Latest Posts by yourcrowsovereign - Page 7

My favorite thing about Anakin:

He walks like he owns the world, and he knows it, But he also knows there is a storm inside his heart, he tells himself he could be bad if it came down to it, but he is good, only good. Despite years of emotional trauma at the hands of Slavery and the Council, he is so full of love. Love for Obi Wan, who he knows didn’t always want him. Love for Ashoka, because he regrets every cold action towards her in the beginning, and she is the hotheaded energy he needs when being legendary is too much, and his level headedness when all he can see is red and feel is anger. And then there’s Padme. You’d think it’d be hard to love Padme. Padme grew up like her home planet, luscious and calm and easy, how could she ever understand the things he’s seen, how could she tame the demons in his nightmares when she’s never known his struggles. But it doesn’t happen that way, because Padme replaces the demons in his dreams, she takes ahold of this lost, wild boy and coaxes him to manhood, and it’s not the searing fire and constant struggle to breath Anakin has known all his life, even though it’s a secret, and it’s not always easy, Anakin can breath, and Anakin finds his serenity in Padme, so when Anakin does turn dark, all for the sake of saving her, he never sees it as bad, to his last breath, Anakin Skywalker is good, and kind to the deepest depths of his heart.

Uhm. Yes.

If Anakin left the Order and settled down on Naboo with Padmé and the twins: would they have more children?

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

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 “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” 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.

So let’s get to it.

S T A N D A R D  D E S C R I P T I O N

B a s i c  C o l o r s

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

“She had brown skin.”

This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.

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.

C o m p l e x  C o l o r s

These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” 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.

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, russet brown, tawny beige…

As some of these are on the “rare” 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.

“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”

Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:

“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”

M o d i f i e r s 

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

D a r k - D e e p - R i c h - C o o l

W a r m - M e d i u m - T a n

F a i r - L i g h t - P a l e

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

If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” 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 “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned White person.

Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)

U n d e r t o n e s

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.

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).

“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”

“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”

Standard Description Passage

“Farah’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.”

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.

Note my use of “fawn” 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.

C R E A T I V E  D E S C R I P T I O N

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 “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, 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.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

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.

“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”

“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”

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

F L O W E R S

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 “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists. 

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.

“He 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?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

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 “pinecone.“ 

I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.

“Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”

I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.

I don’t suggest using a comparison just “cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.

W O O D

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 “foody” 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.

“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”

M E T A L S

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.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

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 “fits” the book or scene.

Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.

“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.” 

P H Y S I C A L  D E S C R I P T I ON

Physical character description can be more than skin tone.

Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.

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.

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…

G E N E R A L  T I P S

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: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” 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 “dark white” 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 “Other”).

PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” 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 “colored” please. 

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 “skin” or “skin color”? 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

List of Color Names

The Color Thesaurus

Things that are Brown (blog)

Skin Undertone & Color Matching

Tips and Words on Describing Skin

Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)

Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)

Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics 3 2 1

Writing & Description Guides

WWC Featured Description Posts

WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair

Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color Tags

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make

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

I am officially late for my antisocial appointment.

everything i never knew i needed expressed in words.

The most hilarious thing about the fact Buckbeak had a trial and lost is that later on JKR resolves the issue by having Hagrid take him in again and renaming him Witherwings. That’s literally all it took. What if in POA, Hagrid simply said, “Sorry, Buckbeak flew away.” 

“There’s a hippogriff right there, Hagrid.”

“A different hipprogriff.”

“I’m… pretty sure that’s the same hipprogriff.”

“Prove it.” 

headcanon: Ahsoka takes to calling Rex all sorts of dog names such as Spot, Fido, Good Boy, and Puppy. Rex refuses to respond to those names.

me.

*thinks a little too deep about clone troopers* 

I am living

y’know those videos of babies trying lemons and other foods for the first time?

imagine that, but with full grown clone troopers

my absolute fav

glitch is a gem

who thought it was a solid plan to put Anakin in charge of thousands of impressionable 12-year-olds honestly i ask you

My go-to insult is 'your face' and I'll mutter insults under my breath sometimes and today someone mentioned something about 'hot' so I was like "your face is hot- o wait. That didn't have the intended effect. Heckerdoodles. O no. O deer. Oops.

throw him off. into spikes. just die gosh darn it.

Reblog if you’re a clone, you support clones, or if you’d throw chancellor Palpatine off a very tall building

"SHOTS FIRED!"

“Superheroes are supposed to inspire hearts”

“And teach valuable lessons about friendship and life!”

“We-do-that!?”

“What? Lessons like-”

“Books can be dangerous?”

“Or what is better?”

“Burgers?

"Or Burritos?”

“You are a mockery of everything the world holds sacred about heroes!”

“Come On! What is so bad about being silly from time to time!”

“I am all for a good laugh”

“But the Teen Titans can’t be serious for one single moment!”

“Good day!”

“but-”

“I SAID GOOD DAY!”

Reblog if you love Young Justice

Mellow and friendly but still spunky and frolicky. I am very even tempered unless someone threatens my friends, and then I am very aggressive and dangerously overprotective. I'm very affectionate with my close ones and usually end up being the conscience of the group despite my frequent side commentary and quips.

You remind me of Starfire from Teen Titans! She is friendly towards everyone she meets and cares an insane amount about the people she loves. But if someone dares to threaten them then you’d better watch out because she will come after you. Messing with her friends is basically suicide because she loves them so much and will not hesitate before attacking anyone who tries to hurt them. She is also very dedicated to doing what’s right and can always convince those around her to do the same. 

submitted by lobodragon

she frustrates him

I want them to have regular get togethers where they all bundle up and just rELAX no fighting or anythING just chilling everyones safe and ok!

So this is before Artemis and Wally get together but after M’gann and Connor. Wally has no intentions of sharing, but everyone except Connor took that into consideration haha. Artemis is telling Kaldur what a terrible film choice they’ve made.

Superman: Lex, I'm afraid you've gone mad with power.

Lex Luthor: Of course I have! Have you ever tried going mad without power? It's boring. No one listens to you.

Young Justice: One Gifset Per Episode: Season Two, Episode Nineteen: Summit

I’m sorry I should thank you.

Young Justice: One Gifset Per Episode: Season Two, Episode Three: Alienated

Kid Flash: Babe, it’s really muggy out today.

Artemis: I swear to God, if I go outside and all of our mugs are on the front lawn, I’m leaving you.

Kid Flash: *sips tea from a bowl*

Young Justice: One Gifset Per Episode: Episode Twenty Two: Agendas

ALWAYS BETTER TO CRASH THE MODE 

edit: added blue 

RIP Wally West

November 11, 1994 - June 20, 2016

Young Justice Wishes for Season 3

Ok so if we get a season 3, IF, here is what I want to happen in the first scene.

So time jump again it is years later.  3 or something.  And the location is where wally ‘died’.  We see a spark of electricity.  Then boom lightning bolt.  Wally comes crashing out of the bolt.  Laying face down on the ground.  Tries to pick himself up.  And says “Artemis”.  Then collapses.

Young Justice title sequence plays. 

percy’s true feelings in this scene