Well I had this year I my birthday over FC and maybe that wasn't the best time to have it. While the con sales wise was ok a lot of what I was looking forward to didn't happen. Thursday started off ok but ended up talking about sports and FBA so I was mostly a spectator as I have no idea what everyone else was taking about. Although, dinner was nice we had dinner at the old spaghetti factory, Sadly, little did I know that would be my last formal meal of the con. As the con began I spent all day Friday in the den (with no breakfast or lunch) and since every one I was with had already had earlier dinner plans the only option I had for dinner was Nachos by the skating ring. Saturday came around and spent the day again in the den. Every one headed off to dinner and meetings and once again no dinner.. Sunday more of the same unfortunately this time I had to pass on dinner again because I wanted to finish some last minuet stuff so hopefully I could be freed up so enjoy my birthday with my friends.

Things started to look promising when they returned with a cake which was a nice gesture, but no sooner had they arrived, everyone had to go because of other plans so any birthday festivities were postponed until after the FBA party which was ok by me. Well needless to say the party went on until 2 am by the time things were done no one seemed to care and about doing anything else went to bed and that was the night.

Now Sunday came and it was time to go home and no one seemed to want to continue what they started the night before and that was the end of my con. I never even got to have any of my birthday cake or spend some time with my friends like I wanted to. It would have been nice to spend my birthday with my friends but I guess cons only come once a year.

Needless to say I spent most if the con very frustrated I guess it was too much to expect some one to at least want to spend a few minuets with me. Yea.. Another birthday happy birthday to me. So, now you know why I despise Thanksgiving, Christmas and Birthdays, i despise them for the simple fact that they only serve to remind you how insignificant or unimportant you really are to people especially when its people who you perceive as close friends. Maybe I'm just assuming too much and perhaps that is my problem.

I'm sorry for the post but I'm feeling a but hurt at the moment. Nothing hurts more than when it's done by people who you think would care that you exist.

For those of you have asked yes I will be at FC. I will have a dealers table and I'll be there from Thursday-Monday. I'll be staying at the con hotel. I'll be taking commissions and selling books and prints.

My Twitter name is BaltoWolfDog

Come by and say hello. Hope to see you there.

Wow I located yet another one of these http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4968884/

How weird i go 2 years and... nothing then all of a sudden bam 4 lol. These were made by Gentle Giant in a small edition size of 250 its a very high quality maquette (it's made of resin i beleive) i recently bought 2 of them and my friend got one too. The one I found is $370, still not bad for this item I recently saw one go on eBay for $550. As some of you already know these are very rare and hard to find now. Some of you had asked me to post if I found another. Here's my post. If you're intrested please let me know. I spent 2 years looking for this maquette myself. Anyhow i just wanted to share the wealth hehe please let me know if you are interested and I can let you know.

- Balto

You know I'm really starting to understand why some people leave the fandom. There comes a time when you start to realize that this gig is an empty bag. People don't really care if you're here or not people come and go and furry marches on.

I suppose i am grateful for the few good friends I have made in the fandom (and you know who you are) and despite the fun I've had with those friends, honestly i keep coming to the same conclusion over and over , "Do I really want to keep doing this?". I really don't do it for the money or notoriety. I made a name out side of furry (something a lot of people don't know) and my day job pays me extremely well so it's not like Its giving me anything I haven't already had. When you've had dinner and spent time with people like Don Bluth or Sergio Argonis and have had work published and distributed nationally, meeting a great furry artist or being a GOH at a furry con just doesn't feel that special some times. Please don't misunderstand me I am very grateful to the fandom for what I have accomplished in the furry fandom and I don't want to sound like I'm belittling things I'm simply trying to draw a comparison.

I guess what I'm trying to say is 2011 will be a year to evaluate my involvement in furry to see if this is something I will continue doing. Anthocon I hope will spark a new intreats for me (I hope) but honestly feel like I've done all i want to do in furry. And with the exception of the fun I've had few friends I've made, I just don't find going to cons fun any more. I'm not saying I'm leaving or anything like that I'm just thinking out loud here. All I'm saying is that I'm burned out with furry and I hope I can find a reason to keep doing this in 2011 or there may not be a 2012 for me. I hope I can find that spark, however I suppose that is yet to be seen.

