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Birthday coming up! ...and job update.
General | Posted 8 years ago I have been incredibly lacking in anything art, aside from a few measly Inktober doodles.
I've been slowly pegging away at my sketchbook commission and a large, traditional illustration commission for another client (1 of 2). My job, as nice as the income has been with supporting my family, has continued its downward spiral of toxicity. I've had issues on and off with this position and while I've been able to brave through them and move on, it's getting harder and harder and the toll it's taking is noticeable.
I'm always exhausted. When I'm home away from work I rarely have the energy to do anything, which is not a healthy stance to be in. Overall, I think it's finally time I bow out.
Artwork is something I have a few hours here and there only on Thursdays and Fridays, which is hardly time at all. My job is challenging, which I love. But, while it's a stressful position, if you don't have the support from superiors and you and your coworkers always feel a level of scrutiny, the stress increases drastically and makes it an often unpleasant work environment.
I always look forward to my birthday, tomorrow, and even my job has managed to sap away my excitement and prevented me from enjoying it. We typically have an on-call shift once a week. Due to our shortage of employees (from regular high turnover that seems to go unnoticed) we were asked about changing to a weekly on-call rotation. There was a resounding 'no' from all of the employees. Well, too bad. Despite asking and being told no one would be interested, we were put on a weekly rotation. This means that outside of your regular work, you are on-call every day for a week. Screw your personal time. Screw your plans and family. For that week, they're sending the message that work comes first. My week? It started the Saturday prior to and continues through and past my birthday. Screw your birthday, you're on-call and can't have plans in case a call comes up. AHHGH!
Anyway, touching base to see how everyone is and to reconnect a little of my fading sanity.
I haven't even mentioned the new kitten we got back in April because of work life. I'll have to post about that in another journal.
Love you all. Thank you for the support I still see here and there.Jewelry Maker Recommendations?
General | Posted 8 years ago
Hey everyone, very long time no see. Does anyone do custom jewelry (preferably sterling silver) or know someone who does? I had a neat idea for a pair of necklaces that either interlock or something, but am not a jeweler and want to give someone money to do such. These would be animal pendants!
Any suggestions?
Before you say "Me!", it may involve a platypus and a jellyfish, to know complexity. Ask Riyoko! ...or another OC.
General | Posted 9 years agoStill no art to post, sorry! But, I have wanted to partake in one of these for a while and see what happened. Have you ever wanted to ask one of my OC's a question? Well, now is your chance. Riyoko, Silverfox, and Domino are available for questioning. ANY question. Pandora and Tremain may decide to answer one, but that's up to them.
I may draw a few of the answers.
Ask away!No longer offering commissions...
General | Posted 9 years ago
Hey everyone. It probably hasn't gone unnoticed that I don't post much anymore. I've faded into the background and don't produce much art nowadays.
Having this new career is highly stressful and consuming. By the time I reach my off days I have very little motivation to work, even on art. It has cut into my muse and left me without much encouragement.
That being said, I don't think I'll be publicly offering commissions for the foreseeable future. This has been a tough decision to make, but I can't work on something I'm not 100% devoted to. It's not fair to myself or the client.
I may still be amenable to accepting private requests, though only under the client's agreement/acknowledgement that the turn around time for the product could be several months.
I'm sorry that I will continue to be fairly inactive. To those that I have already spoken with, your commission will continue to receive work, but at the aforementioned rate of time.
Thank you for all of the support and watchers I've received here and elsewhere. It means a lot, despite not producing much. Thank you, everyone.
Secret Santa Reveal!
General | Posted 9 years ago
I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and received a reprieve from their daily tedium. I was glad to host a little Secret Santa and am thankful to all of my participants.
Please check out your gifts below and don't forget a thank you!
