Alright, before I start, the whole purpose of this journal is to explain why I've been slow with my drawings and why I haven't been streaming lately. I've been extremely busy ever since the start of Anthrocon and I haven't been able to properly sit down to explain what has been going on in my life.

First of all, I did have a bunch of free time before Anthrocon because I live in the-middle-of-nowhere, Arizona and there is absolutely nothing better to do over there than spend hours on end in front of my computer screen while trying to battle my allergies against every surrounding plant around my house. Life was good.

Then my sister-in-law called me, saying she had a friend who worked at a vet and she could get me an internship at the vet clinic she worked at, however, the vet clinic is in Dallas, TX. So I called the place, asked them when I could start working, and settled on the fact that I was gonna work a month and a half from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm 6 out of 7 days of the week after the weekend of the 4th of July. Perfect, right after Anthrocon finished. So I talked with my parents and with some family friends who have a house in Dallas that they never stay in, and this was going to be the first time I was going to be truly and utterly on my own. College didn't compare to this because I had to actually earn money to pay for food and cook it and go to the grocery store WALKING to get whatever I needed and whatnot. I was ready to take on this challenge at the cost of my free time.

Two days before Anthrocon, the manager at the vet called me. He said that I was not going to work for a month and a half but instead just two weeks. I was struck, because I wasn't planning on spending money to get to Dallas, then back to Arizona for a month, and then a plane to college in Vermont! So I decided I was going to stay in Dallas, get a job right after the internship and have something to do while I was at Dallas. No problem, right?

So I went to Anthrocon on the 3rd of July. I was super excited because I was going to see so many friends this year. I met , , and , as well as some other guys whose FA I don't know for the first time, and got to spend pretty much all of my time with my wonderful deity, ! I had such a wonderful time playing werewolf, buying books, meeting people, hanging out, and drawing for my friends. It was definitely the highlight of my year having had so much fun despite the fact that Veis ripped my beautiful and huge red panda tail. But I'm not mad at him because he's the cutest friend I have... but all good things must come to an end.

Right after Anthrocon had finished, me and Goji left on a plane straight to Dallas, TX where I would begin my internship at the veterinary. I quickly learned that this was not an internship, but rather volunteer work. The first few days I felt a little lost, because when everyone around you knows what they're supposed to be doing, they don't let you jump in and do it yourself. It was challenging having to walk to work for an hour and stand up there all day before having to walk back home another hour. Especially when you haven't exercised ever. My legs felt like jelly after my first night and I couldn't believe I had agreed to work there for such long periods of time while just standing around. I came home with my legs barely functional for the first entire week while still having to feed myself and shower off all the sweat before heading to sleep. It was tough. Waking up at 6:30 am, leaving at 7:30 am and arriving to work at 8:30 am to work until 5:00 pm, walk home and arrive at 6:00 pm, shower, eat, and whatever else and still have time to socialize with my internet friends while getting enough sleep to make it through the next day ALL while looking for jobs and applying to as many as I could within the two week time-span that I had at the vet so that I could jump right into another job. However, Goji made every week more than worth all the pain and suffering my legs had gone through.

Goji lives in Arlington, TX. It's not exactly the closest place, but he is the sweetest guy ever. He would come on the weekends and hang out with me. He took me to a Dallas/Arlington furmeet, which is HUGE in comparison to Vermont furmeets. I got to eat conveyor belt sushi with him and his friends and even got to spend a night at his place and vice versa. He is the only friend that I can hang out with while here in Dallas and I am so glad I met him at Anthrocon this year, because he is such a wonderful guy, and he writes really good fanfics!

But back to my story, after long hours of walking and standing around at the vet clinic and struggling to make them let me do stuff, I finally found a job at a restaurant called HG Supply Co. (HG stands for hunter/gatherer), which is a rather popular restaurant in Dallas. They hired me almost immediately. I bid my farwells to the people at the vet clinic, and immediately put on the HG Supply Co. shirt to work on weekends Fridays from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 1:00 am. Hardcore work, but at least I'd have the weekdays to draw and stuff, right? The first couple of nights they were nice enough to give me rides back home because the location of the restaurant is a bar district, so everyone was super afraid I was gonna get run over by a drunkard, mugged, or raped, or whatever bad things happen to 19 year olds while walking 40 minutes home from work at 1:00 am. Then my mom decided to give me a surprise visit right after I finished my first weekend of work at the restaurant.

My mom came with her car and she was nice enough to convince me to get a pawn shop bike with barely functional breaks. She immediately wanted to do a bunch of stuff with me on the weekdays that I was not working as well as yell at me at night for sleeping late. Just like home. She then immediately decided to invite old family friends we have in Mexico to come spend a week over at Dallas with us, and so that's when all of my free time was completely annihilated along with my privacy. I endured it and worked and went to the mall and all those stuff rich people do. After a week of having the family friends over, they finally left and so it was just me and my mom again. We went to watch Les Miserables for the first time (awesome musical, go watch), among other stuff in downtown. They gave me an extra night at the restaurant on Wednesday nights from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am. And tomorrow my mom leaves to go back to Arizona.

