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Sketches, Flat Colour Commissions
General | Posted 15 years agoStill have 14 sketches left under the 100 sketch challenge. You've all heard this before, but $5 per sketch for single character, $5 more for each additional character in a sketch.
I'm also offering some flat colour commissions as a cheaper alternative for people. These will work the same way as the challenge sketches - give me a character to play with and some minor direction (if you want), I do the piece and it's a surprise for you. These will be inked and digitally coloured with no shading, digital delivery when finished. Backgrounds will not be included. They're $30 for a single character piece. $50 for a two-character piece.
If you're interested in either, just drop me a note!
I'm also offering some flat colour commissions as a cheaper alternative for people. These will work the same way as the challenge sketches - give me a character to play with and some minor direction (if you want), I do the piece and it's a surprise for you. These will be inked and digitally coloured with no shading, digital delivery when finished. Backgrounds will not be included. They're $30 for a single character piece. $50 for a two-character piece.
If you're interested in either, just drop me a note!
Reason for lack of more finished art
General | Posted 15 years agoHey there folks!
Sorry for the lack of more finished pieces as of late. The end of September and all of October has brought in a huge influx of small costuming orders (which is awesome), so I've had my hands full with that along with the smaller commissions I've been posting. I wish this would last, but I know that it's going to go poof after Halloween.
On the bright side, even with taking a bigger hit than I thought with property taxes, I've still managed to set aside some extra cash thanks to that rise in costuming orders. I'm about halfway to being able to afford the much-needed replacement for my current laptop. After that, it'll be back to all the money gained from commissions going toward trying to pay off student loans.
Anyway. Plans in the sort of near future for art and so on (if I don't get more commissions) include finishing the plant painting series and seeing what I can do about making some larger costume pieces to sell. I've also got some ideas for pieces I'd like attempt just for myself (one of which is the direct result of reading a bunch of 80's sci-fi...).
Sorry for the lack of more finished pieces as of late. The end of September and all of October has brought in a huge influx of small costuming orders (which is awesome), so I've had my hands full with that along with the smaller commissions I've been posting. I wish this would last, but I know that it's going to go poof after Halloween.
On the bright side, even with taking a bigger hit than I thought with property taxes, I've still managed to set aside some extra cash thanks to that rise in costuming orders. I'm about halfway to being able to afford the much-needed replacement for my current laptop. After that, it'll be back to all the money gained from commissions going toward trying to pay off student loans.
Anyway. Plans in the sort of near future for art and so on (if I don't get more commissions) include finishing the plant painting series and seeing what I can do about making some larger costume pieces to sell. I've also got some ideas for pieces I'd like attempt just for myself (one of which is the direct result of reading a bunch of 80's sci-fi...).
Tails, leatherwork, knitting, etc
General | Posted 15 years agoJust a note that I've re-added a bunch of stuff to my Etsy shop along with adding some new items.
http://dragonfyredawn.etsy.com
Tails - there are three wolf/canine tails up currently. Grey, black and tan. One cat tail/ear set in white. There's also a custom rabbit tail option, though if you're interested in the rabbit tails, you're more than welcome to contact me here and skip Etsy entirely.
Ears - random sets of ears. Tiger, leopard, crocheted "anime cat" type...
Leatherwork - pouches and leather-wrapped bottles. Great as accessories for Halloween costumes!
Knitting - a whole bunch of hats. It is starting to get chilly, after all.
Other stuff - one ACEO is up, along with some wrapped-wire spider earrings.
http://dragonfyredawn.etsy.com
Tails - there are three wolf/canine tails up currently. Grey, black and tan. One cat tail/ear set in white. There's also a custom rabbit tail option, though if you're interested in the rabbit tails, you're more than welcome to contact me here and skip Etsy entirely.
Ears - random sets of ears. Tiger, leopard, crocheted "anime cat" type...
Leatherwork - pouches and leather-wrapped bottles. Great as accessories for Halloween costumes!
Knitting - a whole bunch of hats. It is starting to get chilly, after all.
Other stuff - one ACEO is up, along with some wrapped-wire spider earrings.
Heart of Brass Hoodies!
