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Femmes-Fatales — Femmes Fatales - Nichelle
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Published: 2015-03-22 17:27:57 +0000 UTC; Views: 2557; Favourites: 50; Downloads: 26
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Femmes Fatales, Part 2.FULL NAME: Nichelle “Nikki” Williams
DATE OF BIRTH: December 12
AGE: 32
ZODIAC SIGN: Sagittarius
THEME COLOUR: Green
LIKES: Martial arts, cooking and Janet Jackson
DISLIKES: Vengeance, immaturity and racism
ABILITIES: Expert martial artist, trained in edged weaponry; fluent in English and Japanese
FAMILY: Christie Williams (sister)
RELATIONSHIPS: Toshiro Otaka (mentor, deceased), Hideo Otaka (ex-lover), Tai Childs (friend), Melissa Carter (friend), Jennette Topaze (friend)
PROFESSION: Bodyguard
PERSONALITY: Nichelle is a calm and articulate woman whose passion for martial arts makes her a formidable warrior. She is a natural detective with excellent deductive reasoning. While she is extremely logical, Nichelle leads with her heart. This makes her a trustworthy and understanding friend. Above all else, Nichelle lives by a strict moral code. She doesn’t believe in vengeance and adheres to a no killing rule.
HISTORY: Growing up in the shadow of her talented older sister Christie, Nichelle left home after high school and ventured to Japan.
Taking up residence in Okinawa, she followed her love of the martial arts and trained for years under the tutelage of Toshiro Otaka at the Emerald Dragon Dojo. For a time, she enjoyed a passionate love affair with her mentor’s son Hideo. In the end, Hideo’s jealousy over his father’s preferential treatment towards Nichelle poisoned the relationship.
Some time later, a band of mercenaries invaded the dojo and assassinated Toshiro Otaka. Angry and seeking answers, Nichelle followed a series of clues that led her towards a mysterious statue.
Travelling back to the States, Nichelle contacted Femmes Fatales Investigations in order to help her with the investigation of her mentor’s death.
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After drawing my character Andie, I opted to post Nichelle next. This mistress of the martial arts is one of the lead characters in my as-yet-unpublished novel "Femmes Fatales." A favourite of some of my watchers, Nichelle is characterized by her reputation as a badass and her appropriation of Japanese culture. She's also an extremely talented chef, something which isn't emphasized early on in the series.
For those who are familiar with my series, you'll remember that I've always consistently drawn Nichelle with straight black hair with bangs. I'd imagined her as wearing wigs and, sometimes, weaves. After watching Poetic Justice with Janet Jackson, I was really inspired to eschew white girl styles in favour of embracing Nichelle's heritage as a strong African-American woman. There's something really chic about braids and it's something I wanted to try on for Nichelle. I really liked the result and I feel it helps her to stand out. Figuratively speaking, Nichelle would go between wearing her natural hair and wearing it in braids or twists. For the rest of the piece, I ended up taking inspiration from a piece my dear friend Chalaya drew of Nichelle. I owe the overall pose to her drawing. If you're curious, you can find (and fav!) her piece here: fav.me/d5o0f1m .
As always, I appreciate comments and feedback. Feel free to drop a comment below.
Enjoy!
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Comments: 33
After reading two of your characters bio's I settled on critiquing this one so lets begin.
Hair: Even though it is not straight and shiny other wise know as the perfect hairstyle to some I like how its still glamorous while in her natural state of hair ( if that makes sense). 10/10
Face: As with most of your Storm pictures she seems to rock the no makeup makeup look minus the lips which looks really good with dark skin. 10/10
Costume: As far as accessories go the earrings would have looked better if they were smaller and hooped , these distract me away from the design a little bit. Also the non detailed pants and shoes distract me a lot as well, I feel like it's unfinished even if she's just a fighter and not a performer like Tai was. I do however like the weapons , and the pose is so intriguing. 8/10
Overall: I feel like your costume theme could use a little work as it leaves some of your characters looking unfinished , but your backgrounds are very interesting to read , and the character themselves look good just the costume is giving me problems. I have to take 2 points off for the design but other than that good job 
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Thanks! I'm glad you like this piece!
