CGAN August 2014 Challenge - Ode to Banj - WIPs

I really like the shield idea a lot Dave, what you have going so far looks great, your handwriting is so neat!
I just had a thought that might work also, changing the background behind the queen to maybe a wall tapestry or something. or darken the background and add some torch flames, that might be more adventurous though.
Oak, I could of swore I saw an update from you, or was I imagining things?

Well spotted micro there was an update posted for a couple of hours but looking at it later I really did not like it and so removed it. Hope to have an update I like better later.

So as a self taught hobbyist I do feel a bit intimidated by all the great wip's I've seen so far but I'm determined to have a go at a challenge.

My first wip is a rough idea of how I want my Banj to look. I'm keeping the nappy/wrap style of pants from Banj's avatar and I thought that the idea of a thimble, button and needle as his helmet, shield and sword would be a nice way to hint at his small scale. I don't think I can create a very detailed environment or multi character scene so I'm thinking I might just have him in front of a set of huge doors as if guarding the throne room. Any feedback on what I have so far would be very welcome and any tips on making a Hamster look more fierce while still being cute would be great.

Lol whoops! Post number 5 and I already managed to insult someone's avatar.

Yep, I've always seen it as a type of clothe-wrapped-straightjacket. If not, I would be wondering why Banj always has his hands down into his pants! ...

AngieA Great start wish I'd though of of it cannot wait to see where it goes 'O' and welcome

Try this update, am I on the right track have I got the focal point back ?

I actually liked you previous wip, Oak. The larger opening really gave it a nice enormous feel to it, and I think the colorful banners are now pulling the eye up and away from your main character. ... Funny thing is, I opened your images in another tab to view them together, and he grew a face in the time it took me to view them! But it's up to you, but you might try leaving it as is, and just throw the larger opening back in to see which one you like. It also brings in more light too.

Lastly, make sure to check the 'door' to his left. Now that you enlarged him, he appears to be 3 or 4 feet taller then it.

EDIT: forgot to add this. Micro I did indeed think about adding a tapestry to the BG, but wasn't sure how I wanted to add it? Whether on the wall, behind the shield, or behind the characters? Just haven't had much time to work it in to see how it looks. Maybe sometime this week, if time allows. Thanks.

Nice image Oaktree. I like the placing of your main character and the overall mysterious mood but I have to agree with Digital Dave about the banners drawing the eye up and away. I think it's because the red is so strong. Maybe try a version with the banner colours more desaturated and see how that works or try making them smaller.

I think the high contrasts between the colour of his face and his cowl is a perfect device for drawing the eye to the main character. The banners in the background are too bright, as has been commented on. But, I think adding something like that in the foreground, or using objects like that in a linear fashion, say either side if the street, so as to direct the eye to the archway would look awesome.

Some thoughts, but see what you think Oak.