Alright guys. I'm really gonna need your support for this one.

Unfortunately, one of my closest friends, wolfmoondesires, is going through some tough economical issues. But it's not anything typical like her getting laid off, or under debt or anything.

Lately she's been doing her own set of halloween commissions to help raise money so that she could assist her mom since they've been having a difficult getting by. Come to find out...ever since she's started, her mom has been wasting nearly all of the money on fast food.

Yes. Fast food.

Now I'm not saying go and mourn your opinions over on her journal, because her mom isn't an asshole at all. We all make mistakes, but the fact of the matter is...Ranna needs help. Bad.

She's borderline bankrupt.

So, how am I gonna help solve all this?
I've decided that I'll be opening up some badges for all who haven't been able to order any yet. I know there are some huge cons approaching, and I just wanna make sure you guys're prepared.

You scratch my back, I scratch yours.

So as of now, you can get your very own badge for a Halloween sale of $15 (that's 25% off!)
.
Here's an example: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8739599/

-All commissions ideas and/or payments can be sent to panini.k[at]live.com
-PayPal only. USD.
-All badges will be cel-shaded.
-Unlimited slots.

Please. Do the world some good and help out someone in need.

And if you can't support financially...at least try your best to spread the word via journal.

~Panini

Just gonna get that other semi-depressing journal out of the way.

Anywho, yes! That wonderful day is almost here! The day this skunkmander turns another year older~!
It's funny, though. I'm not really what you would call...excited. xD
I mean, usually I'd spaz out over the fact that I get things like free gifts and money and sentimental things like that.

But for some reason, I'm not really caring for most of those things. :> Hell, I don't even know if I'll be going out anywhere for my birthday this year. Last year, I just stayed home, ordered me and my cousins some pizza, and just kicked it. Was one of the best nights ever, I tell ya what.

Anywho! I really don't know what to expect this year. Since I've gained a slightly larger reputation, I wouldn't be surprised if I receive any artwork from others or not. xD Not saying I wouldn't appreciate it, but I'd rather be more humble and not beg for it.

JUST 3
MOAR
DAYS
HNNNNNNNNNG

It's funny because, you would think the ones who you thought were supporting you, wouldn't actually go behind your back and make assumptions about your intentions for something you enjoy.

"Friends" don't do that.

Well, unfortunately, someone feels as though I've been going out of my way to make sure all of the well-known users here have some sort of significant respect for me here, to boost morale. Otherwise known as "attention whoring".

If that was the case, wouldn't you see like...10x more fanart of characters that I adore, more or less those who are"popular?

I'll admit, there has been a vast increase of gift art and freebies versus my main artwork; stuff that is owed like the IA, and overdue commissions. The past two images featuring both psykrow and herro were drawn mainly to have as backups for examples to use via full color commissions.

I've considered soft shading in my outdated price guide to be just cell-shading, with minimal gradients. I didn't want that style to be confused with my full color illustrations, especially since kits5786 was commissioning me for my "ultimate coloring style", so to speak.

Hell, if it wasn't for the recent hiatus that I'm STILL recovering from, all of my existing commissions would've been completed, and I probably would have been on #35 of my IA by now.

Shit happens.

But one thing I am not going to do, is just let some "experienced" artist assume shit about my decision-making. Sure it's their opinion and all, but when it starts to hinder my existing friendships and how they view me as an individual--it's gone too far.

I'm sick and tired of feeling like I should just be considered a lesser in the food chain.

I've been too nice, apparently.

So, to the person who somehow knows all my "evil plans for becoming one of the biggest popufur in the history of nothing";

Go fuck yourself.


~Panini

That's right! You can still get your very own tiger shark starting at $20!
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8993925/

No one's tossed a bid at her yet, so you still have a chance!

If no one bids before tomorrow, though, I'll be keeping her all to myself.
SOWAKEDAFUCKUP ;A;

EDIT: DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12TH.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3897598/

Seinkraft's holding an epic contest!
BE THERE OR BE SQUARE

What do you see in Panini as a character? I'm really curious.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3906610/
STRAIGHT PIMPIN

Be prepped!

Also, I've decided to open up a few more slots for commissions. Since I've organized a schedule now between them and my IA, it shouldn't be too much stress.

~Panini

NOTE: If you're making a comment just to sound more important than anyone else due to your self-assumed "perfect" opinion, and then just mask it by saying that 'it's the internet' or making it seem as if you're the bigger person by not overreacting or whatever, DO NOT READ THIS. DO SOMETHING ELSE.