General | Posted 15 years ago604 Republic's shop is now up and running, which means Heart of Brass (renamed MechaHeart in their shop) is available again! Here are the links:
Hoodie: http://www.604republic.com/prod/mechaheart_hoodie
Women's t-shirt: http://www.604republic.com/prod/mec.....heart_baby_tee
Men's t-shirt: http://www.604republic.com/prod/mechaheart_t_shirt
Hoodie: http://www.604republic.com/prod/mechaheart_hoodie
Women's t-shirt: http://www.604republic.com/prod/mec.....heart_baby_tee
Men's t-shirt: http://www.604republic.com/prod/mechaheart_t_shirt
Challenge progress
General | Posted 15 years agoI'm officially over the halfway point on the 100 sketch challenge. Given my being a pretty much unknown artist, I wasn't even sure I'd get this far. So thank you so much to the folk who've commissioned me under the 100 Sketch Challenge!
I'm thinking of starting up a second challenge for myself after I get done with this one, or close to. Facial expressions are a specific thing I'd like to work on. The first thought was to do a "Challenge of 1000 faces", but as cool as that sounds as a title, I think it'd be very unlikely that I'd get that many commissions in any reasonable amount of time. So I'm going to start that one with 100 as a starting point, then go from there. I'm still hammering out the details...pricing, whether I'd do them as digital sketches or traditional. There will definitely be a reasonably cheap option to upgrade a sketch to a full colour icon.
I'm thinking of starting up a second challenge for myself after I get done with this one, or close to. Facial expressions are a specific thing I'd like to work on. The first thought was to do a "Challenge of 1000 faces", but as cool as that sounds as a title, I think it'd be very unlikely that I'd get that many commissions in any reasonable amount of time. So I'm going to start that one with 100 as a starting point, then go from there. I'm still hammering out the details...pricing, whether I'd do them as digital sketches or traditional. There will definitely be a reasonably cheap option to upgrade a sketch to a full colour icon.
Caring pet owners - help!
General | Posted 15 years agoI'm reaching out for a bit of support for a friend. Anybody who cares about their pets, be they a dog, cat, bird, snake...anything...might want to throw their support into this cause.
Said friend is going through a very messy divorce. Both he and his ex were known and involved with a local bird rescue. The wife moreso than him, but regardless, the rescue knew that they were married - in fact, their home was an approved foster home for the organization and they had fostered several birds in the past. As a couple, they owned several birds, including three cockatiels.
When the wife moved out, she had made arrangements with the local rescue to temporarily take one of the birds with the intent that once she was settled in a permanent location she'd come retrieve him. My friend and his ex had come to an agreement with the pets. She was getting the cats and this bird, he was keeping the three cockatiels. So when the rescue came and promptly removed ALL the birds from the household, it came as a shock. From what he described, the removal of the cockatiels was done in a very duck-and-run manner. All their things were left behind and they were shoved into the car so fast he could barely register his protest.
Turns out the wife signed surrender paperwork for ALL the birds, against the agreement she had with my friend. The paperwork however DOES require you to answer whether or not anybody else has any claim to the birds. Under the law, the birds were considered communal property in the marriage, so my friend did indeed have a claim on them. In short, the wife lied on the surrender form in order to remove birds she didn't want so her ex-husband who did want them couldn't have them. For some reason beyond my understanding, even when my friend presented proof of joint ownership (vet records, statements from the folk that gave the birds to them as a gift to both parties, not just the wife) the rescue is refusing to budge.
It's been four months since my friend had his beloved birds taken from him. And to add insult to injury, he hadn't even been given status updates beyond "they're in a foster home". For all he knows, all three of the birds are dead. It's certainly a possibility for one of them, who was a senior when they took her in. Another of the birds is strongly bonded to him and could be pining away.
Facebook group showing support: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?g.....29336257115555
Update post on LJ, written by the housemate of my friend and his ex: http://community.livejournal.com/pa.....s/4411691.html
A more current update: http://community.livejournal.com/pa.....s/4433701.html
A news article on the situation: http://www.examiner.com/parrot-in-n.....ntions-go-bad?
Said friend is going through a very messy divorce. Both he and his ex were known and involved with a local bird rescue. The wife moreso than him, but regardless, the rescue knew that they were married - in fact, their home was an approved foster home for the organization and they had fostered several birds in the past. As a couple, they owned several birds, including three cockatiels.
