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Merry Christmas!
Posted 8 months agoMerry Christmas all! Sorry, bit late to the party, have been dead with food poisioning. Hope all had a good time 030
Posted using PostyBirb
Posted using PostyBirb
Happy Halloween!
Posted 2 years agoHope you all are enjoying, will get to enjoy, or have yet to enjoy this Halloween! I alas have not had much chance to to get in the spooky spirit, though I live vicariously through the many artists doing spooky things!
Tis a season of sweet things, and maybe even if you are too old for trick or treating, or it is not celebrated where you are, I at least hope you were able to indulge yourself with some sweet things. I myself had some pumpkin cake, nom nom!
Life is always kicking me in the butt as far as work goes, so I haven't had much time to indulge all my hobbies, especially art. I had a dream about a spooky woman that I was going to draw out (I call her the faceless bride), but I didn't get the chance, alas.
I've been indulging in music recently, which I've unfortunately left neglected. It's been a journey over the last few months; I finished composing my first new song in 11 eleven years (!!!), I've relearning my DAW and had fun experimenting with midi routing from my software of choice, and exploring virtual instruments, mixing and the like. I want to finish a few more pieces (perhaps including some rewrites of old songs, I found my ever piece from 2007, much cringe!), then I need to decide where to host (thinking YouTube and SoundCloud at the moment, not sure what other hosts are suitable).
Currently I'm cataloguing and sorting through all my pieces, then I may draw some more. I miss the times of being a student where I had all the time to develop my hobbies, now I have no time at all :')
That's it, take care all, much love <3 <3 <3
Tis a season of sweet things, and maybe even if you are too old for trick or treating, or it is not celebrated where you are, I at least hope you were able to indulge yourself with some sweet things. I myself had some pumpkin cake, nom nom!
Life is always kicking me in the butt as far as work goes, so I haven't had much time to indulge all my hobbies, especially art. I had a dream about a spooky woman that I was going to draw out (I call her the faceless bride), but I didn't get the chance, alas.
I've been indulging in music recently, which I've unfortunately left neglected. It's been a journey over the last few months; I finished composing my first new song in 11 eleven years (!!!), I've relearning my DAW and had fun experimenting with midi routing from my software of choice, and exploring virtual instruments, mixing and the like. I want to finish a few more pieces (perhaps including some rewrites of old songs, I found my ever piece from 2007, much cringe!), then I need to decide where to host (thinking YouTube and SoundCloud at the moment, not sure what other hosts are suitable).
Currently I'm cataloguing and sorting through all my pieces, then I may draw some more. I miss the times of being a student where I had all the time to develop my hobbies, now I have no time at all :')
That's it, take care all, much love <3 <3 <3
Art Schedule
Posted 2 years agoJust wanted to bump that long journal entry off my profile page, it's been there long enough!
Going to try and upload something every weekend on Sunday, whether it's any good, finished or not. Regularity is the key, yup yup!
Going to try and upload something every weekend on Sunday, whether it's any good, finished or not. Regularity is the key, yup yup!
2022 in review; here’s to 2023!
Posted 2 years agoTL; DR: 2022 was a shit year; burnout, depression blah blah blah. 2023 comes with a new home, and hopefully a new beginning! Maybe there’ll even be some art this year!
Season’s greetings to you all! I hope you have all caught a bit of break as we move into the new year. With a new year comes the time (for me anyway) to reflect on the previous year’s events and resolutions and strive forward to being the best version of me I can be. Multiple times I have written about getting back on the art wagon, so to speak. I really thought 2022 would be the year that everything fell into place for me.
2022, however, and especially the last few months, has instead been a difficult period in the long saga that is my life so far. As some know, I work for a small Contract Research Organisation owned by another overseas company as a Research Scientist in Biotech. Working in industry, as opposed to academia, has its perks, including reasonable pay (comparatively) and early-career job stability. However, it is still very much a high-pressure environment, with an emphasis on results. This can mean working well over my contracted hours with no overtime, bundled with a 1-1.5 hour-long commute each way on my part and, to be frank, pretty piss-poor management decisions being made by people who aren’t even in the trenches, which has not made the job any easier. I started the job in 2020, and at first everything was manageable.
But with poor management, came the inevitable staff turnover as people moved on to bigger and better compensating opportunities. But still… the results still need to be created, which means us grunts must pick up the slack. And again, initially it was fine… but it is no exaggeration to say that because of poor management decisions over the past year, we have lost over half of our workforce, and the number of incoming contracts has more than doubled. It doesn’t help that I like to think of myself as a perfectionist, and am also a “yes” man, especially for getting work done.
Things came to a head for me in September where, after having a week-long break from working with a difficult client, I found that upon returning to work; I could barely function. Yes, I was experiencing the dreaded “occupational burnout”. I was just so tired of everything, and looking back, it amazes me how, when you’re in the thick of it all, that I missed all the signs. Constant stress, weight gain, anxiety, lethargy, and depression. I spent most of September absent from work. Even getting up and going to work on many days was an enormous struggle. The on-site management was super supportive in helping me to get back on track and finding ways I could continue work without destroying myself. Unfortunately, their hands were tied by our oversea overlords, who did not really seem to know or care. It took a couple of months for them to even approve a bloody Occupational Health Assessment, let alone even consider any adjustments to make working easier.
