 3/4th profile down (as in slightly from an angle) You need to work on that whole profile though.
A suggestion is that you start with the outline of the head, be aware of things like how the neck link to the cheek bone and then use lines to get the right positions
.
Your proportions is a bit off, nose and mouth seem fine, but eyes are to small and to central.
Bear in mind that the eye socket runs like a half circle from the nose ridge. Starting out with oval/egg shapes and adding eyelids over them helps with getting shape, eyes are one of the most expressive parts of the face, together with the eyebrows, perfecting it allows for some pretty neat tricks with subtle change to add emotion.
Ears are kinda tricky aswell a good guideline is to have the top in line with the eyebrows, and the bottom near the mouth.
Oh yeah, your noses are great!
The ork one seem a bit low in relation to the eyes though.

I personally trying to learn to draw realistic portraits, so I put a lot of empathsis on shadowing, obviously not going to be something that major for the style you do, but even this style benefits alot from subtle highlights. Look at comic books for inspiration.

Now this is maybe the most important tip I have.
If you're commited to doing this.
Draw real things, draw trees draw people.
If you understand how things should look like it gives an amazing foundation for stylistic approaches.
and draw a lot!
You should really consider getting a couple of art study books of anatomy, faces and such. they're great tools.
If you have a role model in illustration seek them out! hear what they have to say. A lot of them are really kickass dudes that gives so much back.
I contacted Todd Lockwood (As in the guy that drew covers for the drizzt books and basically defined the dragon look in D&D3) Asking for advice on things like shading in colour and such.
Not only did I get a reply, he had taken time out of his day to draw actual examples! and tell me about his own experience getting into the business.
So never feel disheartened or to afraid to try (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Avoid H.R. Giger though, he's an anti-social twad that doesn't want to speak to anyone and gives a huge pretensious list on how to become "a great artist"
Shit like don't watch TV or play games...

A bit rambly, but honest and as constructive as I could make it.

[AStarshipforAnts]

First I'd like to say that you really got the cheek line on the 3/4th profile down (as in slightly from an angle) You need to work on that whole profile though.
A suggestion is that you start with the outline of the head, be aware of things like how the neck link to the cheek bone and then use lines to get the right positions
.
Your proportions is a bit off, nose and mouth seem fine, but eyes are to small and to central.
Bear in mind that the eye socket runs like a half circle from the nose ridge. Starting out with oval/egg shapes and adding eyelids over them helps with getting shape, eyes are one of the most expressive parts of the face, together with the eyebrows, perfecting it allows for some pretty neat tricks with subtle change to add emotion.
Ears are kinda tricky as well a good guideline is to have the top in line with the eyebrows, and the bottom near the mouth.
Oh yeah, your noses are great!
The ork one seem a bit low in relation to the eyes though.

I personally trying to learn to draw realistic portraits, so I put a lot of emphasis on shadowing, obviously not going to be something that major for the style you do, but even this style benefits a lot from subtle highlights. Look at comic books for inspiration.

Now this is maybe the most important tip I have.
If you're committed to doing this.
Draw real things, draw trees draw people.
If you understand how things should look like it gives an amazing foundation for stylistic approaches.
and draw a lot!
You should really consider getting a couple of art study books of anatomy, faces and such. they're great tools.
If you have a role model in illustration seek them out! hear what they have to say. A lot of them are really kickass dudes that gives so much back.
I contacted Todd Lockwood (As in the guy that drew covers for the drizzt books and basically defined the dragon look in D&D3) Asking for advice on things like shading in colour and such.
Not only did I get a reply, he had taken time out of his day to draw actual examples! and tell me about his own experience getting into the business.
So never feel disheartened or to afraid to try (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Avoid H.R. Giger though, he's an anti-social twad that doesn't want to speak to anyone and gives a huge pretentious list on how to become "a great artist"
Shit like don't watch TV or play games...

A bit rambly, but honest and as constructive as I could make it.

Thanks for the advice! I'm heading back to school for an art degree, so I should get plenty of chances to draw from real models. But, I'm kind of stuck in the boonies right now with little in the way of art classes or resources. I was actually going for a more realistic style than my norm, so I shrunk down the eyes a bit. But, I'll take your advice and make them a little larger. The guy I live with has a greys anatomy book, so I'll crack that open and do some more face studies with that.

