FA+
Shop
Rory's Doctor Who
Posted 9 years agoHow many of you find it interesting that Rory's Story Cubes ® has added Doctor Who ™ to it's list of themed sets?
Joining Batman ™, Moomin ™, Loony Toons ™, and Scooby Doo ™ (late of Pressman Toys, who still offer Hello Kitty ™ ), Doctor Who is now offered in RSC's "Storyworlds" series. I received the set I ordered this past weekend.
If you take a look through the included icon guide, I find such things as the Sonic Screwdriver, K9, River Song's diary, River Song herself, Davros, Cybermen, The Master, and the TARDIS. There are also more generic icons such as Thinking, Vent, Capture, "Run!", and Collapsed Civilization. It's quite a good mix, and like the other Storyworld sets comes with a plastic case to conveniently carry the nine cubes.
They're another alternative to my Artist's Challenge.
Oh, and I've also obtained a batch of 25 (slightly smaller) blank dice. If I can come up with 54 or more appropriate images, I'm thinking of creating a set of MLP:FIM story dice.
Joining Batman ™, Moomin ™, Loony Toons ™, and Scooby Doo ™ (late of Pressman Toys, who still offer Hello Kitty ™ ), Doctor Who is now offered in RSC's "Storyworlds" series. I received the set I ordered this past weekend.
If you take a look through the included icon guide, I find such things as the Sonic Screwdriver, K9, River Song's diary, River Song herself, Davros, Cybermen, The Master, and the TARDIS. There are also more generic icons such as Thinking, Vent, Capture, "Run!", and Collapsed Civilization. It's quite a good mix, and like the other Storyworld sets comes with a plastic case to conveniently carry the nine cubes.
They're another alternative to my Artist's Challenge.
Oh, and I've also obtained a batch of 25 (slightly smaller) blank dice. If I can come up with 54 or more appropriate images, I'm thinking of creating a set of MLP:FIM story dice.
More Story Cubes!
Posted 10 years agoAs my old one was filling up, I've purchased a much roomier Uncle Goose canvas bag to store the dice and cubes for my Artist's Challenge. Which is a good thing, because The Creativity Hub has been issuing three-cube theme sets for 2014 and 2015, and I've acquired all six. That's 18 more cubes, raising the variables from 39 to 58. I also have three alternate themes of nine cubes each: Scooby Doo, Hello Kitty, and Batman. Here's a list of what's been added:
Medic (2014)
* radiation sign, sinus rhythm signal, ambulance van, stethoscope, bottle and spoon, wheelchair
* wearing surgical mask, parachute first aid, hypodermic syringe, HAZMAT suit, thermometer, person on stretcher
* crossed adhesive bandages, "Yuck!", spots on face, evacuation helicopter, broken bone (X-ray image), first aid kit
Score (2014)
* base/basketball, swim goggles, football, masked wrestler, kayak, "3" striped sports jersey
* sweating face, standing target (for projectiles), pushing, digital timer, running horse, four people in two teams
* referee's whistle, soccer goal, fencer en guard, trophy cup, referee raising flag and pointing, balancing on one hand
Animalia (2015)
* hanging beehive, hamster wheel, hanging sloth, cow, acorn, aggressive shark
* flying owl, alligator/crocodile in water, chameleon, animal tracks, hibernating bear, raccoon
* jellyfish, tiger, "do not feed", animal coop with ladder entrance, swan, bear trap
Mythic (2015)
* hypnotized, Trojan Horse, lyre, maze/labyrinth, Icarus flies to the sun, battle companions
* Charon boating on the River Styx, winged sandals, trident, throne, snake-haired serpent woman (Medusa/Gorgon), opened box
* Mount Olympus, Zeus, Minotaur, the Argo (sailboat with eyes), victory (armed man standing on defeated thing), cyclops
Fright (2015)
* falling (pit/trap door), skull, spider, warning sign, ghost, peeking up through a grating/bars
* carousel horse, clown (white-faced), tentacles coming through an open door, portcullis grill, TV with strange signal, villain in top hat and cloak
* "keep away!", scheming (mad scientist), brain, hand up from dirt, ventriloquist's dummy, long shadow / entering dark area
Intergalactic (2015)
* hatch, satellite, blob-king, symbol cube, thrusting rocket/probe, transporter (or person dissolving in tube)
* star field, astronaut planting flag, spiral galaxy, "no human(oid)s", flying domed city, person in a tube
* slide handle, floating robot BOB, space-walking astronaut, ringed planet, dish antenna, space shuttle service emblem
Now, who might want to give the cubes a try?
Rory's Story Cubes ® The Creativity Hub Ltd.
