Hey all. Its been some time hasn't it?

First off, I want to deeply apologize for being so silent and sporadic at times. Things haven't been easy the last few months, which I should get into at this point instead of keeping you all in the dark.

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Art Progress

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It has been VERY slow getting art done. Between working, family drama, money issues, its been really draining on wanting to get any kind of artwork done, be it the YCH's, commissions, or even personal work. Hell, I've been trying to make a new ref sheet since 2020 and I STILL don't have it done cause of everything that has been going on with it.

But I have been hard at work to get all those pieces that I owe done as fast as I can when time allows. I REALLY want to work on a personal project, but I gotta get done what's owed first before I can dedicate my time to it. Many of you already know what it is, and to those that don't, all i can say is that is something I've been wanting to do since 2018. I've even been considering reopening a Patreon just to help fund it when everything is in place. but for now, stay tuned for that.

Also, to help me along with getting art done, I'm gonna start doing art streams. I still got things to set up, but when all is said and done, if im doing NSFW work, it'll be on Picarto. IDK if i'll reuse my Twitch for SFW art or just do it all on Picarto, I'm not sure yet. I'll let you all know when that time comes, so keep an eye out!

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Work

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I've had too many jobs to deal with during 2023 and into 2024, for working retail (Oct2022-Oct2023), to Amazon DSP (Oct2023-May2024), to Fast Food(May2024-Sept2024), to Mobile Sales(Sept2024-Dec2024), and then back to an Amazon DSP(Jan2025-May2025). As of this journal posting, I am currently unemployed once again and its not being easy to find work given the state of things. And honestly, I don't want to work for any of them any more. I'd rather be out on my own, working when I want, on whatever I want. Either be making content, drawing, cosplaying, etc. Having a regular job is just so unfulfilling, and I cant deal with it anymore. Hopefully I can make something out of it soon

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Life

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Back in late December, I was finally able to move out of my parents house. So it felt relieving to be out of there. With the current political climate, and where my families beliefs currently stand, I just did not feel safe in that house, and havent for quiet some time.

But now.....I have to move back in.....

The roommate situation had I when first coming out here has gone south (With no fault to any of them, its just how things happened) so I have to move back in with my parents, and it'll be who knows for how long til I can move out again, but hopefully soon and with no issue. So for now, I'll have to put up with their nonsense once again, much to my dismay.

Trying to date also hasn't been that great. Almost every time I start making a connection with someone, it either ends up as "I'm not intrested", "I'm not currently looking" or "I'm already taken", and it sucks. It really does. I know I have friends love me unconditionally, and I deeply appreciate it, I really do, but I would still like that special someone to call mine. I'm not gonna give up looking, but it is becoming tiring of the constant rejections.

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Money

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Alright, last topic that nobody likes to talk about. Money.

I have been struggling for quiet some time. Between jobs, between commissions, any way to try to raise money. In 2021, after getting a settlement for my car accident, my parents were HAMMERING me for money like I unlimited amounts of it. Constantly asking for some, and me not wanting to cause ANY conflict, I would just give it. Very quickly, it would all dry up, and yet they would still ask for more. My breaking point came in Early 2024 when I finally put my foot down and told them that I would not be giving them any more money other than for rent, nothing else. Though at this point, the damage had been done.

I've been trying to play catch up since then, and its been a very tough road.

I'm currently almost $4,000 in credit card debt because of my parents constant ask for money and have been trying every which way to Sunday to figure out how to pay it off. I've managed to pay several things off, but I still have a long way to go. Not counting my car loan, I have about $6,000 in debt total, and I've already tried looking into a debt consolidation loan, but no one has approved me, so I'm on my own for this.

Any I HATE asking for help, but I gotta out that thought aside and ask for it, as it never hurts to ask. But, if you can spare anything to help me out clear this debt, please donate to my Ko-Fi.

https://ko-fi.com/draderlabs

I have some other ideas that I'm currently in the planning stages that could help me out, but we'll have to wait and see of how those come about.


