Working on shading, Crits?
 

Ive been trying new shading methods on each new weapon I create, I believe my most recent weapon contains the best shading, (ownagesword.bmp). Can I have some constructive criticism please? ^^
(P.S: Dont forget to tell me how much better i've gotten for a little confidence boost.) ;)

You're thinking too geometrical, which is very evident in your mace. Shading set aside, I like the design of your "ownage sword", although I can see some immediate improvements which would turn it into a "Zero Hour's sword of ownage+8" or something to that extent.

Also... Stop saving as BMP - get a program which will save as a high quality PNG, or at the least... JPEG.

When I am making these graphics I am in my A+ Comp Repair classes and the only program I have is MsPaints...thats why I save them as bitmap files and my shading cant really be too good considering I am not that great with the program. I'm used to using Graphics Gale and beginning to use Adobe Photoshop. >_<

Technically speaking, MSPaint can do whatever the other programs can do so long the user knows how to... besides saving as specific extentions, etc.

I use MS Paint for everything i do ^_^ Just save them as .pngs :) The MS paint pngs arent the correct bit for graal though, be warned.

Relating to the swords, i can see your improving, and if you continue to take the advise of other people you will gradually learn to create great work.

What zero says here will apply for the rest of time
:P

Try not to use gradient style shading like that, your ownage sword looks more like an odd shaped bat.

Other than that, looks pretty good for a beginner. Observe what you see in real life, and try to implement that on your shading style. If you don't already, try to get a fairly good understanding of art, that always helps alot.

JPEG for pixel work...........
GIF plz

Very basic, make it rusty.

I tried remaking my mace with a little bit of a different perspective. Tell me what you think? Btw thanks for all the help and positive comments >_<

The mace is round, so you wouldnt have a square light area :P

I re-did the shading of the ball, tell me what you think

Considerably better, I'd say.

Aye, but the spikes would create shadows too :P

Like this:


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ase-shaded.gif

I cant see your image Skrobo, Would you mind posting it again as an attached image?

I'd prefer it if the spikes were randomly placed.