Oh look, a wizard!

[Hoeloe]

The problem was really that I know what pillow shading is, but I can't see it very well in this case. The difference in criticism, the way I see it, is that it tends to be more helpful for someone to point out a problem with a sprite, however harsh, and then suggest ways to fix it (and by that I mean specific ways, not just: "make it not pillow shaded". If I can't see the pillow shading in the first place, how am I to know what to do to the shading to make it not seem pillow shaded? My multiple edits are attempts at trial and error in finding how to do this), rather than just pointing out an problem and telling someone to fix it. The fact is that people tend to view their own work through rose tinted glasses, and even when someone points out a general problem, it can be difficult to find the offending aspect without details.

Honestly though, I have no idea why it didn't occur to me to look at some other RPG sprites for reference. It's a great starting point, so thanks for that.