tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post6724085146691126380..comments2024-02-09T02:19:23.915-08:00Comments on WhiteDiamonds~: A Brief InterludeWhiteDiamondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-29649698994261137842012-01-17T18:36:24.752-08:002012-01-17T18:36:24.752-08:00@Anon
Isn't it written all in caps?? *looks a...@<a href="#c5444502538522985855" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br /><i>Isn't</i> it written all in caps?? *looks at program icon on desktop* Yes, I'm pretty sure it is... at least <i>mine</i> is!<br /><br />Anyway though, thank you for reporting and letting me know that the two different programs' tools are, indeed, similar as I had always figured (maybe that's why I'd never really bothered with trying it in SAI). As far as which looks better, I don't know that you should have to post multiple examples and let all of us be the judge of what <i>you</i> should do... it should be all about what you yourself prefer since it will be your artwork. If you are indeed going to become an artist, as I think is the case seeing as you are already halfway there (you have the ambition and desire), you need to learn to embrace a more free-spirited attitude and do whatever it is that makes you happy in your work. ^_~ Or at least, that is the advice that I would offer you!<br /><br />@<a href="#c1329448244022231397" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />Well, this is probably rather mean of me to say but I am not going to lie; Blogger's design has never been one of its most appealing qualities in my opinion. Honestly, sometimes I'm not even sure why I decided to set up shop here with my artwork as opposed to some other site, but I suppose it was largely out of convenience since I'd already made an account for the purpose of posting on EqD. And, as I've said at this point, I really do not feel the desire to create any additional accounts on other sites to showcase my pony-art because I have my hands full keeping up with this blog as it is... ah well.<br /><br />@<a href="#c5267077462107874645" rel="nofollow">jodyjm13</a><br /><br />Thank you for the tips; I admit, I'd forgotten to look any of these up after we discussed it previously, but I'll try and make an effort to do so at some point in the relatively near future (you know me and my often scattered mind..). And yes, I suppose I do frequently find myself feeling a certain fondness for many dialects, you're right~ =^.^=<br /><br />In regards to my would-be gryphon series, I must thank you sincerely for your compliments as well as your interest... I will indeed let you know if I ever return to the project. I <i>have</i> always had a certain fondness for gryphons in general, and most mythical creatures I suppose (I know I've mentioned unicorns on the other post recently)... it's too bad that hummingbird-gryphon you mentioned has seemingly gone missing, because that sounds immensely interesting and I'm sure I would have loved to have seen it!WhiteDiamondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-52670774621078746452012-01-12T22:42:16.304-08:002012-01-12T22:42:16.304-08:00And this page is using the new Blogger comment sys...And this page is using the new Blogger comment system; odd...<br /><br />@<a href="http://ravishingdiamonds.blogspot.com/2011/12/brief-interlude.html#c814813101787184797" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br />It shouldn't be too hard to find samples of the comics I listed online, although for Thimble Theater starring Popeye you'll probably also want to include "Segar" as one of the search terms; Elzie Segar sadly died fairly early, and none of his successors were able to capture the loopy charm he brought to the strip. In terms of art, Krazy Kat is, I think, every bit the equal of Little Nemo, although it's borderline abstract as opposed to Little Nemo's art deco style. As you've mentioned a fondness for dialects before, you may also enjoy the unique patois George Herriman employed for his characters.<br /><br />If you return to the feline/bird-of-prey combinations, please let us know; I've been interested in that concept since seeing a drawing of a hummingbird gryphon about 15 years ago (a drawing that, sadly, no longer seems to be online), and your bobcat-owl gryphon is the best example of that type of hybrid I've seen yet.<br /><br />@<a href="http://ravishingdiamonds.blogspot.com/2011/12/brief-interlude.html#c5444502538522985855" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Weird Al's wit is a perfect fit for Twitter. I love it when he satirizes some aspect of pop culture, as in the tweet you quoted or in songs like "Waffle King" or "Don't Download This Song", but as with all comedians some of his material falls short. Still, I own nearly all of his albums, as his hits greatly outnumber his misses.jodyjm13https://www.blogger.com/profile/08299320190887654054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-13294482440222313972012-01-12T22:30:03.022-08:002012-01-12T22:30:03.022-08:00Well, it finally happened. No blog is safe from Bl...Well, it finally happened. No blog is safe from Blogger's comment reformation. It would've been okay-looking if Blogger had taken the time to think about its design...maybe they should pay deviantART a visit.CaineScrollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09256204657160164319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-54445025385229858552012-01-09T18:01:54.980-08:002012-01-09T18:01:54.980-08:00@WhiteDiamonds
