FA+
Shop
Changing Times (Affects all commissioners)
8 years ago
Hello all!
Just as a warning, this journal is going to be a bit of ranting followed by an announcement. The rant is just general info about my situation so there is some good background information in there, but if you just want to skip to the announcement, you can scroll down to the asterisks below.
Within the last week, the sequence of events has gone like this:
1. My Dad's cancer, which they thought they'd successfully removed, has instead spread to "many different places" around his abdomen. We're waiting for biopsies.
2. My desktop bricked. Apparently for my motherboard, the ASUS x99 deluxe, this is basically what they do. Mine has actually been functioning longer than they do for most people who ever had one. I can either buy a refurbished one for a ridiculous amount or I can get a different motherboard, but I'd have to sacrifice my processor because almost nobody supports it.
3. My Grandpa had a stroke. It was minor and he's back home now, but it was still disruptive especially along with everything else.
4. My Wacom Mobile Studio and some strange setting within the (increasingly and embarrassingly terrible) Windows 10 recent updates list that don't like each other. I spent several days diagnosing and attempting to fix the problem before my tablet was in functioning order again.
In regard to numbers 2 and 4, I have to say I've been having a truly distressing amount of issues in relation to my computers and, most especially, Windows 10 and it's wanton forced dispensations of garbage updates. It seems like I literally can't go 1 day without a system message popping up telling me it's time for my morning prayers to the Update Gods. I can at least make it so I have control over the updates, which many people don't have access to depending on which version of the OS they bought. But when I ignore the messages, they start coming more and more often until I can't stand it anymore. I really don't need my OS wagging its finger at me like an old granny every fucking morning.
Windows has always had a bad track record with many of their update practices and certain versions of the OS have been generally despised, but usually you can at least use an earlier version until a better upgrade is ready (e.g. me using XP all the way up until decent reviews started coming out for Windows 7.) I have used Windows since the days of 3.1, when I could only boot to windows through DOS. In all my time working with computers and art, I have never seriously considered leaving Windows until now, and I have to be perfectly honest, with the way things are going lately, my Steam library is the only thing keeping me with them even now.
Overall, I've had a pretty troubling holiday. I'm sorry I'm behind again on BLFC commissions, I will be working hard trying to get them out by early next week. I'm also very sorry that there haven't been much in the way of updates on my Patreon page. Things kinda ground to a halt, so I've got to get some momentum back. I'm going to be doing a YCH to hopefully get back on my feet and get moving forward again, and afterwards I will also be opening for commissions. This brings me to the announcement.
* * *
I need help. It's as simple as that. I don't work well alone, I need other people to be involved and working around me to make me feel like I've got more of a purpose than just drawing at my computer. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE doing art. It's just extremely hard to do when I'm depressed and overworked fixing computers and talking with commissioners and doing my accounting, and every time it takes longer and gets more complicated and by the time I'm done, I've spent hours working but I haven't gotten any art done. I can't keep doing things this way.
I've spent a while in talks with some non-artist (but still furry fandom) folks and I've been testing with some other artists. I'm bringing on an agent (which will not be news to some of you,) and I've got some people now to help me with accounting, IT, and posting to my online accounts.
This is the big one: I'm also bringing on a colorist. I tried to do this some years ago and the other artist and I were not really a good fit. I decided I wouldn't try again until I had already found someone who was good to work with. I believe I have found that artist, and I will be making introductions soon. Outside of the furry fandom artists often work with an assistant (or several) or they work collaboratively with other artists. Even some of the best furry art has come from collaborative efforts. I think I will be happier, and the art will be better, if I try to create a similar situation for myself.
