Why is Liduke's art so good? / Arknights Art Style Analysis

Aka a how to draw gacha characters the video essay part 2.
Part 2 of learning to draw pretty girls with an art style study of Liduke, the creator of characters Eunectes, Schwartz and W.
Brushes used:
Default G-pen
Default soft brush
極みなめらか筆(ExtremelySmoothBrush)
[Arknights OST] holiday - NoireSama
3:03 PM / Sharou

[@shironcafe]

Very educational! Those "pops of color" are actually(🤓) called accent color. With the 60-30-10 color rule, it can make the character pop-up even more. In hibiscus alter we have: 60% main color = Purple 30% secondary = Brown? 10% accent = Pink I hope this helps some people.

[@mattcom8753]

yo this is actually helpful, i couldnt remember what the terms were for it so thanks a lot!

[@Xi_Vi]

Not only you're really good with art but you're also really good at explaining to a newbie artist like me. Good luck with your career as an artist!

[@fhen_]

This is honestly what's so beautiful about arknights, instead of using one type of artstyle for every character, they have multiple artists work on different characters! I found some of my most favorite artists there!

[@hololivia]

You know what I'm glad KZbins algorithm is back. Recommending such high quality videos like this while having zero knowledge about art. Keep up the good work and Eunectes waifu mains LEZGO!

[@wienbloom]

A pretty good study, Liduke process always has been entirely alien to me, even when I had seen a ton of their drawing from Twitter. Thanks for making this video.

[@makerwidow4213]

Yay I finally found someone who's talking about the arknights artstyle. Now I just need someone to analyzed punishing gray ravens artstyle 😭

[@the_hottest_vitch]

Omg yass I love the art so much

[@ehyzen]

i have never played this game, nor am i into anime in general. but this artist's style of colors i really like. thank you for this

[@sougenshio]

I've been doing some studies about liduke's art myself and one aspect that caught my attention is the use of values-even with the use of less saturated tones, the use of value and contrast as a composition tool ensures the picture is coherent and your eyes are drawn to what the artist wants to emphasize. Since you mentioned grayscale, I recommend picking some of liduke's work and desaturating it into grayscale and observing it-it really opened a new angle to her work

[@pitchlag1502]

Haaa I was looking to see if anyone mentioned this point! This value contrast can be seen really well in the ballet picture! The gals pop out of background really clearly, which in turn seems almost uniform in tone. Higher the contrast, the more important it is for the image, be it the values, saturation or amount of detail

[@MINNOWBER]

I’m surprised there isn’t more of this type of content considering how gorgeous Arknights art is, good job and of you happen to be taking suggestions I’ve always been entranced by Wéi@W’s art so if you happen to be taking requests that’d be cool

[@Monsterpala]

Very nice video. The final critique is spot on. Use lines and shapes (spheres and boxes) to help with pose construction, an anime version of lumis head etc. And use your body. If you replicate the pose and it feels unnatural (right arm facing out, feels uncomfortable I rather move my elbow ) then it is likely it will look strange as well.

[@bbbees4479]

I looked through her older works and she has a twitter post from 2017 showing her process where she does use greyscale before adding color. It looks like she airbrushes colors onto the greyscale, though this process could be different now

[@wenthusiasts2470]

It's a mistake that you posted this awesome tutorial, Now i have the power i shall reach new heights!!!!

[@KarolisOfficial]

I appreciate the effort you go through to explain it in detail I've always been enthralled in Liduke's drawings and designs

[@shiix4951]

This was a very nice study! But a suggestion I have especially with the hair is that most artists will use a round watercolor style brush(forgive me I'm not sure what the brush names on clip studio paint are) that can mix colors on the canvas to do it. It will give that soft effect with a lot of random values that are in between the values of the already applied colors and the colour that you are using currently. In Liduke's case, the only area that they will ever use a hard brush is to only carve out harsher shapes, such as an area with very harsh light transitions(the contour of the hair is actually done with a hard brush that still has a feathering effect on the end) Overall, I can guess that the hair is a mixture of airbrush, watercolor, and hard edge opacity brushes, with also a few overlay(for extra color) and multiply(hard shadow) layers. Though this is the general method that I see in their artworks, illustrators will often also use whichever brush is the most intuitive to them for the current situation, so it is best to not mind about the specific brush being used, and only care about the effect that it produces. For line art, you would most likely use a thin hard brush with feathering, later touching up the layer with a dense semi-hard brush that has a mixing effect for adding more color and line variation(merging this layer with the coloring layer is optional)(this is most likely not their actual method and they most likely do all the line art on the same layer, but you can replicate it like this if painting with no line art is difficult) While I understand the struggle with using different artists' processes since I also completely lost my own process when attempting to understand new ones, it would probably still be good to find a thick painting process video to understand how these artists achieve that effect on their end, and so I recommend you to watch taka-ciao's 'Explanation of thick paint' video! (pst it's non-greyscale haha)

[@Santisima_Trinidad]

After qbout 10 minutes of being rather confused, i can say the piece you drew looked pretty good, and am pretty certain someone who comprehends anything about art would be able to follow the video really well. Great job!