After watching videos of it, Photo...@<a href="#c2185414449332578800" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br />After watching videos of it, Photoshop's Pen tool is like SAI's (Because spelling it in all caps apparently is in these days) Line tool. SAI's Pen tool is just what it sounds like; it looks like a pencil. Right now, I'm using a combination of Marker and Line. It isn't easy trying to draw long, straight lines, so that is what I use the Line tool for. The curved and organic parts have the thicker, more cartoon-like look. I could probably trace over either of them with either tool if I wanted to make an entire object or picture in the same style, and I think that when (As crazy as it feels to say it, I don't think I need to say "if" anymore) I show my first attempt, I might make a couple of different versions so that everyone can decide which looks the best.<br /><br />@<a href="#c7680236863184574009" rel="nofollow">jodyjm13</a><br /><br />Funny (or, rather, weird) you should mention Al, as I only just recently revisited <a href="http://twitter.com/alyankovic" rel="nofollow">his twitter page</a>. It's better than it sounds. He frequently posts up jokes, as well as things like this: "<i>Thanks, HuffPo, for always filling me in on who’s being ATTACKED, SLAMMED, RIPPED, BASHED or BLASTED by whom. #TheMoreYouKnow</i>" I never liked how news stations would do that, and I can relate to so many of these thoughts that he is practically his own "omgidothistoo". Oh, and his music used to be the only thing that I would listen to before I turned 13 and more options were presented to me. Having just released his first album in "nearly five years", I'm glad he is still active in the industry.<br /><br />I can understand that you might not have the adequate time to really try it out, as I am currently dealing with the same problem, but once you do take your first steps in then we will do our best to help. It would be nice to have a third supporting artist in this group. Maybe we can all compare techniques some time. It is already making for quite an intriguing and helpful topic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-8148131017871847972012-01-09T00:18:26.236-08:002012-01-09T00:18:26.236-08:00@jodyjm13
Do you know, I'm ashamed to say tha...@<a href="#c7680236863184574009" rel="nofollow">jodyjm13</a><br /><br />Do you know, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't heard of most of those (in fact, now that I think about it I'm trying to remember how and why I ever got around to reading any <i>Little Nemo</i>, though I certainly did), though I suppose at some point in the future I shall have to make an effort to do so now that you've mentioned them. Especially if you say they sport some lovely art.<br /><br />And speaking of artwork, I'm so glad you seemingly enjoyed that sampling of mine, thank you so much! =^^= I'm sorry that more of them aren't finished but of course, I've had a difficult time getting around to them recently. In regards to the gryphon-creature you are essentially correct; I actually intended it to be a bobcat-owl gryphon originally though lynx works just as well for most practical purposes. There was actually intended to be a whole series of them crossing a bunch of different feline/bird-of-prey species but the whole project never really took off... I'd still like to revisit the idea someday though, and just for fun if nothing else.<br /><br />And lastly, yes, I guess this really is shaping up to be a year of change for everyone and not just myself, which is certainly exciting if not a bit daunting at times to think about. I appreciate the well-wishes in any case, and I promise you that I will continue to do my best to moderate my stress as I have been advised (actually, now that we're on this topic I <i>had</i> been experiencing palpitations again this past week, though in this case at least it seems to have been the result of mineral deficiencies and seems to have cleared up). You know I wish you the best as well; you'll have to keep me updated on how things have been going for you!WhiteDiamondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-76802368631845740092012-01-05T23:53:47.386-08:002012-01-05T23:53:47.386-08:00@CaineScroll
I do enjoy classical music, though I...@<a href="#c1625010907855174295" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />I do enjoy classical music, though I really couldn't call myself a connoisseur; I don't know a sonata from an etude, or an <i>allegro</i> from an <i>adagio</i>. Oddly, that had little influence on my choice of subject for my first commission from Di; I just love Octavia's design (those eyes!), and since I wanted something different from the all-too-common drawings of her playing a cello, a scene of her composing seemed a natural alternative.<br /><br />@<a href="#c5605139511349674786" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Oh, I have some interests in common with the "disgraceful drunken riffraff" as well. ;) I've got CDs of Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and country-rock superstars Alabama; DVDs of "Night Court" and "Weird" Al Yankovic; and books of <i>Garfield</i> comic strips and Dave Berry columns. It's just a lot more fun to talk about Sherlock and Gershwin.<br /><br />@<a href="#c5655729229555212440" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br /><i>Little Nemo in Slumberland</i> actually enjoyed its heyday from 1905 to 1914, though it was revived for a few years in the mid-'20s; but yes, that's one of the primary strips I was thinking of, along with <i>Krazy Kat</i>, <i>Thimble Theater Starring Popeye</i>, <i>Polly and her Pals</i>, and <i>Bringing Up Father</i>, among others. So many strips of that time (most especially <i>Little Nemo</i> and <i>Krazy Kat</i>) have astonishingly beautiful art, and even the lesser strips of that era tend to be more fun and interesting than almost anything in the paper today.<br /><br />@<a href="#c6133000086118876406" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a> part deux<br /><br />Oh, that's a fun selection of art, from rough sketches to finished pieces. I love the pic with Toothless and Astrid, and the Rarity sketch is hilarious. The original gryphon-like critter (owl/lynx cross?) is also delightful; I wish experiments like this were more common.<br /><br />@<a href="#c7525803538275095025" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />I think both your drawings of Snape are quite good, capturing his personality very well; the hair particularly looks just as I would have imagined from the book. I think I can see why you prefer the second, full-body drawing, as there's a bit more of a defined facial expression, and the body language likewise adds to the drawing.<br /><br />@<a href="#c601588141080017729" rel="nofollow">Favo</a><br /><br />You're just now noticing?