That's about all I have to say this go around. Hopefully I wont go silent for 5-8 months at a time again without a word on ANYTHING going on. I appreciate all of you~

Hey all, i know its been some time since the last journal. I promise I'll explain at a later date. Still got some things going on I hope to get through before the year ends.

What can be said, that already hasn't been said?

He may not have been the best at running this site, but he did his damned hardest to what he believed was right to keep it going, a site that we all could call home.

He contacted me briefly when Truss passed to make sure I would be alright. Never in my dreams would I imagine such a thing happening. And even though the contact was brief, he was welcoming and concerned.

I have nothing but respect for the purple digi. He didn't deserve this. The US Healthcare system is fucked up and it NEEDS to change.

Neer, I'm so sorry your life ended this way. But I hope you know how much you ment to the furry community, to help us find a place to call home without judgement.

"As long as FA exists, a bit of them will, too. They left their mark on the fandom, no matter how small. Sometimes the most important thing a person can ever say is, 'I was here'." -Dragoneer

You sure were Neer. You sure were. Rest well, you deserve it.

Hey everyone. Its been a while.

I hate asking for help, but I REALLY need it right now. Back in October 2023, I got a job at a 3rd Party Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Provider). Things were going well til January 2024. I sprained my ankle running one of my routes.

When I returned to work, they started to treat me differently. Sending me home for being 2 MINUTES late of all things. For about 3 weeks after returning to work, my ankle was still hurting and made it difficult to walk, but dealt with it as best I could, but every time i did a slip up because of it, I got reprimanded for it.

In late April, I decided I had enough and decided to look for a new job. After just 2 days, I got an interview set for the next day. Did the interview, and then was hired right then and there.

I put in my 2 weeks to Amazon a few days later when I went back to work. Had a small discussion with them, and thought that was it. Come that following Friday, after I do my route, they inform me that they are just going to let me go cause I was "late multiple times in a short time span". Because I live in Florida, this is perfectly legal for them to do and I cant do anything about it.

I had to wait before starting work at my new job, and because of it, I ended up behind on my bills. Ive been trying my hardest to keep up, but its not being enough, so I need help.

I currently have a YCH going, which I will post here, and I also have a ko-fi if you just want to donate.

Please, spread this around, donate, get a YCH, anything would really help me out right now.

Thanks for your time.

Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/draderlabs

Once again, my birthday comes around heh. Turning the big 30 heh. But to be fair, it doesn't feel like it. Despite my back and neck issues, I feel like I still just reached 20.

Anyways, happy birthday to me hehe.

I regret to inform you all that my boyfriend, and dear friend to many  panscolipede has sadly passed away this afternoon at the age of 29.,

The official cause of death was Leukemia which they found out about last night. They tried to do chemo, but the situation escalated so fast that the next thing they knew, he was gone.....

this info comes from his sister that contacted me this morning and had also informed me of his passing. please keep his family and friends in your thoughts as they grieve, myself included. the family will update me of funeral arrangements when they become available.

Thank you

PanScolipede
1993-2023

I dont normally do these types of things, but needs some help. Their journal will explain everything

https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9589536/

As the title says, I'm closing commissions for the time being. Not long, maybe like a month or two. Because I have been focused on that, I have made little to no personal stuff, and honestly, its been mentally draining and preventing me from wanting to draw to begin with. So I'm closing commissions while I work on the current list, so I can work on more personal stuff. Like, I have a ref sheet I'm currently making after so long and I would love to get that done eventually.

Other than that, nothing else to really say for that. Be safe out there everyone!

Yep. Today is my buffday again hehe. One year older and bigger ;3

just gathering works that i have gotten or done myself to post since its been too quiet on my page. so be prepared

New Year, New Journal, New Chance to better my art and actually post stuff for once XD

Anyways, I'll just get to the point. Changes are coming to my commissions.

First off, the current $25 Commissions are going away. Mainly cause no one gets them. The options for backgrounds are also going away for the $20 and $18 options.

