#also this is my first digital painting so yay! for me

[sysig]

BIRTHDAY

Birthday! :D

#Doodles #DDoodles #Lalaloopsy #Day after now since I was asleep haha ♪ But the birthday was fun! :D #My big presents this year were Super Mario Galaxy - my first 3D Mario game! :D #We have to find our Wii first tho lol - it's also my first-owned Wii game! #Have I mentioned lately that I'm slow to technology adoption lol #I'm looking forward to it tho ahh ♪ It was one of the shortlist I made for our Wii :3 #So looking forward to adding to the collection hehe #And I got a Lalaloopsy! I think this is the first time I've drawn one of my collection digitally? Lol been long enough #This one is Blossom Flowerpot ♥ Isn't she adorable hehe #She came with all her clothes! Yay!! I love when they still have their ensemble ahhh it feels like such a treat #I'll have to count what I'm up to at some point lol - no repeats so far! #And then it was another of the dollar store trinkets but smol and I ended up having a silly amount of fun with them lol- #I dunno if this is a universal elementary school experience but counting blocks? Did everyone have those? #The ones that are broken up into individual blocks and then ten-block sticks and 100-block slabs? #They were my absolute jam lol I liked them even better than lego - and now I'm into Minecraft! Huh! Haha #We started tossing around the idea of painting them to look like Minecraft blocks and fjdsafsd it would be so cute!! #Glue two of them together and make super chunky ''player'' models and snow golems and the like hehehe #I always love a fun craft idea ♪ And modular Minecraft toys are so fun to me! #It was a good birthday hehe ♥♪

[ssalballoon]

i wanna get better at art but dont know how to start ^^' whats a good way to get into studying anatomy and improving as an artist? tysm 💗 love your art soso much

more art converts 😼 yay!!

i think these asks were sent by different people but they're pretty related + a lot of my advice is the same! so i'll answer these together under the cut (it's so long oh gosh)

ok first of all i'm very flattered that people are asking me for art advice but i'm really not the most equipped person to ask TTOTT I've never been deliberately studious with my art so I feel bad offering advice when I've mostly gotten by with just drawing fanart and ocs a lot... my rate of improvement has therefore been slow, but I've still had an enjoyable learning experience so perhaps from that angle my input may help! i'll mainly refer you to external resources that have helped me

For anatomy + drawing humans:

1) I know I'm not diligent enough to sit down and study muscles, so instead I make it more enjoyable by drawing my favorite characters in a pose that targets the muscles I want to practice! (i default to drawing ppl naked because of this lol) This isn't the most efficient, but it serves as good motivation to get practice in. (honestly a lot of my general art advice has the undercurrent of becoming so obsessed with characters to drive your motivation to draw even when artblocked/ struggling with doubts!)

2) I want to refer you to Sinix's Anatomy playlist! Although Sinix focuses more on digital painting, he gives simplified anatomy breakdowns that include how muscles change shape under different movements/poses, which is crucial for natural human posing. the static anatomy diagrams from Google don't really help for that

3) What's just as important as anatomy is gestures! (especially important if you're used to drawing non-human objects I think!) Making figures look like they have flow to them will sell the "naturalness"(?) to your anatomy. If you have in person life drawing sessions accessible near you I'd recommend trying those out, or if you prefer trying it digitally there's this website!

This helps you not only get a sense of human proportions, but also natural posing! I'd limit the time taken to draw the poses from like 10 seconds to 1 minute(?) for quick gestures, and maybe 1 minute to 5mins(for now!! typically they go much longer) to study human proportions. I'd say don't spend a lot of time on them, repetition is more important!

4) I've also picked up on useful anatomy tidbits from artists online! Looking at how practiced/ professional artists stylize a body helps me focus on what the essential details are to convey a particular form (looking up "human muscles" and being hit with anatomy diagrams full of all the smallest details can be overwhelming! what do you even focus on?! so these educated simplifications really help me) Like Emilio Dekure's work! Look how simplified these figures are, and yet contain all the essential information to convey the sense of accurate form (even though it's highly exaggerated!)

(shamefully admits I've never studied from actual anatomy books so I can't recommend anything in that sense TTOTT)

For general improvement:

1) I highly recommend Sinix's Design Theory playlist and Paintover Pals! (+ his channel in general) You don't have to put them immediately into practice, but I think these are good fundamental lessons to just listen to and have them in the back of your mind to revisit another day. Plus these videos are just fun and very approachable! Design theory fundamentals are essential to creating appeal and directing a viewer's attention, and critiquing others' work/ seeing his suggestions are a good way to practice noticing areas of improvement+ solutions yourself!

2) If you prefer a more formal teaching resource, the Drawabox YouTube course covers all the basic fundamentals of drawing in short lessons. But honestly if I were starting out, this would be a little intimidating for me (and even now it still is! I haven't done all of them) But even if you don't watch them, the titles should give you an idea of the basic concepts that are valuable to pick up. I think it would be nice to keep in mind and revisit once in a while as you learn!

