F-150 V-toon

Tried to applied the comments I've gotten here.
Thanks again, keep 'em coming.

http://home.comcast.net/~cdrr3112/02-F150-HDe.jpg

Looks cool mang, but again, the windows are too boxy. And the reflections look weird on the windows.

Man, it looks sharp!!!!
Maybe tinted windows to make it look a little more mean.....plus it'll go better with the gray paint job.

Try dropping a black wavy shape on windows between the horizon colors on the windows and chrome to really define the areas in your toons. The shapes do not have to be contained....just there. The solid blacks will give contrast and visual interest.

For toons I like to take the same approach I take with logo design. The most important thing is that it be able to stand on it's own as a black and white object. If you showed only solid black what would your truck look like? Toons like logos need that base. If a toon or logo can stand on it's own in black and white form, then color is easy.

Many cartoon books will explain the proper way to sillohette(sp?). (Bonz can help here big time...he has a fantastic grasp in this area). You should be able to tell what is going on in complete silohette form. If you have a solid black and white and you can't see a toon car you need to define, refine, re-line or something else -ine until you lock it down.

Now in your case that is not a hard and fast rule. It's obvious you have great skill and rendering insight. Your use of color against color to balance your image is outstanding. That being said I would try a few more solid blacks to "punch" it out. Your tires would rock if you brush some more darks on the edges.

I'm glad to see another "tooner" on the boards.

Do more.

-Lemorris

lemorris--Thanks for the ideas. I never seem to get the window reflection that I really want.

When I did hand inking and used markers for color, I did drawn the black line drawing first and then add the color/shading between the lines.
Since switching to vector toons, I've been using gradient changing shapes, but not always the solid outline.
On my next one, I'll keep the solid line work and see how it turns out.

(I went to your site--really like your step-by-step examples.)

Looks good blip! Love the rims, but maybe you could put some brakes behind them.

Alex

Lemorris--is this the style of line drawing that you're suggesting I start with for my v-toon build-up,
then add the solid color and gradient fill on top of it?

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/26954305-S281-spy-04-med.jpg

Or this--part of a Xmas panel cartoon design I did for a car club newsletter.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/26954305-S281-med.jpg

Alex--Yeah, I need to start thinking about making sure my v-toons can STOP.
Brake rotors could have filled up some of the black area inside the wheels.

I like any style you choose. I was just saying that adding some solid blacks like to a few shadow spots or the front spoiler area will give it some more pop. Overall the work is fantastic and I wouldn't stop doing what you're doing.

I like it.

-Lemorris

Okay--I now understand what you're saying.
Thanks again for the help.
(This is only my 3rd month of drawing vector toons, so there's much I'm still trying to figure out.)

Very cool 05 stang ,

Would like to see that one finished

Looks sweet. Just need to work on the wheels.

Here is one of mine for you to view. Maybe it can help you with your reflections .I really like your style .I have been painting with the computer for about 7 years now. I really enjoy it
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/83111DanJones33FordFinishedCarFINISHEDsmallSAMPLE. jpg
Here is another that might help you see my chrome better . I hope this is some help to you .
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/83111Mike_s60ChevyWHEELIEsample2completed.jpg

TOONZ, stop. Now. you're too good:)

KARTOONZ--thanks, I'll try to mimic you chrome on my next v-toon.
Looks like you start with white, then build-up layers with an "airbrush" stroke.
(I checked out your gallery--GREAT Stuff in there!)

Maybe I'm trying too hard with the glass reflections.
Your toons have a nice, clean, simple look to the reflection.