Artist's discretion vs following the original

• wimpyshrimpy wrote on 2016-06-08 04:39
  So I think anyone who draws fanart is often conflicted between omitting or altering a part of a character, background, etc. or following the original, right?
  
  Well, I'm at that point with my drawing of Fairy Tail's Mirajane in her Halphas form.
  
  

  [Image: http://puu.sh/pkIVR/a333ac5835.png]

  [Image: http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/fairytail/images/c/c8/Halphas_close-up.png/revision/latest?cb=20120707151719]

  
  
  Right now the scales on her face are incorrect and I have yet to add in her shoulder pieces and leg armor. Personally I'm not a huge fan of the original face scales since I don't think they really match and the shoulder pieces are just rather bulky, but they do give her a bit more of badass vibe. Although I want to be close to the original design, I also want to have my own take on it.
  
  What do you guys think (in general or for this piece)?
  
  *I'm also open to constructive criticism for the drawing
• Osayidan wrote on 2016-06-08 10:26
  I think the face scales make it what it is, so kind of important. The shoulder things while being badass don't seem as critical so can be optional.
  
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