so basically I need robot hands. I haven't been able to create for a month+! here's a fun update and painful advice ヽ(‘ ∇‘ )ノ hi all my new followers!

over the course of september, my carpal tunnel condition has worsened to the point where I had to quit my day job (ecomm/warehouse cutting fabric + lifting all day) because I couldn't physically do my job anymore. I have carpal tunnel in both of my wrists, but worse in my dominant hand. my grip is leaving me, making me super clumsy. holding a pen (and drawing/writing in general) is extremely painful and awkward for me currently, especially since I'm going numb in my middle and ring fingers. so there has been less art!

I've had carpal tunnel for about 3 years, I had symptoms when I was around 15 and got diagnosed at 16. the condition made writing in school very difficult, to the point where I had to ask to type most of my written assignments because it became too painful. it became one of the many reasons why I opted to get my ged. after finishing school and having a few months of rest before working, it seemed to not haunt me on a daily basis and I pushed having it to the side. overworking myself at my job and improper posture in my freelance art (and just daily life) really aggravated it and my symptoms are worse than they've ever been. numbness and tingling and some funny electric pain all up your arm is just not quite right!

I've tried everything from heat/ice, massage, compression gloves, and acupuncture. if I'm covered by insurance, I will hopefully be seeing a neurologist to see if there is any nerve damage and either otp for steroid shots or potential surgery, which would put me out of commission for work and any use of my hands for maybe 6 weeks. this is obviously a bit disconcerting and I am trying not to worry myself to death and find some sort of other emotional outlet. dragonball z helps a lot, but it just isn't the same as drawing a cute demon lady.

going through all of this terror has really made me want to solidify a point in every creative I know: TAKE CARE OF YOUR HANDS. visual artist, musician, cook, cleaner, gamer, anyone - take breaks, invest in ergonomic tools and stretch yourself. listen to your body. being so young and developing this condition from overworking myself is quite scary. I know you love your tablet and cutting your 72 badges out just right, but remember to stretch, your hands will forgive you.

just wanted to post an update here, I know I have grown less frequent in posting in general, but if I'm not able to post for another month and a half I figured I should say why! commissions will be closed indefinitely, and will hopefully reopen in a month or so.

I'll be posting more on instagram/twitter hournoon if you guys want to see what I'm up to with the suffering. hopefully I can just regrow new hands or something. I'll figure it out.