<br /><br />And now that I've worked my way up to the comments posted this year, I find myself needing to respond more generally, and not to specific comments...<br /><br />All the talk about drawing techniques and tips is very interesting, and I hope I'll have occasion to put it into practice; now that I've got the post-holidays chores behind me, I should have more time to practice drawing. Not that I expect to have anything worth sharing anytime soon, but I've got to take that first step if I expect to travel a thousand miles.<br /><br />Apparently quite a few of use are looking at some upcoming major life changes, whether it's college or the possibility of a new job. I'm certainly not at the point where I have to worry about starving or going homeless, but it's definitely time for me to get a better job as well. I hope and pray everyone here finds whatever path brings you the most happiness. In particular, Di, since you've just been told to try to reduce the stress in your life, I wish the best for you, and am glad to hear you may be getting some desired extra shifts at your current job.<br /><br />@<a href="#c462959884540293744" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Glad to hear you have your tablet now, bringing with it the chance at more frequent and more productive drawing sessions.jodyjm13https://www.blogger.com/profile/08299320190887654054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-21854144493325788002012-01-05T16:28:20.395-08:002012-01-05T16:28:20.395-08:00@CaineScroll
Well... I admit when you put it that...@<a href="#c7733379262568225825" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />Well... I admit when you put it that way, it does sound so. And I certainly hope you were joking about that second part--that sounds <i>far</i> too dangerous!<br /><br />You know I will always wish you luck, my dear. I always have.<br /><br />And in regards to your second post, thank you very much for all of the encouraging thoughts and words. I know you all say that I am a source of good support to you, but really, you all give it back in turn and it is very much appreciated. I have faith that things will work out alright in the end, and I've certainly never let a little hard work intimidate me! Someday, and sooner rather than later I believe I will be exactly where I long to be in my life... it is all good. ^.^<br /><br />@<a href="#c4506603649417531254" rel="nofollow">Favo</a><br /><br />You are a sweetness as always my dear, and I very much appreciate the kind sentiments. As I said, though, hopefully it won't have to come to that... even now, if I'm lucky it looks as though I might be able to pick up a few more shifts over the next two weeks. Ask and ye shall receive I guess, and funnily enough I haven't even spoken to the boss about it yet; things just sort of fell into place on their own (perhaps my mother would also consider this to be "creative visualization". In fact, I know she would).<br /><br />@<a href="#c8929888423078112060" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Well, in all honesty I wouldn't say I'd consider it a matter of "survival" as much as I would, mmm, 'comfortable survival'. I do make enough now to pay my bills but not much else, and without getting into too much detail (as you're correct; I imagine this really is no place for me to be elaborating on my personal financial situation) I could stand to be making a little bit more. I really hope to ascend from this place of relative mediocrity that I find myself in in the near future, I suppose is the best way to say it, and more money seems to be a necessity for accomplishing that goal. We'll see though; I do appreciate the kind sentiments in any case.<br /><br />As far as the pen tool, I have used one before in Photoshop when creating more "polished" works, though I'm not sure if it differs at all from SAI's version as I've never used that one before. Which probably makes this next bit of advice sound perfectly hypocritical but I shall say it anyway: I honestly recommend that you try and familiar yourself with more of SAI's tools and options if you have not already done so... you might even find some of them to be more to your liking than the marker tool.<br /><br />And well, I appreciate that dear, thank you. I'd like to think any half-decent person would be willing to offer support and advice to those who ask or wish for it, but regardless I am happy if I have been able to make any positive difference in your life.WhiteDiamondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-13337289233676898452012-01-04T02:13:43.719-08:002012-01-04T02:13:43.719-08:00@WhiteDiamonds
And yes, I understand that having ...@<a href="#c5403638712953865128" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br />And yes, I understand that having more than one job can be extremely pressuring upon oneself. Hopefully your intent of getting a few more hours at the studio will materialize, so you won't have to scan the newspaper ads every single day or something. But if things don't exactly turn out as planned, know that we're all here rooting for you in spirit. On my own blog, I constantly speak (type) of you in a higher light, as many of the others might've known by now. Don't mistake it as flattery---it's anything <i>but</i>. While you may not be the best pony artist out there, you're probably the kindest. Looking at Anon's comment above, I think that Rarity avatar of yours just doesn't do you justice~!<br /><br />Nobody likes to be smack-dad in the middle of an economic crisis. I'm sure we all have been through something like that, be it for university, or a permanent residence, or lack of sustainable income. But it's not really the end of the world (Smooth move, Scrolls. Talking about <i>that</i> this year), right? maybe you'll find a better-paying job which you can actually enjoy. The important thing is---think positive! ^.^<br /><br />I'm not really used to the dramatic lingo, so I'll leave that to Nicholas Sparks. But I do hope for the tides to change for the better on your end, especially now that we're on the tip of another year. I know everyone here has the same thoughts of goodwill for you, Di, and in my opinion, those thoughts beat Nicholas Sparks any day. =DCaineScrollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09256204657160164319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-89298884230781120602012-01-03T21:47:34.178-08:002012-01-03T21:47:34.178-08:00@WhiteDiamonds
