I wasn't really expecting much but I had hoped at least a few more would comment on my last journal =P

So while the journal didn't provide much feedback I've still pondered on it some more myself and has decided that I'll still put those icons up for sale, as one alternative. I'll still keep thinking of new concepts, perhaps I'll figure out something better =)

I decided to lower the price for a "Serious stuff" icon to $4 if black and white (like mine) and $5 if I toss some color at it (see previous journal for example).

I'll make a new, proper, list of things you can buy from me soon enough but for now those icons is the only thing on offer.


Back to the Internet!

So I thought I'd check with you people (that doesn't nuke my journals) to see if there would be any interest in icons like the one I'm currently using =P It's quite silly and is the work of a deranged mind (mine).

What I was thinking was that I'd draw your character's face looking serious and then some random object of your choice to it's side, both kinda sketchy like but with the lines of the item squiggling like that.
These could of course be side swapped and made into "couple" icons where the two could be serious about the same thing, placed between them. Like this: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v.....nna-couple.gif
I could also slap some color on them, thought they would stay sketchy, kinda like this: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v.....bnna-color.gif (kinda wish Link wasn't white now so there would be some more change to it xD )

I know they're not very Christmas-y for the season but neither am I xD

What I was planning on as a price range would then be $5 for the icon and like $1 more if you want some color on the face and item. Does this seem reasonable, or is it too high?

I don't expect the same rush for these as I got from the Bla Bla Icons (which was mainly because they were free I believe, though a few offered to pay and some tipped) but perhaps there's a few out there who find silly random things funny =)

Please comment on this journal with your thoughts on the icons and the price, if enough seem interested I'll start selling them. Heck, if anyone want one right off the bat I'll go for that too xD

Hope to hear from you!

Couldn't stop myself xD

Anyways, finally done with those Bla Bla icons so I'm trying to think of a new concept. This time I'd prefer if it was something I came up with myself rather than based on someone else's stuff. This has proven harder than I thought but I'll keep brainstorming with myself =P

Other than that there isn't much going on. I've played through Skyrim pretty thoroughly once and am now leisurely playing through it again with a new character. I'm afraid to think of how much time I've already wasted on Skyrim but there will be more hours sunk into it I'm sure. There are a few other games I was interested in trying for a bit (Arkham City, Saint's Row and AssCreed Revelations) but I don't feel like it anymore. Which is great for the sake of my art. As far as I'm aware there won't be any new distractions until Guild Wars 2 or Diablo 3 is released so hopefully I'll stay active until then at least =)

I really wish stuff happened around me so that I had more interesting things to write about xD

Oh well, until next time... BANANA!

I hope to be able to finish those two icons I have left this weekend. I'm really sorry it's taken as long as it has and hope that nothing will get in the way now.
I'm still amazed that so many of you still use them =) It's makes me happy every time I open my front page and see them all.

Speaking of icons and amazement, I checked my pictures that has been uploaded to dA a few days back and found a very oddly interesting thing. That is that my previous icon, Epic Sax Fur Link, has these stats:
Views: 446 (1 today)
Downloads: 397 (1 today)

I mean seriously, that's 89% of the people viewing it that has also downloaded it xD Crazy people =P
It's also one of my most viewed submissions on there, with like 5 times the views it's gotten here xD
Silly deviants...

Since I need to get some stuff together to get the icons done I'll probably try to keep doodling or sketching tonight to keep my art juices flowing, if you see me online on any of my IMs feel free to toss me a request (or just say hi) =)

Also, have this music video, it makes me wonder what the director was smoking xD
(Don't click play unless you like trance music and the like)
https://youtu.be/_ovdm2yX4MA

Laters!

Ok, so I feel I should let everyone know that I'm actually still alive (in case the meme pic didn't alert you to this)

Sadly I have yet to been able to get back to my art... I'm still rather pissed that all my digitally stored art went poof but I'm not sure if that's the only reason my muse is gone. I've tried to doodle a bit but it hasn't yielded anything worthy of my scanner, mostly incomplete stuff.

I'm very sorry to those who are still waiting for their icons when my muse returns I shall make sure you get them asap, might throw in something else as a sorry too, we'll see.