Also, I forget to mention that my internet is a complete piece of shit that cuts off randomly for no reason whatsoever. Resetting the router or modem doesn't do anything, not even plugging in with an ethernet cable. This is another reason why despite the very little free time that I've had, I have not been able to stream at all.

TL;DR: Don't have free time because I went to Anthrocon, got a job at a vet, got a job at a restaurant, had my mom visit as well as friends from Mexico, and my internet sucks.

 spacesmilodon is doing a YCH!

Here's the link to the YCH: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14087064/

The bid is pretty low right now, so go check it out! It's not very often that she'll have something this cheap going around!
The bid will end on monday night.

Where are you staying?
The Omni

What day are you getting there?
Thursday.

How are you traveling?
Plane.

Who will you be rooming with?


How is the best way to find you?
Send me a note on FA or on twitter fuegodelalma!

Are there any panels you might be attending?
Probably art panels.

What do you look like?
A short, handsome, well dressed guy with curly hair and a MASSIVE red panda tail!

Will you be suiting?
Nope.

Do you do free art?
If you befriend me, sure!

Do you do trades?
Of course!

Do you do badges?
Nope.

If you have an Artist's Table, what will you be selling?
N/A

What is your gender?
Male.

How tall are you?
5'5"

Can I talk to you?
NO, I HATE EVERYONE.
jk, yes.

Can I touch you?
My body is yours to do as you please.

How can I find you?
FA shouts or twitter fuegodelalma!

Can I visit your room?
Sure! Though there won't be any parties there.

Can I buy you drinks?
If you like living dangerously and giving alcohol to a 19 yr old, by all means, sneak some fireball into my room~

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Come at me, furries!

Are you nice?
I am an exceptionally nice guy easy to get along with, all you gotta do is say "Hi!"

Do you have an artist table?
Nope.

Will you be going to parties?
If I find them, I'll be more than willing~

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Smoke signals.

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
Sure! I'll make quick friends if I find myself alone!

Can I look in your sketchbook?
By all means, feast your eyes!

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
Sure!

Can I take your picture?
Go ahead!

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Making friends, going to parties, fun in the bedroom, learning better art from panels, doing more things that I did last convention in general!

Livestream is not working, for some reason, so instead I'll be using join.me. Too bad there are only 9 spots.

https://join.me/964-485-900

If I had to admit my weakness, it would be in coloring. What are some of the ways you people would color or make your drawings pretty?
Like for example, how do you make your sketch not so sketchy, or what shading tools do you use?

For example: I like to shade using a light blue underlayer and then turn that layer to multiply when doing cell shading.
Or another example: I sometimes add white lines to the sides of the lines that are hitting the light source.

(Thought I should let you guys know.)

I'm so sorry guys...

I am starting to realize that it takes me WAY too long to draw my things. People have been telling me I have been undervaluing my art and finally, after so many hours spent drawing, I realize that I need to bump my prices a bit. Especially those of my "colored painting" styles. It's getting ridiculous. I work on a drawing for 6 hours and only get $26 for it. As fun as it is to draw, it is also exhausting and with college it's a bit more difficult to keep up with my commissions and homework at the same time.

Don't worry, I didn't make them exaggeratedly expensive (most expensive being $30). Check them out here:
https://www.furaffinity.net/commiss.....s/fuegodelalma

Lately I've been thinking about a certain someone. I miss that person at times, but it could also be due to the fact that I haven't been single for this long in a really long time. I used to jump from relationship to relationship a lot because I liked having someone to sorta curl up with at night even if it was all in chat.

However, I've been making a lot of asexual friends lately, and I am starting to realize I don't need someone as badly as my heart wants it. It's more of an impulse now, the fact that it feels like I fit in when I have a mate. Like I am normal. It's stupid to think that way, but after a few events with a friend of benefits of mine, I realize that as good as sex feels, it doesn't fulfill me the way a good friend would.