Wow, I was sort of only half consi...@<a href="#c5403638712953865128" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br />Wow, I was sort of only half considering the possibility that you were doing it only to survive. I would ask why such a sudden change in lifestyle could be necessary, but I know that finances among adults are a sensitive topic. You are overworked as it is, and I have trouble imagining you doing anything more. I mean, we aren't doing so well ourselves, as I have selfishly implied (we have been living off our savings for the past year), but somehow I care more when it happens to you.<br /><br />Ah, I have never tried the Marker tool before. This is why e-mailing you is beneficial. If it interests you at all, try switching to the Pen tool some time to see what I have been working with. Yes, it's pretty basic. I'm glad I know which tool to use now that I'm just starting the organic parts. It really does look more like your doodles. It has more of the cartoon-like feel as well, which my current progress as of yet is sorely lacking. The thematic contrast is going to drop like a hammer. All as according to plan.<br /><br />And this is one of the things that we like about you; your generous support. Everything that I make will be thanks to you. It really does mean that to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-45066036494175312542012-01-03T21:24:35.726-08:002012-01-03T21:24:35.726-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Favohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13659911296132032331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-77333792625682258252012-01-03T21:23:33.627-08:002012-01-03T21:23:33.627-08:00@Anon
Somehow, scholarships completely missed my ...@<a href="#c5733579787132811541" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Somehow, scholarships completely missed my mind, but now that I think about it, they do present a valid option for your education. I reckon it has to do with the fact that most people my age are being sent to military service for three months, and I'm rather thankful I wasn't picked. Otherwise, the next time you mates hear from me would be months later.<br /><br />As of now I'm technically still wasting away at home until April when I finally set out for college. Most people who <i>haven't</i> been selected for national service have jobs by now, but I'm still unemployed because I just can't find a job that suits me for the time being. On the plus side, I have more time for doing art at home. Whee~<br /><br />As for the art...basically I follow Di's rule of thumb regarding three layers, but occasionally I slip in an extra layer or two to avoid some messiness (eg: unwanted blending). I use Multiply for my linework layer as aforementioned, though I use the "simple circle" tip for the actual linework. The rest is by the book: much of what you've seen on my end are merely practice pieces. If only I applied just as much effort for my piano classes~=S<br /><br />@<a href="#c5403638712953865128" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br />If you can get interviewed for a pony magazine, your life is definitely more interesting than mine. My life is nothing but the mundane, not unless you count jumping off a four-storey platform attached to a bungee cord.<br /><br />As for pony art, I'm having fun, in a sense---I'm now challenging myself to make at least three pictures in a future Drawfriend. Wish me luck!CaineScrollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09256204657160164319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-54036387129538651282012-01-03T20:50:49.977-08:002012-01-03T20:50:49.977-08:00@Anon
Heehee, well, if it's any comfort to yo...@<a href="#c5733579787132811541" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Heehee, well, if it's any comfort to you I didn't even notice. I guess it's not always a bad thing that I'm frequently multitasking when replying to my comments here!WhiteDiamondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-57335797871328115412012-01-03T20:47:22.768-08:002012-01-03T20:47:22.768-08:00Edit: That awkward moment when you realize that th...<i>Edit: That awkward moment when you realize that the word you used did not mean what you thought it meant, and was actually somewhat inappropriate.</i><br /><br />@<a href="#c7389287629418684523" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br />In retrospect, there isn't something specific that I'm looking to find out, I was just thinking about how you have an interesting life so I was wondering about the kind of things that you like and how your time is spent, but that sounds intrusive (not to mention suspicious), so you don't have to tell us everything if you don't want to. It would have been good both for us and those who are unaware of your blog if that interview had been published somewhere, though maybe someone will give you a community spotlight? After all, you actually involve yourself in the community, which is more than can be said about most of the fan content providers I have seen.<br /><br />I hope I don't sound like I'm pitying myself or asking for social advice, I know that I have a much easier situation than a lot of people do. Is your second job the freelance business, or are you taking a third job on top of that just to support yourself? If that's the case, then I feel sorry for you. Two jobs and a business sounds like the most that a single person can do.<br /><br />Oh, you do use a linework layer? I thought those were mostly for the "point A to point B" lines of the Line tool, which it doesn't look like you use. I have always been using the Pen tool on a regular layer for sketching, and switching to the Line tool on a Linework layer to clean it up. But those lines look digital, and not like the soft, paint-like strokes that I see in your lines.