1) 
FireMaster13 --> From Ossiekins: http://ossiekins.deviantart.com/art.....tmas-652746627
2) 
kingodin --> From Squidina: http://sta.sh/06v1nprone8
3) 
BlackFurryFlame --> From KingOdin: http://sta.sh/01xbjnxz6gvm
4) Squidina (DA) or 
Cecaelia --> From Devildove: https://i.sli.mg/itue7u.png
5) 
Devildove --> From FireMaster13: http://sta.sh/09s9my78ofq
6) Ossiekins (DA) --> From BlackFurryFlame: http://www.directupload.net/file/d/.....x3abfg_jpg.htm
Catching Up
General | Posted 9 years ago
This week was the start of a new job that I was stoked for. It has been a ton of training that will continue for the next 6 months until officially sworn in. It has been a lot of work and many hours, same next week. However, I became horribly ill on Wednesday evening into Thursday which even involved passing out. But, I made it through and felt well enough to jump back in on Friday (thank my amazing immune system). Thankfully, my supervisors understood and I wasn't "in trouble" for missing a day during my first week. Wouldn't that be awful?
Now that I've mostly kicked the butt of norovirus, I will be trying to catch up on a few things from the week, including a sketchbook piece, secret santa, client response, and all the while going over study material for my new job.
I have a lot of streets/numbers to remember as well as a tooon of domestic breeds to memorize (dogs, cats, livestock, and other). I'll try to respond to everyone when I can and apologize for such a huge dip in response/productivity.
Secret Santa Art Exchange!
General | Posted 9 years ago
EDIT: I will start distributing your giftees in the next day or so, to get any last minute participants.
Every year I usually compile a wishlist, but I feel many wishlists are passed over or ignored. So, I'd like to get support this time, instead of trying to pick through so many wishlists and maybe grant one or two wishes. This way, everyone could participate and receive something.
For those that wish to be entered, I will create a list with all participants below. After maybe a week, I will assign users their Secret Santa to draw/create for. It's a time crunch, but if you're able, please have your gifts created before Christmas. This is not a requirement.
If you're interested in spreading the cheer and joy this holiday, please comment below with:
What would you like drawn?: (this can be a random, fun challenge, your OC, whatever you desire!
What can you do in return?: Can you only sketch, sculpt, write?
Can you create your Secret Santa's gift before the holidays?: Yes / No
Your favorite element of this season?: This can add a fun factor for your gifter. Maybe it's snowball fights, hot chocolate, hanging lights, etc!
Of course I'll be joining, too. Matches will be randomly picked. I'll send the comment provided by the participant to the gifter and you can get started! Please try to put effort into your gifts. It's more fun when everyone puts in effort, instead of going all out and receiving a two-minute doodle in return. Feel free to spread the word and get others involved- spread the gift giving!
Participants:
1) FireMaster13
2) kingodin
3) BlackFurryFlame
4) Squidina (DA) or Cecaelia
5) Devildove
6) Ossiekins (DA)
Reindeer-ify Your Character?
General | Posted 9 years ago
EDIT: Will respond and resume work after time today with family. Happy Thanksgiving!
I love Caribou and Reindeer and what better way to get some doodle time than to change your character into a reindeer?
Your character will be drawn up as a reindeer and can be trussed up in a harness (and optional ball gag) or in colorful ribbon as a present (or neither!)! Characters will be refined and given flat colors. As a special offer for the holiday, these will be slightly cheaper, asking $45. They can be SFW or artistic nude, male or female.
Looking for something smaller? Chibi reindeerify for $35 (quadruped).
These will be done as a first come, first served basis and completed within a few days from the start of their work.
Examples:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21803246/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21818425/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21826855/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/21863387/
If you're interested, please comment below with:
Character Ref:
Typical Mood:
PG or PG-13 (for non-chibis):
Ribbon or Harness:
Once I've confirmed you have a slot, please send payment to DarkRiyokoStudios[at]gmail.com
Slots:
1. 
DjtHeutii - complete
2. 
Yuuryuu - complete
3. 
Tenki-101 - complete
4.
?.
Birthday!
General | Posted 9 years ago
Probably won't be around much today, but will respond to inquiries when I can. Commissions are still open for the time being!
In lieu of today being my birthday, woo, I'm hoping to get some fun personal art started (those jackalopes need lovin', afterall). Thank you for all of your continued support this last year. I'm hopeful this coming year will be as optimistic.
All the love!
Commissions OPEN
General | Posted 9 years ago I am now OPEN for as long as the title proclaims such.
Commission pricing can be found here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/19692467/
I will take a few to work on alongside my sketchbook chugging. Want a quote? Feel free to ask questions if you're unsure. Digital or traditional.
