Still needing commissions but I can't get on them until I get back from my trip on the third. Can't believe 2009 is almost to an end, and I have to say it's been overall the most stressful year I can recall in my adult life. Mostly economy issues, partly the move which has taken up most of this year. We've only just now gotten the studio fully functional again which I'm glad because it means construction can stop and creation can begin! I have some money making plots that will hopefully pan out, but after the new year I'll have to sit down and do my budgeting to see if it will be worth the efforts. (I think it's better than the alternative)

Overall, I'm very proud of what I have accomplished since this time last year. I still have all the issues in my art I have complained about for months and months (we're all our own worst critics) but I feel not only is my lineart and fluidity getting stronger, my posing more ambitious than I had worked at before and my overall compositions are becoming fuller and more deliberate, which is certainly something to be proud of. When you have a mile long list of things you're frustrated about, it's always nice to be able to start crossing one or two things off. One can only progress as fast as they can. The live-model class I looked into was great but too far, but I heard there was some things closer I could explore so that would be fantastic. LA is a ton better than Wildwood for casual art classes, I can tell you! My professional graphic design work I don't post up on DA is getting stronger too- I was looking at the various package designs I've worked on over hte past year or two and I'm ashamed of the first designs (although they're perfectly respectable and functional for the job I did them for) but I like my newest ones so much more. Still need to switch over to do this stuff in illustrator, but I find the tools for simple things like gradients and so on so much more headachey than just producing it in photoshop at a high DPI and turning it into an AI and hoping for the best. Bleh. We live, we learn. Gotta get some more package design jobs before I can embark on that, but hey sounds like there's some stuff coming over the horizon.

Also now that the studio is complete I can start doing more 3D work- traditional 3D, not computer generated stuff. More props and maquettes and reproductions and costuming and stop-motion shorts! Only half of what I have planned will pay but I do this mostly for art's sake and portfolio fodder so it's justification is that it is what it is. I'm also proud that I am so well rounded and have so many applicable talents to the industry. Just gotta boost the portfolio and keep doing what I'm doing and I can feel it in me that I'm going to go far. Just gotta GET there if you know what I mean.

I know I'm probably totally late on the band wagon but my cousin just showed me Repo! The Genetic Opera and it is my new obsession. I'll probably chill out once I have my own copy of the sound track but for those who are talking to me or in the #DeviantDead chatroom I apologize for my fannerdery that leaks out all over the place. It will pass eventually. Once I'm done some commissions from my queue, expect repo fanart. Also is it sad that 2009 is barely over and I know what I want to do for 2010 Halloween? Here's hoping I have another party to go to besides just trick-or-treating this year. lol.

Over the past year I definitely think I've not only grown as an artist, but grown as a person too. I'm finding it easier to just roll my eyes at dumbshittery that would otherwise have gotten me totally frustrated- family visiting and so on this winter holiday season has gone surprisingly wonderfully. Maybe living across the country is what I needed to help clear my head and swallow pride and just enjoy my family and friends and hope that when I get back to Cali I'll be feeling refreshed and ready to work. Heard some good news from Dad about business plans so here's hoping that all goes well and according to plan! (Things never go according to plan.)

My New Year's resolution, besides all the general "Stop Sucking At Art" activities is to quit smoking and also commit this to memory:

Out from the night from the mist steps a figure.
No one really knows his name for sure.
He stands at six foot six, head and sholder,
Pray he never comes knocking at your door.
Say that you once bought a heart or new corneas,
And somehow never managed to square away your debts.
He won't bother to write or to phone you...
He'll just rip your still-beating heart from your chest!

Repo Man! Repo Man!

You could run. Your could hide. You could try to!
But he always has a way of finding you.
He will come at your weakest hour.
When no one is around who might rescue you!

Repo Man! Repo Man!

None of us, are free from this horror.
For many years ago we all fell in debt.
New body parts were need, to perfect our image
And until our debts are clear, we will live in fear! Of the...

Repo Man! Repo Man! Repo Man! Repo Man!

Finally, =DeviantDead Round 1 went FANTASTICALLY and I couldn't have done it without the help of my amazingly tolerant-to-my-bullshit judges and contestants and the fantastic support of our audience! Round two will be launched a week or two into the new year once I've gotten back, settled, and put my head on straight. Peace out and I'll see you guys all in the new decade! P.S. when I get back I also want to make a new journal theme. BUT OF WHAT. I guess I'll ponder that for a while.

