...No, not mine. =F
 annubrius's contest!

All you have to do is color a picture! You guys should enter, she needs more entrants!
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2948396/

 annubrius is offering up some art lessons! I've signed up - they run $25 an hour for a one-on-one session with her, and she'll teach you as much as she can. See details here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2963616/

I took a couple commissions privately - if I get them done in a decent amount of time, I'll open up for more! I'm having a lot of trouble with poses, though; I seem to be pretty unimaginative. Anyone have some sage advice for me? I especially have trouble when it comes to solo feral male pictures. I'm not sure why this is.

I'm also having a lot of hesitation drawing my own character. I've had a lot of thought on making a secondary character - but I don't want to draw IT, either. xD

I think maybe after these commissions are done, I will take some time for myself and try and do some personal or vent art. I've been having a really hard time and have been feeling extremely lonely and isolated lately. My natural reaction to feeling such depression is, of course, to withdraw from people and lash out at the ones who are getting 'too close'. I appreciate the people that've been patient with me while I deal with this.
There've been a few people who've confronted me like I have zero right to be lonely because 'I'm an artist and have a ton of friends'? I honestly can't put into words how that makes me feel.


In closing, have this hilarious video, shown to me courtesy of  skyshadow!
http://youtu.be/xxwgoPTWty4

Got a lot of responses on my last journal. Unfortunately pretty much everyone only wanted a solo pinup, and only four said they had no problem being drawn with Bakel... not exactly what I was looking for...

I think i will in the future stick with close friends or my own creations for boredom.but now I know who is interested in what!
Those of you who replied, thanks! =] I may do some pinups or some with Bakel. Not many pinups though.

It is surprisingly hard to draw using a tiny phone screen to look at refs, not to mention being unable to use my usual photography references for poses and etc. X.x

Oh wait that wasn't the con I went to.

I am back home, but I had an extremely surprising amount of FUN on this con. All I was expecting to do was go eat pizza and then.... sit and watch the world revolve, and not even visit the con.
Instead, I was sucked on various whirlwind adventures with my husband,  tygerstkuan,  mnementh,  azusis, and  br0nz. We met AWESOME people like Noxal and Auspex (CONGRATULATE THEM THEY JUST GOT ENGAGED!!!) and Locket and his Invisible Boyfriend... oh wait, I knew them already. o.o Also our other roommates, Salem and Golden Pine Cone Creature. I forgot his name (there was some debate, so I got confused) and what his animal was.
I think this was actually the most fun I think I've ever had at a con. EVER. I even did an (as in ONE) art - my first traditional in.... a long long time. Maybe you will see it. =| I think that, however, after seeing Tyger this con... I will probably never ever sell art at a con. @.@ There is no way. I would need amounts of coffee that would even make Nemmy blush.

Huge thank you to everyone who came and hang'd out! 8D You all ROCK and are SO COOL and I was in like awe the entire weekend. It was all like 'oh wow!' for me.

We got our little keychain selves by  madame! Omg, they are so cute - http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6811706/ if you haven't seen them yet. They are really GOOD sized, too! Now I just can't decide what to do with mine - it is way too cute to be attached to my keys and hidden in my purse. She might find a home in front of my computer and go with me during cons.
You should go get some. I will definitely be flaunting mine during the next con. Get them while you can, because she's making them REALLY cheap!

Also, on note of 'You should go commission this person',  tygerstkuan is open for commissions! She does AMAZING work. She did the collab with me on the Athus picture. Be sure to check out her EPIC badges and drawings. It's a total steal for her Portal themed badges - you get the front AND back of your character drawn for $30.

For Veteran's Day this year, a local dentist office offered to buy kids' Halloween candy from them - I think it was even a really good price, $1 for four pieces of candy or something. This candy is going to be shipped off to our amazing soldiers overseas. I'm sure many of them missed Halloween, and everyone could do with some extra sweetness in their lives - especially these guys and gals. We also collected notes and letters from grade school kids to send along with the candy!

For the most part, however, I'm certain that my Veteran's Day will be spent slaying dragons in Tamriel, like many other people. Just make sure that, in your travels, you take a moment to pause, look off the side of a mountain into the gorgeous landscape, and have a moment of silence for those who have served or are still serving our country.

Also, since I am attending MFF and it's not that far away, here is my meme:
Where are you staying?
Mariott O'Hare.

What day are you getting there?
I have no clue. =F

How long are you going?
Again, I have no clue. xD

Who will you be with?
My roomates are:  bakel,  tygerstkuan,  mnementh, and  salempardus. I am also looking forward to bumming around with TahoeSushi, Keden, Azusis, Nox, Auspex, and Locket, and anyone else I happen to stumble across. <3

What is your gender?
Female

How old are you?
24

How tall are you?
I honestly don't know. 5'5? 5'6?

What suits will you have?
Just my human skinsuit. =|

Can I touch you?
Only if I know you well, and definitely not without warning.

Can I talk to you?
Sure! 8D I'm more of a listener than a talker, though.

Can I take pictures with you?
Maybe... please ask? xD

Are you nice?
Depends on who you ask!

Are you cliquey?
I tend to hang around the same people but I'm not afraid to be in different groups.

