Lady Applejack (End?) Update 4

[AIMonkey 197]

Late night sketch/drawing, thought I'd share it here in the meantime.

Not sure whether I'll continue this (design) or scrap it and start from scratch (or earlier)

Like redoing the entire clothing design or something. I do like the pose though. (went through several to get here but ok.)

 

Not sure how I got to this (idea), was working on some totally different cuddly filly shirt stuff and then I started making this fancy stuff and just kept on going... Because I totally don't mind some Applejack

 

Feel free to tell me what you think, good and/or bad. Feel free to criticize... or compliment, whatever suits you best

 

 

 

Update 2:

(no more bare manikin style AJ, instead a basic colour tryout) Updated linework, changing eyes, hair/mane, hat, freckles!, tail and some other tiny things.

 

Update 3:

Started testing some shading + other little things

Update 3.5:

Bit further shading

Update 4 (sneaky 3.9)

 

 

 

Update 4:

Calling it an end for this one, feel like I'd be going into small details too much, spending too much time

DA Link

 

DA Link

Edited July 23, 2012 by AIMonkey

[PegasisterTaco 318]

That's really nice. And wait... Applejack is a lady now? I meant that she was a lil' moar lady-like. :3

Edited July 15, 2012 by PegasisterTaco

[Midnightive 458]

I like it!

[BobCoffin56 20]

i think this is very well done but i just dont see applejack being very ladylike

[My little pwny 1,392]

Could you imagine Applejack with a Rarity type voice? I couldn't. Good drawings though!

Edited July 15, 2012 by My little pwny

[Dreadmallon 353]

Could you imagine Applejack with a Rarity type voice? I couldn't. Good drawings though!

 

I...I can't hear anything...

Edited July 15, 2012 by Prince Dusk

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

This is really good, like seriously good. I do hope you decide to color it digitally, that would look awesome.

 

I have to put out an argument though. It doesn't really look like Applejack. Applejack's hair has a more outwards swoop and is a bit more bouncier on top. Her eyes seem a bit off, try using it shaped at the tipped sides near the temples, and adding eye lights could help. And you forgot the freckles.

 

It's still a really good piece though.

[Finesthour 7,287]

My critique:

• It was a nice idea... but it falls short.
• The eyes look like cat eyes, which I guess is your style. Doesn't work for ponies.
• The hooves look nice.
• Her tail doesn't really look like her tail at all.
• The hat is waay too small.
• She doesn't have her freckles.
• What is that odd second flap between her thigh:? It looks weird.

A nice attempt, but you could easily call this an OC and it would make much more sense.

3/5

[AIMonkey 197]

That's really nice. And wait... Applejack is a lady now? I meant that she was a lil' moar lady-like. :3

 

Hihi, I guess she isn't really the lady type, or well, originally... or well... yes... more ladylike now compared to normal

i think this is very well done but i just dont see applejack being very ladylike

 

I guess that made it more fun for me to make her "ladylike"

Could you imagine Applejack with a Rarity type voice? I couldn't. Good drawings though!

 

Tough questions ... Now I'm trying to

I...I can't hear anything...

 

O Gawd, now I can't hear anything either

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

My critique:

• It was a nice idea... but it falls short.
• The eyes look like cat eyes, which I guess is your style. Doesn't work for ponies.
• The hooves look nice.
• Her tail doesn't really look like her tail at all.
• The hat is waay too small.
• She doesn't have her freckles.
• What is that odd second flap between her thigh:? It looks weird.

A nice attempt, but you could easily call this an OC and it would make much more sense.

3/5

 

On her tail, if you remember that they can change in style depending on the situation such as that Gala episode they had, literally changed everything but the base on all the ponies. I think it just needs more hair on top, freckles and eye change is all. As for that weird flap, I believe that is the front body trying to round out, you see this often when ponies are standing.

[AIMonkey 197]

Oh god... .... ... Noooo... how could I forget the freckles

 

 

 

This is really good, like seriously good. I do hope you decide to color it digitally, that would look awesome.

 

I have to put out an argument though. It doesn't really look like Applejack. Applejack's hair has a more outwards swoop and is a bit more bouncier on top. Her eyes seem a bit off, try using it shaped at the tipped sides near the temples, and adding eye lights could help. And you forgot the freckles.

