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An Artist: Who Am I? (art rant)
10 years ago
Dumb journal title is dumb. Dumb question is dumb.
But after this past month of having surgery and thus not being able to draw... with all that time to rest and be bored, looking through my art and looking through the art of people I watch in my submissions alert box... And now, in the past week, getting back into commissions and drawing... I've begun to re-evaluate not only my art, not just my art "skills", but myself as an artist- what art I do, what KIND of art I do, should do, will do, have done, could do...
I don't know, but I feel like I'm in the middle of something... idk, a change? A rebirth? A discovery? Or maybe not even that great or noble or idealistic, maybe I'm in the middle of something a lot worse and don't even realize it yet. I just feel like I've taken a HUGE step backwards from what I "usually do" and am looking at what I COULD do. What I CAN do. And wondering how different it is from what I've done in the past, if that's okay, how much different I can/should go, what I should "try" and the art I could do, if only.
This doesn't just apply to the subject of my art. I don't mean like I've been drawing too many ferals, or too many felines, or too much cartoony, etc. I look at the style of my art, the essence... But mostly, I look at the art I've been studying for the past month and have begun to notice something. Notice how a lot of artists, well... have their own unique style. People find new artists here, look at their pieces and uploads, and comment something along the lines of "wow, what an amazing style!" "Beautiful work!" "So unique!" "I love it!" And I'm not saying this is a bad thing at all, nor am I saying I haven't been complimented like this before. It's a great thing and I've had a lot of kind words sent my way over the years.
But it makes me wonder- am I limited to a certain "style"? Not just as an artist with freedom of creativity and ideas and expression, but as an artist who takes commissions. I mean, I don't know about you, but when I look at an artist and think about getting a commission from them, I picture what that piece might look like, having seen what the artist has done before in their "style" and "methods" and the like, from how they frame the anatomy and proportions and expressions to how they render their pieces. So I've been taking a step back and doing this to my own art, my own gallery- if I wanted to "commission" myself, how do I imagine the piece would look?
And, once I have imagined this... Is this a good thing, or a bad thing? That I see a certain "look" coming from it? Because there's a part of me that says, yes, and it's almost essential for what I do- I have commissioners who look at my art, purchase commissions from me, and thus would probably expect a result that fits in with the style of my gallery. They wouldn't commission me because they saw my cute chibi art, and then suddenly get a piece back in a completely different style than what I've displayed or experimented with before. I mean, that's where the whole idea of "watching" someone comes from, yes? You find an artist and enjoy their style, their anatomy and expression of art, and you watch them to see more of that art.
I know I'm ranting, but I really needed to get this out- even if it's just for me to put into words and think about in a more tangible sense than just weird, nagging feelings and strange impulses to look at my art and imagine it differently. There are some parts of me- very strong parts- that look at my art and say "I don't want to be this artist anymore, I want to do things differently, I want to have a different style, a different way to draw." I look at some of my ref sheets I've done, for example, and see that I've done them in various ways- from majorly realistic with plantigrade or near-planti feet- to chibi and with hyper-toony expressions and body types. I've done my best in the past to be able to draw it differently, depending on what each of my commissioners wants. If someone wants a ref sheet done by me but they want their character to look super realistic, serious, and human-like, well, I try and do just that. But if I get a commissioner who says they want something "super toony and cute!" of course I try and alter the piece to suit that request.
I guess ultimately I wonder, "is there a "style" that I "possess" for the "majority" or near-majority of my work?" "Is this a good thing or a bad thing?" "should I try new things or keep to what I've been doing?" How does this all fall into place or work with the very essential factor of commissioners- the fact that I don't just want/need to draw, I want/need to draw in order to attract and keep customers. Because as much as I love art, as much as I love drawing and as much, SO much, that I love the furry community and drawing everyone's amazing and beautiful character... at the same time, I have to be realistic, because it's not 100% about just the art. Not how I'm in it for, at least. It's also very much about commissioners and being able to sell my art in a way that is both appealing and desirable to enough of an audience that I can continue to grow as an artist through continuous, non-stop creations.