Now I know this is gonna be a touchy subject for some of you, if not all, so I'll just keep it on a respectable level.

Usually when I'm venturing on the internet to find new acquaintances, maybe even future good friends, I'm expecting the same amount of respect that I'm dishing out to that certain individual.

And seeing how this is gonna relate to my other previous journal about friends and popularity, I may as well just link you all to it for those who aren't familiar with my views on that.

So here.

Anywho, back to the main subject.

I don't see 'titles' or 'reputations' as a burden to my intentions. If I like you, I'll contact you. Straight like that.

Hell, you may even be intrigued to commission me if my artwork catches your eye.

And of course, I'll even come to understand if your interests have changed and/or shifted to another artist. It happens.

But regardless of that, if you're just going to flat-out ignore someone who probably hasn't done that much to give you a full negative understanding of them, AFTER taking the time to get to know them (not to mention making them feel as if they're special just because someone like you--who may or may not be well known--told them that to make them feel better)

Then why even take the time to reply to their messages in the first place?

Now don't get me wrong. I understand that we all have lives to tend to. We're never available 24/7.

But don't use that as an excuse if it's obvious that you're ignoring them since you're updating journals, or submitting other gift art and/or paid commissions.

If you don't like the person, then just tell them. Why toy around with them psychologically by just keeping them in your IMs out of pity.

That's not being a friend like you're supposed to be.

NOW AGAIN, I completely understand if someone like this happened to be well-known, having to deal with hundreds of people at a time. I understand that COMPLETELY.

But at least TELL the person you're trying to avoid that you don't wish to speak with them. Leaving them out in the cold like that isn't cool. It's rather rude and disrespectful.

But then again, this is my opinion.

~Panini

Today I may attempt to stream a pic that I've just started working on this morning. The second part of my 3-pic gift for herro, Mother-Daughter Relations.

Realized that I can still send messages on join.me through my phone, so. xD

Later on, I may try out my first ever character auction. I'll see what I can do about making a new design on the spot. You all may like it.

THEN if I still have a bit more time before midnight, I'll be continuing the free chibi sketches for the 5 who won a slot. If not tonight, then efinitely Sunday afternoon.

So yeah. Expect that in about an hour or so. :D

~Panini

P.S. some updates about the keyboard. I MAY see what I can do about getting it later today, like during an intermission or something like that. If not today, then Monday morning is when I'll be getting a new one.

Since I've been given a lot of feedback on my usual schedule of work, I've decided to make it.a bit more organizing now.

Just so that everyone's in the loop.

MON-FRI: Commissions, Iron Artist
SAT-SUN: Personal art, Auctions, Adoptables, Freebies, etc.

~Panini

Oi vey.
My keyboard thought it would be cool to just up and die on me.
So unfortunately the free chibi sketch stream will have to be put on hold.

I'll see what I can do about getting my cousin's old one tomorrow, but I'm not making any promises.

As for now I will only be working on important things like IA and commissions.

...jesus christ my right index finger is on fire.
This journal literally took 6 minutes to type with the on-screen keyboard.

Wait. I could've just typed this on my phone.

......

FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Gonna get back on track with my Iron Artist.

Noticed I've been slacking lately.
Sorry about that.

I've been strolling around the site lately, along with the usual IRC chats, when all of a sudden I caught this really irritating thought that's been stuck in my head for weeks on end. Everyone seems to talk about it, think about it occasionally, and even envy the actual feeling of experiencing such an achieving title.

But, after realizing what the consequences of this oh-so-fabulous lifestyle is, we begin to feel that this glorious way to live life turns out to be bittersweet after all.

If you haven't guessed it by now, I'm talking about popularity.

Now, let's elaborate on that word for a second. Popularity. Being popular. Well-known. A celebrity. This could mean a lot of things, along with existing in a bunch of categories, could it not?

Now, before we even continue into this touchy subject, let me be the first to mention that I'm not talking about how you can even 'become' popular, or what you can do to get to this level of 'appreciation'. If that's all you are looking for, then you're shit outta luck.

So yeah.
Popularity can seem like the ultimate prize. The life everyone may or may not want to live. After all, who wouldn't want to be liked and admired by lots of people? It's a powerful feeling to be showered with approval, looked upon with envy, and awarded a megadose of attention. Yes, popularity can be great. Except for one thing:

You can't control it.

Popularity is a double-edged sword. It can make you feel wonderful, but it can also inspire fear. This is so for a good reason. Popularity does not belong to anyone. You can't give yourself popularity, and once you have it, you can't make it stay. Only others can give it, and others can give it away.