At times I did think to myself, "Hey, Alma, what if you ended up in a poly relationship? How about a relationship with an asexual?" It was surprisingly not hard to see myself being in a polyamorous relationship. I am not a jealous person most of the time. I have gotten over some people who I had crushes in after I became a single once again. It is now that I realize how impulsive I was to just love whomever. Sometimes I even feel like I don't need to love anyone, and I realize "THAT'S IT! That's what being single is about! It's not about the constant search of your 'special someone', but about the search of your happiness in general." I did wonder to myself how I could be physically close with someone without having them get the wrong idea. In the end, all we ever want is someone to hold, but who says it has to be a mate? Having that person be a mate is like a norm. Like you can't touch someone unless that person is emotionally and romantically close to you. It's the norm that people think that if you hug someone and rest your head on that person's shoulders, it is a sign of romantic affection. I couldn't do that with just anyone. Maybe with Deretto. He knows that my relationship with him is nothing more than that of the affection of a close friend. And this is when I realized, "Hey, maybe I could be with an asexual person." But I don't need to have an asexual as a mate just to be physically close with someone.

Down the road, I know that my lust drive is going to fade away. I have my urges at times, as I said, I do have a friend with benefits, but I am quickly realizing how little I care about sex. Not to say I won't do it with people I care for, but it's starting to become as more of a casual activity to me as opposed to something intimate. And just like any casual activity, I can just not do it. I don't need it. And this realization is probably the moment I grew up a little on the inside.

Now I realize all I ever need is just a friend who I can be physically close with and who reciprocates the closeness. That's so often connotative with the urge of needing someone to have as a mate, but in the end all you need is a good friend that won't take your physical approaches as more than just the need for physical attention.

We all need hugs sometimes.

I cherish the things that my asexual friends have made me realize. You guys are the best. <3

And if down the road I end up in a relationship, now that I have purged all that need for sex out of my body that came with being a teenager/young adult, I can finally appreciate my partner past the need for sex. Not to say I won't be adaptable to their sexual needs. I can be REALLY sexual, but what I was lacking was an 'off' switch. Finally I feel like I have some self control.

A wacom intuos pro medium sized!

I swear to god, having a larger tablet makes it SO much easier to draw.

So I guess in this context, size matters~

After drawing a few puctures of fat animals, I realized that I really enjoyed doing so. It's extremely fun, and for that, I am going to commit myself to draw pudgy furries for the entirety of the month of January! (Save for commissions, of course. I won't be drawing your characters fat in those instances.)

So, any of you fat/vore furs, spread the word.

Also, I'll be streaming a lot more starting next year. Hopefully that gets me some popularity.

Just thought I'd remind you guys. I've had a lot of free time to draw because of vacation, so take advantage of it.

Prices: http://www.furaffinity.net/commissi...../fuegodelalma/

Being 19 is like reaching lv 2 of the age of 18.

Will be spending it with a turkey for a cake and my friend's family for my own. My parents were kind enough to buy me a set of 48 prismacolor markers, which I will abuse the shit out of when I get back to school~

There won't be much going on today. Just relaxing, maybe drawing and homework. Being a nerd and staying in front of my computer. Making internet friends. Not going outside because it will be colder than a freezer.

Staying warm, like a flareon~

Because I am so busy with school, I have been very slow with my commissions. It's kinda infuriation because I want to have time to relax and also to draw and do my work, but by the end of the day, I am always busy with something.

Sometimes I feel like I need someone to slap me to get my work done without any breaks.

Since now I am back in college, I have less time to draw outside of my notebooks, though I'll still be able to draw, now I have a lot less flexibility and due to that I have to raise my prices a bit.

Also, the extra characters on some of the commission types were also raised by $1.
Please have a look and tell me if they seem fair. http://www.furaffinity.net/commissi...../fuegodelalma/

Now that I've gotten a little experience with what I have to offer, I will keep my prices the same, but I will add a couple subcategories:

SKETCHES:
$3 Sketches (+$1 per extra character)

DRAWINGS:
$5 Lineart (+$1 per extra character)
$7 Flat color (+$1 per extra character)
$9 Cell shading (+$1 per extra character)

PAINTINGS:
$13 Colored painting of characters (+$2 per extra character)
$17 Colored painting + background (+$2 per extra character)

Please note that I won't be taking commissions from the 2nd to the 8th of July due to Anthrocon coming up.

I guess lately I haven't been much in the happy place I want to be. I really hate my house. It's in the middle of nowhere and I have no friends around here. Sure, I get to draw stuff sometimes for my friends, I talk online, but as far as physical stuff goes, I don't even leave the house for walks because of the fear a rattle snake might pop up, and the closest hospital is an hour away. It probably wouldn't kill me, but you know, that would suck and I could loose a finger or so.

I am really looking forward to anthrocon. A little escape from my house for once even if it's for four days. This summer vacation shouldn't be this long. I am so ready to go back to college it's ridiculous. At least I have more fun there. If only I could spend vacation at a friend's house. But being realistic, that is probably not going to happen.

I get really unmotivated when I am at my house. My mom keeps calling me a useless piece of shit when I am in front of a screen. I guess she doesn't understand that the computer is my only way to keep my sanity. But the fact that she bashes at me for not being a slave and working all day, doesn't make me feel good, you know? And then she wonders if something is wrong with me when she sees me quiet and withdrawn from her. At least my dad understands that it sucks to be here and he tries to cheer me up as best as he can.

