I spent ages thinking the first one was the 2012 one. Oh dear.
Looks amazing, congratulations on the improvements and changes you have made in your time!

is it bad I like the second one better? the 2012 one?

it isn't bad, but as long as you can find a reason as to why
the older version looks better. xD because i don't see it but others may.

to me it looks more raw and expressive less rigid and more stylized. Slam me if I said something you didn't like. I'm just weird I hate my line work but I love my sketches because to me they always look more expressive. ^^ So its not personal.

Much more flowing.

thanks =]

You're welcome.

I should dig up something from 2012 and do this.

also your one from now looks way better than the one from 2012, the one from 2012 looks generic and like it could be from... anyone, but the one from 2015 is much more distinct, and is something I would instantly recognize as yours. What I'm saying is, YOU'VE IMPROVED BUNCHES LIKE holy cow

^this
You can definitely tell that you've developed your own style. Whenever I see your art before seeing who's uploaded it I go, "oh hey, looks like Mei's art..."

You have a better grasp on angles and proportions too!

rtewsgfdsgd oh gosh thank you so much it truly means a lot to me
even if i don't say so ;m; i am just shy and always want to improve.

ohmygoshthankyou!!! ahhhh /m\
I'd definitely love to see you do one of these that would be excellent!!
Itssoicancomplimenttheshitouttayoutoo<3

AAAAAND to add to the heap of good comments this is 100% proof one can have amazing progress and be self taught!
Too many folks beat themselves down for not being able to afford school. I keep saying it's possible with determination and elbow grease, this is proof.
You kept going and drawing, all your hard work has paid off. :3

Excellent job, I'm looking forward to seeing even more progress as the years go by

_{hhhhhh THANK YOU<33};m;

wow

There's a distinct improvement in your line control and flow.

you really improved a lot

Thnx for posting this Mei ^_^ and the very supportive words, I'm currently going through that feeling atm, and it's awesome to hear from one of the artists I love that although it's a long road you do get better, as evidenced by your side by side image which is lovely by the way, both sides of it. I'm always in awe of how you make it looks so easy and have been able to find your own style, and hope that with the practice, perseverance and evidence that you do improve although it seems you take such tiny steps that I'll hopefully get better too. ^_^

Thnx again for posting this and as always, awesome work, you've come far and achieved much, and I hope as being self taught as well, I can manage to achieve something similar.

This is an awesome then and now piece!
The interesting thing is you can tell how your comfort with lots of anatomy has changed, the hands/feet and tails are all more detailed. your posing and proportions look like you aren't trying as hard to hide the parts you don't feel comfortable with anymore.
They're both awesome in their own ways. I think the reason the 2012 one might get better reviews some people is it looks more vibrant, color wise, and people tend to find vibrant and saturated colors more appealing a lot of the time. At the same time, the overall proportions and structure is totally out of the ball park in the 2015 piece. They're both most definitely you.

Thank you very much for doing this, i was going to wait till my next paycheck ( had to be out of work a few days this one from being sick so this one is gonna suck ) and then commission you to redo this pic anyhow just to see how your style had changed. Guess i should wait another year and try again just to keep this concept alive :p