Old Vs. New: Lane Osborne 2008 vs. 2009

Here's a concept I shamelessly ripped off the Nostalgia Critic, old vs. new. I took this idea because I seem to remake my old pictures quite often and I wanted to study wether or not it was worth it, or was I merely retreading old ground for no real gain as an artist?

Our first contender is the old: September A, 2009


























And out competitor, from just under a year later, August A, 2010


















Let's break this down into key categories and see which picture emerges victorious:

Background:

Now the background on the old version is detailed, if a little crassly drawn, there is visible walls and ceiling. Does it make it a good background? No, but it is there. On the new, however, there is no background, but a blue grey abyss. It is a shame, because ti would have really popped as a remake if the original background had been done, but better. One of the letdowns this piece has to offer, point to the old.

Composition and Details

The detaisl are what can truly sell a picture, so which one has the goods? The original has Lane on a laptop beside him is a wonky table with a few CD's and paper notes scattered around. I think I did a good job of creating a clutter. There is a CD spindle but they look too small.
The new has a more refined space. Lane now uses a desktop in a major departure from the original, and he is now relaxed and showing off the laziness that is his character trait. The desk is now solid and more geometrically accurate. There is less clutter, but it's more believable, there is now little paper and a 1TB harddrive, the CD spindle looks to be better fleshed out. I give that point to the new.

Lighting

The lighting in the old is very basic, there's a dark hallway but the room is bright with minimal shading. The new employs a more detailed lighting scheme, it's now a darkened room and monitor light reflects off Lane and his surroundings, it is more believable lighting for an underground teenage hacker. Point to the new.

Character

Ah yes, character. The most imprtant part, which one nailed it?

Lane is a teenage hacker millionaire slacker, both the original and remake had the right colours. In the original Lane looks uncomfortable, uptight and hard working, in the remake he is slouching and sipping a coke for added effect. Original Lane has a USB drive around his neck, wish I had put that int he remake. Remake Lane lacks the stubble his character is meant to have, which was a major oversight. However, I'm going new on this one, because his slacker personality comes through more, and let's face it, he's better drawn too. It was close on that last one, but point goes to the new.

There you have it. The reason why I remake old pictures. Now I only remake a picture if I believe I can improve upon it in a major and dramatic way. I also never remake a second time. I believe this one stacks up to that ideal.