When the wife moved out, she had made arrangements with the local rescue to temporarily take one of the birds with the intent that once she was settled in a permanent location she'd come retrieve him. My friend and his ex had come to an agreement with the pets. She was getting the cats and this bird, he was keeping the three cockatiels. So when the rescue came and promptly removed ALL the birds from the household, it came as a shock. From what he described, the removal of the cockatiels was done in a very duck-and-run manner. All their things were left behind and they were shoved into the car so fast he could barely register his protest.
Turns out the wife signed surrender paperwork for ALL the birds, against the agreement she had with my friend. The paperwork however DOES require you to answer whether or not anybody else has any claim to the birds. Under the law, the birds were considered communal property in the marriage, so my friend did indeed have a claim on them. In short, the wife lied on the surrender form in order to remove birds she didn't want so her ex-husband who did want them couldn't have them. For some reason beyond my understanding, even when my friend presented proof of joint ownership (vet records, statements from the folk that gave the birds to them as a gift to both parties, not just the wife) the rescue is refusing to budge.
It's been four months since my friend had his beloved birds taken from him. And to add insult to injury, he hadn't even been given status updates beyond "they're in a foster home". For all he knows, all three of the birds are dead. It's certainly a possibility for one of them, who was a senior when they took her in. Another of the birds is strongly bonded to him and could be pining away.
Facebook group showing support: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?g.....29336257115555
Update post on LJ, written by the housemate of my friend and his ex: http://community.livejournal.com/pa.....s/4411691.html
A more current update: http://community.livejournal.com/pa.....s/4433701.html
A news article on the situation: http://www.examiner.com/parrot-in-n.....ntions-go-bad?
Animated Hangman Halloween Icons
General | Posted 15 years agoI'm offering up some spooky animated icons like what I've got on my profile currently. They're great for Halloween!
They're $8 apiece. I'm also more than happy to take a little extra if you feel they're worth it. Paypal only, please! I've removed the slots - these are going to be done on a first-paid, first-served basis. Right now I'm managing to get the icons done within 24 hours.
What you get when I'm done is a 100 by 100 icon and if necessary, an even smaller version to fit in with FA's icon size restrictions (I had to bump mine down to 80 by 80).
Please have character references ready when you contact me. If you have a particular facial expression in mind, let me know! Drop me a note and I'll get back to you with my Paypal address!
They're $8 apiece. I'm also more than happy to take a little extra if you feel they're worth it. Paypal only, please! I've removed the slots - these are going to be done on a first-paid, first-served basis. Right now I'm managing to get the icons done within 24 hours.
What you get when I'm done is a 100 by 100 icon and if necessary, an even smaller version to fit in with FA's icon size restrictions (I had to bump mine down to 80 by 80).
Please have character references ready when you contact me. If you have a particular facial expression in mind, let me know! Drop me a note and I'll get back to you with my Paypal address!
It's time...
General | Posted 15 years ago...for me to look at replacing my current laptop. It's most likely been on borrowed time for quite some time now. It's at least four years old and showing signs that something is going off with it. This thing was my workhorse at college (including running Maya for everything except the final rendering of my 3D film project), so it was much abused in the early parts of its life. I'm honestly surprised it has held out this long. I'm just hoping it doesn't die a sudden and horrible death because it makes doing commissions a whole lot easier.
I have no particular model in mind for the replacement. How much money I can get together is going to be the final deciding factor, so I know I won't be getting anything high end. Something mid-range would be nice though. My day job only gives me enough to pay bills, so what art and costumes I can sell will be more or less the sole source for funding this. Here's hoping I can get enough together sooner rather than later so my laptop doesn't go poof on me in the meantime.
I have no particular model in mind for the replacement. How much money I can get together is going to be the final deciding factor, so I know I won't be getting anything high end. Something mid-range would be nice though. My day job only gives me enough to pay bills, so what art and costumes I can sell will be more or less the sole source for funding this. Here's hoping I can get enough together sooner rather than later so my laptop doesn't go poof on me in the meantime.