 

It's still a really good piece though.

 

 

 

 

My critique:

• It was a nice idea... but it falls short.
• The eyes look like cat eyes, which I guess is your style. Doesn't work for ponies.
• The hooves look nice.
• Her tail doesn't really look like her tail at all.
• The hat is waay too small.
• She doesn't have her freckles.
• What is that odd second flap between her thigh:? It looks weird.

A nice attempt, but you could easily call this an OC and it would make much more sense.

3/5

 

 

Since you 2 share some arguments I'll put this for both

I can see what you mean about the eyes. I'll have to redo those. to be honest... I hardly redid those in the process I see Not to mention I forgot more in her face than that *cough*freckles*cough*

I'll try different types of eyes.

 

I guess the same goes for the tail, which shouldn't hurt. Now I grabbed a picture of AJ, I can definitly see differences

Mane and tail will get some reworking.

 

Oh and the hat size, I kind of did that for "comedic purpose" It was even smaller in earlier sketches, like one you could attach to a little stick and hold above your head.

 

And I think you mean the little flap above the part with squares/rectangles? or well... to me that seems to be off, got to clean that up

Edit(update 2): I just realised I read that wrong (I blame my after midnight drawing) Anyhow, I hope it's bit more clear now. She basically has nothing under her dress (for now?) Like Hazardus mentioned, it's indeed her body sticking out

 

 

I focused too much (or enough for now) on the clothing, I need to focus on the Applejack parts... especially her freckles which should help a lot I think

 

Thanks for the critic

 

 

 

On her tail, if you remember that they can change in style depending on the situation such as that Gala episode they had, literally changed everything but the base on all the ponies. I think it just needs more hair on top, freckles and eye change is all. As for that weird flap, I believe that is the front body trying to round out, you see this often when ponies are standing.

 

 

Now I also need to check up on her gala dress, another excuse to look at AJ

in my mind the top and bottom half of the dress are not connected, so you can see her stomach. But I might need to clean that part up anyhow.

I kept her bare self (except for hat... and necklace it seems) in it for reference, as to what kind of body/basis I was working with.

----

Update (2):

To make an already long post even longer (will edit the quotes into spoilers in a sec)

Took the criticism (thanks!) and gone back and change some things up /improve parts

- Made more detailed eyes, completely replaced the old ones. AND added freckles this time (still hitting myself for that )

Went more towards the show's eyes because the rest of her also leans towards it. (eyes were leaning to far out of the style)

- Changed her hair/mane a bit and redone the hat...

I guess it's pinned into her hair, because with that amount of slanting it might just fall off. Though the show also has at quite the angle on her head, maybe not even her head but just her mane. Anyhow, trying to apply some cartoon logic

- Changed the tail a bit, kept the design but now it gradually becomes thicker towards the end, instead of one big fat sausage.

I think it looks better that way.

- Also put up some very simple colours.

And just to make things clear, I will probably Not do this in the show's style. But rather with shading and all.

 

 

I'll add it to the first post as well

Edited July 16, 2012 by AIMonkey

[Haven Celestii 9,385]

I like it! Nicely drawn! I just dont see Applejack being too lady-like. I think I prefer her as her country self

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

Oh god... .... ... Noooo... how could I forget the freckles

 

 

 

 

Since you 2 share some arguments I'll put this for both

I can see what you mean about the eyes. I'll have to redo those. to be honest... I hardly redid those in the process I see Not to mention I forgot more in her face than that *cough*freckles*cough*

I'll try different types of eyes.

 

I guess the same goes for the tail, which shouldn't hurt. Now I grabbed a picture of AJ, I can definitly see differences

Mane and tail will get some reworking.

 

Oh and the hat size, I kind of did that for "comedic purpose" It was even smaller in earlier sketches, like one you could attach to a little stick and hold above your head.

 

And I think you mean the little flap above the part with squares/rectangles? or well... to me that seems to be off, got to clean that up

Edit(update 2): I just realised I read that wrong (I blame my after midnight drawing) Anyhow, I hope it's bit more clear now. She basically has nothing under her dress (for now?) Like Hazardus mentioned, it's indeed her body sticking out

 

 

I focused too much (or enough for now) on the clothing, I need to focus on the Applejack parts... especially her freckles which should help a lot I think

 

Thanks for the critic

 

 

 

Now I also need to check up on her gala dress, another excuse to look at AJ

in my mind the top and bottom half of the dress are not connected, so you can see her stomach. But I might need to clean that part up anyhow.

