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Smoochagrams: What Are They?
2 years ago
So way back when like Elementary School days for me, we had this thing that we did on Valentine's Day where the students would buy lolligrams for each other, which were just like lollipops that were handed out. It was just like a social event for the students to like show each other they cared. At the time, I thought it was sharing love because I was a dumb six year old who didn't care about socializing so much, so I didn't participate because I didn't literally love anyone in my class! Knowing who I am now, I don't know, that's funny to me!
But yeah so that was like the initial inspiration for this project which is now within single digits of being 200 images deep. I want these smoochagrams to be little moments where two (or more) people share a moment of love for each other and even if the feelings that inspired it don't last, it's something small that's worth recalling that reminds us of what we owe to each other. A little care, a little support, a little recognition of what's worth protecting in each other.
That's what they are, and I'd like to take a little time to express what they aren't since I've had some situations where people have misinterpreted their purpose. They are not:
- apologies to people whom you've wronged
- icebreakers for people you don't know
- fantasy fulfillment for people who've explained their feelings to you but you want a intimate drawing with them anyway (like seriously. A character design could be the most idealized version of themself and just imagine what that does to someone when they see their character with you, when they've already told you they don't see you that way)
Sooo.... yeah. I thought this would be longer... uhm.... how are you? Have you drank enough water today? Are you doing alright? Don't forget to take care of yourself!
But yeah so that was like the initial inspiration for this project which is now within single digits of being 200 images deep. I want these smoochagrams to be little moments where two (or more) people share a moment of love for each other and even if the feelings that inspired it don't last, it's something small that's worth recalling that reminds us of what we owe to each other. A little care, a little support, a little recognition of what's worth protecting in each other.
That's what they are, and I'd like to take a little time to express what they aren't since I've had some situations where people have misinterpreted their purpose. They are not:
- apologies to people whom you've wronged
- icebreakers for people you don't know
- fantasy fulfillment for people who've explained their feelings to you but you want a intimate drawing with them anyway (like seriously. A character design could be the most idealized version of themself and just imagine what that does to someone when they see their character with you, when they've already told you they don't see you that way)
Sooo.... yeah. I thought this would be longer... uhm.... how are you? Have you drank enough water today? Are you doing alright? Don't forget to take care of yourself!
Thank you for being so considerate and responsible by outlining the inappropriate uses for these delightful images, too!
Drinking all the water on your suggestion.
Yeah of course! It saves me time and makes it clear that I can't be your social lubricant.
Now hold on! Not all the water! What will Jesus walk on?!
It almost makes me relate to the world's parents.
You've made a fair point. I will only drink all the fresh water currently existing in rivers, lakes, artificial reservoirs and swamps, leaving the significantly larger bodies of salt water for Jesus to travel along.
Furthermore, precipitation will eventually refill some of the desiccated waterways.
BUT quality control and desire to keep prices low are two competing forces and I had to have people on my twitch stream that I wasn't being fair or loving to myself, which was a fair criticism!
I think I've hit a good balance where they are now with respect to quality, price, and loving myself during them!
Moments of tenderness between two people who already have a deep connection are often overlooked in modern society in favor of either flashier or more austere things. We rarely see people truly just being good friends, people in the middle of deep and committed relationships who love and support each other, people finding strength in one another. With how dark and cynical things have gotten lately, such things are a vital lifeline, reminding us of the three things that remain: "Faith, Hope, and Love. And the greatest of these is Love."
I tend to agree, sort of! Maybe this project was a little because of that, but not consciously!
I just wanted to make something nice that anyone could get! x) And I'm glad that people can pull so many things from something that started out so simple.
Sincere I think is the right word. I like it when people show affection, but sometimes it feels untrue even if unintentionally. I always ask the person buying this gift for the person they love or care for to describe their feelings for the person!
Sometimes it's commitment to a person.
Sometimes it's horny.
Sometimes it's complicated and can be uncomfortable.
But as long as your feelings are honest I'll have something to draw for you!
I think you do that well.
Seeing your explanation here is really giving the pieces even a deeper scope and message, though they stand strong by themselves if one misses your words on them.
Keep it up, please - your series is inspirational and comforting!
I will continue this project in perpetuity for the foreseeable future.
A question though: You have a colour palette for each of the characters. Is that from client discussion or even characters fur colours or do you pick on warm and cool colours from your impression?
I have something wholesome and heart wrenching I want to convey.
And that's my favorite kind!