The ball did eventually start rolling, though. A cascade of changes is being made companywide next year that will now hopefully make things easier, including some big changes in my own life. I now have flexible working hours and can now proudly say that I am a first-time house owner! I found a New-Build and receive a Mortgage Offer before all the interest rates went to shit here in the UK. I finally have my own space, rather than renting, that I can call my own. With modern build comes modern conveniences such as fibre optic broadband (550 mbps compared with ~30-40 mbps prior), I have everything on my doorstep, and am now only 30 minutes away from work. Which all contribute to making life just that bit more bearable. Now I’m still working the same job, with no pay-rise this year, which is a big F, especially with the increased cost of living this year in the UK (but I guess that sucks for everyone). My next big decision will be whether I stay in the job. I love the work, and I love the people I work with, but I’m hoping the management this year can pull their finger out and get their shit together. In the short term, I need to save up more money for a bit of stability (difficult for a while after mortgage deposit, solicitor’s fees etc were all paid up), so I’ll have to stick this job out for a while.
I’m hoping, with 2023 round the corner, this’ll be a new start for me to get my life back together.
This brings me to plans with what I’m doing with art, and my creative devours. Because of the above, I have been on a semi-present hiatus for the last few months, with only occasional doodles here and there. With a bit more stability now, I have plans to get productive again, but I must figure out the logistical reality of it, even with an extra hour I now get each day.
However, there is another priority I need to get sorted first, which is my health, both mental and physical. It shames me to say that I have put on hella weight this year, which I had been getting under control before this job but have now well and truly let myself go. I eat terrible food, and a lot of it, and I could never find the time (or motivation) to take care of myself with exercise; something which I used to do a fair bit. There also comes a point, especially with mental health, once the fog clears, that you have to put your foot down and say, “enough is enough”, and start making those steps towards a better version of you.
I will be going back to therapy in January, something I have not done since I was 18, and which, to be frank, is probably long, long overdue. I’ve struggled with lifelong depression and anxiety, and I’m surprised I’ve survived so far as long as I have.
Combining work and self-care into a manageable process is going to take some time for me to figure out, so art won’t be in the picture initially. I’m not even sure I’ll ever have the time to draw the way I used to (on my old accounts, many years ago, so people probably aren’t very familiar). I will not commit to anything in terms of schedule just yet but am just going to build myself up to something steady enough that I can balance everything out.
As for things I’d like to do, art-wise? Some more of the usual lewds, to start with. I want to do more pixel art, which is something I find very calming compared to the usual way I do art. Mobian art is still going to be a stable, but I want to try doing some other non-furry stuff. You may have even noticed a name change on some of my profiles, so I might think of doing something along those themes.
2022 has also been the year of my adopt fever. From the end of 2021 to now I have spent £2,200.37 on 72 characters, average just over £30/$36 a character, and yet I’ve not posted anything with them. A part of me didn’t really want to flood my profiles with pieces drawn by other people, and I wanted to find the time to draw them myself before submitting, yet I never did. I hope to draw them in the future, but there is another immediate problem, which is the amount of money I have now spent. In hindsight, not a brilliant idea to spend all that money, so I’m planning to make it back somehow. I’m not planning to sell any characters I’ve already purchased, but I thought it might be a good idea to sell characters of my own. I have a bunch of sketches already of characters I designed but haven’t done anything with, so hopefully I might do something with them. It is a good creative exercise, but I don’t want to flood my profiles with these adopts. Maybe just an occasional thing. I could also give Commissions a try once I find myself in a more stable position.
I also want to get back to working on music, my other passion. It occurs to me I haven’t released an original composition for many years, and that sucks, because I have quite a lot of unfinished pieces that I hope will see the light of day. Most recently, I’ve released a transcription of the Team Chaotix Theme from Sonic Heroes, based on a version I had done well over a decade ago. I’ve also been reworking the Team Dark Theme from Sonic Heroes (This Machine), which is about 90% there, as well as the Team Sonic Theme “We Can” from the same game. You might see a bit of a theme to these tracks. Anyway, I find transcription stimulates the editorial part of my brain, instead of the creative side, which is something I can enjoy when I am creatively bankrupt. Probably not too many people are interested in music, but it’s something I do more for myself than for other people. I especially want to work on character themes, wouldn’t that be fun?
Anyway, that’s enough for now, I think. I don’t suppose many people will reach this far (gold star for you if you did!). This is more for myself to reaffirm the path forward for me. It really is a journal entry, in the truest sense of the word! I know I am very verbose in my writing (very much like this in my RP days, but that’s another story), but thank you for being along for the ride so far.
Here’s to wishing that 2023 is a much better year! See you on the other side.
Season’s greetings to you all! I hope you have all caught a bit of break as we move into the new year. With a new year comes the time (for me anyway) to reflect on the previous year’s events and resolutions and strive forward to being the best version of me I can be. Multiple times I have written about getting back on the art wagon, so to speak. I really thought 2022 would be the year that everything fell into place for me.