If you're interested, please send me a note or email (at DarkRiyokoStudios[at]gmail.com ) with the following:
Best method to contact you: FA/DA/Email - if this is blank, I will point it out. I need quick, easy communication with my clients.
Commission type:
How many characters?
References:
Preferred theme/mood?
Is the character or idea complex?
Have you read my T.O.S and FAQ - found here ( http://www.darkriyokostudios.com/te.....f-service.html & http://www.darkriyokostudios.com/faq.html ): Yes/No
Any other information I should know?
..and dang, can't believe I'm about to change my profile age again. That year flew by.
Back from Vacation, on to RMFC
General | Posted 10 years ago
Hey everybody! I've been gone for the last week and therefor inactive. My husband and I went on a much needed vacation. I wish I could say it was utterly amazing, but so many things went south and spoiled a bit of it. Now that I'm back I don't have much time to prep for next weekend when I head to RMFC.
I think this year I'm scratching prints and merchandise. I hate lugging them all with me and selling maybe a handful, if that- or getting the 'you're-charging-that-much?' face. I will be going with my raised pricing for badges and sketches. I'm hoping to do well this year, having missed last (the first time in years!). Anyone going?
Since I have work all the following week I, unfortunately, will not be doing pre-orders like I normally do. Fingers crossed! We could use the monetary help. Hope to see you there!
Feedback: Which piece exemplifies me?
General | Posted 10 years ago
I would love some feedback from all of you, my loverly watchers. I always have pieces that I admire, but what do you think exemplifies my work/style the best? If you could pick any piece in my gallery that you believe highlights my art, which would you pick, and why? The piece with the most feedback will likely be my 'featured' piece that showcases my overall look to new watchers. I want to change the first image people see, but obviously I like different pieces for different reasons.
If you're willing to take a few minutes for some feedback, it would be appreciated.
Thoughts?
Delay - Back in the Field
General | Posted 10 years ago
Hey everyone. As of May 11th I started back in my job which leaves very little time for anything else when all is said and done. I get home exhausted, have to ice my back, then eat dinner and go to bed to start over. Given the nature of the beast, the little free time I have is hard to get much art done- though I am trying bit by teeny, tiny bit.
Thank you for all of your patience and I hope my absence hasn't been too disruptive. We're crossing our fingers that I'm able to keep this up. Last year I worked admin over field work because I was in no physical condition to tackle the monster so soon after surgery. So far it has been extremely rough and trying, but we'll see how long I can tough it out. If it gets worse I will, unfortunately, have to throw in the towel and try again next season. I love the support I get in my job and that my supervisor has told me to let her know if I need to bow out. I love my work family.
I love my job, it doesn't always love me- physically anyway...
PS- Ohmygosh thank you to all of my new watchers! I'm so flattered that you enjoy my art enough to stick around. :D
When FA Goes Down/Offline..
General | Posted 10 years ago It's a bummer that I wanted to stream and it was right during this recent down time. Granted, I posted the stream announcement elsewhere, but honestly FA is where I have the strongest viewership. So, here is where to find me when this happens (which we know it will again):
DeviantArt - FireMaster13
Weasyl - DarkRiyokoStudios (dropped in activity here, but I'll try picking it up)
Nabyn - DarkRiyokoStudios (not as active here- though I'm sure that's the same for everyone)
If you need to get a hold of me, I typically respond quickly to notes here or DA, or you can email me at "DarkRiyokoStudios@gmail.com", without the quotes.
Thanks, everyone! I'm pretty sure I lost about 5 watchers, but like everyone else, I don't recall usernames. :(
Website Back Up
General | Posted 10 years ago
Edit 2: Fixed!
Edit: Although some of my examples aren't allowing clicking to full size. :/ Working on a fix.
After quite the headache and annoyance from no help on the customer support side, my website is back up and running. My Commission Options, Prices, ToS and FAQ have all been updated, too.
Feel free to go peruse! I'm considering offering prints, but if it starts becoming a pain in the butt, it won't be implemented. The other thing I may consider is making a page with an embedded video, to show when I'm streaming or not. But, I have to become more stream active to consider following that path.
