Update: Raffle Closed

Please read this journal carefully for a chance to win!

Looking back to my upload titled "Branded," I hinted to the presence of foreshadowing. In the story, the main character entered into a raffle despite the odds being stacked against him. Much to his surprise, he was the "lucky" winner; but to many, luck may not be the best word to describe what followed. The twisted events of the story resulted in a witch transforming him into an animal against his will. As the title of this journal suggests, that could be you! But more details on that later. I love hiding easter eggs within my uploads, and hinting to this raffle is one of many. "Branded" alone has three references hidden in the story and one in the image. However, some of the references are a little less obvious. The date of my first upload, which was exactly a year ago today, is my birthday. I wanted the inception of my time as an artist on this platform to be symbolic with the dawn of my time on this planet. Some of these easter eggs stand out more than others, but a constant remains: no one has pointed out any of these references. So if perhaps the RNG is not favorable with the raffle, I may have to do something special for the first person to point out any of the more obscure easter eggs. If you enjoy searching for that kind of stuff, I'll give you a hint and say there's at least two minor ones in this journal. Happy hunting :P

A few years ago I wanted to pursue digital art, but the only thing I had available to me was an old phone with a stylus. One day, I downloaded a free art program and started playing around with it. After I learned how to use it, I decided I would try my best to draw something. For my first project, it didn't turn out too bad and I actually enjoyed myself during the progress. I continued drawing for a year and a half, but I didn't see much progress. I learned that I wasn't taking enough risks and jumping out of my comfort zone with art. I didn't want to risk failure, but failing is the most effective way to learn. I was afraid to draw anything 3-dimensional because I knew perspective is extremely difficult. I pushed through the struggle of learning and the result of my efforts was the first drawing I uploaded, "Transformational Thrills." I honestly did not expect it to be well received by others, but my expectations were blown out of the water. With that newfound energy, I felt invigorated with the inspiration to continue getting better.

As my art style continued to develop, I started learning how to add more detail into my drawings. I found ways to ensure my progress would not slow despite drawing on a seven year old phone. However, I knew at some point that I would need to upgrade, which was fair to think considering I had to charge that phone three times a day. I eventually acquired an iPad and selected Procreate as my program of choice. I immediately noticed that program was much more refined than the one I was using, which gave me the freedom to improve more. Once I felt my art was consistent, I wanted to try my best at coloring. I constantly struggle with it, and in many ways I'm still unsatisfied with the results.

I have my fair share of personal issues and I knew from the start that my insatiable sense of perfectionism is both my greatest tool and largest obstacle. On one hand, it pushes me to consistently improve; but on the other hand, it leaves me with a lack of fulfillment after every project. I can't say it's the healthiest way to pursue a passion, but the results certainly show. Unfortunately, even after I see the outcome, I still find some way to discredit myself from feeling any sense of accomplishment. The reason why feedback is imperative to my progression is because the ability to create something that others are able to enjoy is what drives me. I can't find the words to describe how much I value the support, so I chose to do this raffle as a way to give back to the community. However, I must also add something into this journal to make sure it's being read. Below you will find a couple conditions to enter. In order for your entry to be valid, you must also send me a note with the word "progress." I understand that the opportunity for free art is exciting, but I know how often people skip the reading and jump right to the goodies. I appreciate that you are taking the time to read my story, and we'll just have to wait and see where the next chapter goes.

If there's anything I've learned in the past couple years, it's that being an artist is more about personal growth than anything else. Will I persevere once faced with a challenge? Will I push through the frustration and accomplish my goals? I could easily just lay the pencil down and go back to playing video games, so why bother? The beauty of art is to take a blank canvas and turn it into a visualization of one's imagination. I have so many ideas in my head that I want to bring to life through art, but many of those ideas I am reserving for when my skills improve. I understand that the experience I desire will come with time, but there's always that itch, that need for instant gratification; but with art, there is no such convenience.

My most recent project took 60 hours to complete and I pushed myself so hard that I lost my enthusiasm for the drawing. Arguably, it's my best work of art so far, but I don't even want to look at it because I feel fatigued from working on it for so long. My art process is sloppy and inefficient, and I often get discouraged very easily. To answer the question I've received multiple times about doing commissions, the answer will remain no for the foreseeable future. I stress myself out enough drawing as is, and monetary gain would not outweigh the added pressure and responsibility. I wish to preserve art as an enjoyable side hobby and I do not want to see it as a job. However, to those who are interested in a commission from me, there may be hope. This art giveaway allows me the opportunity to gauge how much stress I would experience if I was to take commissions. Depending on the outcome of this raffle, and given my art process becomes more streamlined, perhaps I may change my mind in the future.

What I hope everyone participating in this raffle understands that despite how far I've come, I still have a very long road ahead of me. My capabilities as an artist are still limited, and certain compromises may need to be made. I'm uncertain how complex of characters I'm capable of replicating, but I'll give it my best. I don't have a defined list of what I can and cannot draw, nor what I will or will not do. All these details will be discussed with the winner. Please, have patience with me and expect the finished result to take roughly a month, if not longer to complete. I also want to apologize if this journal is a bit much. This is my first time doing something like this and I wanted to tell part of the story that got me here.

This raffle will end at 11:59 PM EST on Nov. 7th. I will post a journal the following day once the winner has been selected. The winner will receive a note with a congratulations and further instructions. Please respond within 48 hours. If the winner does not respond within the allotted time, they will forfeit their win and I will roll another winner. The winner will receive a full body colored image with a solid color background.

Raffle Entry Instructions

•Make sure you're watching this page, as there is more art to come!

•Leave a comment on this journal discussing what you like about my art so far and what you would love to see in the future.

I wish you all good luck!