[Feedback] Assasin Character Concept

redteapanda

Hi there,
This is my first post here, so here's also a little introduction. 
My name is Bernice Wang, and I'm studying concept art as a graduate student. This is the first character concept I've made for my thesis check in, and I want to redo her main pose a little as it feels pretty stiff. Before I do that, if I could get some feedback for the costume and weapon or the pose that would be much appreciated. She's supposed to be an assassin, so I went for light-ish armor.

Thank you!

carvuliero

Some backstory and what you aiming for will really help with someone giving you a meaningful critique

As a general note boots doesn't match her medical clothing  without a backstory that is -> european style books with asian armor .She look too ordinary maybe you should broaden your research and experiment with different shapes

redteapanda

Thank you! Some of the research and the costume studies are old, and I definitely want to do more of it before I experiment with her silhouette and pose.
Backstory is that this character is an assassin for hire, and her clothing and armor will take a lot from ancient chinese armor, but with some more modern adjustments as well, since a lot chinese armor I find is for heavy cavalry battle, and I want something lighter.
As for what I'm aiming for, for a pose and silhouette in general, what could I do to create an interesting silhouette for assassins that are generally supposed to stay hidden, and what can I improve upon in the armor.

carvuliero

Why don't you try combining ninja and motorbike leather protection gear -> ninja for the pose[silhouette] and bike gear as inspiration that you can transform into something more asian looking

redteapanda

ooh, I like the sound of that. Thanks! I'll post it back here after I've reworked it again.