constructive criticism needed

[ParticleGames]

I have made this for a shmup I am making, and I would like some criticism on how to make it better. I have never done pixel art before, so I know it looks horrendous.Thanks

[dandymcgee]

I'm guessing it's some sort of imaginative plane? Other than the black outline around the (window?) I think it looks pretty good.

[Van-B]

I think the main issue is the lighting - I can't figure out where it's coming from, and there isn't enough of it. Maybe add a second light source, blue to come from the bottom right, and white from the top left. And shade the whole thing, don't mirror it. Also don't be afraid to add some detail gradients, like flaps on the wings perhaps. I always liked the visuals in Xenon2 though, so maybe that's got something to do with it. If your going for a bright and cartoony look, then I would add some dark lines and a border to bring it out, maybe have a more defined cartoonish lighting.