I have alluded to my burnout but never spoke at length about it. I think in many ways I’m still processing what happened and what led to it. It’s hard for me to put into words what it was that I felt and continue to feel. I felt a little lost when it happened, but I have spoken about this at length with friends and even reached out to artists I admire (and to my surprise got replies back!) and it really helped me put things in perspective. It's very important to acknowledge the symptoms and always reach out for help when you feel like you're on your way or have burnt out. Sometimes people have different perspectives that may be able to help you.

First, I want to thank those who stayed with me through my long hiatus and continue to enjoy the work I put out even though it’s a massive shift in what I used to draw. This means more to me than I can ever express in words.

One of the reasons it’s so hard to talk about is that I’m not entirely sure when it all began. If I had to pinpoint where things were going wrong would be around 5 years ago. And 3 years ago I sort of just… disappeared. Not answering messages and maybe posting 1 or 2 bits of art that year. The truth is, I was debating whether or not to delete my account and just disappear for good.

Thankfully I spoke to my friends about what I felt and even reached out to some of my favourite artists and got a reply back. I held a very heart-to-heart conversation with one of them and it really put a lot of things in perspective for me. Being honest about what I was doing was difficult, especially to someone I considered highly but it made me realise what I was doing was incredibly unhealthy.

When I typed out what I wanted to say and even removed large chunks of text it felt like I just droned on. If you are interested in knowing in more detail, by all means, my notes are open.

In summary, I allowed people to dictate what I created, and I began to create artwork that I wasn't fully happy with because I just wanted to be relevant and liked. In many ways, I noticed I had regressed in quality and style and freaked out that I wasn't getting better with time. In many ways, I fell for the trap where I'd produce not because I liked what I did but because I thought it would get me noticed and liked.
After my heart-to-heart, I closed commissions for a long while and began to think about what I wanted. What I wanted to draw. What I thought was fun. I have changed. And after a while, it didn't feel right to hold on to a style I wasn't connected to.

This is why my style changed because I allowed it to naturally head in that direction. I’m now at the other end feeling empowered, content and emboldened. Even if it doesn’t get as much traction as it did before, the best thing that came out of this is that I am actually happy. Truly happy. I think this is why there is such a stark contrast in what I'm posting. I'm enjoying what I'm doing and every time I push just a little further. Just because I could do the style doesn't mean I should have solely focused on it.

I got to mess around and be playful with my work and got to a style I’m so comfortable with and feels like it's more "me" than the style I kept just for the sake of relevancy.

I am happy.

I’m still not fully out of burnout. Some don’t realise the effects of burnout can take so long to overcome. I know my journey will differ from many. In my case, being able to focus on what I wanted and needed from my art (as well as my own personal project) helped me gain my love for it back. Don't ignore your needs in terms of art. What you have to say to the world matters just as much.

In the next coming weeks when I open commissions again, I will do it with the knowledge and experiences of the past to make sure I don’t overwhelm myself or ignore my needs.

I'm thinking of opening limited slots for commissions. I'm a little hesitant as I have a few big jobs to take care of so my turnaround is undetermined. It can be weeks, maybe a month or two. Will you be happy to wait this long? I'm still sorting my TOS so I'm in no rush at the moment.

I do have some people on a waitlist that have asked for comics which I will fulfil. But I will be taking comics out my commission list. This is because of the amount of work I am putting into comics. I can no longer commit to the amount of work comics required with me getting ready to finalise details on my own project as well as my freelance is taking off and I'm getting a lot of work coming in.

Because I post across a lot of places, I can't fairly make it first come first serve without people in other timezones or have people on a site I check last never getting a spot. How do you feel with commission applications? I have seen people use google.docs to submit ideas and the artist keeps the list and goes down them based on what they can commit to (timewise). Is that something you'd guys be interested in?

Generally speaking, I usually do give priority to people who have never commissioned me before, then also choosing from a random name picker for other slots.

If I go down this method I'd likely keep the list and use a random name picker to continue to pick others at a later time. Of course I'd message if they're still interested. If not, or can't do it at that time, I'd skip them and pick someone else.

I'm currently working on my TOS, as well as hopefully doing some examples of my work. I think Canvas is very good for that but I'm not sure. Any advice is appreciated

I cannot guarantee when I can open slots in the future. But I'm happy to keep your name and idea on the list. And if a lot of time does pass by and you change your mind on the idea, and change it you are welcome to change it then and there without losing your spot.

Let me know what you think.

I want to apologize to people for not replying to the trade journal/tweet.

