I need to make some Alligator cookies for a soccer team. And I cannot get the perspective right (legs are wrong, the mouth...). What am I doing wrong? This is such a bad cookie, that I am ashamed to posted here. Any help with improvements? Does anyone have some pics of this cutter shape cookie?

I think it's the shape of the cutter itself that's bugging you. I don't know if you have time to get a different one, but there's an alligator in the wilton plastic animal cutter set that has a better shape.

I agree with Texas Rose that it's the shape that looks wrong, but it might help if you put the eyes up higher near the top of the cookie and maybe a bit further back to elongate the nose bit. The shape of the cookie looks more like a dinasour. Good Luck

Maybe you could pinch his jaws so that they are longer. I think it is the short mouth that makes him look more like a lizard. Aligators have long, more narrow jaws. I like the way you did his back. I think you have done a good job, its just the mouth area on the cutter that is throwing you off.

I'd set his eye farther back. Also when outlining/drawing in the details, I'd make the jaw longer and outline leg muscles so that the feet aren't just stumps.

God points here, I am currently drawing and drawing on paper some your ideas. I agree the eye should be higher. You meant pinch the nose before baking? Or making more deeper opening with piping?

I'd pinch the nose before baking to give you the more natural jawline that the cutter doesn't.

Thank you guys for your help. It looks good on the paper now. I see I was way off
I am actually going to draw a soccer ball on him as well. Looks good on paper, now it's time to bake....and will see

You might also make his body a little shorter. Alligator bodies are long and low. Check out this cookie cutter for a better idea of what I'm trying to say:

http://www.thecookiecuttershop.com/safari/safari11.shtml

Something I had to learn over time was that I didn't need to always pipe to the edge of the cookie. This cutter is not a great shape, so you may have to adjust your piping to get the look of the gater.
I hope that makes sense.

Happy baking!

ok bear with me this is very crude............but how about like this??? You can see that the body itself is much thinner (you don't have to ice the whole cookie) and then make the legs come out from the body. This is a clip art image similar to your cookie overlayed onto your cookie.
Like I said "bear with me" lol

Can't wait to see what happens with your cookie!

I would like to update my new try of the alligator. Oh, I think it does look like gator now
I was using the idea of KHalstead, when she put the picture over my cookie, it just hit my head! It is not my best cookie, but at least it is alligator.....or I hope

PS: I do have one other trouble cutter "Mermaid", maybe I will bug you next time I bake.
Thank you all for the ideas and help!

that looks a lot better.. and yes.. it does look like a gator now.. Great job.. =D

Zlatka it looks great!!!

Wow what a difference that looks fabulous and def like a gator

This one is great ! Good job!

He came out great!

You did a grat job on your revised alligator cookie. I need to make some for my Gator nieces who are both seniors at UF. I am ordering an alligator cookie cutter from www.ecrandal.com
I think this is the best one and I have been looking for quite a while.

ZlatkaT - your alligator looks so awesome! I love it. Tina gave you a great idea!