Decided to go ahead and make the announcement publicly.

My new account is http://furaffinity.net/user/verfeuern !
Feel free to follow me there if you're interested :)

For those of you who may be interested, I have rejoined FA under a new username!
If you're interested, feel free to comment or note me and I will privately let you know what my username is :)

Or, if you're familiar with my recent work, you're welcome to find me lol

Cheers!

Find me elsewhere:

Tumblr: thy-firestarter
DeviantART: verfeuern
Toyhou.se: bara

First off, for kiriban readers that don't want to read all of this, just hop to the bottom of this journal to read the part that pertains to you! Thanks!
----

I've struggled with the idea of staying in this community for a long time, and its something I've gone back and forth on a lot. I've met a lot of great people on the various sites I frequent, but I've also realized that a large part of my extended art block, and general low mood have been influenced by DA, FA, and Tumblr. I've considered leaving a lot these past few weeks, always convinced otherwise by a friend or just a lack of initiative. But my art has suffered, my mood has suffered, and recent experiences have really pushed my hand.

People often excuse inappropriate behavior as 'the way of the internet'. I've always been sensitive, and even more than that, have had an exceptionally low tolerance for inconsiderate people. I do not submit my artwork to be blatantly criticized--and yes, there is a very big difference between critique and criticism--as I'm sure no one does. I enjoy critique, especially if I actually ask for it, but far too often I've had people insult me with this suggestion that they have the right to tell me what I should be doing or what I'm failing to do to meet their standards. This hasn't only happened to me--I've seen others endure the same disrespect, and it infuriates me. I think a lot of people forget that the usernames they're talking to on their computer are people with feelings, or maybe they're just too immature to acknowledge that. On all three of these sites, though especially Tumblr, so many people take it upon themselves to mount upon a soap box and preach despite no one asking for their opinion, even to the point of harming others. Its sick and not something that should be condoned or accepted as normal behavior.

All of that to say, I've finally decided to leave. I've seen other artists do this in the past and it was always very sad to me, but now I can understand it. Sharing your work with a community, or even being part of a community, is not worth the emotional turmoil. I will continue to lurk to follow artists I respect, or friends, but in a week I will be removing all content from my galleries across the board. I'll still be active on Tumblr though only somewhat, and will not be posting any artwork from now on. I also won't be signing onto skype anymore, and will probably end up creating a new one just for friends and family. I will be active on my new RPG forum, but likely nowhere else.

I want to thank everyone for all of their support over the years. I don't want you think I don't appreciate that! You're amazing, talented, and interesting people and I wish you all of the best in the future. If you would like to contact me for any reason, please do not note me (notes stress me out), but you can email me at thy.firestarter@gmail.com. If you've ever received art from me, I suggest retrieving it from my gallery within the next week before it is removed, as I cannot guarantee having it saved on my computer.

Take care, guys.

--

Kiriban winners: As you've likely noticed, I haven't had much success in art, and due to my recent decisions to leave, that's likely not going to happen. I'm deeply sorry for disappointing you all, it was never my intention. I am willing to give away any of the designs I have for trade as a concession, or if none of them appeal to you, you're free to email me and we can discuss other options. I do want to reward you guys for your support, it just won't be with art. :/

Hello all! I'm very excited to announce that my new RP forum is now live! Feel free to check it out, read through all the important info, and then get started on getting your applications up and what not! :3 Keep in mind, again, this site is set in the DCU, so your first character has to be either a DC character or an original character! You're allowed up to four characters to start, though, so you can get those Marvel or Image peeps we all know and love ;3 Once you hit the first four, you just have to wait a week between new characters after that point.