<br /><br />And thank you, this tablet should make it much easier to make progress. Now it doesn't have to be such a secret, I don't have to keep asking to borrow my sister's (which remains on her desk, untouched) during the daytime, and I don't have to deal with a small laptop that can barely support it for a few hours at midnight. And yet, it still feels like a privilege.<br /><br />Speaking of which, it's funny; I have been doing the big and detailed parts using straight lines with ease, but now that I have to draw simple, round ponies, I suddenly realize that I have no drawing experience. One thing that I have yet to get over is how big the eyes are; I'm trying to consider the fact that they take up most of the face. Also, I think the circle for the head that I made was a bit too perfect, and not oval enough, which of course makes it impossible to compare to your head-to-eye proportions. At least once I get passed this, I won't have much more of such important challenges. I would say that it's still going fairly well. I have the time now to work through it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-24850778113526094132012-01-03T20:46:55.460-08:002012-01-03T20:46:55.460-08:00@Anon
Well I don't know how terribly interest...@<a href="#c2786283037449459473" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Well I don't know how terribly interesting my life is, but I appreciate your saying so. Most of the time (or well, probably around half of the time) I am at work at the ceramics studio, and if I am not there then generally I'm at home working on one of my various projects/side jobs. Usually when it's the latter, I'll have my laptop with me and that's generally when I'm replying to people here or taking care of whatever other internet business I have, while listening to music or sometimes watching TV if there's anything on that I like. When and if I get any free time for something else I like watching movies, reading, cooking/baking, going shopping (or at least going <i>window shopping</i>; I can spend hours doing that), hanging out with friends if it can be managed and of course, drawing pony-art. All in all, pretty normal things I guess.<br /><br />And yes, when I said that I meant that I might have to start looking for a second job soon to supplement my income, or at least if I'm not able to start getting more hours at the studio. Hopefully it won't come to that as that would, of course, leave me less time for my other work, but sometimes we all must bite the bullet. Hopefully, if that is the case it would only be a short-time situation.<br /><br />In answer to your question yes, I do use a layer for my linework, though I don't use a line or pen tool as you were talking about. I almost exclusively use the marker tool for my pony-doodles, set to "bristle" for the linework and "spread" for all the color. I also set the linework layer to "shade" (though, after talking with CaineScroll about this via email it seems as though his version of SAI doesn't give him that option, so he's been using "multiply" which is similar). I keep everything pretty simple with all the doodles since I do them purely for fun as a way to entertain myself, and as I've said before the majority of them are done in around an hour... definitely less than two anyway. It's all about having fun when it comes to my fanart.<br /><br />On that note, the biggest piece of advice I think I can offer you when it comes to drawing ponies, or really anything for that matter, is just to have fun and try not to worry too much about overthinking anything. The more you practice and work at it, the more like second nature it will become. Just keep at it!WhiteDiamondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-73892876294186845232012-01-03T17:43:10.010-08:002012-01-03T17:43:10.010-08:00@Anon
You know, it's really a shame that that...@<a href="#c5824332087881840876" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />You know, it's really a shame that that interview I did for that pony magazine has (seemingly, anyway) not gotten around to being published yet, as it likely would have answered quite a few of your questions. But I digress. What exactly would you like to know?<br /><br />And I see... I guess it's easy enough for my to offer my input into your situation, without actually knowing the full story and despite the fact that I really can't relate much myself. Not that my parents own a business which I could potentially inherit anyway, but even if I did I can't imagine my mother would ever try to force the issue too much... my father, on the other hand, has often been a practical person to the point of weariness and believes that financial security should trump everything else when it comes to the subject of a career. He <i>has</i> always supported me in my creative endeavors though, at least, mostly because he knows how happy it makes me, and I'm certainly very grateful for that. But I know he wishes I was able to enjoy a little bit more of a stable income at the same time. You were very correct when you said art is not always an easy career for many people to get into/be successful at, hence the fact that I am stuck at my day job, and am now needing to consider a second while I try my best to get my personal works out there and my business off the ground. It's hardly ever easy, but for me at least I like to think it's worth it.<br /><br />Oh, and in answer to your question I believe the grammatically correct phrasing is 'you would gladly commission me'. ^_~<br /><br />And congrats on receiving your very own tablet at last! Hopefully your life and artistic pursuits will now be made exponentially easier and more enjoyable for you. And in response to your question about my methods, the majority of my pieces (certainly all the doodles) are done on three simple layers only: the first (top) for the linework, the second (middle) for the coloring and the third (bottom) for the background. That's it!<br /><br />@<a href="#c1076841981915291673" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />I'm not sure if the situation in Malaysia is remotely similar to the one in the US, but another good option for Anon would likely be grants and scholarships (as opposed to a loan), especially seeing as how he's told us that he's always received very good grades in school. It's definitely something worth researching, at least.WhiteDiamondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-4629598845402937442012-01-03T11:16:55.677-08:002012-01-03T11:16:55.677-08:00@CaineScroll