2022, however, and especially the last few months, has instead been a difficult period in the long saga that is my life so far. As some know, I work for a small Contract Research Organisation owned by another overseas company as a Research Scientist in Biotech. Working in industry, as opposed to academia, has its perks, including reasonable pay (comparatively) and early-career job stability. However, it is still very much a high-pressure environment, with an emphasis on results. This can mean working well over my contracted hours with no overtime, bundled with a 1-1.5 hour-long commute each way on my part and, to be frank, pretty piss-poor management decisions being made by people who aren’t even in the trenches, which has not made the job any easier. I started the job in 2020, and at first everything was manageable.
But with poor management, came the inevitable staff turnover as people moved on to bigger and better compensating opportunities. But still… the results still need to be created, which means us grunts must pick up the slack. And again, initially it was fine… but it is no exaggeration to say that because of poor management decisions over the past year, we have lost over half of our workforce, and the number of incoming contracts has more than doubled. It doesn’t help that I like to think of myself as a perfectionist, and am also a “yes” man, especially for getting work done.
Things came to a head for me in September where, after having a week-long break from working with a difficult client, I found that upon returning to work; I could barely function. Yes, I was experiencing the dreaded “occupational burnout”. I was just so tired of everything, and looking back, it amazes me how, when you’re in the thick of it all, that I missed all the signs. Constant stress, weight gain, anxiety, lethargy, and depression. I spent most of September absent from work. Even getting up and going to work on many days was an enormous struggle. The on-site management was super supportive in helping me to get back on track and finding ways I could continue work without destroying myself. Unfortunately, their hands were tied by our oversea overlords, who did not really seem to know or care. It took a couple of months for them to even approve a bloody Occupational Health Assessment, let alone even consider any adjustments to make working easier.
The ball did eventually start rolling, though. A cascade of changes is being made companywide next year that will now hopefully make things easier, including some big changes in my own life. I now have flexible working hours and can now proudly say that I am a first-time house owner! I found a New-Build and receive a Mortgage Offer before all the interest rates went to shit here in the UK. I finally have my own space, rather than renting, that I can call my own. With modern build comes modern conveniences such as fibre optic broadband (550 mbps compared with ~30-40 mbps prior), I have everything on my doorstep, and am now only 30 minutes away from work. Which all contribute to making life just that bit more bearable. Now I’m still working the same job, with no pay-rise this year, which is a big F, especially with the increased cost of living this year in the UK (but I guess that sucks for everyone). My next big decision will be whether I stay in the job. I love the work, and I love the people I work with, but I’m hoping the management this year can pull their finger out and get their shit together. In the short term, I need to save up more money for a bit of stability (difficult for a while after mortgage deposit, solicitor’s fees etc were all paid up), so I’ll have to stick this job out for a while.
I’m hoping, with 2023 round the corner, this’ll be a new start for me to get my life back together.
This brings me to plans with what I’m doing with art, and my creative devours. Because of the above, I have been on a semi-present hiatus for the last few months, with only occasional doodles here and there. With a bit more stability now, I have plans to get productive again, but I must figure out the logistical reality of it, even with an extra hour I now get each day.
However, there is another priority I need to get sorted first, which is my health, both mental and physical. It shames me to say that I have put on hella weight this year, which I had been getting under control before this job but have now well and truly let myself go. I eat terrible food, and a lot of it, and I could never find the time (or motivation) to take care of myself with exercise; something which I used to do a fair bit. There also comes a point, especially with mental health, once the fog clears, that you have to put your foot down and say, “enough is enough”, and start making those steps towards a better version of you.
I will be going back to therapy in January, something I have not done since I was 18, and which, to be frank, is probably long, long overdue. I’ve struggled with lifelong depression and anxiety, and I’m surprised I’ve survived so far as long as I have.
Combining work and self-care into a manageable process is going to take some time for me to figure out, so art won’t be in the picture initially. I’m not even sure I’ll ever have the time to draw the way I used to (on my old accounts, many years ago, so people probably aren’t very familiar). I will not commit to anything in terms of schedule just yet but am just going to build myself up to something steady enough that I can balance everything out.
As for things I’d like to do, art-wise? Some more of the usual lewds, to start with. I want to do more pixel art, which is something I find very calming compared to the usual way I do art. Mobian art is still going to be a stable, but I want to try doing some other non-furry stuff. You may have even noticed a name change on some of my profiles, so I might think of doing something along those themes.
2022 has also been the year of my adopt fever. From the end of 2021 to now I have spent £2,200.37 on 72 characters, average just over £30/$36 a character, and yet I’ve not posted anything with them. A part of me didn’t really want to flood my profiles with pieces drawn by other people, and I wanted to find the time to draw them myself before submitting, yet I never did. I hope to draw them in the future, but there is another immediate problem, which is the amount of money I have now spent. In hindsight, not a brilliant idea to spend all that money, so I’m planning to make it back somehow. I’m not planning to sell any characters I’ve already purchased, but I thought it might be a good idea to sell characters of my own. I have a bunch of sketches already of characters I designed but haven’t done anything with, so hopefully I might do something with them. It is a good creative exercise, but I don’t want to flood my profiles with these adopts. Maybe just an occasional thing. I could also give Commissions a try once I find myself in a more stable position.