Obviously this is not an easy decision for me, and I know that a lot of people out there won't be happy that I'm generally not coloring my own art anymore. Let me just say, I will still be the art director and the drawings (anatomy, poses, and expressions) will still be up to my standards. And if anything I really believe that after we've worked together and gotten used to the workflow, the shading will be better than mine ever was. I've never been happy with my shading style; those of you who have watched me for a long time will probably have noticed that shading is the least consistent thing about my artwork. Simply put, I'd like to focus on making my drawings, the anatomy, poses, expressions, etc, better, and honestly I'd rather give my drawing to someone who I can trust to take it and make it better than I'd have time to myself.
I will still announce when I open for commissions and update art as Tsaiwolf, but the commission itself will be handled through a new joint account, to be announced.
* * *
F.A.Q.
(is it bad to call a section a FAQ section when nobody has probably asked me these things yet?)
Q: Will you ever color again?
A: Yes. I just don't want to have to color everything all the time anymore. I will probably frequently color my own sketches that would not be released as a finished piece of art and also do color designs for characters and scenes.
Q: Will your art get worse or look less finished?
A: No. I'm very particular about the style and I've found someone who looked at my art process, then turned around and on the first attempt did it better than I had.
Q: What about the Patreon you just started, what happens now?
A: I know that due to circumstances, some beyond my control and some not, I have not had as strong a start with Patreon than I had originally hoped. With extra hands to help I will continue to maintain the Patreon account, and will be able to spend some more time streaming. However I will be working with my colorist even on comics and similar projects in the future, so Patreon would no longer be supporting just me, but me and my team. I don't know how long it will be before you'll see collaborative work on the Patreon, but I'll keep everyone updated as much as possible.
Q: Will you still interact with us now that you've got an agent?
A: Yes! I've had to figure out some workarounds until I can get my desktop PC fixed, but currently I can still stream. Though some things (comics especially) would be only privately available for streaming to Patrons, I also want to do public streams. I'm sorry that I will probably be less available for chatting with people on Telegram, but I'm at the point where I'm getting a bit inundated with random greetings and people wanting to know when commissions are going to open (most of the time I don't know, it depends when I finish the ones I'm trying to work on now.) So if you get on the streams, I'll be able to respond to questions from the chat. Moreover, with help on the backend I think I will be able to stream quite a bit more often and at different times throughout the day and night. You might even be able to hear my beautiful voice!
Q: Does this mean your prices will be going up?
A: For the moment, no. Hopefully with 2 people working on it, we should be able to get more work done in the time allotted, so my current prices should stretch a bit farther. We may end up making minor price changes later on but nothing is currently planned.
Q: Will this lengthen the time it takes to get commissions done now that you will be doing collaborations for the time being?
A: The opposite! In theory we will be able to get twice as much art done as I can alone. Possibly more now that I can hopefully spend less time thinking about some of the other aspects of running a business.
Q: Do you have any examples of art you have done with them?
Yup! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/24088502/
Just as a warning, this journal is going to be a bit of ranting followed by an announcement. The rant is just general info about my situation so there is some good background information in there, but if you just want to skip to the announcement, you can scroll down to the asterisks below.
Within the last week, the sequence of events has gone like this:
1. My Dad's cancer, which they thought they'd successfully removed, has instead spread to "many different places" around his abdomen. We're waiting for biopsies.
2. My desktop bricked. Apparently for my motherboard, the ASUS x99 deluxe, this is basically what they do. Mine has actually been functioning longer than they do for most people who ever had one. I can either buy a refurbished one for a ridiculous amount or I can get a different motherboard, but I'd have to sacrifice my processor because almost nobody supports it.
3. My Grandpa had a stroke. It was minor and he's back home now, but it was still disruptive especially along with everything else.
4. My Wacom Mobile Studio and some strange setting within the (increasingly and embarrassingly terrible) Windows 10 recent updates list that don't like each other. I spent several days diagnosing and attempting to fix the problem before my tablet was in functioning order again.