[@oxdaman1]

Really good vid. Details like this tend to go right over my head when it comes to AK art. Also, while you're rendition of HIbalter is really good, her head size... really stands out. Gave me the impression of bobble-head syndrome. ^^;

[@nightfallnoir]

Dear Noeluc, I‘ve wanted to draw like the Arknights Style since suuuuuch a long time already, so your explanation really means a TON to me!!! Thank you for everything you do! Keep it up and never give up!!~

[@FirstLast_293]

This my first time watching some content like this. Love so much😆 i learn a lot

[@JigokuShoujoYuki]

I did also try to make a piece based out of Liduke's art, it was an oc, I think I did alright, but definetly not the same feeling, still, it was a great experience, you explained her art very well, and you also did a good job with Hibiscus. What I like most about Liduke is how her art looks so detailed when in reality it is kinda not, and almost has an effortless feeling.

[@himignicest1571]

THE RENDERING IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL?? AMAZING WORK

[@cynical5314]

Your videos are so informative and insightful! I enjoy seeing your art, and the analysis you post just make you more enjoyable to watch. As for analysis suggestions, may I request Jacknife? They're the artist of corroserum last time i checked, as well as mulberry!

[@Noelucc]

Ty! Spoiler: The next video I’m working on rn is on Jacknife, actually, so I guess we have the same taste in art styles :)

[@cynical5314]

@@Noelucc epic fr

[@DragonSteak91]

You just earned another subscriber, the way you explained things is really nice and easy to understand, keep going at it and thanks.

[@highstudentproduction8195]

The think about Arknights is not just their E2 skill but their amazing E2 art! Liduke art is really amazing! and you can replicated the way their coloring is really cool! Thank you so much for making this! now i can learn more way of coloring

[@Disuga]

This sure is easy to take in, thanks Can't wait to see what's next

[@DekuGamer]

This is a phenomenal video!! It was so easy to understand why certain design decisions are made. You're really great at explaining these concepts! I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

[@012hanji]

Thank you, very insightful! hope you can do Namie next! I've been dying to know how Arknights artist draw

[@thefishingfish4210]

Nice, the colors and rendering are already top notch, the proportions felt somewhat off in previous videos but it's progressively getting better, keep on keeping on

[@lostjournalbook]

thats a really good analysis, this really motivates me to stop being lazy and actually analyze an artist artwork

[@GikamesShadow]

The way Liduke colors reminds me a bit of Sin City. Where only the actually important parts of the whats on screen is actually shown in coloration over greyscale as a whole. The characters themself, remove all the special details about them and they just become characters. In the meantime, all that makes the designs special stands out due to how its colored because it is what the artist deems as most important.

[@secretscarlet8249]

Whoa didn't know Liduke is a female. Also, you do such amazing and helpful process/analysis. Keep up your work. 😀

[@s7ia]

Thx for the in-depth study, keep it up! :D

[@euanwarkentin7204]

im not even an artsit but damn this was interesting

[@kyro1204]

please make more artstyle analysis videos, i enjoyed it and i really learned a lot!

[@apocalypsereindier8512]

This vid made me sub please make more like this its so helpful to artists!

[@kkurokon]

Your knowledge of coloring is amazing!! Love seeing videos like these :D Would love to see you do another art study in the future, it would help other artists a whole lot

[@re_united]

Nice hibiscus drawing. Also your explanation is really well done.

[@shadowsketch926]

ngl, arknights opened my eye to a lot of really amazing artists (and some less so, but still with their own merit) and liduke stands on the top of the list, the expressions, use of colour and the forms are always spot on, and i love it

[@squidman3484]

keep it up, I love these videos! Edit: If I could make a request, do you think you could make a video/do a study on azling4's art style?

[@Noelucc]

I’m glad you like them! I was already planning on studying Azling4 actually so next next vid will be on them :)

[@bobsmithy3103]

the way you present reminds me of tppo

[@kitazo3502]

Great video on Liduke's style, loved it very much! Perhaps you could maybe analyse Yui@W's art (hoshieve) sometime? I really love that artstyle!

[@Noelucc]

Thank you for giving me the name of the artist, I was trying to find their twitter so I could study their works!

[@kitazo3502]

@@Noelucc No problem!