I also want to get back to working on music, my other passion. It occurs to me I haven’t released an original composition for many years, and that sucks, because I have quite a lot of unfinished pieces that I hope will see the light of day. Most recently, I’ve released a transcription of the Team Chaotix Theme from Sonic Heroes, based on a version I had done well over a decade ago. I’ve also been reworking the Team Dark Theme from Sonic Heroes (This Machine), which is about 90% there, as well as the Team Sonic Theme “We Can” from the same game. You might see a bit of a theme to these tracks. Anyway, I find transcription stimulates the editorial part of my brain, instead of the creative side, which is something I can enjoy when I am creatively bankrupt. Probably not too many people are interested in music, but it’s something I do more for myself than for other people. I especially want to work on character themes, wouldn’t that be fun?
Anyway, that’s enough for now, I think. I don’t suppose many people will reach this far (gold star for you if you did!). This is more for myself to reaffirm the path forward for me. It really is a journal entry, in the truest sense of the word! I know I am very verbose in my writing (very much like this in my RP days, but that’s another story), but thank you for being along for the ride so far.
Here’s to wishing that 2023 is a much better year! See you on the other side.
Twitter!
Posted 4 years agoYes, I made one, RIP.
Thought I might try this social media stuff. Will probably upload sketches there and what not.
https://twitter.com/seikagakudere feel free to add :)
Thought I might try this social media stuff. Will probably upload sketches there and what not.
https://twitter.com/seikagakudere feel free to add :)
Birthday!
Posted 4 years agoWell, another year closer to my eventual demise, and one more year until that big 3-0! There’s been a lot of scary times, but I think I’m finally in a secure enough position for where I want to be in life. At least until the next major disruption.
I’ve been neglecting all you lovelies (<3) with my art, which I’m going to be turning around, I decided. I’ve always been a hobbyist which lead me to a train of though ‘oh, I’ll just draw when I’m motivated.’ Big mistake! My productivity with my hobbies has had some trials, but it’s clear I’m gonna need a more stable hand at the rudder if I’m to be consistent. I had not wanted my art to become “a job”, so I was hesitant to take a firmer hand with my art and scheduling. No more! A delicate balance of the two is the ideal, I think!
So, I’m going to be updating my profile information on a bunch of sites (some new, so if you’re reading this and do not know who I am, now you know :D) and get them all dolled up nice and proper before I begin my quest for world domination! I'm going to be a bit more involved with other people’s art and let’s not forget the people themselves! I’ve added my discord to my profiles (I may regret this, time will tell!), so hit me up anytime!
Please don’t send messages about requests, commissions and what not. I cancelled them all as mentioned in a previous journal, except for a chosen few. I have no plans to open for requests/commissions and the resulting stress that ensues, that I admittedly failed to conquer. I’ve no want to open-up again in the future either, so I’m just keeping it to my close friends for now 😊
May take a while to get everything started and going again. I have to balance everything around my job, IRL responsibilities, and other hobbies. As of late, I’ve been trying to balance them all, but I want art to be my primary focus.
So, please be patient while I get my act together xxx
I’ve been neglecting all you lovelies (<3) with my art, which I’m going to be turning around, I decided. I’ve always been a hobbyist which lead me to a train of though ‘oh, I’ll just draw when I’m motivated.’ Big mistake! My productivity with my hobbies has had some trials, but it’s clear I’m gonna need a more stable hand at the rudder if I’m to be consistent. I had not wanted my art to become “a job”, so I was hesitant to take a firmer hand with my art and scheduling. No more! A delicate balance of the two is the ideal, I think!
So, I’m going to be updating my profile information on a bunch of sites (some new, so if you’re reading this and do not know who I am, now you know :D) and get them all dolled up nice and proper before I begin my quest for world domination! I'm going to be a bit more involved with other people’s art and let’s not forget the people themselves! I’ve added my discord to my profiles (I may regret this, time will tell!), so hit me up anytime!
Please don’t send messages about requests, commissions and what not. I cancelled them all as mentioned in a previous journal, except for a chosen few. I have no plans to open for requests/commissions and the resulting stress that ensues, that I admittedly failed to conquer. I’ve no want to open-up again in the future either, so I’m just keeping it to my close friends for now 😊
May take a while to get everything started and going again. I have to balance everything around my job, IRL responsibilities, and other hobbies. As of late, I’ve been trying to balance them all, but I want art to be my primary focus.
So, please be patient while I get my act together xxx
Life Updates!
Posted 5 years agoIt’s been four months since I last made an entry on any of the sites I’m on. I’ve been absentee (just for a change) for reasons including my job hunt and working on a large writing project (more on that another time)!
I’m happy to report that I now have a job within a similar field as my PhD (Structural Biophysics), which I start on the 14th September. It only took 8 months! This has meant a period of manic activity, including moving and sorting out transportation.