The Sunday before I got really ill. I'm not sure with what. Summer cold? Stomach flu? I'm not sure, I was very ill for a while and I didn't really do much for a little while. I started getting back to the swing of things yesterday but I still feel icky. I haven't chosen someone for a trade yet, but I will but my free time had passed as I'm accepting a huge contract so time is back to being limited. So I'll contact the individual when I can and work out the time.

I still am feeling sickly and I don't think stomach flus last this long. But it's passing and soon I'll be back 100% on track <3

I have some time off and I am able to take on one more trade.

Let me know if you are interested in the comments! I've also asked across other platforms but I'll be picking one person, two if times allows. I'll message the person I pick sometime next week!

Just to note it's a Sfw trade I'm interested in!

Finally got around to making an instagram. I don't like the UI on this, and it feels like it's way too many steps just to submit art. But I thought I'd give it a go.

https://www.instagram.com/raye_draws_/

If you want to follow!

I'll be picking the two artists later this week if you're still interested in joining my trade-raffle. https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/10557096/

I have some time off coming up for my birthday (On the 8th) and I would like to do a trade.

I'll be picking 2 artists to do trades with.

Just a quick note: the deadline isn't for the 8th. I understand end of may/June can be a very busy time for people. I do have time during this week on the 8th which is when I'll likely be starting the sketch!

I'm looking for something very cute or sweet. A Sfw trade.

Please don't be offended if I don't pick you in this round. It's not because I don't like your work or style or art. There will be plenty of opportunities to do a trade in the future!

If you're interested, comment below, bonus points if you give me a link or two to your favourite work that you've done!

Thank you!

ETA: yes you can also send me a DM if you would be more comfortable talking to me through there!

I'll be picking names early June between the 1st and 3rd!

Hello everyone!

Hope you are doing all okay.

I have unfortunately hit some setbacks in my professional life which has caused me to shift some priorities. I usually try to get a piece of art out at least once every two weeks, once every week if I can. This may be significantly slowed down while I refocus on some aspects of my professional life.

That said, I still have a few things I'm doing.

I admit that due to some busy schedules I haven't done my edits of my comic project with my friend and  lotharhex in a couple months.

I will be picking that back up very soon now that I have fresh eyes to look at the chapters. Which I'll be honest, I'm excited for!

I will also be doing some more comics to practice and hopefully get quicker.

I have a couple comics in mind, some very short and cute and some more mature.

Enough about me! How's it going?

I have made my first adoptale and with this my Ko-Fi shop is open.


https://ko-fi.com/s/98443df8d8

As you know I'm not the quickest to draw but this is something I've been trying to get going and I'm happy I took the firs step towards it!

Other things I will put there are the free Photoshop brush set I've made (which can also be used in Clip Studio Paint) that was uploaded to Deviantart but will still be available for free download on Ko-Fi. That will be uploaded in the next couple of weeks.

I will be remaking my cloud brush set sometime in the future as I have some more experience.



Any support, even if it's spreading the word is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hope things have been going well for everyone <3

Hello everyone hope you're doing well.

I have some wonderful news; I have very little booked in terms of costume/sewing making for March which leaves me open to doing some more art! I have a lot of things lined up and when I get things done I'll post them up here.

I have been doing a lot of studies, learning anatomy/clothes, etc

A lot of them don't end up posted, especially on FA, but many do get posted on my discord server. If you are interested let me know in the comments and I'll send you a link :)

I'm also working on Kofi tiers. I'm hoping to offer something in each tier that would be enticing but I admit I'm not looking for a rewards system like Patreon due to how little time I have most of the year but still something nice for those who support me that are within my means. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress.

So what's everyone up to :)

Happy new year everyone!

2022 has been a really strange year. I look toward the new year with cautious optimism.

I am not a strong believer in resolutions. However, I do have some plans in mind for the new year that I hope I can maintain.

I intend to draw a bit more. I have a lot of silly ideas and things I hope to bring to life next year. I feel that I'm finally finding my groove with drawing and I think I'm heading in the right direction.

I also want to take some time to thank each and every one of you. Either for motivating me to do the silliest things, talking to me and having a laugh or for sticking with me after all the years I spent on hiatus while I recovered from my illness.

The fact that you stuck with me all this time means more to me than anyone could imagine. I know in that time my interests and likes (art as well) have evolved so I appreciate the continued support I have gotten from you. I'm also thankful for the new supporters and the kindness they have shared with me.

I hope you like the art I put out in the new year, silly and serious art alike, and hope we can continue to enjoy our time together, have a laugh, and lift each other up.

Happy new year! Here's to 2023.