I kept her bare self (except for hat... and necklace it seems) in it for reference, as to what kind of body/basis I was working with.

----

Update (2):

To make an already long post even longer (will edit the quotes into spoilers in a sec)

Took the criticism (thanks!) and gone back and change some things up /improve parts

- Made more detailed eyes, completely replaced the old ones. AND added freckles this time (still hitting myself for that )

Went more towards the show's eyes because the rest of her also leans towards it. (eyes were leaning to far out of the style)

- Changed her hair/mane a bit and redone the hat...

I guess it's pinned into her hair, because with that amount of slanting it might just fall off. Though the show also has at quite the angle on her head, maybe not even her head but just her mane. Anyhow, trying to apply some cartoon logic

- Changed the tail a bit, kept the design but now it gradually becomes thicker towards the end, instead of one big fat sausage.

I think it looks better that way.

- Also put up some very simple colours.

And just to make things clear, I will probably Not do this in the show's style. But rather with shading and all.

 

 

I'll add it to the first post as well

 

Ah, that looks much better. Are you considering of adding second color tones for shade? Would make the image look more dramatic. Plus will this stay as is or will this be used for wallpaper? Finally, will the remaining mane 6 be making an appearance as well?

[AIMonkey 197]

Ah, that looks much better. Are you considering of adding second color tones for shade? Would make the image look more dramatic. Plus will this stay as is or will this be used for wallpaper? Finally, will the remaining mane 6 be making an appearance as well?

 

I'll probably use multiple colours yes, not sure how many, but yes

As for the use, I'm not sure what I'll make of it. Might add a background, but I've a tendency to focus on the character and end up with just plain white or something but I might experiment a bit for myself.

 

And as for the mane 6, while I've now decided I'll continue working on Applejack, I have no plans (or ideas for that matter) to make the remaining ones

I'd probably give it a different pacing then I did with my previous My Little Monkey project, where I didn't want to work on anything else until all 6 were done.

Anyhow, basically, I might see to the others eventually, but it's not certain

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

I'll probably use multiple colours yes, not sure how many, but yes

As for the use, I'm not sure what I'll make of it. Might add a background, but I've a tendency to focus on the character and end up with just plain white or something but I might experiment a bit for myself.

 

And as for the mane 6, while I've now decided I'll continue working on Applejack, I have no plans (or ideas for that matter) to make the remaining ones

I'd probably give it a different pacing then I did with my previous My Little Monkey project, where I didn't want to work on anything else until all 6 were done.

Anyhow, basically, I might see to the others eventually, but it's not certain

 

I've been telling some people I talk to, try simplicity when it comes to backgrounds. So many people I know get extremely intimidated when it's brought up to have something in the background. I always though it was silly until an offhanded comment laid it out that they though a background had to be all about being well developed, like a scenery of trees or a city. Nah, too much work and tends to drown out the figure. Not to promote myself at all, but if you want a nice example for simple backgrounds that can bring your character out well, just look at my Mega Man image on my DA page; I feel that has the best simple background I came up with to show people.

 

And you just reminded me you were the one that did the monkey project. Not to offend you, but those things scared me a little. Don't get me wrong, they were good, just strange to see monkified ponies..

 

Anyways, even if you focus on Applejack only, I hope it's as well as what you did in the colored image.

[AIMonkey 197]

I've been telling some people I talk to, try simplicity when it comes to backgrounds. So many people I know get extremely intimidated when it's brought up to have something in the background. I always though it was silly until an offhanded comment laid it out that they though a background had to be all about being well developed, like a scenery of trees or a city. Nah, too much work and tends to drown out the figure. Not to promote myself at all, but if you want a nice example for simple backgrounds that can bring your character out well, just look at my Mega Man image on my DA page; I feel that has the best simple background I came up with to show people.

 

And you just reminded me you were the one that did the monkey project. Not to offend you, but those things scared me a little. Don't get me wrong, they were good, just strange to see monkified ponies..

 

Anyways, even if you focus on Applejack only, I hope it's as well as what you did in the colored image.