That means I’ll be around less, although I’ve already disappeared for a time! It depends how well I can optimise my schedules and projects.
Concerning art… I’m cancelling all my current requests (except for a few people, a.k.a. my friends on Discord).
The reality is I don’t think I either have the time or motivation to do free art for other people. Time-wise, I’ve got to have enough time to work on my own projects (which I’ve already struggled with beforehand), and it’s a drain to work on art pieces that are of no interest to me.
In all honesty, I’ve taken requests with little discretion in the past because I’m a yes guy. I enjoy making people happy, even if the ideas either bore me or make me uncomfortable. This was a mistake. I forget sometimes that this is only a hobby for me; I have no aspirations of being a professional artist. When you’re weighed down by working on things you don’t want to do, then it ceases to be an enjoyable hobby. If there was money involved, perhaps things would be different, but I would be hesitant even to take money based on my schedules.
So that's all I've got to say for now. Hope you have all been well in these turbulent times >.<
I’m happy to report that I now have a job within a similar field as my PhD (Structural Biophysics), which I start on the 14th September. It only took 8 months! This has meant a period of manic activity, including moving and sorting out transportation.
That means I’ll be around less, although I’ve already disappeared for a time! It depends how well I can optimise my schedules and projects.
Concerning art… I’m cancelling all my current requests (except for a few people, a.k.a. my friends on Discord).
The reality is I don’t think I either have the time or motivation to do free art for other people. Time-wise, I’ve got to have enough time to work on my own projects (which I’ve already struggled with beforehand), and it’s a drain to work on art pieces that are of no interest to me.
In all honesty, I’ve taken requests with little discretion in the past because I’m a yes guy. I enjoy making people happy, even if the ideas either bore me or make me uncomfortable. This was a mistake. I forget sometimes that this is only a hobby for me; I have no aspirations of being a professional artist. When you’re weighed down by working on things you don’t want to do, then it ceases to be an enjoyable hobby. If there was money involved, perhaps things would be different, but I would be hesitant even to take money based on my schedules.
So that's all I've got to say for now. Hope you have all been well in these turbulent times >.<
Commissions? Advice?
Posted 5 years agoHope you are all keeping safe and looking out for one another!
So, given the current situation, my current job search has stalled. I've had several good interviews, but they have put recruitment on hold thanks to the coronavirus.
In the meantime I'm trying to do what I can to keep the Job Centre happy so I have enough to live off the unemployment.
I have had little time or energy for working on personal art and requests recently, but I'm finally considering opening for commissions to supplement my income, which I may make time for. It would at least keep the Job Centre happy?
So I wanted to figure out some answers for:
• People would have any interest in commissioning me? If so, what sort of things would they want? If not, why wouldn't you?
• For people who are taking commissions for their art, do you have any practical advice for entering the fray? Mechanics of payment for commissions, advertising, etc.
Thanks all and continue staying safe and awesome to each other! :)
So, given the current situation, my current job search has stalled. I've had several good interviews, but they have put recruitment on hold thanks to the coronavirus.
In the meantime I'm trying to do what I can to keep the Job Centre happy so I have enough to live off the unemployment.
I have had little time or energy for working on personal art and requests recently, but I'm finally considering opening for commissions to supplement my income, which I may make time for. It would at least keep the Job Centre happy?
So I wanted to figure out some answers for:
• People would have any interest in commissioning me? If so, what sort of things would they want? If not, why wouldn't you?
• For people who are taking commissions for their art, do you have any practical advice for entering the fray? Mechanics of payment for commissions, advertising, etc.
Thanks all and continue staying safe and awesome to each other! :)
Birthday Boi
Posted 5 years agoWHERE'S MY CAKE DAMMIT!?
March 2020 Update
Posted 5 years agoThought I’d make a journal post since it’s been two months since the last one.
First, hope you guys are keeping yourself and others safe during recent events.
Thanks to medication and a bit of self-reflection, things are on the up regarding depression. Not 100 % there, but on the right path! Doubled down on job hunting, which is gonna be especially difficult now given the current climate. Got an interview on Friday at a cancer research institute, so hopefully something will come of that :).
Speaking of cancer, my Nan was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, metastasising after a previous hysterectomy as treatment for endometrial cancer. Doctor’s have given her 2 months, but she’s still in good spirits and hoping she’ll make it for a while yet!
Some may have noticed a few pixel-art pieces in my gallery. I was inspired by
to give it a go, and to be honest it’s really helping with burnout on my usual stuff. I intend to do work on this stuff for a while, for myself, so I can learn to enjoy art again.
If anyone who is expecting requests from me wanted me to make it as pixel art instead, I would be happy to do so :).
First, hope you guys are keeping yourself and others safe during recent events.
Thanks to medication and a bit of self-reflection, things are on the up regarding depression. Not 100 % there, but on the right path! Doubled down on job hunting, which is gonna be especially difficult now given the current climate. Got an interview on Friday at a cancer research institute, so hopefully something will come of that :).