Hangman's noose badges are back
General | Posted 15 years agoIt's close enough to Halloween (hell, my day job has Halloween decor for sale already!) that I figured I'd announce that my hangman's noose badge commissions are open up again. I usually only do 'em this time of year because they work so well for Halloween cons and get-togethers. The badges measure about 6" tall, are laminated cut-outs and come strung on an adjustable twine cord.
They're $35 plus shipping (usually $5-10, depending on what part of the world you're in).
Samples:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/842836/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1484105/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/888903/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/842831/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2861346/
They're $35 plus shipping (usually $5-10, depending on what part of the world you're in).
Samples:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/842836/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1484105/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/888903/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/842831/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2861346/
Art update
General | Posted 15 years agoI'm going to be busy for at least the next month art-wise - possibly longer depending on how many hours I get at my day job (maintaining near-full-time would be a good thing, even if it means less time for art).
First, I've got a set of four paintings commissioned by a family member. All pet portraits.
After that, I need to work on a series of somewhat-connected pieces. They're probably going to be in the same general steampunk-ish theme as Heart of Brass. I finally applied to a local art gallery and was told my work makes the cut. However, I need 6-8 pieces that would fit together in the gallery space. I applied with a variety of work and was encouraged to go with the steampunk theme because they don't have anything like that in the gallery yet. So we'll see how that goes.
First, I've got a set of four paintings commissioned by a family member. All pet portraits.
After that, I need to work on a series of somewhat-connected pieces. They're probably going to be in the same general steampunk-ish theme as Heart of Brass. I finally applied to a local art gallery and was told my work makes the cut. However, I need 6-8 pieces that would fit together in the gallery space. I applied with a variety of work and was encouraged to go with the steampunk theme because they don't have anything like that in the gallery yet. So we'll see how that goes.
Well, that was a pleasant surprise...
General | Posted 15 years agoAfter not hearing anything for awhile, I thought my "Clockwork Beat" shoe design had failed to gain any notice. One comment on it, not sure how it's been voted on, if at all...
Then I get an email this morning with the latest batch of "Design of the Week" winners and see mine right at the top! Not as good as getting chosen for production (though this is a good sign that it might be a possibility down the road), but hey...I've got $100 store credit to buy some swag with, at least!
http://www.ryz.com/shoe/detail/1903.....clockwork-beat
Then I get an email this morning with the latest batch of "Design of the Week" winners and see mine right at the top! Not as good as getting chosen for production (though this is a good sign that it might be a possibility down the road), but hey...I've got $100 store credit to buy some swag with, at least!
http://www.ryz.com/shoe/detail/1903.....clockwork-beat
Heart of Brass picked up (again)
General | Posted 15 years agoThis time, it's a longer term, so folk who missed the last time will have better opportunity! The company is just starting up, but the people behind it have several years experience in the apparel industry. They'll be producing hoodies and t-shirts. Launch time will be late summer/early fall.
http://www.604republic.com/
This is the version of Heart of Brass they've licensed from me: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3388591/
While I won't be producing any more Heart of Brass t-shirts for the next year or three, I can still use it for other things. One thought I have for something I can make myself is bookmarks. Would anybody be interested in a steampunky bookmark?
http://www.604republic.com/
This is the version of Heart of Brass they've licensed from me: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3388591/
While I won't be producing any more Heart of Brass t-shirts for the next year or three, I can still use it for other things. One thought I have for something I can make myself is bookmarks. Would anybody be interested in a steampunky bookmark?
ACEO commissions
General | Posted 15 years agoI'm offering some ACEO commissions for $15, including shipping within North America. I don't do adult artwork, fetish subject matter you need to run by me before I accept or decline the commission. Medium will be whatever I feel suits the character/subject matter, but will likely be some combination of ink/marker/coloured pencil.
Samples of ACEO's I've done:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3943274/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3391155/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2643182/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2588423/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2562673/
Samples of ACEO's I've done:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3943274/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3391155/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2643182/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2588423/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2562673/
Sketches are still available!
General | Posted 15 years agoI've had a complete stop to folk approaching me for the 100 sketch challenge, so I figured I'd mention it again. I've still got 69 slots to fill, so help me out and commission a sketch or two! Full info here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/1029354/
Clockwork Beat shoe design up!
