October 19, 2004

Good news! I got a  job. I just finished getting my medical exam today. I'll be starting on the 25th! ^_^ I also realized I had some money left over from the workers union I was a member of back when I worked at Lackland A.F.B.  It will take a while to get the cash, but it will be well worth it! Lastly here's the sketch of Mweu.

September 11, 2004

A few days ago I started a sketch of Mweu, Nehra's older brother.  He's a handsome brute! ^_^  Mweu is one to watch out for.  He doesn't have Nehra's good manners.  I'll be posting the sketch shortly.

August 28, 2004

I  had to reformat my hard drive.  Everything was going wacky.  I'm happy to report that things running rather smoothly now.  My room mate is off to visit her mother.   I can't deny that the solitude has been therapeutic.

On the creative front; I don't know if I mentioned it...  *scrolls down* Yeah, I mentioned it just a little. I've made some serious changes in the story of Trugan.  I realized there were HUGE plot gaps - one being that the story really didn't involve Trugan!  Might help a bit if the story was a little more analogous to the title. Alya will remain with us! *applause*  It is Togani who will be removed. *silence* o_O  I gathered the facts and he just doesn't fit.  Once I removed him from the equation the story flowed nicely.  If there's a place for him in the future, I don't see it yet.  

June 19, 2004

It's kinda funny. Just after I get a tongue lashing for being some 'stuck up elitist artist who can't critique and most certainly can't understand the true nature of art'...I get a heart warming e-mail from a visitor who is enthralled by my work.  It's quite the honor.  I mean if some people would try to get to know me - ask more questions about my past experiences - understand where I'm coming from - they might discover I'm not such a bitch after all. ^_^

My second Vegas vacation was great.  I didn't get to see Zumanity.  They were on vacation! u_u  But otherwise I enjoyed myself. Gambled a bit. Saw a show or two.  I danced with Prince!! Well, someone who looked remarkable like him! Hee-hee

May 28, 2004

I recently learned a thing or too about giving a critique.  Well...I knew about it - but I gave these people more credit than they deserved.  I was asked to give a critique.  One that would be frank and honest. Yes, I had asked questions before hand.  But still...  The truth is painful to some. I used words like 'horrible' to describe the artistry of the drawings I was looking at.  I know...what could consume me to use such a devastating word? *toweling off sarcasm*  Because it's how I felt - based on what I was told about their project and, of course, the years that I have observed the art scene.  However, I followed that up with a suggestion. Go back to the drawing board. Refine your skills. Improve!! I was then met with sarcasm and hostility.  In the end I could have written 'horrible' a dozen different ways and it would have still been the same.  I expressed my opinion with what I knew of the artists. I stand by the words.

April 19, 2004

I'm been real blah lately.  When have I not! *grumble* Anyhow.  I'm mustering the will to draw something.  Or at least FINISH something.  I want to get started comp. coloring Nehra's pic.  The one I needed the reference for shading. I have it now, but I procrastinate! I sense a surge or creativity so I guess it's just a matter of time until I'm up to task. ^_^

On the story front I've been contemplating some serious changes to the plot of Trugan. It may involve eliminating a few characters and some key situations.  It's tricky, but I think it will work. Ayla may not be with us for much longer!

March 25, 2004

I went to Las Vegas recently to celebrate a friends 21st birthday.  Her stepmother bought us tickets to the new Cirque Du Soliel show: Zumanity.  Hells gates is was awesome!  Talk about eye candy. The costumes,  dancers and acrobats were just breath taking.  Not to mention the luscious eroticism through out the show.  The show is specifically for adults.  I only managed to sketch a bit of what I saw; costumes.  I was too busy drinking in the sights and sounds  and engraving those memories in to my subconscious.  I certainly would like to see it again.  I was bit bummed however by other events related to my trip one being the traveling, the other being some bad choices a dear friends it making in her life.  I hope I can persuade her to seek alternative methods for relieving life's stresses. I'm feeling kinda charged right now because I took my vitamins today.  It feels nice. ^_^  (Mental note: TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!)