(One lesson I do encourage you to watch is the line control one! A confident continuous line conveys motion and flow much better compared to discontinuous frayed lines which I think is good to practice early by drawing from the wrist and shoulder)

3) As a universal piece of advice: Please please please use references! Use a reference for literally everything, observing is how we learn! You'll find that a lot of things you thought you knew what they looked like are inaccurate by memory alone. Also, trace! This is solely for your practice, tracing then freehanding has helped me grasp proportions when I was struggling! (of course don't post these online if you traced from art)

I've found that being able to compile references into easy to access boards has been very helpful in encouraging me to use references more. For PC, I think they use PureRef (free/pay what you want), and for iPad I use VizRef. VizRef is a one time purchase (which was definitely worth the $3.99 USD price imo)

4) On that note, try building up the habit to observe from media + real life and make purposeful comments about what you see! Like hey, when I bend my knee, the muscles/fat in my thighs and calves bulge outwards, I should draw that next time. Purposeful observation carries over to your overall visual library, and it's a little thing that adds up over time

5) For motivation, get into media you really enjoy, or make your own characters! The way I started art more seriously was by drawing fanart + OCs from anime that I liked ^^ For OCs it really encourages you to draw more because you're the primary creator of their art! Also you gotta see a lot of good art to make good art! Watching visually appealing media (like animation with appealing stylization/simplification) can passively help you learn just by observation.

ok wow I could go on but this is already a lot of information TTOTT my main aim for this reply is basically: don't let anything discourage you from learning to draw!! drawing is so fun and brings me a lot of joy ^^ practicing often will of course help you improve, and the way to incentivize that is by having fun with it! i hope this could help!💞

#my asks #art resources #trying to be concise n failing #i'm mainly worried that like. my art tips make me sound more skilled than my art actually is

[thegeekyartist]

4.favorite thing to draw

6.warm colors or cold colors

7.show us a WIP

9.show us a finished piece right alongside the original sketch

10.how many different sketches do you usually have until your piece is finished

12.show us an old drawing

:D?

Ooh yay, thank you! 🥰

4. Favorite thing to draw.

PEOPLE. Always. I used to do a lot of candy and toys in that Instagram style (single object floating on a solid background), but it started to get boring. I'll do them every once in a while when I want to do a quick painting, but I've been mostly painting figurative works - either movie/tv screenshots or narrative personal pieces.

I also don't mean to do it but I almost always have hands in a painting. That's what I get for avoiding drawing them when I was younger.

6. Warm colors or cool colors?

Warm and ✨saturated✨. My most used paint (besides white lol) is my quinacridone magenta, which essentially is a hot pink.

7. Show us a WIP

Well since you asked so nicely 😏 it's not the whole thing but here's a peek of the area I finished yesterday! (Ironically this is the first and only painting in a LONG while that doesn't use that pink lmao)

9. Show us a piece alongside the original sketch.

Okay full disclosure, I'm terrible at making thumbnail sketches lol. I dive into paintings super quickly, usually doing most of the planning with references in Photoshop. Here's a comparison of a piece from last year vs the digital reference! (and a rare glimpse of me sans glasses lmao)

10. How many different sketches do you usually have until your piece is finished?

For paintings I'll MAYBE have a thumbnail when I'm coming up with the idea, then I do a bit of a digital collage in Photoshop to plan everything out (see above).

For digital drawings, I'll do a gesture drawing to plan the composition, then another layer to tighten things up, then usually a final sketch layer with all the correct lines that I plan to keep and work from.

12. Show us an old drawing.

Have a comparison! Lol. Growth really is a beautiful thing. 2009 vs 2022

#thank you for the ask!! #i never share my personal work (i post fanart all the time) here so its fun to give a glimpse of my other stuff! #asks #art related #myart #ask game #personal #psych #wwdits

[faggotwalkwithme]

yay! id like to think i improved :)

annoyikng explanation/thoughts of each below the cut lol

january - david bowie fake poster with signature for my dad's birthday lol nfjksnlk i was very proud of it at the time and i think its still pretty good for one of my first digital paintings

february - humphrey bone !! this is like,, pretty early from my ghosts fixation. i really liked it, especially the colours. i think its still pretty cute.

march - a painting of kitty also from ghosts! im still pretty proud of this one.i love her a lot

april - someone's tma/ghosts au! not a HUGE fan of this, but i still love the au dksfmksl

may - painting of mozart a la mor! i was in the midst of being very angry at dorian for getting me into this lolll... i dont think it's terrible but im not the biggest fan of it

june - not my best month for art... it's byler, from the leaked photo of a beyond stranger things thingy. my second st phase feels like a fucking fever dream im so sorry to all my followerss.....

july - HERB PAINTING !!! this was like my 3rd reanimator art and i think this is one of my best pieces of the year! i love him soo much

august - my art was kind of all over the place, this is theta sigma :3c i think it looks good but i really dont draw like this so this was kind of weird

september - claudia, louis and lestat! i'm proud of how louis turned out, claudia is kinda cute but lestat didnks not so muchh... i still like the lighting i did for it but its not my best thing ever

october - drawing of @goofyfibula :)) i love him SOO MUCH!! <33 i think this is probably my best piece of the year

november - painting of jon searching for martin in the lonely.. beginning of my tma resurgence... i think its kiinda good and its better than i expected but the mOUTH is FREAKING ME OUT

december - safehouse jonmartin! i think this is pretty cute, but martin's arm looks kinda weird and jon looks toooo small. but i still like it :)

#david bowie #bbc ghosts #the magnus archives #mozart l'opera rock #byler #reanimator #academy era #interview with the vampire #art #fanart #shut up mars #art summary

[goldenphoenix116]

i was tagged! yay

tag game: 9 people you'd like to get to know better

@totchipanda thx sm for tagging me!

