Reflecting on the Past Twelve Months

And so the new years is upon us. For many a time of celebration and reflection. Now a days it's really just another night for me. I don't party, I work two jobs, so even though I have tomorrow off I'm just sitting in watching MST3K on youtube and drawing. Not that I'm complaining. But if you're off celebrating tonight be sure to stay safe and have fun!

I noticed others filling out those 'year in review' art summaries that tend to float around on Deviant Art so I thought I'd fill one out too and take a look back at the artwork I've done and things I've accomplished this year. Blank template here.

I think this year I really worked on experimenting with different media, both traditional and digital, and I’ve really come to love both even more than before. I also pushed myself in how much work I can get done in a short time with the “31 Days of Horror Art” project I did over October; as well as the Steampunk Comic and Alencia comic.

I re-launched “Or Maybe Not” as a web comic, although I admittedly left it unattended for most of the year due to working. However I hope to give it more attention this new year, as well as digging into my Alencia comics even more! I also started my Synesthesia painting blog which could also use some more attention. Those paintings really help me explore and share my Synesthesia as well as explain it to others.

Art has always been a light in my life, something I can fall back on and find comfort in. A lot of gloomy things have happened this year that have attempted to break my spirit, or my heart, or sometimes both. But time and time again I have to look past those things, brush them off, and march forward. I have too many things that I want to do let the bad stuff keep me down. And even though I have to keep telling myself this, I keep listening. Because I have to hold onto the light that art gives me, and I have to create, and keep improving, because I know if I do then I can propel myself forward into more desirable situations (and jobs).

It's hard to keep positive, even though there are plenty of people in the same boat as me. When looking up at my peers who made the plunge and picked up and moved to go chase their dreams while I stick around here slugging it out in retail it can be hard to see a bright side. However... I have plans. Goals. Things that I want to see come into fruition, things to create and publish and nurture and grow into something special. So, there will be plenty to look out for from me in 2013. I plan on rocking this year.

So with that, here's some Dio. My motivational music muse as of late *fist pump*


I'd also like to thank you all for following me and enjoying my art. Don't be afraid to comment or drop me a line some time. I won't bite :)
Have a great new years guys!

Christmas Eve Doodles

I got to see Rise of the Guardians today. I highly suggest it. Great movie! For the rest of the evening I did some more dip pen practice.

We've got Theolyn trying to get a mistletoe smooch from Alencia, Spork Bunny drying off, and an annoyed Seraphim (member of the super hero team Spork Bunny is a part of).

I'm really loving the dip pen. I think I may have to start using it for comic pages...

Dip Pen Revival

Hey Everyone! I've been really busy with work lately but I had a chance to sit down tonight and do some practice inking with my dip pens. It was really good to use them again and I think I'm falling back in love with them :P Here's the result of tonight's practice.

Just a little scene with Alencia, Theolyn, and the this guy. Looking at it now I think I should have bent his wing forward a bit to better show that he's making a 'wall' between them and Theolyn. I also should have made the letters on 'HEY' thicker. I know I have a name for the demon guy but I have to find where I wrote it down... He becomes important to her story later~

I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday season, whatever you celebrate! <3

Gravedigger

I've been playing around with ideas for a new character so I thought I'd draw her out tonight while doing some Manga Studio inking practice.

She's a grave digger from a small town who decided she wanted to be a treasure hunter. She's got a southern twang to her voice and is very muscular from years of digging graves and manual labor around the cemetery. More of her to come~

(She also needs a name, suggestions are welcome.)

Fluid Lines

Hello all! I've been really busy with work lately but today I had time to practice inking with Managa Studio. I decided to finish up a Kale sketch and then give inking it a go.

I am really loving this program so far <3 You can check it out here. I'm using the EX 4 version. If you're interested in getting the program be sure to join the newsletter to get special deals and offers. That's how I got the Black Friday sale deal (paid $30 instead of $300).
I love a good deal. Speaking of which, if you're still looking for some unique gifts this holiday season I still have illustrations and comics up at my Etsy store including copies of 'Kale: Lost & Found' and 'Alencia: A Noble Deed.'