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Concerning Comments
General | Posted 17 years agoIn a hole in the ground, there lived a comment.
Okay, enough Tolkien parodies that no one will get.
Basically, I just made this journal to emphasize what I'm really looking for in comments. More or less, I'm looking for constructive criticism. When you think of some way my work can be improved, explain it. Outline what you think I did wrong, and what I could do in the future to fix it. If you just feel like saying you like my work, that's fine, too. It's an ego boost, and it helps encourage me to produce more. But it doesn't really address the specific details of how I can become a better artist.
Don't worry too much about sparing my feelings. Just try to be constructive, honest, and try not to use loaded terminology. I may cringe and throw a little private emo fit when I first read it, but I'm an adult, I can handle it. So, I'll try to make a little promise. If you're honest and constructive, I'll try to get all my kneejerk emotions out of the way before I respond to you. Even if I don't agree with your suggestion, I will try to thank you for it, and do my best not to be snobby or rude.
In fact, while I'm at it, I'm going to go ahead and thank all of you who have even bothered reading this journal. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to even consider helping me out in some small fashion. I'm aware of how entirely irrelevant I probably am in the grand scheme of your day to day lives, and I appreciate everything you've done for me.
Okay, enough Tolkien parodies that no one will get.
Basically, I just made this journal to emphasize what I'm really looking for in comments. More or less, I'm looking for constructive criticism. When you think of some way my work can be improved, explain it. Outline what you think I did wrong, and what I could do in the future to fix it. If you just feel like saying you like my work, that's fine, too. It's an ego boost, and it helps encourage me to produce more. But it doesn't really address the specific details of how I can become a better artist.
Don't worry too much about sparing my feelings. Just try to be constructive, honest, and try not to use loaded terminology. I may cringe and throw a little private emo fit when I first read it, but I'm an adult, I can handle it. So, I'll try to make a little promise. If you're honest and constructive, I'll try to get all my kneejerk emotions out of the way before I respond to you. Even if I don't agree with your suggestion, I will try to thank you for it, and do my best not to be snobby or rude.
In fact, while I'm at it, I'm going to go ahead and thank all of you who have even bothered reading this journal. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to even consider helping me out in some small fashion. I'm aware of how entirely irrelevant I probably am in the grand scheme of your day to day lives, and I appreciate everything you've done for me.
Something kind of random.
General | Posted 17 years agoRecently, I've become annoyed by the fact that when I hear a sound, I can feel my ear involuntarily shift to catch it. Dang, it's so distracting! I never even noticed it until about a month ago.
Anyone else have some little annoyance that they were oblivious of until a short time ago?
Anyone else have some little annoyance that they were oblivious of until a short time ago?
Logic Puzzle
General | Posted 17 years agoAs a break from the politics of my previous journal, I've decided to post a little mind game. You might have heard this one before, and if you have, and already know the answer, please allow others the chance to respond first. To begin the game, post a comment immediately after you finish reading the puzzle description to indicated you have finished reading and are pondering the solution.
When you think you have a solution, post it in the comments section. But, don't read the comments before commenting, or you might spoil the answer for yourself.
THE PUZZLE:
There are 12 nearly identical pennies. 11 of the pennies weigh the same, but 1 penny does not. This 1 penny is either slightly heavier or slightly lighter then any one of the rest. You may use a balance to weigh as many or as few pennies at a time as you like, but you can only use the balance 3 times. By the time you have used the balance 3 times, you must know which is different, and if it is heavier or lighter. Any items not specified in the outline are disallowed (that means you can't look up the answers either). The solution must account for each possible outcome. You may use real pennies as props, if you like, sometimes that helps, but don't expect them to actually fulfill the weight criteria of the puzzle.
Try timing yourself from the moment you finish reading this, until the moment you solve it. Just for fun. From the moment this puzzle was described to me to the moment I solved it took about 6 hours. The time I actively spent pondering the solution is debatable, but let's just use that as a goal marker.
Remember, if you cheat, it'll weigh on your conscious, and you'll never feel truly satisfied. Don't feel stupid if you can't solve it, I know someone in engineering who took 6 months.
When you think you have a solution, post it in the comments section. But, don't read the comments before commenting, or you might spoil the answer for yourself.
THE PUZZLE:
There are 12 nearly identical pennies. 11 of the pennies weigh the same, but 1 penny does not. This 1 penny is either slightly heavier or slightly lighter then any one of the rest. You may use a balance to weigh as many or as few pennies at a time as you like, but you can only use the balance 3 times. By the time you have used the balance 3 times, you must know which is different, and if it is heavier or lighter. Any items not specified in the outline are disallowed (that means you can't look up the answers either). The solution must account for each possible outcome. You may use real pennies as props, if you like, sometimes that helps, but don't expect them to actually fulfill the weight criteria of the puzzle.
Try timing yourself from the moment you finish reading this, until the moment you solve it. Just for fun. From the moment this puzzle was described to me to the moment I solved it took about 6 hours. The time I actively spent pondering the solution is debatable, but let's just use that as a goal marker.
Remember, if you cheat, it'll weigh on your conscious, and you'll never feel truly satisfied. Don't feel stupid if you can't solve it, I know someone in engineering who took 6 months.
Plans for the Upcoming Election
General | Posted 17 years ago*POLITICAL RANT MODE, ACTIVATED* (Feel free to skip)
Unless something profoundly life changing happens, I'm not voting.
Why?
Well, because in the long run, I don't think it will really matter much who we have in office. At this point, it's almost impossible to the system to do anything other then what it has been doing for decades (heck, centuries, really). I think, that when it comes to principles, it's risky at best, and disastrous at worst, to champion someone as the moral high ground of the nation. It's better to live as decent and moral a life as you can, then to trust someone else to do it for you. The government seems to have the overwhelming majority of people thinking the only way they can make the world a better place is by voting. What many fail to realize is that they aren't voting on a policy, they are voting for someone they hope will make the right choice. If you can't trust yourself to make the right choice in support of your morals, why should you trust someone else to support those morals? Someone who, in fact, knows little or nothing about you or what you believe in. The system has people convinced that the reason we are unhappy is because the right person wasn't in charge. It has people convinced that there is a right person. This is both correct and incorrect.
There are few lies so destructive is when world leaders convince the common people that they aren't capable of ruling themselves.
That right person is you. Rule yourself.
Vote, or don't vote. I can't guarantee you will be happy, but at least by ruling yourself you can graciously accept the responsibility for your own destiny, instead of shrugging it over to someone else. Vote for whoever the hell you want. But don't think for a minute that the decision to vote absolves you of the personal responsibility to uphold your own principles.
*POLITICAL RANT MODE, DEACTIVATED*
On a lighter note, I hope at least some of you have considered voting for Pedro. Fictional Presidents often do a much better job then real ones. Plus, he's got kickass hair that makes him look like a medieval warrior. (Obscure Napoleon Dynamite reference)
*Prepares for a massive flux of "If you don't vote for X, you're a retard/sicko/bastard/emo/faithless/zealot/heretic/commie/fascist/hermaphrodite/troglodyte/queer, who hates freedom/environment/capitalism/community/family values/racial equality/gender equality/poor sick puppies/cake/pie/rainy days/long walks on the beach/holding hands/sunsets and candlelight dinners/pegging/fish flavored iced cream/allen wrenches/gerbil feeders/toilet seats/electric heaters/trash compactors/juice extractors/shower rods and water meters/walkie-talkies/ copper wires/safety goggles/radial tires/BB pellets/rubber mallets/fans and dehumidifiers/picture hangers/ paper cutters/waffle irons/window shutters/paint removers/window louvers/masking tape and plastic gutters/kitchen faucets/folding tables/weather stripping/jumper cables/hooks and tackle/grout and spackle/power foggers/spoons and ladles/pesticides for fumigation/high-performance lubrication/metal roofing/water proofing/multi-purpose insulation/air compressors/brass connectors/wrecking chisels/smoke detectors/tire gauges/hamster cages/thermostats and bug deflectors/trailer hitch demagnetizers/automatic circumcisers/tennis rackets/angle brackets/Duracells and Energizers/soffit panels/circuit brakers/vacuum cleaners/coffee makers/calculators/generators/matching salt and pepper shakers/hardware stores/poodle hats/Weird Al." comments, in possibly any number of combinations and quantities.*
Okay, the cake was a lie.