1. last song: uuhhhh i forgor. i mean i sang "for the dancing and the dreaming" from httyd 2 just a moment ago but i'm assuming this is about listening specifically. i THINK it's spellbound by siouxsie and the banshees. i think. i can't check bc the last thing in my music player is a podcast ahah

2. currently watching: technically merlin (2009) but that's currently put on hold as i spend most of my free time binge-listening to the magnus archives. might be a while before i get back to that

3. three ships: cot3 (queerplatonically <3), gelphie, ineffable husbands

4. favourite colour: i don't really have one, but if i had to pick i'd say violet

5. currently consuming: döner + ice tea

6. first ship: hhhh. legally. i would have to say drarry. but i live in shame and i don't count harry potter so it's percabeth i think

7. relationship status: singleeee babeeeyyy!! p sure i'm aro lol

8. last movie: venom let there be carnage

9. currently working on: um. a thousand half-abandoned projects. some writing, some digital drawing, some analog drawing, some painting, some sewing, some crocheting, you name it i abandoned it. but i'm being very brave about it

tagging: @snfkn @edwardslostalchemy @veradragonjedi @he1lblazer @aroace-genderfluid-snake @crapscicle @nenestansunsthings @solardistress @supercoollava and also YOU 🫵. you can join if u want!

#tag game #i got tagged wheeeee!! i love getting tagged #words of the phoenix

[blanketempress]

this blog is turning 10 this year 🍾🥳🎉

I made an improvement timeline to celebrate

2013 - The year I stopped reading mangas so much, and got into webcomics instead. I also decided to ditch DeviantArt because it was getting worse and worse for everything

I was really into Sandman and Steam Powered Giraffe

2014 - I got my first drawing tablet for Christmas 2013, but for almost two years I still drew everything on paper to color/ink digitally later

I was still very much into Steam Powered Giraffe. Also this was the last year where I had patience for inking until 2022

2015 - Definitely tried to break from my manga style but I had an unfortunate dorito face phase

2016 - Last year of Steam Powered Giraffe, last year of traditional art as well

In retrospect, I'm kind of impressed by the fact that my art got anywhere. I did a single human anatomy study based on a photograph. I had never done a single one. At all. Ever. Before that. Woopsies

2017 - A lot of OCs stuff got done between 2016 and 2018, I even finished writing a short story

Despite learning how to do studies and vowing to do more of them, I did NOT do a single human study that year, but I did try very hard to understand perspective (then I dropped it completely until 2022)

2018 - The return of anatomy studies

The year I finally accepted to use references, contrasts, and to learn how to paint

2019 - Lots of DnD and OCs stuff in there, and some experiments on lines and colors techniques, yay

2020 - Since I was finally going somewhere with my drawings, I, of course, decided to stop for two entire years smh

2021 - Literally all I could churn out were 6 character cards for one of our VTM campaigns

2022 - We're back and it's vampires central baby

It took me almost a year to shake off the rust and get back in the game

_

Thoughts and prayers for 2023 ; if everything goes right I'll keep doing anatomy studies and maybe by 2033 I will have bullied myself into drawing backgrounds and landscapes

Here's to another 10 years

Special thanks to @mellyoraa, @kimodraw, @magpiecrown and of course @charlesemersonwinchesteriii for sticking through ten entire years

#art improvement

[kanjukucompany]

【A3! Translation】 Sky Gallery (3/11)

previous chapter / next chapter

(translation under the cut)

(glitch text ignore)

Chapter 3

Kazunari: Sumi, awesome job wrapping up the performance!

Muku: I'm glad it went well!

Misumi: Thank you~!

Kumon: Oh, and good job with your location shoot too, Tenma-san~!

Tenma: Why am I the side note.

Kazunari: Filming in a place like that must've been tough, huh.

Misumi: And our souvenirs are...~?

Tenma: Geez, you have no shame....

Tenma: Here. These are the only triangles I could find.

Misumi: Uwah~! Triangle mochi!

Tenma: And these are for you guys.

Yuki: Locally themed keychains...

Tenma: Sorry, that's all I could think of. I didn't have time to ask you guys what you wanted.

Kazunari: Tenten, we couldn't get in touch with you~.

Tenma: The film site was deep in the mountains, so there wasn't any phone signal. Though, the 'digital detox' wasn't bad.

Kumon: Digital detox?

Kazunari: Intentionally taking time away from your phone or computer. Kinda like.... a digital version of fasting?

Yuki: Of course you'd know.

Muku: I'd be a little anxious if I didn't have a way to contact anyone...

Kumon: Well, Tenma-san's like a grandpa, so maybe that's why he could handle it?

Tenma: Oi.

Kazunari: I'd literally die!

