It is indeed not pixel art, as i've directly stated in the OP. I didn't use "quick tools" for anything other than the shapes and coloring, though. Shading is all done by hand, as you can see by the wobbly appearance, which is the trademark of my hands. :U
@Oewnd: Thanks! I strongly doubt the notion that there isn't much to criticise, though. ;)
@Varkenoss: Well thanks, but as i just mentioned, it isn't pixel art. Much too blurry/smooth for it to be that. =P
@Ezeth: Interesting theory, though i do agree with you about that line. I ought to fix it somehow, but i don't really know how. Also, thanks.
@may0naise: The leaf is supposed to be bent, as i've made it bent on the pixel version as well. I kind of agree about the hat, but i wanted to stay more or less faithful to the original. Also, thanks to you as well.
@lilmali97: Thanks, i shall consider it. ;)
@JinxZ: Behold how i can make any improvement look bad!
http://i41.tinypic.com/ifafes.png
Eh? Also, thank whatever deity you prefer that Garry lives in a separate universe. =P
@IceShadow: I'm not really sure whether that was a sarcastic remark or not, but you
almost got it right. Firstly i used to pen tool to get whatever shape i wanted, which i then filled with color, THEN gave it an outline and filled it with gradients and shit.
@Kryo: And that's why i usually stick to pixel art. =P
@Hucota7: Well, i deliberately went for a cartoony look, but naturally, i didn't and still don't expect it to please everyone. Thanks though. Also, behold the horror that is
without outlines.