amanda13parker:

mostlymarvelsstuff:

amanda13parker:

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Sergent Nat from @dirtyvulture series ^^ (all credits for the idea goes to them). Hope we get to see more of her in future works.


As always leave a comment or reblog/tags. Every word helps a starving artist especially while dealing with anxiety šŸ˜‚ And if you haven’t read the Sergeant Nat series, please do!

LOOK AT THIS INCREDIBLE ARTWORK!!! AHHHH!!!

Thank you!! It means a lot 🄺🄺

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  • 17 hours ago
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benjinoff13:

i think about that move cobie pulls here 82 times a day btw

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  • #stumptown spoilers #person who shall not be named >:( #stumptown #cobie smulders
  • 3 days ago
  • 130
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  • #video #the seamless switch from emotional to h*rny #killjoys syfy #killjoys
  • 5 days ago
  • 398
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  • #killjoysedit #killjoys syfy #aneela kin rit #delle seyah kendry #jaq kin rit #hannah john kamen #mayko nguyen #jaeden noel #hjkedit #maykonguyenedit #swallowedabug
  • 5 days ago
  • 1069

critter-of-habit:

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Again, again! āžµā§— {x}

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  • #critter-of-habit #kate bishop #yelena belova #bishova #art #marvel art
  • 6 days ago
  • 1851

teaaagan:

Hydrate

Natasha: HYDRATE OR DIE-DRATE!Ā 

Natasha: *aggressively throws water bottles*Ā 

Carol: Uh… what’s up with her?Ā 

Wanda: She’s trying to yell mental health and wellbeing into us.

Natasha: I APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU!Ā 

Y/N, crying: It’s working

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  • #mcu #mcu fandom #incorrect quotes #marvel #incorrect marvel quotes #marvel incorrect quotes #natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff x reader #natasha x y/n #natasha x reader
  • 1 week ago
  • 1274

Words for Skin Tone | How to Describe Skin Color

ninjaeris13:

artemiseamoon:

writingwithcolor:

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We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of ā€œSo, if food’s not an option, what can I use?ā€ Well, I was just getting to that!

This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.

Standard Description

Basic Colors

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Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.

ā€œShe had brown skin.ā€

  • This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become clichĆ©.
  • Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.

Complex Colors

These are more rarely used words that actually ā€œmeanā€ their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.

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Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

  • Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.

For example: Golden brown,Ā russet brown,Ā tawny beige…

  • As some of these are on the ā€œrareā€ side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.

ā€œHe was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.ā€

  • Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:

ā€œHis skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.ā€

Modifiers

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

Dark - Deep - Rich - Cool

Warm - Medium - Tan

Fair - Light - Pale

Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…

If you’re looking to get more specific than ā€œbrown,ā€ modifiers narrow down shade further.

  • Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.
  • As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.
  • While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like ā€œtanā€ ā€œfairā€ and ā€œlightā€ do work alone; just note that tan is less likely to be taken for ā€œnaturally tanā€ and much more likely a tanned White person.
  • Calling someone ā€œdarkā€ as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)

Undertones

Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.

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pictured above: warm / earth undertones: yellow, golden, copper, olive, bronze, orange, orange-red, coral | cool / jewel undertones: pink, red, blue, blue-red, rose, magenta, sapphire, silver.Ā 

  • Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.
  • As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).

    ā€œA dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.ā€

    ā€œHe always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.ā€

    Standard Description Passage

    ā€œFarah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.ā€

    -From my story ā€œWhere Summer Endsā€ featured in Strange Little Girls

    1. Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.
    2. Note my use of ā€œfawnā€ in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.

    Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.

    Creative Description

    Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.

    I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their ā€œsmooth rose-tinged ivory skinā€, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.

    Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where.

    Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.

    Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.

    Natural Settings - Sky

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    Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

    • Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.
    • When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.
    • So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.
    • Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand the person.

    ā€œHer face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.ā€

    ā€œShe had a sandyĀ complexion, smooth and tawny.ā€

    • Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.

    Flowers

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    Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose

    • It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like ā€œchocolate silkā€ so these are the finalists.Ā 
    • You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.
    • Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.

    ā€œHe entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?ā€

    Assorted Plants & Nature

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    Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

    • These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.
    • At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of ā€œpinecone.ā€œĀ 
    • I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.

    ā€œAuburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.ā€

    1. I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.
    2. I don’t suggest using a comparison just ā€œcuz you canā€ but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.

    Wood

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    Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash

    • Wood can be an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having ā€œfoodyā€ terminology within their names, but again, associations.
    • Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.

    ā€œThe old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.ā€

    Metals

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    Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

    • Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…
    • I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.
    • These also work well with modifiers.

    ā€œThe dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.ā€

    Gemstones - Minerals

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    Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

    • These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.
    • If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually ā€œfitsā€ the book or scene.
    • Even if you’re able to get us to picture what ā€œrutileā€ looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.

    ā€œHis skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.ā€Ā 

    Physical Description

    1. Physical character description can be more than skin tone.
    2. Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.
    3. Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as afro hair to a Black character.
    4. How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…

    General Tips

    • Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.

    • Get Creative On Your Own:Ā Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been ā€œapprovedā€ to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.
    • Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to ā€œdark whiteā€ or something, more indicators of race may be needed.
    • Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your white characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the ā€œOtherā€).

    • PSA: Don’t use ā€œColored.ā€ Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color ā€œcoloredā€ please.Ā 
    • Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.
    • Want some alternatives to ā€œskinā€ or ā€œskin colorā€? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.

    Skin Tone Resources

    Writing & Description Guides

    I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!

    ~ Mod Colette

    Good list. I also like the extra details if you want to add on, when you don’t want to just use a simple /basic descriptor (which is fine, those are good enough! Better to keep it simple than over do it. But in the right circumstances, extra details are a great addition.

    Tone and shade can be so layered. For example, I myself am on the lighter-medium brown side , but I do get visibly red (exercise, dancing, when cold), and I get paler with prolonged periods of no sun (1-2 shades lighter depending on how long). And if I go in the sun a lot I get up to 2 shades darker. I tan super easily.

    As someone who ADORES fanfiction and tries to write some all the time, this is a fantastic resource!

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    • 1 week ago
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    yenneferblog:

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    ANYA CHALOTRA, ANNA SHAFFER & THERICA WILSON-READ
    Behind the scenes on The Witcher, Season 3 Volume II

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    • #cast #the witcher netflix #anya chalotra #anna shaffer #therica wilson-read #the witcher
    • 1 week ago
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    kashlat2:

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    My babygirl

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    • 1 week ago
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    womenlovingwomen-imagines:

    rebeliz7:

    The Key

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    Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader

    Part 1: The Sling Ring

    This is my third time posting this, so lets hope this time works

    Keep reading

    Enjoyed this just as much as I’ve read it the first time 😊🄰😊

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    • #the key #part 1 the sling ring #rebeliz7 #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff imagine #wanda maximoff x you #wanda maximoff #marvel #natasha romanoff #marvel imagine #yelena belova #bucky barnes #Stephen strange #wong
    • 1 week ago
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