[@azha2080]

the most interesting aart video I've ever seeen THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@Dx_Ach]

omg i found another style practice channel, im so excited

[@etgamer16]

Ah Liduke Artist of W & Schwarz Probably My Favourite character arts early on, I like the sitting on the Suitcase Pose for Hibi and the overall art of her looks Great 👍 Eunectes E2 Art is pretty damn good, I do prefer the Skin but still, I have E2’d many units just for the art and only really use one of them that being Kazemaru. The others being Lava, Kroos, Scavenger, Flamebringer, Meteorite, Frostleaf and others I’m probably forgetting

[@zylou8643]

this was a great video, I was able to learn about stuff even t hough I dont draw lol

[@---pj1xz]

Liduke art so good she singlehandedly made two communities simping over Blitz's AK Design. Like holy shit He's now one of the most attractive people i've ever seen.

[@thischannelwasamistake9403]

Ive only ever been taught one style of shading in a lot of videos, i never thought to shade this way and ended up always being unhappy with my other works. Thank you for saving me! Edit: I'm sorry if this is a bother, but could you also do an analysis on KuroBlood's art?

[@Noelucc]

Thanks for the suggestion! Kuroblood's art is really good but also very difficult for me, so maybe sometime in the future

[@jenjen9613]

Your videos are so well made, you made it seems so digestible if that makes sense lol

[@eikaru69]

me watching the 5th art study video i can find because i still dont know my art style

[@shrewsburygobelen8449]

I really like how it turned out!

[@the_hottest_vitch]

You should do more vids like this 💜

[@dee6561]

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised since Liduke is a huge name in the art community, but to see an actual KZbin video on them sort of shocked me.

[@Carrasca-]

could you please try the artstyle of Girls Frontline SF characters? great video btw

[@springcan]

I never thought I'd listen to someone break down other people's artstyles which I can really remember. If I may request, I would love to see an alchemaniac study too!

[@DelfaTime]

in my opinion actually your art its good just need to work more the pose you know the mood the gesture etc... in short making the character more alive and this depend on how you see things so i can't help on this Lol

[@rkgk_art]

Hello there! I loved this analysis, very well explained. Also lovely art :D i wanted to suggest Jacknife but saw someone already mentioning them, so now i’m eagerly awaiting that analysis :3 You definitely got yourself a sub with this, so thank you YT for recommending me this, haha. keep up with the amazing work :D

[@ChiaMengHioke]

10/10 would buy your Hibiscus Alter skin, nice art and great analysis :D

[@BoBrEiGs]

Liduke needs to stop teasing us and show the full potential of that sexy cat boy hiding in the back all the time

[@lewesshilage697]

This was very educational! I would like to see your take on Hews or Pochi-goya sensei's art! Well done!

[@Username-qu1jt]

You and tppo are a blessing

[@DaneTheInsane675]

Liduke will draw anything, as long as it isn't a skin for Mainz

[@Kitty-we6il]

awesome noel!

[@kenshi3942]

I cant get enough of lidukes art honestly cant wait for Ines to become playable

[@roberthsucre9837]

Gonna subscribe, the video was a little to complicated for my level, will take a look on the channel to see if there is videos focused on people that is just starting on digital art. Thank you.

[@milevapuentedura831]

I can confirm that Liduke uses grayscale, they provide a lot of process on their artistation and pixiv

[@kurokenshin2507]

I wanna try this too

[@kunhaklee1950]

Your explanation is so good! If you don't mind, could you let me know where you get inspired to make this video? (likes other youtubers or class..) I would love to see how you draw, and how you explain about other artists, and I love your voice. I hope you keep this series.

[@Noelucc]

Thank you! I’m really inspired by lemoncholy’s “Animation Workflow: Creating a Moving Illustration” as well as “Art, Fashion, & The French Revolution” for the video format. As well as Brandon James Greer and Ethan Becker, I enjoy how they explain their process overall. And recently people have been comparing these videos to tppo, so I think we might have these same influences. I like watching video essays in general while drawing like Stuff Made Here, Super Eyepatch Wolf, Mr. Ballen, etc so my voice over is probably influenced by them as well. I haven’t done any online classes so unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations for classes.

[@kunhaklee1950]

@@Noelucc Thank you!! I really appreciate your detailed information.

[@ridingtheriptide3900]

subbed! this was such an interesting video!

[@SKagamine]

Alter Hibiscus, one that each player that get the 6 star in the banner didn't had a big smile in the face

[@monkebrainiac]

oh my gosh arknights artist! thank u for this video!

[@kanae8414]

Hello, do you have plans to do an analysis of the art style of the creator of Texas, Mostima, Dusk?

[@Noelucc]

Thanks for your suggestion! I probably will since Dusk is one of my favourite characters lol

[@TheFabHawk]

Amasing work!

[@fyuukei5467]

I really like this series. Can you make a video for LLC in the future?

[@lionsunday8023]

Wow, amazing analysis! so useful, I think I'll try it it too! are you planning to do something similar with other arknights artists, aZLing4 or Skade for example?

