The Mane Event

[the_gneech]

So I'm working on a new "default me" image for website, biz cards, etc. I have a very bold, vibrant look in mind, inspired in no small part by the best aspects of MLP:FIM, but also working to not throw away my own style.

Obviously, in order to best capture my own essence, I went to another artist. ;) Specifically Spunkywulf/Zillabean, whom I had do a very nice set of pencils to use as a springboard. But the time has come for me to figure out... what do do with my hair?

In the end I decided, it should have some purple stripes in it. Because a huge floof of red mane obviously wasn't awesome enough. ¬.¬ And also because purple is kinda my color. But beyond that, I'm having a hard time nailing down exactly what I want to do with it, so like a big ol' teenager, I'm throwing it out to the internet for suggestions!

With a little help from lythandra and sirfox, I've worked out the following notions:



"ITSALION" is the base color set; the others are the ones I'm actually trying to decide between. Which do you like, and why? :) (Note that the images are just WiPs... the final design is not yet finished. Right now I'm just looking at the manestyle.)

-The Gneech

Comments

[softpaw.livejournal.com]

I like the two twilight on the side options, with Touch of twilight a bit more then inverted.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Noted! Thanks for the input! :)

-TG

[rowyn]

I like 'inverted Twilight', because it's a little more eye-catching than "Touch", but not as overwhelming as the other options. "Topknot" has kind of an 'accidentally too thick line' look to it, as opposed to an intentional streak, and seems lopsided somehow.

Flametouched is pretty cool, though.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

"Topknot" has kind of an 'accidentally too thick line' look to it, as opposed to an intentional streak

...not sure what you mean. Just that the streak is too heavy?

-TG

[rowyn]

It's not an issue with the way it's rendered, it's just "streak of purple on underside of forelock" does not register in my mind as "right", so my first thought is it's a weird shadow or a thick line or something, instead of "streak of purple".

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Okay! Thanks. :)

-TG

[blacktigr.livejournal.com]

I like Inverted Twilight, but I like the gradient. I just think it should be more subtle, if you wanted to play with it. The darker color brings out the chin quite well, and zeroes in on the smile.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

More subtle meaning less purple? Wider band of gradation?

Good point re: bringing out the chin!

-TG

[blacktigr.livejournal.com]

I think your end result looks striking. Congrats on the new avatar!

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :) I tried to use the shading on the mane to get the smile-highlighting effect you mentioned.

-TG

[smrgol-t-kirin.livejournal.com]

I prefer the "Flametouched" the streaked styles don't look "right" on you.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Okeydoke. Thanks! :)

-TG

[dslartoo.livejournal.com]

I am fond of the "Flametouched" version. The others are too....well, I must say it. Too "twee" for me. :)

cheers,
Phil

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Kewl, thanks for the input!

-TG

[lowen-kind.livejournal.com]

I like the "Twilight Topknot" of all the MLP:FiM colors.

Personally, I'd use the "ITSALION"; but then again I'm into the more realistic coloring. :=/

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Okeydoke, thanks! :)

-TG

[keross.livejournal.com]

I tend to favor the subtle approach so if you eliminate ITSALION as an option, then my next choice would be FLAMETOUCHED. The gradual shading from red to purple is nice, not jarring to my eyes. I agree with Blacktigr about accentuating the chin.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

All righty. Thanks!

-TG

[mooncat.livejournal.com]

Of the stripey versions, I like Inverted Twilight, with the darker shade closer to the face just 'working' better for me, but I more so prefer Flametouched, since I kind of dig gradients.

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

I ended up using the "darker towards the face" element in the final version, actually. :) It helps make a more contrastey outline.

-TG