Can I stalk you?
=< Please don't. If you wanna hang out, hang out; don't trail along behind me.

Can I buy you lots of drinks?
I would be infinitely surprised and flattered if someone bought me drinks. xD

Can I hug or snuggle you?
I prefer not! Hugs are for people I know really well.

Do you do trades?
Yes! But... I will not have my tablet with me, so you'll have to settle for either my terrible traditional art or wait until after the con.

Do you have an artist table?
No.. I don't think I will ever have one. ;.; Too scared!

Do you like parties?
Nahhh, I'm shy and backwards. Also reclusive. Loud people and large groups aren't good for me.

What should I not do around you?
Don't... be overly creepy/weird?

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Say my name, say my name? I respond faster to ah-knee than oh-knee, though.

I'm really looking forward to seeing a lot of you there, and, of course, my ultimate goal is to eat at Gino's with the people I like!!

Firstly, I would like for you guys to have a look at these two people who are open for commissions!
- madame does amazing work and is open and needs more business. She's offering anything from full paintings to cute chibi keychain sculptures to digital art!
- forgottenscales, who did my spinning icon, is open for a few more spinning icons! Go pester him, I know a few people have mentioned to me privately or publically that they love the little spinning Oni. xD

I had a few people interested in my roleplay rant on my last journal which I've decided to go ahead and write. Only now that I think about it, it basically just sounds like me whining. So I'm going to try and write this as amusingly as possible, because these things don't really make me OMGFURIOUS.

I'll start by saying that I've basically been in the 'dragon' fandom in one way or another for thirteen years, at first from playing a dragon video game (Drakan: Order of the Flame, online for the PC... anyone else? I was Fireblood!), then by moving to the otherkin community and finally settling into the furry community. Roleplaying was a big part of all of that.

I suppose I'll first talk about something I touched on briefly in one of my scrap submissions - magic.
We all want our characters to be awesome. And since we all love our characters, none of us want our characters to ever die or be in danger of dying. So I've noticed that a lot - a LOT - of people have these... weird... ultimate Mortal Kombat type finisher moves that they can just pull out at the drop of the hat that can all pretty much oneshot their opponent. This usually runs along the lines of 'controlling' something, like ice or lightning or fire.
Now me, I like to fight. I like to be confrontational. So forgive me if I'm rather abruptly put off by your 'No, no fighting... nah, nah, roll over... no, please stop... no OKAY FINE I WILL SUMMON LIGHTNING TO DESTROY YOU'.
If magic really IS a major part of your character, then it shouldn't only come up when your life's in danger. I like to fight. I'm NOT going to be all 'omg I kill u and ur charrie is dead forever'. And if you do use it, it shouldn't be the end-all-beat-all trick that I'm sure you're intending it to be. If you must use magic, use it responsibly - leave an out for the other person, make it have severe consequences for your character. Otherwise, I swear that I'll ignore it and blame it on Oni's Patented Anti Magic Aura Cloud That Follows Her Around Like She Stinks Super Bad.

I'll just touch on one more thing, since it reminds me - realism in roleplaying.
Kind of runs along the same thing as magic. We all want our characters to be the biggest, the best, the brightest, and the fastest. Unfortunately... that's not quite how it works, and I'm not entirely certain people realize how utterly unimpressive it is to me that my character - who cannot fly, as she lacks both wings and magic - can get outflown AND outrun by basically any dragon. I agree - it makes sense that Oni could easily be outpaced by a flying creature, although how you're managing to make your 10-foot-tall dragon fly as fast as a White-throated Needletail (the fastest flying [as in NOT DIVING] bird, at around 105mph, if I recall correctly) is beyond me. But when your dragon lands on the ground and decides to have a footrace with Oni - who I've designed based off of various running creatures - and you manage to take off at 118mph despite having just flown insanely fast - really puts me in mind of a Wile E. Coyote vs the Roadrunner cartoon. We all know that the cheetah holds the record for top landspeed, at 70mph. I put Oni at having around a 65mph burst or a 45mph sustained. It makes no sense to me that you, a creature that can fly insanely fast, can land on the ground and also completely outrun. And please don't use size as a difference - I know that as you're undoubtedly larger than she, you have a longer stride. But I really doubt that even dinosaurs managed the 118 you're pulling.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is - don't be afraid to give your character weaknesses. THOSE are what make you believable and memorable. So you manage to fly fast with your huge wings? You probably won't fare so well on the ground. Or you're awesome on the ground? Your flying's probably going to be compromised. Even down to personality! I honest to God hope that no one who's roleplayed with me confuses Oni's persona with mine - Oni's an arrogant bitch, to put it bluntly, because it pleases me to portray her that way. She's an amazing animal, and she knows it - she'll preen with flattery and rage at insults. She likes to argue and fight.
I guess, to an extent, that's me, but exaggerated. xD I'm just saying, we can't all be generic 'wise, suspicious of strangers but loving to friends and family, honorable' personality trait'd critters. It's more FUN to play a flawed character! Try it! It's your FLAWS that define your character, not your strengths.