I have thought about that before; I ...@<a href="#c1076841981915291673" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />I have thought about that before; I could never live with a repetitive, low-paid job. So if everyone was like me, no one would be garbage men. Granted, if everyone was like me then we would take garbage duty shifts and work to develop technology to do it for us, but I digress...<br /><br />I would rather take the risk with every available creative job and fall back on something else than give up right away. I wonder how I will get the chance to try them, but I have heard of "workshops" and opportunities to volunteer that I should make use of.<br /><br />Unless something goes very different within the next two years, I will have to get some sort of employment and save up for my own college education, since that is the least of our worries right now. At least that means that I don't have to justify whatever I choose to take, because it will be my money. (Also, if we happen to have hit the topic of whether we should have children or not...If I got married then I would let my wife decide, but as of yet I don't plan to marry.)<br /><br />Apparently Amazon lied to me three times, because the tablet just arrived. The next time my father leaves the office, real work is to be done. <a href="http://mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/rsz/1269_large.jpg" rel="nofollow">I must make something.</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-10768419819152916732012-01-03T06:59:19.310-08:002012-01-03T06:59:19.310-08:00@Anon
Edit: Curse you, inadequate phone texting s...@<a href="#c3284399772334806607" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br /><i>Edit: Curse you, inadequate phone texting system and double-posting.</i><br /><br />If every parent on earth had the same mindset, there'd be an overpopulation of doctors and lawyers in the world. Be thankful your mom is backing you up.<br /><br />One quote from Final Fantasy XIII applies here: <i> You control your own fate.</i> It's okay if you get advice from someone else, but never let anyone make your decisions for you. If you do, you might end up doing something you don't like, and you're lack of enthusiasm in the job can ultimately jeopardize your work performance. A friend of mine has been drawing for nearly all his life; in fact, we started out together and worked on a few joint projects at one point. Now, he's a competent manga artist, and he wants to go for graphic design in college. His parents ordered him, dictator fashion, to study engineering (which he hated) instead. I dunno how he's doing now, though his comments on Facebook hints that the rebellion is still ongoing.<br /><br />In my opinion, taking design as a field of study has a major pro and con. The pro: The number of designers in our society is lower compared to the "surefire success" careers like the aforementioned doctors and lawyers, so competition for a job is usually lower, which provides a larger chance of employment. The con: the field of art and design doesn't expand as much as other fields, so the demand for designers is lower. If you're unlucky, this con can easily cancel out the pro. In conclusion, studying design is a risky business when it comes to careers, but the rewards can be amply satisfying. Choose wisely.<br /><br />Aw, blimey. College funds. Unless your parents have done some proper planning, you're in for a horrible time. If it <i>does </i> happen, the best solution is to go for a loan or something. This process was particularly hard for my parents because Malaysia's "state-of-the-art" (cough <i>lousy </i> cough) government forbids loaning funds for foundation studies. And that's only one of the many reasons the education system here fails to the extreme. Thank the Lord I'm going to a PRIVATE university. That said, to those who plan to have ankle biters in future: start saving when they hit the terrible twos. When in doubt, DON'T have kids.CaineScrollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09256204657160164319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-32843997723348066072012-01-02T20:07:04.790-08:002012-01-02T20:07:04.790-08:00@Favo
He's the kind of guy that has always wa...@<a href="#c1414158275859456784" rel="nofollow">Favo</a><br /><br />He's the kind of guy that has always wanted to work hard to achieve a lot, like myself, and he would see artistic ventures as risky business. Once, he just asked me out of the blue if I was "a leader or a follower". At a Thanksgiving dinner party with our only family in this country, I was asked what I want to do when I grow up. I was too conflicted to answer, so my sister answered for me that I wanted to be a lawyer, which she must have heard from my mother at the time. Soon after, he convinced me to join him driving to a store where we were buying something for me, and on the way he asked me why I wanted that. I tried to explain that I want to make something of myself, and he concluded that I liked others' comprehension of my title.<br /><br />I don't mean to make it sound so bad, the worst thing I have to worry about is the surprised reaction and the possibility of college funding. He believes that I will go far, and that's the problem. I wouldn't stay with art if I couldn't go far with it, but it isn't a very stable career. If I'm good at it, I think I could convince him. It will just take some convincing. You're probably luckier in that respect if your parents don't have that kind of vision for how your life will go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-14141582758594567842012-01-02T19:19:21.948-08:002012-01-02T19:19:21.948-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Favohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13659911296132032331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-58243320878818408762012-01-02T19:15:10.740-08:002012-01-02T19:15:10.740-08:00Edit: One typo makes all the difference.