February 13, 2004

Screw Valentines Day. :p  Money problems, money problems.  It's my kyptonite.  A creative black hole. I have managed to put forth a few sketches of note.  Trying something new with faces - specifically the nose.  I like it.  It's something I have been overlooking. I've always wanted my characters to lean more towards realism.  The nose shape was a contributing factor to the less realistic look.  So I changed it.  It's subtle, but the difference is amazing.

January 19, 2004

I'd really like to say something besides how crappy I feel and not having a job and NOT drawing anything. *pout...long pause*  Okay - so I ran across a wonderful artist on Deviantart.com.  She's got some beautiful work. One of her images reminded me of Nehra in his youth.  Hard to believe, but I can see him that way.  Wide eyed and willowy - timid and withdrawn.   I'm trying to get a chance to have her draw something for me.  I'm not sure how it will turn out since I have to screen capture the 6000th hit to her gallery.  And it's taking forever!  Anyhow - if I manage it I'm going to get  her to draw Dremma.  I know she'd do him justice!  Link: 'Happy New Year Finn'

January 7, 2004

The new year has begun.  I've been having some luck getting job interviews.  No offer on the first one.  Today I'm going to look in on a Photography (portrait/family) job.  I'm all 'butterflies in the stomach'.  *sigh*  I hope everything will fall in to place. I need the cash and the boost to my creativity.  The stress is giving me indigestion! ^_^

I recently used Streamline and Illustrator to fix up my inking.  Oh my gawd!  I looks so crisp and clean.  I get the thick to think lines. Sooo elegant!  I'm beaming - I can only imagine the possibilities!

Another dreary Christmas.  I'd like to say that everything is well and I'm a seething cauldron of creativity.  But I'm not.  I did re-do a sketch of infamous Hahtra former queen of the Gorgon tribes.  Touched her up a bit.  Put that devious glint in her eye.  Other than that I've kinda been vegetating at home.  Still looking for a job - still hoping for something to come through.

November 21, 2003

*sigh* Now one ever looks at my web site.  Can you blame them.   Not much here.  I could probably use some completed works and some advertising.  *sigh*  Just feeling a bit inadequate.  I have started some new drawings.  Tch!  That's the problem. I always start something and take forever to finish.  Why do I put things off. Do I loose interest?  Am I that fickle?! *pout*  I'll pull my shit together.  I just needed a rant session.  No one looks at these anyhow. ¬_¬

November 4, 2003

I began to color one of Nehra's pics in Photoshop.  Everything is going well.  I'm already seething with suspense to see the end result!

October 19, 2003

My mothers birthday was yesterday. Miss you mommy. ;_;  I've been having a gradual increase in my creative mojo.  I hope it means I can get to start coloring Nehra's pin up image. I've been inking the image further in preparation for it.  I recently acquired Poser 5 and I'm quite pleased to announce that I will soon be able to create and animate my 'boys'.  There's even a feature that allows me to match my drawings to create a 3D version. Sooo cool.  

September 3, 2003

Well, I quit my job at the laboratory.  I was about to climb a clock tower, seriously! >_< I tried out another job only to discover they wanted me to sell perfume. As in walk around the city, approach strangers and get them to buy it.  Sure, the perfume was good stuff.  Smelled great.  They had an awesome Chanel .5 rendition. *nods*  But I don't want to do that! I have a room mate now - which is great.  Her financial help will allow me to relax while I look for another job.  Did I mention she also got a tattoo of Nehra on her shoulder!? No joke.  Must take a picture of it. ^_^

August 15, 2003

My birthday's coming up.  I'm going to be a quarter of a century old! Woo-hoo!  Okay, maybe not 'woo-hoo'. Good news on the education front:  I have been accepted in to the Art Institute of Phoenix's Game Art & Design Bachelor program! *big grin*. On the social scene I've found a nice person to smother with my crazy imagination and wacky sense of story telling.  Bwaa-haa-haaa!. I have converted another!! Again I say, Bwaa-haa-haaa! >:)