(The above text may include lyrics from Weird Al's song Hardware Store from the album Poodle Hat)
Unless something profoundly life changing happens, I'm not voting.
Why?
Well, because in the long run, I don't think it will really matter much who we have in office. At this point, it's almost impossible to the system to do anything other then what it has been doing for decades (heck, centuries, really). I think, that when it comes to principles, it's risky at best, and disastrous at worst, to champion someone as the moral high ground of the nation. It's better to live as decent and moral a life as you can, then to trust someone else to do it for you. The government seems to have the overwhelming majority of people thinking the only way they can make the world a better place is by voting. What many fail to realize is that they aren't voting on a policy, they are voting for someone they hope will make the right choice. If you can't trust yourself to make the right choice in support of your morals, why should you trust someone else to support those morals? Someone who, in fact, knows little or nothing about you or what you believe in. The system has people convinced that the reason we are unhappy is because the right person wasn't in charge. It has people convinced that there is a right person. This is both correct and incorrect.
There are few lies so destructive is when world leaders convince the common people that they aren't capable of ruling themselves.
That right person is you. Rule yourself.
Vote, or don't vote. I can't guarantee you will be happy, but at least by ruling yourself you can graciously accept the responsibility for your own destiny, instead of shrugging it over to someone else. Vote for whoever the hell you want. But don't think for a minute that the decision to vote absolves you of the personal responsibility to uphold your own principles.
*POLITICAL RANT MODE, DEACTIVATED*
On a lighter note, I hope at least some of you have considered voting for Pedro. Fictional Presidents often do a much better job then real ones. Plus, he's got kickass hair that makes him look like a medieval warrior. (Obscure Napoleon Dynamite reference)
*Prepares for a massive flux of "If you don't vote for X, you're a retard/sicko/bastard/emo/faithless/zealot/heretic/commie/fascist/hermaphrodite/troglodyte/queer, who hates freedom/environment/capitalism/community/family values/racial equality/gender equality/poor sick puppies/cake/pie/rainy days/long walks on the beach/holding hands/sunsets and candlelight dinners/pegging/fish flavored iced cream/allen wrenches/gerbil feeders/toilet seats/electric heaters/trash compactors/juice extractors/shower rods and water meters/walkie-talkies/ copper wires/safety goggles/radial tires/BB pellets/rubber mallets/fans and dehumidifiers/picture hangers/ paper cutters/waffle irons/window shutters/paint removers/window louvers/masking tape and plastic gutters/kitchen faucets/folding tables/weather stripping/jumper cables/hooks and tackle/grout and spackle/power foggers/spoons and ladles/pesticides for fumigation/high-performance lubrication/metal roofing/water proofing/multi-purpose insulation/air compressors/brass connectors/wrecking chisels/smoke detectors/tire gauges/hamster cages/thermostats and bug deflectors/trailer hitch demagnetizers/automatic circumcisers/tennis rackets/angle brackets/Duracells and Energizers/soffit panels/circuit brakers/vacuum cleaners/coffee makers/calculators/generators/matching salt and pepper shakers/hardware stores/poodle hats/Weird Al." comments, in possibly any number of combinations and quantities.*
Okay, the cake was a lie.
(The above text may include lyrics from Weird Al's song Hardware Store from the album Poodle Hat)
*Looks at number of new messages and wheeps*
General | Posted 17 years agoIt's been sooo long since I have been able to log onto FA. The info backup is kind of daunting, particularly the sheer number of new submissions. I still have 443 new messages...
I ,perhaps, haven't been drawing as frequently as I should, but don't think I've been idle. Hopefully, I'll get some of my own new submissions up soon.
Oh, and I may be resubmitting some of my older work, also. It turns out, Lothar had a change of heart. Far from approving of my naughty EN art, however, he has more or less stated, "fuck it it's the internet, it's gonna happen eventually", and decided to not make a big deal out of it.
I can't really think of any other news at present, other then that I recently got a new video card so I could finally use my monitor's fully resolution. *Glee*
Later.
I ,perhaps, haven't been drawing as frequently as I should, but don't think I've been idle. Hopefully, I'll get some of my own new submissions up soon.
Oh, and I may be resubmitting some of my older work, also. It turns out, Lothar had a change of heart. Far from approving of my naughty EN art, however, he has more or less stated, "fuck it it's the internet, it's gonna happen eventually", and decided to not make a big deal out of it.
I can't really think of any other news at present, other then that I recently got a new video card so I could finally use my monitor's fully resolution. *Glee*
Later.
Two Movies in One Night
General | Posted 17 years agoI got to see two new movies this evening. The first movie was "Wanted" It was pretty cool, nice action movie, probably one of the better ones I've seen recently. It had some good sequences and an interesting twist. I don't want to say any more or it'll get into spoilerage.
The second movie was WALL E
Now, I know you've probably been hearing a lot of hype about WALL E, and let me clarify for you right this instant, it is ALL TRUE. Okay, I do have some hangups with some parts of the story concept, but it was executed BEAUTIFULLY! Normally I see movies with a great concept that get ran into the ground by poor execution, this was almost the complete opposite! The story concept, what I heard of it, did not initially sound all that fascinating, but Pixar did an EXCELLENT job! Heck, this is the first movie in years that I have had to fight the urge to watch again, IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS! I can't say it is the best cinematic feature in existence, I don't throw that kind of thing around willy nilly, but it is a VERY SERIOUS COMPETITOR FOR THE TITLE! If it does not win all kinds of prestigious awards, then I imagine I will be sick with fury!
For kind of a SEMI-SPOILERLY review, just imagine a combination of Short Circuit, Batteries Not Included, and the best parts of virtually every Pixar movie to date, and remove any and all extraneous dialog that would dilute the brilliance of it, and you will have WALL E. Now, saying it's the best movie this year (or even for the past two or three years) would probably not be an exaggeration, in fact, it is probably the best Pixar movie TO DATE. I'm surprised the entire studio, director, and writers didn't kill themselves immediately after finishing this picture, because it is so incredibly unlikely they will EVER make anything nearly so beautiful, ever again! Compared to WALL E, I fear, every other movie I ever see is going to taste like garbage, which, if you have watched WALL E, is pretty damn ironic.
The second movie was WALL E
Now, I know you've probably been hearing a lot of hype about WALL E, and let me clarify for you right this instant, it is ALL TRUE. Okay, I do have some hangups with some parts of the story concept, but it was executed BEAUTIFULLY! Normally I see movies with a great concept that get ran into the ground by poor execution, this was almost the complete opposite! The story concept, what I heard of it, did not initially sound all that fascinating, but Pixar did an EXCELLENT job! Heck, this is the first movie in years that I have had to fight the urge to watch again, IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS! I can't say it is the best cinematic feature in existence, I don't throw that kind of thing around willy nilly, but it is a VERY SERIOUS COMPETITOR FOR THE TITLE! If it does not win all kinds of prestigious awards, then I imagine I will be sick with fury!
For kind of a SEMI-SPOILERLY review, just imagine a combination of Short Circuit, Batteries Not Included, and the best parts of virtually every Pixar movie to date, and remove any and all extraneous dialog that would dilute the brilliance of it, and you will have WALL E. Now, saying it's the best movie this year (or even for the past two or three years) would probably not be an exaggeration, in fact, it is probably the best Pixar movie TO DATE. I'm surprised the entire studio, director, and writers didn't kill themselves immediately after finishing this picture, because it is so incredibly unlikely they will EVER make anything nearly so beautiful, ever again! Compared to WALL E, I fear, every other movie I ever see is going to taste like garbage, which, if you have watched WALL E, is pretty damn ironic.