In regard to numbers 2 and 4, I have to say I've been having a truly distressing amount of issues in relation to my computers and, most especially, Windows 10 and it's wanton forced dispensations of garbage updates. It seems like I literally can't go 1 day without a system message popping up telling me it's time for my morning prayers to the Update Gods. I can at least make it so I have control over the updates, which many people don't have access to depending on which version of the OS they bought. But when I ignore the messages, they start coming more and more often until I can't stand it anymore. I really don't need my OS wagging its finger at me like an old granny every fucking morning.
Windows has always had a bad track record with many of their update practices and certain versions of the OS have been generally despised, but usually you can at least use an earlier version until a better upgrade is ready (e.g. me using XP all the way up until decent reviews started coming out for Windows 7.) I have used Windows since the days of 3.1, when I could only boot to windows through DOS. In all my time working with computers and art, I have never seriously considered leaving Windows until now, and I have to be perfectly honest, with the way things are going lately, my Steam library is the only thing keeping me with them even now.
Overall, I've had a pretty troubling holiday. I'm sorry I'm behind again on BLFC commissions, I will be working hard trying to get them out by early next week. I'm also very sorry that there haven't been much in the way of updates on my Patreon page. Things kinda ground to a halt, so I've got to get some momentum back. I'm going to be doing a YCH to hopefully get back on my feet and get moving forward again, and afterwards I will also be opening for commissions. This brings me to the announcement.
* * *
I need help. It's as simple as that. I don't work well alone, I need other people to be involved and working around me to make me feel like I've got more of a purpose than just drawing at my computer. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE doing art. It's just extremely hard to do when I'm depressed and overworked fixing computers and talking with commissioners and doing my accounting, and every time it takes longer and gets more complicated and by the time I'm done, I've spent hours working but I haven't gotten any art done. I can't keep doing things this way.
I've spent a while in talks with some non-artist (but still furry fandom) folks and I've been testing with some other artists. I'm bringing on an agent (which will not be news to some of you,) and I've got some people now to help me with accounting, IT, and posting to my online accounts.
This is the big one: I'm also bringing on a colorist. I tried to do this some years ago and the other artist and I were not really a good fit. I decided I wouldn't try again until I had already found someone who was good to work with. I believe I have found that artist, and I will be making introductions soon. Outside of the furry fandom artists often work with an assistant (or several) or they work collaboratively with other artists. Even some of the best furry art has come from collaborative efforts. I think I will be happier, and the art will be better, if I try to create a similar situation for myself.
Obviously this is not an easy decision for me, and I know that a lot of people out there won't be happy that I'm generally not coloring my own art anymore. Let me just say, I will still be the art director and the drawings (anatomy, poses, and expressions) will still be up to my standards. And if anything I really believe that after we've worked together and gotten used to the workflow, the shading will be better than mine ever was. I've never been happy with my shading style; those of you who have watched me for a long time will probably have noticed that shading is the least consistent thing about my artwork. Simply put, I'd like to focus on making my drawings, the anatomy, poses, expressions, etc, better, and honestly I'd rather give my drawing to someone who I can trust to take it and make it better than I'd have time to myself.
I will still announce when I open for commissions and update art as Tsaiwolf, but the commission itself will be handled through a new joint account, to be announced.
* * *
F.A.Q.
(is it bad to call a section a FAQ section when nobody has probably asked me these things yet?)
Q: Will you ever color again?
A: Yes. I just don't want to have to color everything all the time anymore. I will probably frequently color my own sketches that would not be released as a finished piece of art and also do color designs for characters and scenes.
Q: Will your art get worse or look less finished?
A: No. I'm very particular about the style and I've found someone who looked at my art process, then turned around and on the first attempt did it better than I had.
Q: What about the Patreon you just started, what happens now?
A: I know that due to circumstances, some beyond my control and some not, I have not had as strong a start with Patreon than I had originally hoped. With extra hands to help I will continue to maintain the Patreon account, and will be able to spend some more time streaming. However I will be working with my colorist even on comics and similar projects in the future, so Patreon would no longer be supporting just me, but me and my team. I don't know how long it will be before you'll see collaborative work on the Patreon, but I'll keep everyone updated as much as possible.
