Personal Avatar Commission

Here two different approaches in styles I had to try to make my client happy. 1st version is more stylized and cartoonish but less recognizable as a portrait. 2nd is more realistic closer to original portrait photo.

I like second approach but prefer first variant personally. Though since this is a commercial task and client is my priority I had to satisfy the needs. They say: who pays the piper calls the tune.

First one I've created without a sketch and showed to my client. This was my mistake because I was sure she will like the first one without any comments. So for the second try I've decided to go with a sketch and after approval I've colored it.

I am creating most of my work on Microsoft Surface Pro 8 tablet PC (core i7, 16Gb of RAM) with Microsoft Slim Pen 2 in Adobe Photoshop since I've just get used to it in last 20 years. I've tried many other drawing apps but usually got back to PS.

I bought Leonardo app and use it for sketching frequently since it has nice pencil-like brush and very handy interface for touch devices and now I'm checking Clip Studio Paint which has good trial version to start with and is pretty budget wise if I'll consider buying it.

Please, let me know if you use any other interesting apps for drawing and why you like it. Also I am wondering which variant of avatar you like more (if you like any)?