General | Posted 15 years agoThe piece I did in a similar vein to my Heart of Brass design has been uploaded to the site that approached me awhile back. The company is RYZ and they produce slip-on shoes.
http://www.ryz.com/shoe/detail/1903.....clockwork-beat
If you have the time and are willing, I'd really appreciate it if you sign up and vote/comment/hit the "I'd buy this!" button. Just because the company expressed interest doesn't mean my design is definitely going to be picked up. Go on and show it some love if you like it!
http://www.ryz.com/shoe/detail/1903.....clockwork-beat
If you have the time and are willing, I'd really appreciate it if you sign up and vote/comment/hit the "I'd buy this!" button. Just because the company expressed interest doesn't mean my design is definitely going to be picked up. Go on and show it some love if you like it!
Well, that was unexpected...
General | Posted 15 years agoI just had a cow in my yard. A calf about waist-high. And then I witnessed said cow being lassoed and dragged to a trailer.
WTF.
WTF.
Fraggles, Skeksis and Labyrinth..oh my!
General | Posted 15 years agoSo, my birthday was Sunday. My husband took me to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, since we had both been wanting to go ever since he found out about it.
They put on shows, but we didn't get to see any. Our purpose in going was entirely for the museum.
One part is a little more "mature" - the international puppet exhibit. Great exhibit, but even as an adult some of the puppets in there kind of give you the heebie-jeebies and I imagine it'd freak a lot of kids right out. They have puppets from around the world in various styles and have boards up talking about some of the puppetry styles you don't see as much here in North America, like shadow screens.
The international puppets were neat, but there were a few Jim Henson pieces on display. One of the goblins from Labyrinth (either from the "Magic Dance" scene or the scene where the goblins are waiting for her to say the right words before whisking Toby away), Link Hogthrob and another puppet from the "Pigs in Space" skits from The Muppet Show and...a Skeksis. Specifically, the General. The display also had the "trial by stone" sword.
That costume/puppet was impressive in The Dark Crystal, but it's an entirely different thing to see it in person. There is SO much detail on the Skeksis that you never really get to see in the movie. The layers of lace, the paintwork on the plates...it's really impressive to see.
The entirely kid-friendly display is all Jim Henson Studios work. I was grinning the whole time we were wandering because the vast majority of the puppets on display were a large part of my childhood. Fraggle Rock (full size Red and Mokey, all the small-scale fraggles, several doozers), Muppets (Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, Kermit), Labyrinth. I fangirled so very hard upon seeing the Labyrinth stuff and I actually squeed when I came up to Sir Didymus. Aside from him, there was also the four guards who ask Sarah the riddle, some of the hands from Sarah's fall into the Oubliette and one of the two door knockers (the one who can't hear).
Lastly, there was something from a more recent love of mine, Farscape. One of the DRD's. Pity it wasn't 1812, but still...damn cool.
They're planning an entire wing dedicated to Jim Henson stuff, so I'll definitely be going back there when that happens!
They put on shows, but we didn't get to see any. Our purpose in going was entirely for the museum.
One part is a little more "mature" - the international puppet exhibit. Great exhibit, but even as an adult some of the puppets in there kind of give you the heebie-jeebies and I imagine it'd freak a lot of kids right out. They have puppets from around the world in various styles and have boards up talking about some of the puppetry styles you don't see as much here in North America, like shadow screens.
The international puppets were neat, but there were a few Jim Henson pieces on display. One of the goblins from Labyrinth (either from the "Magic Dance" scene or the scene where the goblins are waiting for her to say the right words before whisking Toby away), Link Hogthrob and another puppet from the "Pigs in Space" skits from The Muppet Show and...a Skeksis. Specifically, the General. The display also had the "trial by stone" sword.
That costume/puppet was impressive in The Dark Crystal, but it's an entirely different thing to see it in person. There is SO much detail on the Skeksis that you never really get to see in the movie. The layers of lace, the paintwork on the plates...it's really impressive to see.
The entirely kid-friendly display is all Jim Henson Studios work. I was grinning the whole time we were wandering because the vast majority of the puppets on display were a large part of my childhood. Fraggle Rock (full size Red and Mokey, all the small-scale fraggles, several doozers), Muppets (Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, Kermit), Labyrinth. I fangirled so very hard upon seeing the Labyrinth stuff and I actually squeed when I came up to Sir Didymus. Aside from him, there was also the four guards who ask Sarah the riddle, some of the hands from Sarah's fall into the Oubliette and one of the two door knockers (the one who can't hear).