There was something else I was gonna say here but I forget soooooo ONWARD (wo)MEN

http://riseoftitans.boards.net

CHECK IIIIIIIT
Any questions, concerns, or suggestions can be sent my way! :3

Hey guys! For those of you who mentioned interest in my AU Superhero RP Forum, just letting you know that it will be launching tomorrow :3 I'll be providing a link to the site then, and at that point people will be able to register and reserve a canon character of their choosing, or go ahead with an original character. The site takes place in the DC Universe (Batman, Superman, Justice League, etc), and while your first character must be either original or canon DC, there is no character limit and your second (and so forth) character can be Marvel, Image, Top Cow, Wildstorm, etc etc etc. You could even apply for two in the same day, if you're a fast typer =P

To give people a head start, here is a link to where you can read the rules now: http://sta.sh/01omtkyyl4g2
And the story: http://sta.sh/02x3ssvjwxy
And just for fun, here are two screenshots of the front page!
http://gyazo.com/d715c521f18d25cabaef28323a9e5400
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wxi11a5k3.....32.50.png?dl=0

Start thinking about who you'd like to apply for! I'll see you guys tomorrow! :3

PS: For those interested in canon characters, these are the three I've claimed for myself: Martian Manhunter, The Midnighter, Red Hood

So I’m creating a public Superhero RPG Forum! Its where I started out RPing way back in…2002? And I’ve been dying to get back to it. Its based in the DC Universe, but members are also free to use canon characters from Marvel, Image, etc. You can also be original characters, of course :3

I’m working out the final kinks but should have the forum up and running with a few days! I hope people are interested! You don’t have to have a vast knowledge of heroes to join, either. You can use original characters, take a superhero character from an adaptation (ie. Young Justice, MCU, etc), or cheat and read up on a character online :P

PS: My art block has not relented and I've been feeling super...antisocial to say the least. I'm not sure when or if this will break, but to those I owe kiribans to please note me and we'll discuss your options ;u;

Hey guys,

I've had trouble coming up with designs that people are interested in buying lately, so I was curious to know what people would be interested in buying? What sorts of species? Genders? Themes? Do you prefer original species or common species? Humans or furry? Chibi or full body?

Any comments are greatly appreciated! Thank you ;u;

FYI, I've got a new Patreon here > http://patreon.com/philo
aaaand a whole bunch of designs for sale/trade > http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5906029/
I'm more than happy to haggle on prices!

Hey guys,
I recently discovered Patreon, which is an amazing way to support artists and creators on a cheap, monthly basis :3 Similar to Kickstarter, you can designate the amount of money you'd like to donate on a monthly basis, and also set a monthly limit to avoid going over a certain amount, and in doing so you can earn awesome rewards from me and other artists!

Please consider checking it out and spreading the word. Thank you!

http://patreon.com/philo
http://patreon.com/philo
http://patreon.com/philo
http://patreon.com/philo

Koolaid is now $17usd! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13828939/

Buy one get one free on these designs: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5689407/
(you'd get the cheaper of the two designs free. Doesn't include any design $30+ )

Also selling Caed for $70 or best offer: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13237641/ and http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13453095/
(fullbody comes with a much larger hi-res version. headshot is actual size, I believe).

Selling him for $25 https://www.dropbox.com/s/mmzp79lew.....g9eo1_1280.png

I will NOT hold any designs unless I know you and trust you! If you're interested in a design but don't yet have the funds, you're welcome to mention your interest, but I won't hold it for you. This is just to protect myself from now on.

Trying something a little bit different! You can buy the rights to use THESE LINES ONCE for $30usd a pop[/b]! Each use is $30, so if you want to create two Barbas, its $60, etc.

Upon purchase you will receive a .PSD, .SAI, and/or .PNG of the file shown above. The .PNG will be an uncolored transparent lineart, whereas the .PSD and .SAI files have pre-colorfilled layers to make the coloring process easier!

Rules:
1. You may make minor changes to the lineart (ie. piercings, scars, bobbed tail or amputated limbs), but please do not make any drastic changes that misinterpret the species.
2. Do not claim the artwork or the species as your own. If posted publicly, you must credit me for both!
3. This is for ONE use! You may not make multiple Barbas with this lineart; please do not abuse my trust.
4. There are no female Barbas, do not give your Barbas breasts or female genitalia.
5. Do not copy the markings and/or color palette of any pre-existing Barbas.
6. Please only buy if you have the available funds. No holds for longer than 48 hours max! If you ask me to hold for you and then flake out, you won't be doing business with me again. Period.
7. Any questions, feel free to ask! You can read more about the species here: http://barbas.weebly.com

I'll be opening five slots for these for now. If those happen to sell, we'll see about opening more in the future! Comment below if interested/if you have any questions!

