Curse

Verene · Nov 04, 2009, 04:24 AM // 04:24

...that's all done with mechanical pencil.

Wow.

I can't even imagine doing that. The squeaking noise that mechanical pencil lead makes on paper makes me cringe

Duranin · Nov 04, 2009, 04:25 AM // 04:25

haha I think that depends on the brand and the lead you're using xP not all of my pencils squeak (some scratch, and others are silent!)

Charlie Dayman · Nov 04, 2009, 04:28 AM // 04:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Verene

...that's all done with mechanical pencil.

Wow.

I can't even imagine doing that. The squeaking noise that mechanical pencil lead makes on paper makes me cringe

Haha. I guess it doesn't bother me because I can't hear it over how loud my music is playing when I work.

Charlie Dayman · Nov 04, 2009, 06:48 AM // 06:48

Whoo, was really speeding through it there. Sized it to a 1024 pixel width so it makes a nice stretch background. Changed the Chaos axe to have more of a halberd like head - current design isn't that intimidating to me. Went in with Adobe and smoothed out the surrounding black mass so it sits better on desktops.

Still debating if I should add in the text I mentioned earlier and throw in the GW logo.

stella_wisha · Nov 04, 2009, 07:12 AM // 07:12

I've got to hand it to you, the details, contrast and usage of dark and light in this are incredible. I'm wondering what inspired you to position them like that, though. . it's a little unusual and makes the motion almost poetic in one sense, almost awkward in another. Your thoughts?

Charlie Dayman · Nov 04, 2009, 07:23 AM // 07:23

Interesting question, glad you asked that. The positioning is slightly inspired from Japanese woodblock prints. In a lot of action scenes, the figures are shown usually at the height of drama. Take this print for example:

http://www.japaneseprints-london.com...s/HPIM1277.jpg

Personally, I love how they portrayed their characters in such dramatic and almost unnaturally contorted poses. It was that notion that made me set them in such dramatic stances. I also wanted it to seem as if both Warriors were evenly matched. Does my Warrior have the upper hand as he lunges for the duplicate's face with his Gladius? Or does the Doppleganger have the advantage as he holds the axe above his head, almost beckoning the other to come forward.

Overall, I think I really captured the image I originally had in my head. I wanted something very dramatic, yet simplistic. Something with the ability to present the chaos and struggle between two in the height of battle.

YunSooJin · Nov 04, 2009, 07:24 AM // 07:24

that is hotsauce!! hot sauce!!!

Charlie Dayman · Nov 04, 2009, 07:30 AM // 07:30

Glad you approve, Yun.

Edit: As I mentioned before, I was thinking of adding in text and the GW logo. But thanks to Stella's question and some serious thought, I think I'll just submit it as is. I think adding in outside sources that aren't mine will almost take away from the picture's overall feeling. Not trying to sound pretentious, but that's what I'm thinking, lol.

Minami · Nov 04, 2009, 07:33 AM // 07:33

Wow Charlie, that looks amazing!! I SO wish that I could have a chaos axe like that in-game ^_^ Looks a lot better than the original

Also the doppelganger, man he's scary! Also looks way better than the one in-game.

Imho, you shouldn't add anything to it, the GW logo or any kind of writing might distract from the power of the image.

Charlie Dayman · Nov 04, 2009, 07:34 AM // 07:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minami Kaori

Wow Charlie, that looks amazing!! I SO wish that I could have a chaos axe like that in-game ^_^ Looks a lot better than the original

Also the doppelganger, man he's scary! Also looks way better than the one in-game.

Imho, you shouldn't add anything to it, the GW logo or any kind of writing might distract from the power of the image.

Word.

Yeah, I wish the Chaos axe looked like that in-game. And thanks for the seconding my opinion - the picture is done and I'm not adding anything else to it unless absolutely necessary.

Minami · Nov 04, 2009, 07:39 AM // 07:39

Aww man, mine didn't get YSJ approved.

Truly amazing work Charlie, congrats!! Now you HAVE to enter the wintersday contest too! ^_^

Charlie Dayman · Nov 04, 2009, 07:46 AM // 07:46

Gah, I don't know if I can, Minami. I know I have two 8 page research papers due the start of December, and won't be getting the topics until a few weeks before. And I'm guessing when Tzu and them start up the new Workshop, it'll be around finals week. I'm also itching to jump at Yun's commision.

Not too sure though, it all really depends on how things unfold :\

Morag D · Nov 04, 2009, 08:32 AM // 08:32

Awesome. Skull is awesome, axe is awesome, light effects are awesome, details are super awesome - you, my friend, could be a rich man

Minami · Nov 04, 2009, 08:42 AM // 08:42

Yepp, true that Morag.

I hope I can get 2nd place at least....

Still more money than I've ever collectively owned.

BlueXIV · Nov 04, 2009, 08:46 AM // 08:46

O_O that's friggin awesome. And I dispense compliments pretty damn rarely on gurus so you know it's special XD.

Agreed with the above, don't add any text, it wouldn't add anything to the composition.

The only nitpick I might have for the piece is the way you shaded the chaos axe. The way you have it done right now doesn't look very bright, when it feels like it would be a primary source of illumination. I guess putting too much focus on that might distract the viewer though, so I'm not really sure what I'm getting at XD. Maybe make the hilt a bit brighter so it leads the eye into the focal point? :P

Man you almost make me want to enter the contest now :|

Eragon Zarroc · Nov 04, 2009, 03:27 PM // 15:27

very awesome charlie

i love how it is just so fierce. you truly capture the rage and bloodlust of the warrior on his face, rdy to impale his doppleganger, fearless!

Charlie Dayman · Nov 05, 2009, 02:30 AM // 02:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueXIV

The only nitpick I might have for the piece is the way you shaded the chaos axe. The way you have it done right now doesn't look very bright, when it feels like it would be a primary source of illumination. I guess putting too much focus on that might distract the viewer though, so I'm not really sure what I'm getting at XD.

I was thinking the same thing. I actually made another version with the handle a bit brighter last night: http://cubeupload.com/files/5c1c00auguryrock.jpg

But for some reason I liked the other version better. I guess I just prefer the shading at the bottom of the axe haft as it turns darker than the rest of the axe. I think it gives it a bit more surface texture and a visual indicator that the temperature drops at both ends and is the hottest in the blade, therefore the brightest area on the axe.

And thanks for the feedback, glad you like the piece

So glad this is done. So tired. I'm just gonna, lay down here for the next 48 hours.

Tommy's · Nov 05, 2009, 09:06 AM // 09:06

Never knew the fight was in the dark but it looks totaly great

Really it's beautifull. Somehow the hand of the doppelganger is so perfect. Maybe I've obsession for hands, like YSJ for feet :O

Charlie Dayman · Nov 06, 2009, 09:37 AM // 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crucist Ovv

Never knew the fight was in the dark but it looks totaly great

Really it's beautifull. Somehow the hand of the doppelganger is so perfect. Maybe I've obsession for hands, like YSJ for feet :O

Scandalous

Thanks for the feedback, everyone - I appreciate it. Hopefully I at least place in the contest this time around :P Really could use the extra cash to help complete the guild and my brother out. In any case, I'm happy with this piece. Even if I don't place, I still have a solid drawing to add to my portfolio in the long run.

hoodiestarfish · Nov 06, 2009, 11:09 AM // 11:09

drawing looks fantastic charlie... u need to keep in mind that competitions tend to be very subjective with regard to the judges' preferences and your place in the results may not necessarily reflect your ability.

All the best for it tho