But, taking the $25 Commissions spot is a new one that I've been testing for a while and people are responding well to it. So expect to see it announced REALLY soon.

Also, the teaser page of a comic series i posted back in October, is still a thing. I haven't had much time to work on it, but they story behind it is completely worked and done, just gotta get around to drawing it. I wont reveal details, so don't bother asking heh.

I've been working hard these past few months, and I don't mean art wise. Working 2 jobs takes a lot out of you. Hopefully soon I can stop so I can have time to draw more. There has also been some family stuff gong on that I dont wanna get into at the moment.

And to those waiting on commissions, I'm DEEPLY sorry and will get those done ASAP. Lets start the New Year and Decade on a high note!

*GASP* A new journal?!

Yes, I'm not dead. Anyway, I thought I'd give you all a quick update as to whats been going on recently.

First off, I had a blast at AC 2019. Got to meet many of my awesome friends and my boyfriend during my time there. I just wish I didn't get sick during my time there. Hopefully next year it'll go better heh.

Next, after leaving my job at Burger King, I got a job at Target, dealing will cellphone sales and accessories. Been there for about 3 months now, and things have been going pretty okay there for the most part. Which is why my art has slowed again, but I'm working on that as I make this journal.

And finally, something a bit more personal.

You see, for YEARS, like since i was 6 or 7 years old, I always felt different. I don't know how, and I don't know why. I never questioned it, but eventually came to the thought that most likely everyone else felt that way. Fast forward to present day. I'm 26 years old, and my parents drop the bombshell that I was diagnosed with Autism shortly after turning 3 years old. After that, I started questioning everything. Who I am, the decisions I've made, the irrational behaviors I've had while growing up.....was it all because of the Autism. To try to have me feel better about it, they told me that I'm a "High Functioning Autistic", but I didn't know how to process this new information about myself, and began to wonder why did my parents keep this from me for so long. It took me about 2 days to fully process and made me realize that it was the reason behind many things that made me who I am today.

A kind and caring person that follows the rules and barely breaks them. Making friends along the way, and to succeed the best I can. I'm still the same me. Still the same old lovable blue muscled dragon you all have known me from day one. And that's not gonna change any time soon.

I appreciate you all also waiting for commissions. I'm hammering those out the best I can with any free time I have available. I should be in contact soon about those as well!

After YEARS of trying to go to AC, I'm finally going this year!

Where are you staying?

Hampton Inn and Suites

What day are you getting there?

Most likely on Wednesday the 3rd

How are you traveling?

Taking a flight. This would be only my 2nd flight I have ever taken. I'm TERRIFIED of planes, but don't have any other means of travel.

Who will you be rooming with?

My boyfriend with 3 others

How is the best way to find you?

I'll be wearing my sona badges. look for the badges with a big blue and yellow dragon with the name Draderico, that's me!

Are there any panels you might be attending?

I might attend some. not sure yet

What do you look like?

Just a normal 5ft 11in tall white guy with glasses and dark brown hair. nothing fancy or stylish.

Will you be suiting?

Nope

Do you do free art/trades?

As of now, no. But I might during the con

What is your gender?

Male. Always have, always will be

How tall are you?

5'11"

Can I talk to you?

Sure! I'm just some dude, anyway.

Can I touch you?

Friends/mutuals on Twitter can get hugs, that's about it.

How can I find you?

Can find me at the Con obviously heh. but I'll most likely be around my boyfriend since I've never been there before and I dont wanna get lost.

Can I buy you drinks?

I RARELY drink as it is. Besides, I HATE the taste of beer. Only ciders, but even then, it's only 1 glass or bottle. But from a complete stranger, no. A friend/mutual, maybe.

Can I give you stuff?

Can never have enough stuff! I am a dragon after all. Must hoard things!

Can I hug or snuggle with you?

You can get hugs! But nothing more unfortunately

Are you nice?

How dare you ask something like that!! JK, I'm very nice

How long are you going?

