Wow, how not to keep a blog... A thousand pardons for not keeping track of my own blog. Life has been a bit of a roller coaster, and I neglected to update.
I had the pleasure of going to Baltimore-Con and APE these past few months, as well as a few side trips up north for other various purposes. I liked what I saw of Baltimore, although I admit we remained in the bay area for the day Steven and I went up for the convention. Our visit to San Francisco for APE held some mixed emotions - staying on the edge of the Tenderloin did not help our first impression. A nice city to visit, but I doubt I would ever prefer to live there. It certainly made me realize how much I enjoy visiting California though.
During these past months, I have struggled to stay focused on what I thought I would be doing when I got out of college. While the state of the economy has made things difficult for everyone, I should not use it as an excuse either. It is hard when you realize that the dream you have had since you were able to hold a crayon without breaking it is not going to go entirely as planned.
But as they say, "Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise."
My parents and I have had some hard talks, and have come up with a battle plan. While I realized I would live a very humble existence as a sequential artist and writer, all while working some job somewhere, this was deemed not secure enough for my parents. And in their defense, they are right. It is hard to stay creative and focused when the world is hounding you about making ends meet and future expenses.
So... Once my sister is done with school, I will be going back to earn a Master's Degree in English so that I may teach. I have always enjoyed what experiences I have had in such a setting, but never gave it serious thought until now - yes, now that I came nose-to-brick-wall with reality. Not to mention that learning more will improve my writing as well. It will be a win-win situation if you overlook the fact I will be in my early thirties by the time I'm done.
All good things come to those who wait, however, and I am still determined to make those early crayon-drawing dreams a reality (and not just some artifact left on the refrigerator). When not working some type of job in the meantime, though, I'll keep working on my stories as intended.
Aethar and Space Calamity have been making an awful lot of noise in my head, and I think it's time I improved my drawing skills so I can do them myself. Oh, and let's not forget Agatha and Maggie's story. Or Nyran's story....or Blue Phantom... Oh there I go again.
A common complaint from most friends in my field, "The hardest part is just getting started." No kidding. But it's go big or stay home - and while I love my parents, staying home will have me committed one of these days. I hope y'all are doing well, and stay sane!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Still Alive!
Hey folks! I'm alive, I promise! Things have certainly made time fly by this summer. While I was not able to accomplish everything I wanted to before September rolled around, it was not a complete loss. Aside from focusing on my writing and doing sketches here and there, I also got some extra practice in thanks to an unlikely source: my fellow players in the online games I play. I was having trouble deciding on a look for one of my own stories' characters, when a friend in Final Fantasy XI mentioned a drawing idea involving their character. I thought, "Alright, I wouldn't have to think about what the character is wearing, necessarily, and could get some practice in drawing armor and detailed attire." I never imagined I would be doing fan art, but hey, it's good practice! You can also see these images, along with a few more, on my Deviant Art page.
Some of the reference images of others' characters (turnarounds not included):
The drawings:
Aside from these drawings, I've been working on a few stories - some are included on that list of "things to do" on my last blog post. When not writing, I have been trying to keep my hand moving either through sketching, or drawings like the ones you see above. I still have a lot of improving to do, and for that, I need to draw from life. My mind is focused on not only my career aspirations, but also simply getting out of the house and starting a life of my own. So much to do, so little time!
I'm constantly being reminded that being an artist means you never truly stop working. My family always asks me, "So have you got a job yet?" What they fail to realize, despite my best efforts to explain, is that this is a job - not just a passion. I can't really blame them for not understanding though. In the meantime, I just need to keep working to show them, in hopes that some day they will understand.
And on top of all that, I have been scoping out various conventions to visit in the future. I recently returned from my first trip to Dragon-Con in Atlanta, Georgia. That was certainly a learning experience, and I'm glad I went to get a feel for what sort of fan base can be found there. The focus is not really on artists at all, but they did not seem to be overlooked either. It's a convention to consider if I want a narrowed focus when promoting my work in the future. Next up on the ticket is Baltimore Comic-Con (Sept. 27 & 28), and VA Comic-Con in Richmond (Sept. 7 & Nov. 23).
