I really like 3 although I can't articulate fully why. it just feels very dynamic and it pops more than the others to me.

I would say 1 is my least favorite of the three.

personally i like 1 a lot. i like the lighter colors in the character. feels like she stands out a bit more from the background. that said my second fave is 3. (i'm a walking contradiction i know.) and the reason is mostly bc since i know 1 and 3 exist, 2 feels like a middle step and therefore halfdone. also the colors in 3 compliment each other more than 2

ie there's not such a striking difference between highlight and shadow

i'll add this as well. the darker shading in 3 gives the whole photo a more...idk serious tone? like the character really means business.

overall i really like the piece though! i think you've done a good job with proportions and with her hair/ears. i'm unfamiliar with this character (idk if oc or not) but i also like how the colors of her outfit tie in with her weapon and toes. whole piece feels very cohesive

seasaltalchemist: thanks. this is Sybil from Pseudoregalia - an indie 3d platformer.

it sounds like the 3rd option is the most consistently preferred

aaah gotcha. i googled her for refence photo and think you've done a good job on her

I like 3 for the darker shading because of that more serious tone as well.

third

first one's lighter colors make it a touch flat, middle one is also really nice, but the third is like it took the middle and added just that extra touch to make it even better

I like 3 because the shading isn't as stark contrast-wise and it comes off as more unified.

I agree with the third being the better of them.