I'm mostly trying to get a feel for men, since I'm used to drawing girls. What can I say, I think they're prettier.

[Lionhearted]

There's a couple of great portrait drawing tutorials on YT aswell, going through things experienced people never think to mention.
To apply for art studies here you need to submit a portfolio of like 30 requested pieces of everything from shapes to still life to something to demonstrate your creativity. Which is why I never dared applying.

[AStarshipforAnts]

O'Ryan
3. Aaron O'Ryan aka "Twitch"
4. The Immortal
5. Trogdyr aka "Mr John Johnson"

[O'Ryan]

Those are fantastic. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Thank you so much! I feel like you got a lot of the character into the portraits, which I really appreciate.

[Lionhearted]

So much better with the eyes, you got a pretty nice personal style.
Must say I like the metas better though.

[Mantis]

I'd like to expand a bit on what Lionhearted said. Draw from real life and since you have a room mate, draw him or look in a mirror and draw yourself. Work with quick sketches to get the basic form down and worry about detail later. Pay attention to how the light defines the shape and gives it volume.
You obviously have the internet so resources to draw from shouldn't be an issue. Find pics of the things you want to draw, download them and then use as a reference. See if you can find some books on drawing like ones by Burne Hogarth or Sheldon Borenstein. Hogarth is good for comic booky stuff while Borenstein is more realistic. Also find Eadweard Muybridge's plates and look those over. They are a fantastic reference for people (and animals) in motion so you can see how people move. Also, watch the eyes and try to make sure they both aim the same way. If you look at your Twitch drawing his eyes aren't looking at the same thing.
Basically learn all the classic rules for drawing so you know how and when to break them. Also good luck with school. The life drawing classes you will take will dramatically improve your drawing skills and will likely touch on the things I've mentioned. (source: experience, art school)

[Draco18s]

life drawing classes

I hated life drawing so much, myself.

[Mantis]

Hated them too when I started cuz I sucked at it but like anything, do it more and surprise, surprise, you get better at it. There is lots of things I learned from life drawing that made me a much better artist and it is stuff you can't really get just from books.

[Avalon2099]

Christian "Helmutt" Zimmerman, Former Anarchist turned Company Man

[ Spoiler ]

Christian "Helmutt" Zimmerman is a tall, well-built Caucasian male. His youthful face is greatly overshadowed by his obvious cybernetic skull replacement: the top half of his head is bare, red steel. He also sports a pair of chrome cyber eyes. He is clean shaven, and generally handsome.

Helmutt is stylishly dressed when doing his corporate biz, but slums down to grunge wear when not.

Helmutt wears a black leather armored jacket incorporating the latest in Softweave fiber technology. Insertable gel packs give it extra protection against all threats. A red circumscribed A adorns the back, though many see it as an affront for the sellout to wear it.

Jonathon Hunter Samuels, Hacker

[ Spoiler ]

Fair-skinned Caucasian human. Slender, lanky build, with natural-looking cybernetic eyes and ears. Dark brown hair is often worn short, yet carefully styled. Wears short, trimmed facial hair. Eye color varies, typically either blue, dark brown, or light green. Favors solid color clothing, lined with AR accents. Fond of the Synergist line by Shiawase Fashion.

AR Iconography is typically a complex, custom avatar of a grey and blue synthetic anthroform robot.

[AStarshipforAnts]

Compass

I wasn't really sure what to do with Compass. If he looks different, tell me and I'll re-do him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Seriously Mike]

Olga "Kestrel" Voronina, Bionic Woman

[ Spoiler ]

Human woman, Caucasian, shoulder-long blond hair. Burn scars on right cheek and right side of the neck, black obvious cyberarms, standard-looking blue cybereyes. Prefers business wear.

[KCKitsune]

Compass

I wasn't really sure what to do with Compass. If he looks different, tell me and I'll re-do him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

First off, thank you.

Now for the picture. Please make the ears bigger and wider. Look at this link for ideas.