I've been a little occupied by life quite a bit lately. Working two jobs, a side of familial drama, and a helping of non-furry commissions as a dessert.

Anyhow, I'm planning some illustrations for the MFF conbook this year. Plenty of them are worked out and getting drawn, but there's one I'm just ITCHING to do. I want to take a big slab of this illustration board I've got stockpiled, and make a huge spread.

Whether it makes the conbook or not, I want to do it. And I need volunteers to get put in the picture. The finished thing is likely to get auctioned, likely charity auction style, but I'll see if I can get some prints or something for the people in it.



Drop a comment, a note, or any of the usual ways to reach me. And thanks for, y'know, hanging around and reading this drivel.

1. Don't be that guy. Really, don't be obnoxious in the chat. Be sarcastic or be a little mean, fine, I'll send some snark back, but there's a line.

2. Nothing too dirty. Look, Livestream is a public service with rules and junk like that. I'm playing by their rules and so should you. You want me to make something naughty-like but still wanna watch? I have Skype too.

3. I'll start doodling until someone asks for something. Drop some details or references or what have you, and I'll sketch up something for five bucks with the shiny colors I have. Markers, colored pencils, might bust out the watercolor pencils, whatever seems to fit. Probably markers though.

4. Don't forget to toss me your email address after asking for something. Send it as a note on FA, or grant.thegm[at]gmail.com works. I'll send a PayPal request for five bucks, then you get a scan of your shiny doodle. I'll ship the original if you'll pop for shipping (probably in one of those $5 flat rate envelopes).

5. You're under no obligation to donate or buy anything. Loitering is fine by me. Heck, shout-outs could wind up added to whatever doodles I'm working on.

Hope you enjoy!

http://www.livestream.com/sketchyrequestshow

Hi everyone! Got that mass upload done, and there's still more to go. Also more notes to get through. Hoping to hammer those out by Saturday.

And, holy shit. Hi there new watchers! Good to have you, hope I can entertain you all with more awesome to come.

So, now that I have internet and all the fancy gizmos plugged into this internet machine, I'm gonna get a Livestream going. Yep, good times, good times! While I'm still deciding on commission stuff, I think I'm going to do a little El Cheapo thing. One marker doodle, should take under an hour start to finish, five bucks. I did one the other day that I'll post when the stream starts as a sample. Plus, y'know, generate some interest. Can't be too dirty, I hear Livestream frowns upon that stuff.

And even before anyone wants something, I'll just sketch up other stuff for fun, so everyone can still join in. Just trying to figure out if this is a workable idea. So, yeah, roughly 2 PM central time, Sunday the 15th, BYOB.

Past few months have been interesting. New job, new living arrangements, new... new lots of stuff. This past week has been a lot of chaos attempting to tear it all apart. I won't get into the boring details right now.

What is important, is that I've got steady, stable internet access that I'm going to use. Gonna be uploading some stuff here and there from the past few months and such, and getting back to a bunch of notes I'm overdue on replying to.

Hey, if you want my Skype or Xbox Gamertag, just ask. Because both work fine as well.

Just got back from MFF, and it was one badass weekend. I haven't done the convention thing in a while, or the drawing thing, or the thing where I get more than a day off each week. All in all, though, I'm feeling damn awesome!

So wait, where the hell have you been, anyways?
Living in a remote location, and spending all of my time working. Seriously. 65 hour weeks, two hours of commute each way? Worst part is that I'm hardly on top of bills and crap. But there's a light at the end of that tunnel.

I'm planning on moving at the end of this year. Even if I lack a permanent habitat, I shall have a temporary one. With internet. On top of that, I'll be much closer to work, have more opportunities for other workplaces, and the ability to resume my social life. Badass, huh?

Does that mean you're drawing again?
You bet your sweet ass I am. I've got to get to my scanner and clean up the bed, but I'll be putting up some new sauce soon. Also, I've got to hammer through that obligation list up there at the top of my page, that's my first project.