<sub>"Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles." - stopbullying.gov</sub>

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Have you been cyberbullied? I'm interested in hearing your stories. As severe or as 'mundane' as you may think (or may have been told) it was, share your experiences, or as much as you are willing to. Please note me privately for anonymity, and please include:

A) A brief summary of what happened to you (a paragraph or less), including specific quotes/examples and/or individuals if you have them.*
B) How you felt about this bullying/how it affected you emotionally and psychologically.
C) How you coped with/handled this bullying.

*I may be posting some of these stories on Tumblr depending on how many I get; however everything will be anonymous and no names will be included, even in the case of bullies.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I myself have been bullied both in person and in cases of cyberbullying, very severely when in middle school, and even more recently on various communities. I'm mostly asking about this out of curiosity, but I'd also ideally like to create a tumblr blog to share experiences, assuming people are willing to share.

You're welcome to comment on this journal, but I would much prefer receiving any actual stories/personal experiences through notes!

Thank you guys <3

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

EDIT:// I suppose it would be a little distorted to say that I'm happy to have received so many responses from you guys. Its really disheartening to know just how many people experienced some really brutal instances of cyberbullying, and reading your guys' cases has been really difficult. I haven't responded to anyone yet, but please don't let this lead you to believe I don't care! I will be getting to each and every one of you, and it means a lot to me that you felt comfortable enough to share your stories. Thanks <3

Sorry for all the journals today guys ;u; Just trying to make some extra money since I am quite lacking atm///

So, selling some things. There're the usual designs still up: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5689407/
I am more than happy to haggle on prices! Please just don't ask me to hold something and then just drop off the face of the earth. Its pretty frustrating |D;

Selling my aqua 3DS with Pokemony Y for $140 + shipping: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5809269/

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13683888/ - $20 - Hold

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11522568/ - $10 - Hold

Also taking offers on a brand new PSVita with: Sly Cooper, BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend, The Walking Dead Game, Uncharted: Golden Abyss. Probably won't accept less than $200 for it. It has a 16GB HD and 4G wifi, I believe.

I've got Electro stickers for sale on my Storenvy: http://philoknox.storenvy.com

I may also auction off a reference sheet commission, but I'm not sure what people are willing to pay for one and I'm not sure whether or not it'd be worth it for me ;;;;; we'll see!

Some new/cheaper incentives have been added to the auction here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13795241/
It ends tomorrow night! Bid currently at $35 :3 How much would you guys pay for a single use of these Barbas lines at flat price, out of curiosity?


Also, I apologize for slight delays on completing kiriban prizes and etc. Since getting the new puppy, I've basically been non-stop tending to the lil' guy and haven't had much time to draw ;u; and when I have had the time, I've been too wiped out to draw anything half decent haha;;;; So please bear with me!

I'll be keeping a list just so you guys are aware of my progress:

Ittrax kiriban chibi - sketched
-Aleksey- kiriban chibi
Kitana_Nighten kiriban chibi
Shikoba kiriban chibi
Saiyanmother kiriban chibi
Mutilate kiriban chibi - sketched
Scowl kiriban chibi

Hey all!

I've received all electro stickers and am now ready to sell them :3 You can find them up on my Storenvy account. Take a look if you'd be so kind!

http://philoknox.storenvy.com/
http://philoknox.storenvy.com/
http://philoknox.storenvy.com/

We as human beings are creatures of habit. We settle into routine and we thrive on the familiar. There's a reason they call it your 'comfort zone'! There is nothing wrong with habit; its natural and, in many cases, its positive. It helps us, as artists, hone our skills and expertise--to focus on one particular vision and utterly perfect that vision.