 

Indeed sometimes the simplest things can do plenty in background. Giving the characters ground to stand on. Like even in your Mega Man image it creates a reference point. It's especially hard to to fully fledged background if you didn't make the character with it in mind (or well in my experience). And if it's about the character, it shouldn't fight with the BG for attention too much anyway.

 

As for the monkeys, sorry it scared you , but that's ok, I understand it's not for everyone. Absolutely no offence taken in that regard. It's nice to hear other opinions and it's nice to hear this one suits you more

 

 

I hope I can get some work done on Lady AJ today, but I'm also working on some welovefine entries in the meantime. Which are very different than my Lady

Might share those first, since I think that's allowed (?) (couldn't find anything specific on that)

But all these posts sure got me motivated

MLP and it's Community has given me such a great Public outlet for my artistic side. I'm almost working with my tablet 24/7 now. Not to mention a fun (art)style to work with as base

 

Update 3:

I thought I'd make a little update

starting trying out some shading. Testing out different directions for the light, eventually I ended up with this one, which I think works better with the pose and all

Focused primarily on her face. trying to figure out how the head is shaped in 3 dimensions.

Furthermore some small changes in the tail and mane lines + some colour adjustments.

 

I'll probably keep the lines as a support in some form. As to prevent extra effort I would need to make it look good without (I'm lazy in that I guess)

 

Edited July 16, 2012 by AIMonkey

[AppleJackle 37]

This is awesome, keep arting it up!

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

Indeed sometimes the simplest things can do plenty in background. Giving the characters ground to stand on. Like even in your Mega Man image it creates a reference point. It's especially hard to to fully fledged background if you didn't make the character with it in mind (or well in my experience). And if it's about the character, it shouldn't fight with the BG for attention too much anyway.

 

As for the monkeys, sorry it scared you , but that's ok, I understand it's not for everyone. Absolutely no offence taken in that regard. It's nice to hear other opinions and it's nice to hear this one suits you more

 

 

I hope I can get some work done on Lady AJ today, but I'm also working on some welovefine entries in the meantime. Which are very different than my Lady

Might share those first, since I think that's allowed (?) (couldn't find anything specific on that)

But all these posts sure got me motivated

MLP and it's Community has given me such a great Public outlet for my artistic side. I'm almost working with my tablet 24/7 now. Not to mention a fun (art)style to work with as base

 

Update 3:

I thought I'd make a little update

starting trying out some shading. Testing out different directions for the light, eventually I ended up with this one, which I think works better with the pose and all

Focused primarily on her face. trying to figure out how the head is shaped in 3 dimensions.

Furthermore some small changes in the tail and mane lines + some colour adjustments.

 

I'll probably keep the lines as a support in some form. As to prevent extra effort I would need to make it look good without (I'm lazy in that I guess)

 

 

The next image looks nice, but you should complete it all the way before anyone can put out a proper say on what they think. I sure wouldn't, I'd feel like a jackass if I saw someone in the process of doing their work and kept barraging them in the middle of it before they even asked.

 

I guess what I'm saying is, try to get the rest of the image done first so we can see it better, k?

[AIMonkey 197]

The next image looks nice, but you should complete it all the way before anyone can put out a proper say on what they think. I sure wouldn't, I'd feel like a jackass if I saw someone in the process of doing their work and kept barraging them in the middle of it before they even asked.

 

I guess what I'm saying is, try to get the rest of the image done first so we can see it better, k?

 

I see what your saying. That update was indeed a bit small. So here's the next that I hope is substantially bigger

Put some basic shading throughout the entire piece to get a rough idea where I'm trying to go. It's mostly shadow and base color now, highlights will be coming up.

And I'm also working over my messy lines which I need to go through to clean them up, but I'll do that on the go

 

Hopefully this one is a bit easier to comment on

 

Also made some changes to the colors, making it a bit richer. Which I hope shows correctly on everyone their screens. I already have 2 screens that look way different from each other

 

 

PS: I appreciate all the comments so far, it's nice to hear

Edited July 17, 2012 by AIMonkey

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

I see what your saying. That update was indeed a bit small. So here's the next that I hope is substantially bigger

Put some basic shading throughout the entire piece to get a rough idea where I'm trying to go. It's mostly shadow and base color now, highlights will be coming up.