For now, I need to do better about updating this thing! My apologies for the lengthy dead period, folks. I hope life is treating each of you well, and feel free to say "Hello!" Until next time!
Some of the reference images of others' characters (turnarounds not included):
The drawings:
Aside from these drawings, I've been working on a few stories - some are included on that list of "things to do" on my last blog post. When not writing, I have been trying to keep my hand moving either through sketching, or drawings like the ones you see above. I still have a lot of improving to do, and for that, I need to draw from life. My mind is focused on not only my career aspirations, but also simply getting out of the house and starting a life of my own. So much to do, so little time!
I'm constantly being reminded that being an artist means you never truly stop working. My family always asks me, "So have you got a job yet?" What they fail to realize, despite my best efforts to explain, is that this is a job - not just a passion. I can't really blame them for not understanding though. In the meantime, I just need to keep working to show them, in hopes that some day they will understand.
And on top of all that, I have been scoping out various conventions to visit in the future. I recently returned from my first trip to Dragon-Con in Atlanta, Georgia. That was certainly a learning experience, and I'm glad I went to get a feel for what sort of fan base can be found there. The focus is not really on artists at all, but they did not seem to be overlooked either. It's a convention to consider if I want a narrowed focus when promoting my work in the future. Next up on the ticket is Baltimore Comic-Con (Sept. 27 & 28), and VA Comic-Con in Richmond (Sept. 7 & Nov. 23).
For now, I need to do better about updating this thing! My apologies for the lengthy dead period, folks. I hope life is treating each of you well, and feel free to say "Hello!" Until next time!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The best laid plans...
...often go awry.
Despite my intentions, I didn't make it to Heroes Con this year to scope out what sort of people go to that particular convention. I got so caught up in cleaning out my room (which was very necessary), I was worn out by that weekend. I was also informed during vacation that I will not be going out west to visit a few folks either, sadly. So all travel plans are kaput.
That aside, cleaning out my room was very rewarding. Some of that stuff had been there since before middle school! It's amazing what people keep, I tell you. A few things made me go, "And why do I have this...?" Now that I have a space I feel is my own again, I can start working on my stories again.
I have run into a few reminders since being home of why I went to SCAD in the first place. Blue Phantom was brought up the other day when my mom ran into my biggest fan here in town. I had almost completely forgotten about the article the newspaper did about her before I left for college. I really need to go back and rebuild Blue Phantom's story.
Aside from getting a part time job, that's my agenda for this summer:
- Go back, tear Blue Phantom's story down to the bare bones, and rebuild it from the ground up.
- Write down Space Calamity and draw the characters from it.
- Get Teaching Aethar up and going (possibly as a web comic...? What do y'all think?)
- Gather my notes up for Lady Nyran's story and re-examine it.
- Give the Bloodmires a home somewhere. Possibly give them their own story.
- Flesh out Avy more.
- Figure out where I left Ventress, and if her story is still cohesive at all.
Oh my gosh, the list could go on and on... The rest of summer is only two months, haha! I suppose first things first: Go through and organize ALL of my notes I've made during my time at SCAD in regards to each story/plot idea. Nevermind all of the reading I wanted to do this summer....
With the passing of Michael Turner, who inspired me in many ways, I remembered just how precious time is. We always think there will be time later, but there may not be. And I don't know about you, but I want to get my ideas written down on paper in an understandable form of some sort. I don't want people looking through my stuff later going, "She was crazy." Okay, I am a little, but not enough to be committed.
There is a method to my madness - usually. Just don't question it. That will only confuse me.
Despite my intentions, I didn't make it to Heroes Con this year to scope out what sort of people go to that particular convention. I got so caught up in cleaning out my room (which was very necessary), I was worn out by that weekend. I was also informed during vacation that I will not be going out west to visit a few folks either, sadly. So all travel plans are kaput.
That aside, cleaning out my room was very rewarding. Some of that stuff had been there since before middle school! It's amazing what people keep, I tell you. A few things made me go, "And why do I have this...?" Now that I have a space I feel is my own again, I can start working on my stories again.