Speaking of cancer, my Nan was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, metastasising after a previous hysterectomy as treatment for endometrial cancer. Doctor’s have given her 2 months, but she’s still in good spirits and hoping she’ll make it for a while yet!
Some may have noticed a few pixel-art pieces in my gallery. I was inspired by
to give it a go, and to be honest it’s really helping with burnout on my usual stuff. I intend to do work on this stuff for a while, for myself, so I can learn to enjoy art again.If anyone who is expecting requests from me wanted me to make it as pixel art instead, I would be happy to do so :).
Just graduated!
Posted 5 years agoI'm a Doctor now. That's a thing, apparently!
A Happy New Year to you all! (Updates!)
Posted 5 years agoI hope this year will be better than the last one.
First, I apologise for my extended absence (again!). I was finally diagnosed with both clinical depression and anxiety, which I’ve experienced most of my adult life (anxiety even longer). I had hoped it would just go away on its own, and I would just “man up” and soldier on it as I had previously done, but it just got worse these last few months.
So now I have gotten myself onto citalopram, and OH BOY IS IT WRECKING MAH SHIT! It’s been about 5 weeks now, and it’s really not done much other than mess with my sleep. Here’s hoping that it may start working soon, otherwise I must find another.
So as a result I’ve been artistically inactive (other than the occasional day of lucidity), so I haven’t gotten around to working on art requests which are due. I know you guys have been waiting patiently (or maybe you have just forgotten), but at the moment I consider the priority to be looking after myself, so you may have to wait longer; I apologise. Instead, I’ve been working on a personal project (for my sanity), which I will share sometime soon (hopefully).
I’ve also been reflecting on previous years and am making my new year resolutions (it’s never too late guys!). One thing I want to do is interact more with people; Especially with my watchers and the people I watch; I confess to being that guy that never comments on anything, as I just don’t feel that strong a need to connect with people (where’re my fellow autists at?!).
So on that note, do you guys have any suggestions for stuff you’d like to see from me this year, once I get my shit together? I wonder what things are popular with the kids these days; I’m pretty out of the loop!
Again, I hope you guys have a great start to this decade, and all the new terrible genres of music it will bring!
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First, I apologise for my extended absence (again!). I was finally diagnosed with both clinical depression and anxiety, which I’ve experienced most of my adult life (anxiety even longer). I had hoped it would just go away on its own, and I would just “man up” and soldier on it as I had previously done, but it just got worse these last few months.
So now I have gotten myself onto citalopram, and OH BOY IS IT WRECKING MAH SHIT! It’s been about 5 weeks now, and it’s really not done much other than mess with my sleep. Here’s hoping that it may start working soon, otherwise I must find another.
So as a result I’ve been artistically inactive (other than the occasional day of lucidity), so I haven’t gotten around to working on art requests which are due. I know you guys have been waiting patiently (or maybe you have just forgotten), but at the moment I consider the priority to be looking after myself, so you may have to wait longer; I apologise. Instead, I’ve been working on a personal project (for my sanity), which I will share sometime soon (hopefully).
I’ve also been reflecting on previous years and am making my new year resolutions (it’s never too late guys!). One thing I want to do is interact more with people; Especially with my watchers and the people I watch; I confess to being that guy that never comments on anything, as I just don’t feel that strong a need to connect with people (where’re my fellow autists at?!).
So on that note, do you guys have any suggestions for stuff you’d like to see from me this year, once I get my shit together? I wonder what things are popular with the kids these days; I’m pretty out of the loop!
Again, I hope you guys have a great start to this decade, and all the new terrible genres of music it will bring!
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Friend selling an adopt!
Posted 6 years agoYa boy is gonna be a Doctor!
Posted 6 years agoThe internal examiner approved my submitted thesis corrections, now all that's left is submission of the hardbound copy to the University library! (MORE FORMS UGHH!). Unfortunately I missed the submission window for July graduation (got corrections approved on day of submission deadline herpaderp!) so I don the robes and throw hats in January next year.
Will try to get back up to speed with art soon, I promise! x.x
Will try to get back up to speed with art soon, I promise! x.x
Thesis corrections have been sent in...
Posted 6 years ago...and now we wait for the results! *tries not to have anxiety attack*
Will probably start drawing again now, unless I get more corrections to do D:
Will probably start drawing again now, unless I get more corrections to do D:
Hiatus >.<
Posted 6 years agoAs some of you know I'm currently making corrections for my PhD thesis, of which I have quite a lot to get through. I had hoped to be done by the end of March, but as is typical nothing works out the way you want it to. My deadline for corrections is 10th June, and with everything else going on I'm starting to fall behind, so I've decided to try and blast through that and not lose my sanity before then.
I'm not not going to be doing much, if any art until then. That means I'll not be taking any more requests. I'm still going to fulfil the requests I have currently taken on, just expect that it may take a bit longer than anticipated.
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I'm not not going to be doing much, if any art until then. That means I'll not be taking any more requests. I'm still going to fulfil the requests I have currently taken on, just expect that it may take a bit longer than anticipated.
Posted using PostyBirb
Happy Birthday
Posted 6 years agoSo many April babies!