Happy holidays everyone! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend <3

Just thought I'd update everyone that I'm posting on another location. While I'm noticing a decline in interaction on Twitter I decided to open a Twitter account as well as an art blog and life blog of sorts. It's still early days but if you would like to see WIPs that don't make it here or take a glimpse of things I'm working on head over to Tumblr https://www.tumblr.com/rayedraws

I've had some downtime to draw the last few days and I have some artwork I'm currently working on. I'm hoping to at least get one Christmas picture out there this year. Though there is also a great possibility that you will get that xmas picture late.^^;

I got a few requests for commissions but as of this point in time, they are closed. I am likely going to see a lull in costume work after January so I may take on a commission or two. Please, do not hold me to this, this is entirely dependent on how many contracts I have.

If I do commissions, it will not be first come first serve. I will hold a lottery, but those who haven't gotten a commission from me yet will get priority. I will keep you all updated where I can. I do have a discord server where I am active in and may discuss opening commissions there first, but as I said in the previous post, I'm very busy with my costume work, and I've been umming and ahhing about deleting it because of the lack of time to moderate but I may consider getting more mods, but it's really just up in the air. Though I still haven't made a choice yet, if you're interested in joining, send me a note :)

But back to commissions, I post my TOS in the new year and post them here and my server, as well as I'll be dipping my toes into adopts. I will try to be more active in the discord. I will post them there first before anywhere else. :)

Anyway, that's it for now. I'm trying to be more active and try to do a journal or two a month.

So what are your holiday plans?

First I want to thank everyone for the Favorites and Watch I got in the last couple of weeks. I'm sorry I didn't get to reply to them in a timely manner but I have been super busy. More on that a little later! But I did want to take my time out to thank you all for your support. It really means a lot to me, especially during this new chapter in my life.

Some good news in my personal life: I got a contract that allows me to do what I love. And it's a good step in the right direction for my career as a costume maker/sewist. And I'll be working under a director and much more closely with costume supervisors at a theatre. This is a long-term contract but not a permanent one so that said I will be making some changes in my personal and online life to make sure I'm able to do what I love and also continue to do art as a hobby.

This doesn't mean I'm stopping drawing or posting here, but I'm likely to leave certain platforms that take up too much of my time. Discord servers with inactive kicking come to mind; I rather not worry about messages letting me know I'm about to be kicked or enjoy feeling pressure to interact or be kicked out. I may end up leaving them out of free will as it may be months before I would even look at discord. I'm still working on these details but this is something I'm considering. I'm going to need to reduce online distractions.

That said I'm also posting on other sites as well. I'll do a better job of maintaining a more consistent upload across these websites. I have been informed of some apps that help so this will make it so much easier. I will update my profile with these links on where I post.

I have a ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/rayematthews if you can buy me a coffee, I would be forever thankful. This will go towards bills as well as upgrading my equipment.

I am still posting on Twitter for the time being: https://twitter.com/RayeMatthews11

I have a DA but whether or not I'll post there anymore is up for debate.

I have joined inkblot if you have an account join me there! https://inkblot.art/profile/raye.matthews I only just made the account not sure if I'll post as much there.

That said the main place I post my art is always going to be FurAffinity. I will try to do better posting WIPs and concepts where applicable. I initially created a server to post my WIPs, concepts, and ideas and of course to talk to you guys but I'm noticing I haven't been able to post very much, and because of the limited time I have I end up blitzing through art rather than stop and post every stage so I'm now debating on whether or not I'll delete it as it wouldn't be fair to make my mods do all the work on my own server when I don't even show up for months. I will keep everyone informed of my decision, but I haven't made up my mind fully.

Even though I have this contract it doesn't mean I can leave my part-time job. I will need a full, steady income in case I have lulls in work. It's difficult to make consistent wages doing costume work freelance. Especially since I'm a relatively recent graduate. While I do this I need to make sure I have a part-time job in case after this contract runs out I don't get another one for a while. This makes it exceptionally difficult to find time to draw, but I feel that removing distractions and getting rid of "time sinks" (within reason) will help me as the project I'm working on, the comic is still something I'm deeply passionate about. And I will be trying to make that happen. I have images lined up I want to do to help me practice what I need to before I start sketching out the chapters. Of course I'll be thinking of some Christmas images too!

phew, that was a load to read through. If you made it through all that I'll give you a hug, you deserve it!

Now tell me about you, what's going on in your life?

Hey everyone, hope everyone is doing okay.

Sorry for the lack of art. I have been focusing on some emergency commissions I've taken due to my and  Lotharhex 's car being vandalised a few months back. I have been focusing mostly on those between deadlines.

I was hoping to have some of the commission ready to post this week but sadly I caught Covid so this will be delayed until I feel much better. It's really knocking me on my ass.

