Confidential

For her birthday, Songa requested a drawing by me. She didn't tell what exactly the subject should be; just "something Thea." Well since I only seem to draw people (and usually women), guess what I'm drawing?

(I guess I didn't crop the screencap this time...) Anyway! Since my usual drawings take about a month to complete, I had to come up with something simpler. But I couldn't come up with any simple drawing off the top of my head (must have been the beginning of my drawing block). Luckily, I keep 3 notepads full of sketches of (possible) future drawing ideas. One was simple enough and catered to my interests at the time (I have ideas of all variety!). 

Though maybe it's slightly unfortunate that I decided to try a new style. Definitely makes it take longer. I'm not too happy with how it's turning out right now, either. It seems to be building off the whole "negative space" look, but I swear to god her arms are bacon. 

Well, bacon does seem to be an internet meme, in a way.

This picture is supposed to be a surprise. I think it will remain one since I doubt that Songa frequently (if ever) looks at this blog. Not that I blame her. *cries*

In other news, the Mystic Moon logo was "Ok'ed!" Yay! For once my art is for sure being used. I was actually hired! It wasn't a contest! Huzzah!

Neither art block nor rummage sale can stop me!

Finally finished the logo! Well, I still need to get the ok on it. But for now I'm done!

The second arm really wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. Redoing the banners was a lot easier too. It all was pretty easy in the end. Which is a good thing, since I am having a major "creativity block" altogether. I'm not just struggling with drawing, I am also struggling at concentrating on reading. I don't even want to watch a show. So really, what am I supposed to do? A rummage sale, of course!

But that is getting off topic. Not that I have anything else to talk about. I'm just generally happy that I finished this. 

My Way

Argh! A song reference for a title!

I have to admit, I was having some "work blues" today. It happens once in a while. It's when I feel like a failure for not having a normal part-time job like my other college friends. Sure, I have applied to places. Due to strange circumstances and my own personal feelings, I have remained "normal" jobless. It's really not so much of a problem. It's just what happens when I compare myself to others. I should really realize by now that I am definitely not like most people. 

Though my angst did have a positive result: progress on this logo!

Though the Pilsner was drawn a few days ago, everything else new was drawn today! Huzzah!

A breeze from the 90's rolled in

I was a little tired of drawing the woman and all her curves. It was geometric time!

This really didn't take too long. Mostly a lot of holding "shift." I like it/ dislike it due to how flat and simplistic it is. Rest assured, this is basically just the outlines. I will indeed add all the wonderful lines and subtle hues like any good Mucha. 

FLOWERS (and an arm)

I would say I'm making pretty good progress on this. Ok, I could probably be faster. But each new addition is a little exhausting. I have to make sure that the outlines are perfect, since, for once, there is a stroke! 

The hair....made me want to cry. It wasn't the whole "negative space" that was painful, it was the "make sure it's visible at a magnification of 5%." So after much adding and deleting, I think there is the right amount of gaps and the right amount of spacing between them. 

The dress is so-so. I can't let it stay this plain. I have a reputation to uphold!!

Now the arm...that damn arm. Yes, the arm in the sketch was way too long. Behold, this isn't a quick sketch. Instead this is one that was painstakingly drawn from a reference of my own arm. This must have been the hardest part thus far and it was aaaaall because of the strokes. If it's too thick, the fingers look nonexistent and chubby. If it's too small, it not consistent!

So basically, all my pain is from the strokes. See why I never use them in my other art?

The flowers are a new addition as well. I just don't have anything to say about them. They were nice and easy. 

Easier than I expected

Despite my "can do" attitude towards art, I was a little unsure about how to create a Mucha - esque picture in Illustrator. Frankly, I think that's how I always feel in the beginning stages of Illustrator pieces. You just have to keep adding more and more. Then it finally starts to look like something good. 

This is actually a lot easier than I expected. The only difference in this compared to my other artworks is the solid outline. It may be hard to tell, but there are subtle layering on the face. So that also means I had to tone done my over-the-top coloring tendencies. But this is a fun change. I look forward to drawing more.

Takumi's Heart

There is a logo contest for a charity called Takumi's Heart.

Takumi has Ventricular Septal Defect. His parents won't take financial responsibility for his treatment because he is gay. Recently, Takumi was beaten and kicked out of his home for the same reason and is now staying with a friend who is an JET teacher in Japan. 

The charity is to raise funds for his treatment. I found this charity through a facebook ad. Unfortunately, there aren't that many fans; just a little over 1,000. 

The contest ends on the 30th. They will sell their favorite logos and whichever one sells the best in a week is what they will choose. 

Here is mine.

I won't get paid, but I prefer it that way. This is purely for charity. It's also a nice addition to my portfolio. I had fun making this and if it can make any difference, that's good enough.

I have no idea what my competition is like, but I am feeling pretty confident about this.

Again, here is the link: takumisheart.com