During the time that I've been slowly getting back into art, re-connecting with commissioners and those still interested in pieces by me, I've had more time to sit back, recover with pain pills, and think. And think. And think about not just why a person commissions me, but what they ultimately expect from me- and, as a result, what I expect from myself. When you see a movie released by Steven Spielburg, for instance, there are many people who will go see it because they know the kinds of movies he makes, and like those kinds of movies. Or those who really enjoy romantic novels, when they see a romantic novel by an author they love, even if they've heard nothing about it they will still pick it up and purchase it to read- because they know they like that person's material, the style of that writing, and the content that the story provides. But what if you go see a Spielburg movie and it turns out to be the new "From Justin to Kelly"? Or you pick up the romance author's book only to find yourself reading a dark and post-apocalyptic horror-thriller?
So how is art any different? How am I, as an artist, any different from Steven Spielburg as a director, or an author as an author? When sending my pieces "to market", as it were, I am appealing to an audience of people who purchase such material because they know they like it, they are familiar with the style and feel and look and production and make of that product. What were to happen if I was to change "the artist that I currently am" into... I don't know, something else?
...I'm getting a bit off-topic.
Anyways, isn't it the same to me, as an artist? Do I have a certain "style" that people enjoy, that they believe and rely upon when making a decision to commission me? I would mostly assume so- but because of this, is it acceptable, is it better or worse, to try and look at my own art differently, try some new things, see where that can take my art and skills?
When I first started to take art seriously, back in college, I told myself, after every sketch made and every page turned or new canvas created, that what I created right now would be better than what I had just finished creating. Even if it's something small, I would never stop making progress or improving upon what I'd already done. "I could've drawn the paws better on that last piece- I'll study the next one longer and make them look better." "The proportions of the legs and arms weren't great last time... I could definitely do better. This time, they'll be more accurate!" This was essential and I kept to this mantra as best as I can. But "improving", I've realized, is such a vague term that I'm not even sure it applies anymore- at least, not in the original context I'd applied it as. I can continue "improving"- but instead of climbing up, in one direction, perhaps I can climb up in a different direction? Can I try new things, look at my art in a different ways, take different twists and turns... and still look at myself as an "artist", or even as someone who can close their eyes and think "The artist, Tigger... Tigger's art is _____. Tigger's art looks like ____ and has a ____ style, with a sort of ____ feel to it."
Do I have a dislike towards this mentality? No, I don't think so. I have the same thoughts and ideas towards many artists I know of- when I think of their name, instantly some of my favorite pieces by them come to mind, and my brain sort of "sorts" them all together into a pile of "Artist A" and "Artist B", of their "style" and how their art is done and what feelings and emotions each artist's group of pieces make me feel or think. How should that be any different of my own art?
One of the things I love most about this website, and this community, is its openness to new ideas, to free-thinking- and to change. When something is different than what a person is used to, in the real world, the response is generally negativity, uneasiness, perhaps even resistance. It's different than what they're used to, therefore it needs to be avoided, or at the very least kept away. But not this community. Not furries. See something different, something new? Instant curiosity, instant acceptance, instant change and room for growth and expansion of thought and practice. Even if someone "isn't into that" or "doesn't really go that way"- which is quite widespread, especially among fetishes or even just taste or preference- there's still the "hey, it's your life, do what makes you happy" acceptance and allowance for change which makes this community stand out to me. Perhaps this strikes me so much because I've lived in a household for so long where being different in thinking, feeling, or liking things, has always been met with "that's weird, don't do that. That's why you don't have friends."
...Getting off-topic is fun!
But seriously. Gah. This rant is going on WAY longer than I initially wanted to.
I guess the end result of all of this, the "tldr" as you will...
Where am I going with my art?
Can I change this? Should I change this? What will happen if I do- keeping in mind the importance of "style" and "artistic freedom" or "creativity" in regards to commissioners and watchers? If I suddenly start uploading different art, will I lose watchers/commissioners? Will I gain them? Will I change as an artist... and will it be for the better or for the worse?
And then...