Say that Dirty Word, "OPEN SOURCE"
General | Posted 17 years agoFirst of all, let me thank everyone who has watched, commented, favorited, or even just glanced at my art. You have all been a great inspiration. Second, I would like to mention that I finally got my new monitor (^__^), which is great, but, sadly, is not giving me the full resolution it has advertised (gonna have to work on that). And third, but certainly not least, an interesting idea has occurred to me, inspired by 
ilovecritique and Linux.
The idea essentially functions on the freeware, and open source principles. I'm planning on setting up a profile (to be named at a later date), which will host freeware, and open source characters and story concepts.
The freeware aspect:
Ideas may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes, provided the original creator is named, and the derived work does not deviate significantly from the clearly defined original concept. (subject to possible revision before implementation)
The open source / copyleft aspect:
Ideas may be reproduced, and altered, for noncommercial AND commercial use, provided the originator is named, and that the same copyleft traits are also applied to the derivative works. Essentially, if you derive something using copyleft material, the resulting work is also copyleft. (subject to possible revision before implementation)
Now, some of you may be thinking, "What do the original creators get out of it?" Well, the original creators get to advertise their genius, and receive meaningful feedback on their creations. Plus, sometimes, it's just a wonderful feeling to know that something you created is being made use of. If you're not an artist, it might be interesting to see artists' interpretation of your original characters, or original worlds. If you're after money, I can't guarantee you will ever get any from this. Some may decide to pay royalties if they so choose, or if they wish to implement freeware characters commercially.
Another aspect of the project will be a request section, where people my request that a certain piece of art, or a particular type of story be made, using their ideas or characters. Artists and writers are under no obligation to fulfill these requests, but neither are they restricted to being fulfilled by just one artist or writer, so, the original creator may receive multiple interpretations of their ideas. Essentially, originators get free interpretations of their ideas, and artists and writers get free subjects to draw or write about. By posting the resulting creations, both parties receive advertisement of their abilities.
If you are a well advertised or accomplished creator, writer, or artist, and receive enough attention already, well, no one is demanding that you participate. This would mainly be for fledgling artists, writers, and originators to hone their skills and flex their creative muscles.
Another benefit of the project would be in networking. Creative minds who aspire to greatness, may find kindred spirits, with abilities they lack, which they might collaborate with to produce something marketable.
When I get around to making the profile or website, I will try my best to establish an effective definition for each category, so there is the least possible confusion. Anyone intrigued by this idea, please, post a comment to this journal, and I will try to get back to you with additional news. I would really enjoy feedback on the idea, and intelligent discussion of any aspect I have overlooked. Rules and benefits are by no means written in stone, at the moment, and if a revision which could greatly improve the idea is presented, it may very well be implemented.
ilovecritique and Linux.The idea essentially functions on the freeware, and open source principles. I'm planning on setting up a profile (to be named at a later date), which will host freeware, and open source characters and story concepts.
The freeware aspect:
Ideas may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes, provided the original creator is named, and the derived work does not deviate significantly from the clearly defined original concept. (subject to possible revision before implementation)
The open source / copyleft aspect:
Ideas may be reproduced, and altered, for noncommercial AND commercial use, provided the originator is named, and that the same copyleft traits are also applied to the derivative works. Essentially, if you derive something using copyleft material, the resulting work is also copyleft. (subject to possible revision before implementation)
Now, some of you may be thinking, "What do the original creators get out of it?" Well, the original creators get to advertise their genius, and receive meaningful feedback on their creations. Plus, sometimes, it's just a wonderful feeling to know that something you created is being made use of. If you're not an artist, it might be interesting to see artists' interpretation of your original characters, or original worlds. If you're after money, I can't guarantee you will ever get any from this. Some may decide to pay royalties if they so choose, or if they wish to implement freeware characters commercially.
Another aspect of the project will be a request section, where people my request that a certain piece of art, or a particular type of story be made, using their ideas or characters. Artists and writers are under no obligation to fulfill these requests, but neither are they restricted to being fulfilled by just one artist or writer, so, the original creator may receive multiple interpretations of their ideas. Essentially, originators get free interpretations of their ideas, and artists and writers get free subjects to draw or write about. By posting the resulting creations, both parties receive advertisement of their abilities.
If you are a well advertised or accomplished creator, writer, or artist, and receive enough attention already, well, no one is demanding that you participate. This would mainly be for fledgling artists, writers, and originators to hone their skills and flex their creative muscles.
Another benefit of the project would be in networking. Creative minds who aspire to greatness, may find kindred spirits, with abilities they lack, which they might collaborate with to produce something marketable.
When I get around to making the profile or website, I will try my best to establish an effective definition for each category, so there is the least possible confusion. Anyone intrigued by this idea, please, post a comment to this journal, and I will try to get back to you with additional news. I would really enjoy feedback on the idea, and intelligent discussion of any aspect I have overlooked. Rules and benefits are by no means written in stone, at the moment, and if a revision which could greatly improve the idea is presented, it may very well be implemented.
The Thin Red Line
General | Posted 17 years agoIt's amazing how much a red frame around one's submissions can exponentially increase the number of views.....
I'm not saying I don't completely understand, but sheesh. I don't so much mind the low views on my general submissions, but I would like it if the few people who do look at them would bother to comment. Constructive criticism would really help. Please, keep in mind the 'constructive' aspect of it. If there is something that you think could have been better, then explain what it is, clearly, and give an example of how it might be improved.
Critique, here, serves a double function, I find ways to improve, and I build up a tolerance for criticism. If I toil over something really time consuming with all my passion, later, and get harsh critiques, and I have never before received honest criticism, I might not be prepared for it.
If you're afraid you might offend me with honest critique, then maybe you could try the compliment sandwich, or compliment cracker method. Cram your criticism between two compliments, or add a compliment after the critique to clarify that you're not just being mean. Even if you don't do this, I will try my level best to respond to every complaint with maturity, and not fall to pieces, acting all Emo. If I don't know what I'm doing wrong, it will be a lot harder for me to improve.
It might be more effective to just write a summed up version of this in the comments to every submission, so that people won't have to read my journal to see it.
I'm not saying I don't completely understand, but sheesh. I don't so much mind the low views on my general submissions, but I would like it if the few people who do look at them would bother to comment. Constructive criticism would really help. Please, keep in mind the 'constructive' aspect of it. If there is something that you think could have been better, then explain what it is, clearly, and give an example of how it might be improved.
Critique, here, serves a double function, I find ways to improve, and I build up a tolerance for criticism. If I toil over something really time consuming with all my passion, later, and get harsh critiques, and I have never before received honest criticism, I might not be prepared for it.
If you're afraid you might offend me with honest critique, then maybe you could try the compliment sandwich, or compliment cracker method. Cram your criticism between two compliments, or add a compliment after the critique to clarify that you're not just being mean. Even if you don't do this, I will try my level best to respond to every complaint with maturity, and not fall to pieces, acting all Emo. If I don't know what I'm doing wrong, it will be a lot harder for me to improve.
It might be more effective to just write a summed up version of this in the comments to every submission, so that people won't have to read my journal to see it.
Purity test reveals boring life, go figure.
General | Posted 17 years agoInstructions:
Start with 100%. Bold everything you've done and subtract 1% for everything that you've done. Then repost as you're __% pure.