Still, there is always room for more. Take an hour to browse the pages of some of your favorite human artists on tumblr. Study the characters, the recurring similarities, the trends. Notice what is lacking in that artwork; or even in professional artwork--video games, film, comic books--even books. Whether it be cultural influence, societal prejudice, or the things we grew up admiring as children: there is a disturbing lack of diversity in artwork today. On average, most artists online today have mostly Caucasian original characters. Some of those artists have a couple other races thrown in here or there, but for the most part, the characters we see at the forefront of stories, webcomics, video games, and even just someone's tumblr page, are very similar.

This event is not an attempt to criticize or belittle any one artist, culture, ethnicity, or race. This is merely an attempt to encourage artists of all kinds around the web to expand their horizons and try something new. Discover something unfamiliar, give one of the millions of non-caucasian people around the world a character that they can relate to. Do research, share ideas, modify old concepts, build worlds together. Create an African character, a Muslim character, a Navajo character, a Hindu character. Go crazy and, most importantly, have fun!

---

But I already have a lot of racially diverse characters!
That's great! I'm not suggesting that anyone is better or worse than anyone else depending on the range of their concepts. In fact, this isn't a contest! By no means should you feel superior to someone else just because you have an Indian character, or a Buddhist character. There is always room to grow, and always cultures to explore. Use this time to indulge in something you haven't done! Or, hell, create a Caucasian character if you don't have any yet! Just do something different for you.

I don't feel comfortable portraying a culture I'm not a part of!
This is a concern I've seen from a lot of people and, if you feel this way, there is nothing wrong with that! Plenty of people worry about mis-representing a certain race or culture, or unintentionally feeding into stereotypes. Unfortunately, this is a real problem, but it shouldn't be a preventative. If you're worried about mis-representation: do your research! Google is your friend! Study the culture you're interested in exploring, ask friends that are part of that culture! There is always an opportunity to learn!

I'm not attracted to -Insert race here- characters!
Unfortunately, this is a sentence I've heard far too often. For some reason, some people seem to think its okay to suggest that they are simply not attracted to members of a certain race, ethnicity, or culture. Maybe they don't realize that they're instantaneously combining millions of people into one image or stereotype, or that they're disregarding millions of people they've never seen. Or, maybe, these are people that have only seen stereotypes, and caricatures. Maybe if we had more representation of, say, African characters in our media, people would begin to realize just how appealing, attractive, and interesting these people can be! Participating in this event is not just an attempt to be inclusive, or to test your own boundaries, but also to maybe educate people in the definition of beauty and attraction!

---

This event is obviously NOT mandatory, but certainly encouraged! Spread the word, reblog it on tumblr, post journals on any art communities you're a part of! Please do not pressure others to participate, or make anyone feel bad for not participating! This event is meant to be fun, experimental, and most importantly, all-inclusive!

There is now an official Tumblr page where you can direct curious parties! Once this event begins, please tag all participating artwork or literature as "ADE2014" and your wonderful creations will be showcased on the official tumblr! Don't have a tumblr? No problem! Link submissions to me on FurAffinity or DeviantART, or through a friend, and I will upload the piece to Tumblr with proper credit and sourcing back to you! If you'd rather take part in the event but not share your creations: that's fine, too!

Most importantly, I hope this event will grow and expand across the web as something positive and accepting! Lets take two weeks out of our lives to forget the anger, the discrimination, the self-righteousness, and just focus on DIVERSITY!

AUGUST 2ND - AUGUST 16TH 2014

I’m really tempted to try getting a Diversify Month thing going on tumblr/art communities in general, to encourage artists to step outside their comfort zones and design more diverse, multi-cultural and multi-racial characters. You don’t see enough characters that are Black, or African, or Middle Eastern, or Latino, or Native/Aboriginal, and that saddens me. Is that something people would be interested in?

Rather than a whole month, I'd probably figure out a specific set of dates, maybe two weeks' time, and during that time people are just encouraged to explore other ethnicities, races, and cultures in their art. Design a Muslim character, re-hash an older OC as a Colombian, write about the first encounter between two OCs from vastly different cultures.