Glamorous isn't really a word I'd attribute to Nichelle. In fact, that's a word I'd only use to describe my character Adrienne. I truly no longer subscribe to the belief that all women should look like supermodels and that they should all have, as you put it, straight and shiny hair. That was part of my goal with my Femmes. As I've slowly tweaked them over the years, it was really about presenting a group of distinct women that aren't perfect little cardboard cut-outs of what many straight and gay men feel they should look like. Nichelle's the tough warrior, Melissa's the punk party girl, Jennette's the demure intellectual, Andie's the playful big sis and Adrienne's the mysterious beauty. That's all to say, it's kind of cool that your definition of glamour is a little different if you see Nichelle as being that.
I think we'll have to agree to disagree on the costuming. I've gotten more praise than I've ever expected on the costumes and that's all largely due to the simplicity of them. Adding more details would just make it too busy I think. Since these are designed with a cinematic sensibility, you have to imagine it on a person rather than rendered 2D on a computer screen. The undisturbed lines on the legs, to me, is incredibly sexy and creates an almost catlike look to Nichelle's body. It's sleek, it's smooth and I personally love the look of a shiny legging on a toned leg. Look at me, trying to sell you on the look. But yeah, we'll have to agree to disagree. Given the positive feedback I've received, I do have to say you're the first to take issue with it being "unfinished," so I'll have to go with the majority on this one.
Other than all of that, what do you think of the character herself?
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I wish that was my definition of Glamour because that sounds absolutely beautiful!
I am perfectly fine with agree to disagree because like I said I still like it and this is completely coming from me and what I like.
I absolutely love her , she's kind of like storm as far as personality goes but more immature ( in a good way though). She seems like a very easy person to get along with but she knows when to say no if that makes sense.
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Are you quite sure what you like? Haha! Just asking, because the Black Canary pants were too detailed and these ones aren't detailed enough. It's funny to me, since the pants are pretty much the same. The only different is that the Canary ones have a line on them. Unless you count the accessories, like the holster and the kneepads.
There are some parallels to Storm, that's for sure. I think the takeaway with Nichelle is that she's much more approachable and down-to-earth than Storm is. The cultural context is also a little difference, since Nichelle spent the better part of a decade in Japan training to be a martial artist, and she's more modern than Storm has typically been portrayed. However, if that comparison gives people a better understanding of Nichelle or makes them like her more, then I'm down for that. I would hope that would then make people want to check out my other characters even more.
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Haha like I said earlier I am very confusing some times and it usually just makes sense in my head.
I like how your characters are pretty relatable , lets face it not all of us can say we died but came back ( Jean) or that we physically can't get close to people without absorbing and almost killing them ( Rogue). I also like that your characters are more accepting then others, and you can learn more from them than actual people sometimes. So what I don't really like in costume your character makes up big time in personality
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Seems that way.
That's the goal, really. I wanted to develop a diverse cast that could appeal to certain audiences. At the same time, it was also about creating an almost familial unit with them. Of course, what most people don't see is the secrecy and guardedness of these characters. They may be accepting, but they're not forthcoming. Those secrets eventually come to bite them in the ass. It's a very human thing.
So just to clarify, basically you feel like all of the Femmes Fatales costumes are unfinished and you don't like them?
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Listen I am sorry if I in anyway made you feel bad about your design, it's good I personally wouldn't have designed it like that but clearly it doesn't matter cause other people like it.
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As an artist, I know you can't please everyone and if I tried then that means I would be doing a disservice to myself. I'm someone who would rather focus on the positives and really interact with those who understand my views and aesthetics. I don't really enjoy people who like to nitpick, so my focus is on giving the people who do like my work 100%. It kind of sounds sycophantic in a way, but in my view it's my way of giving back to those who support me fully.
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Like I said it's just how I think and I'm glad that you stand by your design and don't just change them like some people do. I respect that and I hope you don't think I hate your designs , in all honesty your my favorite designer on Deviant Art and I've been learning a lot from you lately
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I'm a fairly honest and transparent person, as well as a stubborn one. I think a lot of creative people can be that way and that means we're not always the most gracious people when we're faced with a critique against our work. Of course, it does seem like you always have a nitpick about my designs (usually about hair or about something being too detailed/not detailed enough). If anything, what I should take away from that is that there's always room for improvement and that regardless of whatever improvements I make as an artist I'll never do anything that is universally liked.
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I only nitpicked cause I thought you'd prefer people to point out things ,it wasn't my intention to be rude or anything. I just think it's better than being like other people and saying " cool". I'll try to be more open minded when I comment on your stuff though.
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I like what are called compliment sandwiches. In other words, in between two positives is one negative. Critiques are always difficult to give because there's a fine balance, especially since artists will always focus on the negative and forget all the positive stuff that was said.
