Well, where to start? Perhaps with the biggest piece of news and the biggest aspect of my life that took up time away from arting - I am employed!

A few days before my birthday was the deadline for an animal care assistant job at the animal centre where I've been volunteering. So I spent a good two weeks waiting nervously for any word from them. I heard. I was actually out cycling at the time and my dad had to flag me down on the street to answer the phone, hehe. But yes, its a GREAT job. I'm knackered at the end of the day, but its bloody fantastic <3 Spending my day around animals? What's not to like

So I've been working there for a good four weeks now, covering any shifts and sickness, etc, so its kept me really busy. And tired. Mostly tired, lol.

Next, I have actually started to dabble in the world of COMICS! I will be uploading my four-page-story soon (its fanart based for Gears of War, but don't let that put you off) and I have to say I was bloody excited to work on it! Its got me really eager to work on my own stuff and really strive to improve myself in storytelling and pace and writing, etc. I've added a few comic listings to my watch list and tried to track down any forums on and off DA about the art of comic-making, but I am ALWAYS happy to receive more advice, tips, links, anything Throw them at me! Kindred spirits make yourselves known!

Finally, aside from the promise of lots of artwork on my week off, I have started a blog and a have joined Twitter! I tend to post a lot of the sketches and development work on my blog, so you'll see MORE updates there than here just because its a quicker process. And as for Twitter, thats just a catch-all - my ramblings and musings about art, work, animals, and life. Follow me if you're interested :3 If you're from DA, note me or something so I know to follow you back.

My blog - The Doodle Den - [link]
My Twitter - [link]

PS; As you can see, both are woefully lacking in any snazzy artwork and design. If you're a whizz with html or blog templates and can spare some time to help me fix them up, please note me <33333

10 days to go

Until what I hear you ask? Why, it'll be my 23rd birthday on the 26th May :3

Why am I making a journal post about it? No, don't worry, I'm not begging for presents xD Just a big ol' 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' hug will do me I'm also making the post now because I will be house-sitting with no net access on my birthday, so I won't be around at all for a week commencing 23rd May. You going to miss me? <3

<sub>However, IF you'd like to drop me a present, there's a few things that'll make me insanely happy and forever in awe of you
- Hellboy / Gears of War related art (yup, I am a fangirl)
- Original Character art (find them all here)
- Monkey things (favourite animal)</sub>


Adventures into the unknown world of....commissions

Its been nearly three weeks since the 'springy step' post and whilst I haven't done as many new pieces as the first period, I think I have been devoting a little bit more time to fine-tuning the processes and general look of the digital art. I've been trying to do more backgrounds, more ambitious poses, playing a little bit with shadow and lighting in Photoshop. There's still a long way to go yet, but I'm still having fun with it

Favourites;


And as the heading suggests, I have indeed been investigating the world of commissions. I'm doing a sort of 'trial run' on a forum outside of DA, to see how I manage and how quickly I do the artwork, etc. I'm not desperate for income but being unemployed still means I have to keep raiding my savings for any necessities like travel to the animal shelter where I volunteer. If anyone is interested, I'll keep you posted <3

I just checked and as of yesterday, it was two weeks since I updated my journal with a vow to do more artwork and continue to experiment! Lets see how I did...

23 new Deviations since April 14th!

My favourites from the two-weeks;


Twenty-three new pieces of artwork (admittedly of varying degrees of polish) in two weeks is quite the record for me Thats 1.5 pictures a day! WHOOHOO! Go me, go me, go me <3

Okay, enough of my silliness now; I am quite pleased with the direction my work seems to be going, in particular with regards to combining Photoshopped textures on vector artwork. I seem to have broken any reservations I had with drawing animals in a stylised way (I've noticed less fear in doing more simplified forms, exaggerated features, etc) but there is always room for more experimentation. People are my next hurdle and one that I will admit is going to take a while to leap over. I'm caught on that fine line between too simple (i.e. Powerpuff Girls) and my head telling me it has to have cheekbones, jawline, this, that, etc. Keep those constructive comments coming <3

If anyone can recommend any artists, out there or here on DA, for some inspiration, please leave a message or send a note <3

Any clubs out there?
Yes, I am looking for any clubs on DA (or even any groups outside of DA, like any forums or LJ communities, etc) that have regular art challenges or art trades, etc.

Or even any budding watchers and friends who would like to do regular trades/challenges.

Aside from my own musings, I think its always refreshing to have someone else's characters or setting or themes to draw and can really free up the creative side of the brain. I've tried sifting through the communities and club listings but most seem dead now, which is a shame

If you're part of a club, own a club, or know of a club/group/etc, leave a message or send a note please <3

Okay, its time for a major overhaul! I call this Mission Unpossible (yes, the grammar is wrong on purpose). New avatar. New gallery organisation. New artwork (finally!). Just a more general newness! Getting rid of previous journal entries. Getting rid of a lot of stuff. Being temporarily jobless can have its advantages

And yes, ashamed to sya it but the Xbox 360 has corrupted me and brought out the fangirl >.> So apologies. If its not Hellboy-related, it will be Mass Effect- or Gears of War-related.

Good news is I might finally have my own cast of characters to draw regularly Watch for the unfoldingness!

EDIT: Quick blitz of stuff - reorganised some stuff, got rid of some stuff, add some stuff Thats a lot of stuff!

Appeal for Critique - For anyone who knows me, I'm a serious sketcher, a devoted doodler. But for a while now, I've not been happy with anything I've been producing, whether its a sketch or a finished piece. I tend to lean towards shapes and stencils and striking layouts/compositions for illustration briefs, so I thought it was time to bring some of that into my personal work.

This is a big step for me. Really. When all I've drawn is semi-realistic animals and humans (because I thought thats what everyone wanted to see), its a big leap of faith to try something new. So I'm asking for help. Whether its a simple critique or whether you work the same way and can give some advice or if you can suggest any artists to look at for inspiration. It will all be greatly appreciated <33