@WhiteDi...<i>Edit: One typo makes all the difference.</i><br /><br />@<a href="#c7853662892486790001" rel="nofollow">WhiteDiamonds</a><br /><br />Well, I would still be interested in hearing more about you and what you like to the extent of your comfort, but I suppose our rambling often does that for us.<br /><br />My situation is, my father probably expects that I will run my own business. And that's fine, it might be what I'll do. But I feel like that would be wasted potential because a lot of people can do that. As cliché as it sounds, I kind of feel like there is something to express, and I would never be able to do that by working a routine, conventional job or managing a company. I would never be making the most of myself. I just don't know where to direct that effort. But as I have said before, I want to try everything that I can, and you have given me another thing to try. My mother is easily excited by the thought of me taking more creative and expressive endeavors (composing, acting, art) simply because she would like to see the results, and my sister is almost completely oblivious of my strengths. I'm easy to misjudge in real life, and creative projects (as well as careful planning and well-informed decisions besides, but those jobs probably aren't as enjoyable) really are the only concepts that excite me. Just imagine what it would be like to live in a place like China where they choose what your job will be, based on your school grades.<br /><br />Sometimes I see someone mention an e-mail conversation they had with you, and so I wonder what I might be missing out on. You know I would gladly commission from you (Ugh, what is the grammatically correct way of saying that? Get commissions? Take? Order?) if I had a source of income. Maybe by the time I'm over 18 and somehow have employment I will have chosen a suitable name for an e-mail address.<br /><br />Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier; I got a notification that the tablet should be here on the 6th, and later I got another to confirm it. That's a bit later than I was expecting, but what I was expecting would be before the January 5th range. It's still fast. Last night I stayed up late on my computer (Instead of staying up late on a laptop) with all the lights off to do some more work. This morning I couldn't get out of bed until 11:30, but I'd say it was worth it. I'm anticipating the time that I can work whenever I want and make real progress. Though I'm surprised by how it still is made up only of straight lines, and it worries me that it might not be "Pony" enough (A single straight line is hard to find on one of your art pieces). I will have to really make sure that the actual in-flesh character looks natural. Do you ever use the Linework layers? It doesn't seem so, judging by how they look more like paintings than exact digital graphics. My current progress is looking very digital in that respect, though I suppose I could just trace over it.<br /><br />We are only here on your blog because you are, Diamonds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-78536628924867900012012-01-02T13:16:40.955-08:002012-01-02T13:16:40.955-08:00@Anon
I think you misunderstood me when I said th...@<a href="#c6725282642154814519" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />I think you misunderstood me when I said that... I meant that landscapes in particular are not something that I really need or want to specialize in. They're not entirely relevant to the type of art that I generally do, but I would still like to become more proficient in them just because.<br /><br />And yes, don't ever listen to people when they tell you what it is they think you should do with your life. Nor should you feel like <i>you</i> need to have everything figured out now either... you're still growing and developing as a person after all and your interests can and likely will continue to change and expand as you get older. I personally know very few people that have stuck with one singular career throughout their entire lives... you should never feel limited in anything you do, or at least that's always been my attitude.<br /><br />Oh, and in regards to the emails not everyone here stays in contact with me that way, just a few people. And for the most part, those correspondences are the result of commission inquiries, just in case you were wondering.<br /><br />@<a href="#c7525803538275095025" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />Oh, yay new Snape, he's lovely dear! I still like the first one as well, but it's nice to see a full-body shot. I really love the way you did his hands... those are usually some of the toughest things to do correctly, and yet they are so expressive and can add so much to a character's pose/body language. I guess that's one thing that can be tricky, or a relief depending, when it comes to drawing pony-art.<br /><br />Ah, Final Fantasy VIII. I'm not really familiar with that one at all (the last one my brother's ex played through was VII, and I wasn't really around for most of it as I was older by then) but I do recognize the characters. That's about it though.<br /><br />And yes, as I said to Anon above you should never feel as though you have to have everything figured out now, insofar as what you want to do in your life. Even if you are going to be starting college soon. For me at least, I always just thought of it as part of the growing experience, and hopefully your further schooling will only help you to figure out just what it is that you'd like to do for a career.<br /><br />@<a href="#c601588141080017729" rel="nofollow">Favo</a><br /><br />Yes, they really are! I honestly can't even believe it's come to this myself... it's a little bit overwhelming to think about sometimes.WhiteDiamondshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330881754157567212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-8761123449691875212012-01-01T08:34:19.146-08:002012-01-01T08:34:19.146-08:00@Favo