1. Smoked
2. Drank alcohol
3. Cried when someone died
4. Been drunk
5. Had sex
6. Been to a concert.
7. Gotten/given a hand job
8. Gotten/given a blow job
9. Been verbally/sexually harassed
10.Verbally/sexually harassed somebody
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 98
11. Felt someone up and/or been felt up
12. Laughed so hard something came out of your nose.
13. Cheated on a boyfriend/girlfriend before.
14. Been cheated on by a boyfriend/girlfriend
15. Been to prom.
16. Cried at school
17. Gotten lost in a WalMart or a department store. (As a habit, I don't usually get lost anywhere)
18. Went streaking
19. Given or received a lap dance.
20. Had someone of the opposite sex in your room (not for anything 'fun', though)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 96
21. Had someone of the opposite sex sleep over (completely innocent)
22. Slept over at someone of the opposite sex's house (completely innocent)
23. Kissed a stranger.
24. Hugged a stranger
25. Went scuba diving
26. Driven a car
27. Gotten an x-ray
28. Hit by a car.
29. Had a party.
30. Done serious drugs.
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 91
31. Played strip poker/darts/basketball.
32. Got paid to strip for someone.
33. Run away from home.
34. Broken a bone.
35. Eaten sushi (like diving into the ocean with my mouth open...)
36. Bought porn
37. Watched porn
38. Made porn. (drawn, not filmed =P)
39. Had a crush on someone of the same sex
40. Been in love (probably more like 'fond of', rather then 'in love', so no)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 88
41. French kissed.
42. Laughed so hard you cried.
43. Cried yourself to sleep.
44. Laughed yourself to sleep.
45. Stabbed yourself.
46. Shot a gun. (The gun was, fortunately, not severely injured)
47. Trash talked someone and then acted like their best friend the next day.
48. Been online for 9 consecutive hours.
49. Watched TV for 9 consecutive hours.
50. Watched an animal die. (do bugs count?)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 83
51. Watched a person die
52. Kissed and/or messed around somewhere with at least 1 person present.
53. Pranked somebody. (hopefully this means what I think it does and not something dirty)
54. Put somebody in the hospital. (no, but I've been put in the emergency room by someone, darn kids and their flying golf clubs)
55. Snuck into someone's room and/or your own room after being out.
56. Kissed somebody of the same sex.
57. Dressed punk.
58. Dressed goth.
59. Dressed preppy. (only when my parents made me)
60. Been to a motocross race.
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 81
61. Avoided somebody.
62. Been stalked.
63. Stalked someone.
64. Met a celebrity.
65. Played an instrument. (not with any degree of competence)
66. Ridden a horse. (also, not with any degree of competence)
67. Cut yourself (by accident, I assume?)
68. Bungee jumped.
69. Ding dong ditched somebody.
70. Been to a wild party.
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 77
71. Got caught stealing something.
72. Kicked/punched a guy in the balls.
73. Stolen a boyfriend/girlfriend from a friend.
74. Gone out with your friend's crush.
75. Got arrested.
76. Been pregnant.
77. Babysat
78. Been to another country.
79. Started your house on fire. (no, but I got really close, once)
80. Had an encounter with a ghost. (I had a feeling, but I'm sure there was a completely rational explanation, so, no)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 76
81. Donated your hair to cancer patients.
82. Been asked out by someone that you never thought you'd be asked out by.
83. Cried over a family member of the opposite sex. (Not sure how to interpret this...)
84. Had a boyfriend/girlfriend for 3 months or more.
85. Sat on your butt all day. (I assume this simply means for the majority of the day)
86. Ate a whole carton of ice cream all by yourself.
87. Had a job. (depends on your definition of 'job')
88. Gotten cut from a sports team. (never been on a sports team)
89. Been called a whore.
90. Danced like a whore
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 74
91. Been mistaken for a celebrity.
92. Been in a car accident.
93. Been told you have beautiful eyes.
94. Been told you have beautiful hair.
95. Raped somebody.
96. Danced in the rain.
97. Been rejected.
98. Walked out of a restaurant without paying.
99. Punched someone/slapped someone in the face. (they REALLY deserved it, and I'd run out of cheeks to turn)
100. Been raped....
FINAL PERCENT: 70
Also, people may take this opportunity to ask me questions, I reserve the right withhold answers, at my discretion. If I said I'd answer [i/]anything[/i], I'd look like an ass if I refused.
Start with 100%. Bold everything you've done and subtract 1% for everything that you've done. Then repost as you're __% pure.
1. Smoked
2. Drank alcohol
3. Cried when someone died
4. Been drunk
5. Had sex
6. Been to a concert.
7. Gotten/given a hand job
8. Gotten/given a blow job
9. Been verbally/sexually harassed
10.Verbally/sexually harassed somebody
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 98
11. Felt someone up and/or been felt up
12. Laughed so hard something came out of your nose.
13. Cheated on a boyfriend/girlfriend before.
14. Been cheated on by a boyfriend/girlfriend
15. Been to prom.
16. Cried at school
17. Gotten lost in a WalMart or a department store. (As a habit, I don't usually get lost anywhere)
18. Went streaking
19. Given or received a lap dance.
20. Had someone of the opposite sex in your room (not for anything 'fun', though)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 96
21. Had someone of the opposite sex sleep over (completely innocent)
22. Slept over at someone of the opposite sex's house (completely innocent)
23. Kissed a stranger.
24. Hugged a stranger
25. Went scuba diving
26. Driven a car
27. Gotten an x-ray
28. Hit by a car.
29. Had a party.
30. Done serious drugs.
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 91
31. Played strip poker/darts/basketball.
32. Got paid to strip for someone.
33. Run away from home.
34. Broken a bone.
35. Eaten sushi (like diving into the ocean with my mouth open...)
36. Bought porn
37. Watched porn
38. Made porn. (drawn, not filmed =P)
39. Had a crush on someone of the same sex
40. Been in love (probably more like 'fond of', rather then 'in love', so no)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 88
41. French kissed.
42. Laughed so hard you cried.
43. Cried yourself to sleep.
44. Laughed yourself to sleep.
45. Stabbed yourself.
46. Shot a gun. (The gun was, fortunately, not severely injured)
47. Trash talked someone and then acted like their best friend the next day.
48. Been online for 9 consecutive hours.
49. Watched TV for 9 consecutive hours.
50. Watched an animal die. (do bugs count?)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 83
51. Watched a person die
52. Kissed and/or messed around somewhere with at least 1 person present.
53. Pranked somebody. (hopefully this means what I think it does and not something dirty)
54. Put somebody in the hospital. (no, but I've been put in the emergency room by someone, darn kids and their flying golf clubs)
55. Snuck into someone's room and/or your own room after being out.
56. Kissed somebody of the same sex.
57. Dressed punk.
58. Dressed goth.
59. Dressed preppy. (only when my parents made me)
60. Been to a motocross race.
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 81
61. Avoided somebody.
62. Been stalked.
63. Stalked someone.
64. Met a celebrity.
65. Played an instrument. (not with any degree of competence)
66. Ridden a horse. (also, not with any degree of competence)
67. Cut yourself (by accident, I assume?)
68. Bungee jumped.
69. Ding dong ditched somebody.
70. Been to a wild party.
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 77
71. Got caught stealing something.
72. Kicked/punched a guy in the balls.
73. Stolen a boyfriend/girlfriend from a friend.
74. Gone out with your friend's crush.
75. Got arrested.
76. Been pregnant.
77. Babysat
78. Been to another country.
79. Started your house on fire. (no, but I got really close, once)
80. Had an encounter with a ghost. (I had a feeling, but I'm sure there was a completely rational explanation, so, no)
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 76
81. Donated your hair to cancer patients.
82. Been asked out by someone that you never thought you'd be asked out by.
83. Cried over a family member of the opposite sex. (Not sure how to interpret this...)
84. Had a boyfriend/girlfriend for 3 months or more.
85. Sat on your butt all day. (I assume this simply means for the majority of the day)
86. Ate a whole carton of ice cream all by yourself.
87. Had a job. (depends on your definition of 'job')
88. Gotten cut from a sports team. (never been on a sports team)
89. Been called a whore.
90. Danced like a whore
PERCENTAGE SO FAR: 74
91. Been mistaken for a celebrity.
92. Been in a car accident.
93. Been told you have beautiful eyes.
94. Been told you have beautiful hair.
95. Raped somebody.
96. Danced in the rain.
97. Been rejected.
98. Walked out of a restaurant without paying.
99. Punched someone/slapped someone in the face. (they REALLY deserved it, and I'd run out of cheeks to turn)
100. Been raped....
FINAL PERCENT: 70
Also, people may take this opportunity to ask me questions, I reserve the right withhold answers, at my discretion. If I said I'd answer [i/]anything[/i], I'd look like an ass if I refused.