It's fine that you would like to be popular. It can be great fun when you are in demand. But popularity is something that you can never really control yourself, since it does not come from you. However, it comes from others who can't even give it to themselves either.

Think of it as a kind of favor that is bestowed on you.

That's why popularity and friendship is something that should never be confused.

Yes, friendships, too, can fade away or even explode. But they are still, to a greater or lesser degree, within your control. Friendships are not given to you. They are something you and hopefully your friend work on. You can exercise tremendous influence over the way in which your friendships grow. Your sensitivity, honor, loyalty, intelligence, humor, and warmth all contribute to the path your friendships will follow.

But popularity does not necessarily depend on these traits. Of course if you treat everyone like garbage, you won't be popular. Still, there are plenty of people who, because of the way they act or look, attract a great deal of attention. It's not who they are as people that attracts the masses. It's who they seem to be.

Another things which seems to bug the hell out of me are these oh-so-crazy popularity myths.

Myth #1: Popular people are well liked.

Being popular does not necessarily mean being well liked. If a popular person also happens to be thoughtful and great fun, he or she might indeed be well liked. But popularity does not guarantee the genuine affection of others.

Just because someone may be good at a certain form of art (in this case, visual/digital/graphic), does not make it good for people and their own selves to feel as if showing them tons of affection is a great way of being a good person.

In other words, it's not affection. This is a form of idolatry. If you idolize someone, you make that person better than you. If you say things just to please him or her, you are being dishonest. Without equality and truthfulness, there can be no real friendship between you and that popular person.

Of course, popular people who are well liked sometimes lose their popularity, but they won't lose their friends.

Myth #2: Popular people are happy.

Popular people who are also well liked are probably quite happy. They are admired by lots of people, and they have good friends to boot. But they also have concerns. Sometimes very popular people have a lot of responsibilities and too much attention. Since so many people are looking at them, the pressure to do the right thing, or to "perform", can be tremendous.

Myth #3: Popular people are super confident.

It's not true that popularity brings confidence. Everyone harbors insecurities. Some people just hide them better than others. It may appear to you that someone has it all. But few people ever feel that way about themselves. And for good reason:

No one ever does have it all.

Unfortunately, popular people often feel forced to act confident. They feel it is a part of their image that they must uphold it at all costs. Sometimes this is easy. On certain days they may feel absolutely wonderful. But on other days they may not. Faking confidence can be exhausting, depressing, and off-putting.

Myth #4: Popular people only want to hang with the "in" crowd.

Sometimes popular people don't befriend others from "certain groups" or "ranks". One reason for this is that those "other crowds" don't seem interested in offering their friendship. Probably the less popular people are afraid to extend an invitation and risk being rejected. Another reason is that popular people are often made to feel as if they are betraying their own crowd by stepping outside of their private circle. They might even be accused of "getting weird" or "changing"; accusations that can make them afraid of losing their position.

In other words, popular people are often isolated from those with whom they might enjoy a terrific relationship. The truth is, they often wish they could move outside their own crowd and find new friends.

Myth #5: Popular people make others feel small.

Only you can make yourself feel small. Feeling inferior when you notice a popular person's success has more to do with your opinion of yourself than with anything that popular person is doing. The truth is, the unkind thoughts others have about us will sting only if they match our own thoughts and fears about ourselves.

Myth #6: Popular people think they're better than others.

Well-liked people have too much respect for the strengths and importance of the people around them to feel better than all of them. Sure, they probably think they are better in certain aspects of talent.

And maybe they are.

As for the less well-liked popular people--surprise! They probably spend much of their time feeling that they aren't as good as many of the people who admire them. People who spend most of their time creating an image are sometimes the most insecure. They mat feel that they are simple not interesting enough to get the love and attention they crave, and so they create an exciting role for themselves, and they play it for all it's worth. Underneath they are terribly afraid someone will realize they are not as interesting as they seem.

These people are doing themselves a terrible injustice, because they are special. Everyone is. But what's special is the stuff that comes naturally, not the role they play.

Myth #7: Popular people have many friends.

That very much depends on how you define "friends". If you mean they always have someone around them with whom to make plans, maybe you're right. But the assumption that they are never lonely and that there is always someone around in whom they can confide is misguided.

The truth is that popular people probably have the same number of good friends as anyone else. Popular or not, everyone has a distinctive personality and distinctive desires. Friendships are special matches in which both people can give and receive exactly what they need. This kind of relationship is not easy to come by. It takes trust. It takes openness, and it means finding the right people with whom one can share this special bond.

Friendship requires work, and it is no easier for popular people than it is for anyone else.

