Feedback Wanted!
Added 2015-08-27 00:33:03 +0000 UTCWe are currently considering Tuler to be our new sprite artist but first, we'd like to have the opinions of our awesome Patrons!
First let me explain the style change. Over the past few months we decided we wanted something more expressive for the characters. We realize the tonal difference between Tuler's bright, optimistic, toony art compared to Echo's desolation and loneliness, but we felt happier, more expressive looking characters would enable the player to connect more with them. Attached are some rough sketches.
Tell us what you think!
Comments
There's no doubt that Tuler is just amazing with expressions. But, it also raises a flag. Recapitulating what I've read while injecting my opinion, I feel the flag being raised is simply that Tuler's overall style may be too expressive for a horror story. I would like to offer that we see something from Tuler that could better reflect the tone of the game. The vast majority of us only know of his colorful, toony, positive work. If we could see something that can convey horror, it may assuage our concerns. So, how about we see some more ‘emotional’ TJ sketches? Him looking crying, terrified, etc.?
Tokeki
2015-08-30 03:30:00 +0000 UTCHis artwork is interesting to look at, certainly not bad, and the tonal difference of bright optimistic-looking toony character going through such trauma can have its own unique impact, such as the suffering of innocence. That said: TJ looks way too eh... fluffy and thickly built in comparison to his original artwork. So, I am tentatively for it.
Gryzmon
2015-08-30 00:44:28 +0000 UTCTuler is a great artist, but his style doesn't seem to fit too much the tone of Echo. Unless he changes his style by quite a bit, I'd say it's better not to hire him. Then again... It's true that his expressions are really good. The main issue is just how goofy the characters look (and especially TJ as a particular example) which class with the personalities the "original" sprites gave him. So... I'm ambivalent. Tuler could be a good choice, but not really /the/ best choice.
Sign Dhole
2015-08-29 19:51:11 +0000 UTCYou make good points and we made the brightness suggestion to Tuler, so we'll see what he does!
Howly
2015-08-29 06:08:10 +0000 UTCThanks for your input!
Howly
2015-08-29 06:06:56 +0000 UTCI can sympathize with the difficulties with finding an artist that's reliable, efficient, and effective, but looking over Tuler's works I find that aside from the general criticism of 'too cartoony,' I notice that most of his content tends to be bigger and goofier characters. Even the example given for TJ seems to take him in a different direction than the original art, making him less lithe and pensive and instead making him thicker and more of a 'buddy-bro', if you understand my meaning. Personally I think that having character art that changes expression with the tone of the story is a VERY useful thing to have, but I myself think that Tuler seems to lack a proper depth and variety with his art.
That Foolish Fox
2015-08-29 00:35:12 +0000 UTCI took a while looking through some of Tuler's art as well and I think that aspects of that style would work very well with Echo, particularly the facial expressions and body language. I'm thinking that the color saturation/brightness might need to be tinkered with just a bit to balance the 'toony' look with the backdrops. As far as TJ's artwork goes, it actually looks pretty good. There are a few facial features that are different from the original (eyebrow thickness, eye shape, fur at sides of face). It makes him look a little less like a lynx to me... that might be what's looking a bit off. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to seeing roughs of the other characters in this style!
Dancing Mad
2015-08-28 04:55:18 +0000 UTCI Like the new look of the sprites, I do agree with some others that the one example we have of TJ does seem of. There is some thing about his face, it lack a certain seriousness/ sincerity that I think the old one had, that really fit TJ.
Nicu
2015-08-28 03:15:49 +0000 UTCHonestly I'd prefer the status quo to these new sketches. For a first release I was pretty much astounded by the initial outcome of the characters. I personally had no problems with connecting to any of them properly.
Briannon-Faie
2015-08-27 18:51:08 +0000 UTCThank you for your comments! We will work with Tuler to try and bring back some of that original sprite's demeanor.
Howly
2015-08-27 16:03:27 +0000 UTCLooking at Tuler's other artwork I don't really mind either way. But these concept sketches for TJ seems a bit off, and I think it's to do with the face. I much prefer the original TJ sprite in comparison, but these can always be changed. Leo's original sprite, I think, would be the one that could use some work. On a case-by-case basis though, TJ and Flynn's sprite would benefit more (imo) if it were close to the original, whereas Leo and Jenna could use some work. We should probably see more artist concepts of the other characters before a definite yes or no. What is great is the range of distinct facial expressions, which I hope will also be accompanied with distinct body language (e.g. in Morenatsu, the changes between expressions of character sprites were very noticeable because the whole body changed, not just the face). Anyway, very keen to see how this goes. Thanks for your hard work! :)
Geo
2015-08-27 15:48:57 +0000 UTCFirst of all, our old sprite artist has a difficult schedule and isn't quite able to keep up with the updates we plan to release. Second, this isn't quite a finished version of TJ, we're working to get that more innocent/sincere look back to him. As for his body, while not exactly skinny, he's got an athletic build. We'll see about slimming him down, however. We're more trying to see the initial reaction to the style, and yes, we definitely knew there would be some aversion to the more cartoony look. It's something we'll experiment with, maybe let people play the game with the actual sprites and see how they feel afterwards. It was a difficult choice but it's something we sincerely believe will work. And indeed, more poses and expressions will be added later. We should have a completed sprite that adresses some of your concerns in the near future. Please keep an eye out and let us know what you think about it. Thanks for the feedback!
Howly
2015-08-27 15:31:20 +0000 UTCWait...why is a new sprite artist needed? I don't understand the reason behind the change in body composition and demeanour Tuler drew; I thought it was implied that TJ was rather skinny and anxious. Also, just as a personal preference, I feel the tooniness would take away from the atmosphere that is trying to be created. As for more expressive characters, I thought the facial expressions were going to be updated anyways with or without a new artist. For example, it really breaks the atmosphere with Leo constantly smiling when the mood is much bleaker.
Ash Valentine
2015-08-27 14:22:22 +0000 UTCPlease elaborate, if you can.
Howly
2015-08-27 08:29:40 +0000 UTCTerrible.
Vernt
2015-08-27 07:54:04 +0000 UTClooks good
Drakenxz1
2015-08-27 07:48:57 +0000 UTCWhen I first looked at the art a few hours ago my initial thought was, its okay. But coming back later when I looked at it again it really just popped. I feel like the contrast between the art style and Echo's darker tone would be a good fit.
Ryo
2015-08-27 04:17:25 +0000 UTCnot that it was hard to connect with the characters in the first place but i think it will add to the game especially if your going to add different emotions with the new sprites
Austin Williams
2015-08-27 01:31:13 +0000 UTCi like it.
Austin Williams
2015-08-27 01:26:02 +0000 UTCTuler doing a romantic horror game's art? Quirky, yet definitely something I'm up for.
Lupicorn
2015-08-27 00:41:40 +0000 UTC