Yuki: Let's tone it down a bit.

Tenma: Oh, by the way, one of my co-stars said he became a fan of Summer Troupe after seeing 'WONDER RUSH'.

Kumon: Really!?

Kazunari: So even celebs can be stans... amazing!

Tenma: The director of the drama also mentioned seeing Misumi's play. He spoke highly of him, too.

Kumon: That's awesome, Sumi-san!

Kazunari: Yay for Sumi!

Misumi: Yay~!

Yuki: I guess guest roles are the way to get your name out there as an actor.

Tenma: He told me about an establishment party he's having for his office, he invited all of us.

Kumon: Seriously!?

Kazunari: Look at us, finally getting invited to huge events like this.

Tenma: I don't think he really meant that though, just trying to be polite.

Kumon: Ehh~. What~.

Izumi: Well, it's still good he remembers your names.

(door opens)

Tsuzuru: Oh, you're all here.

Tsuzuru: I was just planning to tell Director first, but this works too.

Izumi: What is it?

Tsuzuru: Based on the stuff Miyoshi-san told me at the gallery the other day, I got an idea for a story set in a gallery where young artists come together.

Tsuzuru: It's just a rough idea, but...

Izumi: A gallery, heh. That'll be a first for us. Sounds interesting.

Muku: If it's going to be about painting, Kazu-kun definitely has to be the lead.

Yuki: Yeah, it just wouldn't feel right if he wasn't.

Tenma: I think he'd be a good fit. Out of all of us, he certainly knows the most about painting.

Kazunari: If that's what we're going with, I'll do my best!

Tsuzuru: I also had Miyoshi-san in mind. Though I'm still thinking about what to do about the co-lead and the other roles...

Izumi: Oh, for the co-lead, how about Tenma-kun? He hasn't been a lead or co-lead since 'New Theory · Legend of Kurou'.

Misumi: Yeah~!

Kumon: It's your turn, Tenma-san!

Tenma: No.... I'm busy with work right now, so I need to think it over.

Muku: Huh....?

Yuki: Normally, you'd choose a play over work any day.

Tenma: ---I don't know my schedule yet, I don't have a choice.

Yuki: Huhhh?

Izumi: Well, let's just hold off on deciding until we have a better idea of what kind of role the co-lead will play.

Izumi: By the way, Kazunari-kun, did you ever do anything about that open-call exhibition you were talking about at the gallery?

Tenma: Open-call exhibition?

Kumon: The company a friend of Kazu-san's dad belongs to is holding one, and he asked Kazu-san if he wanted to apply.

Kazunari: I never applied to anything like that as a student. Maybe should try to experience one after all.

Kazunari: And who knows, maybe I'll get some hints as to what I'm aiming towards as a future UMC~!

Yuki: But you'll have to create a new piece for the exhibition, yeah? Can you do that while also playing a lead role?

Kazunari: We've still got a while before the play, and it doesn't seem like it'll conflict with the creation period, so no prob!

Izumi: I see. I think it's good that you're trying different things, best of luck!

Muku: I'm sure Kazu-kun will do just fine!

Misumi: Kazu~! Good luck~!

Kazunari: Thanks, guys!

Tenma: (I'm glad filming wrapped up early. I was able to buy the things I wanted to get, and now all that's left is to head home--).

Kazunari: ....Huh? Tenten? What're you doing here?

Tenma: I got off work early, so I went shopping.

Kazunari: Ooh, wait, an encounter like this is totally an Inste moment!

Tenma: Oi, don't I get a chance to refuse.

Tenma: What are you doing here, Kazunari?

Kazunari: I'm thinking about heading to a few galleries to get some inspo for the open-call exhibition.

Kazunari: When people tell me I can do whatever I want, I have trouble getting a solid image in mind~.

Kazunari: To start, I figured I'd go see an exhibition at the gallery I regularly visit. Wanna join me, Tenten?

Tenma: I see--.

Kazunari: I know I'm getting ahead of myself--but since our next play will be about a gallery, I think if you study paintings, it might convince you to be the co-lead!

Tenma: ....Right.

#a3 #a3 game #a3 translation #my translations #tenma sumeragi #yuki rurikawa #muku sakisaka #misumi ikaruga #kazunari miyoshi #kumon hyodo #izumi tachibana #tsuzuru minagi #sky gallery

[mochisarchive]

[1] Pursuing my dream course ♫₊˚.🎧 ✩｡♪

Okay…first blog! Yay! To start it all, I would like to introduce myself. Hello! I’m Mochi, I am a digital-animation student, book influencer, and art influencer. As you can see, I’m not really familiar with this set-up, but I figured out that why I don’t start making blog entries?

And my first choice of topic is pursuing my dream course, the digital animation. Okay, before we even start, a little background about this. Ever since I was a little child, I was heavily influenced by arts. Growing up, I always watch Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. I remember watching T.V all day, and I was refusing to go to daycare because, I was too fascinated with animations.

I remembered it very clearly, that I would grab a paper and my stack of crayons and would draw the characters, and show it to my grandma. One particular memory that I wouldn’t forget was probably drawing on the walls and on my grandma’s porcelain cases. She scolded me and punished me by taking away my art collection. Since then, I would always ask my Aunts and my mom to buy me colorful stuff, and everyday I would practice drawing, till my hand gets sore. So as years goes by, I was getting good at art then college started.