July 19, 2003

July has been a month from hell.  It's been at work.  Fireworks of a different nature.  My boss has declared war and I have taken up the challenge.  Little does he know it's when I grow quiet that I become my most dangerous.  Like a volcano before an eruption.  What happened is he never established the rules - and I also have no fear in questioning his authority.  I tried to be diplomatic in the beginning.  But he doesn't go for that.  He just expects people to obey.  Ha!  A lot of people are telling me to just submit.  Roll over and die it more like it!! I give an inch and he takes a mile, yah know.  I'm already looking for a new job.  Hey! I know I instigated a lot of his retaliation.  But my reasoning for causing all t his havoc is the guy has no integrity....and so sense of obligation to his coworkers.  He's all over the page and doesn't see that as a problem even is he's slowly wearing away at his already tarnished reputation.  The higher ups say he gets the job done, but they admit he's a hard ass.  Well, Hitler was a great leader... need I say more?  It's simple a matter of time before he crosses the line with someone else.  I just happened to be more vocal about the situation.   And lastly - the mother fucker who runs this whole circus basically explained that I'm a second class citizen and I have none of the privileges/rights that the other workers in building have. So I should just step back, take a bow, kiss his ass and mop the floors with my pride.  Fuck you! >_<

Needless to say it's cramped my creativity and put me under a considerable amount of emotional stress. I look towards my bright future for comfort. 

June 21, 2003

Things are looking up.  I'm still trying to figure out how to create an interesting main page. I want to make my own background.  I love the Boris picture, but I need something 'Trugan' to go there.  I also need to figure out if I want to by a domain name and get a real website workin' here! With a nice chunk of band width.  Also with higher file size capabilities.  

I've been thinking about going back to school. A lot.  Recent frictions at work have awakened my desire to enlighten myself.  The possibilities are quite tantalizing.  Do I move to Phoenix, AZ to get my degree in Game Art & Design, sell my house and start a new chapter in my life?  My adventurous spirit says yes.  I've had my fill of mortgage companies and part-time jobs.  I love this house but I think I'm ready to move on. I have plenty of time to figure out the details.  I'm giving myself till next spring.  It's then I'll have to start prepping the house for sale.  The sale could take months...so I'd have to make up my mind A.S.A.P.

June 11, 2003

I'm gathering my wits.  I have these slumps.  They're so awful!  However, I shall prevail.  Must get drawing! Oh yeah and I got those 'responsibilities' out of the way. ^_^

May 25, 2003

Things are looking up.  I'm feeling a little of my creativity trickle back after a serious dip in my confidence.  (Certain individuals don't quite grasp how good a friend I am - *glare*) I was touching up some sketches of Nehra.  I really want to start on an Expression Study for Dremma.  That shy sexy demon certainly needs one!  I even drew some fan art! Matrix Reloaded Twins to be precise.  Those two are just scrumptious on and off screen! Meeeow!

May 13, 2003

All right! The new layout idea isn't working.  I like the Cast page, but I'll be putting other images of the cast back in their respective realms.  It worked before. ^_^

May 2, 2003

I've been real 'blah' lately.  Haven't been able to focus on my art or writing. I know why.  I've let some responsibilities pile up and my conscience is telling me to 'get off your ass'!  So I know what I need to do. Stop making excuses and get these things done.  It will only get worse if I ignore what needs to be done.  

There is a positive side to things. I'm putting some cash aside to buy Painter 7 and a tablet.  I'll actually be able to do it.  I'm asking myself what the pros and cons are.  Getting those responsibilities settled mentioned above may also make or break this plan.  I can only get to work and watch for the results!