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I'm exactly the same way , so I understand and I just want you to know that I do like you and your work and I look forward to seeing more designs !
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That's good to know. A new one should be posted soon.
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-.-
No I don't not like their outfits , I only took 2 points off because I still like them but in my opinion their is room for improvement.
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Like the choice to go with the braids, think they look good on her. I'm also noticing a little less of the Kelly Rowland influence in her face. African American kunoichi for the win!
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Thanks, glad you like them!
The Kelly Rowland influence is still there, so if it's not as obvious that's probably an oversight on my part. She is and always will be my number one choice of who would portray Nichelle on screen.
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It's totally fine. It gives her a unique look as opposed to being a Kelly look a like.
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Nope! Since I'm not a Trekkie, I didn't know of Nichelle Nichols until years after I'd created this character.
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OH, okay. 'Cuz I actually named my African-American Red Ranger in my fanfic after Nichelle. lol
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Whoah, she's hot, and I like her braids.
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Oh wow! I ADORE Nichelle's look here! She is just stunning! And your photoshop skills are skyrocketing fast. I've always liked your streamlined colors but the shading you're doing lately is taking your work to a whole new level. You're really growing as an artist and I for one am super proud of you for branching out. I must say I am so flattered that you chose to use my drawing as inspiration for your piece. It's quite humbling really. I think your version of this pose is light years better than mine. The anatomy is so much better and her hands are absolutely perfect! I'll get to Nichelle's amazing bod in a bit. Right now I need to talk about the things that stole my attention right away. The face and hair. Those braids...I'm speechless. First of all, they're so tiny and intricate! That must have taken like, forever. I love how you have them cascading down her shoulder, lightly brushing her face on the way down. I think it adds a touch of sweetness and softness to her appearance as does her facial features. Nichelle is a very strong, physical woman and yet you always give her face such an angelic aesthetic! She has very delicate features here and even though her lips are nice and full they still posses a feminine delicacy that I admire. I've said before that I enjoy the way you draw lips and I think with the new shading and highlighting skills you've acquired the way you create lips has just went through the roof. So much dimension. They are as I said, delicate but at the same time the deepness of the low lights paired with that little dab of shine really makes them a star feature of her face. Likewise, the soft shading around her cheeks and nose add the perfect touch. Oh, that little shadow next to her nose is so well done! It's amazing what so simple a thing can do if done right. I know you've said you like the way I color your pieces because of my shading, but your shading here knocks mine out of the park. Sometimes I forget that less can be more and in certain situations I overdo it. You're shading is just right here! Her eyeshadow enhances her already beautiful eyes and it has that soft, smoky look that I really adore.
I really love her pose here and even though you took inspiration from my piece, as I said before I think yours is much better. Your anatomy is spot on. Her arms are shapely as well as long and graceful and they're draped over her bow staff in such a lovely, relaxed way. My favorite part though, is the gorgeous shapes and definition that you've given those legs of hers. They are the legs of a true athlete. The thighs are amazingly done. I love the subtle curves there that define the hamstrings. I've always admired your way of drawing muscle tone in a feminine and appealing way. Same goes for her calves. They are well defined and strong looking without appearing like she's some kind of over zealous body builder. Every shape and curve you're created on her body is graceful and flowing. As a ninja, she has to be strong but she also has to be lithe and limber and quick on her feet. You've conveyed all those characteristics in your drawing here. I really love this piece and I hope you're proud of it, because I sure am! Well done!
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Oh my goodness! First of all, thank you so much for taking the time out to leave a comment on this piece. It always means so much to have you write one for the piece, since this is of one of my own characters. I really appreciate it.
I'm so glad you like this piece and that you've praised the hair. I consider you an expert when it comes to hair, so it's a relief to receive that kind of praise from you. Truth be told, they were really intimidating at first. However, it turned out to be really fun. The shading really helped give them a little more depth I'd say. It's such a beautiful style, so I hope that I did it justice.
As for the rest of the piece, I'm glad you like the face and pose. I really love it when I get to draw fuller lips and that's always an element I really like whenever I get around to doing a piece of Nichelle. The pose itself was really fun too, since Andie's pose was a little bit more static. If I hadn't had your piece seared into my mind, she would have looked much different. I'm always glad when you point of Nichelle's form too, because she's one of the few characters that I actually put extra thought into. Actually, the arms are usually one element I make sure to put some musculature into.
Once again, thank you so much for this great comment! I appreciate it more than I can possibly say.
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