SO, with closing:

If you feel as if you aren't popular enough for certain people; guess what.
So does nearly everyone else on the face of this planet.

Envy falls into everyone's basket of life. No one is perfect. No one is God.

We're all just trying to make it in life.

~Panini




P.S. Pleas be advised that this is only my opinion, and it is not to be forced down your throat. Of course you may feel different about this, but I'm merely just expressing my thoughts about the topic since it's so frequently confused.

P.S.S. Please leave your opinions and thoughts in the comment section below. I'm really eager to see how you all feel about this.

Goddamnit I'm late again. ;A;

Ah, screw it. Ask me shit!

~Panini

Heeeeey guys, happy October and pre-emptive Halloween!

Just wanted to let you all know I'm working hard on your commissions. As you can see, I've started to put up some art. Who knows, your picture might be next. However, in the meantime, while I'm working, I'd like to get a few more commissions for this month. The economy's got me held by the neck right now and I could really use your support.

Looking at my gallery, I recently submitted a cel-shaded bust for  strawberryneko (which can be found here), and I'd like to extend an offer of a similar picture to the rest of you all out there. Normally I charge $20 for each bust, but if you buy one from me now I'll throw in another for half-price!

Because I do have a large workload (existing commissions + 50 IA slots), I'll only be opening up 20 slots for these quick busts.

SO, as a recap just in case you all tl;dr'd

• Cel-shaded bust commissions for $20 » [EXAMPLE] «
• Buy 1, get 1 for 1/2 off (1 = $20, 2 = $30)
• Paypal only.
• Payment must be upfront. No slot holding.
• All other existing commissions will be completed, but for now only busts will be purchased
• First come, first serve.


As always, feel free to contact me at any time with comments or questions!
Note me, or email me at panini.k[at]live.com

I look forward to your interest!

~Panini

P.S. Spread the word! I wanna make sure everyone can be eligible!

Though, I wouldn't have much experience with it. I mean, I suppose it could help with special occasions like discounts, holiday deals and stuff like that.

What do you guys think?

THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH, centch!

Go and send her love, everyone~!

By yours truly. :D

Gah. This is so annoying.

Well unfortunately, guys, I'm probably gonna have to stop using Livestream for now. I can't really seem to get the damn thing functioning right the way I want it to. Hell, I can even have JUST sai up and it'll still say 100% CPU Usage.

So until I can get a better computer, I'm gonna be switching back to join.me for the time being.

There's nothing I can do about the lag, sorry. I'd rather know that I can function properly and have the stream a bit blocky, than have a decent stream with 60 fps, but my programs freeze every 2 minutes.

Yes, I know it has to do with my RAM, lack of extra cores, and/or graphics card.
No, I will not take apart my computer and add new parts. That takes knowledge to do so. And money.

I'll probably continue streaming later on today. For now, I need to take a break.

Anyone else get that abnormal, uncomfortable feeling as an artist where, you think about all the users who could be fapping to your porn/erotica?

...

Makes me cringe. Even if I know it's bound to happen sooner or later. xD

Forever alone since everyone is playing Borderlands 2 tonight. ;n;

*needs games that everyone else plays nowadays*

ANYWHO
You all know the drill. Ask me anything~ <3

So excited~!

And honestly...I'm not even gonna be expecting a lot. xD
I'll probably just be at home, chillaxing with my super special peeps online like I usually do.

Probably have pizza and cake, balloons and all that with the fam.
I don't really like big things for my birthday.

Buuuuut yeah. This mander right here?
Gonna be a whole 'nother year older on October 13th.
That's a whole month from now!

Well...a month and 5 days. =w=;

ANYWHORE
I'm sorta thinking about doing something special for all you guys.
BUT OF COURSE, it shall remain a secret.

Because I'm an asshole like that. :>

Also, just wanna let you guys know that I'm not dead. xDD
I'm still sketching out commissions for those who've been waiting for ages. So keep your eyes peeled! I should be back on my comp sometime soon.

~Panini

Hey everyone.

I've gotten a few notes regarding Panini and the recent changes that have been made to her. I really appreciate the warmth and support that you have shown and thank you all for showing so much interest in her.

It does bring to mind some questions though, such as: what do you find the most interesting about Panini?

Are there any specific traits or characteristics that just seem to pop out?

What do you think of when you see her, or hear her name? (BESIDES A FUCKING SANDWICH ;A; )

Thank you again! I really appreciate your comments, critiques, and opinions and look forward to your replies!

~Panini

*throws tissue in trash*

The hell is that? o3o