Lastly, there was something from a more recent love of mine, Farscape. One of the DRD's. Pity it wasn't 1812, but still...damn cool.
They're planning an entire wing dedicated to Jim Henson stuff, so I'll definitely be going back there when that happens!
Lack of art
General | Posted 15 years agoI just wanted to apologize for not being all that productive lately. I started a new job two weeks ago and I'm getting far more hours than I did at the last one. I've not worked near full-time in over a year, so it's completely wiping me out right now. I will adjust and regain my energy, it's just going to take me a little while. With no energy, I'm too burned out to do much in the way of art.
Oh! Unrelated, but please head over to
kennel-life and visit the Scraps section. He has four comics there labeled comics F, G, H and J. These are for the contest he set up and the winners are determined by the number of favourites. Go check them out and favourite...well, your favourite!
Oh! Unrelated, but please head over to
kennel-life and visit the Scraps section. He has four comics there labeled comics F, G, H and J. These are for the contest he set up and the winners are determined by the number of favourites. Go check them out and favourite...well, your favourite!Chickens!
General | Posted 15 years agoSomehow, I finally succeeded in convincing my husband to cave in to the idea of keeping a few chickens. They're going to be pets - neither of us have the desire to slaughter them for meat.
Friday I picked up three chicks. I'm hoping they're all hens - even with the straight run chicks at the feed store, the company can only guarantee a 95% accuracy on the sex, so there is a chance of ending up with a rooster. If that happens, I'll have to find another home for it later. The first is an Easter Egger (will end up laying blue, green, pink or purple eggs), the second is a Light Brahma and the third is a Buff Orphington.
Their names? Cordon Bleu (Bleu for short), Kiev and Pot Pie :P Yeah, it was part of the deal with my husband...and if we ever get a bantam-sized chicken, the first one is going to be named Nugget.
All three are currently housed in a brooder set up in our laundry room. It'll be at least a month before they're feathered enough to introduce to the outdoors. And it'll probably be two months before they get set up in the coop permanently (which gives us time to build said coop).
I will try to get photos in the next couple days and post here for those who might want to see the cute.
Friday I picked up three chicks. I'm hoping they're all hens - even with the straight run chicks at the feed store, the company can only guarantee a 95% accuracy on the sex, so there is a chance of ending up with a rooster. If that happens, I'll have to find another home for it later. The first is an Easter Egger (will end up laying blue, green, pink or purple eggs), the second is a Light Brahma and the third is a Buff Orphington.
Their names? Cordon Bleu (Bleu for short), Kiev and Pot Pie :P Yeah, it was part of the deal with my husband...and if we ever get a bantam-sized chicken, the first one is going to be named Nugget.
All three are currently housed in a brooder set up in our laundry room. It'll be at least a month before they're feathered enough to introduce to the outdoors. And it'll probably be two months before they get set up in the coop permanently (which gives us time to build said coop).
I will try to get photos in the next couple days and post here for those who might want to see the cute.
Painting
General | Posted 16 years agoI'm trying my hand at painting in acrylics again. I've got a bunch of canvases that I've had around for ages and never used. I've now got the motivation to do something with them.
My first efforts are going to be going into a semi-local charity auction, assuming I get them done in the next few days. The salon that's running the silent auction is going to raise $1000 for Earth Month. Once the reserve is met on any given piece, the remainder goes to the artist. They did this last year and it went really well, both as a charity auction and for the artists.
That will serve as a warm-up (so if I don't make money, at least I got practice and raised some money to go toward a good cause). The real goal is to get comfortable with more traditional subject matter so I can try to get into a local art gallery. I'm pretty sure I could get in right now, but I want to practice with paints a bit so I can hopefully have some conventional pieces ready to sell through the gallery if and when I get through the initial jury process.
If this goes really well, the first painting may be up tonight. If not, I'm hoping it'll be sometime tomorrow.