I really hate breaks. I really hate my house. I wished I lived with my mate.

I am not looking for any attention. I just wanna get this problem out somewhere. Only a few people know how I'm really doing, and I don't tell everyone because I don't wanna look like an attention whore. Ugh. It even feels disgusting that I have to say that.

Where are you staying?
Omni Hotel

What day are you getting there?
Mid thursday

Who will you be rooming with?


Who will you hang out with during the convention?
My friends from school mostly, as well as other vermont furs, maybe, if I an not out making friends. :3

What is the best way to find you?
Go to the pokefur panel and ask people for me.

Are there any panels you might be attending?
Pokefurs panel!!!!!!!!!!
Also some artist panels and other stuff if I really feel like it. :P

What do you look like?
5'6" guy with beautiful brown curly hair.

Will you be suiting?
Nope.

Do you do free art?
Sure, why not.

Do you do trades?
Absolutely!

Do you do badges/commissions?
I do have commissions open, but I am not making badges.

What is your gender?
A MAN.

How tall are you?
5'6"

Are you mated/in a relationship?
Yeah.

Can I talk to you?
Unless you are mute, sure!

Can I touch you?
I do enjoy hugs. c:

Can I visit your room?
I'd have to ask

Can I buy you drinks?
I'm 18. It'd have to be at a hotel room.

Can I give you stuff?
Sure, though I wouldn't see why the intention.

Can I hug or snuggle with you?
I do enjoy hugs~ Snuggling has its limits though.

Are you nice?
I am pretty nice around people, but once I start warming up to you, I can be a bit of an ass.

How long are you going?
Thursday afternoon to Monday morning.

Do you have an artist table?
Nope.

Will you be going to parties?
Maybe. If I have nothing better to do.

Will you be performing?
Hell no.

Do you have prints/CDs?
No.

Will you have art in the Art Show? General or Adult sections?
If only I was that good.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Walk up to me and say hi.

Can I look in your sketchbook?
Sure, though it doesn't have many drawings.

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
Sure~ Each person's drawing is like their own individual signature!

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
As long as you don't make me pay, sure!

Can I take your picture?
I wouldn't mind~

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
Meet more pokefurs and maybe set some things right with a friend.

Alright, so I actually draw a lot more than I upload on my FA account. I was wondering if I should start streaming whenever I jump on SAI and start doodling. How many people would be interested in that? Please be honest.

I frankly don't think I have the number of fans to stream something and have more than like 3 people watching the stream. So I guess it really depends on how many people say they'd like to see what I'm doodling. I guess it doesn't really matter whether you'd stay throughout the whole session or not. I don't expect anyone to sit there watching some dude fuck around trying to draw penises and getting better at drawing poses. I'd just want to know how many people would actually bother to tune in if they see a journal saying that I am streaming.

The school year is closing and I am dealing with exams, so excuse me while I bury my face in some books instead of my computer.

I know many of you pokefurs will get angry at me for not going to Otakon instead, but I had plans with my friends here from campus to go to anthrocon and have some mid-summer fun at the largest international furry convention, 'cuz we had the money for it. So yeah, I will be going with these two dragons (<-- the one on the right is my friend, the other is his mate), and this fool . Hopefully meet up with the  vermontfurs over there and maybe make some more pokefur friends seeing as to how I believe some pokefurs who I might not know about will probably go to anthrocon as well.

The plane ticket, con pass, and hotel room are all already bought, and it is for sure that I will go! Hopefully I get to meet some people I do know over at anthrocon and hang out.

When I say something, it usually backfires in some way. I guess it's because I've been loosing confidence in myself these past 2 and a half months and I am unable to stand my ground. Boy do I sound stupid when I am depressed.

...

That's when I escape to an open canvas. I don't like sounding like an idiot, so without saying a word, I express myself.

The pricing goes as follows:

Traditional art :
$4 sketch (+$1 per extra character) (you get a picture, but if you want me to send it to you, we will discuss the price based on how far I have to pay to send it to you. If you live near me, I will just give you the drawing personally without charge. c: )

Digital Art:
$3 Sketches (+$1 per extra character)
$5 Lineart (+$1 per extra character)
$7 Flat color (+$1 per extra character)
$13 Finished drawing without background (+$2 per extra character)
$17 Finished drawing + background (+$2 per extra character)

I will push myself as hard as I can to be able to do my best. The fact that I am getting paid makes me aim to please. I can draw both feral and anthro (though there isn't a lot of anthro art I have shown on my gallery). I will also draw any sort of kinks. I am open to anything. :)

Edit: Taking the $20 option away because I always try my hardest. c: