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Neurosylum — Brothers of the Blade

Published: 2008-06-26 10:57:28 +0000 UTC; Views: 26619; Favourites: 842; Downloads: 0
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Description This is the prize art requested for winning my Zutara fanfiction contest. Sort of. It still has that warrior/hero/sword theme in there...somewhere.

If you don't like it, I can do something else. Maybe if I had asked more details, I could have gotten it right the first time. I blame the "free-range creativity"!

About the Picture
This is the final version of BotB. If I had a say in creating ATLA episodes, this one would have been second on my list (Zutara would be the first, but we all know I would be shot by half of the fans). Zuko would be a better brother-in-law for Sokka in my opinion... *cough*

So, after almost 3 weeks of getting a virus on my computer, reformatting, and reinstalling everything, I finally got the inspiration I needed, and I went all out on the background. Normally, I would just slap on some abstract idea for the bg, but this scene was way too priceless to pass up. It was kinda hard since there were no available screenshots online that had it at the angle I wanted, so pardon the misinterpretation of detail here-and-there.

It was probably about 3 days ago that I started to fervently sketch this thing. And for that, I suffered from insomnia.

Now I can mail all of the prize arts at once.

Once again, huge-ass watermark on there. However, she will be getting the unmarked version of whatever she wants, of course.

-------------
Time: 3 days sketching/coloring; 3 weeks total because of this monstrosity: [link]

Clothes: At one point in the episode, Sokka's Master, Sokka's training clothes were brown. Hence, their brown-ish tint (if your monitor is too dark to notice, don't worry about it )

Background: Inspired by the episode Sokka's Master; I have a lot to work on since this is my second attempt at doing a natural setting. As da Vinci geniusly observed, perspective of clarity and color are lost as objects get farther away. So, yeah, I kinda ignored that a little.

Brushes: If you think I hand-drew all those bricks on the walls and buildings, plus the bamboo, you're out of your mind. Those brushes were downloaded at [link] .

Original PSD file size: 792.5 MB; editing the raw, uncompressed file = 2.5 GB

Nickelodeon is a subsidiary of Viacom who owns AtLA. I'm just a small-time graphic artist doing my best to alter the story as much as I can.
Related content
Comments: 116

Hot-Sauce-Vixxen [2008-10-18 00:28:10 +0000 UTC]

Sokka looks like Foamy! XD

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Kitty-Katie12 In reply to ??? [2008-10-10 17:22:16 +0000 UTC]

I luv it! The perspective is great and ties the whole thing together. I luv Sokka's expresion and Zuko is Hawt, lol. faved!

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Galistar07water In reply to ??? [2008-09-24 21:45:53 +0000 UTC]

Wow! It's like from the show itself!

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razorburn645 In reply to ??? [2008-08-30 04:52:53 +0000 UTC]

Very nice. I was hoping for a fight like this in the last season.

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Abelardus In reply to ??? [2008-08-20 17:58:27 +0000 UTC]

My eyes water just taking the whole thing in. You really make it plain that Zuko and Sokka are enjoying themselves. Is that a glimmer of insane glee in Sokka's eyes?

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Manabe In reply to ??? [2008-07-28 22:39:27 +0000 UTC]

Wow.
Definitely wow.
And definitely favoriting.

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zutaralivson [2008-07-28 00:05:00 +0000 UTC]

Amazing use of brushes to complement the picture - it all flows so seamlessly together. The perspective is amazing, and I really admire the unusual take on their poses - it could NOT have been easy to create those. Their expressions are perfect, as well. *Sighs* We really needed a longer extension of this season. SO MANY golden scenes like this were just BEGGING to happen!

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ImperfectEclipse [2008-07-21 14:58:58 +0000 UTC]

Amazing job~

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insanityblob [2008-07-17 02:46:17 +0000 UTC]

XDDD I love Sokka's expression!

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Vizo119 [2008-07-16 07:49:51 +0000 UTC]

This would definitely be a must see!

Good Job!

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Preying-Mantis [2008-07-12 01:44:40 +0000 UTC]

Dude! Totally wicked picture! They look great! You also did a great job with the brushes

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XxDreamBigxX [2008-07-10 06:00:56 +0000 UTC]

I always think Zuko looks weird with his hair up. He looks so much better with it down. I adore Sokka's expression. He's just so much fun. Great movement, and wonderful poses and perspective too. An job well done I'd say.

