[non-RPG] Polar Bear

[JSpektr]

I know it's not RPG-related, but I haven't posted anything in a long time. Then again, I've been way too busy with mainstream work to do anything RPG-related, which is a good thing (for my pocketbook, anyway).

This image was done as a "proof of concept" for a local agency that's thinking of hiring me to do package design and illustration. Most of the packaging is for Ralston Foods's cereal, so it includes anthropomorphic animals.

C&C welcome.

<img src="http://jspektr.home.sprynet.com/polarbear_web.jpg">

[Perfect Organism]

The way his belly settles onto the ground looks a little... odd.

For some reason I find him to be ever so slightly creepy. I'm not if that is anything to do with the picture or if I just have a weird connection in my head somewhere. He just seems a little bit too enthusiastic about that cereal, you know?

[fil kearney]

I thnk its fine.



<hijack>
I love the quote. I would have accepted optimus prime if I had known about it before going christian.

</hijack>

[JSpektr]

For some reason I find him to be ever so slightly creepy.

Can you elaborate? That's a complaint I've had before with my work, and I'm very concerned about it. I had a whole episode in Branson where I was told my designs for the elves in the christmas show were "of the devil." If you could give me any more details on what makes him creepy, I would really appreciate it.

I suspect it's just that I don't really find creepy stuff disturbing, so elements of creepiness leak into my work and I don't notice it.

Is it the eyes, maybe?

[madelf]

Can you elaborate? That's a complaint I've had before with my work, and I'm very concerned about it. I had a whole episode in Branson where I was told my designs for the elves in the christmas show were "of the devil." If you could give me any more details on what makes him creepy, I would really appreciate it.

I suspect it's just that I don't really find creepy stuff disturbing, so elements of creepiness leak into my work and I don't notice it.

Is it the eyes, maybe?

It might be the eyes, but I'm leaning more toward the eyebrows actually.
They're up so far they give the sense jumping up and down. I can't begin to describe it, really. but if you've seen anyone do it, it makes them look like a whacko.
(A little too much "Come try this little boy, it's great! And the first one's free!" (woggle woggle with the eyebrows) - as opposed to the "Hi! Want to try my cereal? It's yummy!" vibe I think you're actually going for)

Getting back to the eyes, I think it would help if they had pupils. Right now they have that horrible Little Orphan Annie thing going. That'd be enough to give someone the creeps right there. :D

And the belly so distended that it rolls out across the floor is a little disturbing as well.

[Papewaio]

Is it the eyes, maybe?

The first time I saw the pic I thouight it was perfect, but after staring at it for a while, I think it could be the eyes. Maybe they should be rounder oand the black a little smaller, but I am not sure... would have to compare it to (eg.) some cartoon drawings for comparison, or something (cannot do it right now)

(BTW, it was not me who first mentioned the creepiness; maybe it is not the eyes; I am simply passing by)

Papewaio

[Perfect Organism]

Can you elaborate? That's a complaint I've had before with my work, and I'm very concerned about it. I had a whole episode in Branson where I was told my designs for the elves in the christmas show were "of the devil." If you could give me any more details on what makes him creepy, I would really appreciate it.

I suspect it's just that I don't really find creepy stuff disturbing, so elements of creepiness leak into my work and I don't notice it.

Is it the eyes, maybe?

For me, it's something about the hands and the mouth - the way he is offering the spoon towards me with that slightly too enthusiastic smile on his face... as if he is about to ram a spoonful of cereal into my mouth.

Bear in mind that I generally find cartoon characters (especially furries) slightly creepy though, so there could be a fair amount of my own hang ups being projected here...

[onine]

I would say its the angle of his head, he's not so much saying "Would you like a taste" as he is saying "Taste...you must TAAAAASSSSTE!!!"

Because of the way he's tilting his head, he's 'looking down on you' like he's in charge, and his smile says that he's darn happy about it too. If he was looking 'up' at you, he's be cuter and take some of the creepy out.

I personally like it, but since you meant him to well, NOT be the devil with a bowl of cereal...

-onine

edit: Oh, and the eyes. They're 'lined off' the way the face goes when you smile big, but I think that adds to some of the creepiness, if the eyes were slightly rounded at the bottom perhaps...?

[pawsplay]

I think you made him look too hungry.

[Holy Bear]

No no no no...

The problem is obvious.
He's missing his Halo.


But seriously, I like it though I understand the comments made so far.
I think it's mostly the eyes. The shape of the head is such that the slant of the eyes accentuates it to the point where it -just- crosses the line into absurdity. Which, in another context, would be fine. I just don't think it inspires the same for a cereal.

Compare to, say, the CocaCola polar bear. Tiny eyes.

EDIT: I took the liberty of trying a few things in Photoshop. I think if you underexaggerate the eyes and the brows a bit, you're golden.

[Dave Sheppard]

It's because he doesn't have pupils, or a gleam in his eyes. He looks lifeless.

[defcombeta]

i think myself its the head it self, it needs to have a bit more fat as well, look at some animated cartoons and look for the fat, carefree character ( everyshow nearly has one) the cheak bones would puff out more and the chin would be rounder. i would do up a rough but im down and out for the count with a fever right now, ill have a look through some of my old animation note and send some your way if your interested once im feeling better. ( damn pesky bug)


john mac

also anyone at the San Diego Comi-Con, it sounds like a good time is being had at it.

[onine]

No no no no...

The problem is obvious.
He's missing his Halo.

Tee-hee :)

[JSpektr]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. They were VERY helpful! This is truly why I continue to post here.

Below is the revised bear. The foot and bowl were brought in, the tummy fold removed, the arm with the spoon shrank and slightly altered with the free transform tool to remove the foreshortening, and the eyes completely redone.

Comments and critiques definately welcome this time too. Hopefully he's less creepy!

<img src="http://jspektr.home.sprynet.com/polarbear_web2.jpg">

[onine]

Much better JSpektr, the creepy is gone and only cute remains. He actually looks really warm and friendly now with just those slight modifications. Good work there, glad we helped!

-onine

[Jon H]

Can you elaborate? That's a complaint I've had before with my work, and I'm very concerned about it. I had a whole episode in Branson where I was told my designs for the elves in the christmas show were "of the devil." If you could give me any more details on what makes him creepy, I would really appreciate it.

I suspect it's just that I don't really find creepy stuff disturbing, so elements of creepiness leak into my work and I don't notice it.

Is it the eyes, maybe?

I once made a sample Christmas card piece to send to a company that were hiring Christmas card artists in the run up the festive period. It was the most terrifying Santa I have ever seen, despite the fact I tried really hard to make him look friendly. He just ended up looking like a howling bobble-hatted cannibal. Needless to say I didn't send it in.

[Dave Sheppard]

It seems like some stuff will always be creepy to some people. The clown thing for example.

[pawsplay]

Very good, he now looks like he wants to share his cereal with my toddler.

[Papewaio]

Definitely nicer.

Even with very subtle changes, it looks much cuter.

Papewaio

(Hope I can see it in the supermarket some day... :))