Are you going to other conventions then?
Not sure yet. MFF next year, sure I'm planning to go. Besides that, I'm looking into the logistics of making FCN happen. Look, other cons are tempting, but I heard something about beer, and enormous quantities therein.

Maybe MFM too, if I can find some groovy doods to share the drive and room with.

What was that thing in your mouth all weekend?
It was my oh-so-tasty personal vaporizer, also known as an e-cigarette. I quit smoking for a while, and save for a really tempting stogie I have no intention to go back. The vaporizer is a nice substitute without all the chemical bullshit, plus I can get the sauce for it nicotine-free.

Also, it comes in clove flavor. Oh, how I have missed that clove flavor.

Back to MFF, though, what else was going on?
Iron Artist was fun, even if the participation was... it left something to be desired. I would have liked more participants or audience, but otherwise it was enjoyable to dive right back in. It wasn't as chaotic as in the past, but that's not so bad either.

Oh, and the grand prize was a free membership next year to MFF. Yeah, how about that? Put up with me and R.C. for an hour and get a shot at free stuff. I'll have to advertise for next year or MFM, as the case may be.

Want to see some of the stuff I drew? http://tinyurl.com/gmbucket has the snapshots my phone was able to send off, despite all of its errors, "corrupt" files that were fine later, and other such crap.

That is all for now, I suppose. Rock on!

As it turns out, when things go wrong or things are boring, the correct answer is to clean your home.

I can't believe I just said that.

So after much ado, a lot of grease, and a lot more money than I'd like, my car is finally running again. It's not perfect, but at the very least it's getting me to work. I'd love to make up for a couple days without the proper eating/sleeping sauce, but alas. Life is still a bit chaotic, but I sincerely hope things finally calm down.

I spent a day cleaning house, dumping boxes, and ridding myself of that awful couch. Now, I have a spare bed that makes for a more comfortable seat than the couch ever did. Also, I cleared off a desk! That's right, I finally have a desk to work at. I don't have to go to a fast food place just to get a steady drawing surface. Woo-hoo!

After reviewing my finances, though, I'm going to be falling behind on bills. Yeah, spending most everything I have fixing my car is the main reason, but work doesn't quite pay the bills as it is. I've got a lot of work to do this week to clear out my queue, and I know I won't be able to re-stock art supplies anytime soon.

I'm considering opening up commissions once my queue is done for this very reason. I'm not in it to make much, but I'd rather keep the heat on and food in the table (literally). Still, I know things are rough for everyone, right? I'm considering a different sort of pricing scheme, and I wonder what you all think.

Sketch: Free
Detailed Pencils: $5
Normal Inks: $5
Full Colors: $10
Livestream on-a-whim sorta work: Free
Livestream your commission: +$5

Extra complexity/Multiple Characters: +$5
11x14 instead of 9x12: +$5

Shipping if you want the original: Usually +$5

Cheap? Yeah. I'm not confident enough to dare charging more. You can still get all the goodies I've made in the past for nothing, sketches and such. The money is pretty much to keep me fed and ensure I don't run out of supplies. All prices are negotiable, but likewise I won't say no to tips. Sound like a reasonable scheme? I have a little time yet to think it over before things get truly bad.

Car trouble, oh joy. I lost power suddenly on my way home from work, and lurched it to the nearest friend's place. Tonight I was hoping to schlep the rest of my hardware to the basement studio, but alas.

Got some more uploads and such, and hopefully things will work out soon. I looked forward to getting more work done and giving that livestream a swing, but for now I am grounded.

Curses.

Alright, it's no secret. I love beer. I really do. I also love cigars, and in much the same way, but I'm not going there today.

So I was poking through my journals of the day, and I came across this: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2415587/

You know what that is? THAT IS SOME BULLSHIT. Whatever your political affiliation, that is some bullshit. I'm formulating an angry rant about this as we speak, as well as doing some homework to get my facts right. Stay tuned. And if you live in Wisconsin, go tip some shit over and make with the angry faces.

