I dont really know if edge flow would be called a dead giveaway. A lot of models I've seen have near identical edge flow with mine. Its just natural. Hell, I used to copy the edge flow of something I'd see posted online from someone else, but I'd hardly call that plagiarism.
3d coat has a Auto-Retopology tool that allows you to draw in edge flow, its not perfect, but it may help you under stand how edge flow works. http://3d-coat.com/retopology/
You don't want to disturb the edge flow or create 5 edge poles along a clean cylinder like that. Try to terminate any loops or edges on the flat surface away from the loop.
I think I need to re-do the body. I don't think what I have is very good edge flow. Any critque's on it? I'm no where near an expert in edge flow, but there's no edges that flow from the front to the back, which I think is bad... Here's my quick paint over. Blue = New Edgeloop, Red= Remove. This good/bad?
What about Set Flow under graphite>loops>set flow (edge sub-object mode)?..usually it'll give a nice smooth result (you can press it a few times to get more relaxed edge flow, it's not gonna make it flat like what relax will do). _Revel
Hey man, you should take a look at tommy model. They are very low poly and have a great edge flow. The way the edge flow on shoulder is right now would give weird deformations when animated.
Yea there's alot of pinching there, with edges a tad too sharp. You need to attack sub-divisional modeling in pieces and often it requires alot of re-routing edge flow and a good eye for solving geo-flow issues.