Q: Will you still interact with us now that you've got an agent?
A: Yes! I've had to figure out some workarounds until I can get my desktop PC fixed, but currently I can still stream. Though some things (comics especially) would be only privately available for streaming to Patrons, I also want to do public streams. I'm sorry that I will probably be less available for chatting with people on Telegram, but I'm at the point where I'm getting a bit inundated with random greetings and people wanting to know when commissions are going to open (most of the time I don't know, it depends when I finish the ones I'm trying to work on now.) So if you get on the streams, I'll be able to respond to questions from the chat. Moreover, with help on the backend I think I will be able to stream quite a bit more often and at different times throughout the day and night. You might even be able to hear my beautiful voice!
Q: Does this mean your prices will be going up?
A: For the moment, no. Hopefully with 2 people working on it, we should be able to get more work done in the time allotted, so my current prices should stretch a bit farther. We may end up making minor price changes later on but nothing is currently planned.
Q: Will this lengthen the time it takes to get commissions done now that you will be doing collaborations for the time being?
A: The opposite! In theory we will be able to get twice as much art done as I can alone. Possibly more now that I can hopefully spend less time thinking about some of the other aspects of running a business.
Q: Do you have any examples of art you have done with them?
Yup! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/24088502/
As for your art, I love your style and the way you draw anatomy. So if giving the task of colouring to another means you can focus on your great anatomy thats fine by me. Hopefully means I can one day commission you if you are able to open up again too :3
I really hope everything gets better for you and that life treats you better! I'm excited to see the new coloring style (if any) that will be taking place from now on! Since you're the art director, I'm sure it's gonna be stellar as usual :3!
My thoughts are with you.
But until Adobe and whoever makes Sai port their products to Linux I know it might not be an easy choice for a lot of artists, unless they're willing to be adventurous and give the great Krita a shot. But I totally sympathize with not wanting to change an entire workflow and learn new software. There's no easy answer. :[
I saw the samples from you and your new colorist. I've got to say they look great.
Concerning Windows and it's failures. Microsoft isn't renowned for being artist friendly. I;ve heard that Mac's are pretty good, but it's all down to what you think is best. I'd suggest that if you like to game on PC that you start preparations on getting a set up with soemthign other than Windows, for your art set up, and keep, repair and update your old Windows PC, for gaming. Plus, so long as you keep the files on both for your art programs up to date, it will mean you have a back up while getting the other taken care of. It's costly, but might create better security for you in the future. If you can afford it of course.
Working with a team is all well and good, but try to remember that many of us follow and support YOU, and not anyone else on the team. If we don't like their art then depending on them too heavily could lead to some if not many of your supporters walking away. I'm sure many of us will give them a chance, especially considering how the piece you linked to showing us an example of them colouring your work, is practically indistinguishable. It's clear to me (non-artist) that there's something different about it, but nothing to obscenely obvious, so regardless of what I've just said, I think you'll be fine. Just something to be weary of as you try this particular new venture. Though it's worth keeping in mind that some people will walk at first but return soon after, when they've adjusted to the idea. You might already have experienced it already, so don't let it dishearten you, just as you'll have to adjust to working with this team, some of us will have to adjust to the work not being 100% yours. Just be sure to remember we, following you here and those supporting you via Patreon, are doing so for your work, not the work of others. Though the decision you've made is perfectly understandable considering the circumstances that have befallen you and those you love.
Now about your FAQ. The question about colouring, doens't answer whether you will still colour people's commissions or whether you'll accept coloring a commission when requested. I'd suggest expanding on your answer to address that.
Isn't it possible to start a group Patreon with your current Patreon account? I'm not familiar with Patreons inner workings so I wouldn't know, but if so I'd suggest setting a group one up, advertised on the joint account you plan to reveal, and retain a basic separate Patreon to be used more as a tip jar.
