Dark Elf WIP

contest prize for ~shade01

1)
finally a sketch I'm happy with. I had several clothes designs which I drew throughout the last weeks and when I wanted to apply one in the end it turned out completely different anyway.
it was not easy to be honest (me not knowing anything about dark elves and/or final fantasy) but with all the research at least it felt like working on something big - which I haven't done for such a long time now
please let me know, whether you approve of this pic then I'm going to color it - feel free to suggest a color scheme, as well, if you want to

2)
okay, I laid down the basic colores and threw down a background because I didn't want to start yet cause once I start I spend hours sitting in front of the monitor and I plan on going to bed early (for my standard)
oh, a quick question to ~shade01 - what was his name again?

3) first shadows, rough color variations, some tiny changes here and there; so far every body part or clothing has a one layer

4) I like to paint the face before everything else. In my opinion it's important to shape the person, the character if you want first because then it's easier to adjust colors, clothing and the rest of the image. This piece is a good example because when I had finished the face I thought that the color scheme looked a bit too rough and ranger-like for him. He seems to have a somewhat royal and maybe even condescending attitude which I felt was actually rather interesting and I wanted to give him an outfit that would fit his expression. I think I can leave the clothes themselves as they are, maybe I will give the boots or coat some embroidery to make it a tad more noble. Don't misunderstand me - I don't want him to look too clean, I just want him to have "style"
Apart from that I changed the boot and finished the hair, although I may come back to that again. Not sure, whether I like it that way...
um... yah, that's it. to ~shade01 - if you have any objections, don't hesitate to tell me, I have both color-versions saved just in case

5) Now I know it's been awhile but I have to update this pic even if there wasn't much progress. I have to admit that I'm frustrated - I can't tell how many times I tried to start with the sleeves and the pants and I just couldn't get the folds right. In the end I, at least!, managed to finish the sleeves in a somehow acceptable way but the pants are still killing me.
Apart from those big issues I fixed some little disturbances on his face.
I really hope I can overcome this stupid block soon and I'm sorry that it takes me so long, ~shade01