April 1, 2003

Things have kinda of slowed down.  Not necessarily because I don't feel the desire to create.  Just that other issues are over shadowing my urge to do so.  Just when I'm ready to sit down and draw I remember I have to do something else.  Right when the urge to write surges forth I'm distracted by some other pressing matters.  And when I'm done with it all - I'm drained and I just want to sleep, watch T.V. or play PC games.  ( Icewind Dale's been keeping my attentions for the last few days - I really did miss the ol' Baldur's Gate game engine). I did color something this weekend.  I'm really pumped about getting a tablet and a some new art software. (Painter 7)  I splurged and bought a 'How to CG Anime' CD-ROM tutorial.  It's convinced me that I need a tablet.  I've always suspected I'd be 'invincible' with one and now I'm certain.  However, if I do this...the price tag is just under $400 dollars.  That's the cheap route! And I need a friends help for that.  If I step back and take a look my worries aren't that bad...  I just get caught up in the moment sometimes.  It would help to have someone to remind me once a great while.

March 9, 2003

Wonderful news!  My muse has returned.  She flits about me warming my spirit and frosting my dreams with her sweetness.  Now I am juggling the surge of creativity that has me hopping from silver  lined cloud to silver lined cloud.  The only way I can describe my delight is with a vision - a vision of Vendrevin's perfect radiant smile.  A smile so loving and full of gentle passion it might bring mortal eyes to tears by reason of the utter sincerity of it. 

Oh, and I get paid Monday!

February 20, 2003

Good news!  I have found a great book series to read. [ Michael Moorcock's: Elric Saga] It's a series I have avoided for almost a decade now.  The irony is that it's helping me immensely so I'm kinda glad I avoided  this little treasure up till now...  You see, the books were originally published in the late 60's.  They style of writing is very out dated, but familiar to me.  Since the majority of my favorite books and authors did much of their writing in the 70's and 80's.  It's brought me back to simpler time when I wasn't such a perfectionist about my writing and I let ideas flow more freely.  I'm reevaluating my writing style and finding that I like what I see.  Where as before I had doubts about whether or not I had a definitive style of writing. Also, I really dig this Elric character.  He's reminding me of what might happen if Vendrevin and Dremma's personalities were put together.  Odd, but intriguing nonetheless!

Poor lad! I'm seriously considering rethinking Togani's character design.  The poor fella hardly gets any attention from me.  I hardly write about him...  (I know, but he's the main character, what's the deal?!) I pondering over his origins.  ( A topic for a later discussion because there's a surprise behind that ^_^)  But I find myself not really enjoying Togani's character.  Those around him are very deep and rich with history and personality.  I mean...  Togani is tied to some really interesting folks but he himself is...ugh.  I know that every character doesn't have to have some ultra-dramatic back story and or personality.  But Togani needs a face/character lift.  And maybe just tweaking his look I might find the missing puzzle piece.  o.o' What do you think?

I'm still playing with Photoshop and the endless coloring possibilities.  I really wish I could get a tablet and see how that will help.  All in good time.  Still playing catch-up with some bills.  *sigh*

February 1, 2003

Been feeling kinda blah...  I just think I'm still a little miffed that my paycheck was sucked up by my bills.  Well, that happens to lots of people.  But I had hoped to spend some money on some much needed clothes and other accessories.  My calculations were off.  *sigh* 

Anyhow, this three day weekend has been blah so far.  I'm thinking of ways to cheer myself up.  Been sketching a bit...  Inking too.  Perhaps I'll feel better in a couple hours? ^_^

January 19, 2003

Yes! Playing with Photoshop paid off!  I'm so proud of myself!  And I did this in only four days.  I had to work two of those days so I imagine I could have done more sooner.  Now, I didn't get to play more with Dremma's clothing cause I was so excited I had to share!!  Here's the image I colored (If you hadn't already looked at it on the opening page.  Dremma  Sugoi!!  It's going to be all down hill. from here!  I might try my hand at some other coloring programs when I get the chance. ^_^  It wouldn't hurt, yah know!