Life just keeps interfering with me. Someone at work got fired, so everyone winds up with extra shifts this week - and likely next. All of my potential Livestream time just evaporated until things calm down. Ugh.

If I get the chance for an impromptu session, I'll drop alerts and such, but otherwise I'll just announce it here.

As for May, finishing out, I feel rather productive looking over my accomplishment list. I aim to beat it next month, and add some painting goodness while the weather is warm. If the weather is agreeable, the vinyl cutter gets put into the new "studio" Wednesday. Whoo for larger workspace!

Also, for any of you I chatter with on messengers, I'm having trouble keeping names on my buddy list. Is this some sort of petty vengeance for using third-party software that otherwise works far better?

So I've gotten enough interest in Livestream to make it happen. I built a camera-rig, and started making arrangements to make it happen. I'm aiming for Wednesday or Friday,sometime around 6-8 PM CST, depending on the venue. I'll let you all know when it's solid.

I have three wrestling-themed pictured knocked off my queue, almost emptied that to-do list. Woo! They were all a bitch, and required a lot of drafts to look right, but I'm glad. I need to make more violence happen. Already plotting a picture involving lots of fire for funsies and more neon. One pic I failed hard at coloring I'll take a second swing at.

Oh, and hit that F5. YES, TUNE INTO THE LIVESTREEEEEAM!

So, it was mentioned to me just the other day that someone would like to watch me draw. Groovy, I'm happy to. The trouble is my sporadic internet access, of course. I'd have to schedule in advance and all that jazz. So, before going through the trouble, I'd like to get an idea how many people would be interested.

If, say, four of you want me to do this, I'm down. If less, perhaps I'll record some drawing and throw it on youtubbe instead. Either way, since it's all traditional, it'll be a camera mounted above my clipboard.

If you're down, what do you want to watch? Pencils, colors, something start-to-finish? Doodles on demand for those watching? Discuss.

One of my other tires is leaking now, just after I replaced the two. And that pain-to-find rim. Gah.

Life continues to be frustrating. Work has me driving all over the place, including one store 80 miles from home. I don't get paid enough for this. Most of my check goes to gas alone. Argh. Things are getting to me, and I know this because I can't hold a marker steady. I've ruined a few sheets of paper now with big streaks of color I never intended... or more often, a big scribble of black. I thought french curves might be good, but alas.

I'll get another round of uploads when I hit the library next. I loiter everywhere these days just trying to draw. Maybe I'm not eating enough or something. Either way, I'm going through my to-do list and seeing from there. No way I'm in any condition for commissions. But I'm going to keep trying them requests until I get them right, dammit!

But my fortune cookie yesterday said "Your luck changes completely today".

I don't know. I'm out of things to say for now. Rock on for now!

Tire and rim blowout madness. Possible fried laptop just after gaining access to local WiFi. Even the Xbox disc dray isn't opening. Other life drama I won't get into.

Oh, and pain. Where have you been? Can't blame me for not looking too hard. Ow.

Don't worry, more drawings are coming.

First off, I'd like to thank everyone who took part in thosse badass charity auctions put on, and I'm glad I got to take part. Check out the person who made this shit happen!
 jakejynx
And the big winner, for the mega-awesome donation. Mega-kudos!
 paskhowl

Also, I want to ask anyone who has a moment and a Deviantart account, keep an eye on my present partner-in-crime here. He got me drawing again, and I in turn did the same. Give him a watch or a comment, even just a shout for me, please?
http://li-quei.deviantart.com

On the list of those who just don't get enough love (or at least high-fives):
for being expressive and fun
for musical awesome anda name that sounds like a Diablo 2 runeword
because... well, take a damn look!