New, Old Avatar
General | Posted 17 years agoDecided to change my avatar. I used an old sketch i made a year or so ago from when I was studying Karabiner's technique. So, if anyone recognizes what image it is from, it was not a trace, though I did refer to Karabiner's original extensively. I would have liked to get the whole sketch in, but it just wouldn't have worked at that resolution.
Karabiner's image of Renamon in lingerie was just so awesome, I had to see if I could reproduce a color unspecific version of it. If you look at the two separately, they are pretty similar, but when you compare them side by side, like what I did, you'll find many subtle mistakes. I now wish I had done it at a considerable higher resolution then what I did. At the time, I made the canvas space the same as the original image size, I should have made it at least twice as big. I'm not sure I really feel it appropriate to post the full reproduction, in spite of wanting to., Anyway, I'm still alive, just haven't gotten on here much in the past few days. Took me a couple hours just to catch up on the backlog of watched submissions.
I had actually spent the better part of the morning changing another sketch into a colored gif, but the file size was much too big, even after I shrank it. Oh well.
Hopefully I'll be able to spend some time drawing and submitting, but I doubt it will happen much in the next month, I have mucho college projects to complete, so don't be surprised it my activity becomes scarce.
Karabiner's image of Renamon in lingerie was just so awesome, I had to see if I could reproduce a color unspecific version of it. If you look at the two separately, they are pretty similar, but when you compare them side by side, like what I did, you'll find many subtle mistakes. I now wish I had done it at a considerable higher resolution then what I did. At the time, I made the canvas space the same as the original image size, I should have made it at least twice as big. I'm not sure I really feel it appropriate to post the full reproduction, in spite of wanting to., Anyway, I'm still alive, just haven't gotten on here much in the past few days. Took me a couple hours just to catch up on the backlog of watched submissions.
I had actually spent the better part of the morning changing another sketch into a colored gif, but the file size was much too big, even after I shrank it. Oh well.
Hopefully I'll be able to spend some time drawing and submitting, but I doubt it will happen much in the next month, I have mucho college projects to complete, so don't be surprised it my activity becomes scarce.
In Light of Recent Events, or Not Taking Recent Events Light
General | Posted 17 years agoBefore reading this, be sure to read, http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/406793/
Well, now that I've had to remove a good deal of my higher quality images, I suppose I'll be having to recoup my losses with other arts. I knew from the get go there was a possibility this would happen, but I simply didn't think I had that kind of visibility for it TO happen. I guess I'll have to tread a bit more cautiously from now on.
I mean, Lothar's reaction was pretty close to what I expected an unenthusiastic response to be. I figured he would at least be civil enough to give me the opportunity remove the questionable content before he started anything serious, and I was right, but there's no guarantee other artists will be so generous. I'm seriously considering removing a great deal of images where a seriously bad reaction is a distinct possibility.
I mean, maybe not the VG Cats stuff. Seriously, there's so much of that and mine is so relatively tame, that I don't think it would really matter a great deal to Scott. Unless there are some complaints to Palcomics about their stuff that i don't know about, I think he's pretty cool with it, just doesn't want to have unnecessary attention drawn to it. I'm more worried about some of the other junk. I mean, I love and respect all these creative geniuses, but sometimes I wish they weren't quite so thin skinned.
Sure, you might say I would be singing a different tune if it were my creations on the line. But, other then literally trying to imply ownership of my characters, or implying universal continuity with my stories, I don't think I could care less what people feel like making my characters do, just so long as everyone understands it's not what I made them do.
You might even say I'm only saying this because no one cares enough about my characters to do anything with them, let alone something of which I would disapprove. And you could be right. But, honestly, I hope I'm not the kind of hypocrite that would draw stuff like this, and then get overly upset when someone else draws my creations in situations that I'm not overly fond of.
Edit: After serious consideration, I've decided to remove the Sinfest inspired art, as well. Effective as of, um, sometime later today. If some of you are saddened by these events, Don't be, it's the internet, after all. Once something has been put up here for any length of time, it's never truly gone. Be advised, I'm not inclined to give it to you, or tell you where to find it, so please, don't ask me.
Edit Edit!: Sinfest inspired art removed. Goodbye!
Edit Edit Edit!: That part about the internet was intended to be a joke, I did not literally expect there to be anywhere else that had these questionable images displayed. But, as it has come to light that this is a very real possibility, I must strongly request that any such website or image host have these images removed, as quickly as possible.
Well, now that I've had to remove a good deal of my higher quality images, I suppose I'll be having to recoup my losses with other arts. I knew from the get go there was a possibility this would happen, but I simply didn't think I had that kind of visibility for it TO happen. I guess I'll have to tread a bit more cautiously from now on.
I mean, Lothar's reaction was pretty close to what I expected an unenthusiastic response to be. I figured he would at least be civil enough to give me the opportunity remove the questionable content before he started anything serious, and I was right, but there's no guarantee other artists will be so generous. I'm seriously considering removing a great deal of images where a seriously bad reaction is a distinct possibility.
I mean, maybe not the VG Cats stuff. Seriously, there's so much of that and mine is so relatively tame, that I don't think it would really matter a great deal to Scott. Unless there are some complaints to Palcomics about their stuff that i don't know about, I think he's pretty cool with it, just doesn't want to have unnecessary attention drawn to it. I'm more worried about some of the other junk. I mean, I love and respect all these creative geniuses, but sometimes I wish they weren't quite so thin skinned.
Sure, you might say I would be singing a different tune if it were my creations on the line. But, other then literally trying to imply ownership of my characters, or implying universal continuity with my stories, I don't think I could care less what people feel like making my characters do, just so long as everyone understands it's not what I made them do.
You might even say I'm only saying this because no one cares enough about my characters to do anything with them, let alone something of which I would disapprove. And you could be right. But, honestly, I hope I'm not the kind of hypocrite that would draw stuff like this, and then get overly upset when someone else draws my creations in situations that I'm not overly fond of.
Edit: After serious consideration, I've decided to remove the Sinfest inspired art, as well. Effective as of, um, sometime later today. If some of you are saddened by these events, Don't be, it's the internet, after all. Once something has been put up here for any length of time, it's never truly gone. Be advised, I'm not inclined to give it to you, or tell you where to find it, so please, don't ask me.
Edit Edit!: Sinfest inspired art removed. Goodbye!
Edit Edit Edit!: That part about the internet was intended to be a joke, I did not literally expect there to be anywhere else that had these questionable images displayed. But, as it has come to light that this is a very real possibility, I must strongly request that any such website or image host have these images removed, as quickly as possible.
EN Fanart
General | Posted 17 years agoSome of those who frequent my page may notice that I have received a warning from an EN watchdog, informing me, that he has sent a message to Exterminatus Now Writer Lothar Hex, regarding my explicit EN Fanart. If Lothar's response is unenthusiastic, I will be forced to remove all of my naughty EN fanart, and if it comes to it, the clean EN fanart as well.
This is advanced warning, so that if and when this happens, everyone can know for what reason.
Edit: Okay, it's all gone. No more explicit EN fanart images here. And I won't be submitting anymore. The clean stuff was apparently alright, so I'm keeping up anything with a general rating.
This is advanced warning, so that if and when this happens, everyone can know for what reason.
Edit: Okay, it's all gone. No more explicit EN fanart images here. And I won't be submitting anymore. The clean stuff was apparently alright, so I'm keeping up anything with a general rating.
Something Big!
General | Posted 17 years agoNo, I was not trying to make a bad joke. I'm currently working on the single biggest image file, I have ever worked on, not for width and height, but for layers. There are currently 46. With that, one might think that I'm making some massively complex color scheme, but I assure you, it is all sketches. That's right 46 layers of sketches![b/]
This will probably be a bit misleading. I don't actually plan on using all the sketches, and some of them are different layer components of the same sketch. But, that doesn't make it any less epic, considering it's myself who's doing it, and not someone who's actually used to this sort of thing. I considered merging all layers with visibility on, just to see if someone can pick out more then one or two sketched from the mess of line spaghetti. I'm so glad I started using a wider range of sketching colors recently, otherwise, this would have been so much more difficult.