Soon it's Christmas, the worst time of the year for me as I have no money but it's usually also the time when my muse seems to find her way back from her random vacations, so cross your fingers =P

Guess that's all I have to say for now, see ya around!

...to keep back-ups of all my art.

My external drive broke today... and I ended up having to format it. It wouldn't have bothered me all that much if it wasn't for the fact that I kept all my art on it... that's like 5 years of digital art just up and poofed... I feel wonderful right now... like I wanna throw up...

Oh well, I guess I wil have to learn from this and get myself a memory stick dedicated to storing back-ups of all possible art I do in the future =/ At least I can get back the stuff I've posted online... (which is like 20% of the stuff).

I'm gonna go dig myself into a hole for a while, see you when I feel better.

First of all,I wanna say I'm sorry to the two still waiting on their icons... I totally burned myself out and lost all will to even touch my tablet D=
People that know me knows that this happens from time to time, I should get back to it soon enough (hopefully).

I wanted to post this so that you don't think I've vanished or anything, I still check back here at least once per day, I just don't have anything to share art-wise is all... I attempt to doodle now and then but I usually stop before I get anything finished...

Hopefully the next time you see or hear from me it will be more art related =P

Laters you all!

Ok so I take it some coding went crazy and decided that linked icons aren't supposed to be half sized after all =P
Makes my front page look retarded but I guess they'll fix it so I'll just leave it for now =)

While I'm making a journal I guess I could make a shout out for a friend who is looking for suggestions what mammal to draw his shapeshifting character as. If you feel like giving him some suggestion head here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2690033/
I take it it's for practice purposes =)

So I've just caught up on the series latest three episodes (4-6) and there's a thing I can't avoid noticing.

The tails, or rather lack thereof =P
Lion-O, Cheetara, Tygra and Panthro all miss their tails. But at the same time both Kit and Kat has theirs.
This made me question if they somehow dropped their tails at some point in their growth. This theory was shattered in a glimpse back to Panthro's time in the army though. In all the clips of his young adult phase he had a tail and in a clip of Lion-O and Tygra as kids they did not. Is this something the creators overlooked I wonder. Or perhaps theres some strange logic to it =)

So far my opinion is that the series is ok, not great, but ok. I don't really like series where every episode has to have a conclusion. My diligent anime watching the last 15+ years has made me relate such episode to fillers, and I hate fillers xD I much prefer a story that starts in the first episode and end in the last rather than each episode having it's own story that somehow just leads the main story on in the background. I hope I'm making sense =P

Edit: Forgot to mention how much I loved that they brought back the Samophlange =D

Oh well, just thought I'd share my thoughts before I go sleep =)

I hate thinking of titles =P

I just wanted to tell the people waiting for an icon that I'm sorry it's taking so long... I was hoping I would get done before last Friday but sadly I didn't. After that Deus Ex: Human Revolution was released in Europe and I had had that on pre-order since long ago. I've hardly managed to stop playing it from when I installed it xD So the best game in like forever =D

I also thought I would update you guys on my little financial crisis and say that it has been resolved for now =) I'm incredibly thankful to the two people that donated (I still need to thank one of them properly) and to those who tipped me for their icons. Your help was truly appreciated, I never thought I'd get anything really, glad to have been proved otherwise =)
(Considering this thing is behind me now the donation for an icon offer has ended.)

I shall attempt to get working on the icons ASAP

In the meantime stare at this picture of a kitten: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1158.....6fecef5415.jpg
Warning: Looking for too long at the kitten might allow it to steal your soul, don't look too long at the kitten.


So... that's all! *poofs*

I decided to remove it simply because I deemed was too sad after all... I posted it while still moved by it...

For those who missed it (most if not all of you): It was about a video I got linked to on YouTube... but I'll leave it at that. I feel it's more likely gonna upset people than not and I don't want to do that.

Sorry =/

Alright the raffle is over!

There wasn't quite as many participants this time, either the interest in the icons are dwindling or they got turned off by the only 5 slots.
In any case that set the chance of winning at about the same percentage as last time so I guess the ones that bothered should be happy =)

The winning numbers are 8, 13, 4, 20 and 22.
Thank you Random.org =P

Meaning the winners are:

1. KaiYena
2. valindil
3. Sila
4. iotafox
5. aienlu

Congratulations to the winners!