Back in 2021, I went through a lot of pressure of choosing the right course program. Ever since my family (on mother’s side) knew I was good at drawing, they told me to take Architecture or Interior Design. And I choose Interior Design, because of these reasons:

As far as I remember, I was influence by my cousin, to play Sims. And it was amazing! I was really enjoying decorating and building homes, my cousin saw how good I am in that area and suggested I should take Interior Design. At first, I didn’t know what was that, and she explained it to me, till I got interested. Even then I would practice creating floor plans, doing perspective rooms, and other related to Interior Design

It’s an art course. I have many choices to be honest, My top three were Animations, Painting, and Fashion (and yes, they are really art majors). And my aunties told me that I might not be able to find a job with these courses (but their views changed when I introduced to them that I can easily make money with art commissions and my mom is really supportive and so does they).

I was pressured by them…so I gave in ://

So, I choose Interior Design, got into a prestigious university in the Philippines, everything went well till pressured got me so bad. I actually didn’t failed my course, I got 1.96 as my GPA (which is like equivalent to 90+ grades here in the Philippines) but I failed one subject and they told me that I can’t take Interior Design anymore, because it’s a board-related course. I won’t go to any details now, that’s another story lol.

Anyways, after talking to my mom, and she gave me a second chance to choose this time. So I took Animations, and a few months in with my new course, I improved a lot in drawing. Not just human body, but my conceptualization broadens (thanks to my first course, it helped me a lot tbh.) And I was actually enjoying it, and I got decent grades (98-100) and I think my lowest score was 91 (?), I don’t quite remember, but I think it’s in between 90 and 91.

A lot of people in my new university, especially the seniors and my professors applaud me for doing such a good job and catching up a lot. They also mentioned how gifted I am, because I only not draw for fun or out of hobby, they pointed out that I used various brushes and tools to create a story within just one work, and it amazes me because I never realize that.

What I have in my mind was “Oh no…this is not good” “Oh I should have done better” “This isn’t right” and I still do that despite the compliments they gave me. (I belittle myself for fun and for motivation…yep…I definitely need help)

Jokes aside, I do personally think I should practice more, to improve my skills in arts and must try to learn various techniques and art styles. I wanted to have that effect that can make an impactful expression to my audience, especially in animations and concept design. I wanted to create a story that no one has been able to see it before.

Anyways, that’s it for now! till next time

xoxo, mochi

(Note: image taken from Pinterest, poster lunaparada)

#bookish #blogger #coquette #art style #art study #animation #college life #coquette girl #girlcore #elle woods #pink aesthetic #pink coquette #pink core

[boingolungs]

Im now finished with my semester. This was supposed to be my last year but I got to go one more and if your worried about it don't. Lots of people have to take 1+ semester when they think they finished. They either missed some credits, fail a class, or missed a class. Some bastardz take break semesters. Lucky ones.

So back to more drawings I guess boob related of course and painting! I like to post rants at the end of the semester in case you follow this account for whatever reason, or your in the far off future and I somehow make it big and are looking for blackmail to bring me down. Well here you go.

I LIKE KOBAYASHIS DRAGONMAID.

If that's still controversial for some people Idkand know what? I forgot I had a tumblr again. Anyway my fucking my bitch ass laptop broke and i got a new pc. I should've returend the laptop the first day its always been a bitch but hey the idea of me drawing in my room digitally and the prospect of owning one got to my head. Other than that nothing is new. I don't like May since this month is when my golden boy died and I get super depresso around this time. But i can't complain too much some people have it worse than me. Like some ive noticed how a lot of my old pals from highschool aren't anywhere in UNI. Like I usually see one in passing but now nothing. I wonder eho dropped out, didnt make it, or just died. Covid, murder, accidents etcetera and im still standing. Im not a religious person so I don't think im alive for a reason but to me just being around is what I want in the end. So if your still kicking cheers.

Ya know how some people get seasonal depression during the end of the year? Well I get it around the start. Like after april too August i guess. Anyway ummm back to drawing I guess? My right arm is better.

Also im going to Mexico again so yeah.... Yay? Boo? Idk man. I'd prefer to stay home but familia and shit. Theres no internet, i dont trust some people there, and no dogs to follow me around. Eh nim used to the no dogs part now.

