I was going through some old files and found this gem...
Way back when I was just learning to use photoshop, and was still a total dork (oh wait, that part hasn't changed!)
I was so proud of this, and I kind of still am. This was pretty detailed for me at the time, and I still didn't know how to use a clipping mask, so all that shading took way longer than it really should have.
Most work from those years that I look back on, I just cringe and go "what was I thinking?" but this is one where I go "This is still pretty okay." Obviously I was still very heavy into anime at the time, so everything was kind of sparkle kawaii desu [cringes]
I may try to make a new version of this, with less pretty and more gritty.
Link
Sparkyopteryx
This is actually pretty awesome; it gives a "Castlevania aesthetic" type of vibe which I think is perfectly acceptable. I think revisiting this might prove enlightening and would give a great at-a-glance of how you've grown and developed as a person and artist.