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FlameoZutara [2008-07-07 18:00:56 +0000 UTC]

This is really awesome. I love Sokka's psycho expression, and how Zuko's all smug and ready to kick his butt. This aught to be interesting... The colors and background are beautiful, too. *faves*

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DeadPegasus [2008-07-06 06:25:17 +0000 UTC]

I hope Zuko teaches Sokka how to decent war cry.

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zstar [2008-07-05 13:39:08 +0000 UTC]

This looks fantastic!

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bluchimera [2008-07-04 23:54:12 +0000 UTC]

"sneak attack!"
"it's not a sneak attack if you call it out..."
^_^

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EvilMaiden [2008-07-04 21:01:37 +0000 UTC]

wow...awsome!!

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Friekie6 [2008-07-03 14:12:06 +0000 UTC]

Very nice,, Zuzu looks kinda good in that outfit

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cursedgnomes [2008-06-28 20:37:36 +0000 UTC]

This is THE AWESOME!!!!

I think they totally could have had a moment LIKE THIS at least in the Boiling Rock episode O: With Zuko and Sokka practicing together their sword skillz O:... What could be better then that? 8D

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PugCrumbs [2008-06-28 15:08:44 +0000 UTC]

I'd love for this to happen. BFF!Zuko!Sokka would just make my day xD

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KP-Lionheart [2008-06-27 05:26:49 +0000 UTC]

HOLY COW!!! *pant runs hand through hair fast in amazement* MAN! I MEAN - WHOO - JEE!! HO COW! THIS IS AWESUM!! Man Neuro you DUN GOOD!! THIS IS AMAZING! I mean the other one had some potential, though I do agree with you on Zuko coming out looking like a pansy. but THIS!!! IT'S - IT'S - IT'S BEAUTIFUL!! *falls back on chair* ...I need a moment to relax...and catch my breath...rather get it back. Man you ROCK, Neuro. HANDS DOWN!

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celarania [2008-06-27 05:23:57 +0000 UTC]

Absolutely lovely! Do you want a critique through a note?

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Neurosylum In reply to celarania [2008-06-28 12:27:19 +0000 UTC]

Nah, it's ok. if there's mistakes, there's mistakes. Just post it here.

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celarania In reply to Neurosylum [2008-07-01 05:02:20 +0000 UTC]

Okay, I just know there are some people who are a little less welcoming, especially on pieces for other people.

The perspective is great on the closest sword, but it's not consistent with Zuko's further one. The hand isn't small enough/far enough away (if that makes sense). Also Sokka's sword looks a little flat, the far end should be a little smaller.

Other than that, it looks wonderful! It's really impressive and those were the only things I noticed (and perspective's a pain). All your stuff looks so wonderful and put together.

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Neurosylum In reply to celarania [2008-07-01 13:36:52 +0000 UTC]

Zuko's right hand is bent up closer to him. Why? Because I've seen too many poses where the foreground character's arms are both extending outwards. Also, if I had put his clothes swirling towards the right and his sword in a different angle, I think I could have made his actions more clearer in which he's about to defend with his right hand. Sokka's pose is based on forcing my sister to hold one of my swords, so, it kinda worked when I was sketching it. Maybe if I had made Sokka a bit smaller, the blade would fit the screen, and the perspective would be much clearer.

And, bleh, I don't see anyone disagreeing with your critique, anyways.

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celarania In reply to Neurosylum [2008-07-01 14:31:04 +0000 UTC]

Opps! My mistake then about Zuko's arm! In that case you got it right! As for Sokka's pose, it's great is just looks like the sword parallel to the viewer instead of angling back into the picture plane like I think it would (that being said, I have no experience with swords). Visually it looks like it should follow his arms back at about the same angle, but that might not be the way it would work in real life.

And I know, right? I love getting critique, but some people are really sensitive to it. The one thin I usually do is that I ask people to send me critiques privately when it's something for someone else. It's good to know that you're so open to them!

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Neurosylum In reply to celarania [2008-07-01 15:00:08 +0000 UTC]

You're right about Sokka's sword looking flat. I think I'm going to have a little talk with my sister - she was probably holding it wrong... lol

Well, after receiving critiques for about 4 years on stuff like fanfiction and fanart, I think I've developed that long-coveted "tough skin". As long as the critique makes sense and isn't intended to flame for personal issues, I believe everyone would get the benefit from comparing it against the thing being critiqued.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some fanarts to mail. Just in case you'll be wondering why the hell I ain't replying (no, it's not cuz I got my feelings hurt lol ) Thanks for going out of the way and taking the time to post a critique. Really appreciate it!

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celarania In reply to Neurosylum [2008-07-01 15:47:12 +0000 UTC]

The nerve of you being responsible and mailing prizes.