Sorry the rest of you!

I want to, again remind the winners that I will need your references within 24 hours =)

Edit: #13 won in both these raffles, guess it's not an unlucky number =P


That's it for now, see you around =)

Ok I've promised I'd host another of these so I will =P

This time however I'm sorry to say that I can only give away 5 slots. The reason is that starting Monday I shall have to go back to my regular routine. I've been having a "vacation" of sorts from a place I have to attend each weekday in order to get some money from the government or whatever =P In any case this will eat into my art time and drains my art mood slightly and I don't want to end up taking forever to get the batch done. I hope you will understand.

This however means that more people will fight over each slot. But it's how it has to be.

Now to the instructions, with most important stuff in bold:

Now, to get a slot this time comment on this journal with the "magic words" revealed further down.
Sadly I must deny previous winners to participate... so many people want a slot and there's so few of them, please be understanding.
When you have commented I will assign you a number. This will, of course, be your ticket in the raffle.
You have until 24 hours has passed from the posting of this journal to make your comment.
I will then, again, use Random.org to get the winning numbers.
If you win you need to provide me with the needed refs within 24 hours, though a note most preferably.
If you fail to do so I will remove you from the list and draw a new winner.
The magic words are "Cogito, ergo sum" make sure you get it right. =P
The references has to include hair/horns/ears, what kind of tail (if any), and what kind of wings (if any). Also be aware that I do not modify the head, body or feet shape on the icons, so no ferals or the like.
I would also like to know if you want an optional line or background color. If none is specified I will use white lines on black background.

These icons are free but if you win a slot and like the icon I've made for you do feel free to tip me. Any amount is greatly appreciated as I'm in a bit of a pickle at the moment.

I will also add that if you feel generous and donate $10 towards my predicament I will reward you with an icon as soon as I can, even before the raffle winners. The reason I've set the amount so high is that I don't wanna risk being swamped by icon requests even if a smaller amount could have yielded more donors.

Now get to posting! =)

After hearing from a few people over at my previous journal ( http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2631897/ ) I have decided to add the possibility for you guys to send me a tip as thanks for an icon or possible other future requests.
The reason I bring this up, if you want to avoid the vent journal, is that I got hit by an unexpected bill to pay the amount of ~$335 that is due on the 26th. And since I'm currently unemployed I am unable to produce the money to pay this in time. I might be able to get some help from my parents but if possible I want to avoid putting this on them. So...

If you feel like tipping me for my work (like the icons) you are free to do so to LoneCommissions@gmail.com over on PayPal. I created that account when I planned on taking commissions, but as some of you know that didn't go very well =/ I just hope it's set up alright, I don't see what more I could do to it though...

If you want to donate to help me with this pressing issue I won't turn that down either. But I feel I can't just take money and give nothing back, so if you do donate do tell me so that I can return the favor somehow. The magnitude of my thanks will of course depend on your donation. What I can say is that any donation over $10 will yield you an icon (if you already got one and don't need another I might be able to do a pencil or digital sketch instead, lines only.)
Just wanna point out that I don't want you to see this as buying an icon, only donate if you feel like helping a fellow human (or furry if you prefer).

Many thanks to potential tippers and donors!

... to keep up my cheerful and friendly personality.

While it might not have seemed that way I've been terribly depressed yesterday and today. The reason? Escalation of my debt.

So I've been having the happiest days I've had in a long time lately, with all the positive feedback on the icons and all that. Of course my lovely lady Fate noticed this and told herself that such atrocities could not be allowed to continue. So she makes sure that an old student loan payment from back in 2009 that I didn't know I had would rear it's ugly head via a company that handles unpaid bills and debts.

This alone made me feel like shit as I've done my utmost to not get in touch with them during my long years of unemployment and here they are due to something I missed two years back. Then I notice that, because this payment was handed to them, they have added 600 SEK (~$94) just because they can. This made me feel even worse.