I plan on submitting the preliminary work, once I get it laid out, and get the dialog in. Some sketches may ultimately be cut, or redone. Hopefully, I'll be able to color it as well. I still have at least one or two more sketches to add before I begin assembling it into some facsimile of what the finished product will be.
Just letting you guys know what the deal is, in case you were wondering if I was dead or something. I might crash for a while, I was up all night working on it. Don't wait with baited breath, though. It might not be done for some time, yet.
This will probably be a bit misleading. I don't actually plan on using all the sketches, and some of them are different layer components of the same sketch. But, that doesn't make it any less epic, considering it's myself who's doing it, and not someone who's actually used to this sort of thing. I considered merging all layers with visibility on, just to see if someone can pick out more then one or two sketched from the mess of line spaghetti. I'm so glad I started using a wider range of sketching colors recently, otherwise, this would have been so much more difficult.
I plan on submitting the preliminary work, once I get it laid out, and get the dialog in. Some sketches may ultimately be cut, or redone. Hopefully, I'll be able to color it as well. I still have at least one or two more sketches to add before I begin assembling it into some facsimile of what the finished product will be.
Just letting you guys know what the deal is, in case you were wondering if I was dead or something. I might crash for a while, I was up all night working on it. Don't wait with baited breath, though. It might not be done for some time, yet.
Concerning Standing, Walking, and Running
General | Posted 17 years agoI would be lying if I said I had it completely figured out, but here are some things that I have observed about standing figures and movement, by watching myself walk and stand in a mirror. Whether or not these tips prove useful, I cannot say, but I felt I should write them down somewhere, to remember them, and so that others may potentially benefit from them.
It is my belief that if one can adhere to the guidelines of these observations with at least a rough approximation, it could potentially help their standing and walking poses seem more natural. I myself will probably have great difficulty keeping them all in mind every time I draw, but I hope to eventually incorporate them into my regular drawings. Also, keep in mind that these are observations of myself, and might not apply as much for women, or even all men.
First off, when on a single leg, one tends to put more weight on the ball of their foot, pretty much directly below their center of gravity. When on two legs, the most generally neutral position is with the heels of the feet almost directly below the shoulders, if a little bit back, to shift a little weight to the balls of the feet. While in this pose, one must first shift their weight in order to free a foot to take a step, or risk losing balance. Then you've got your contraposto, with the weight distributed to the feet unevenly. In such a case, one usually favors the ball of the foot, and rests it close to the midway point between shoulders. Of course, this is with a guy's center of gravity, it will probably be very similar but involve the hips for females. Another reason why the shoulders are crucial balance points is because their arms are pulling down on them, constantly, For men, possibly even more so, because men would probably tend to have heavier arms.
While walking, the toes tend to point generally in the direction of movement, but more so the faster one moves For the energy required for movement, the base of the tibia acts as a sort of falcrum, against which the foot is balanced. As the calf muscle is flexed, it draws the heel side up, and forces everything on the other side down. I believe the Calf and Achilles tendon are probably some of the strongest muscles in the human body, because the ones belonging to just a single leg must be strong enough to lift one's entire weight, and they can do so hundreds, or even thousands, of times a day. The muscles attaching the pelvis to the knee are fairly strong, as well, but most of the time they act as more of simply a counterforce to the calves and other muscles to make sure the knee doesn't bend when one doesn't need it to.
When running, men tend to draw their arms up closer to their center of gravity then when they are simply walking. Arms are, indeed, quite heavy and effect one's center of gravity a great deal, hence why someone might flail their arms about when they are losing balance. I try not to to think of walking or running as simply movement, but a controlled fall, with the center of gravity being carried from one balancing point to the next. This fall is also one of the reasons we have feet facing forwards and not backwards, imagine how difficult it would be to stop in mid-stride if you only had heels. Men tend to throw their torso forward while running, so that the foot falls immediately under their center of gravity with each stride, but also so that they'll lose balance immediately afterwards, and continue moving forward. In this manner they require less energy to keep moving then they would if every stride brought them more stability.
The quicker one runs, the narrower their line of footfalls. While running, turns often require the ball of the foot to fall slightly forward of the center of gravity, and slightly on the side opposite the direction one wishes to turn. This simultaneously slows the runner and changes their direction. I suppose many of these rules of gravity will also explain why motorcycles take turns in a somewhat similar manner to human runners, and is an additional reason why planes tend to roll as they go left or right. Of course, with planes it probably has more to do with drag, and the natural lift provided by their wings, then simply moving their center of gravity.
Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment. I might add more to this later, or correct mistakes where I find them, or where people point them out.
It is my belief that if one can adhere to the guidelines of these observations with at least a rough approximation, it could potentially help their standing and walking poses seem more natural. I myself will probably have great difficulty keeping them all in mind every time I draw, but I hope to eventually incorporate them into my regular drawings. Also, keep in mind that these are observations of myself, and might not apply as much for women, or even all men.
First off, when on a single leg, one tends to put more weight on the ball of their foot, pretty much directly below their center of gravity. When on two legs, the most generally neutral position is with the heels of the feet almost directly below the shoulders, if a little bit back, to shift a little weight to the balls of the feet. While in this pose, one must first shift their weight in order to free a foot to take a step, or risk losing balance. Then you've got your contraposto, with the weight distributed to the feet unevenly. In such a case, one usually favors the ball of the foot, and rests it close to the midway point between shoulders. Of course, this is with a guy's center of gravity, it will probably be very similar but involve the hips for females. Another reason why the shoulders are crucial balance points is because their arms are pulling down on them, constantly, For men, possibly even more so, because men would probably tend to have heavier arms.
While walking, the toes tend to point generally in the direction of movement, but more so the faster one moves For the energy required for movement, the base of the tibia acts as a sort of falcrum, against which the foot is balanced. As the calf muscle is flexed, it draws the heel side up, and forces everything on the other side down. I believe the Calf and Achilles tendon are probably some of the strongest muscles in the human body, because the ones belonging to just a single leg must be strong enough to lift one's entire weight, and they can do so hundreds, or even thousands, of times a day. The muscles attaching the pelvis to the knee are fairly strong, as well, but most of the time they act as more of simply a counterforce to the calves and other muscles to make sure the knee doesn't bend when one doesn't need it to.
When running, men tend to draw their arms up closer to their center of gravity then when they are simply walking. Arms are, indeed, quite heavy and effect one's center of gravity a great deal, hence why someone might flail their arms about when they are losing balance. I try not to to think of walking or running as simply movement, but a controlled fall, with the center of gravity being carried from one balancing point to the next. This fall is also one of the reasons we have feet facing forwards and not backwards, imagine how difficult it would be to stop in mid-stride if you only had heels. Men tend to throw their torso forward while running, so that the foot falls immediately under their center of gravity with each stride, but also so that they'll lose balance immediately afterwards, and continue moving forward. In this manner they require less energy to keep moving then they would if every stride brought them more stability.
The quicker one runs, the narrower their line of footfalls. While running, turns often require the ball of the foot to fall slightly forward of the center of gravity, and slightly on the side opposite the direction one wishes to turn. This simultaneously slows the runner and changes their direction. I suppose many of these rules of gravity will also explain why motorcycles take turns in a somewhat similar manner to human runners, and is an additional reason why planes tend to roll as they go left or right. Of course, with planes it probably has more to do with drag, and the natural lift provided by their wings, then simply moving their center of gravity.
Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment. I might add more to this later, or correct mistakes where I find them, or where people point them out.
600 page views!
General | Posted 17 years agoWell, technically, a little over that, now. But, YAY!
I put up a mature Jamilla picture. But, I said I would probably draw a tame and an adult. So, I'll probably be drawing an adult picture, and if I can, a tame one, too.
Thanks everyone!
