Commenting Workshop #3 - Resources

As both the artist and the commenter, we can use resources including:

• Tutorials
• Reference/Stock Images
• Designs & Patterns
• Textures
• Line-art & Character Templates

By using resources, we could answer questions such as...

• How much longer the jacket should be and its effects on the character.
• The different examples of hands and how this specific hand can be changed.
• The particular focus on anatomy of the hand itself.

Writing or receiving simple statements or statements with long explanations doesn't necessary guarantee improvement for the artist or the commenter. Sometimes, being able to see it, being able to link to a resource that aids in our statements and explanations, adds an extra layer that solidifies our contributions.

Resources & Stock Images

DeviantArt has a whole category dedicated to resources and stock images here. By using any of these resources, we are given a stronger grasp of what the commenter is seeing and advising us to do as artists. As commenters, linking to visual representations or examples already explained makes it easier for us to articulate our advice and our comments overall. Furthermore, we add to our understanding why certain aspects are flawed or how certain techniques can be applied to our own artwork. This is especially the case when resources serve as a visual guide of where the artist should go and where they should stop.

Birds of a feather...

Resources are often created by artists like yourself, artists that have grown and are willing to share how they do things to help you in your own art. Many resources are posted by artists that have risen to popularity on DeviantArt and that says something! The fact that some well-known artists contribute to the community through these resources, while others benefit from them, should add extra incentive for you to use them yourself.

Joint Use

What do we mean by 'joint use'? While resources are helpful in and of themselves, we shouldn't use them solely in our comments, or rely on them overly much. A constructive comment wouldn't be much of a constructive comment without your thoughts, opinions, suggestions and more. It is with the addition of resources that we can support our claim, provide further explanations and ultimately help the artist.

Resources in ProjectComment

Believe it or not, we have our own resources at ProjectComment of the more 'comment guide' variety. You can find our guides here. We are also working on a resource/tutorial directory to make it easier to find good resources when commenting! For now, if you do use resources, link them to us!

DeviantArt is an online art community where we help each other improve and become even better artists not just through constructive commenting. We continue to expand our knowledge and learn through the vast knowledge gained by the resources at our fingertips.

J-Grey, Sept 26, 2014:
Hello, QBeagle!
I think I haven’t commented on your artworks yet, so I’m gonna fix it
First of all, I want to second Cameron. I see a lot of improvement - you made a great step forward in lineart and coloring. His face and hair looks good for me, I see confidence in his look and pose. The cane adds more style in the overall look, and I like the way he holds it – not playfully or elegantly. You did a good job with the folds on his trousers.

When it comes to men fashion, I always think of Nick Wooster.
3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-oyT_VLF9U…
www.imperfectlydistinguished.c…
That’s why I felt that on your picture the jacket is a bit too short for a man of his age.

I agree with your thoughts about the hands’ anatomy problem. I think the problem is that the torso on the left side is bigger, so it looks like it’s turned in the wrong direction. Maybe this photo will also help you:
media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236…

I also want to add a small suggestion to leave free space on the background (now I think his left foot is a bit cropped).
Overall, it’s a really good drawing. I’ve noticed that you’ve put it into sketches, but I think the level is higher.
Good luck in further improvement

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