[rainsoul2002]

Hiya peeps, yay, so I’m finally getting around to posting something here again!~😸✌️ Life has been interesting, busy, but good lately. Just recently graduated from my community college that was attending, and will continue my education in the fall to hopefully someday become an Art Therapist. I want to inspire and heal others through art. I just turned 20, which is wild, and a milestone that while when was younger in a darker headspace never thought I’d actually reach... Am in a period of many exciting transitions, I’m just grateful for everything that I have been given thus far, and I’m hyped to keep improving upon my art skills and wish to make others happy with my current and future posts. While these ain’t new drawings to me, they will be to you, dear lovely folks. I’ll be sharing here now, in each their own separate posts, a series of five drawings that I all did for my Art Appreciation class that I was taking this spring. This is 1/5.~ Some of these pieces I thought’d be fun to title, and I called this first one here “Wonder”! All of these will be featuring my fluffily sweet calico fursona called Akarui. The assignment asked one to pick out something to sketch out and make a realistic, abstract, and then lastly non-objective drawing of. This is my realistic drawing of her. I called it “Wonder” because she’s in utter awe at all of the different possibilities, color combinations, and things one could make. Life like paint is chaotic and messy, it can be scary and overwhelming if have a blank new canvas or chapter in front of you, but through the hazy swirls of uncertainty there’s also loud sparkling and bright splashes of fun and beauty to be had. I hope that I managed to capture that emotion well, and made you feel wondered too lol!~ 💖🔮 The supplies that I used were prismacolor pencils, and for the digital thumbnail I made it in a free app called Autodesk Sketchbook on my iPad with my Apple Pencil. #originaldrawing, #originalcharacter, #fursona, #calico, #cat, #akarui, #prisacolorpencils, #paint, #realism. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeSpGg5OwiE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#originaldrawing #originalcharacter #fursona #calico #cat #akarui #prisacolorpencils #paint #realism

[manyblinkinglights]

yay me

I have completed... the Excellent-performance biped-only version of my avatar. 

Concessions: the wings are at .45 size (to fit inside the Excellent bounding box, which, a bounding box is a box your character runs around inside, that tells yours & others’ computers where to expect they’re going to have to depict all your limbs & bits). 

There’s no flight collider, because that’s physics. 

All the extra bones have been removed (such as the ones I used back in Blender to pose my facial expressions) and the weight paint adjusted to compensate for their loss; now I have precisely 69 of them. 

The toggle between eagle foreclaws and lion forepaws is a material swap on a combined, single mesh that has both types of hands, which is harder to work with (back in Blender, at least) than having each type of hands be on its own mesh renderer in Unity, but Excellent avatars get 4 material slots and only 1 mesh renderer. 

Cool things I fit in: I’m like 13.4k triangles >:33 (this is very small, though not unreasonably so). 

My “Humanoid hands” have only one bone for each finger--the obvious minimum for Unity to recognize a finger--and these five fingers are weighted to the lionbean forepaws’ digits. My eagle talons, though, are three-fingers-and-a-thumb hands; each talon has two bones, the first ROTATION CONSTRAINED at .7 to one of the Humanoid fingers, the second rotation constrained at 1, so they do a bit of a clasp without any impaling/clipping. Both types of hands thereby have DIFFERENT, limited movements (because they’re too animalistic to do the full range of human hand/finger motion). The middle talon is constrained to BOTH the middle and ring finger, too, because the idea of just, leaving the ring finger out entirely seems like it would be subtly annoying to the people with full hand tracking. 

There’s a subtle sway and pop of extra motion at the base of my tail, thanks to RRA (reverse-rotation-aim)! In a limited fashion, I have figured out how to make something rotate the REVERSE of its referent, with a damping rotation constraint + some gameobjects + an aim constraint. From the tailbase, there’s then a gradient of increasing head rotation constraint. The upshot is a very alive tail that moves harmoniously with the rest of the avatar’s movements, with a little extra pop of amplification of rotation in the hips shading into a natural “balancing” posture. 

My wings have an attractive idle, but the reference for that idle is inside a gameobject which is constrained to the head as well--it’s not usually that noticeable, but it suddenly becomes so in extravagant dance movements or when you communicatively tilt your head!! Also gives that “balancing” feeling to the movement of the wings, as if they’re being naturally carried and adjusted while they idle.

Wings of course also have an option to invoke their hands-informed constraints, where the left wing is constrained to the right arm and the right wing’s constrained to the left one. Looks GREAT for dances, like this whole creature is simply dancing and of course it would also include its wings.

NOW............................................. TO MAKE THE ELABORATE, SHAPESWITCHING “MEDIUM” VERSION

#vrchat

[sa-kae]

so i've been broke and now i have unexpected expenses!

So i've been working on getting a car (got one! Yay, i guess) except we got quoted the wrong loan amount... so the day I was getting it, I found out that, instead of having the car completely covered + enough to cover the couple hundred extra for transferring the title and all the fees and shit... we were 800 short of just paying for the car. Like, without the couple hundred for the fees and shit.

So of course neither me or any of my family were ready to pay literally anything, and i've just started my second job because my first couldn't give me the hours i need (and also only pays 10.20 an hour lol). My first "big" paycheck is this friday (September 18th) but the pay period for my second job ended last Saturday, so my first pay check isn't actually gonna be great lol. Plus i haven't been able to really save any money the last couple months, so like i was excited to save a bunch from my first couple of big paychecks, but i have to figure out the car shit.

The 200 for state fees had to just be charged to my credit card, which is really not ideal, because i am not prepared to pay that off, and i really don't feel like fucking up my credit when i just got my credit card like a month and a half ago.

Now luckily, the guy who i bought the car from told me not to worry about the missing 800 and to just work on paying him back whenever. But that's still 800 plus the 200 for the state that I owe. I also will be starting to pay for the car loan in a month, and i'll probably be helping pay for at least part of my auto insurance (which is gonna be a total of $189/month) And like, i've been planning to move with my friend in a few months, so right now was supposed to be the start of more money security for myself, and being able to start saving money.