HOW do I go about trying new things? When so much has already been done, when I've been working with the same thought and style that I've done for so long, how does one go about changing and trying new things and exploring? I started off, soooo long ago, drawing lions in TLK style. However, as I matured, I grew to dislike and actively avoid trying to "copy" the TLK style. There are lots of great artists out there, but it makes me a little sad when so many of them spend 99% of their art copying, imitating, replicating, PERFECTLY, the style of a movie or a comic or some other artistic style that's already been set and made famous. Yes, it's amazing to see and many people WANT to see it, want to see their character re-created in the style of this or that famous movie or comic book saga... But does it allow room for individuality? Creative freedom? I'm not so sure about that. So I tried new things... but even though I drew new species, new poses and new settings... I'm not sure if my "TLK" roots have completely left me.
Now, I don't want my "roots" to leave me, not entirely, of course. It's important to always remember where you came from, how you started, and how that's helped shaped you as an artist today. But in a way, I wonder if it's like what I'll be doing in two months' time (spoiler alert)- leaving my parents' house to go live on my own. Am I still living in TLK-Style's house? I'll be moving out of their house soon and even though I've aged into a young adult under the roof of TLK, growing into my own person, I still somehow feel bound to that style, to that way of life. When I move out... into my own apartment in two months' time, to live and start a new life by myself, and live and change and grow how I see fit... How will I change as a person? As an artist?
...Metaphors are fun!
Super long journal is also super long.
And with that, I've run out of jokes.
Thoughts are appreciated, of course, just as every single comment, favorite, and watch is. I love every single one of you from the bottom of my heart. Even if you didn't or can't or won't read this, the fact that this journal popped up in your submission feed is enough. It means you saw something I created... and said to yourself, "yes, I want to see more of this." And that touches me. And helps me to keep waking up in the morning, wondering and challenging myself and doing everything I can to see what kind of artist, what kind of person, I can become.
Until next time, when commissions open again, when I've been able to understand what it means to truly be an artist... when I've run out of cheesy and dorky-poetic things to say (HA! like that'll ever happen)...
Until then.
Ya'll are awesome.
Thank you.
<3
-Tigger
But after this past month of having surgery and thus not being able to draw... with all that time to rest and be bored, looking through my art and looking through the art of people I watch in my submissions alert box... And now, in the past week, getting back into commissions and drawing... I've begun to re-evaluate not only my art, not just my art "skills", but myself as an artist- what art I do, what KIND of art I do, should do, will do, have done, could do...
I don't know, but I feel like I'm in the middle of something... idk, a change? A rebirth? A discovery? Or maybe not even that great or noble or idealistic, maybe I'm in the middle of something a lot worse and don't even realize it yet. I just feel like I've taken a HUGE step backwards from what I "usually do" and am looking at what I COULD do. What I CAN do. And wondering how different it is from what I've done in the past, if that's okay, how much different I can/should go, what I should "try" and the art I could do, if only.
This doesn't just apply to the subject of my art. I don't mean like I've been drawing too many ferals, or too many felines, or too much cartoony, etc. I look at the style of my art, the essence... But mostly, I look at the art I've been studying for the past month and have begun to notice something. Notice how a lot of artists, well... have their own unique style. People find new artists here, look at their pieces and uploads, and comment something along the lines of "wow, what an amazing style!" "Beautiful work!" "So unique!" "I love it!" And I'm not saying this is a bad thing at all, nor am I saying I haven't been complimented like this before. It's a great thing and I've had a lot of kind words sent my way over the years.
But it makes me wonder- am I limited to a certain "style"? Not just as an artist with freedom of creativity and ideas and expression, but as an artist who takes commissions. I mean, I don't know about you, but when I look at an artist and think about getting a commission from them, I picture what that piece might look like, having seen what the artist has done before in their "style" and "methods" and the like, from how they frame the anatomy and proportions and expressions to how they render their pieces. So I've been taking a step back and doing this to my own art, my own gallery- if I wanted to "commission" myself, how do I imagine the piece would look?