Medic (2014)
* radiation sign, sinus rhythm signal, ambulance van, stethoscope, bottle and spoon, wheelchair
* wearing surgical mask, parachute first aid, hypodermic syringe, HAZMAT suit, thermometer, person on stretcher
* crossed adhesive bandages, "Yuck!", spots on face, evacuation helicopter, broken bone (X-ray image), first aid kit
Score (2014)
* base/basketball, swim goggles, football, masked wrestler, kayak, "3" striped sports jersey
* sweating face, standing target (for projectiles), pushing, digital timer, running horse, four people in two teams
* referee's whistle, soccer goal, fencer en guard, trophy cup, referee raising flag and pointing, balancing on one hand
Animalia (2015)
* hanging beehive, hamster wheel, hanging sloth, cow, acorn, aggressive shark
* flying owl, alligator/crocodile in water, chameleon, animal tracks, hibernating bear, raccoon
* jellyfish, tiger, "do not feed", animal coop with ladder entrance, swan, bear trap
Mythic (2015)
* hypnotized, Trojan Horse, lyre, maze/labyrinth, Icarus flies to the sun, battle companions
* Charon boating on the River Styx, winged sandals, trident, throne, snake-haired serpent woman (Medusa/Gorgon), opened box
* Mount Olympus, Zeus, Minotaur, the Argo (sailboat with eyes), victory (armed man standing on defeated thing), cyclops
Fright (2015)
* falling (pit/trap door), skull, spider, warning sign, ghost, peeking up through a grating/bars
* carousel horse, clown (white-faced), tentacles coming through an open door, portcullis grill, TV with strange signal, villain in top hat and cloak
* "keep away!", scheming (mad scientist), brain, hand up from dirt, ventriloquist's dummy, long shadow / entering dark area
Intergalactic (2015)
* hatch, satellite, blob-king, symbol cube, thrusting rocket/probe, transporter (or person dissolving in tube)
* star field, astronaut planting flag, spiral galaxy, "no human(oid)s", flying domed city, person in a tube
* slide handle, floating robot BOB, space-walking astronaut, ringed planet, dish antenna, space shuttle service emblem
Now, who might want to give the cubes a try?
Rory's Story Cubes ® The Creativity Hub Ltd.
Babes & Beasts concept
Posted 11 years agoStarting during his October 2014 "monster" theme, I've been commissioning art from 
Yawg following a concept I took to calling "B&B". It's not terribly original, but with three images done and two in concept, I thought I'd share how I think of it and remind people they can use it themselves without having to ask permission.
B&B is, put simply, an excuse to get images made of attractive females wearing skimpy, fantasy-based costumes and possibly doing sexy/sexual things. This makes it similar to the "World of Porncraft" already out there, but derived more from D&D than Warcraft.
The "game" in this case is officially named "Babes & Beasts" but often called "Boobs & Butts". It's a tabletop game with rules (such as GURPS' "bulletproof nudity" or the TV Trope "combat strip") that favor body-revealing "impractical" outfits. Furthermore, all player characters (no matter the player's gender) are female and attractive. They also tend to parallel their player's appearance, which means male players will typically have Rule 63 versions of themselves as characters. NPCs can be male, of course, and make good villains.
The images I've had done are as follows:
* Troll Toll (Renamon)
* Treasure Chest
* Character Roster
* DM PC (and back views)
* Yawg's Clarisse
* Spelunking (Jenny)
* All four by
wom-bat
* Okay, You Can Take Candle (Krystal)
* Starfighter's first by
Starfighter
* Starfighter's second by Starfighter
* Ye Old Sluttery Tavern
* FrankenApril and Patches
* Ratchucks (Yawg OC)
* Sexploration Party done for
TalmanShark
* Roles with the Indigos by
Dreamkeepers
* DiSpanker Beast by
BAR1Scorpio
* the Indigos try the game by Dreamkeepers
* the Cube by
DHStein
* Becky as an oracle (Yawg OC)
* Harley Devos creates a succubus
Some B&B memes to remember:
* Stripperific / Bulletproof Nudity: Normal clothing is the worst defense. Armor works, but skimpy clothing provides even more protection. Enchanted defenses improve on that, again working even better with minimal coverage. Nudity protects from almost all damage, but exposes the character to other things.
* Simple Weapons: Big weapons give no combat advantage, but may be intimidating. Bows and other projectiles perform poorly. Knives, swords, and other light weapons are typical.
* The Sexings: Part of the point of the concept. Sex can be explicit, implicit, or implied, but any excuse for a sexy pose, sexual-related joke, or other erotic or pornographic content should be welcome.
If you find or make something with B&B, I'd be interested in seeing it. Put a link in a comment below, thanks.
Yawg following a concept I took to calling "B&B". It's not terribly original, but with three images done and two in concept, I thought I'd share how I think of it and remind people they can use it themselves without having to ask permission.B&B is, put simply, an excuse to get images made of attractive females wearing skimpy, fantasy-based costumes and possibly doing sexy/sexual things. This makes it similar to the "World of Porncraft" already out there, but derived more from D&D than Warcraft.
The "game" in this case is officially named "Babes & Beasts" but often called "Boobs & Butts". It's a tabletop game with rules (such as GURPS' "bulletproof nudity" or the TV Trope "combat strip") that favor body-revealing "impractical" outfits. Furthermore, all player characters (no matter the player's gender) are female and attractive. They also tend to parallel their player's appearance, which means male players will typically have Rule 63 versions of themselves as characters. NPCs can be male, of course, and make good villains.
The images I've had done are as follows:
* Troll Toll (Renamon)
* Treasure Chest
* Character Roster
* DM PC (and back views)
* Yawg's Clarisse
* Spelunking (Jenny)
* All four by
wom-bat* Okay, You Can Take Candle (Krystal)
* Starfighter's first by
Starfighter* Starfighter's second by
Starfighter* Ye Old Sluttery Tavern
* FrankenApril and Patches
* Ratchucks (Yawg OC)
* Sexploration Party done for
TalmanShark* Roles with the Indigos by
Dreamkeepers* DiSpanker Beast by
BAR1Scorpio* the Indigos try the game by
Dreamkeepers* the Cube by
DHStein* Becky as an oracle (Yawg OC)
* Harley Devos creates a succubus
Some B&B memes to remember:
* Stripperific / Bulletproof Nudity: Normal clothing is the worst defense. Armor works, but skimpy clothing provides even more protection. Enchanted defenses improve on that, again working even better with minimal coverage. Nudity protects from almost all damage, but exposes the character to other things.