I put up a mature Jamilla picture. But, I said I would probably draw a tame and an adult. So, I'll probably be drawing an adult picture, and if I can, a tame one, too.
Thanks everyone!
Nearly 600 pageviews!
General | Posted 17 years agoWow, I've gotten up to 595 page views, so far! As I said before, I'll likely do something special after I've reached the 600 mark. I'm just not exactly sure what, right now. I suppose I could draw two pictures, one adult, and one tame. I'll just need to figure out what exactly the subject will be. Thanks to everyone who has bothered to look at my page, and thanks again to everyone who has enjoyed my art. I hope to continue getting better at drawing cool stuff that you'll all enjoy. Well, maybe not ALL of you, that would be nearly impossible.
Thanks again, and I hope I can get something really cool up, very soon.
If anyone has any suggestions, they can post a comment under this journal, or PM me, but I can't make any guarantees.
Thanks again, and I hope I can get something really cool up, very soon.
If anyone has any suggestions, they can post a comment under this journal, or PM me, but I can't make any guarantees.
STUFF
General | Posted 17 years agoI had a birthday the other day, but I didn't get my cake until today. It was a chocolate cheesecake, yummy. I was hoping they would get one of the already made ones from a bakery, but they were out, at the time. So, my family got a chocolate cheesecake pie filling, and oreo crust, so they could make it, themselves. That was okay, I know those things are really expensive, anyway.
College is irritating. I wish I could earn a living just by attending, and not having to worry about grades. I could learn so much, and I enjoy learning. But, I hate having to worry about my grades and my GPA. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, and I like to do my very best, when I'm able to, but being graded changes everything. It changes the emphasis of the learning. Instead of learning for me, I'm learning for my instructors, and most of the time I have only the vaguest idea what they want. I really hate disappointing people, but I get so obsessed with the fear of it, that it cripples me.
I still, somehow manage to do well in most classes, but I always get the feeling that I could have done so much more. What irks me the most, is that I feel guilty when I get a good grade for what, I believe, isn't my best work. Other people talk about how they struggle to keep up in classes, that I pass with minimal effort. One might think it would be an ego boost, but it makes me feel like crap. I think I may be subconsciously sabotaging myself, because I hate being in the twilight between failing and excelling. If I'm not doing my best, I don't feel like I deserve to succeed. That I could do better, instills in me a sense of obligation. I hate feeling like I'm obligated to do anything. I like being able to decide what I want to do, not be required to do something because I feel compelled by a debt.
I hope I can somehow sort this out, because it's probably the most critical factor concerning whether or not I will make something of myself.
College is irritating. I wish I could earn a living just by attending, and not having to worry about grades. I could learn so much, and I enjoy learning. But, I hate having to worry about my grades and my GPA. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, and I like to do my very best, when I'm able to, but being graded changes everything. It changes the emphasis of the learning. Instead of learning for me, I'm learning for my instructors, and most of the time I have only the vaguest idea what they want. I really hate disappointing people, but I get so obsessed with the fear of it, that it cripples me.
I still, somehow manage to do well in most classes, but I always get the feeling that I could have done so much more. What irks me the most, is that I feel guilty when I get a good grade for what, I believe, isn't my best work. Other people talk about how they struggle to keep up in classes, that I pass with minimal effort. One might think it would be an ego boost, but it makes me feel like crap. I think I may be subconsciously sabotaging myself, because I hate being in the twilight between failing and excelling. If I'm not doing my best, I don't feel like I deserve to succeed. That I could do better, instills in me a sense of obligation. I hate feeling like I'm obligated to do anything. I like being able to decide what I want to do, not be required to do something because I feel compelled by a debt.
I hope I can somehow sort this out, because it's probably the most critical factor concerning whether or not I will make something of myself.
We are Absurd
General | Posted 17 years agoThe truth is, the world is not serious business, it is absurdity. But, realizing this absurdity can be liberating. The absurdity of monks who possess nothing, but are happier and more fulfilled then those who are born with everything. The absurdity that the universe's largest bodies obey different laws then its smallest. The absurdity of claiming that God created man in his image, but that nudity is shameful. The absurdity that we desire most what often does us the least good. We are absurd.. And too many of us are ignorant of this universal truth.
On Creativity
General | Posted 17 years agoWhat's this? I've only drawn two submissions in the past month, that weren't based off of webcomic characters? Dang, I suck at originality. I once heard there were two types of creative people, originators and innovators. Origniators, as the name might suggest, create ideas that are very unique or original. Innovators create new or improved ways of implementing ideas that already exist. My creativity more likely resembles the innovator type.
While I can't say that I've really improved upon ideas that already exist, with my art. Rather, I've just studied them and tried to reproduce a facsimile of a style or quality. I have frequently used my innovative powers in other media, such as RPGs(Role-Playing Games). The files I have written on RPG rules and stats, and ideas with which existing RPGs might be improved, are legion. I cannot say whether these ideas actually WOULD improve RPGs, because I have rarely had the resources to implement them.
However, I don't believe anyone is exclusively innovator or originator, just that they often express one more frequently then the other. In fact, I believe true originators are very rare, as most ideas, after a fashion, have already existed at some point in time.
For instance, take the first person who created a webcomic. Comics already existed. The web already existed. They just put the two together to make something interesting. Also, amalgamating different species, to make new creatures, stretches back centuries, millenia even. Think of the Sphinx, the Chimera, the Cockatrice.
My point being, people shouldn't get so worked up over whether or not ideas are original. If you're ideas aren't original, then just focus on trying to be more skillful or more erudite with your areas of interest. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, you may think of something truly unique, or find an originator with which to collaborate. While originators should receive credit, where credit is due, innovators should be recognized for their abilities, as well. Both originality and innovation are required for progress.
While I can't say that I've really improved upon ideas that already exist, with my art. Rather, I've just studied them and tried to reproduce a facsimile of a style or quality. I have frequently used my innovative powers in other media, such as RPGs(Role-Playing Games). The files I have written on RPG rules and stats, and ideas with which existing RPGs might be improved, are legion. I cannot say whether these ideas actually WOULD improve RPGs, because I have rarely had the resources to implement them.
However, I don't believe anyone is exclusively innovator or originator, just that they often express one more frequently then the other. In fact, I believe true originators are very rare, as most ideas, after a fashion, have already existed at some point in time.
For instance, take the first person who created a webcomic. Comics already existed. The web already existed. They just put the two together to make something interesting. Also, amalgamating different species, to make new creatures, stretches back centuries, millenia even. Think of the Sphinx, the Chimera, the Cockatrice.
My point being, people shouldn't get so worked up over whether or not ideas are original. If you're ideas aren't original, then just focus on trying to be more skillful or more erudite with your areas of interest. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, you may think of something truly unique, or find an originator with which to collaborate. While originators should receive credit, where credit is due, innovators should be recognized for their abilities, as well. Both originality and innovation are required for progress.
Rather Introverted
General | Posted 17 years agoI like talking to people, but only when I'm prepared to talk to people. It's hard for me to talk, when I don't have time to gather my thoughts. When I'm ambushed with a conversation, I feel under pressure. A lot of the time, I get the same feeling I get when I have to answer an essay question on a college exam, except I don't even have fifteen minutes to think it out. It's a bit easier around people I already know, because I know they likely won't begrudge me one bad reaction.
Sometimes, when people just come up and talk to me in real life, I get too fixated on trying to figure out what kind of response they expect from me. I'm usually afraid to give an honest response, because I know my views and ideals are often radically different from other people. I don't want to start a debate. I'm afraid I won't present my argument well enough, and I really don't see the point of starting a debate if I can't at least make the other person understand why I believe the things I do. I don't care if they still disagree with me when I'm done, but I would rather not have them think that I'm brain damaged or demented for thinking the way I do.
However, in situations like this, where I have lots of time to organize my thoughts, I often get carried away, and talk WAY too much.
Basically, if you want to talk to me, give me a comment, a shout, or a Personal Message, using the available tools on this website.