TLDR; I'm a broke nb lesbian pls help

If ur interested in something in exchange for money, send me an ask/message me and i could draw/paint you something (traditional or digital), and I can make custom amiibo cards! Any character for which an amiibo exists.

Cashapp: KaeleeA

Venmo: Kaelee-H

Paypal: @kaeleeah

#pls help i'm v broke lol #kaelee.txt #donate #donations #donation #money #help #mutual aid

[marvelandponder]

When you call me friend I get so happy! I'm glad you enjoy my questions! Speaking of questions, what motivated you to write Empathy for the Devil?- Human Sunset Anon

Awww, yay! Your questions are awesome and you’re welcome by my ask box anytime, friend!! 

And ooo, I’d say a couple of things.

After I finished writing The Exes Club, which was a gift fic for my friends, Bevin and I geeked out about what you could do next. There were all these combo powers left undiscovered, that crack in the sky was ominous as hell, and we just loved the characters and wanted more from them. 

Tossing ideas back and forth, we talked about Timber and Sunset having a body swap power. Originally, I thought it’d be a much shorter Flash and Timber story about them discovering their powers and solving this body swap dilemma. Goofy fun with a bit of feels. 

Then everything changed when Bevin shared an idea she’d had while working on the show. 

I can’t yet share what it was because that became part of the climax of the story. But it was just so damn perfect for Sunset’s character and deserved to be at the climax of a story that I realized along with the body swap stuff, this was all Sunset’s story. And once I put all the pieces together and saw what this story could look like, I needed to tell it. 

So, after I had an outline, I started writing. 

I think around then is when I asked if Bevin would like to do a few illustrations for the story and she was stoked! Originally, I think there were just like 7 chapters and she was going to do one illustration for each. 

But I realized the story was much bigger than that, re-outlined it to 15 chapters, Bevin got the idea to title-cards for each chapter like they were episodes, and on and on it went.

We inspired each other. I would go off and write a chapter, and then Bevin would get excited to illustrate which would make me excited to write more! Calls where we just fangirled were the single most motivating thing, let me tell you.

We each pushed ourselves creatively to learn and try new things. I wrote some things I didn’t know if I could pull off, Bevin learned to paint digitally for the title-cards and worked on some character design. All for fun, because those were things we’d each always wanted to try!

Plus, I think given the way Empathy for the Devil ends... well, no spoilers, but it gave us some closure. Bevin worked on the show as a storyboard revisionist  and I was a long-time fan. There were things we’d both wanted to see explored in the show, or just interesting ideas we thought could be cool. 

We ended up really loving the story we made together. It’s intrinsically motivating when you love the story. 

Personally, in the writing, I’d also say the emotions and themes were things I needed to express at the time. No one in this story goes through what I went through exactly, the events are certainly different. But I needed to express some stuff, and I grew alongside the characters. 

The last one I’d add is just, generally, to show ourselves what we can do. This is the first time I’ve finished a full novel. It’s the first graphic novel Bevin’s created. First time for both of us that a longer collab project is actually getting made! 

If there’s a takeaway, I’d guess it’s that. You don’t know what you can accomplish until you do. Surprise yourself.

[primroseprime2019]

Masters and Students

"Such a shame." Starscream said as he watched the Space bridge explosion, "But I applaud you, Megatron. You certainly made a grand exit."

Echo clenched her fists tightly as she left the control bridge and Soundwave walked over to Starscream.

"Ah, Soundwave, cue the audio/visual. I wish to address the troops." Soundwave only nodded.

All over the screens and throughout the halls, the troops had heard Starscream give out his message.

"The loss of Megatron, leader of the great Decepticon uprising, is certainly a blow to our cause. Yet we mustn't despair of his tragic demise. But instead embrace his ultimate sacrifice and build upon the foundation he laid with an even mightier hand."

A Vehicon had spoken up, "With all due respect Commander-I mean Lord Starscream."

"Yes, yes, what is it?" Starscream said.

"If we failed to conquer Earth under Lord Megatron's command, what hope do we have now while the Autobots still defend it?" The Vehicon asked.

Starscream sighed and replied, "Allow me to be crystal clear... I studied for millennia under our former Master. Thus I am equipped to lead you. I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream, Emperor of Destruction!" The crowd of Vehicons looked to each other and talked to one another. Starscream let out a scoff and had Soundwave cut the feed and audio.

"What use are troops who can't rise to the task of inflicting unspeakable destruction in my name?" The Seeker huffed.

"Maybe it's because they actually have loyalty towards someone who's led them for years," Echo spoke up as she stalked towards Starscream, her optics blazing with fury, "you're too cowardly and hardheaded to be a leader!"

"I suggest you watch your tone, Echo," Starscream growled. "Make me, you sorry excuse for a Decepticon!" Echo snapped, her digits turning into claws.

Soundwave stood between his sister and Starscream and Echo stared up at him, her wings shaking with bitterness towards Starscream. Soundwave shook his helm at his sister, silently telling her not to start a fight that she did not want to finish.

