Art styles: Eastern or Western

[Chaos Avian]

As the topic states, what kind of art style do you prefer, the good old classic eastern style with the Japanese feel or the rising western style with more realistic looking characters (not neccessarily 3D.)?

I myself am starting to lean towards western since I was brought up with constant eastern art without realising and my artwork seems to fall into it quite oftenly.

 

[Carillon Nightmares]

Japanese style. That's where RPG VX is from, and that is where it shall stay.

Also I don't like the western theme. Not one of the best theme for an RPG game.

 

[Dudesoft]

This topic is the worst idea for a topic. Prepare for either huge arguements or congregation of japfans.

 

[AlaiaVee]

I like them both, but probably a fusion of both the best. Not sure what I mean? Check out Chamba or other members of the UDON crew on DA. Or just go to UDON comics website. They are probably the best at merging the 2 styles out there.

Another good example would be the 2 Avatar series (Last Airbender and Legend of Korra). These are western anime that have been done with a heavy eastern influence. Although it is still easy to see the difference between them and traditional eastern anime.

That said, I really don't like playing favorites. You get awesome inspiration from either eastern or western artistry.

 

[Raine Fallon]

I agree with the mix (especially since you mentioned The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra) it's a good way to cater to both crowds. However I favor the eastern art style, mainly because most of the western art styles are just too dark. It's also the main reason I prefer JRPGs and not WRPGs, they're art styles are just toooo... dark and gloomy.

However if it's done in the same manner as The Last Airbender (my favorite animated series EVER!) then it's a winner.

 

[Chaos Avian]

Hmmm, what are your thoughts on this picture that I drew yesterday? I get told that its completely eastern style but I'm not so sure.

Spoiler

 

[Espon]

What I actually prefer is games not having a super realistic look to them. Art styles have such a huge variety ranging from really cartoony to realistic, particular from the western companies. I don't mind realistic as long as we're not diving too deep the uncanny valley.

 

[Des]

the thing with this argument is that "western" doesn't have a set style. it doesn't have to be very realistic either.

it basically comes down to "anime" vs "not anime", in which case the answer is a resounding NOT ANIME, because everything uses fricking anime and it all looks the same.

 

[crimcrim]

the thing with this argument is that "western" doesn't have a set style. it doesn't have to be very realistic either.

it basically comes down to "anime" vs "not anime", in which case the answer is a resounding NOT ANIME, because everything uses fricking anime and it all looks the same.

yeah he has no idea what hes talking about

the answer is eastern.

always eastern.

anime is THE BEST. everything about it is great, why wouldn't you want to use all of it's flair for your projects??

 

[Tsukihime]

My friend says that anime is just copied from cartoons of the west and so "people of the east" have no right to claim it as theirs.

Just something to think about.

 

[Milkdud]

anime is THE BEST. everything about it is great, why wouldn't you want to use all of it's flair for your projects??

Everyone would probably go blind if that were the case.

 

[Indinera]

Any as long as it looks good!

 

[Probotector 200X]

I like the "eastern" styles more on average, because they are more generally more colorful, sleek, and cute. Almost...feminine?

Most "western" styles on average tend to be dark, gritty, and realistic. Almost...masculine?

So, when given the choice...I choose feminine!

But that's just describing them vaguely and generically, it certainly doesn't apply to everything.

As a child though, my main inspiration for drawing was stuff like Mega Man and Final Fantasy. Mega Man in particular, was where most of my style developed. Like some others though...I also like a "mix" of both styles. The first thing that comes to mind is Totally Spies! Which is actually a French cartoon that kinda looks like anime. I really dig stuff like that, and as a matter of fact, my artstyle kinda looks more like Totally Spies than Mega Man....

 

[flowerthief]

Eastern is cuter. Therefore, eastern wins.

 

[sabao]

Eastern, just because most of everything else RM prepped graphically is based on the style. It's more practical. Still, if you can go the extra mile and make your entire project stylistically consistent, even better.

I grew up drawing in that style as well. I regret not diversifying earlier on.

 

[Chaos Avian]

Mmmm... I find it weird/ interesting that my concept/ rough sketches tend to be more western but when I get down for fine line art or longer drawings they tend to come out eastern. Though I do want to find the right mix in variation to make me overall art better. I could never forsake eastern, to do so would be my childhood xD

 

[Chaneque]

I really prefer Eastern styles, personally. It's just a personal thing but I really do prefer anime. I love it a lot, more than Western styles. I can't really explain it, but that's the way it is.

 

[Joporai124]

​Can I bring to everyone's attention the cartoon series known as "Kappa Mikey" that is a western Cartoon but it also incorporates Anime into it too which I think looks awesome.

therefore my choice would be both as they both look awesome.

 

[.notsafety]

I'm a fan of "dark and gritty" when it is executed well; it really does bring out a sense of seriousness in your game if that's what you're looking for imo.

for example, I'd probably take a hardcore war-themed RPG much seriously if the art-style managed to reflect it instead of having extremely vibrant anime girls everywhere (of course though, the final verdict is still the writing-ability and scene portrayal).

that being said, I still have a huge soft-spot for eastern-art. I don't mind either as long as they work with the game as a whole.

 

[Jawnsunn]

I can go for either. I like anime, but not if everybody has really huge oval eyes and the same body shape.

I just hate looking at the default generated faces. They look really bad, and contrast with VX Ace's other facesets.