I guess this doesn't apply as much to anthro/furry artists, but I think far too many human artists are inspired by cartoons and anime (myself included), where representation is severely lacking and, thus, most OCs end up white and blue-eyed. There's nothing wrong with white characters, mind you, I've got tons of them, but I've met far too many people that only have white characters, or only like white characters. If that's how you are, no biggie really, but if you're interested in something a little more complex and a little more inclusive, maybe this is a thing that should happen. Not just for aesthetic purposes, but for people out there who are minorities, or from other countries, to feel a little more a part of something.

Or maybe I'm the only person interested in this and I'm just talking to myself |D;;;

Between having so many people respond to my kiriban, and those of you who helped with my last journal, I just want to say thank you. And not just to you, to all of my watchers. It really means so much to me that all of you support my work! It wasn't that long ago that I'd pretty much given up on the idea of being an artist because I never thought I'd be good enough, but got to a point where I decided to push for it anyway, and really start working at improving. Now I have people who admire me, and commission me, and ask me for advice, and help me when I need it: its an incredibly humbling feeling, seriously.

I just want to really take a moment to thank all of you. There can be a lot of negativity online, especially on communities like FA, or deviantART, but its moments like these, and people like you, that make it worth while.

Every single one of you guys are awesome, and I hope you know that! <333

This is kind of an odd request, but its important to me so I figured I'd try my hand at it anyway. For the past six months or so, a friend and I (but mostly my friend) have been victim to pretty pathetic harassment as a result of drama that happened last year, despite the two of us not reciprocating said harassment at all. I won't get into it, but there's primarily one person, who wasn't even involved in said drama (is friends with a person we were at ends with), who has been publicly badmouthing us and going out of her way to harass us. She's even been turning people against us, but primarily my friend, who has noticed quite a few people stopped talking to him as a result.

I'm not asking for any white-knighting, as I generally feel like that does more harm than good, but I am asking, that if you have an account on deviantART, to go watch Retiquis if you like his (fabulous) work, and let him know just how talented he is on his page! Any kind of positive, friendly, and supportive message on his profile would be awesome, not only to let him know how talented and special he is, but to let this certain bully know that no one gives a shit about her immaturity and that you aren't going to shun my friend just because she wants you to. I'd like to make a point of showing that this juvenile, middle-school cyber-bullying shit isn't going to work and shouldn't be tolerated.

Most importantly, please don't mention that I sent you! In fact, if you aren't fond of Retiquis' artwork, don't bother watching him. But I'm pretty sure you ]will like it! If you do watch him, or comment on his page, just go as a random observer who likes what they see. It would mean a lot to Ret, and also mean a lot to me.

Thanks guys! <3

Hey guys, just noticed I'm about 20 views away from 10,000 pageviews! I think that's pretty awesome @o@ So, if you can catch the 10000 mark, screencap your entire screen, send it to me in a note, and I'll draw you up a chibi of your OC, OR design you a chibi custom design!

Ex: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13691790/ or http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13768860/

Good luck!

Christ, you guys are tenacious @o@ Kiriban caught by 7!

- - - -

I'm also seeking designs/custom designs! Read more about that here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5862405/

And still selling lots of designs over here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5689407/

Hey guys,

I've been kind of obsessed with monsters lately and feel like I don't have enough. So I thought I'd try my hand at one of these request journals. I'm mostly seeking monster designs, but I'm also open to: masculine humanoids, demons, aliens, certain mythological creatures. Soukidopts or Meloki designs are pretty rad, too. Also mostly hoping to find pre-existing designs rather than customs, but if I like your art and/or concept enough, I may be open to that too!

I'm really not into cutesy things, pastels, females, or girly boys. Please don't be offended if I decline your offers! I'm really picky with designs, as I only want to take on those I know I'll use and want to keep.

Depending on the value of the design, I can draw something for you in return whether it be a sketch, a chibi, or more. I may also be willing to design you something, but we'll see!