* Simple Weapons: Big weapons give no combat advantage, but may be intimidating. Bows and other projectiles perform poorly. Knives, swords, and other light weapons are typical.
* The Sexings: Part of the point of the concept. Sex can be explicit, implicit, or implied, but any excuse for a sexy pose, sexual-related joke, or other erotic or pornographic content should be welcome.
If you find or make something with B&B, I'd be interested in seeing it. Put a link in a comment below, thanks.
New Story Cubes
Posted 11 years agoSo...
I knew these were planned, but I expected them on their iOS app, not in a Barnes & Noble. What? Oh.
Rory's Story Cubes has three new sets of three cubes each: Enchanted (magenta), Prehistoria (green), and Clues (purple). You have to look close to tell the difference between the purple and the magenta on the cubes, but it works.
This brings the number of cubes in my Artist's Challenge up to 39. Time for another round of challenges!
I knew these were planned, but I expected them on their iOS app, not in a Barnes & Noble. What? Oh.
Rory's Story Cubes has three new sets of three cubes each: Enchanted (magenta), Prehistoria (green), and Clues (purple). You have to look close to tell the difference between the purple and the magenta on the cubes, but it works.
This brings the number of cubes in my Artist's Challenge up to 39. Time for another round of challenges!
Printer upgrade
Posted 13 years agoToday I have taken the plunge on what I hope is a good deal -- I bought an Epson WorkForce WF-7520 all-in-one inkjet printer.
This series of printers is a large-format (up to 13"x19" media) color inkjet with a flatbed scanner (and all the associated variations: copy, fax, etc.) that can handle up to tabloid (11"x17") originals. While mine doesn't have an automatic document feeder, it does have a second paper tray and might do automatic duplex (double-sided) printing.
The good deal is an in-store reduction of $100 and a printer recycle "trade-in" of another $50. That means I got this $300 (list) for $150 (plus tax). The printer I traded in was also a large-format color inkjet, but had no scanning or other features.
Good Points: Can still print large color pages, can now scan large sheets, may be able to print over my in-house WiFi and to better than Windows XP.
Questionable Points: May not be able to scan slides (will have to test), the traded-in printer sat around for years with minimal use.
Bad Points: This is a dang big unit. (Fortunately, so was the printer I was getting rid of.) The ink will be expensive.
This series of printers is a large-format (up to 13"x19" media) color inkjet with a flatbed scanner (and all the associated variations: copy, fax, etc.) that can handle up to tabloid (11"x17") originals. While mine doesn't have an automatic document feeder, it does have a second paper tray and might do automatic duplex (double-sided) printing.
The good deal is an in-store reduction of $100 and a printer recycle "trade-in" of another $50. That means I got this $300 (list) for $150 (plus tax). The printer I traded in was also a large-format color inkjet, but had no scanning or other features.
Good Points: Can still print large color pages, can now scan large sheets, may be able to print over my in-house WiFi and to better than Windows XP.
Questionable Points: May not be able to scan slides (will have to test), the traded-in printer sat around for years with minimal use.
Bad Points: This is a dang big unit. (Fortunately, so was the printer I was getting rid of.) The ink will be expensive.
Definition of my Artist's Challenge
Posted 13 years agoI like commissioning artists. It's fun to see what they come up with based on my descriptions. But sometimes I'm at a loss for what to have someone draw (as opposed to the more common lack of funds).
And then I came across a set of three dice with pictures on their faces instead of dots or numbers. Not the stylized pictures some dice have -- rather well-drawn images of things like a clown, a computer, etc. Later I discovered Rory's Story Cubes (Google it) and bought all three sets (basic, Actions, and Voyages) of nine cubes each and a suitable bag.
Now I have my "artist's challenge." To do one, the artist draws one die from the bag for every $10 (or fraction thereof, minimum one die) that they will charge for the drawing. The dice are rolled and the face-up images are noted. That makes up the basis for the drawing.
The images can be taken figuratively or literally, but each must be an integral part of the drawing. A "junk pile" that things can be randomly included into is unacceptable.
If nothing else, it helps me know how inventive the artist can be.
Rory's Story Cubes ® The Creativity Hub Ltd.
And then I came across a set of three dice with pictures on their faces instead of dots or numbers. Not the stylized pictures some dice have -- rather well-drawn images of things like a clown, a computer, etc. Later I discovered Rory's Story Cubes (Google it) and bought all three sets (basic, Actions, and Voyages) of nine cubes each and a suitable bag.
Now I have my "artist's challenge." To do one, the artist draws one die from the bag for every $10 (or fraction thereof, minimum one die) that they will charge for the drawing. The dice are rolled and the face-up images are noted. That makes up the basis for the drawing.
The images can be taken figuratively or literally, but each must be an integral part of the drawing. A "junk pile" that things can be randomly included into is unacceptable.
If nothing else, it helps me know how inventive the artist can be.
Rory's Story Cubes ® The Creativity Hub Ltd.
Postings resume
Posted 13 years agoNot that it's too important, but I can explain why I haven't updated in more than a month -- I ran out of new images. I considered doing some duplication from my PhotoBucket postings, or maybe some stuff I haven't posted anywhere, but I never got around to that.
