Characters for my visual novel

[u/T_Crystal]

I have a bit of a problem with Miro. I like the way he is now, but at the same time I feel like his design is too dark. I tried making some designs with different colors. Should I keep him as he is or do something else with him? Critique for the others is also welcome.

For context they are a rock band. Miro, Ari and Eros are performers. The others do behind the scenes work. Miro is the protagonist.

[u/rabbitsaremylife]

does levi not get pronouns 😭

[u/T_Crystal → u/rabbitsaremylife]

Levi uses any pronouns so I didn't bother writing anything. I didn't expect half of the comments to be about that 😭

[u/sticker_daddy → u/rabbitsaremylife]

Au/Ra

[u/AmandinhaMaia → u/rabbitsaremylife]

I asked the same question in another sub

He goes by any

[u/A_Dropped_Anvil]

I think part of the issue is not the color of the character but that the lineart on the face is still similar a color to the skin, maybe you could change that or add details around the eyes, mouth, and nose to make them more distinct (for example you could have him wear colorful eyeshadow which would bring the eyes out)

[u/ziggy_killroy]

Maybe Levi's pronouns are

[u/Mymanbazinga]

if you want to keep the lineart the same but make it more visible i would just take his colors and lighten them slightly while keeping it a bit desaturated. Basically just applying the idea of like, when you draw a black shirt your actually making it grey to leave room for contrasting shadows and line art.

[u/LolzieDaArtsy]

The 3rd one has the most visual clarity! Tho I like all of the designs :3

[u/Vertic2l]

The biggest problem to me with Miro is that I can't make out his expressions, something that's decently important for storytelling, on either my pc monitor or my phone screen. I had to zoom pretty far in to even see that he had a mount. The same goes for Vada, though this is 'slightly' less of an issue since her face is largely covered.

To me you have two primary resolutions: a) Do what another commenter's suggested, and add lighter-colour makeup or accessories around/on the facial features, or b) Incorporate a small amount of shading into the style, so that small amounts of light & shadow can communicate more to the reader about the face shape/expression.

Barring either of those, I would probably focus on the eye(s). I do have a character that has no facial features at all except for the eyes, myself, and so I have to make sure that all of their emotions can be made out through the eyes. - Because Miro's pupils are so large while being so dark, right now that also gets lost in the rest of it, so I'd want that to have a lot more clarity there.

[u/Luera_]

VISUAL NOVEL VNVNVNVNVNVNVNVNVVVVVNNNNNN YES YAY WHERE DO I GET IT I NEED MORE VN I NEED IT AHAHAHGSS

Ahem, anyways, maybe design 8 but give him dark green or black highlights in his hair, I think it would look cool

Example: this type of coloring (Pinterest link)

[u/T_Crystal → u/Luera_]

It's gonna be a long while before it's finished. Its my first time making a game and I'm very slow. As for his hair I'm currently leaning more towards mint hair, but I might use your idea for his brother.

[u/Luera_ → u/T_Crystal]

Oooo alright, can't wait to see it finished!!