That was all just joking. Of course I'm...@<a href="#c2382839301535931705" rel="nofollow">Favo</a><br /><br />That was all just joking. Of course I'm not calling us all mentally instable...<br /><br />@<a href="#c5448019026580950150" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />You don't need to add detail to the shoes if you don't want to, I was just analyzing the whole thing.<br /><br />It seems like everyone here sends her e-mails except me...<br /><br />I don't know if that reference was intentional, but it should make her feel lucky.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-54480190265809501502011-12-31T21:53:58.503-08:002011-12-31T21:53:58.503-08:00@Anon
Curse, you, copy and paste. Curse you. I ha...@<a href="#c993540477765128572" rel="nofollow">Anon</a><br /><br />Curse, you, copy and paste. Curse you. I have a feeling you liked being "Di for a comment", though =P<br /><br />Yes, the fingers of his right hand ARE bent away from the camera, though I didn't really make the shading obvious enough. As for the *ahem* rocker signal, think how some people hold the handle of a cup with their little finger sticking out. Same concept. As for the robes, maybe the hem is shaped in an outward curve or something? That would explain how the middle part touches the ground while the two edges dangle above it. Since this is a doodle rather than a full out picture, I didn't think the shoes would need that much attention. I stand corrected.<br /><br />I mentioned this in an email to Di earlier, but I thought I'd say it here anyway: Picture #2 is already underway. Hopefully it'll be 3 pieces done before the next C. Report!<br /><br />And oh yes, let's aim for a total of 200 comments. <i>That</i> should make Di's day.CaineScrollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09256204657160164319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-23828393015359317052011-12-31T21:48:39.996-08:002011-12-31T21:48:39.996-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Favohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13659911296132032331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1815265967021708537.post-9935404777651285722011-12-31T21:27:50.157-08:002011-12-31T21:27:50.157-08:00Sorry for my absence, guys. I know it has been a y...Sorry for my absence, guys. I know it has been a year since my last message, but I've been kind of busy...<br /><br />@<a href="#c7525803538275095025" rel="nofollow">CaineScroll</a><br /><br />Am I "WhiteDiamonds" now? Hooray, instant gratification.<br /><br />That's because you've never watched me punch numbers into a keyboard while staring intently into a screen and my sister sits behind me holding a clipboard and drawing figures. But I hope that I will change that image as soon as I can.<br /><br />With more detail comes more things to appreciate for coming out right, but it also leaves more room for others to go wrong.<br /><br />The hair continues to look natural, as does the middle part of the robe. But it doesn't go all the way down to the bottom, which is straight and squared. While the fabric along the right arm falls into place realistically, the very end of it lacks the same curves to make it look believable. The fingers on the right hand must be bent away from the camera, because from that perspective it looks like the middle finger is the shortest. I guess the more experienced wizards let their fingers go in any position without needing such a firm grip on the wand like I'm used to seeing, but his left hand seems to be doing the rocker signal. I would have liked it if the fingers on the right hand were closer together. It's kind of distracting.<br /><br />I was going to comment on the roundness of the face and chin, since I tend to think of him as someone with a longer and thinner figure, but open further inspection, he really does look pretty much like that. I don't know what type of shoes those are, but unless they happen to be slippers, they should probably have some more defining detail. I do like how you showed the top edge on the right foot without using clearly defined outlines, though.<br /><br />Just to give some constructive input. I would tell you that you're way ahead of me, but that would just be an insult. As I said, there are still more good details that came from making the picture larger and with a broader focus.<br /><br />We have another thing to look forward to, then. If there is anything here that I leik that does not involve mudkips, free tablets, over-analysis of ponies, meeps and rampant overuse of the word "though"...it is complicated pictures of ponies. Forge onward!<br /><br />@<a href="#c601588141080017729" rel="nofollow">Favo</a><br /><br />Now, don't let us take all the credit for the apparent mental instability. Your own abnormal unpredictability was a contribution to the overall affect of psychological disorder. How's for another 50, eh?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com