Now I've got some new images obtained during Furry Connection North and Motor City Comic Con. I'm going to try and stretch things out a bit by posting no more than two images a week, one if I don't have anything rated Mature/Adult. (Why that condition? It's really because I want my most recently posted image to have a General rating.)
Now I've got some new images obtained during Furry Connection North and Motor City Comic Con. I'm going to try and stretch things out a bit by posting no more than two images a week, one if I don't have anything rated Mature/Adult. (Why that condition? It's really because I want my most recently posted image to have a General rating.)
One cup at a time
Posted 13 years agoThose who have met me in person may have learned that I'm not a coffee (or alcohol) drinker. My preferred beverage is iced tea -- decaf, unsweetened, and unflavored. So it might come as a surprise that I now own a Keurig single-cup coffee brewer.
Do I have many coffee-drinking visitors? No, I rarely have any visitors at all. But while I now have the means to offer them a cup of coffee, what's more important is that the Keurig will also brew other beverages, such as hot chocolate or tea. You can even get "make your own" K-cups and reusable filters so that you can use the machine to prepare your favorite coffee, tea, or mix even if it's not available as a K-cup. And if you brew tea directly into a cup of ice, you can make "instant" iced tea -- or coffee.
I've also taken the plunge and bought a small supply of "Monkey Picked Oolong" tea from Teavana. I haven't tried that yet, although I have done a cup of hot milk chocolate (from K-cup) and plan to try some hot cider next. Maybe I'll see if I can get a packet of Swiss Miss into the reusable K-cup...
Do I have many coffee-drinking visitors? No, I rarely have any visitors at all. But while I now have the means to offer them a cup of coffee, what's more important is that the Keurig will also brew other beverages, such as hot chocolate or tea. You can even get "make your own" K-cups and reusable filters so that you can use the machine to prepare your favorite coffee, tea, or mix even if it's not available as a K-cup. And if you brew tea directly into a cup of ice, you can make "instant" iced tea -- or coffee.
I've also taken the plunge and bought a small supply of "Monkey Picked Oolong" tea from Teavana. I haven't tried that yet, although I have done a cup of hot milk chocolate (from K-cup) and plan to try some hot cider next. Maybe I'll see if I can get a packet of Swiss Miss into the reusable K-cup...
The Paws
Posted 14 years agoYes, it's been about two months since my last posting -- of anything. This wasn't because I ran out of things to post, but because I got distracted by real life. Mostly by attendance to MidWest FurFest 2011. I have more images to post now, and intend to do so one or two a week.
Let the fun begin.
Let the fun begin.
Hail the McRib
Posted 14 years agoAt the risk of sounding like an advertisement, I'm pleased to report that, yes, the McRib is back at McDonalds across the U.S. (at least until mid-November).
Normally available only at those stores that choose to carry it, the McRib is a shaped pork patty liberally dosed with a tangy "barbeque" sauce, topped with caramelized onions and a few pickle slices, and placed between halves of a hoagie-style bun that never seems able to keep everything inside it. It's a bit messy, but oh so good -- and I'm not the only one that thinks so. There's even a "McRib Locator" website for locating them when not being nationally offered: http://kleincast.com/maps/mcrib.php
My personal confirmation was today. This evening, in fact. After hearing the reports in the news, I resolved myself to visiting McDonalds today. After waiting all day for a phone call that didn't arrive, I set out on foot at 5:30pm for a McD's I considered in walking distance -- about two miles away along a road that has sidewalks most of the way. Owing to the impending weather, I was wearing my rain coat and had, and that was a good thing as it was making a good try at a light rain by the time I arrived.
The McRib was indeed available, and I ordered the combo meal (fries and fountain beverage, medium). There was a bit of a line, and one customer apparently had to wait 15 minutes to get his order, but despite the slight crush I received mine and sat down to enjoy it. As usual (in my experience), the bun was unable to contain all the onion bits and even the patty tried to escape with the help of sauce lubrication. It's a little messy, but the whole thing is so good I picked the onions out of the blobs of sauce left in the box when the sandwich itself was done.
Oh, and I ask for barbeque sauce (dipping containers) for my fries when I remember to.
My beverage of choice was unsweetened iced tea, and I topped it off at the self-serve before I headed home. The weather had worsened, twilight was settling in, and in addition to a light rain I saw several flashes of lightning, fortunately far enough away that thunder was not worth noting.
All told my "confirmation" consumed 90 minutes (two-thirds of that spend walking) and almost US$5. I consider it time and money well spent. Hopefully I'll have another chance to enjoy a McRib in the coming three weeks.
Normally available only at those stores that choose to carry it, the McRib is a shaped pork patty liberally dosed with a tangy "barbeque" sauce, topped with caramelized onions and a few pickle slices, and placed between halves of a hoagie-style bun that never seems able to keep everything inside it. It's a bit messy, but oh so good -- and I'm not the only one that thinks so. There's even a "McRib Locator" website for locating them when not being nationally offered: http://kleincast.com/maps/mcrib.php
My personal confirmation was today. This evening, in fact. After hearing the reports in the news, I resolved myself to visiting McDonalds today. After waiting all day for a phone call that didn't arrive, I set out on foot at 5:30pm for a McD's I considered in walking distance -- about two miles away along a road that has sidewalks most of the way. Owing to the impending weather, I was wearing my rain coat and had, and that was a good thing as it was making a good try at a light rain by the time I arrived.