[@Noelucc]

Thanks! Yup, I’m planning to study a lot of Arknights artists, Azling4 might be soon! Skade has really pretty but complicated details so I’m probably going to study them a bit later when I actually have the skills lol.

[@lionsunday8023]

@@Noelucc good luck! looking forward for more videos! I wish you all the best with your skills growth

[@notrealsaga]

Thank you for this ❤️

[@shinning123]

Liduke and alchemaniac is the best for me..nice video btw

[@Haruka00]

this is a good video. Keep up with it!

[@friendlyfire3412]

Liduke : *Meet the engineer*

[@harutoSpring]

I actually think u nail like 80% of liduke style! it's very cool but I think the one thing that look out of place( for me) us hibalter top it seems very out of place I recommend trying to desaturate it or give it a gradient other than that you did an amazing job! keep experimenting and improving!

[@maskfly2994]

awesom sauce

[@maiden6294]

So informative. You have a new sub

[@kgdkgdktdkt]

gorgeous painting! tho, i think you should focus on understanding more the anatomy and shapes fo the body!

[@naturelle578]

Lovely analysis! If your interested, can you do an analysis of kuroblood and/or wincalblanke’s art style, they stand out a lot to me aside from being the only anthro/furry character artists?

[@Noelucc]

Ty! I really like Kuroblood’s clothing rendering- it kind of reminds me of J.C Leyendecker’s works, and I also like Wincalblanke’s use of lighting and form. I don’t know how to draw anthro though so when I do study Kuroblood, it will mostly be on clothing and shadow rendering. But the level of complexity is a bit high for me rn so I’m working up to them (and it will be a while until I get to studying them).

[@naturelle578]

@@Noelucc No worries! Just work on the ones that you think you'll have fun with learning, anthro's are already heard to draw and nail down and it's even harder with their distinct styles when comparing each other! (but yes, kuroblood's clothing and wincalblanke's shapes are truly outstanding to breakdown myself and good luck if you ever do get the chance to try them out)

[@SilentSpirit671]

There's a post someone made about the new operator Lin Yusha and it showed the Fibonacci sequence or golden ratio photoshopped over her over her hips, thighs & butt. Do you think something like that plays a part in aesthetics & anatomy?

[@Noelucc]

Personally I think she looks really good because Liduke has a really good grasp of perspective and when to use foreshortening to basically frame the parts she wants the eyes to focus on. I feel like the golden ratio is just one of those things used slap on any photo to justify why something looks good lol. We actively try to find patterns in everything to make sense of the world, so even if it loosely fits, we will consider it to be the reason why something looks the way it does.

[@kyarumomochi5146]

That is more of a meme You can put the golden ratio on ANYTHING basically

[@dabpop4146]

IIRC I've heard Liduke is not the one that illustrate the Operator version of Lin, But 三目YYB instead , same Artist as Qanipalaat ,

[@hoshirasan]

this reminds me of shal.e's style

[@arteryu3193]

tyyy that's really helpful !!!

[@fish5885]

what app, device, do you use and do you use a digital pen, mouse, or something else

[@amelialoyselle2123]

The thumbnail had me convinced what you drew as Liduke's art! I think you did a fantastic job, especially with the focus of the drawing (hair, face, gesture). It may be a bit stiff but people sometimes do pose in stiff ways too.

[@Lazeponder]

Not sure if you're already covered him, but if you like Liduke, you could check Range Murata

[@brianchu8147]

I’m a photographer so it’s fascinating and very enjoyable to watch another artist of a different medium go through their processes. I also bought Eunectes skin before I even had the operator 😅 thankfully I finally got her!

[@yuzuki_9713]

The ask ref is not his is some buddies practice

[@indratniarisyanti8317]

Please do a style analisis for qtonagi, I'm a really big fan of her worl

[@Kitty-we6il]

liduke's azur lane skins are just goated

[@_Crazyslots]

whats ur favour e2 art besides her? felt like we had similar tastes xD so just being curious

[@Noelucc]

Pinecone's E2 is very pretty :)

[@Nick-ck5xq]

Blanchard

[@kingghidorah102]

Are you using procreate?

[@Noelucc]

Nope, I'm using clip studio paint ex on my laptop

[@bakaroni7327]

can you please do chuzenji next?

[@Noelucc]

ty for the suggestion, chuzenji looks a bit difficult rn but I might do a study of her in the future!

[@hadiperdana5189]

can you do alchemaniac (skadi's artist)?

[@IsanSurya]

Hey, can u make min/minute art analysis? I really like his art

[@Noelucc]

Ohh I’m not familiar with this artist but I really like his style, I’ll consider the suggestion ty!

[@kiyull_p]

Could you make a discord server, it would be easier there to give and asks tips

[@bubble4797]

Aha!