Thanks to those special few canines, mice, bunnies and mustelids who have made my time in the fandom special. You have no idea how I appreciate that so much. You will always have a warm spot in my heart despite my decision *group hug* Thank you.

Ever hear things you wish you never would have heard? I sorta had that happen today with a group of people who I thought were my friends. I hate fake friends. I guess it good that I found out. I know better now. Oh well. Grrrr.

Ok, one down and 1 more to go in Dec. I'm Just not a fan of the holiday season and I really don't like this time of year, too many bad memories associated with the holiday season and frankly I could do with out Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please don't take this the wrong way but , please don't ask me about Thanksgiving or Christmas I really don't like talking about that for personal reasons. I just don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable with my view on these. I do wish you all the best, but let's just leave it at that. Sorry and thanks.

I'll be at the Rainfurrest hotel on Thursday about noon. I will also be using twitter to post my current commission status and also just give updates on what's going on. I am currently in Seattle on vacation before the con and will be occasionally posting things. If any of you are in Seattle and want to let me know what's cool to do around town please let me know and I'll check it out.

See ya all at Rainfurrest.

Balto

Well I am off for my Vacation to Seattle starting Friday 9/17/10.

I will be arriving late at SeTac Airport then heading over to Portland Oregon with  mongooseink I'm going to tour there until Sunday then head back over to Seattle on Monday to continue my vacation, (since I didn't get a chance to see Seattle last year).

I will be arriving at the hotel around 12pm-ish on Thursday

I will be hosting 2 panels the week of the con both on Friday, back to back.

Character "Conception and Development" from 11am to 12pm in the Bellevue room, and then "Drawing Web Comics" from 12pm to 1pm in the same room. Hope to see you there.

This is what I will have available at the con: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4342273

I am looking to seeing you there. Hope you all who are going will have a great time!

** For those of you on Twitter, you can follow me on Twitter: baltowolfdog I will be posting my availability and complete status on there. I will also be posting my "general goings on" on there too.

For those of you who have been asking, I am now open for Rainfurrest con badge pre-orders.  These will be for full digital color badges.  (see my gallery for samples) These will be available for pick up at Rainfurrest. 
 
I will also be taking orders for mail out badges, please just let me know If you will be picking up your badge or if you will need this mailed out.
 
Cost: $25
If you need this shipped please add $2.50 and let me know where you will need the badge mailed to.
 
Payment can be accepted via paypal. Send to; orville2[at]aol.com

Please provide me with character reference pics and any important details.  I will be opening up 5 commission slots at a time.  Once the 5 are full please stand by and I will advise when I will open up for an additional. I anticipate doing 10 for sure I may do more as time allows, if you do not make the first 5 I can place you on standby. Slots will be ranked on a first come first served basis.  So with you further delay I am now officially open.  I am looking forward to seeing you all at Rainfurrest this year. Thank you all for your  support and friendship.  It is because of you that I do what I do.  *Group hug*
 
  1.  farallon - Completed: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4359736
  2.  CngDelta757 - Completed: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4363636/
  3.  farallon - Completed: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4376627
  4.  BuckHopper - Completed: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4369033
5.  DarrylWolf - Payment Received - In Process

 

Ok for those of you who have been asking I am now open for pre-orders for digital con badges. These are for pick up at Raimfurrest. I can mail out orders for those not attending just let me know if you are going to pick this up at the con or if it needs to be mailed out.

Details: I will need chracter referance pics (links to FA pages are fine.

Cost: $25
If you need these shipped out please add $2 and please provide the address you wpuld like the badge shipped to.

Payment can be sent via paypal to: orville2[at]aol.com

Orders will be taken on a first come first served basis. I will takes 5 slots at a time. Once the first 5 are completed I will open up forore as I have time. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. ArtOfBalto[at]aol.com

Looks like I'll be hobbling around at Rainfurrest. I managed to screwup my foot pretty bad. I'll hopefully know Wednesday if I'm going to need reconstructive surgery on my foot. Right now all I know is that i have a dislocated ankle and my foot bone structure and ligaments are all shot to hell so this is going to make traveling and getting around difficult. Currently wheelchair bound.