And, once I have imagined this... Is this a good thing, or a bad thing? That I see a certain "look" coming from it? Because there's a part of me that says, yes, and it's almost essential for what I do- I have commissioners who look at my art, purchase commissions from me, and thus would probably expect a result that fits in with the style of my gallery. They wouldn't commission me because they saw my cute chibi art, and then suddenly get a piece back in a completely different style than what I've displayed or experimented with before. I mean, that's where the whole idea of "watching" someone comes from, yes? You find an artist and enjoy their style, their anatomy and expression of art, and you watch them to see more of that art.
I know I'm ranting, but I really needed to get this out- even if it's just for me to put into words and think about in a more tangible sense than just weird, nagging feelings and strange impulses to look at my art and imagine it differently. There are some parts of me- very strong parts- that look at my art and say "I don't want to be this artist anymore, I want to do things differently, I want to have a different style, a different way to draw." I look at some of my ref sheets I've done, for example, and see that I've done them in various ways- from majorly realistic with plantigrade or near-planti feet- to chibi and with hyper-toony expressions and body types. I've done my best in the past to be able to draw it differently, depending on what each of my commissioners wants. If someone wants a ref sheet done by me but they want their character to look super realistic, serious, and human-like, well, I try and do just that. But if I get a commissioner who says they want something "super toony and cute!" of course I try and alter the piece to suit that request.
I guess ultimately I wonder, "is there a "style" that I "possess" for the "majority" or near-majority of my work?" "Is this a good thing or a bad thing?" "should I try new things or keep to what I've been doing?" How does this all fall into place or work with the very essential factor of commissioners- the fact that I don't just want/need to draw, I want/need to draw in order to attract and keep customers. Because as much as I love art, as much as I love drawing and as much, SO much, that I love the furry community and drawing everyone's amazing and beautiful character... at the same time, I have to be realistic, because it's not 100% about just the art. Not how I'm in it for, at least. It's also very much about commissioners and being able to sell my art in a way that is both appealing and desirable to enough of an audience that I can continue to grow as an artist through continuous, non-stop creations.
During the time that I've been slowly getting back into art, re-connecting with commissioners and those still interested in pieces by me, I've had more time to sit back, recover with pain pills, and think. And think. And think about not just why a person commissions me, but what they ultimately expect from me- and, as a result, what I expect from myself. When you see a movie released by Steven Spielburg, for instance, there are many people who will go see it because they know the kinds of movies he makes, and like those kinds of movies. Or those who really enjoy romantic novels, when they see a romantic novel by an author they love, even if they've heard nothing about it they will still pick it up and purchase it to read- because they know they like that person's material, the style of that writing, and the content that the story provides. But what if you go see a Spielburg movie and it turns out to be the new "From Justin to Kelly"? Or you pick up the romance author's book only to find yourself reading a dark and post-apocalyptic horror-thriller?
So how is art any different? How am I, as an artist, any different from Steven Spielburg as a director, or an author as an author? When sending my pieces "to market", as it were, I am appealing to an audience of people who purchase such material because they know they like it, they are familiar with the style and feel and look and production and make of that product. What were to happen if I was to change "the artist that I currently am" into... I don't know, something else?
...I'm getting a bit off-topic.
Anyways, isn't it the same to me, as an artist? Do I have a certain "style" that people enjoy, that they believe and rely upon when making a decision to commission me? I would mostly assume so- but because of this, is it acceptable, is it better or worse, to try and look at my own art differently, try some new things, see where that can take my art and skills?
When I first started to take art seriously, back in college, I told myself, after every sketch made and every page turned or new canvas created, that what I created right now would be better than what I had just finished creating. Even if it's something small, I would never stop making progress or improving upon what I'd already done. "I could've drawn the paws better on that last piece- I'll study the next one longer and make them look better." "The proportions of the legs and arms weren't great last time... I could definitely do better. This time, they'll be more accurate!" This was essential and I kept to this mantra as best as I can. But "improving", I've realized, is such a vague term that I'm not even sure it applies anymore- at least, not in the original context I'd applied it as. I can continue "improving"- but instead of climbing up, in one direction, perhaps I can climb up in a different direction? Can I try new things, look at my art in a different ways, take different twists and turns... and still look at myself as an "artist", or even as someone who can close their eyes and think "The artist, Tigger... Tigger's art is _____. Tigger's art looks like ____ and has a ____ style, with a sort of ____ feel to it."