I collect myself though and decide to contact the place I originally got my student loan from and ask them about it all and get the reply that they can't do anything about the stuff I must now pay the other company, it's out of their hands. But they're happy to tell me that the other half is still in their hands (this is on top of my regular student loan). "Oh wonderful, there's even more..." ran through my head a few times as well as thoughts of how death might not be so bad after all. (Don't worry I get thoughts like that all the time when I'm depressed but I never act on them, I'm not that stupid) At least I might be able to work something out with them now that I know this part exists.

So here I am, at a loss for what to do... the bit that the new company demand from me has to be paid before the 26th, it's "only" 2264 SEK (~$335) but to an unemployed person living on the edge of despair that's more than enough. If I don't pay it in time I'm gonna have a mark in my credit credibility for years to come, meaning I won't be able to rent another apartment (not that I plan on it) nor take loans or buy things with monthly payments (not that I have any plans on that either).

I would open a donation pool but I don't think there's any point to it... hopefully I'll be able to borrow some from my parents they're usually nice like that.

I'm sorry if I sound like some sort of emo-kid reaching out for attention, I'm really not meaning to. I just felt like I had to vent a bit. It helps even if no one cares. At least now you'll know the deal if I don't appear as happy in the near future. I will try to put on a happy exterior as usual though.

Wow, I've finally encountered the first true douche on this site xD

The person +watch me and compliment my icons. I thank the person and explain how he/she could get his/her own in a friendly manner as well as welcome him/her to the site as the join date was yesterday.

The reply I got can still be seen on my front page but in case actual nice people push it off of the page it read:

"I remove "Thanks" from my page due to the Warning on the top of my profile.

And I don't do raffles. not worth the time. sorry. "

Thinking that it was a rather rude reply to my friendly one I go back and state that and tells him/her that there isn't much that has to be done to enter the raffle, a single comment is enough but that it is, of course, his/her choice to enter or not.

This yielded the reply:

"k tnnx bye" and a block.


Some people... they have stuff that has crawled up into their asses and died.
Oh well, I'm glad I didn't waste any time making an icon for such a douche =P

This also got that overly long journal off my front page.

Edit: Checked back on the person's page again to see if what I thought before was correct and it was, he/she doesn't remove other people's "Thanks" meaning getting a free icon was all the person was after and when that turned out to be too much of a hassle I wasn't worth shit. It's nice to know there's such caring people in the world, not that that is news to anyone =P

Taken from and using http://www.SignalPatterns.com/psych_central/

Wow... this thing is accurate xD
Yeah, using the stuff below you get a pretty good idea of my personality =)
Only thing that isn't correct is the charitable work part of Understanding. I like doing things for others, sure, but you won't see me at a soup kitchen or the like. I like giving of what I do on my own in my spare time, like the recent load of icons =)

Speaking of the icons, work on them should continue today but I have some stuff I must do (like congratulating my dad on his birthday) that will make it probable I only have the energy to get one or two out, I hope the people in the queue are patient =P


Understanding

You are willing to take the time to find out what's going on with other people, especially if they're in distress. You're a good listener, you don't criticize, and you offer unbiased, respectful, honest advice when it's requested. With a high score on the "understanding" trait, it is likely that you are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.

You don't feel the need to impose your standards on others or say things that, even though true, cause pain.

Self-Contained

You like to stick to your own business and leave the power struggles to others; you know who you are and what you believe in, but you don't see any reason to impose your values on everyone else.

You generally don't get involved in organizing or motivating people, and you don't feel the need to always be seen as a big public decision-maker.

Scrupulous

You are an honest, fair person. You don't lie or cheat to get ahead. You treat others with respect and hope for the same in return.

You do not feel that you are above the rules that everyone else follows; you are definitely not willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Sympathetic

You have a knack for knowing what's going on in the hearts and minds of those around you, without their having to tell you explicitly. People tend to turn to you with their problems because they know you care, and that you will likely offer good advice and a helping hand.

You do not feel that people with sad stories are just looking for attention, or have brought their problems upon themselves.

Laid Back

You prefer to do your own thing, in your own way, rather than attempt to force your will, or your ego, on a group. You're happy working on your own, taking your sweet time, and focusing on the job at hand.