The McRib was indeed available, and I ordered the combo meal (fries and fountain beverage, medium). There was a bit of a line, and one customer apparently had to wait 15 minutes to get his order, but despite the slight crush I received mine and sat down to enjoy it. As usual (in my experience), the bun was unable to contain all the onion bits and even the patty tried to escape with the help of sauce lubrication. It's a little messy, but the whole thing is so good I picked the onions out of the blobs of sauce left in the box when the sandwich itself was done.
Oh, and I ask for barbeque sauce (dipping containers) for my fries when I remember to.
My beverage of choice was unsweetened iced tea, and I topped it off at the self-serve before I headed home. The weather had worsened, twilight was settling in, and in addition to a light rain I saw several flashes of lightning, fortunately far enough away that thunder was not worth noting.
All told my "confirmation" consumed 90 minutes (two-thirds of that spend walking) and almost US$5. I consider it time and money well spent. Hopefully I'll have another chance to enjoy a McRib in the coming three weeks.
Yes, I suppose I'm a brony
Posted 14 years agoThis week's postings consists of images drawn by 
kalu during AC2011 and a pony fanfic focused on an original character of mine.
So I'm a brony. So?
kalu during AC2011 and a pony fanfic focused on an original character of mine.So I'm a brony. So?
As promised
Posted 14 years agoI've begun posting images. There's quite a backlog, with some all the way back to Anthrocon 2010. To keep things active, I'll try to post a few items each week until I'm caught up, including stories when they're available.
Anthrocon 2011 - home again
Posted 14 years agoIt's been over a year since I last posted anything in FA, but I'm hoping that will be changing soon. I have art from the past year and maybe a few other items to go up. It might take a week or so to organize, though.
For those (few) who might be concerned, I'm back safely from Anthrocon. I spent too much (as usual), but I got some good stuff. The worst thing that happened is some jerk started spoofing my email to send spam (apparently to most of my address book somehow) on the day I left, so I didn't hear about it until Saturday or Sunday. Here's hoping my password change stops that.
UPDATE: While I couldn't see any using my iPhone's web browser, there's a slew of messages I didn't send in my online AOL Sent folder. So some **** did manage to hack my account. Time for stronger password standards.
For those (few) who might be concerned, I'm back safely from Anthrocon. I spent too much (as usual), but I got some good stuff. The worst thing that happened is some jerk started spoofing my email to send spam (apparently to most of my address book somehow) on the day I left, so I didn't hear about it until Saturday or Sunday. Here's hoping my password change stops that.
UPDATE: While I couldn't see any using my iPhone's web browser, there's a slew of messages I didn't send in my online AOL Sent folder. So some **** did manage to hack my account. Time for stronger password standards.
Recent postings
Posted 16 years agoAs some have noticed (gee, that's a lot of attention), I've managed to post most of the art I received during MWFF, about 11 items here. There's more over at my Photobucket albums, about 22 new items.
My next con with good art potential isn't until April, though. (FCN)
My next con with good art potential isn't until April, though. (FCN)
MFM (MWFF) Meme
Posted 16 years agoCribbed off a journal by 
ebonyleopard (found here).
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Tromping about Artist Alley and the Dealer's Den, commissioning and picking up art.
Where are you staying?
At the main con hotel.
Who will you be with?
Me, myself, and I. (Although I may spend time with people I meet there.)
Do you do free art?
Considering the low quality of my artwork, I'd better not charge for it.
Do you do trades?
Ever heard of "a pig in a poke"? Caveat emptor, indeed.
Do you do commissions?
No, because I don't want to get lynched for impersonating a professional artist.
Do you have prints/ CDs ?
Only the ones I've bought.
Do you do badges?
Define "do" in this context. :-P
What is your gender?
Male.
How old are you?
Old enough to know better than to answer that question.
Can I touch you?
Have you washed your hands recently?
Can I talk to you?
Do you expect a reply?
Can we hang out?
See my first answer.
Can I look in your sketchbook?
Have you washed your hands recently?
Can I draw in your sketchbook?
Are you any good?
Can I buy you a drink?
I'll stick with water, thanks.
Can I take your picture?
Will you give it back?
I'm too shy to talk to you!
That's okay -- I'm inattentive enough to not notice.
What do you look like?
Bearded, greying, and probably carrying a yellow messenger bag.
ebonyleopard (found here).Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Tromping about Artist Alley and the Dealer's Den, commissioning and picking up art.
Where are you staying?
At the main con hotel.
Who will you be with?
Me, myself, and I. (Although I may spend time with people I meet there.)
Do you do free art?
Considering the low quality of my artwork, I'd better not charge for it.
Do you do trades?
Ever heard of "a pig in a poke"? Caveat emptor, indeed.
Do you do commissions?
No, because I don't want to get lynched for impersonating a professional artist.
Do you have prints/ CDs ?
Only the ones I've bought.
Do you do badges?
Define "do" in this context. :-P
What is your gender?
Male.
How old are you?
Old enough to know better than to answer that question.
Can I touch you?
Have you washed your hands recently?
Can I talk to you?
Do you expect a reply?
Can we hang out?
See my first answer.
Can I look in your sketchbook?
Have you washed your hands recently?
Can I draw in your sketchbook?
Are you any good?
Can I buy you a drink?
I'll stick with water, thanks.
Can I take your picture?