Do I have a dislike towards this mentality? No, I don't think so. I have the same thoughts and ideas towards many artists I know of- when I think of their name, instantly some of my favorite pieces by them come to mind, and my brain sort of "sorts" them all together into a pile of "Artist A" and "Artist B", of their "style" and how their art is done and what feelings and emotions each artist's group of pieces make me feel or think. How should that be any different of my own art?
One of the things I love most about this website, and this community, is its openness to new ideas, to free-thinking- and to change. When something is different than what a person is used to, in the real world, the response is generally negativity, uneasiness, perhaps even resistance. It's different than what they're used to, therefore it needs to be avoided, or at the very least kept away. But not this community. Not furries. See something different, something new? Instant curiosity, instant acceptance, instant change and room for growth and expansion of thought and practice. Even if someone "isn't into that" or "doesn't really go that way"- which is quite widespread, especially among fetishes or even just taste or preference- there's still the "hey, it's your life, do what makes you happy" acceptance and allowance for change which makes this community stand out to me. Perhaps this strikes me so much because I've lived in a household for so long where being different in thinking, feeling, or liking things, has always been met with "that's weird, don't do that. That's why you don't have friends."
...Getting off-topic is fun!
But seriously. Gah. This rant is going on WAY longer than I initially wanted to.
I guess the end result of all of this, the "tldr" as you will...
Where am I going with my art?
Can I change this? Should I change this? What will happen if I do- keeping in mind the importance of "style" and "artistic freedom" or "creativity" in regards to commissioners and watchers? If I suddenly start uploading different art, will I lose watchers/commissioners? Will I gain them? Will I change as an artist... and will it be for the better or for the worse?
And then...
HOW do I go about trying new things? When so much has already been done, when I've been working with the same thought and style that I've done for so long, how does one go about changing and trying new things and exploring? I started off, soooo long ago, drawing lions in TLK style. However, as I matured, I grew to dislike and actively avoid trying to "copy" the TLK style. There are lots of great artists out there, but it makes me a little sad when so many of them spend 99% of their art copying, imitating, replicating, PERFECTLY, the style of a movie or a comic or some other artistic style that's already been set and made famous. Yes, it's amazing to see and many people WANT to see it, want to see their character re-created in the style of this or that famous movie or comic book saga... But does it allow room for individuality? Creative freedom? I'm not so sure about that. So I tried new things... but even though I drew new species, new poses and new settings... I'm not sure if my "TLK" roots have completely left me.
Now, I don't want my "roots" to leave me, not entirely, of course. It's important to always remember where you came from, how you started, and how that's helped shaped you as an artist today. But in a way, I wonder if it's like what I'll be doing in two months' time (spoiler alert)- leaving my parents' house to go live on my own. Am I still living in TLK-Style's house? I'll be moving out of their house soon and even though I've aged into a young adult under the roof of TLK, growing into my own person, I still somehow feel bound to that style, to that way of life. When I move out... into my own apartment in two months' time, to live and start a new life by myself, and live and change and grow how I see fit... How will I change as a person? As an artist?
...Metaphors are fun!
Super long journal is also super long.
And with that, I've run out of jokes.
Thoughts are appreciated, of course, just as every single comment, favorite, and watch is. I love every single one of you from the bottom of my heart. Even if you didn't or can't or won't read this, the fact that this journal popped up in your submission feed is enough. It means you saw something I created... and said to yourself, "yes, I want to see more of this." And that touches me. And helps me to keep waking up in the morning, wondering and challenging myself and doing everything I can to see what kind of artist, what kind of person, I can become.
Until next time, when commissions open again, when I've been able to understand what it means to truly be an artist... when I've run out of cheesy and dorky-poetic things to say (HA! like that'll ever happen)...