Anyhow, Who's going to RF this year? There are some cool things I'm looking forward to. I guess its true that every dog has his day hehe. Hope to see you all there. Stop by and say hi. I'm hoping to have time to possibly open up for a few badge commissions but I still need to wrap up my Oklacon projects since I will be the GOH there as well in October. Its been a busy year but a productive one. I'll post if I do open up.

Well I must say 2010 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year for me. As you know i have been working with Rainfurrest since 2007. Each year since then I have been helping out by supplying them with any art they needed for the con. I've also helped create the staff patches and Pins. (did ya like the Bio Hazard Pin?) 2009 was especially fun because I got to help with the Zombie game and I created a bunch of neat badges that were used for the game After I was done with my 2009 art projects for Rainfurrest I was set to attend the con and then get ready for some more projects for 2010. Just before the con I received news (About early September) that i I was chosen as the GOH for Rainfurrest 2010. That news nearly floored me with shock. However I must say I was truly humbled by the offer. Of course I promptly accepted lol. Since then I've been busy with projects for the 2010 convention (I hope you will be pleased with the results when you see them).

Now, this is where it starts geting intersting, About a few days ago I receive another bit plesent of news. In and email from the Oklacon staff. They informed me that they had also selected me as their GOH for 2010. That caught me totally off guard to say the least but once again I must say that I was truly blessed to have been invited. Thank you!

So in case you have not heard, now you know. I will be attending Rainfurrest in September as the GOH and also attending Oklacon in October as their GOH. I hope you will be able to Join me. I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Rainfurrest and Oklacon. you have both blessed and humbled me. I Look forward to spending time with you at the convention and I also look forward to working with you in putting together the art you need for each convention.

In addition, I would like to thank all my friends, Those who I know on a personal level, those who i have met at conventions and yes even those who I just know here on FA. You all mean a lot to me so thank you.

i guess there isn't much more to say about this except ..wow. now I better sign off because I got some drawing to do LOL... *Reaches for Modbook drawing tabet*

I just wanted to share this site with my friends. Feel free to ask me stuff too if you like.

http://www.formspring.me/BALT0

I just wanted to share this site with my friends. Feel free to ask me stuff too if you like.

http://www.formspring.me/BALT0

Now I can get on with my year...

Ok let me set the record straight so no one gets the wrong impression. The reason I am no longer accepting art trades is for the simple reason that when some one asks to "trade" art silly me, I naturally assume that involves we actually trade art, not that I do art and then get nothing in return. That's not my definition of a "trade" so if I'm wrong for feeling this way I'm sorry.

Let me elaborate on my reasons for this so you can understand my reasons for this decision. In the past 6 months alone I've been burned 5 times IN A ROW with art trades (3 times here on FA 2 times at MFF) so I think, enough is enough with doing art trades for me.

So with that being said If you have done an art trade with me in the past and completed your obligation to the trade than you are OK in my book and you are always welcome to ask me for a trade, This ban does NOT include you (or my personal friends and you know who you are, I hope.. lol)

For those of you who have asked me for an art trade and never fulfilled your end, I don't know what to say to that, I'm not upset or anything like that I just sotra feel taken advantage of is all but it's cool and it's all good. Please do not feel obligated, I didn't mind doing something nice for you. I appreciate that you wanted some art from me so, thank you for that.

if we have never traded art before then I must apologize and respectfully decline for the above stated reasons. I'm just tired of getting burned on art trades and 5 in a row did it for me. Once again, I am really sorry about that especially to those who would honor their trade.

So for those who have asked now you know my reasons. I'm just a little gun-shy about doing any more art trades and this is the reason why I have been declining. I hope you will understand my reasons for this decision and I hope this will not upset anyone because this was not my intention. I may change my mind about this later but for now I must kindly decline. Thank you for understanding.

Respectfully,

Balto

2009 - good riddance. As for 2010... Here we go again... And that's my thoughts on the New Year. SSDD.

My resolution is to never make another resolution. It's just another trip around the sun.

Who will you be with?
I am rooming with Icon quickxyk: and :icon mitchdlg:

Do you do trades?
If I'm not booked with dealer den commissions, sure.

What suits will you have?
None but trying to get one built.

What is your gender?
Male

How old are you?
Taking one more trip around the sun that same week, I'm old... lol Yeah I'm a grey muzzle.