Posted 6 years agoMy birthday is a week today on April 9th, just so you know (wink wink nudge nudge so no more!).
In other related good news I've lost my first stone this year. I was hoping to be half-way through my second stone this point, but beggars can't be choosers I suppose. Let's hope to losing at least another 3 stone over the year.
In bad news I'm fed up with making thesis corrections. I wish the earth would just open up... and swallow it. SOS!
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In other related good news I've lost my first stone this year. I was hoping to be half-way through my second stone this point, but beggars can't be choosers I suppose. Let's hope to losing at least another 3 stone over the year.
In bad news I'm fed up with making thesis corrections. I wish the earth would just open up... and swallow it. SOS!
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Busy busy busy...
Posted 6 years agoI may have bitten off more than I can chew with requests... not that too many people are requesting, but because IRL stuff happens. Please be patient as I try and get through them over the coming weeks! That's also why I've not uploaded anything this week. I'll try have something I'm happy with by the end of the day o3o.
Rather than listing queues on my profile I've set up a Trello so I can track what's going on, which I have also made public (NSFW!).
Also gonna post a jam with every journal, because <3 music. Teh metulz!
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Rather than listing queues on my profile I've set up a Trello so I can track what's going on, which I have also made public (NSFW!).
Also gonna post a jam with every journal, because <3 music. Teh metulz!
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New Jams!
Posted 6 years agoHad fun playing around with http://www.gnod.com/ yesterday to find me some new music!
And I found me the greatest song of all time! Also got around to checking out Gentle Giant, and boy does it scratch that prog itch!
Tried with some power metal, and found me some power metal!
Scardust
Allen/Lande
Masterplan
InnerWish
Lords of Black
What about you guys? Any tasty jams or recommendations? :0
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And I found me the greatest song of all time! Also got around to checking out Gentle Giant, and boy does it scratch that prog itch!
Tried with some power metal, and found me some power metal!
Scardust
Allen/Lande
Masterplan
InnerWish
Lords of Black
What about you guys? Any tasty jams or recommendations? :0
Posted using PostyBirb
More fubbernuck!
Posted 6 years agoTL,DR; Health stuff. Driving stuff. I have an ask.fm. Requests still open for now.
So my backs a little bit better now, not more shooting pain down my legs, but I still ache, and still sleeping pretty rough. I feel a bit like Quasimodo at the moment!
My mother has suffered with wet macular degeneration for many years now (she has poor central vision), and at the opticians this week they basically said she's got so much fluid building in her eye that she shouldn't be driving. She's got an appointment at the hospital on Wednesday where they'll give her a proper look over. Thing is, my mother also does a lot of driving for my grandmother, so If things don't go well, that means I'll probably have to drive both of them around to get stuff done. And this is given that I have a driving phobia and have a car a grand total of one time since I passed my test 5 years ago. I'm really not looking forward to getting behind the wheel again. Regardless, I'll probably be booking refreshers some time in the near future o3o. Busy busy busy.
I also have an ask.fm now, so feel free to ask away stuff if you feel so inclined! https://ask.fm/LlamaKingAdaeha. I had a look at curiouscat.me, but the only option for signing up being Facebook or Twitter was a real turnoff.
Also will be working on requests and gifts through-out the weekend. Expect to here from me soon requestees. Requests are still open for the time being, but if I get too many you will probably be waiting a while!
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So my backs a little bit better now, not more shooting pain down my legs, but I still ache, and still sleeping pretty rough. I feel a bit like Quasimodo at the moment!
My mother has suffered with wet macular degeneration for many years now (she has poor central vision), and at the opticians this week they basically said she's got so much fluid building in her eye that she shouldn't be driving. She's got an appointment at the hospital on Wednesday where they'll give her a proper look over. Thing is, my mother also does a lot of driving for my grandmother, so If things don't go well, that means I'll probably have to drive both of them around to get stuff done. And this is given that I have a driving phobia and have a car a grand total of one time since I passed my test 5 years ago. I'm really not looking forward to getting behind the wheel again. Regardless, I'll probably be booking refreshers some time in the near future o3o. Busy busy busy.
I also have an ask.fm now, so feel free to ask away stuff if you feel so inclined! https://ask.fm/LlamaKingAdaeha. I had a look at curiouscat.me, but the only option for signing up being Facebook or Twitter was a real turnoff.
Also will be working on requests and gifts through-out the weekend. Expect to here from me soon requestees. Requests are still open for the time being, but if I get too many you will probably be waiting a while!
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I fubbernucked my back :(
Posted 6 years agoSo theres a small hallway leading into my room from the main hall that has a doorway which is about 130 cm (4 ft 3 in) tall (tis a Medieval Hall House, hurrah for old houses in the UK! *sarcasm*). Clearly this house was built for hobbits, and not for a 6 ft 3 in hunk of man! So of course, this means a lot of bending over, which has now broke the llama's back :'(.
I'm now trapped in my room, and takes me a couple of minutes just to get through to the bloody main hallway. Sitting down it is managable, but oh boy does standing hurt like a mothertrucker. Had me some painkillers, so now it's a wait and see if the pain goes away; otherwise to the GP we goooo.