Arriving Wednesday, leaving Monday afternoon

Will you be going to parties?

I'm not really a partying kind of person. But if my friends bring me along, I might

If I see you, how should I get your attention?

Either walk up to me and greet me or just shout my name XD

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?

Possibly. I tend to go do food/fun with folks that I know, though. Or friends of friends.

Can I look/draw in your sketchbook?

If I even bring it! XD

Can I take your picture?

Uuuuuuuhhh, I don't really like getting my picture taken. Never did, but I might since this is my first time going.

Do you do commissions?

Yep!

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?

Make some good memories with friends, eat some good food. And try to be a positive fellah that people enjoy hanging out with, while at the con for the first time!

Heya.

This journal is to inform that I offer Telegram Stickers Commissions

Here is an example of what they can look like!
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/30535447/

The pricing is $15 for 6 stickers, and each additional sticker will be $2 more.

The default option is having it lined, if you would like it lineless, like in the example, its only $1 to $2 more, depending on the complexity of the character.

If interested, just send me note!

That's it for now!

Ever since the whole issue between my 2 jobs started, my motivation to draw slowed significantly cause I just couldn't handle the stress, not to mention already had too many things on my plate. Even now I still do.

I've been trying real hard to get the motivation again so I can finish what I owe and own up to the mistakes I have made. But it becomes more difficult now that I'm down to 1 job, but still need 2 to cover EVERYTHING.

But slowly getting there, so don't worry.

Now the Patreon Hiatus. For the time being, The Miss-Adventures of DM will have to be put on hiatus for the time being. this relates back to too much on my plate. i have so many ideas I want to do, buts now become overwhelming to try to do them all, especially by myself. To any supporters of my Patreon, you're more than welcome to end your pledge if you want until the comic series returns. I'm already way behind, and I'm not gonna take money for something I promised, and did not deliver. I will finish the pages I have at this time, but afterwards it will be on hiatus for awhile. For how long? I don't know, but it will return as soon as possible.

That's it for now. Thanks for supporting, and hope to see more art soon!!

If you got passed the title, CONGRATS!!

Now onto the serious stuff.

Some may know, and others may not know, but I currently work 2 jobs. When I first moved back here to Florida in June of 2017, having 1 job (which was Burger King, making $8.25 an hour) was enough to cover my bills and expenses. But by October of that year, rent went up, and suddenly I couldn't afford anything anymore. So I began looking for a 2nd job.

I got hired at my 2nd job at a mini-golf course in November of 2017 making $8.50 an hour. At first, working 2 jobs was doing just fine. both jobs were willing to cooperate with each other and make a schedule that would work.

Everything was going pretty good, granted that Job 1 was utter trash and I hated it, but it my main job that was bringing in the most money for me. Then in May of 2018, I went full time at Burger King, then 2 weeks later I was put in the Manager Training Program to be promoted back up to Shift Manager. Mind you, I had Shift Manager experience before at a previous BK I worked at, but they wanted me to start back at the bottom and after a few months, like 3 to 4 months, promote me back up. Almost a YEAR went by before they promoted me.

Fast forward to August of 2018, a scheduling conflict starts to occur. BK starts scheduling me for times that I'm suppose to be at my mini-golf job. This is when the issues between both jobs started.

At first, it started out only about once every week or 2 weeks. At first, they were assuring me that this is a mistake and would be a one time thing. Okay, fine, whatever. Its also been 3 months at this point since being "promoted" and wearing the manager shirt, but still being in "Training" and still making minimum wage.

October 2018, a situation happens at another mini-golf location that the company I work for owns resulting in one of their managers being out of commission for a while, so the GM at the one I worked at had to go to that one 3 days a week to cover for them, which resulted in HEAVY schedule changes, moving me up from the normal 2 to 3 days a week to 4 to 5 days a week, its also at this time that I get a 25 cent raise to $8.75 an hour.

Of course the following day I inform BK about this at the mini-golf and they weren't too pleased. At this point its been 5 months that I've been in "Training" for Shift Manager.