I hope I managed to make people at least think about some of the things I've said! I do love to roleplay - but I'm also picky, and many of the things I've mentioned tend to turn me off. I'm willing to try roleplaying with unrealistic magic-weilding superdragons, but I can't say it's the best time I've ever had. ;]

The last couple weeks have been hard lately. It's difficult adjusting to the fact that someone who has been a major part of your life, like  athus is gone. The worst part is that I keep wanting to talk to him about all this stuff lately... ranging from 'Can you believe what SoAndSo is saying about you?' to 'Oh god, you'd love ThisOrThat' to me actually almost (I said ALMOST.) reluctant to buy Skyrim next week, because he was so looking forward to it.

However, the upside... and it feels weird to say that. Is there ever an upside to death? Alright then, the least horrible part about this is that it's brought me closer to people. I've met and become friends with a lot of new people recently. And I've pushed myself harder in certain areas in my life - to enjoy things that I actually enjoy more, unashamedly, and to become less reserved with some people.

I've also begun pushing myself more with art. And I'm actually to the point where I feel I am improving. Especially lately! I adore the people that chill in my Livestreams, especially the ones that chat and mess around. I honestly can't stress how happy that makes me and how much easier it makes drawing - if I were trying to do all this with just myself, it wouldn't look nearly as good. And plus, it's awesome being able to bounce ideas off of people!

And otherwise, things are just... good. Business is going good. And there's extremely exciting things going on that I cannot talk about! Life is very exciting and interesting right now, to say the very least. My husband is amazing and supportive, and even when I'm in the blackest of moods, he's there for me. Every day I wake up with this sense of wonder... even though we've been married over a year, I still get a sense of wonder at thinking of him as my husband and realizing that I'm married. We've been together so long... seven years...

I need to write journals more. I've got a nice one in my head, a rant about roleplaying and my pet peeves that I'm sure would offend half the readers reading it. xP

Athus was one of my best friends. I only knew him for a short amount of time. We met at Further Confusion this past year, completely by chance. I remember it well. I was with Bakel and we were wandering around with Nemmy and Madame, our roommates, and got invited by a friend to a 'small dinner' with the Bad Dragon crew. I was reluctant to go but we went. Small dinner indeed - there were over 30 people squeezed into PF Chang's! The four of us sat quietly at one of the round, smaller tables pushed up against the larger one where everyone else sat and fully expected to be ignored for the rest of the night.
Except we weren't. I looked up and there was a guy with long hair staring at me. Suddenly he announced, "I like your badge."
I blinked and looked at it. It was the one that Kito did for me. I looked back up and smiled shyly and thanked him, then unhooked it so he could see it better. I glanced his name and remembered that he and his boyfriend were friends with Kito and probably recognized her art. It surprised me more when he announced "I am going to draw you. I'll send you a note after this!"

I was stunned when shortly after we went home, I actually got one.

From there, we exchanged notes and IMs. He and Bakel hit it off extremely well, since they both ran businesses. He drew a picture for me, I drew one for him, and then he drew one for Bakel and then ANOTHER one for Bakel, which completely endeared him to me. He encouraged my husband to write and draw, and even got him to start writing the introductions for the new Bad Dragon toys. We knew we all wanted to meet again, and exchanged phone numbers and texted and called regularly - Bakel and him, I was too shy to call.

AC came and we hit it off there. He said that he loved that he had people he could hang out with and not feel like he was overshadowed by Narse. And we loved hanging out with him! We got to act crazy and then take a random mad dash across the river because the Bad Dragon table ran out of bags. We cracked jokes the entire way there, because I was nervous because the area looked seedy.

Then when we drove to California, on our way back, we stopped at Athus' house and hung out there with him for a few days. We got there when Athus was working and convinced Narse to pretend he wasn't home and totally freaked him out by sending him pathetic text messages about how we were trapped outside in the heat and withering away. When he finally came home he mock-glared at us and said "You bastards!" xD
It was amazing meeting his roommates and seeing the beautiful house and the life he had. It seemed so rich and full... it was like a dream. They loved dragons and so had an entire room full of them. They loved movies and so had an entire room of that. They loved video games and... well, you get the idea. I had never seen someone's house who had actually indulged in the things they loved, and it made me suddenly desire to live like that as well. We were all sad to part and tried hard to convince Athus to drive back to Michigan with us! He almost did.

A few weeks later, Athus came to visit us! It was an awesome trip, although I was somewhat moody because I had lost my job. He said that he just wanted to relax and hang out - which was perfect, because that's what Bakel and I like to do! Unfortunately, our internet kept spazzing and dropping out - all because of his mere presence, we insisted - but we managed to watch the entire FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood series, as well as Cowboy Bebop. I was so glad he could watch and finish those with us. He really loved them. He worked on art and played games with us.
At one point, I made that potato soup that the Italian Garden makes. Only I accidentally picked up spicy Italian sausage instead of regular, and added too many red pepper flakes in. He was the only one who could eat it without tearing up. He laughed at Bakel and I and called us wimps as he calmly ate the insanely hot soup. He quickly befriended Charlie, Bakel's cat, and loved smacking his butt and making him yowl and roll.
I didn't hug him when we dropped him off at the airport. I didn't' think anything of it, since I made such a big deal out of not being a very huggy person. Now I regret it.

