Lemma Soft Forums

I was thinking of making characters for a VN but i'm debating whether or not I should do something unique and create a toon style or do an anime style.

Also I don't know where to begin, I mean should I draw the poses on a light box so I can get the heights correct or should I use flash for that?

I can show you a sample of both styles upon request.

Showing both styles would help, but my initial advice is to go with whatever best suits your story. Use art that helps set the mood. Also, play up to your strength. If you're really weak at a certain style, I think it's better to use something that you're better at.

If you have trouble deciding on an art style, I'd recommend considering the atmosphere of the story, as the art style has a big impact on that. If you want to write a serious western murder mystery for example, drawing in a really cute shoujo manga style might not be the best choice - or at least, not the easiest one. On the other hand, if you want to make the VN a light, romantic comedy, a dark and realistic approach probably won't work the same way. You should think about what kind of an impression you want to make. Draw a few sketches of possible "screens" from your VN in different styles and experiment, I think you can reach a satisfying conclusion that way.

You should have a look into your characters as well and see how the story revolves around them, because if the charactedrs are weak the story is going to follow suit.

Well here's a sample of my Western style. It's coincidentally similar to Scott Pilgrim style.







as for my Anime style, I don't perfer cutesy shojo, here's an example






So I can adapt the moods since I use a similar coloring style for both.

Both your Western and anime styles look decidedly Western to me.

Both your Western and anime styles look decidedly Western to me.

hahaha really?
Well like I said before, I don't draw Bishojo, I decided to draw Shonen as a main style. Sometimes, I don't say that my style is anime or manga but I only say it to further identify it.

>D You just have your own style, and that's all there is to it.

But I think if you ask people in a visual novel community what kind of art the would like, they're probably going to lean toward more of an anime style, don't you think?

But personally, from what I saw, I prefer the cartoon version.

Just do your own style... I would venture to say even try to make it MORE unique and different than what you see out there, rather than going toward the common ground. It's what will separate your game from the 8 zillion others at quick glances. Just make sure everyone's good looking!

I think your more "cartoon-ish" style is really cool :3 It also gives me a more consistent feeling that the one that looks more anime to you.

I agree that you should go with the one you enjoy drawing the most, though!

thanks for the support, it's definately going to influence my choice in style for my next VN project, still undergoing planning.