Will you give it back?
I'm too shy to talk to you!
That's okay -- I'm inattentive enough to not notice.
What do you look like?
Bearded, greying, and probably carrying a yellow messenger bag.
Delays and writer meme
Posted 16 years agoI've fallen behind in my chapter posting. While I work on catching up (hopefully this weekend, when I also plan to get my recent Anthrocon acquisitions ready) here's my take on the "21 Questions: a Meme for Writers" offered by 
poetigress.
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/817467/
1. When did you start writing?
Long ago and far away... I've written in one form or another since at least 6th or 7th grade.
2. First drafts: Handwritten, typed, or some combination?
I've done both. These days it's mostly typed into a computer. Sometimes though I use a voice recorder to take down what's running through my head when I'm in a situation where I can't write, such as while driving a car, and transcribe it later. (I just wish I had auto-transcription going.)
3. Do you keep any kind of notebook or writer's journal, and if so, what kinds of things go into it?
No, not really. I'm pretty bad at keeping journals. Just look through mine here on FA, for example...
4. Do you set any quotas for your work (number of words per day, number of hours per day, etc.)? Why or why not?
No quotas. They're too easily set aside and then I start thinking "why bother even starting?"
5. Are you most comfortable writing short stories, novels, or something else?
At the moment I'd say short stories. Most of what I offer is targeted for posting to a forum, and there's a 60Kb posting limit.
6. What's your favorite kind of story to write?
Gad, how do I answer? The truth is no matter what genre (fantasy, contemporary, SF) I get pretty deep into the conversations. I suppose that's a "kind," isn't it?
7. Talk about a story of yours that was easy to write and one that was difficult to write, and why.
You expect me to remember that kind of stuff? Easy? That's a story that almost pours out of me and ends up needing very little revision. Hard is one where I have to extract almost every word as if it's embedded in my blood cells and still have to rewrite the whole darn thing. I suppose it's mostly a matter of focus.
8. Which of your characters is closest to your sense of self? In other words, who do you most identify with in your own work to date?
Heh. McClaw. I keep looking to make him a distinct personality from me, but most of the time he's the one character I can have spout something I want to say myself.
9. What work are you most proud of right now?
My current project: Born of the Storm. Isn't it always the current stuff?
10. What do you feel your strengths and weaknesses are as a writer?
I suppose I can kick out a good conversation and won't be satisfied until the reading "flows" smoothly. And I really need an editor.
11. Name a few writers who have influenced you or your work in some way.
Lovecraft made me aware that nightmares could come through words. Tolkien made me see worlds. Katherine Kurtz made me see the lives in them. Spider Robinson and Piers Anthony reminded me that even drama can be funny.
12. Talk about something you've written that you later found embarrassing for some reason.
Gah. The old "RCST" scripts I wrote back in junior high. Pure in-joke silliness.
13. Talk about the earliest stories you remember writing. What were they about?
See 12.
14. If you knew you would be successful, what would you most like to write?
Something that inspired people to work for a better world. To stand up for liberty and justice, make the right decisions even when they're hard, and learn to live and work alongside each other. Something that would have the same effect even on our enemies. Oh, and it would be fun to read, so not only would it be re-read today but by future generations as well.
15. What inspires you?
Movies, TV, comic books, art, music... I guess the simple answer is "life."
16. How many projects do you tend to work on at once?
Eh. Depends on how you define "projects." I can keep multiple chapters in various stages of development, but typically they're all part of a greater whole.
17. Who reads your work before it's released to the public? Do you have beta readers, a critique group, etc.?
I have two co-authors I trust implicitly and a group on Yahoo I respect.
18. When you're not writing, what do you do for fun?
Movies, TV, comic books, art, music...
19. Advice to other writers?
Always remember the basics.
20. What are you currently working on?
Born of the Storm.
21. Share the first three sentences of a work in progress.
"General Westhaven to see Colonel McClaw," the tiger in a UAWN 'duty dress' uniform told the calico at the Machu Picchu Embassy's reception desk. She smiled but didn't reply. She didn't need to.
poetigress.http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/817467/
1. When did you start writing?
Long ago and far away... I've written in one form or another since at least 6th or 7th grade.
2. First drafts: Handwritten, typed, or some combination?
I've done both. These days it's mostly typed into a computer. Sometimes though I use a voice recorder to take down what's running through my head when I'm in a situation where I can't write, such as while driving a car, and transcribe it later. (I just wish I had auto-transcription going.)
3. Do you keep any kind of notebook or writer's journal, and if so, what kinds of things go into it?
No, not really. I'm pretty bad at keeping journals. Just look through mine here on FA, for example...
4. Do you set any quotas for your work (number of words per day, number of hours per day, etc.)? Why or why not?
No quotas. They're too easily set aside and then I start thinking "why bother even starting?"
5. Are you most comfortable writing short stories, novels, or something else?
At the moment I'd say short stories. Most of what I offer is targeted for posting to a forum, and there's a 60Kb posting limit.
6. What's your favorite kind of story to write?
Gad, how do I answer? The truth is no matter what genre (fantasy, contemporary, SF) I get pretty deep into the conversations. I suppose that's a "kind," isn't it?
7. Talk about a story of yours that was easy to write and one that was difficult to write, and why.
You expect me to remember that kind of stuff? Easy? That's a story that almost pours out of me and ends up needing very little revision. Hard is one where I have to extract almost every word as if it's embedded in my blood cells and still have to rewrite the whole darn thing. I suppose it's mostly a matter of focus.