Art is coming, just very slowly. Thank you for being patient!

Hopefully next week I'll go back to regular arting.

Thank you <3

 anmix Is doing requests!

Please take a look at their journal :)

https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/10219231/

<3

Sup everyone! How has everyone been?

Hope everyone's well.

After talking to a few people, and a lot of people really don't like Twitter, I feel bad that not many are seeing my WIPs or seeing my experimentations or progress. So after talking to a few people, I thought maybe a discord server could be a good way to meet somewhere in the middle. I thought, hell, let's give it a go! While I do want to use this as a way to get others to see my work, I also encourage others to share their work as well.

https://discord.gg/FBGDzqM2

I have separated it into several channels. There is a general chit chat channel that is somewhat safe for work (naughty words allowed, no naughty pictures allowed)

Then there are different channels for SFW and NSFW Art I have made sure to keep this separate because I know a few strict SFW artists and I wish for them to have a safe little corner for them to share their work as well without worry.

Creative writing channel as well as an Erotica channel (with some distinction as to what is allowed in each, I don't know many writers so I am open to feedback regarding this!)

I also have a small little geeky corner, which has a very vague channel that has cosplay, crafts, games, and other nerdy little things that allows general sharing of other things I may add some of the things I've done, I love to sew (shocking I know :p) so I may add a few things there. I will add more channels if I get more people with more interest in certain things. Please, know that this can also include fursuiting as well if you are interested. Of course, the more people join and show interest, the more likely I'll end up having these channels separated. But for now, they're kind of mashed together.

I also will have a self-promotion channel which will allow for other forms of self-promotion outside art that you can share. Such as for your patreon, Ko-Fi, etc. Just make sure to read the rules!

For those who don't know I have a Twitter account where I post a lot of my SFW WIPs. I generally keep my Twitter account SFW, so I'm very careful what I share and like on there :)

I am trying to draw a bit more and do a few more slice of life images with my characters to get ready for the project I'm doing. I may do a few one-off non-canon comics just for fun. :)

Wonder what could be the themes. Hmm....

For the new year  lotharhex wanted to get back into writing. He has been helpful with my scripts but he wanted to do more short stories and I want to help support this.

So part of this was as an exercise at least once a week I would give him 3 words that he has to somehow incorporate into the story. The genre is open to whatever he feels for the moment, but when he wants a challenge I'll choose that too. He has the length of a movie that I choose to watch for him to get that story done.

The strict time limit is in part for the challenge but also it does not allow him time to procrastinate. There is no, "I'll do this tomorrow" "I'll get to it when I feel like it", which is what unfortunately he did and never wrote.

This has been thus far an interesting an amusing challenge for him and it has him motivated.

He is posting it on DA and Wattpad. My word choices for this story was Urologist, donut, and bees.

You can read the story here:

His DA: https://www.deviantart.com/lotharhe.....-Bee-902462627

His Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1173369426-.....cY1LwQ1YKMGXaUE03He8SaxBr5xaQxe%2F5dvRZAs4bG0NS47nF8wdpiKekzRyV9nP9%2B%2BhdwSqgzHbfs548myt5YeY7VZM8lVS1ZLP7NM6Xp

Hope you all have a very lovely holiday and a merry New Years!


I've been keeping myself busy and hopefully will be dropping some art soon. Have one in the works with Amberette that I hope to get done for NYE :D

Hello!

Just to continue to update:
I have one more of the clown comic to do! I also have a few flat sketches to do, and a couple of comics in tow. I have one more full drawing to do but we have still some details to work out. After this, I'm taking a commission holiday. But not to worry, I have many personal projects in mind I wish to do. With the coming winter months, many people like myself who do design work tend to have a lull in work so I'll have a lot of free time to draw. This actually brings me on to the next point: vague story announcement!



I know I dropped hints a few times that there is a story I was looking through (with the debut of Amberette's and Milagro's character as well), myself, a good friend of mine,  mysterioso20 and  Lotharhex have been working on editing a lot of the stories written previously that I have found as mentioned in those comments. Between works I have had help with sifting through some old ideas, getting rid of a lot and bringing some forward.


They have been incredibly helpful with the whole aspect while I've been sewing my life away. We have been pitching ideas and I've certainly made some changes since these character introductions (though they themselves were pretty vague, to begin with) but I suppose you guys will just have to wait and see! Once I finish my current commission queue, I will draw out some teaser images if you're interested!

Also, yes, Raye is involved. ;P So is Lothar.

You are welcome to ask anything but I won't give spoilers!

Hello, I am back!

Hubby  lotharhex was able to fix my computer. It turns out it was the processor all along. The jerk. How dare it.

