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Jerome-K-Moore In reply to ??? [2008-10-21 01:53:46 +0000 UTC]

Hmm...

Nicely done, Mr. Yardin, as usual.
But if it's okay, I have a couple minor quibbles...
Of course, I'm aware of how difficult it can be to arrange all the elements in a close-quarters battle composition, specifically on cover illustrations, AND on deadline.

Dynamism and impact are essential, behind the all-important storytelling. These are things I am continually contending with, and striving to improve upon.
What immediately caught my attention here was how some of the energy stops dead with the awkward posing of Colossus' right arm. Understandably, the choice was to provide clearance for the key action with Wolverine stabbing Hulk's shoulder. I just think another solution could have been found.

I may have gone the more difficult route, having Colossus's right arm actually contacting The Hulk, either struggling to hold back Greenie's right fist, or bracing a metal elbow against Hulk's throat. The advantage then would not only solve the "dead" foreshortening problem, but also amp up the dynamism of the grappling action.
It also helps with story, as Colossus would appear more over-matched, necessitating Wolverine's seeming rescue.

On a final aesthetic point, Hulk's hair has the unfortunate appearance of being a toupee. No big deal, really. But ...

Anyway, I hope my comments are taken in their original light, to be of helpful consideration.
I've made it known how much I enjoy your wonderful work.

All the best to you, sir.

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davidyardin In reply to Jerome-K-Moore [2008-10-21 02:59:23 +0000 UTC]

BTW please feel free to give more criticism on any more works I upload... I find not many people give advanced critique on here (even when it is requested), so it is very much appreciated.

I think too many artists are scared to step on toes, and offend, but how else are we to learn.

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davidyardin In reply to Jerome-K-Moore [2008-10-21 02:39:38 +0000 UTC]

Yeah the two things I'm not happy with.

As I said above I actually redrew this, and some of what I had right in the first version, didn't transfer over to the second version. I'm not happy with Hulk's face or his hair in this version, and the contact between Colossus and Hulk is badly done.

Not only was I unhappy with the rendering of Colossus in the first version, but he was too close to the trim, so I moved him over a bit, however that then gave me the problem of having enough room for his arm to contact with the Hulk properly. I think I erased and moved Hulk slightly too, but I didn't carry his face/head over well.

I'd thought along the same lines as your suggestions to correct the problems, but I'd already committed some of the piece to ink at that stage. Unfortunately there was no time for another redraw, as that ever present deadline was biting me on the butt, so I had to roll with my bad decisions.

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Jerome-K-Moore In reply to davidyardin [2008-10-21 07:10:41 +0000 UTC]

Much as I hate to admit it, that sounds like a case where a computer might come in handy, with such extensive redrawing. A Cintiq perhaps?
And sometimes what is worked out splendidly in a thumbnail sketch, or preliminary rough doesn't carry over. My process of sketch-to-final is never predictable. Sometimes I finish with the exact image and feeling that was imbued in the first doodle. But things more often fall short, or I manage to actually plus it all to my own surprise. As artists, we may not always be the ones at the wheel steering the ship, and the artwork has its own say as to the outcome, along with the ticking clock.

As for your second reply, I can only say that it is an honor to meet a fellow creative that feels as you do. I've long been a proponent of gaining and sharing the diverse knowledge, wisdom, experiences, and perspectives that all of us here at DA possess. It's one of the great and unique benefits afforded us here. As long as we maintain considerate courtesy, there should be no egos so seriously bruised that it prevents an enlightenment that will continuously reward. And critiques need not be uniformly negative. This is a popular misconception.
But I do find it sad and annoying all the truly vapid and fawning comments so many engage in here. If you like someone's art, say why. Be specific. "Way cool, dude," means next to nothing. I prefer the bold individuals who step forward to really share, and take part in the exchange of ideas in articulate discussion. Disagreements are to be expected, but not feared.
Expression is what we artists are all about, after all.

Officially, it is my honor to "meet" you, Mr. Yardin.

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davidyardin In reply to MichaelCrichlow [2008-10-21 02:20:30 +0000 UTC]

Thanks.

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davidyardin In reply to dismang [2008-10-21 00:43:36 +0000 UTC]

Thanks Elizabeth. I thought they might have given you the Skaar cover I did, since you seemed to be doing some work through Mark's office, but obviously it went to Raul Treviño.

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dismang In reply to davidyardin [2008-10-21 00:53:21 +0000 UTC]

out of curiosity, do you ever get to pick out a colorist or do they usually pick?

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davidyardin In reply to dismang [2008-10-21 02:17:27 +0000 UTC]

The majority of the time editorial pick the colourist, I have a bit more say for my inker though (when it's not me). For Ms. Marvel covers Wacker asked if I had a colourist in mind, and I wanted to try some stuff with Rainier, so he was cool with that. Apart from that most of the other covers I've done they haven't asked me, and some of the deadlines were so tight there wasn't really time to make requests anyway.

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dismang In reply to davidyardin [2008-10-21 03:54:42 +0000 UTC]

It's pretty much the same with Mitch- most of the time he can pick who he wants but sometimes the editors want to. Was just curious with how it was with other artist- Thanks for the reply!

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davidyardin In reply to dismang [2008-10-23 01:45:25 +0000 UTC]

Yeah as I said to Wade further down (page 2), I find there are a few different factors in selecting the creative team, and how much say us artists have.

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JohnRauch In reply to dismang [2008-10-21 00:23:11 +0000 UTC]

Get in line.

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davidyardin In reply to JohnRauch [2008-10-21 00:55:55 +0000 UTC]

Unfortunately, most of the time I'm not even sure where the line starts

You could nicely ask your editors though.

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dismang In reply to davidyardin [2008-10-21 01:56:11 +0000 UTC]

Ha! Guess that's the answer to my question then.

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Psycho-Fish In reply to ??? [2008-10-20 23:57:48 +0000 UTC]

awesome work. love that collosus

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davidyardin In reply to Psycho-Fish [2008-10-21 00:38:20 +0000 UTC]

Thanks.

I actually re-drew this, cause I wasn't happy with how Colossus turned out on the first version. I got him closer to how I wanted with this cover... but then Hulk's face was better on the first version. Such is life.

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davidyardin In reply to TheGRIZZAMman [2008-10-21 00:38:02 +0000 UTC]

Thanks. And from the looks of the solicitation, no (unless they re-use my layout for another book).

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TheGRIZZAMman In reply to davidyardin [2008-10-21 01:52:28 +0000 UTC]

Oh well...can't always get some zombie action...

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