Then, the scheduling conflict got worse

Nov 2018, BK is now scheduling me on purpose to be late for my mini-golf job. They have me scheduled to work from 10 AM to 4 or 4:30 PM, when I have to be at the mini-golf at 3 or 4 PM. Obviously, this is ticking off my mini-golf job, and me off cause they were suppose to work with me about scheduling and now they were just doing what they wanted while also scheduling me for opening shifts when I told them to not put me for open the next day (5:30 AM) if i close at the mini-golf course on the weekends (they are open til 11 PM on Fri and Saturday). Obviously they ignored this and i continuously confronted them about it, but they did nothing about it.

Which now brings me to this month, Dec 2018. Its starts like the past few months did. They give me my schedule, its messed up again, and I cant do shit about it cause at this point they refuse to change their schedule since they are my "main priority" since I'm full time there. Whatever. Then between the 3rd to the 6th, the Vice President of the franchise company that owns the BK I work at shows up. They inform me that I need to get a haircut, replace my work shoes AND get a new belt, none of which I could afford at the time, which I told them. They didn't want to hear it and told me again to get those things done, so I responded with "Well then give me my raise, and then I could", which their response was, "Oh, you'll get there"

Who the fuck responds with that?! BTY, yes, 7 months after being "promoted", I was still in "training" after 7 months and STILL making minimum wage!

Anyway.....

After that, I started looking another job to replace BK ASAP and was forced to buy new shoes and a belt, but the haircut had to wait, so I had to style my hair so that it wouldn't be noticeable(which worked).

Then comes the day when my GM from Burger King and the Assistant Manager from the mini-golf finally meet face-to-face to talk.

I got my schedule from the mini-golf and go to give it to BK, btw, the AM from the mini-golf was with me, we were hanging out for the day. I turn it in to BK, obviously BK isnt happy with it, but takes it and I hear them say that they want to talk to my manager at the mini-golf and give them a piece of their mind. I get back to my car, I tell my AM that they would possibly like a word with them. They paused for a second, got out of my car, and then walked inside and I follow.

My Shift Managers look at me confused as I walk back inside to the BK and inform them that my AM from the mini-golf is here. At first they laugh, but then realize I'm serious and have a look of worry on their faces.

My AM and one of the SM (one that does the schedule, there was another there, but didn't want to get involved) started talking to each other to find out what is going on with the scheduling.

Of course, right away, they started lying out their asses to protect themselves. Saying that I'm offered health benefits, quality insurance, and manager pay, all of which were lies that I could prove right then and there. Then during the middle of the discussion, my GM at the BK walks up to find out whats going on and I have NEVER seen a manager be such an ass to another manager.

Basically, he was considering this talk between managers invalid and shouldn't be happening. Then proceeded to say that he didn't want to have this "argument" at his front counter and was done with this discussion happening, said "Good Day" and walked away. I could see that my AM wanted to punch him in the face, but stayed professional and we left.

The next day, just like I figured would happen, as I'm clocking in, he pulls me outside for a moment for a talk about what happened the day before. Obviously he wasn't happy that such an "argument" took place at the front counter and how the discussion should of been done privately between Manager and Employee, even though both jobs were involved.

Anyway, after giving me an earful, he told me to make a choice cause he wasn't gonna deal with it anymore. He tole me to choose either BK or Mini-Golf, and at that moment, I handed him my notice, ending my employment for him on Dec 31st.

I'm not gonna work for someone who bluntly disrespects another manager, if they work for you or not, you do NOT treat another manager like that. He was completely unprofessional about it, and I just had enough of the bullshit they constantly had me doing.

So yeah, my job is gonna end there, but I'm still gonna need a 2nd job. For now, the mini-golf is willing to give me more hours for now until I find another job, but I gotta find one soon.

In the mean time, that means more drawings and stuff will be happening!!

So keep an eye out!