Until then.
Ya'll are awesome.
Thank you.
<3
-Tigger
I don't think that the issue is really just down to whether or not you continue working in a TLK-inspired style, or your current style. I don't even think it's an issue of what repercussions would come from you changing your style (would you gain/lose watchers?). What this really sounds like is that you are looking for new challenges because you're a professional that cares about her craft and you realize that you might not be pushing yourself too much right now. It's natural, and it is a very good indicator that you are indeed growing and that it's time to infuse something fresh and mix things up.
Does this mean you have to stop the "style" that you currently have? No, I don't think it does. And not because you may win or lose followers by doing so (I honestly don't think that should ever be a driving force for any creative, that personal growth and exploration is more important and that as long as it's done well then the attention will follow, but that's just my own outlook, heh). But you can do things like try working in a different style and offering commissions where the customer is aware that you are doing something experimental and there isn't much of a guarantee as to what will result. We already know that it will be good because you've made it plainly obvious that you care about delivering quality work, so I wouldn't stress about that too much--I think people would be willing to take the risk if the idea is interesting enough. :)
One thing that can be really fun to do is to try and mash up two ideas that shouldn't really go together and see what results. I kind of see the digital paintings where people did realistic interpretations of Pokemon as fitting into this category--taking a cutesy cartoon character that normally elicits a, "D'aww!" reaction and then making it completely terrifying by trying to bring it into reality. Case in point: http://8wayrun.com/attachments/tumb.....500-jpg.28564/
You can also challenge yourself to produce a specific feeling or idea in several different ways and see what you come up with. Back in design school I had one studio professor who would always give us the most vague assignments (and a stupid short time frame to do them), but I credit that studio for helping me to grow considerably. One of the first assignments we had was to "design and produce grey," and immediately after he gave us the due date he walked out of the class so we couldn't ask any questions. It was tough, sure, but it really gets you thinking after a while!
For me I have always felt like I had this problem from a different angle. In any of my creative pursuits I struggle to identify what my own style is, and I crave variety so much in everything I do that I wonder if I can settle on any one thing long enough to have a definitive style. Of course, I also don't really draw on a regular basis (something I wish I had kept up, ugh) so I have to look more to my DJ mixes than anything to see the clearest example of a style of any sort emerging. :P
Keep up the good fight, though, and be sure to make time to pursue your own growth and interests! I'm sure you will find others who enjoy your new exploits just as much as the style they originally followed you for. Shoot, I'll probably be one of them. :)
Thanks so much for all your words... I was able to read them before I when to bed last night and had a lot of time to think them over. And I gotta say, the idea of experimental commissions has me... EXCITED. I'm super interested and eager to try that out and I've already begun working out a game plan for my next commission batch to be low-priced experimental commissions. I just... It makes me really happy to think that not only can I try some new things, but I can do so in a fun and engaging way that can still involve interacting with my commissioners. I suppose that's one of the things that worried me about 'trying something new', I didn't want to alienate my watchers or make them feel like I was moving away from them. But this is an insanely cool idea that I WILL be trying out. I can't wait!
Haha yeah, a few friends and I did fun things like that when we had our "art parties" in college. We got bored of just sketching randomly in a group, so we always came up with new and fun twists to do with our drawings as a group, and I gotta say those art parties really helped influence my art in a positive way. I'll try doing some more of that on my own!
Though I will say I had a class almost exactly like yours, about the "produce grey" and no explanation. Unfortunately... sounds like your professor was 1000% better a teacher than mine was. He would say something like SUPER vague like "show me existentialism" and then follow it up with "oh but it has to be 3D". He was an artist who preferred to work in 3d medium and so never accepted anything he didn't like. Pretty soon the class became "throw random crap together and then make a speech in front of the professor about how it means something super deep and meaningful and get As" which was incredibly disappointing to me. As much as I loved my college, I hated the art professors there for being biased and never really caring about a student's individuality and unique creativity- but only about how well their students could imitate the styles they liked. Oh, boy, do I have stories...