I am drawing during my downtime, but for those who do keep an eye on my journals, I graduated and have a part-time job as well as do little odd freelance jobs (that I reference as contracts) in between there I'm catching up on commissions (I have a small queue I promised to finish!) once that is finished, commissions will be closed until further notice, sorry :(

Of course I'll be looking into opening them up once I catch up on my current commission queue and take a brief break to do some personal art projects, as I have a long backlog to get out of the way (some private some not private ones, which may not show up on my own personal accounts which is likely why you haven't seen many updates from me depending on the terms of the commission) you may not see consistent uploads as some of them are private commissions. And the uploads you will see will likely just be sketches I do between works, hope you don't mind :)

You will see derpy comics from me again when I get to personal comics, just bullcrap between  lotharhex and I that I been wanting to do, but now with his new design haha (well, once we agree on the final design for his bionics).

And now for the Font/comic question; anyone find one to use in comics that they like? I have one I use but I'm thinking about updating it mainly because I am not really all that keen on it anymore. I am not sure if I want something a bit more old school or maybe something a bit more aesthetically different. I just want to experiment. I just wanted to see what people would recommend. :)

In the meantime, I have been busy, and one of my commissions is nearly done, and I'm working down the list :D Woop woop!

I decided to give it a try. I will be posting my sketches as and when they happen on Twitter. I will art dump them here bhy the end of the week! That way no one misses what I'm doing. I'm working closely with a friend on a new venture! And it's moving ... well it was moving fast but more on that later.

For those on the dumpster fire that is Twitter my handle is: RayeMatthews11
Follow me on there for very slow and barely existing updates!

Unfortunately, my computer decided to go out in a blaze of glory and the motherboard decided to go kaput and I'll be waiting on a new one before i can draw again so in the meantime I suppose I'll just be looking through Twitter and getting my feet planted there and see what's going on there and if it's as scary as people make it seem.

I also have a part-time job now. This means by the time I get my motherboard replaced I won't be drawing until next week. So i may be posting my first sketch dump sometime by the end of next week. So keep an eye out :)

Thanks to everyone who commented on my previous journal about Twitter.

Not gonna lie, that was a hella mixed bag of reviews. I spoke to some through notes, and some through comments, and other platforms and it's very interesting to see the vast majority have a different experience. But one thing everyone seems to agree is that Twitter is pretty much a cesspool whether they liked it or not haha! Gotta love the honesty!

Admittedly, I'm not fully sure whether or not I will get an account, I'm still weighing my options as I don't intend to really post that much stuff outside the few things posted in the last journal. Though there are a lot of things that don't make it here, and a lot of it is just random sketches that I may compile into related sketches/anatomy studies rather than post individually. What do you guys think?

I will be posting more art, some of the work I'm catching up on are private commissions so they will not be uploaded so I apologize for this. But in other news I will be uploading other work, there is a comic that I may be uploading in a couple of weeks time so stay tuned!



I never thought I'd say t his but wow I'm not used to the free time. I am having to find my bearings on free time. HAHA. What is this?!

I've been told that a lot of people are moving toward twitter for many applications.

Of course there are a lot of polls there that can be easily used. Not to mention they allow nudity and NSFW stuff as long as they are properly marked.

I think this is a good idea. I have some ideas on what I want to do and having polls show this would be ideal! I suppose now that I have the time I could also pay more attention to twitter and Furaffinity.

The better question, do you guys have it? What do you think of it? I had one briefily and I rarely used it so I can't really say I had the best or worst experience since I never opened the thing. But this was... ooof 5 or 6 years ago now? I am sure a few things have changed by now!

What do you guys think?

Do you have one? How are you finding it?

As of Friday I have finally submitted my final module for my university course. Aside from having to man my university show I am finally free. I AM FINALLY FREE.

There were times I genuinely did not think I could make it. Or that I somehow wasn't cut out for university. But I did it! I don't know if I will have a graduation show due to covid restrictions but hell I don't care at this point. I did it! I bloody did it!!! hardest years of my life. :D

I put a lot of effort into this, including working through summers and taking extra jobs and taking time to research during the summer so I can get the credit I need to be able to do the work and experience and gain skills. I barely slept for years but it was well worth it.

On the one hand, I'm so happy. I get to finally get the free time I craved for and be able to draw and be able to do more of my own hobbies. But I'm also sad that all that is over.

I have some art to catch up to. So keep an eye on this space.

I have some other ideas as well. I've discussed with a small group of people and once I gather more information and work out some logistics I'll be able to reveal some ideas :D



Also my birthday was on the 8th yay I lived!

How's everyone been :D