Congratulations to chaz-osgiliath! And thanks to everyone who entered the raffle :3 I will likely host a similar raffle in the future, and you can expect to see Barbas adoptables uploaded soon! In the mean time, if interested, you can view details about the Barbas species here: http://barbas.weebly.com

I also have a brief monster auction ongoing here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13768860/
Currently at $20usd!

and still selling designs here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5689407/

Want your own Barbas???
Since uploading this species, I've gotten a lot of amazing feedback from people who are interested in getting one of their own! I'm going to be making some adoptables of these guys, but am currently in the process of typing up a 'wiki' of sorts for them to share with people. Do you have to follow my headcanons for the species? No, but I'd also love if you did!

I won't be allowing just anyone to make one of these guys, and won't be taking customs of any kind in the future, so if you're interested in getting one designed to your specifications, now's your only chance! In celebration of the species and the reception, I'm offering ONE custom raffle slot, and ONE custom auction slot. You can enter one, or both, or neither. Obviously, one's free and the other isn't! I'm also currently open for species/design trade offers! Please NOTE me with any offers you may have, but please do not be offended if I decline! I'll only be accepting those that I know I'll use and cherish; its nothing against your work, its just my tastes. I also will not wait longer than two or three weeks for a design, and will NOT complete your custom Barbas until your end is finished! This is just to avoid me being shafted as I have in the past :P

RAFFLE RULES:
1. Comment stating clearly you want to be entered into the raffle, including the name of your favorite fictional alien species so I know you've read the rules ;)
2. You can only enter once and for yourself. Please only enter if you genuinely want a Barbas.
3. Advertising for me on tumblr or DA will get you an extra entry, but please do not spam people. You'll have to show me a link to your ad as proof! (You're welcome to spread the word here on FA too, but no spammy journals; its against the rules!)
4. Winner will be chosen randomly using a random number generator!
5. Ends on June 19th at midnight EST.

AUCTION RULES: CLOSED
1. Auction starts at $20 USD. Min Increment is $5USD.
2. Do not retract bids. Do not bother other commenters in any way.
3. Only bid if you genuinely want a Barbas. Only bid if you have the funds on hand.
4. Will not hold slot for longer than 24 hours.
5. You may enter the raffle in your bidding comment, but please differentiate the requests clearly! (ie. "I'll bid $25 and would also like to be in the raffle, please!")
6. Autobuy is $100 and will include an extra flat-colored chibi of your new Barbas.
7. Auction ends on June 19th at midnight EST.

FOR TRADES:
- I am not very interested in anthro/furry designs or species, as I have no use for them.
- I mostly prefer humanoid male designs, masculine males rather than effeminate males.
- I also enjoy monsters and original species! My favorites/gallery gives a pretty good impression of my tastes :3

PLEASE NOTE:
- Minor changes can be made to the Barbas lines, but most Barbas look relatively the same as far as anatomy goes. The example linked at the top of this journal shows all that will be included in your custom: Fullbody, headshot close up, and chibi! Piercings, scars, stubbed tails, and other minor mods are acceptable. Ask me if you have an idea that you're unsure about!

Aaand lets see how this goes >u>;;

Check it:
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5689407/

Commissions are open again guys!!

You can view my new price list here: PRICE LIST
I am aware that prices on certain things are a bit higher than they have been in the past, and this is because I've adjusted things to reflect the amount of time it takes me to complete. Please do not disrespect me by suggesting my prices are too high! If you feel that they are, simply go elsewhere, please :3

Commissions will be taken in batches of four from now on, to ensure I can complete things quickly without bogging myself down and falling into a rut. This will also allow me to get other things completed between commissions.
I will NOT be offering custom design commissions or couple commissions anymore aside from very special cases, sorry!

Again, if interested, comment below and I will add you to the list! Most likely, I will be beginning commissions on June 1st.

SLOTS:
1. phycofire - fullbody sketch - Pending
2. phycofire - fullbody sketch - Pending
3.
4.

WAITLIST:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Once my slots are filled, I will take up to 4 waitlist slots for people wanting a slot
from my next batch. You will NOT pay me until I finish the first four slots!

* * * * * * * * * * *