Sketching my ocs again

As an artist, there's always a thrill in seeing your skills grow and evolve. Recently, I've been diving deep into developing a new art style, and what better way to test it out than by revisiting my beloved original characters (OCs)? It’s a journey many artists undertake, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how far your craft has come. Redrawing OCs isn't just about updating their look; it's a fantastic way to track your artistic journey and breathe new life into characters you cherish. It allows you to apply new techniques you've learned, fix old design flaws, and infuse your characters with the depth and experience you've gained over time. For characters like Max Toriyama, who's been with me for over a decade, it feels like giving an old friend a fresh, modern makeover while staying true to their core personality. It’s a chance to show artistic progress and celebrate the characters that have been with you through thick and thin. Finding your 'new' art style often comes from a mix of conscious study and organic experimentation. I personally spent a lot of time analyzing various animation styles and comic book artists whose work I admired. I wasn't trying to copy them, but rather understand why their art resonated with me – was it the dynamic poses, the expressive faces, or their unique use of light and shadow? Then, I'd try to distill those appealing qualities and integrate them into my own sketches in a way that felt authentic to me. It's about pulling inspiration from everywhere – from animation to fashion to even everyday life – and letting it simmer until something new emerges, whether it’s a change in line weight, color palette, or rendering technique. When embarking on a redraw, I always start by looking at the original art. What worked? What didn't? For Max, I wanted to refine his facial features, improve his anatomy, and give his outfit a more cohesive feel. My process usually begins by pulling up the original design and doing a quick critique. What aspects of Max still feel true to his personality? What needs a complete overhaul? I then move to rough sketches, sometimes filling an entire page with different headshots or body poses just to explore potential avenues for his updated look. It’s like a conversation with my past self, figuring out how to bring years of new artistic knowledge to an old friend. Don't be afraid to scrap ideas and start fresh if an initial concept isn't working. It’s not always smooth sailing, though. Sometimes, my initial attempts at a 'new style' feel forced or lose the original character's essence. That's when I step back, perhaps try drawing something else for a bit, or even ask a trusted artist friend for their honest feedback. Learning to embrace the 'ugly' stages of a drawing and push through them is a crucial part of an artist's growth. The key is perseverance and understanding that artistic evolution is a continuous journey. One of the most rewarding parts of this process is sharing the 'before and after' with other artists and the wider community. It's incredible to see the vibrant community around original character art. Sharing your progress, from initial sketches to polished character sheets, on platforms like Lemon8 can garner surprising insights and encouragement. I've also found a wealth of inspiration and quick tips by watching other artists' sped-up drawing processes on TikTok, especially when looking for the 'latest' trends in digital painting or character rendering. It's a fantastic way to keep your creative wellspring fresh and discover new techniques. If you're thinking of redrawing your own OCs, my best advice is to be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Don't aim for perfection on the first try. Focus on learning, growing, and most importantly, having fun bringing your characters to life in a fresh, new way. It's your story, your art, and your characters waiting to evolve!