After that, he got very busy with the Bad Dragon business. He didn't have as much time to be online. He still texted and was around on weekends, but it was sad that we were so distant.

Then, only a couple weeks ago, I opened up commissions, needing money because I was still jobless. Not only did he get one himself, as a surprise for his mate.... he pimped me out. I got like twenty watchers and abruptly filled up on commissions - all because of him.
I worked on his picture, but slowly. I wanted it to be perfect. On Tuesday night, I began working more on it, and finally finished the Athus portion of the picture. I grinned, being insanely proud of it, and sent him a copy right away via Twitter and then to his phone. I couldn't wait for him to see it! I playfully titled it, 'You sexy beast, you!'.

I didn't get an answer, but I wasn't surprised, because it was by that time early in the morning. But when I woke up and I still didn't get a reply, I began to suspect he was just busy. He was always so prompt when I texted. It never crossed my mind that it might be something else. That he might never text me again.

I found out completely by accident, and through the grapevine. I can't talk about what happened then. I know that Bakel and I held each other for a very long time. We were both crying. I've only seen my husband cry a handful of times. It made me cry harder.

Even though I knew him for less than a year, I thought of Athus as one of my very best friends. I like to think he thought of us as the same. I owe... everything that I am, as an artist to him. I didn't begin to improve or even try to improve until he randomly told me in a restaurant that he wanted to draw me. He helped me, letting me watch his process through screen sharing... helped me work on the drawing I did for him. I was so proud that he liked it. And my heart swelled when he pointed it out as a reference picture for a picture someone else was going to do for him. He made me feel worth it.

He was a sounding board for my problems. I'd always share with him when something bothered me. Hell, he'd sit and bitch with me - everyone says how nice he was, and how kind. With us, he revealed his hidden cynical side. He had no problem sitting and complaining with us about 'stupid furries', and we'd all laugh.

He and Bakel loved to talk business. It was all way over my head, but I loved how they'd share stories. It was relieving for me to know that my husband had someone to talk to about this, because he was always coming from the opposite side of all the people we've talked to. It's hard to make friends with your coworkers or talk about work when you're the boss. With that in mind, out of the kindness of his heart, Athus even offered to have us live out in Arizona and work with his company. I've never been so floored. It was one of the most difficult decisions of our lives that we decided to decline.

Athus meant so much to us. I can't even speak to how disorienting it is to wake up and know he's not there. Will never text us both at the same time again. Will never geek out with me over the latest Skyrim leaks. Will never play Mass Effect 3 co-op with me.

My heart goes out to the people he's left behind. His family. His friends. His mate. And it lightens with joy with all the lives he's touched here in the online community. How many people he has influenced, with art, his draconity, or even with his mere presence. I think that he'd be touched to know that he had such an impact on so many people.

I don't know if I'll finish that commission or not. I'm completely torn up about it. If I had worked on it more instead of other pictures... if I had put it at the forefront of my list instead of putting it off, he would have seen it. I feel like complete shit that I didn't. I feel like I've betrayed him or his memory. Furthermore, it seems disrespectful to me, to be making porn of someone who is so recently deceased. I know he wanted it and that it was one of his last commissions - maybe even his last. But I don't know if I can make myself do it, out of respect for him, and for his mate. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings over it.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this.
I loved Athus, in my own way. And I know that I'll miss him for the rest of my life. Everything is incredibly dim right now. I'm trying to keep lighthearted but when I'm not distracting myself I despair.

He was an amazing friend.

There are times when we cannot live day to day. We give up on days and live hour by hour, and if that does not work we live moment by moment, and if THAT does not work we live in the space from one breath to another. And with every breath you say 'I have not fallen yet, and yet, and yet.' And so we carry on when our hearts are broken and our spirits crushed and we are certain we can bear no more.

I could write a lot about  athus and what he was to me and meant to me. I cite him as the sole reason I ever began to improve at art; he was my motivation, and at times, the one guy in my corner still cheering for me. I'm hard to befriend, yet he still did. We shared visits to each others' houses, and two memorable conventions. And it was not enough for me. I wish I had known him sooner.
Goodbye, my friend. I miss you already. The world is a much dimmer place without you.

I'm going to temporarily close commissions! I've got a lot on my plate right now, and I've been a lot slower than I'd planned in getting it all done. I think that next time I do this, I'll have limited slots. @.@

To those who have not received a sketch or thumbnail sheet yet, never fear! I'm just being slow. I'm trying to complete pictures that won't take me long first (lineart and flat color commissions), and when I get to fully-shaded stuff, I'll try and work on everything equally.

If this presents a problem for anyone, please let me know! I will gladly provide you with a refund. =]

---

When it comes to commissioning me:
-You may ask me for a WIP anytime.-
However, please be understanding. This is not my job, and I am not a professional artist. There are times you might ask me and I'll say 'Sorry, nothing got done since last time!'. I love to show my commissioners what I'm working on, and receive feedback in turn! I want to make your product as good as possible for you - so feel free to redline or correct my errors.