Sometimes, when people just come up and talk to me in real life, I get too fixated on trying to figure out what kind of response they expect from me. I'm usually afraid to give an honest response, because I know my views and ideals are often radically different from other people. I don't want to start a debate. I'm afraid I won't present my argument well enough, and I really don't see the point of starting a debate if I can't at least make the other person understand why I believe the things I do. I don't care if they still disagree with me when I'm done, but I would rather not have them think that I'm brain damaged or demented for thinking the way I do.
However, in situations like this, where I have lots of time to organize my thoughts, I often get carried away, and talk WAY too much.
Basically, if you want to talk to me, give me a comment, a shout, or a Personal Message, using the available tools on this website.
Pretty amazing!
General | Posted 17 years agoFrom pageviews alone, I have only a little less then 300 hits, but from individual pieces of art, collectively, I have almost 1300 views. Now, I know, considering all the artists who have gotten thousands and thousands of page views alone, it wouldn't mean much, but regardless, I think I've done pretty well, so far. I'll try to keep churning out more drawings and improving my technique. Eventually maybe I'll be as skilled as some of the folks I'm watching! ^__^
....maybe.... O__O
Anyway, thanks to everyone who appreciated my art enough to come back for more, you're awesome! I'll probably do something special when I get to around 600 page views, or 3000 art views, whichever comes first.
....maybe.... O__O
Anyway, thanks to everyone who appreciated my art enough to come back for more, you're awesome! I'll probably do something special when I get to around 600 page views, or 3000 art views, whichever comes first.
Protecting myself
General | Posted 17 years agoAbout this journal entry, and the comments thereof:
http://www.furaffinity.net/journals/evilartnazi/
When I put my art online, it is with full awareness that someone may steal it. I do it anyway, I because I think people deserve to be able to see what I have created, if they so choose. If some of them decide to download it to their own computers (or anyone else's for that matter) without my express permission, I understand it is within their power to do so. and won't scream "Protect me!" until I have something that I am trying to protect. I don't make a living off of my art, not yet, and so protecting it through a copyrighted collection doesn't seem like an appropriate investment. I may change my mind when I use the money from my art to live off of, or make as much money as some of you guys do.
Right now, visibility to my potential customer base, not the US legal system, is my best friend, and telling people not to post my artwork online freely would be detrimental to this. However, I can only stress for people to have the common courtesy to tell others where they got my artwork, and not do something asshatted like claim it as their own. I *do* have ways of proving ownership, but would rather not need to.
In other words, if you like my art, download it, post it, I won't stop you. Until I say explicitly, that I do not want to see my art anywhere but where I put it myself, or where my costumers choose to put what they legally have rights to, I trust that you only pay me the courtesy of linking to this gallery when you post it, and not trying to claim any ownership to it, unless you actually mixed work with it, and even then to only claim ownership to what part of the work is actually your own.
Basic run down:
1. You are free to download my work unless I state otherwise.
2. You are free to post my work, unless I state otherwise
3. If you post my work, please, explain where you downloaded it.
4. When you derive a work from mine, or change my work, make reasonable efforts to ensure that those who wish to know which parts are mine, will know which parts are mine
"Concept and Linework by Sir-Jorez, Color by me" or something along those lines, stating clearly what changes have been made, would likely be adequate.
5. Whenever it is reasonable to do so, link to my gallery wherever you decide to post my work.
6. I may change this policy in the future, but I will not enact a retroactive change. And will attempt to give as much warning as possible before doing so.
Free digital sketches: Reloaded!
General | Posted 17 years agoStill have some spots for free digital sketches. Refer to earlier journal entires, "Free Digital Sketches" and "Request information" for info on how to make requests.
Also, might be running a subbing contest for my comic pages, thus far. If you can think of something witty to have the characters say, please add it in comments to the image, or PM me with it. Winner for each image gets their text added to the comic, for teh lulz!
Also, might be running a subbing contest for my comic pages, thus far. If you can think of something witty to have the characters say, please add it in comments to the image, or PM me with it. Winner for each image gets their text added to the comic, for teh lulz!
Free digital sketches!
General | Posted 17 years agoI imagine my last journal got a little too bogged down in details, and maybe a few of you missed the point, or else you just didn't want to bother with trying to get gift art from me, which would be sad.
Basically, I'm open for requests, and I will produce digital sketches from these requests for free!
I'm doing this so I that I can get practice, not only drawing, but interpreting requests accurately. Now, if you need info on things I probably will not draw, please refer to my previous journal entry titled, "Request information"
Try to be as specific as possible about what you want to see drawn. Name the species, colors, markings, describe the expression, maybe even give an example about what style you want it to resemble. Whether you want it to be more realistic or cartoony. I need to know these things, or I'll most likely produce something that isn't quite what you had in mind.
Also, I can only take so many requests at one time. If you have a request, PM me, and I will get back to you, on further details. I will try to save your PM, so that I know who was first in cue, but I will being work on art that has been sufficiently described, first.
Keep in mind, I still have my own schedule to go about, and my daily routines, so I might not get to you right away. For the time being I'll accept no more then 5 requests at once, and the requests will be suspended past midnight tonight. If I have a free spot, I will open it again, later this week.
Basically, I'm open for requests, and I will produce digital sketches from these requests for free!
I'm doing this so I that I can get practice, not only drawing, but interpreting requests accurately. Now, if you need info on things I probably will not draw, please refer to my previous journal entry titled, "Request information"
Try to be as specific as possible about what you want to see drawn. Name the species, colors, markings, describe the expression, maybe even give an example about what style you want it to resemble. Whether you want it to be more realistic or cartoony. I need to know these things, or I'll most likely produce something that isn't quite what you had in mind.
Also, I can only take so many requests at one time. If you have a request, PM me, and I will get back to you, on further details. I will try to save your PM, so that I know who was first in cue, but I will being work on art that has been sufficiently described, first.
Keep in mind, I still have my own schedule to go about, and my daily routines, so I might not get to you right away. For the time being I'll accept no more then 5 requests at once, and the requests will be suspended past midnight tonight. If I have a free spot, I will open it again, later this week.
Request information.
General | Posted 17 years agoHere is some request information for those of you who have seen my art, and would like to request some.
I would prefer the occasional Clean drawing, but if you must request pr0n, these are some things to remember.
Here is a list of subjects that I probably will draw: Nude, Soft, Straight, Lesbian, Oral, Masturbation,
The following are fetishes that I will not draw as a matter of personal taste: Gay (male), Scat, Watersports, Vore, Preggo, Lactation, Mutilation and gore, asphyxiation, cub, and inflation,
Do not be surprised when your request is refused if your request has one or more of these subjects.
Others will likely be accepted or refused on a case to case basis. If I see a another subject that I feel very strongly about, I will try to place it in one of these lists. Simply be aware that these lists may be subject to occasional modification.
Also, keep in mind that this isn't a real job for me, it might take as much as a week for me to get back to you with a clear answer, and probably at least several days for me to complete the artwork. Requests may be refused based on time constraints, volume, and subject matter. Also, I have significantly less experience drawing male furs, so don't be surprised if I have some difficulty with making them look the way you want.
I would prefer the occasional Clean drawing, but if you must request pr0n, these are some things to remember.
Here is a list of subjects that I probably will draw: Nude, Soft, Straight, Lesbian, Oral, Masturbation,
The following are fetishes that I will not draw as a matter of personal taste: Gay (male), Scat, Watersports, Vore, Preggo, Lactation, Mutilation and gore, asphyxiation, cub, and inflation,
Do not be surprised when your request is refused if your request has one or more of these subjects.
Others will likely be accepted or refused on a case to case basis. If I see a another subject that I feel very strongly about, I will try to place it in one of these lists. Simply be aware that these lists may be subject to occasional modification.
Also, keep in mind that this isn't a real job for me, it might take as much as a week for me to get back to you with a clear answer, and probably at least several days for me to complete the artwork. Requests may be refused based on time constraints, volume, and subject matter. Also, I have significantly less experience drawing male furs, so don't be surprised if I have some difficulty with making them look the way you want.