I think you and the persons your working with need to discuss how to separate commissions that you will solely be working on, what they will solely be working on and what you will do together.
Questions: Is this "team" going to end up like a website like HardBlush in the future? Now that you're working with a colorist that as you put it "did it better than I had" do you think that over time you'll learn to reach what you see as their skill level in the areas you feel lacking and, should your future go well, lead to you no-longer needing the team (talking a potentially distant future here)? If so what will become of the team (assuming you're all still working well together that is)?
Also when you reveal who these anonymous team members are, would you mind elaborating on what made you feel they were suitable for the job and why you feel you can work with them. Maybe even give a general explanation as to why you feel you'll succeed with these individuals where you, essentially failed in the past. It would be interesting to hear from all sides about the team dynamic and how it's forming in the team's early stages.
Regardless tsaiwolf, I truly do wish you and your loved ones the best, and hope everything gets sorted out, and everyone's health improves. Just know we'll be here to offer you our emotional support if you need it
As for how people feel or if a loss in watches happen, I can't be too concerned with that. My commissioners and supporters come first and I feel I have not been delivering so I'm making changes so I can. I haven't had an unwatch since I posted this journal. I think in the end people don't care if one person makes a piece of art or if 10 people do. They just want the art and probably don't think too hard where it came from.
At the time being due to technological limitations and what I want to focus on, I will not be having Tsaiwolf only commissions. I want to focus on posing, anatomy, expressions, etc. I will be learning shading techniques from my colorist but my goal is do excellent lines and start working on my Deep Breaths comic.
Like HardBlush? Not sure what you mean. Launching a pay-to-view website isn't on my radar. I'd rather make printed materials to sell. Getting into the digital paysite business has never interested me and I doubt it will in the future.
I've known the colorist for a year now and I feel they would make a good colorist based on their coloring. He's also reliable and passionate about furry art like I am. Beyond that, I'd rather just say my intuition.
Thanks for the support!
Hmm, you're probably right. Though I know that I'd care to know, as I may specifically want to see my commission done by you and not have anyone else involved, because of personal preference. After all I might find that I like what you created alone be my preference for what you create with your team. Doesn't mean I and others like me are against their involvement, just we like to know ahead of time. I'm assuming that your commissioners have each been asked, in case they didn't see this journal, and their feelings have been considered in regards to their commissions?
Understandable, though I hope soemtime in the future, once the technical difficulties are dealt with, that you'll be able to focus on improving in every area. And I hope you and this colourist will be able to help one another grow and prosper in your artistic pursuits, as times goes on.
Right on the money with your first guess there. Though I'm not sure how you feel about Patreon exclusivity. Personally I'm okay if an artist does timed exclusivity, then later releases it publicly, but if you add comic to the mix I'd say a 3 way act is in order. That say to say it starts off Patreon exclusive for a time - lets say a year, and then is made available for purchase via digital download for a year, and then is made public accessable afterwards with links to your PayPal and Patreon so that we can at least tip you for the work if doing so take sour fancy. I only push for digital downloads because, personally I'm not too keen on having a physical copy of many things that I like...namely those of a pornographic nature because, it's hard to keep them out of sight of those you want to keep out of the loop.
It's good that you've known them for a year and I assume you've worked with them to a degree to know you both work well together? Regardless it's clear your reasoning is for choosing them is as sound as it can be, short of becoming a God with infinite knowledge of all things and as such just "knowing" that they're the perfect team mate.
Always happy to offer support, and well wishes. Especially during times of distress. Thank you for being so open with us and open to any potential criticism of this move, even after going through such hardships. Such willingness to take counteractive points on board is rare under normal circumstances, but under your currently stressful situation, its' generally impossible to encounter. You are to be commended for you tremendous capability as an individual (I honestly can't think of the word I'm looking for here, to say what to truly commend you on, so sorry about that. It'll come to me in 2024 I sure).
Take care of yourself and keep us posted.