namuwonderling's art Reviews on Newgrounds

[MEET THE ARTIST 2024]

This really has your vibes written all over it. Similarly to THE TRUTH, the words here are all readable, but are placed around the canvas' negative space in a way that adds visual emphasis to the mention of being scatter-brained; its organized chaos, essentially.

I also like the self-portrait in the center. The expression reminds me of those "Hanging In There Star" memes, in the sense that said expression conveys a sense of say.. social awkwardness/shyness, or the determination to salvage control out of an uncontrollable environment.

Another thing I enjoy about this piece is the aura of self-awareness that I can pick up from the text around the canvas - particularly from lines such as "Fuck, did I really fill the canvas already?" and "Why define yourself by the struggle?" for example.

Self-awareness is something I personally value in an artist's work, so to see it front and center here is wondrous, for lack of a better term.

[THE TRUTH]

As an emotional art piece, the presentation is far unlike any vent art I've ever seen. It really nails the feeling of being overwhelmed by your thoughts; the sentences are all cohesive, yet their positions throughout the illustration - not to mention the rainbow color scheme - does a great job at visualizing the chaotic nature of a racing mind.

I also like how the piece becomes less fragmented towards the bottom half of the canvas. The three doodles below the torso go hand-in-hand with the text placed near each one; the former providing visual context for what the latter have to say.

[Classic Nightmare PNM]

The highlight for me is the detailing on Pirate Negative Mickey's face, in particular. The shading and lighting do a great job at making his facial features pop out a lot more. The background also adds a somewhat trippy vibe to Pirate Negative Mickey's presence, which I feel is fitting, given his wacky color scheme.

However, Pirate Negative Mickey's body looks noticeably more simplistic compared to his face, which can be visually jarring to some people. And the metal bars in the background do feel a tad generic in their appearance, not to mention how their colors end up causing a portion of Pirate Negative Mickey's legs to blend in with said metal bars.

Overall, this piece is good, but it has a few things holding it back.

[NETTLEPARTY]

I enjoy this illustration. I have a soft spot of sorts for art that combines 2D images with real life pictures, and this piece here does a swell job at it. I also like the contrast of detailing between Banban and Stinger Flynn's eyes, in particular; it's a nicely subtle aspect that adds more character to the illustration.

Speaking of Banban, I really like this stylized take on his design (could've sworn I've said that in a previous GOBB art piece), and the trans-striped party hats are a cool touch.

(Also, the "He who is destined to burn" text next to the sketch version of Banban is hilarious; really glad you added that in.)

[BITTERGIGGLE V2]

This is a *splendid* redesign! I really like how this take on Bittergiggle has a plethora of unique visual traits, but still maintains some of the original design's primary aspects - like the split face and jester theming.

The use of blue and green - as well as lighter shades for certain parts of the body and clothes - are a nice blend of colors. Additionally, the smiley faces on the tail are a great touch!

And before I forget to mention, I enjoy the subtle details of the snake symbol top-scars, and the heart shape Bittergiggle's devil-esque horns(?) seem to form.

All-in-all, this is a really creative take on Bittergiggle! Honestly eager to see more V2 redesigns of the other Banban characters, if that ever happens.

DRAGONKITTYiPOD responds:

thank you!! i always enjoy reading your in depth reviews on my art, it means a lot that you spend the time analyzing my art ^_^

[SYRINGEON]

As I am writing this, I'm struggling to put my thoughts on this into words, 'cus there's a few things my mind is fixiating on here.

For example, the background. The choice of color and the addition of stars with a glow-in-the-dark hue gives off a vague sense of nostalgia that I'd say is strengthened by the colors used for Syringeon themselves.

Both the background and Syringeon constrast each other in a way that makes this piece feel almost dreamy, if that makes sense.

Would definitely go hard as a shirt design, in my opinion.

[UTHMAN]

I really like the presentation of this particular piece. The duality of light and dark colors provides plenty of artistic symbolism. It almost looks - or feels - like an album cover.

The overlayed text on the top right corner is honestly a real treat to see. Whether intentional or not, I'd say the fact that its on the darker side of the drawing - and thus brings the viewer's attention toward said darker side - practically beckons the viewer to ask questions about the drawing itself and what it's trying to communicate.

[AVO]

I adore the way this was presented. The colors, shading and lighting - not to mention the background - all serve to give off a strong nature vibe.

I also like the change in the textfont for the watermarks. They add to the previously mentioned nature vibe by including something of a "past/forgotten era" feel.

All in all, great work on this piece!

DRAGONKITTYiPOD responds:

thank you namu! i appreciate the in depth review ^_^

[JUMBO JOSH]

This Jumbo Josh design slaps. Gives off "big friendly giant" vibes, which I like a lot. And the little sprout on the top is his head is a nice touch.

Good choice to make his clothes red/orange; contrasts well with his green ol' self.