This is the farthest I've pushed a character before & my first time using XGen from Maya. The first photo is how I started the day & the last is what I accomplished, not a ton but still progress regardless. Besides my own critiques, I always appreciate any critique or advice.
I'm by no means an expert, but I feel like they don't pop? I think it's the lighting. They're not flat, but I feel like it doesn't really make them stand out; I think perhaps more contrast could be good. Darker shadows, and lights positioned so the shiny parts really catch the light and highlight the details, like the…
i'd expect that working 8 hours instead of 12 might get you to your goal faster. you could try out a schedule change for a couple weeks and measure progress.