I have run into a few reminders since being home of why I went to SCAD in the first place. Blue Phantom was brought up the other day when my mom ran into my biggest fan here in town. I had almost completely forgotten about the article the newspaper did about her before I left for college. I really need to go back and rebuild Blue Phantom's story.
Aside from getting a part time job, that's my agenda for this summer:
- Go back, tear Blue Phantom's story down to the bare bones, and rebuild it from the ground up.
- Write down Space Calamity and draw the characters from it.
- Get Teaching Aethar up and going (possibly as a web comic...? What do y'all think?)
- Gather my notes up for Lady Nyran's story and re-examine it.
- Give the Bloodmires a home somewhere. Possibly give them their own story.
- Flesh out Avy more.
- Figure out where I left Ventress, and if her story is still cohesive at all.
Oh my gosh, the list could go on and on... The rest of summer is only two months, haha! I suppose first things first: Go through and organize ALL of my notes I've made during my time at SCAD in regards to each story/plot idea. Nevermind all of the reading I wanted to do this summer....
With the passing of Michael Turner, who inspired me in many ways, I remembered just how precious time is. We always think there will be time later, but there may not be. And I don't know about you, but I want to get my ideas written down on paper in an understandable form of some sort. I don't want people looking through my stuff later going, "She was crazy." Okay, I am a little, but not enough to be committed.
There is a method to my madness - usually. Just don't question it. That will only confuse me.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Where there is an end, there is a beginning.
Four years was the plan. Five years was the result. Funny little thing about switching minors and paperwork being improperly filed.... But all of that doesn't matter now, because I'm standing at the finish line. A dream brought me here, and now it's time to "go big or go home". And I like home and all, but it's not home anymore.
Over this past year I've done a lot of thinking, reflecting, and discovering. I realized where exactly I stand as an artist in the sequential arts: I'm more like a baby taking its first wobbly steps than a clumsy toddler (hey, at least I'm not crawling and drooling on myself). I also found that my enjoyment of writing has grown beyond the boundaries of a mere hobby. For that, I have to thank my mentors of the writing department and Mark Kneece for drawing that out. I know they would laugh at me for calling them my mentors, but they helped me more than they know.
Bah, all that sentimental snot aside: First things first. No tripping across the stage at graduation. Second, enjoy small vacation with family and Steven (that'll be interesting....). Third, try to get to Heroes Con and scope it out for next year's table. Fourth on the list, head out to Washington and then Portland, Oregon at some point in early July with my sister to see her roommate. That will be time to scout out Portland for future living circumstances. Fifth: Get a job - not at the dealership (I'd be stuck there forever). I aim to apply at the local library and double that as research about the Black Sisters for a while.... We'll see how that goes.
A lot to think about, and a lot to do just to prepare for other future plans! As this entry's title suggests, just as one chapter closes, another opens. Or is this the beginning of the end...? Same thing, really.
Regardless, thanks for stopping by! I hope all is well on your end, and check back again sometime!
Over this past year I've done a lot of thinking, reflecting, and discovering. I realized where exactly I stand as an artist in the sequential arts: I'm more like a baby taking its first wobbly steps than a clumsy toddler (hey, at least I'm not crawling and drooling on myself). I also found that my enjoyment of writing has grown beyond the boundaries of a mere hobby. For that, I have to thank my mentors of the writing department and Mark Kneece for drawing that out. I know they would laugh at me for calling them my mentors, but they helped me more than they know.
Bah, all that sentimental snot aside: First things first. No tripping across the stage at graduation. Second, enjoy small vacation with family and Steven (that'll be interesting....). Third, try to get to Heroes Con and scope it out for next year's table. Fourth on the list, head out to Washington and then Portland, Oregon at some point in early July with my sister to see her roommate. That will be time to scout out Portland for future living circumstances. Fifth: Get a job - not at the dealership (I'd be stuck there forever). I aim to apply at the local library and double that as research about the Black Sisters for a while.... We'll see how that goes.
A lot to think about, and a lot to do just to prepare for other future plans! As this entry's title suggests, just as one chapter closes, another opens. Or is this the beginning of the end...? Same thing, really.
Regardless, thanks for stopping by! I hope all is well on your end, and check back again sometime!
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