Can I touch you?
um...ok just keep the hands where I can see them

Can I talk to you?
Sure!

Can I buy you lots of drinks?
Sure but only non alcoholic drinks. The wolfdog doesn't drink.

Can I give you lots of money?
No objections here. Tho I'll do commissions for this too. :oP

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Sure.

How tall are you?
5'9

You look pissed off out of suit can I come up to you?
Im rarely pissed off and I have no fursuit.

Are you nice?
yeah always.

Can I stalk you?
um..

How long are you going?
Thursday,Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Do you have an artist table?
Yes Ill be in the dealers den.

Do you like parties?
I'm usually a low key person.

If i see you, how should i get your attention?
Come up and say Hi

Since everyone is chiming in on the topic of Christmas I thought I should also. For those of you who have asked me about Christmas and have received a "ehh" sort of response, please let me explain...

I didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable but the reason I do not share peoples enthusiasm about this subject is that for MOST people Christmas is a "positive" thing full of Joy and "happy memories" and a time to spend with your loved ones. Frankly for me as a kid I've usually sent most of my Christmas' in my room avoiding my patents because they were pissed about how I just seemed to be another thing they needed to spend money on and it was easier to blow up and get mad so that it gave them reason not to do anything for christmas. Same with thanksgiving and birthdays. I personally have no "fond memories" of Christmas, nor do I have any "loved ones" I moved to Texas to get away from my family and they are glad Im gone. Talking about Christmas only serves to stir up bad memories for me thats why I have not join into the "festivities" I don't mind people celebrating christmas but please don't misunderstand me if I do not share your sentiments on the subject. Talking about Christmas makes me feel like I am back in school again and people are asking me what I got for christmas or what I did for christmas. I always had to make up something just so I could fit in and appear to be normal like everyone else. It would piss me off too because every teacher had to do that "What I did for christmas vacation" essay. Id always felt like saying, "Nothing, I did nothing.. the end." but I knew that would get me an F so I always just make things up. People were always amazed to hear about the wonderful Christmas vacation I had ... if they only knew.

Just so you know I do not enjoy the holidays and I am sorry of I appear to be a "scrooge" but I do not miss things I've never had, nor I do enjoy taking about things that remind me of how I spent my holidays growing up. Id rather go from October to Feb and slip the 3 worst months of my year. All the holidays ever do for me is bring up bad memories, I am glad for those of you who celebrate the holiday and I wish I could join in your sentiments but I can't. I've always felt that Christmas and other holidays like it, just seem to serve to show peoples true colors. Like It's ok to spend the rest of the year being ungrateful, thankless, treating others like garbage and ignoring they exist but when the holidays roll around.. "Oh hey its Christmas!!" ...no thanks I can do with out it. Besides the reality for me is, that I do not need holidays or birthdays to show me who my true friends are. They make themselves know to me by their actions year round. To those of you I am thankful for, and rest assured I know who you are :) *hug*

Don't get me wrong I do hope you enjoy your holidays and that you do have merry christmas and please do not worry about me I'm good with out it, I just felt i needed to explain why my mood about Christmas was different and I didn't want to offend anyone or make anyone feel like I was avoiding them. Also, sorry if this explanation came out sounding a bit "emo" that was not my intention LOL any how for what its worth.. Merry Christmas?


- Balto

Ok, the pigs are flying and hell is freezing over, For those of you who have been asking me I have good new. I will be opening up for 5 digital sketch slots.

This is just my way of saying thank you to all of you who have supported me in the past and also it's my way of celebrating having been recently appointed the 2010 Rainfurrest GOH. So, for those who have been asking and waiting... here's you chance.

As you know I've never really opened up for online commissions and I'm not sure when I'll be able to do this again. If I get more than 5 requests I will take the remaining request as a waiting list on a first come first "considered" basis. however I will try to do as many of these as I can.

Now for the details.

1) No porn please. I will only accept G-PG 13 rated commissions.
2) All of these will be digital commissions. You will receive a hi-res file of your digital commission.
3) All commissions will be single character with no backgrounds.
4) I reserve the right to refuse any commission that does not meet the submission requirements.
5) Payment and details must be received with in 24 hrs from the time of the request. If you are going to be one of the top 5.