Hey all! Construction of the studio is going strong, we have the workbenches laid out and most of the heavy machinery in place and soon we can get things fully functional again for the first time in six months. I'm very excited to get my own work bench set up! @A@ While I pick away at the last remaining items on my commissions list, I'm now open for more! Money is tight here, especially while we're still rebuilding after the move, and every penny will help with bills and holiday traveling and expenses!

I recently feel that I've started to get a bit better, but until I officially "level up" after the new year, I'm keeping my old prices so order now before New Year's for 2009 pricing! While this batch might not be finished in time for Christmas, A promise for art for a friend makes a great gift!

This round I will be offering:

PRICES:
CHIBIS: Solo: $15 Duo: $25


Something like this (one figure): $30 a piece. (Textured Background, add $5, more defined background $10-$30 extra depending on complexity. Please inquire for quote.)


Something like this (two figures): $50 a piece.


Two figures, full canvas composition with minimal background/setting: $75


Large group or scene: Please contact for quote.


Character Design Sheet:
(One full body, and 5-10 "Detail shots" of expressions, details, additional forms, to be negotiated.) $150 flat rate.



WILLS AND WON'TS
I will draw anthro, human, monsters, critters, fanart, anything you name it!
I will not draw porn or fetish art ARG I JUST CAN'T DO IT SORRY.

So step right up, folks!

Paypal payments only!

For Current Queue, see my most recent journal footer!

Today is my birthday. Today I turn old.

edit: d'awww look what my pal *Luthien13 drew me! ;A; edit edit: And *Oly-RRR too! Editeditedit: And *Carsis!

Yeah so like. We all know that fantastic Hot Toys Silk Specter II figure, but I just found out about the new Comedian 1/6th scale figure and also found a preview of this in one of my nerdy hide-aways:




Excuse me while I nerdgasm.

Edit: GO PREORDER YOUR SCOTT BY `delya WHILE YOU CAN!
HE'S ALL FLICKIN' YOU OFF WITH THE GREATEST OF HORNED AND NOSTRILED MUMU LOVE.
__
Fffffffffff so yeah IRL's been pretty hectic. Been rebuilding the studio (ouch my back!) and dealing with a recent car accident (no one's hurt, it was 100% not my fault, I'm just really pissed off over a lot of it- bad karma, man, let's see if this turns out okay in the end, mom if you're reading this I'll fill you in later) and everything else- Attended a local draw-meet gathering with a themed model to work from, trying to strengthen my figure drawing. My attempts during those few hours were rusty and shame worthy by my personal standards, so we'll see if I can get a better hang of it before I post up anything to share lol.

Also, my cats are ridiculous. Artie (the young orange one) knows how to open the door to the studio, so we installed locks JUST TO KEEP THE CATS OUT. If we forget to latch it, he'll either come or go but then my poor old lady cat who's eye sight and memory aint what it used to be will take a wrong turn on her way back from the litter box and find herself suddenly outside, cold and very confused until we come rescue her. They're conspiring, I know it. Dusty's getting old, I'm getting worried about her health, but such is life I suppose. :C Hopefully I still have a few years on her.

Speaking of old, my birthday's in nine days. XC Fffffff. Quarter of a century officially. I WILL BE ABLE TO RENT A CAR LOL.

OTHERWISE. *DeviantDead is going fantastically! Everyone is so wonderfully enthusiastic and this round's matchups make me all sorts of hot and bothered all around. Who I'm rooting for personally aside, it really comes down to the comics people put on the table for me and my judges to read. This is my first time being on THIS side of a contest or tournament, and I can say how interestingly easy it is to "put on my judge hat" and forget the artists/authors involved and let it just be an intimate meeting between me and their characters and the stories they craft. I'm pretty sure Auditions will be remembered as the most intense, judging wise, but I'm sure once a lot of the crust is cut away and we're down to the later rounds where established characters now really are tight in your heart it'll get more difficult. Will be getting those SE events in order as soon as I have my wits about me enough to orchestrate it properly. (See above.)

Also I think I'm ready for a new journal layout but I'm not sure of WHAT yet. Suggestions welcome since you guys gotta stare at it too.

Will wrap up those last commissions once I have enough free time to sit and draw without feeling like there's something wrong with me or I'm going to pass out. I'm just glad I've managed to start doing loose doodling at least at times, that's better than the last few weeks where I was doodling NOFFINK.