Whoever came up with pimping for a shot at free art or some prize, you're a damn marketing genius. But I don't play that way. Rock on for now, art updates coming soon.

Alright, check it out. Theere's a series of big-ass auctions going down for tsunami relief right now tthat you need to get in on. DO IT.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2221757/

Want to just make me look good? Well, I appeciate that, but the auction I'm in is already the biggest (as of this writing). Still, go on, kick those bids into high gear. You want the original of tat maid I drew, don't you? Don't you?

http://www.thedealersden.com/auctio.....tion_id=103843

So go! Score the biggest, baddest value in swag ever, and make everyone envious of your karma score all at once.

First order of business, Go White Sox! Way to show those north-side asshats how it's done. Now, on to what I really wanted to talk about.

Why are you just taking requests and trades? - I want to make things. I want some practice. I want to have something to do that's not work, sleep, or eat. It's that simple.

But arent you broke? - Why yes, yes I am. I could use money (couldn't we all?) but there's a problem. I don't want to take money when I'm not 100% sure I can deliver, and quickly enough. Things go wrong here a lot. I would rather not owe more people right now, and would prefer things to be more casual. Plus, this will help my skills and time management a bit, not to mention my mood.

Aren't you selling yourself short? - To those who think this devalues my work, you're almost right. Ideally I want to sell t-shirts, stickers, and other oddities more than just drawings on paper. Cool shit at reasonable prices always does fine. I have some skateboards and drawing boards I'm working on when the weather is nice. So technically, it doesn't matter. If I do charge for drawings again, it'll still be damn cheap.

So that means you're going to (insert convention), right? - No. No plans as of now. I have some shit to work out first.

I might send something to an auction. If you know of a super badass charity that will benifit from a charity auction somewhere, let me know. Preach it, and I'll donate.

So how do I make a request? - Send me a note. Press that 'send note' tab above. Please don't just reply to a journal or make a shout. That's annoying.

What if I want the original? Or if I want to post it elsewhere online? Or if I want to use your design for (insert thing)? - Also send me a note. I'm pretty wide open about this. Just let me know what's up. We'll hack out details. I'll hook you up with high-res and non-watermarked stuff, or a written permission as necessary. Just please, don't be that guy. Don't.

Alright. While I still have the chance, I want to explain what's going on. I'm currently taking requests and trades only. I'm doing this to keep busy and help keep myself on a more even keel.

Currently working on stuff for:

and possibly...



I'm open for one more at the moment. I'll try to keep this journal up to date.

I have very finite time frames to upload goodness, so if you're looking for frequent updates, you'll find camera phone goodness at http://tinyurl.com/gmbucket with the latest.

So another birthday came and went. Time passes, and things continue to change.

Moved again, though it's hard to say I've settled in.

I'm alive, but to say I'm okay would be a lie. I don't want to go into details.

Really, I'm here for one reason. I want to say thanks. Things are complicated, things are wacky, I come and vanish again, even forget about you all and yet I still hear from many of you from time to time. It's rather nice.

I'll save the rest of my news for later, and will strive to catch up with you all soon.

I need to sleep. So I'll upload pictures... later.

A recap of this week's adventures, in reverse chronological order:
- Bought the parts for a jury rig easel
- Discussed at length and high volume why I stopped banking at my former bank at a branch office
- Discussed at length and high volume my problem with getting charged for fees on a credit card I never applied for (nor were there any charges on in the two years it was open)
- Got to buy car-fixing parts after a steak knife wielding shoplifter got caught for being the most conspicuous shoplifter ever in the history of man
- Bought some paint
- Reviewed the details of my laptop warranty, wondering if "voodoo curse" appears anywhere on there as the sort of thing not covered
- Managed to forget the passwords to everything I have ever done with computers for about 24 hours, or so I thought. I'm looking at you, NumLock.
- Managed to finish some fancy digital work I'd been working on with quite a bit of spare time and not upload it instantly

Never a dull moment.