But enough about that! I'm under no limitations to be creative and try new things and I think I will. :) I really really appreciate your response and being so caring about it all, and y'know what? I really, REALLY enjoyed watching you perform at this past TFF with the glow sticks and dancing, and I dang sure hope I get to see you do it again next year, it was one of my favorite parts of the whole con. You are very talented and I love how creative and inspirational you are in your own way! Thank you so much for being so awesome!
Yay, glad the experimental commission idea is an exciting one for you! :D I can't claim complete credit for it as I've seen a few other artists do something similar (with fursuit commissions, mostly), but it does seem like it would be a fun way to expand your style and still be able to keep the commissions coming through it. I hope it works out well for you and I can't wait to see what comes of it! :)
While not really a deviation from style, I once crowd-sourced a creature to get some tablet drawing practice, and while it was quite a challenge it was also a bunch of fun: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10592171/ I couldn't do challenges like that all the time, but they really do help shake things up and make you do things you wouldn't do otherwise. Kind of like commissions! :P
Oi, sorry to hear about the crummy professor(s). :( The prof I had never stipulated exactly what medium we had to use to do any of our projects, though he sometimes did toss some rules into the mix. One of the more challenging projects was to "Design and produce 15 seconds." We had to have a work that, once activated, would last for exactly 15 seconds on its own (and it couldn't be digital or use a clock or anything). I ended up getting two wavy 6-foot pieces of wood trim and made a ramp for a marble. Figuring out the precise elevation to keep the marble on the tracks for 15 seconds (and not going so fast that it flew out of the groove between the two pieces) took forever, ha ha ha. Sounds like we could totally swap design school stories sometime, heh.
Ha, I'm glad you enjoyed my flailing around with glowy things at TFF, and thank you for recording video and stills of it! And wow, one of your favorite parts of the con? Wooo! Thanks so much for all the kind words and such! :D Thank *you* for being awesome as well!
Oh, and yes, I am totally going to be at TFF next year. *Hopefully* with a different suit, but we'll see. It will be weird to attend TFF without bringing Kaynus (if the Nullstrukt suit is done in time), but living in NC I can only fly with one suit, so...yeah. We'll have to hang out and chat (and flail around to dance music)! :)
Haha gosh, that looks like fun! XD More of a "no rules, no limits" kinda thing, ain't it? Who cares if it doesn't "make sense", if ya had fun making it, then it makes all the sense in the world~
That project sounds so much fun, oh my gosh... So creative and different! Unfortunately I only had one professor like that during my college career, and she unfortunately left after my first year. But she's still one of the reasons I still have a positive view on the field of animation, even with all the negativity I've lived through trying to get into it. We definitely need to swap stories some time! Next TFF, once I'm done watching your glowy dance, you'll have to sit with me in the artist alley and we can chat. ^^
Whatever "it" is you're thinking about doing with your art, I'd like to see it.
Remember the first commission I got from you? Here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15514706/
I had to push you a bit to do a different background. It's still one of my favorite pieces. So...
Try it!
I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me that not only you enjoy the first thing I made for you, but that you've kept coming back to me to help bring your amazing creations to life. It's been such a cool and exciting experience and I'm thrilled to know that it's only just begun! My gallery will soon be drowning in all your epic creations, and I couldn't be prouder. Thank you (and I'll be getting back to work on 'em soon, promise! ;P) and dangitall if you're not the floofiest and coolest (hah a pun) snow lion I ever met! Hope to see you again this upcoming AFM and can't wait to get this next batch of pieces up and running for ya as soon as I can~ You rock! 8D
Basically, if you feel like you want to pursue something, you should definitely do it C:
(Though, my view on the matter might be a little skewed, as I'm someone who never got really popular with commissions and I've already stopped trying to attract people "by force". Now I'm mostly creating for myself, and if someone happens to be interested in that- I'm doubly happy!)
Either way, it's a good view to have and to consider other views, as well. c: I'll keep doing my best to make my art both enjoyable to make and enjoyable to see. I guess only time will tell how that all turns out- but I'm sure it'll be one heck of a ride and I'm glad you have ya on board. <3