-You may ask me for edits, within reason.-
I know you're commissioning me because you appreciate my style and design, but it is possible I don't notice that you have six toes instead of four, or that's honestly not a horn but... something else. It's helpful to have more than my own eyes, so if you see a flaw or need a tweak done, ask me! Poses can only be altered during sketch phase, and minor fixes can be done during the lineart phase.

-If you are in queue, you do not have to pay until I get to you.-
I think this is a silly rule for people to have. If you're in my queue and I'm not ready to work on your picture, you don't pay me, simple as that. Too many people take money and run away or never get to your picture! Generally I don't require payment until I produce a thumbnail or a refined sketch that you approve of. You are more than welcome to pay half then and half upon completion, if you are more comfortable with that. If you ARE comfortable enough to pay me in advance, that's okay too!

-You may ask me for a refund anytime.-
Shit happens. I understand this. Generally I can repurpose and reuse a drawing; however, if you cancel and I've completed a considerable amount of work on an image, I may request to be left the cost of what I've done. I'm not an unreasonable person, though! Talk to me and we'll work something out.

-You may repost your commission anytime, anywhere.-
I try to offer non-watermarked larger resolution versions of images to my commissioners. If you want to upload that in your gallery, be my guest! I'd love it if you could link back to my gallery, but I'm not going to hound you over it. As far as I'm concerned, hey, it's more publicity for me!

-You can contact me anytime.-
If you have questions, concerns, a deadline, a sudden change, I want to hear about it! I'm human, and try as I might, I'm forgetful and cannot read your mind. If you're upset about how long your commission is taking, PLEASE talk to me so we can work out a refund or a due date.

-If you ask for a quote, you're under no obligation to buy.-
I feel like this goes without saying, but I know that many people are nervous about asking prices for pictures. Don't be afraid to ask if you're curious or unsure!


-Number of thumbnails.-
If I've sent you five thumbnails and none of them are doing it for you, chances are we just aren't compatible. No biggie! I'll refund you and even suggest a few other artists who might do better.

---

Stuff I will draw:
not really sure of my limits yet!

Things I won't draw:
Cub/underage. Some 'icky' stuff. I won't know until I try it, generally! I expect this list to slowly expand over time.

---

-I accept PayPal or online gift certificates (Amazon, Steam, etc).
-Payment can be listed as services or goods, with no shipping needed.
-DO NOT under any circumstances mention FurAffinity or FA in the notes, OR send payment as a gift. Your username will suffice if you want to leave a note.
-I reserve the right to use any rejected sketches, as well as the completed image, for my own purposes.
-I have the right to refuse or cancel a commission at any time, for any reason. If I cancel your commission, I will refund your payment, minus the work I've done.

---

Trying to contact me?
Send a note on FA or a DM through Twitter!

---

For examples of possible pricing, please see the Commission Information tab.
My prices are not set in stone!

I'm beginning my name change process and leaving my maiden name. I was dragging my feet on it, definitely, but I suppose it had to be done!
Let me just say that after signing my name one way for over 20 years, suddenly changing it is BIZARRE. I had to resign all my forms today because I kept screwing up!

When someone says to me 'Imagine a tree', I imagine a tree in its most basic form. We're talking kindergartner stuff - straight brown trunk, green cloud like formation on top type stuff.

People try and elaborate, talking about the shape of the leaves, or how the bark looks. And if they're talking about the bark, my mind's eye zooms in on the bark and focuses only on the bark. The rest of the tree is nonexistent. If I go back to thinking of the tree, it's back to the kindergarten drawing, though. I can't apply the super-awesome bark that I can focus on to the tree itself. I can see details in my mind's eye but applying them to an image is impossible.


I feel bummed out about the way my mind works. People talk about how they can see things in their dreams or in their mind's eye. I get vague kindergartner shapes. @.@ And of course, since that's the only way I'm able to think, I have no way of knowing if that's normal or not. I know that's not how my husband thinks or pictures things.


-Goes to sleep-

NOPE.
Just Chuck Testa.

http://youtu.be/LJP1DphOWPs

I'm starting something up where I recommend artists that I (or my husband) personally have commissioned recently. Naturally I'm of the opinion that each and every artist I commission offers quality work; however, the artists on this list have in my opinion gone above and beyond in some capacity.

If I have commissioned you ever and you are not on this list PLEASE do not be put out! Just keep in mind that being put on the backburner for months at a time somewhat lowers your chance at being on it! Also I have the memory of a goldfish.

This list will most definitely change with time!

Here are artists who I've commissioned recently that I have had an amazing time with!
 reallynxgirl
 keedot
 coyrin
 eskha
 thedancingemu

Stolen from  artic.

1. Post a link to your entry with the MOST VIEWS: if there is a tie, just post the top most one.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4350723/ (NSFW) - My theory for this is because  mnementh is a popufur. =| True story. Wow, I was so proud of this picture! And it was my first time coloring in the lines! ;.;

2. Post a link to your entry with the most favorites: if there is a tie, just post the top most one.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3698446/ (Also NSFW) - And my theory for this one is that there's a woeful lack of f/f art out there. Dicks get all the attention. They get all my attention, too, but girls need more love!