That's pretty much it for whats been happening for a while. I'll keep you guys updated and informed, and if you want, follow me on my new NSFW twitter for any future works!

https://twitter.com/DraderLabs

So, due to Tumblr shutting out NSFW stuff now, I've decided to make a NSFW twitter account!

I just set it up, so it's still pretty barren, but I will be adding stuff over the next few days!

https://twitter.com/DraderLabs

OK, so, i know I'm VERY late for Page 2 (not a good start to the series, I know)

But several life things came up and got in the way of me completing Page 2 (still being worked on, but now in the lineart stage, so that much closer to done)

Anyway, I'm back on top of it to make sure Page 3 is posted ON TIME

And, because of Page 2 being late, EVERYONE will get to see Page 3 AND 4 on the same day (if possible, but you wont be waiting til the 1st of next month for Page 4)

I appreciate you all waiting patiently.

When I started seeing everyone liking just the first page of my Miss-Adventures of DM616, it got me inspired to do a seperate one. This one is to be more story driven. Wont give out all the details since its still in planning, but I will say that it's gonna change the canon of Draderico's story.

Stay tuned!!

So, my laptop is dying. It has been for a while. I've been saving money to get a new one before the end of July since thats all it has left until the motherboard fries.

I save up $300 to go towards it, after 2 more checks from my job, its be able to get a new one JUST BEFORE then end of July......

Then my mother happens.....

She demands that I give her rent money that I do not have, or will not have until my next check. But she demands it now and forced me to give her the money that I've put aside for the new computer BEING FULLY AWARE THAT I NEED A NEW COMPUTER!!!

So now, I'm flat broke and wont have the money in time to get a new computer. So now, I have no choice but to take regular commissions again. I know I just wiped my slate clean of them, but I'm desperate here. If you want a commission, just send me a note, and if you cant afford one, then just spread the word of this.

Thank you for your time.

So, ever since I posted this https://www.furaffinity.net/view/27816173/

the response to it has been positive, which I didn't expect much of this for it XD

So I decided to experiment with it and made it into a small set of stickers on Telegram, shared it with a group of people, and they loved them.

So, I'm most likely gonna offer a sticker pack of this expression, with different sayings of your choosing.

The pack will be $15 for 6 stickers. if you wanna add more, its only $2 for each additional sticker.

Okay, I can't bare this anymore.

To the people that have commissioned me, I am so sorry that you all have been waiting so long for them. Just seeing them there discourages me, making feel like a failure as an artist. I haven't delivered what I promised to do and its eating away at me.

So this is what I'm gonna do. You're pics WILL get done, however, I will refund the money back to you when I have it. I HATE having to take money, and not deliver in return.

It's bad enough that you all have been waiting so patiently for your work, and I keep pushing it back of when it will get done, and then NOTHING comes from it.

As some have told me, "you don't know failure, until it happens. and when it does, you'll appreciate yourself more as an artists to do better", couldn't be any more true.

This is my failure. And I wanna correct it. Everyone will get a refund that commissioned for a piece by me.

Even though I shouldn't since my laptop could die at any moment, I don't wanna have this feeling hanging over my head anymore.

I want to improve, I want to get better, and I want to be able to grow and do better from the mistakes I have done and be a real artist that I claim to be, which is owning up to the wrongs, and to make it right.

Thank you all for reading this. Stuff should be set in motion very soon.

https://www.patreon.com/draderico

Yep. If you wanna help fund the comic series, The Miss-Adventures of DM616, here is the link to my patreon!

A teaser image of the first page has been posted, and the comic series starts on September 1st!

Yep, today is my 25th birthday. Man I feel old even though I'm not XD

That right!!

A Spyro remaster was announced today!! Spyro Reignited Trilogy is the name of it and it looks AMAZING!!!

AND

It gets released on September 21st!! So very close to the release of the very first game 20 years ago!!!

If you haven't seen the trailer yet....well.....YOU'RE MISSING OUT, BIG TIME!!

Oh. Should also mention that Tom Kenny has returned to voice Spyro in the trilogy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&noapp=1&v=DFD22Yru-UU