A harsh critique about my character's eyes made me redo my whole portfolio

I posted a fantasy portrait here about three months ago. Someone commented, 'The eyes are dead, they have no light or focus.' That one line hit me hard. I spent the next week just studying eye reflections in photos and other artists' work. I realized I was using the same gray circle for every pupil, with no thought for the light source. Now I always add a tiny white dot and a color from the environment in the iris. My characters look so much more alive. Has a single piece of feedback ever made you change a core part of your art process?

3 comments

3 Comments

brian_smith61d ago

Damn, that's a brutal but amazing critique. It's wild how one tiny detail like that can unlock a whole new level in your work.

the_emery1d ago

Ever get a critique so sharp you feel it in your teeth? Brian_smith6, I've had notes that made me want to throw my whole laptop away. But man, they're always right. That sting is how you know it's working.

clairen851d ago

Totally get what you mean about one tiny detail unlocking a new level. I had a friend point out a weird habit in my dialogue once, just a small thing about how everyone said "hey" the same way. Felt so obvious once I saw it, but it changed everything. That sting is the best worst feeling lol.