What are some common pitfalls or misconceptions for artists trying to emulate the Hellboy art style?

Common pitfalls include simply copying Mignola's surface details without understanding the underlying principles. Artists might overuse heavy blacks without purposeful shadow placement, resulting in muddy art. Another misconception is that the style is 'simple'; while visually distilled, it requires a strong understanding of form, composition, and dramatic lighting to be effective. Over-detailing, failing to simplify backgrounds, or neglecting the expressive power of negative space are also frequent missteps, as the style thrives on thoughtful omission rather than just basic drawing.