With Swiftness and Vigor

Ok so rather than do the traditional comment and stuff, I think it's critique time, which is odd since I don't usually critique my own character fan art purely because it Might be assumed it's biased, but since I know you and I were working on getting some more 'methods' developed (on both our fronts), I think it's a good idea for me to post here instead of just comment.

As with all critiques, I will do my best to break down the image into the subcategories in which I will be evaluating.

VISION:
======
You were working in a rather 'constricted' environment here because you were obviously working off a character design that was not of your own design. With that in mind, you set out to execute a variation of Cassira that doesn't exist until now, that being her anthro form. While looking at the design and making modifications, you not only fixed her design setbacks, but you very skillfully retained the design aspects that made her character form stand apart from the other ones I've put in place as well as accentuating them in such a way that make her look iconic. Not only that, but the anatomical changes in the face make the character feel like good ol' Cassira while completely banishing the Sonic Fan Character aspect from the design. That takes a ton of work. While there isn't too much in terms of background, the inclusion of the Pasiphae Symbol is very simple and bold, bringing the piece together while making it seem not 2d in terms of composition with the light rings, giving it a foreground and background equally present yet nondistracting. For future compositions, maybe the the inclusion of a less repetitive background will flush this out even further, but so far this is great!

Vision 4 out of 5

Originality
=====
since this is more of 'showcasing' a design revision for someone else, originality is going to be hard to obtain purely from context, which isnt your fault. However you get originality points in the execution of the revision. Although changes are subtle, you have successfully made a very original piece purely out of simple and effective composition.
Assuming I take the 'devil's advocate stance', I'd be more critical because I'd usually give more originality points to something with more contextual originality, such as character interaction with the environment and what not, but that's not the point here as it seems more 'apples to oranges' if i were to be a hardass on that.

Gonna give a 4 out of 5. Why? For what the piece was intended to accomplish in terms of being 'original' it believe it works very well. There obviously is many more images you've done that are more 'comparison oriented originality' but that's another story.

Technique
======

Based on what I've seen here in comparison to your other images, I can see you put yourself under more pressure than usual (idk if that was purely because you were trying to meet my expectations or something LOL) or something else, but I notice a more stable and smaller line style as well as very good anatomy as usual (strong point of yours). It is mapped out very very well. I think my only issue that i can draw from is the shading, but you know I'm a very big stickler for this in the first place with lighting. Part of me thinks "this part needs sharpening or tinting in some manner (aka more definition of highlight transition) and the other part goes "cut Derrick some slack its just a gift LOL." It is very well shaded, and the lighting is feasible, but for future stuff I would take a peek at a few metallic refraction/light reflection tut's. I'm just so critical on this that it's unfair so I apologize, but hey, its something we can all work on xD. I would use less presets (I see that brush thar!) for future stuff or just slowly start gettiing away from it. it's more of using shapes to create that shape on the bottom than using a brush, but don't beat yourself up over it because I used to heavily abuse preset brushes. Saying it's bad is hyocritical.

Technique is 3.5 (just out of honestly)
The reason is because I'm just trying to pull it apart for the sake of critiquing. Some parts are brilliant (like the face and emotion) while other parts (complex geometry of the armor plates and kneecaps) might need some correction in terms of shape, but I don't expect you to be a damn supercomputer. I'm being hardass-y here because it's critiquing time. It's still kick ass.

Impact
=====
So I think any fan art image impacts me alot as I don't get it all that much (as ironic as it sounds) So I really dig into it to see the extent of someone's interpretation of my stuff. This has substantial impact to ME because this saves me a metric assload of trouble in terms of redesigning Cassira to be an original character instead of a fandom-based one, and while the change is somewhat subtle, this makes a HUGE difference. It means I don't need to throttle myself over Cass' revision like I am with Sy and Kaius and making me hafta beat myself up less is a good thing (unless you like seeing me in pain and suffering, which is ok because alot of people enjoy that). I also see this as you trying to take a very substantial step toward more "quality based" work instead of you trying to be 'fast'. I miss it when you do work like this as it shows how much amazing potential you have as an artist as well as how much progress you've made. We're all learning, but damn you have so much to offer to the community because of the ideas you put forth ever day as well as your knowledge on anatomy, muscle structure, and what makes a good composition. Awesome work Derrick and I look forward to seeing more great leaps and bounds from you. Thanks.


Impact 4.5 - 5