8. Which of your characters is closest to your sense of self? In other words, who do you most identify with in your own work to date?
Heh. McClaw. I keep looking to make him a distinct personality from me, but most of the time he's the one character I can have spout something I want to say myself.
9. What work are you most proud of right now?
My current project: Born of the Storm. Isn't it always the current stuff?
10. What do you feel your strengths and weaknesses are as a writer?
I suppose I can kick out a good conversation and won't be satisfied until the reading "flows" smoothly. And I really need an editor.
11. Name a few writers who have influenced you or your work in some way.
Lovecraft made me aware that nightmares could come through words. Tolkien made me see worlds. Katherine Kurtz made me see the lives in them. Spider Robinson and Piers Anthony reminded me that even drama can be funny.
12. Talk about something you've written that you later found embarrassing for some reason.
Gah. The old "RCST" scripts I wrote back in junior high. Pure in-joke silliness.
13. Talk about the earliest stories you remember writing. What were they about?
See 12.
14. If you knew you would be successful, what would you most like to write?
Something that inspired people to work for a better world. To stand up for liberty and justice, make the right decisions even when they're hard, and learn to live and work alongside each other. Something that would have the same effect even on our enemies. Oh, and it would be fun to read, so not only would it be re-read today but by future generations as well.
15. What inspires you?
Movies, TV, comic books, art, music... I guess the simple answer is "life."
16. How many projects do you tend to work on at once?
Eh. Depends on how you define "projects." I can keep multiple chapters in various stages of development, but typically they're all part of a greater whole.
17. Who reads your work before it's released to the public? Do you have beta readers, a critique group, etc.?
I have two co-authors I trust implicitly and a group on Yahoo I respect.
18. When you're not writing, what do you do for fun?
Movies, TV, comic books, art, music...
19. Advice to other writers?
Always remember the basics.
20. What are you currently working on?
Born of the Storm.
21. Share the first three sentences of a work in progress.
"General Westhaven to see Colonel McClaw," the tiger in a UAWN 'duty dress' uniform told the calico at the Machu Picchu Embassy's reception desk. She smiled but didn't reply. She didn't need to.
Story now current
Posted 17 years agoAfter... many weeks I have now posted all completed chapters of my story "Born of the Storm" (along with its side-chapters "Our Honored Memories" and "Legger") here on FA. There will be more chapters, but they'll be going up about a week after they get posted to their original location -- the RHJunior Forums Library section. (You have to be a member to see it.)
Eventually my chapters (as well as the chapters of "Knight's Move" by Brock Paine) will get posted on the other side of this link, as well as whatever website I eventually construct.
Until next chapter!
Eventually my chapters (as well as the chapters of "Knight's Move" by Brock Paine) will get posted on the other side of this link, as well as whatever website I eventually construct.
Until next chapter!
Back from MWFF
Posted 17 years agoHome again, home again, jiggidy jig...
I've successfully returned from MidWest FurFest, where I kept seven sketchbooks and twelve of my "art kits" in circulation. I've got a lot of art to be scanned and shared, but not tonight. Tonight I catch up on forums and art archives. Tomorrow is soon enough.
But despite a scare with my "Now We Are Plush!" sketchbook, everything came home okay. I've added an image from Flinthoof to my Favorites here on FA, done during the con.
I've successfully returned from MidWest FurFest, where I kept seven sketchbooks and twelve of my "art kits" in circulation. I've got a lot of art to be scanned and shared, but not tonight. Tonight I catch up on forums and art archives. Tomorrow is soon enough.
But despite a scare with my "Now We Are Plush!" sketchbook, everything came home okay. I've added an image from Flinthoof to my Favorites here on FA, done during the con.
MWFF beware!
Posted 17 years agoLike many others, I'm headed for MidWest FurFest this weekend. Not as a Dealer or Artist, but as a Buyer. More specifically as a Commissioner -- meaning I plan to spend a lot of the convention going around Artists' Alley and the Dealers' Den requesting, paying for, and picking up artwork. I've developed a process for it and can clear a lot of art in three days. The biggest problem is always preparing my references and descriptions, with the second being coordinating all those kits and sketchbooks with the varying artist paces and my own funding (which this year may be a little tighter than usual).
So all you artists, stay alert!
So all you artists, stay alert!
Out of order
Posted 17 years agoNo, not broken, just not in the proper sequence. As in I should have submitted something other that "BOTS7" this Monday. There's something different I wrote that goes before that in chronological order. But instead of replacing what I've already submitted I'll just submit it next Monday and adjust the Previous/Next links accordingly.
Don't worry -- I've got 4 more chapters of BOTS and two "aside" pieces finished with three more total in final development and others planned. I should be able to keep up the "one a week" pace until Christmas at least.
A question for any readers -- I've been posting these with the "mature" tag. I haven't seen anything specifying what should be considered "mature" or "adult" so... do you agree? Are these stories "mature" by FA standards or could they be changed to "general" so anyone can read them?
Don't worry -- I've got 4 more chapters of BOTS and two "aside" pieces finished with three more total in final development and others planned. I should be able to keep up the "one a week" pace until Christmas at least.
A question for any readers -- I've been posting these with the "mature" tag. I haven't seen anything specifying what should be considered "mature" or "adult" so... do you agree? Are these stories "mature" by FA standards or could they be changed to "general" so anyone can read them?