Big deal because I've never had backpain before, so it's a new experience.
Don't think I'm going to get much work done today XD
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I'm now trapped in my room, and takes me a couple of minutes just to get through to the bloody main hallway. Sitting down it is managable, but oh boy does standing hurt like a mothertrucker. Had me some painkillers, so now it's a wait and see if the pain goes away; otherwise to the GP we goooo.
Big deal because I've never had backpain before, so it's a new experience.
Don't think I'm going to get much work done today XD
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Data!
Posted 6 years agoTL:DR - Statistics! Also gimme requests! o3o
Sorry I didn't upload anything for the end of last week. Things have been pretty hectic, so I probably won't upload anything today either (BOO!).
I'm still trying to figure out a good schedule for uploading. The week before last I recorded the number of online users on FA every day, to try and get some patterns (for funsies, because data gets me juices flowing). I made the idiot decision to do it manually, so I don't really have data for early morning GMT. I may do it again in future if I take a look at Web Analytics.
https://ibb.co/HYH5Z0y
For non-linear regression of week data:
r = 0.78
R^2 = 0.61
t(267) = 20.32
p = 4.14E-56 (null hypothesis of no correlation between user activity and the time of day)
Peak user activity was around 11 pm (GMT), and troughs around 10-11 am. While peak activity was consistently higher around the weekend as expected (Monday, Saturday and Sunday), activity from morning up to 8 pm dropped for the rest of the week. Wednesday is has consistently the lowest activity than weekend activity, while Tuesday activity really only drops around 11 am and 4 pm. Friday experiences a drop around 2 pm, and Thursday similarly experiences a drop between 2 and 4 pm. User activity was most ubiquitous for all daysbetween 8-10 pm.
I still have no idea whether it's a better idea to post during peak hours activity or off hours. I imagine if you have a striking enough thumbnail of your art to catch peoples attention it might be better to post during peak hours. However if not then it's just going to get flooded away by the number of submissions (for which I'm assuming that the rate of uploads is proportional to activity). If less eye-catching then it may be better to post in off-peak hours, where it may stay longer on the front page.
OR MAYBE IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER AT ALL HERPADERP.
Now I go to do some proper science.
I'm also open to requests; you know, if anyone was interested. Bit slow at the moment to get any drawing done (and wasting time with stuff like this), but will get there eventually o3o.
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Sorry I didn't upload anything for the end of last week. Things have been pretty hectic, so I probably won't upload anything today either (BOO!).
I'm still trying to figure out a good schedule for uploading. The week before last I recorded the number of online users on FA every day, to try and get some patterns (for funsies, because data gets me juices flowing). I made the idiot decision to do it manually, so I don't really have data for early morning GMT. I may do it again in future if I take a look at Web Analytics.
https://ibb.co/HYH5Z0y
For non-linear regression of week data:
r = 0.78
R^2 = 0.61
t(267) = 20.32
p = 4.14E-56 (null hypothesis of no correlation between user activity and the time of day)
Peak user activity was around 11 pm (GMT), and troughs around 10-11 am. While peak activity was consistently higher around the weekend as expected (Monday, Saturday and Sunday), activity from morning up to 8 pm dropped for the rest of the week. Wednesday is has consistently the lowest activity than weekend activity, while Tuesday activity really only drops around 11 am and 4 pm. Friday experiences a drop around 2 pm, and Thursday similarly experiences a drop between 2 and 4 pm. User activity was most ubiquitous for all daysbetween 8-10 pm.
I still have no idea whether it's a better idea to post during peak hours activity or off hours. I imagine if you have a striking enough thumbnail of your art to catch peoples attention it might be better to post during peak hours. However if not then it's just going to get flooded away by the number of submissions (for which I'm assuming that the rate of uploads is proportional to activity). If less eye-catching then it may be better to post in off-peak hours, where it may stay longer on the front page.
OR MAYBE IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER AT ALL HERPADERP.
Now I go to do some proper science.
I'm also open to requests; you know, if anyone was interested. Bit slow at the moment to get any drawing done (and wasting time with stuff like this), but will get there eventually o3o.
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Dear God...
Posted 6 years agoLines! Toyhou.se! Oh my!
Posted 6 years agoSo, I finally figured out a way to make my lining process easier! By turning of interpolation on the pen vector tool in SAI I no longer have to fight the software to get it do to what I want! Hurrah! You will see the results later today!
I also finally managed to get a code for Toyhou.se! I thought that setting it up would be simple, but now it seems I need to navigate my way around HTML/CSS (bleh!). Will experiment and hopefully start posting character profiles there as well.
So how's your day going guys? Mine's been pretty shitty so far, had a really rough night so I haven't had any sleep :(
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I also finally managed to get a code for Toyhou.se! I thought that setting it up would be simple, but now it seems I need to navigate my way around HTML/CSS (bleh!). Will experiment and hopefully start posting character profiles there as well.
So how's your day going guys? Mine's been pretty shitty so far, had a really rough night so I haven't had any sleep :(
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