I normally charge $15 for sketches BUT for this opening I will be doing sketches for only $10.

With that being said I am now officially open.


If you want a sketch and the slots fill up just add your name to the waiting list I think I should be able to do more than 5 but hold payment until you receive a message from me requesting your commission details. I'm going to try an accommodate as many of you as I can. :)

#1  spiketxtyger Payment & details received - Completed
#2  dizzie Completed
#3  andy_fox Completed
#4  Straitfox Completed
#5  red_aurora Completed

* CLOSED * if you are intrested please let me know and I can add you to my waiting list I may do more after these 5.

Wow I must say this was one of my best cons ever. (cons in a good way that is lol) any way. For those of you who attended I hope you enjoyed the Zombie card game. I know I had a blast. I was Medic #2 and I got zombie rushed at the end there but I almost made it. So, now that Rainfurrest is over I will be posting a lot of the Rainfurrest art I did for the con. I have already posted some things but most of these where commissions I did at the con.

I received a lot of nice feed back not only on the zombie cards but on the Pin design too. I hope everyone enjoyed the pin. So the big question is.. what was the secret I wasn't allowed to say before the con?.. *drumroll* As some of you now know, Rainfurrest has bestowed the honor of being the Rainfurrest 2010 GOH. I was shocked to find that one out. I had already been doing some art for the con not only for 2009 but also for 2007 and 2008. Some of the projects for 2009 included the Founder Patch, the 2009 staff patch, the 2007 staff patch (this was one they never had so I made one for them), several random zombies like the one on the program guide and I also did the 6 different con badge designs, yep that was six of them and for those of you who were collecting them here they are:

1) Regular attendee badge
2) Non Participant badge
3) Zombie #1 (Wolf zombie)
4) Zombie #2 )Zombie otter)
5) Survivor Badge
6) Medic Badge

.. did ya get them all? hehe.

Anyhow as you know the 2010 theme is "Furst on the Moon" I'm really looking forward to the 2010 con and I really appreciate all the support from everyone out there. Thank you for that.

Also upon popular request I may be opening up for an opportunity for commissions. As you know I rarely do online commissions but I know a few of you have been asking for them so I will try and make some time before I get swamped with 2010 stuff for the con. I plan on starting early on that.

With that being said I guess I would need to see what kind of commissions everyone would want, I'm thinking digital sketches to start then maybe see where that goes form there. It will depend on how much time I have to devote to commissions. My full time job tends to keep be busy but I don't to ignore all the wonderful friends who have made my time here in the furry fandom enjoyable. As most of you know I really don't have a family and I consider my friends the only family I have so I really honestly appreciate your all for your kind words and support. I know I'm not very talkative, but let me just say for the record, You guys mean a lot to me, more than any one will ever know. Thank you *group hug*

I will post when I get ready to open up for commissions I just need to wrap up some final Rainfurrest commissions before I do that. I got 2 on deck at the moment to complete.

Thank you again for your support and I will be posting more images soon.

Kindest regards,

Balto

Ok i was just curious who was going to Rainfurrest? This will actually be my first time to this area. I'm really looking forward to this con for several reasons I can no share at this time. If you are attending please stop by the dealer den and say hello.

I actually have done a lot this year for the con. it's been very fun. For those of you attending , look for these Balto creations at Rainfurrest. I can't say what some of these are but these are some of the things I worked on this year. I'll be posting them after the con.

1. 2009 metal con pin
2. Staff Patch (2 different ones)
3. Staff founder patch
4. 6 different con badges. (There is more to this but it's a surprise)
5. Various other images

I'll also have some original art in the art show. Hope to see you all there.

I saw this one a blog and I had to share it. I was amazed that I could read this with out the slightest bit of hesitation. Can you read this?

================================

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too


Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

I can read it. Can everyone else?

Well another mothers day gone by. Not that it matters to me. Its never been something I've observed. How does one celebrate mothers day when you have a mother wishes you were never born. You know as much as holidays like this annoy me. One can't help but feel like I've missed out on something. It's hard to relate to the attraction one has to a mother.

I am happy for those that can celebrate this day. Those of you who have a mother that loves and cares about you, Cherish the time you have and appreciate them. There are some of us who are not as fortunate. For what its worth, Happy mother day mom. *sigh*