The Case of the Missing Website
Posted 17 years agoI've recently learned that AOL will be discontinuing their "Hometown" service at the end of October. For those who don't know what that is, AOL Hometown is what they eventually named the 2Mb per screen name they allowed for users to post things to the Internet.
As my Member space is where I've put my pages / sites for over ten years (cramped, but that just makes you get creative) I'm going to have to go looking for a new web host. I don't want intrusive ads, I don't want to spend much money, and I don't want to be restricted by heavy terms of service. Unfortunately I have multiple sites / interests, including centaurs, furry, and two "fake company" websites which would seem to complicate things. I would greatly appreciate some honest recommendations.
As my Member space is where I've put my pages / sites for over ten years (cramped, but that just makes you get creative) I'm going to have to go looking for a new web host. I don't want intrusive ads, I don't want to spend much money, and I don't want to be restricted by heavy terms of service. Unfortunately I have multiple sites / interests, including centaurs, furry, and two "fake company" websites which would seem to complicate things. I would greatly appreciate some honest recommendations.
Keeping my eyes peeled.
Posted 17 years agoSo much art, so many artists, no index of artists that I've found so far...
In addition to trying to figure out some of FA's features (Can someone describe how "Journal Header/Footer" works? Maybe in the Wiki?) and deciding what to include as submissions, I'm keeping a watch for things to add to my Favorites. I know I'll at least include the following:
1) Anything including my character(s).
2) Anything drawn at my request (usually by commission).
Beyond that I'd actually like it if there were a way to categorize links to another artist's submissions beyond "Favorites." Things like maybe References, Appearances, Requests... We can categorize our submissions, why not our links? Or can we already and I just don't know how? (You'd think that the first things put in the Help and Support wiki were descriptions of the basic functions.)
In addition to trying to figure out some of FA's features (Can someone describe how "Journal Header/Footer" works? Maybe in the Wiki?) and deciding what to include as submissions, I'm keeping a watch for things to add to my Favorites. I know I'll at least include the following:
1) Anything including my character(s).
2) Anything drawn at my request (usually by commission).
Beyond that I'd actually like it if there were a way to categorize links to another artist's submissions beyond "Favorites." Things like maybe References, Appearances, Requests... We can categorize our submissions, why not our links? Or can we already and I just don't know how? (You'd think that the first things put in the Help and Support wiki were descriptions of the basic functions.)
First journal post!
Posted 17 years agoOkay, so I'm still learning all of FA's options. Then I encountered this from bar1scorpio and made a comment. As required (by "G") I'm attempting to put this into my journal.
bar1scorpio, in his journal wrote:So Zel posted a meme that I figured I couldn't pass up...
Comment on and I'll:
a) tell you how I know you
b) associate you with something - fandom, a song, a colour, a photo, etc.,
c) tell you something I like about you,
d) tell you a memory I have of you,
e) ask something I've always wanted to know about you,
f) tell you my favorite pic of yours,
g) in return, you must post this in your journal.
Of course I proceeded to post a couple of words, to which he replied (and I commented):
A) Another MIfur, beyond bumping into you at the requisite MFF, I can also count on seeing you at PenguiCon or Confusion, at least.
A> Don't forget MCCC and FCN. (I'm going to have to miss XcapeCon this year because it's opposite MWFF.)
B) The Whumpus book!
B> "Wumpus."
C) The last name always makes me think "Cop show"
C> "That's how I found it, I swear!"
D) That you're not only a Gold Digger fan, but also a Sheila fan.
D> And Zig Zag and Mzzkiti and Cika and... (letch, letch, letch)
E) How much effort goes into the beard?
E> Not so much. An electric trimmer once a week, a pair of scissors to get a few spots (mostly around the mouth) "just right." Oh, and it's shampooed every night along with my hair.
F) http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1566123/ "Bud Comes to Life" awesome 3D representation of that sketch, and surreal.
F> If I ever teach myself to do 3D modeling that's one I fully intend to make.
bar1scorpio and made a comment. As required (by "G") I'm attempting to put this into my journal.bar1scorpio, in his journal wrote:So Zel posted a meme that I figured I couldn't pass up...
Comment on and I'll:
a) tell you how I know you
b) associate you with something - fandom, a song, a colour, a photo, etc.,
c) tell you something I like about you,
d) tell you a memory I have of you,
e) ask something I've always wanted to know about you,
f) tell you my favorite pic of yours,
g) in return, you must post this in your journal.
Of course I proceeded to post a couple of words, to which he replied (and I commented):
A) Another MIfur, beyond bumping into you at the requisite MFF, I can also count on seeing you at PenguiCon or Confusion, at least.
A> Don't forget MCCC and FCN. (I'm going to have to miss XcapeCon this year because it's opposite MWFF.)
B) The Whumpus book!
B> "Wumpus."
C) The last name always makes me think "Cop show"
C> "That's how I found it, I swear!"
D) That you're not only a Gold Digger fan, but also a Sheila fan.
D> And Zig Zag and Mzzkiti and Cika and... (letch, letch, letch)
E) How much effort goes into the beard?
E> Not so much. An electric trimmer once a week, a pair of scissors to get a few spots (mostly around the mouth) "just right." Oh, and it's shampooed every night along with my hair.
F) http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1566123/ "Bud Comes to Life" awesome 3D representation of that sketch, and surreal.
F> If I ever teach myself to do 3D modeling that's one I fully intend to make.