3. Post a link to an entry you can't understand why so many people favorited, because in your own opinion, it doesn't deserve them.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1012181/ (Again, NSFW! Noticing a trend?) - .... the background SUCKS. Notice the little white speckles? I tried to use the magic-fucking-wand tool to color the background because guess what? This is all in ONE. FREAKING. LAYER. God I was stupid.

4. Post a link to an entry that got the most comments.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/2804851/ - Not even one of my own drawings! ;.; -Cries forever-
If you go by my own art, the answer would be http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3698446/ (NSFW) again, because apparently lesbian porn is quite the controversy.

5. Post a link to an entry of your OWN personal favorite drawing (post up to five).
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/5540019/ - On account of the new coloring style, and the fact that I adore muted colors and this piece is full of them.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1222103/ - I wish I could still color like this!!! ;.;
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/4382692/ (NSFW) - SEE I don't do dragons all the time! I also draw ill-proportioned female gryphons!! >( HRMPH.
And finally:
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/4146985/ - Because it catches my eye every time.

Hello all!

Something very exciting happened to me yesterday. I received an email stating that I was accepted to join in the testing of the upcoming MMO, The Old Republic! Being a HUGE Bioware fangirl, I squee'd, ran around the house for a few minutes, and danced with my cats.

Never fear, however! I am NOT going to suddenly disappear and forget about my art. I hope to continue as normal. However, for the next few days while it downloads, I'm going to be sort of MIA. I'll try to still work on my stuff, but let's be honest - it's just no fun without a chat there to keep me company.

I want to take this moment to give a HUGE thank you to my commissioners,  naetholix and  draco-cretel, and to EVERYONE who stops by my Livestreams. I get flattered and insanely happy whenever anyone stops in. Please don't be shy to speak up and say hi! If I'm really into what I'm doing, I may not notice the comings and goings, but I adore when people can talk to me or start up conversations for me to read in the chat. It makes the time go by so fast.

All of you guys totally make me feel like I'm 'worth it' and starting to actually get somewhere with my inane scribbling. <3

After I complete my remaining two pictures and my trade, it's possible I'll be opening up for a few more commissions! I'm going to try and gague the interest in ink- or flat color only- artwork, as I really want to improve on my anatomy and lineart, and if I'm focused and can actually make a decent sketch, they don't take long.

On that note, it may be time for me to create a commission template! Augh, scary! Should I use the same image for the sketch - lineart -flat - shaded progression, or different pictures for each? Anyone have any advice? I especially need advice on pricing - the Pay What You Like commissions gave me an idea but I'm still not sure what to charge - what do you guys think I should for each? $5? $15? $1,000,000?

OMG LAST ONE 8DDDD Then I can stop annoying people by posting journals every day, haha.

 graeth
I've known him online for several years, it seems. He's a really good artist, does some nice painterly things and some nice photomanip things, and does really well at combining the two together! I recommend you have a look at his stuff, it's worth it; though, most is in scraps now. >(

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/1943914/ - I had to go into his scraps to get this one. I knew I wanted to feature that one specifically because not only is it well done, it's one of my favorite freaking movies ever. xD I like the ear on this one a lot, as well as the haze rising from the gun.

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5530419/ - I like this one a lot for being sexy without outright being porn. I like pictures with clothing and lingerie for the same reason - it leaves something to the imagination, and is flat out more appealing to me. I think the coloring on this is very well done, it looks shiny and wet - as it should!

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5524254/ - Slinky, sexy dresses... always a win, in my book. -Grins- Really nice use of texture in this image all over the place. So many nice details to look at if you zoom in. Really a well put-together picture; I really like the background characters, also.

 ahkaskar
He's relatively new to FA. =o So I think it'd be pretty cool if, as a result, he got more viewers or comments or somesuch because he's really talented! He does AMAZING jobs at doing armor and clothing. Also he's a freaking nice guy so there's no real reason not to watch him, unless you're one of those shallow people who only watches porn. In which case, SHAME ON YOU. -Fingershake-

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6115158/ - I love the headtilt. I love it, I love it, I love it. The expression just says "Bwuh?" to me. xD I think the simpler/flat shading on this one makes it pop a little more. I feel that more complex shading on it would lose the humor of the picture! Loveeeee the headtilt.

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6115150/ - A good example of something a little more complex from him. The whole faceless thing is kind of scary and creeps me out. Those giant scythes poking out his back don't help. =| I'm a big fan of scribbly shading - unable to do it myself - but it gives the illusion that the armor has seen some wear.

http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6115210/ - I don't know what this is but it's really cool and it has glowy parts. =| I like the... rune things along its arms and faceplate. It reminds me a lot of a geth. A floating, magical geth. And I really enjoy the whole... floating, glowing aura it's giving off, makes it pop out.
...I can't get over those.. rune circuit things. =| SO COOL!

---

I might do another of these sometime! I'm not sure... wayyy in the future though. xD

8D I'm DOING IT, only one more day to go! Woooo!

 jeremy_sunchild
His name sounds really familiar. Pretty sure I... yup, did a picture forever back, a terrible one. Sorry, man. =F Anyways! This guy is a talented photographer, which is to say, he pays more attention than most to his photos, going beyond slapping a filter on it and actually making sure it has the right composition. I'm not good with photography terms. His pictures have balance and are good even without the extras, which say a lot to me.