You're not pushy. You're not interested in imposing your will on others, taking charge of every situation, being the first to raise your hand in class, or insisting on being the winner of every argument.

Warm

You have a genuine interest in other people. You're a natural host, and are always thinking about how you can increase the happiness of those around you. When friends have problems or are in trouble, you're usually the first person they turn to for aid and comfort. Scoring high on the "warm" trait suggests that you are among those who enjoy domestic activities — doing things around the house — and are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.

You don't always say exactly what you're thinking; you don't like the idea of causing anyone pain because of your criticism.

Empathetic

You are in touch with your own feelings, which helps put you in touch with the feelings of others.

You don't buy the logic that your happiness comes ahead of everyone else's because unless you're happy you're incapable of making anyone else happy.

Cautious

You very rarely make a move without first considering the pros and cons and, therefore, rarely do anything foolish or extravagant.

You are not rash; you almost never act before you think and, therefore, rarely end up doing things you later regret.

Prudent

You look before you leap, think before you act, consider what you're about to say before you open your mouth to speak; that's why you rarely have to eat your words.

You usually don't get excited easily or blurt out the first thing that comes to mind without considering the consequences.

Reserved

You are somewhat shy, or at least unwilling to spend all your time socializing. With you it's true that "still waters run deep," which is why many of your acquaintances never get to know you well.

You are not always ready to talk at the drop of a hat. Whether you're in the office or at a party, you're not likely to be found gabbing away in the middle of a group of people.

I just wanted to alert people that might have missed it that there's only 30 minutes left until the drawing in the icon raffle! =)
Participation is of course free!

If you haven't already go here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2613520/ and read the instructions =)

Any comments posted after 17:00 (5PM) CEST will be disregarded.


I must say these icons keep amazing me, I never suspected over 50 people would sign up for the raffle xD
That means you guys have roughly 1/5 chance of winning (20%)

Good luck to all participants!

Edit: Ok times up! Now just wait for a bit while I draw the winners! =)


Batch 2 is finally done =)

Now I'm sure there's some of you waiting anxiously for me to open new slots, but I must ask you to wait a little bit longer... Nah, kidding! =D

Ok so this time I will add even more info in the form of an FAQ to the journal which will hopefully clear up all sorts of confusion =P
Here goes!

Q: What does these cost?
A; Nothing at all, they are free. Reason being that they are similar enough to the original to cause problems if I charged, besides, I'm simply a nice guy and I love making others happy =)

Q: Where does these come from?
A: They are based mainly on Gigi D'Agostino's music video for Bla Bla Bla.

Q: How can I get one?
A: Follow the instructions further down.

Q: Can I repost my icon on my page?
A: Of course!

Q: I might not be able to be online when you open new slots, can't you sign me up for one now?
A: No. But I have changed the rules this time to make it more fair, in the form of a lottery/raffle. So to get a slot you have to have a bit of luck, but worry not I will keep doing these for a bit longer =)

Q: Can you make a feral/quadruped icon?
A: Sadly no, I make these using a template. If I didn't it would take me forever to get them out and I prefer to let as many as possible get one rather than spending a whole lot of time animating a quadruped walk cycle. I might give it a shot at a later date but I will not promise anything.

Q: I have gotten an icon already but I'd like to get another slot for a friend, can I?
A: I will have to say no. There's too many who has shown interest in these for me to allow more than one per person. But you are free to tell your friend about me =)

I guess that's all the questions I can think of at the moment. If I get any other questions I will add them to the FAQ =)

Now to the interesting part!

I will open 10 slots this time as well. But to make things equally fair to all my new watchers in different timezones waiting for a slot I will make it a lottery/raffle this time.
To get a slot, comment on this journal with the magic words. After I see your post I will assign you a number. But only if you say the magic words.
After I have assigned you a number please wait for the drawing which will take place on Friday at around 5PM CEST (my timezone), this gives you all a bit more than a day to comment here.
I will use an online service with true randomness to get the winning numbers.

I will announce the winners in a new journal so make sure you keep a look out.
I then need you to note me with a ref pic (or, if you really don't have one, a written ref with the details you want on the line man). You should also add ideas on how to make it look like your character, if you feel it's needed. As well as the color of lines and background you'd want.
If no colors are specified I will use the base white lines on black background.