I think I love you. If someone critiques you it means that they care enough to want you to improve. I'm always willing to help out with a critique if you like. Til then!

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GioXibalba [2008-06-27 03:05:36 +0000 UTC]

the time pays the work... wow awesome picture...

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milkstache [2008-06-27 01:59:11 +0000 UTC]

*__*!
The background looks SO GOOD. Like, my gosh, it just looks amazing. I'm so glad you decided to do a BG because it really just sets the mood that much higher, you know? You feel like it's happening right there, right in that moment - love it!

You obviously put a heckofalot of effort into this, and what an awesome job!

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kateison [2008-06-27 01:05:50 +0000 UTC]

Wow~!

That perspective is absolutely amazing, wonderful job!

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Selofain [2008-06-27 00:46:13 +0000 UTC]

Absolutely gorgeous. It could seriously pass for a very high quality screenshot from the show itself. I dig the background. A lot.

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Hinata-Fangirl [2008-06-27 00:45:24 +0000 UTC]

Dude! This is badass!

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Zutarachic13 [2008-06-26 22:49:37 +0000 UTC]

WOW!!! this is AWESOME!!! Love it!!!
But Zuko will sooooo win!! lol

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pobox2468 [2008-06-26 22:16:54 +0000 UTC]

Oh man, that's amazing. I've wanted this to happen, since "Sokka's Master." Hopefully it will. It would be nice to see who would win over the two.
Their faces, clothes, expressions - gah, everything is so so good. Fantastic job!

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swirlingdreams [2008-06-26 22:16:35 +0000 UTC]

Wow, this is really good! Hey, you know the sad toph, hopeful katara, new robes for aang pictures. Are you going to do a zuko sokka or iroh one? You really should the others are awesome!

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akkigrl [2008-06-26 21:57:56 +0000 UTC]

Hehe. I think so, too. ^^
Awww, that is awesome!!! Love Sokka's expression. XD

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ec-blade [2008-06-26 21:36:24 +0000 UTC]

Amazing! I love Sokka's expression!^^

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nightdrive23 [2008-06-26 20:55:19 +0000 UTC]

I LOVE Sokka's face...he's so happy and intense at the same time.

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ValGravel [2008-06-26 20:42:28 +0000 UTC]

You truly create some of the best Avatar fanart out there, and this is no exception. Love the idea and the realization is great, oh and you can draw awesome backgrounds, I am beyond jealous.

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SinKatt [2008-06-26 19:56:13 +0000 UTC]

AWESOME work! <3

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TwilightRose2 [2008-06-26 19:28:55 +0000 UTC]

That is AMAZING! I just love their faces! And the poses and just, WOW!

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Ashen-Phoenix [2008-06-26 19:04:44 +0000 UTC]

You're updating agaaaaaaain! Maybe I missed the post if you Journaled about the virus, but I'm terribly sorry to hear about that. (Both mine and my brother's compies have fell pray to 'em at one time or another; it's just awful)

Really like the action concept, and yes, it's only about a zillion times better than your initial attempt. And, while I'm sure you're asked this question a lot, *nervous* um... any chance you'll revisit the Sad Toph series? Just curious.

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AngelKittyChan [2008-06-26 18:55:11 +0000 UTC]

Wow!

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MaebyJane [2008-06-26 18:38:20 +0000 UTC]

This is beyond awesome. Everything is so perfect. I love both of their expressions and poses. You did a fantastic job on this!

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MeowKittyKitty85 In reply to ??? [2008-06-26 17:44:25 +0000 UTC]

oh hell yea! way more better, excellent!

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Kathytachan In reply to ??? [2008-06-26 17:42:27 +0000 UTC]

This looks so good!
What program do you use to colour your pictures???????
Is sooo clean and bright D8
I am so so jealous ;_;

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AvatarKiba [2008-06-26 17:27:43 +0000 UTC]

I've read that since Sokka's blade is made from pure space-iron, it can cut through even the "purest" Earth metals. I wonder if that includes Zuko's Dual Dao blades...

I was wonderring, do you take requests, if you're not too busy?

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syonanto [2008-06-26 16:46:22 +0000 UTC]

I would kill to have that as my desktop background right now T_T it's AMAZING!

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KyokoMari [2008-06-26 16:23:09 +0000 UTC]

This is great! I love the rough draft you put up, but this is just purely awesome! You draw so amazingly true to the character designs!

And this is definitely a scene I was hoping for ever since Sokka's Master...Unfortunately it doesn't look like it's going to happen in the series...T^T

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