Feature 1 - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/2466839/ This was NOT a hard first choice for me. I'm a big fan of old things, especially run-down abandoned buildings and countrified things, at that. I love the muted colors and how the trees totally kind of flow into the clouds. I'm not sure at all how that's done but I love the effect.
Feature 2 - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/1135780/ - I am NOT an Eragon fan. Anything but. However, I DO love books and reading and I wear glasses so this picture really speaks to me. I love how the text blurs on the edges of the picture, and slightly worn, well-loved look of the glasses. It'd be perfect for a library or something!
Number threeeee - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/1291056/ - Again, muted colors? Freaking WIN. AND it's wooden and westerny. I love the angle of the picture too - usually slant-y pictures aren't a hit with me but this one totally is. It's surprising!

 madame
Dude if you're not watching her already just go do it and save yourself a lot of trouble, because I would choose everything in her gallery if I could. EV-RY-THING. She's amazing at linework and poses, and her coloring is freaking divine. I cannot sing enough freaking praises, because not only is she a badass but she is one of the most awesome people I know. Picking three things? HARD.

Number one - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/4422558/ OKAY, call me biased, but I don't care. I fucking LOVE this picture of Madame and Oni! The background, with all the cherry blossoms floating on the water (my favorite tree, by the way), and the lingerie, and.. the.. expressions.. and.. the shading is SO SO gorgeous. I'm amazed she didn't get SWARMED with commissioners after this piece. Plus it's the first picture of Oni with a girl ever. WIN.
Second choice! - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5765409/ - Heh heh heh, shower scenes. c.c I love this picture! The hazy glow from the water and the light forms this little halo of awesomeness around her body. And the background - it's simple, gives the impression of bathroom tiles, but doesn't overwhelm you in unnecessary detail and keeps your focus right where it belongs. Dat. Ass. =| Also, the little water rivulets? Aieeee, I'm jealous.
Pick number three - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5757796/ - As I said a few days before, 3D art is hard. It's even harder when it's sculpture. I'm amazed at the detail on this. I love, love, love the markings and patterns on it, it just screams of Mexican culture to me. And the paint job on it is amazing, I'm in awe of how each feather on the wing isn't a single color, it's all layered and awesome. I think she could definitely make a killing selling sculptures if she wanted to. =|

<3

Sorry for taking a break for a couple days. It was my birthday. I never tell anyone about it, but somehow people still find out, so if you were one of the people that actually wished me a happy birthday yesterday, thank you... it means more than I could possibly tell you. You probably hold a pretty special place in my heart right now. xP

Anyways, on to the features you guys were really here for.

 karja!
Karja is a really talented artist, and though I hadn't realized it, I've actually seen her art around before! She's really creative - I loved looking through her gallery and seeing the different ideas she came up with and what new things she was painting on. I genuinely had trouble choosing three selections because every time I went to a new page in her gallery I went 'Oooh, this one now! Now this one!'
My first choice: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5910312/ - Because MAN, how freaking awesome is this! OSTRICH EGGS ASDF. That is such a cool medium. Furthermore, if you go to the other pictures of this, I like how it wraps around the egg and isn't painted just on one side. That's so creative!
Secondly: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6240436/ - This isn't the first time I've seen people using these mini canvas and easel combos, but it IS the first time I've seen them used as badges! And they're all connected too, and I really like that the easel is painted also. They're so cute! I'd be tempted to get one myself. x]
My third choice: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5412785/ - Because oh god. CAMELS. ARE. AWESOME. I love this... camels are hard to draw. They're weirdly shaped and they bend funny. And plus, I like the simple linework on this with the flowing weights.

 draco18s
This is one of the guys that I think has been watching my account since the beginning of forever. Or at least since I got on FA. So it always makes me really happy whenever I see a comment from him, because I feel like I've 'known' him a long time. Anyways! This guy's a patron, so I'll choose what I like in his gallery though he didn't do it, if that makes sense?
My first choice is http://www.furaffinity.net/full/4081174/ by one of my favorite artists ever. xD Well-done lineart is a HUGE hit with me. Well, obviously, looking at these features. I love the dotted muscle lines on Draco himself, and his calm expression.
My second choice is http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6011283/ - again with the lineart! xD I ADORE the poses, they are so cute! Draco looks so goofy in this one with that wriggly little grin - it would be a hard picture not to love. xD
YOU KNOW WHAT. Three for three http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6011273/ MOAR LINEART AHAHAHAA. A much different style than the other two works but still pleasing to the eye! Draco himself is also done in a different style, but I really like the toes and wing structure of this one. He gets a lot of great art by a lot of great artists, and I look forward to seeing his gallery grow with time!

Hey, I'm on a roll so far - I actually remembered to do this! xDDDD

First up!
 render
Let me first say that people that do 3D work are freakin' amazing! I don't understand how it works at all but the end product is always so amazing.
My first choice is http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6096614/ - I was so taken by the sheer 'omg cute!' of it that I totally missed the reason for the mature rating at first glance. c.c Then it made me chuckle. There's so many awesome details - the cup is amazing, as are the bubbles, and the pipe.
Secondly I chose http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6003364/ - I'm a huge sucker for texture in 3D modeling, and this is absolutely amazing. I love the grooves in the plates and the wrinkles in the forelegs so, so much. And, of course, it's such an interesting color combo to boot!
My last choice was http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5597611/ - it really caught my eye in thumbnail form, and as soon as I clicked on it I knew I had to feature it. The idea of an anglerfish type dragon is so awesome! And I love the detail in the mouth; the teeth, the tongue.. it's awesome!