This time the magic words are "lab lab lab" The reason I ask for this is to make sure that you have read the instructions


-Slots-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Disclaimer: I'm a bit tired right now so I reserve the right to change the contents of this journal if I find any errors when I'm less out of it =P

Alright you people get to posting!

Just adding this to make sure it's clear: This is a lottery/raffle, even if I'm past 10 now you still have an equal chance to get a slot! =)

Edit for new watchers: The icons are free =)

Ok first of all I wanna thank all my new watchers again.

Thank you all very much! Even if you only watched me to get a shot at a free icon it still makes me happy =D
I never thought these simple little icons would yield this much attention xD
I've been a bit swamped in comments and favs the last few days so if I haven't thanked you for a fav or watch or haven't replied to your comment I'm sorry =P

Now for the bit you're actually here for ;P

I will once again open 10 slots. These will be first come first served, when I'm full please do wait for the next batch to open =)

To get a slot comment on this journal saying "Wise man's child" (to make sure you read), don't just send your refs to me. The first 10 to comment (I will not count those of you who has already got one. Due to the demand I can only allow one slot per person at the moment) will get a slot.

If you see that you are among the first TEN (replies obviously doesn't count) then send me a note with a ref, ideas to make it look like your character and possibly optional line or bg colors (do consider contrasts). If your ref doesn't include color please add the eye color and the color of notable markings.

Do not send me notes if you don't see any open slots in this journal or 10 people have already said the magic words. I will not reserve slots.

I hope that will clear things up.

1. puppeh_luv (done)
2. SmexyTiger (done)
3. IIxFocus (done)
4. Daroun (done)
5. Tuss (done)
6. onidrase (done)
7. llucario (done)
8. SnowWolfsclaw (done)
9. CinoxFellpyre (done)
10. shadowsparkle (done)



Aaaaand we're full!
For those that wanted one but missed this batch I'm sure I will open another one when this is done.
Hope you understand and stay patient =)

The icons are getting more and more attention so I shall have to make a queue list so that I remember who wanted one =P
These are free. If you want one just note me with a ref, ideas on how to make it look like you and possibly a different bg color =)
To make sure I don't burn myself out I'll limit these to 10 slots for now. If there's still demand after that I will open for more =P

Here goes!

1. flygon25 (done)
2. roccy (done)
3. s0an (done)
4. PaperDragon300 (done)
5. foxxeyfoxx (done)
6. shibayoshifuru (done)
7. behemotho (done)
8. xaevo (done)
9. marrow (done)
10. trayuu (done)
11. ryukisatachi (done)

Done icons:


Might not seem like many to you, but my memory is that of a demented goldfish so I would probably have forgotten someone =P
In fact if I have forgotten someone please do speak up so that I can add you to the list xD

My new icon sure gained an unexpected amount of attention xD
I've had fun making versions of it for those that have asked for it so far, might take a break for now though. But if you want one don't hesitate to ask, I'm sure I can take care of it later today (after I've slept =P ).

Hope the one's who have gotten theirs so far are pleased with the result!

So yeah, I've been a bit silent here lately... hopefully that will change soon enough.

I'm having a sort of vacation right now (as much of a vacation as an unemployed guy can have) due to the place I go to every weekday normally is closed for the three weeks. This means I can stop worrying about getting up in the morning for a while, meaning I will be able to stay up during the much cooler nights, meaning I should be able to actually get some art done.

To start off I made myself a new avatar (F5 if you don't see it). The old one got quite some random praise but I've had it for over a year and I feel it's time to switch. I've felt like doing an avatar like this for a loooong time, reason being that I love Gigi D'Agostino's music and the line man videos of his are great =D

I speak of this one and Bla Bla Bla of course =D
https://youtu.be/6DcfXVL0mh0

I might be able to modify the avatar to make it look more like your character if you like (I will only take a couple of these depending on how tricky it actually turns out to be xD )

I guess that's all the stuff I have to say at the moment.
With a bit of luck you'll be seeing more of me soon enough =)