Finally! Feels good to have it going again.
http://www.DarkRiyokoStudios.com
Lend me Animals! [Closed]
General | Posted 10 years ago
Edit: Thank you for all of the suggestions, everyone! I hope to have some new individual pieces soon.
I want to make a traditional tauren piece. Animal suggestions? They can be the same or different species halves, but I want to hear some ideas! If it turns out well and is well received, I may sell it. I haven't made a piece strictly to sell in a while.
Thank you!
*Headdesk* Female
General | Posted 10 years ago
I don't know if it's sad, or funny, that I feel the need to state this again. I don't know why it bothers me either- probably because I've had this occurring for the past 10+ years.
Ahem.. I am a female. All of my characters, you will also notice, are female.
Maybe it's the username and people just assume I have female characters. I don't know. I'm a chick. Thank you.
Adding Headshot Badges
General | Posted 10 years ago
Following my previous journal and mentioning all of the things I will be removing after April 15th, I may consider adding head shot badges. These are only the head, no shoulders, no chest, just the head. But, I would probably make them mixed media and price them close to what a chibi will go up to (to account for multiple media and time). They will be a medium-small size badge instead of small, like busts were.
Normally this is when I ask for references and people can get free art, but honestly it gets depressing how much feedback I receive for free art and not when commissions open, so not this time. I will instead pick some myself and use them as examples.
Examples soon to come!
Commission Pricing, Options, and Status
General | Posted 10 years ago
Hey everyone!
After much deliberation and getting a lot of wonderful feedback in HanMonster's stream last night, I've decided to make some hefty changes. After April 15th, I will be deleting several commission options and raising my prices to more accurately reflect the time they take to complete.
I will be removing from the digital options: Line Art, Chibis, Icons, and Full Characters. From the traditional options I will be removing: Line Art, ACEO's, Bust Badges, and Feral Badges (combining it into full badges instead). After April 15th, I will not offer these anymore. I don't get requests for them and, personally, I like working on other options.
I will be keeping: Digital Sketches, Flat Color, Ref Sheets, and Full Illustrations. Traditionally, I'll be keeping Sketches, Chibi Badges, Full Badges, B&W Pieces, and Full Illustrations.
To accommodate anyone who may yet wish to snag a commission of those types (or take advantage of a lower price tag..), I will be opening for a few limited slots on Friday, April 15th.
From me, I am trying to produce art on a more consistent basis for you all. Not only does it help me keep the juices flowing, it makes an example of the quality I offer.
As a final note: I do not want to see the response to this as a means for complaining about my pricing, please. I've had that before and couldn't find it more disrespectful. Pricing not only reflects the time it takes to create something personal for a client, it takes into consideration the years spent growing and honing my skills.
Thank you for reading! As of April 15th, a new commission pricing guide will be posted and the other removed.Dog Attack
General | Posted 10 years agoA reminder that everyone should already know: even if an owner says their dog is friendly, look for signs of aggression.
Yesterday afternoon on our walk, Cleo and I came upon an older woman walking two great danes. Excited to see other danes, I asked if they were friendly. When she replied yeah, we approached. Instantly Cleo and I were attacked by the two. Even though you should never put yourself between fighting dogs, there was no way I was going to let my dog get hurt.
Finally the woman, with the aid of a passerby, got her dogs' leashes back in hand. Blessedly, Cleo and I have no severe injuries and were able to walk away (long walk home). I fell in the slick mud during the incident and sustained a roughed up back. Cleo has very mild bruising from getting bitten and a little bit of rawness on a pad.
Every dog and every breed has the propensity for aggression. But how two great danes became instantly aggressive is perplexing to me, given the nature of a dane.
TL;DR If your dog has previously shown aggression with meeting another dog, please inform another owner before allowing a greeting, or don't allow a greeting.In the Spirit of Giving [Free Art] Edit: Closed
General | Posted 10 years ago
Edit 2: The winner has been noted. Thank you to all who participated! If I like doing this enough, I may offer another slot.
Edit: I am closing comments now and will PM the winner shortly.
Thank you for all of my recent watchers! It means a lot that people still enjoy my work.
I will keep this journal open overnight and choose someone in the morning, I think.