And I'm also working over my messy lines which I need to go through to clean them up, but I'll do that on the go

 

Hopefully this one is a bit easier to comment on

 

Also made some changes to the colors, making it a bit richer. Which I hope shows correctly on everyone their screens. I already have 2 screens that look way different from each other

 

 

PS: I appreciate all the comments so far, it's nice to hear

 

That' much better. The additional color layers help it out, gives it a digital paint look.

 

After looking at this, the only problem I have is the tail. If you've seen them before, it looks like one of those plant holders that people have, but just without the plant. It's probably because of how the shade makes it work off. Of course if your going for that, it definitely compliments the same with the mane.

 

That and the hat doesn't look very secure, maybe a string to help hold it up on the figures body around the neck perhaps?

[AIMonkey 197]

That' much better. The additional color layers help it out, gives it a digital paint look.

 

After looking at this, the only problem I have is the tail. If you've seen them before, it looks like one of those plant holders that people have, but just without the plant. It's probably because of how the shade makes it work off. Of course if your going for that, it definitely compliments the same with the mane.

 

That and the hat doesn't look very secure, maybe a string to help hold it up on the figures body around the neck perhaps?

 

Huhm, trying to picture a plant holder but I keep ending up with plant pots Do you mean the part at the base with the green (the green which I'll probably have to clean up after having another look at it lol)

 

The hat also keeps throwing me off, I seem to have a hard time with hats I'll try to see if there's something I could do with it

Or... cartoon logic

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

Huhm, trying to picture a plant holder but I keep ending up with plant pots Do you mean the part at the base with the green (the green which I'll probably have to clean up after having another look at it lol)

 

The hat also keeps throwing me off, I seem to have a hard time with hats I'll try to see if there's something I could do with it

Or... cartoon logic

 

Cartoon logic works quite often

 

 

Plant holder, but picture it taut.

[Lady Rarity Pony 4,892]

I came here because it said "Lady"

 

It looks very nice, though the tail seems a bit off and the front legs seem a bit too small.

[AIMonkey 197]

Cartoon logic works quite often

 

Plant holder, but picture it taut.

 

I came here because it said "Lady"

 

It looks very nice, though the tail seems a bit off and the front legs seem a bit too small.

 

Haha, oh you

 

Seems the tail doesn't have the intended looks yet. Maybe it's just the shading and/or black lines running through. I think I'll check if I can make it more one piece of hair, especially since the hair is a fairly big area.

 

Thanks for the inputs

 

Update 4:

Probably the final for this one, My style tends to be rushed anyway

Just felt I might be going into too little details. I might still be more one of those rough sketchers

 

Anyhow, Had a quick little thought floating around, so here are 2 results. Very simple quick oval frame. ... It just reminded me of something like that

Probably way too rushed, so I'm including AJ without the frame. If everyone doesn't like the framed, I might just brush it off and keep white BG AJ style

 

 

Edited July 23, 2012 by AIMonkey

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

 

Haha, oh you

 

Seems the tail doesn't have the intended looks yet. Maybe it's just the shading and/or black lines running through. I think I'll check if I can make it more one piece of hair, especially since the hair is a fairly big area.

 

Thanks for the inputs

 

Update 4:

Probably the final for this one, My style tends to be rushed anyway

Just felt I might be going into too little details. I might still be more one of those rough sketchers

 

Anyhow, Had a quick little thought floating around, so here are 2 results. Very simple quick oval frame. ... It just reminded me of something like that

Probably way too rushed, so I'm including AJ without the frame. If everyone doesn't like the framed, I might just brush it off and keep white BG AJ style

 

 

 

 

Smoothing out those lines into the tail really helped it out. I especially like the second picture with the frame; a nice touch added. The image gives off a very old western feel to it. Almost like this belongs inside a pub or one of those old western houses with the picture dangling up on a wall. Maybe you should do the rest of the Applejack family like that (I just realized I have no idea what their family name is, huh)

 

Heck, this could be like a great great aunt or something from the Applejack of the G4 series, that would be a killer back story. But I'm getting off topic here. The framed picture should be a bit more darkened and aged to help it's look, to give it a more proper antiquity feel to it. Other than that, this is a mighty fine piece you have here.

Edited July 23, 2012 by Hazardus_Havard