Secondly!
 morto
Had the pleasure of meeting Morto recently at this year's AC! He's a fun guy, and a talented artist in all meanings of the word. I genuinely LIKE where his stuff is headed, and wish he'd do more! (Hint, hint!)
My first choice - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6206733/ - The most recent submission, but I still feel so taken with it. Especially with the wing - lines around that area can get SO complex, yet he simplifies it beautifully. I'm insanely jealous. Also, just look at the face and the tattered sail!
Secondly! http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5785862/ I was able to see these up close and personal several times over the convention, and I was always pleased to see 'em. I love the soft style of shading on them, particularly on the wings, and the fact that there are no-freaking-lines on several of them. That's hard. I can't do it. x.x;
http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5794590/ - Totally did NOT choose this for the rating, I swear. xD I actually really admire the angle of the head the most about this drawing! Especially the eye furthest from the viewer and the accompanying horns. And, of course, the bared-teeth grin. Who could resist?

I've decided to do two at a time, otherwise I'm worried I'll begin forgetting around day 5 or so. And thank you all for commenting and agreeing to this - this is seriously something I've wanted to do for a long time. <3

First up:
 blazeheadx01
Balasar is a relatively new face to me, though we've been talking occasionally for the past week. He's a nice guy with a really strong start to his art - and one of the things that I admire about him is that he's not afraid to go out on a limb and ask people about trades. I admire people with courage like that; I'd be much too scared to!
My first choice is http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5778690/ - I love the strong lines of this picture. The anatomy and poses are really amazing and seem challenging to pull off. In addition, I like the simpler style of shading - it reminds me strongly and fondly of cell shading.
Secondly, http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5944853/ - Again with the lines. Lines are kind of a weakness of mine. I like big, contrasty ones, and this picture fulfills that desire nicely. The shading on this piece is a lot more complex, but still extremely pleasing to the eye, especially on the grey-and-teal dragon. The faces are also really nicely expressive, which adds a lot to the picture.
Finally, http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6088194/ - Because the humor of this piece makes me smirk. Being a wingless being myself, befriended by winged critters, I've found myself in that situation before. You can tell that this is an attempt at a much more dramatic shading style which I find to be successful, and the blurred background adds the implication of speed to the image.

Secondly:
 bakel
This is totally not fair, me having to pick from my husband's gallery. ;.; I like ALL things that he does and ALL images that he receives. This is more impressive than one would think - he writes stories, for himself, for friends, and for the Bad-Dragon website. And I am quite possibly the pickiest of all readers that ever existed. The fact that I enjoy what he writes speaks volume for his skill - I just wish he'd do it more. <3
Firstly, http://www.furaffinity.net/full/5561039/ - Not only because Athus did a corresponding picture for it, but because I found it to be... well, hot! -Laughs- It takes a bit for me to be aroused reading something, but this story can get me interested nearly every time.
Secondly, a story I had completely forgotten about until now. http://www.furaffinity.net/view/1261618/ - This is quite possibly the cutest little drabble ever written. It is so COMPLETELY.... Onisyra that it makes my jaw hurt from grinning. He completely captured her thought process during her docile phase, for certain.
I'm going to choose an art he has in his gallery for the last one! Since he's a cheater. <3 http://www.furaffinity.net/full/4221789/ Engagement picture from Kito. 'Nuff said. Actually, not 'nuff said - it's not really an engagement picture, it was a promise ring from.. oh, ages ago. But I like to pretend it's an engagement picture. <333

'S that time. =F First nine people to comment get a journal feature, wherein I'll blab for a while about why I like your gallery and three submissions that I find outstanding. This isn't limited to artists only, either; writers or commissioners are allowed to post!

Anyways, I'm changing the rules a bit. You don't HAVE to do this if you do post here - what a bother that would be! - but that IS preferred. And if you do post it, by no means do you have to include me in it (although that would be super nice of you!), or do it the way I'm doing it. After I get my ten, over the next few days, I'll post a new journal each day - or two a day, depending on how I feel - for each person.

So post away! <3

To Be Featured:
1.)  blazeheadx01
2.)  bakel (cheater!)
3.)  render
4.)  morto
5.)  karja
6.)  draco18s
7.)  jeremy_sunchild
8.)  madame
9.)  graeth
10.)  ahkaskar

Commission Info: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2768427/
Stay tuned, this'll be constantly updated as I progress on things.

(I keep my queues short to provide better service and faster turnaround times!)
Commissions - (Closed!) (* = haven't received payment yet!)
- N/A

Trades - (Closed!)
- N/A



Awaiting:
- NOTHING! <3

The above list is NOT there to pressure anyone (UNLESS YOU'RE TAKING FOREVER!), but more for me to keep track of commissions that I or my husband are waiting for, as well as how long we've been waiting.