I've received a lot more copic markers for the holidays. After saving up and getting lovely gift cards, my husband turns around and surprises me by getting me the set I was saving for (with help from other family).
I'd like to compare how they lay down and blend versus my prismacolors. I could use solely one of my own characters, of course, but it's the holidays. Even though it's been very quiet on the commission front, especially for traditional, I'd like to offer a mount style chibi image, for free. By mount, I want to draw a chibified Ri, and match her to your character, also chibified, as the rider- nothing too fancy.
I will be drawing two similar images (as similar as I can without my art table) and coloring one with prismas and the other with copics. These won't have the colored pencil overlay, though, like a full character does, so that I can really compare the end result as is.
If you have been wanting art from me, but don't want to pay for it, I guess here's your chance to get a little. I will pick the character most appealing to me and contact the winner via PM.
If interested, please comment below with your character's references. I will close this journal and update it when I've chosen.
Feel free to spread the word.
Birthday!
General | Posted 10 years agoThough mostly to my DA audience, thank you for the birthday wishes. Yesterday was my birthday! I had such a fun day with my sister at the zoo and later with more of my family. My husband was amazing and stayed home with our potato (aka Cleo) so I could go out and have fun with my sister lady.
I've been working on some personal art as a birthday gift to me. It's a piece that is completely out of my norm and when I eventually finish it I will plaster it up. I am thoroughly loving how it's turning out right now.
Thank you, all!
I've been working on some personal art as a birthday gift to me. It's a piece that is completely out of my norm and when I eventually finish it I will plaster it up. I am thoroughly loving how it's turning out right now.
Thank you, all!
*Throws 3DS and Omega Ruby Out Window
General | Posted 10 years ago
I'm going to flip a biscuit. I've been trying to get a shiny Reshiram in my Omega Ruby game for a while. I have it saved in front of the portal and have 10 Quick balls, 30 Dusk Balls, and 30 Timer Balls. I have a flipping strong team to resist most moves or take minimal damage while throwing balls.
After 368 soft resets I almost exploded with glee when I encountered a Shiny Reshiram! I was so stoked. I even managed to get it in red health without a KO.
I continue to lob balls at it, starting with the quick balls. I move onto the dusk balls, eventually alternating with a timer ball here and there.
What happens? It refuses to be caught and eventually knocks itself out. ...
Words..can't even. I'm so beyond frustrated. I was very lucky to encounter a shiny one with relatively few SR's (compared to the odds). However, I'm almost always unlucky and things never go my way, as displayed. I truly want to huck my 3DS and the game out the window right now.
Artist Features Time!
General | Posted 10 years ago
I love doing these to help promote other artists and, likewise, garner more traffic here too.
If you'd like a feature, please post a journal with your own features. Include a link with the artist to your favorite piece in their gallery. Keep the journal up as long as you'd like, but perhaps give your features at least 24 hours.
As it goes, feature me and I'll likewise feature you below (just comment to let me know). Several of the artists below are ones I think need some lovin'.
I personally like to include a little tidbit about why I like the piece.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13716560/
*While I admittedly like their Featured Submission a lot, I like the perspective and the stark lighting in this one.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17571957/
*It's simple, but so stinkin' cute. I love it.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17780078/
*I am a sucker for tribal-esque depictions and like this one's setup. Go give their gallery a ton of love!
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15320064/
*It's adorable, that's why. ;)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15591595/
*I like the softness and coloration of the background.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13515033/
*I adore spreading and pinning, but my gift is with Lepidoptera. As such, the ability here to capture lovely movement in the spreading prep is gorgeous.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17029606/
*I reeaally like the stark lighting in this piece.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16309365/
*It's a nice water color rendering with the character.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7663824/
*The snuggles are adorable. I like the contrast between the subjects and the background.
Sooo ...interested in something else?
General | Posted 10 years agoDigital illustrations are what I get the most requests for, but since they take the longest, I don't open them frequently. I get at least a few people asking if I'd let them get a digital illustration when I open for different commission slots. Now, I advertise for a while, then open for them, and get chirping crickets.
Are potential commissioners not interested anymore?
If there's a commission type that you'd be interested in, please offer feedback. I try to cater to my audience, but after my last several commission openings, it more feels that commissions aren't something my clients want.