My first efforts are going to be going into a semi-local charity auction, assuming I get them done in the next few days. The salon that's running the silent auction is going to raise $1000 for Earth Month. Once the reserve is met on any given piece, the remainder goes to the artist. They did this last year and it went really well, both as a charity auction and for the artists.
That will serve as a warm-up (so if I don't make money, at least I got practice and raised some money to go toward a good cause). The real goal is to get comfortable with more traditional subject matter so I can try to get into a local art gallery. I'm pretty sure I could get in right now, but I want to practice with paints a bit so I can hopefully have some conventional pieces ready to sell through the gallery if and when I get through the initial jury process.
If this goes really well, the first painting may be up tonight. If not, I'm hoping it'll be sometime tomorrow.
Custom hats
General | Posted 16 years agoSo, I now do loom knitting. I've started doing stuff that's a little more complicated. This is one of the more complicated hats I've done: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3481123
I can do these in any color I can get my hands on. Cost would be $25 plus shipping.
I am also considering doing custom character hats using the hat I linked to as a base, or the basic watchcap type. They'd have ears attached to them. I haven't trying doing the ears for them yet though. I'm confident I could do it, just haven't had the opportunity yet.
So...if anybody might be interested and don't mind being a guinea pig, the first person to commission a character hat will get it for the same price as the plain hat. I will only take the one for now so I can see how it goes.
I can do these in any color I can get my hands on. Cost would be $25 plus shipping.
I am also considering doing custom character hats using the hat I linked to as a base, or the basic watchcap type. They'd have ears attached to them. I haven't trying doing the ears for them yet though. I'm confident I could do it, just haven't had the opportunity yet.
So...if anybody might be interested and don't mind being a guinea pig, the first person to commission a character hat will get it for the same price as the plain hat. I will only take the one for now so I can see how it goes.
Heart of Brass Cafepress Shop
General | Posted 16 years agoFor anybody who missed out on the screenprinted versions of Heart of Brass, the original version is now available on stuff through Cafepress:
http://www.cafepress.com/dfdheartofbrass
Shirts, framed prints, posters, mugs and all kinds of fun things!
And for those who prefer an alternative to Cafepress, it's also available on RedBubble as a shirt (I'll be adding it as a print once I get a nice background for it together): http://www.redbubble.com/people/dra.....heart-of-brass
I can't use it in any further t-shirt competitions, so this seems to be the best option for it unless I'm approached by a company who wants to use the design and still leave me with a few rights since I want to be able to show the piece.
In that vein, I do have a second design in progress that is the same concept tackled slightly differently. A particular company contacted me about entering Heart of Brass into its competition, but their agreement would mean I couldn't show HoB as an art piece anymore should I win. So my solution is to do a similar piece exclusively for them. I will be posting the new one when it's up for feedback on the site in question.
http://www.cafepress.com/dfdheartofbrass
Shirts, framed prints, posters, mugs and all kinds of fun things!
And for those who prefer an alternative to Cafepress, it's also available on RedBubble as a shirt (I'll be adding it as a print once I get a nice background for it together): http://www.redbubble.com/people/dra.....heart-of-brass
I can't use it in any further t-shirt competitions, so this seems to be the best option for it unless I'm approached by a company who wants to use the design and still leave me with a few rights since I want to be able to show the piece.
In that vein, I do have a second design in progress that is the same concept tackled slightly differently. A particular company contacted me about entering Heart of Brass into its competition, but their agreement would mean I couldn't show HoB as an art piece anymore should I win. So my solution is to do a similar piece exclusively for them. I will be posting the new one when it's up for feedback on the site in question.
Bats
General | Posted 16 years agoI'm the kind of person who had relatively frequent contact with small wild animals when I was a kid. Among the more unique experiences was nursing a Little Brown bat back to strength to be able to fly off after my Dad found it in the wood pile.
I never would have thought I'd have another experience like it, but yesterday I did.
My husband was cleaning some ivy off the brick on his mother's house. We heard a hissing...turns out it was the biggest bat I've ever seen, roosting on the bricks. My familiarity was with Little Browns, never anything bigger. This one was huge compared to them. Very pretty, too! Kind of a golden coloured coat with grey-white frosting on the fur tips.