And I certainly need a new guest book.  The pop ups in the one I have are awful!  It looks like my old guestbook/counter favorite AnimeExchange.com is trying to get their server up again.  I'm watching to see when I can get my old accounts back.  

January 11, 2003

I'm now attempting to use channels in Photoshop 7.  Things are looking up.  Right now I'm attempting a classic 'cell animation' look with perhaps...four layers of color. Maybe five if I feel like it.  I'm using the Dremma picture yet again.  After this I'll probably get to the other pictures I've inked.   Took a while to find a tutorial that made sense for Photoshop 7. Some people have no idea how to give instruction. >_<

January 04, 2003

Started a new job yesterday. [I waited to mention it today because I wanted to get a feel for what was in store]  Job security and a pleasant steady flow of cash is coming my way!  I will be working M - F most of the time.  It's a demanding schedule, but I have a fair and understanding boss.  Early mornings are tough, but it's certainly worth it.  This much needed income could very well

January 03, 2003  

I added some pretty buttons to the three worlds!  I changed the title of the Demon Sphere to Shaadiv and in doing so added yet more fantastic lore for my audience to unravel.  . I'm really not sure if this site layout works.  Nonetheless I shall try it out.  

I have also begun summarizing the newest aspect of this saga.  I call it simply Shrivastava.  In the past two years Nehra's life story [Which in turn merges with Dremma's and then Togani's] became so complex and interesting that I felt it would detract from the other plot.  It's certainly more lecherous! ^_^ Of course it would be!  We're talking about pleasure gorgons here!

December 23, 2002

I'm working on a new layout that's more, hmmm....explanatory so all of my few cherished guests can really get an an understanding of this tale. Thank you everyone for your support!  The Sketches section will soon be updated with my numerous sketches and not just my non-Trugan art. 

December 20, 2002

Heh, there are some major inconsistencies in my drawings of late. Nehra and Dremma are getting a 'horn job'.  Despite the fact that Nehra might find the term laughable, it must be done.  I'm making their horns smaller.  I feel that this change gives them more mobility.  I dunno...large horns might not let the two gorgons get very 'close' in those intimate encounters. If you know what I mean? I'm still working on a head to toe look for each of  these characters.  I already have a sketch of the entire caste. It's a group shot. It shows two characters I haven't even mentioned yet!! ( The major players anyhow )  I should just finish it.

Also, Eristock,  my key villain is getting yet another make over.  Well, he's just not handsome enough!  At first I didn't feel my villain needed to be handsome.  But after months of debate I decided...what the hell!!?  Bring on the shounen! 

December 5, 2002

I've been adding bits to a summary.  It's a kind off outline of the story that inspired my art.  It's very helpful when I'm trying to produce dialogue.  It also allows me to put the story in perspective.  To stand back... and see what's going on.  ...To see if I'm being repetitive or maybe I left out something important.  Even to check, perhaps, if the plot has become too cluttered.  I haven't been able to write in months, but working on the summary made me feel wonderful.  It wasn't much but it was more than nothing!

October 18, 2002

Well, life has it's up and downs as well all know. My creativity has taken a beating these last few years. It's an ongoing battle towards success.  Setting all that morbid stuff aside I'm doing rather well.  If I get my ducks in a row I could have a permanent web host, domain name and a shot at selling my art online. Despite the 'uglies' in life I still dream of being a successful/slightly famous artist.  I may have to go back to school to refresh my dormant talents.  It gives me hope.  In the mean time I have to roll with the punches [scummy part-time jobs and the like] to get by.  

I've met some charming people recently that reminded me what it was like.  ...when I was more focused on my craft.  I hope not to disappoint.  However, I do need to give myself a break.  I'm too hard on myself. ^_^ 

On the art front, my style is still evolving and I'm ever seeking different methods to streamline my current techniques. I'm always searching out better mediums for projects and forever scribbling down ideas.  Now comes the easy part.  Just do it!