The poor thing was too cold and too disoriented to take off. We put her in a box with a towel and I ended up watching over her while my husband continued with the ivy. She was pissed off when we moved her, but she calmed down in the box to the point that I even managed to pet her for awhile (oddly enough, no protests from her). Her fur was incredibly soft! Think rabbit pelt.
She finally warmed up enough to be able to fly when we were getting ready to put her somewhere safe on the roof so she'd be out of predator's reach once we left. She took off and landed in a tree, doing a very good impression of being a dead leaf.
After I got home, I looked up bats of the area to try to figure out what she was. Turns out she's a Hoary Bat (http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/bat-6.jpg), which I have never seen before. It was just really neat to be able to get up close to a bat other than the ones I was used to. I did get some photos, but haven't gotten them off my in-laws camera yet.
Nature is awesome :D
I never would have thought I'd have another experience like it, but yesterday I did.
My husband was cleaning some ivy off the brick on his mother's house. We heard a hissing...turns out it was the biggest bat I've ever seen, roosting on the bricks. My familiarity was with Little Browns, never anything bigger. This one was huge compared to them. Very pretty, too! Kind of a golden coloured coat with grey-white frosting on the fur tips.
The poor thing was too cold and too disoriented to take off. We put her in a box with a towel and I ended up watching over her while my husband continued with the ivy. She was pissed off when we moved her, but she calmed down in the box to the point that I even managed to pet her for awhile (oddly enough, no protests from her). Her fur was incredibly soft! Think rabbit pelt.
She finally warmed up enough to be able to fly when we were getting ready to put her somewhere safe on the roof so she'd be out of predator's reach once we left. She took off and landed in a tree, doing a very good impression of being a dead leaf.
After I got home, I looked up bats of the area to try to figure out what she was. Turns out she's a Hoary Bat (http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/bat-6.jpg), which I have never seen before. It was just really neat to be able to get up close to a bat other than the ones I was used to. I did get some photos, but haven't gotten them off my in-laws camera yet.
Nature is awesome :D
Heart of Brass, take 2
General | Posted 16 years agoFor those of you who remember the first version of Heart of Brass that was printed (http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3194806/), there will be a second version available soon from another site.
This second version will be printed on charcoal gray. The print itself will be a suitably brassy color with highlight - the linework taken out so the shirt serves as the lines. It will be available for one day only through http://www.5quidink.com. That day is February 14th.
I still have a few extra shirts of the first version (on natural), if anybody who missed out on it is interested.
I've got a few commissions and a trade to take care of, but I'm going to be working on some new designs in the near future to submit for t-shirt sites and the like. When I get those done, I'd definitely appreciate the support!
Oh, and in other news, I redid my site. It was long overdue and I am reasonably happy with the result. Much nicer to look at than the old version! http://www.dragonfyredawn.com
This second version will be printed on charcoal gray. The print itself will be a suitably brassy color with highlight - the linework taken out so the shirt serves as the lines. It will be available for one day only through http://www.5quidink.com. That day is February 14th.
I still have a few extra shirts of the first version (on natural), if anybody who missed out on it is interested.
I've got a few commissions and a trade to take care of, but I'm going to be working on some new designs in the near future to submit for t-shirt sites and the like. When I get those done, I'd definitely appreciate the support!
Oh, and in other news, I redid my site. It was long overdue and I am reasonably happy with the result. Much nicer to look at than the old version! http://www.dragonfyredawn.com
One Fursuit Slot Available
General | Posted 16 years agoAuction here: http://www.furbid.ws/cgi-bin/auctio.....item=232355019
It's set up as a ladder auction. The starting price will get you the head and the higher it goes (or the more you are willing to pay at auction close if it doesn't get as high as it needs to in order to get the ladder you want), the more pieces you get. If you use the buy-it-now, you get a free conbadge to go with the costume.
This would be scheduled to be finished in April - possibly sooner if the winner pays me the down payment before the deadline.
It's set up as a ladder auction. The starting price will get you the head and the higher it goes (or the more you are willing to pay at auction close if it doesn't get as high as it needs to in order to get the ladder you want), the more pieces you get. If you use the buy-it-now, you get a free conbadge to go with the costume.
This would be scheduled to be finished in April - possibly sooner if the winner pays me the down payment before the deadline.