Echo clenched her fists tightly before she turned and walked out of the room. Starscream huffed and turned away from Soundwave, "now with that out of the way... Legend tells of one capable warrior, one who exists here upon this very planet, one who can be student to my master."

◊◊◊◊

Optimus sighed as he stood, overlooking the rock formations that surrounded him. It's been a week since they disabled the Decepticon Space Bridge, which resulted in Megatron's demise.

"Optimus, why so glum? This planet – all planets – are finally free from Megatron's tyranny!" Ratchet cheered.

"I do not disagree, Ratchet," Optimus admitted, a very large part of him content in knowing that his family would be safer than they were when Megatron lived, "It's just...a small part of me hoped to change Megatron's mind. Not extinguish his spark."

"Optimus, his vileness was not slain by your hand! But by his own twisted arrogance!" Ratchet protested, earning a hum of displeasure from the Prime, "I'm sorry. I know the two of you have quite a history."

"But the Megatron whom I once fought aside perished eons ago; the day he chose to become a Decepticon," Optimus rumbled before quickly changing the topic, "The Decepticons may be in disarray. But they aren't without leadership. And while Starscream is no Megatron, he is far from predictable." Suddenly an explosion shook the base.

"Decepticons! We're under attack!" Ratchet exclaimed and he and Optimus ran to the source of the explosion. Only it wasn't an attack. It was Rafael's volcano science project.

"It's not an attack Ratchet. It's my volcano," Raf said as he waved his hand against the smoke that started to fade away and his volcano deflated, "or was."

"Hold still, Bulkhead," Miko said as Bulkhead held a small model of the Solar System, "Jupiter needs its red spot. Whoopsie!"

"What... in the Allspark is going on around here?" Ratchet demanded. "Our projects are due tomorrow," Jack said.

Arcee picked up a part of the motorcycle she and Jack were working on. "Maybe it needs one of these doohickeys," she said.

"You're a motorcycle Arcee," Jack said with a smirk, "shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" "You're a human, Jack," Arcee shot back, "can you build me a small intestine?"

"Burn!" Miko and Paige said and Firestorm snickered. Jack huffed.

"Well you can't make these projects in here," Ratchet said, "you're making a mess!" "But the science fair's a big part of our grade," Raf said.

"Yeah," Miko agreed, "if Bulkhead doesn't help me finish this model of our Solar System-" "Oh?" Ratchet interrupted, "and what does Bulkhead know of your solar system? Or Bumblebee of your volcanoes? Or...?"

"Arcee of our motorcycles?" Jack asked, earning a look from his guardian.

"Precisely," Ratchet said, "we're not Earthlings and they're not scientists." "But the Autobots are their guardians, Ratchet," Optimus said, "would it hurt to learn more of Earth by helping our young friends with their schoolwork?"

"Well maybe our young friends should learn more of Cybertron," Ratchet huffed. Raf looked over at Paige, "what are you and Primrose working on, Paigey?"

"I'm just holding the flashlight," Primrose said. "I'm painting the galaxies and the constellations," Paige said as she sat on the far side of the main hangar, painting a rather large canvas. Primrose held a Cybertronian-sized flashlight and shined it down on the painting.

"Plus I’m making another project, but you can’t see it yet. Also, Ratchet," Paige said, making the Autobot medic look at her, "if you want- and if it's not too much trouble, can you teach me about Cybertron?"

"Really? You actually want to learn?" Ratchet asked, surprised. Paige smiled and nodded, "what's wrong with teaching a Galatrian about Cybertronian history and culture? Nothing, I'm sure. Plus, I've been meaning to learn about your planet."

Ratchet stared at Paige, completely shocked. "Someone's actually made Ratchet speechless," Firestorm chuckled, "I'm impressed. Ow!" He held his helm when a wrench suddenly decked him in the helm and he glared at Ratchet.

"Alright. I'll teach you," Ratchet said with a soft smile. "Yay!" Paige said happily. Primrose squeaked in surprise when some paint was flung her way and it landed on her faceplate.

"Whoops! Sorry Prim," Paige said with an apologetic smile.

"It's alright. The messier, the better," Primrose chuckled.

◊◊◊◊

Starscream, Soundwave and Echo were currently in the canyon looking for the warrior that Starscream had spoke of earlier in the warship. Though it had struck Echo as odd that they would look in a place such as Earth. And as much as she would've loved to beat Starscream into a bloody mess, she was also glad that Soundwave was here to stop her- most likely electrocute her in a way.

"Starscream." Echo said calmly, getting his attention, "This warrior that you talked about earlier, why in the name of the Allspark would they be here on Earth?"

Starscream said, "During the Great War, so much energon was hidden on this forsaken rock, that our departed master sent some of Cybertron's greatest to guard it-True warriors now lying in stasis, waiting to be reawakened."

"When you put it like that, it actually makes the most sense," Echo said.

"Yes," Starscream replied, "Though it was such a folly that late in life Megatron searched for distant space for warriors, rather than here beneath his feet." Soundwave was still trying to figure out where the warrior was; despite him not saying anything Starscream had said, "What do you mean you can't pinpoint his signal? I know we're close! Boost the power to your sensors!"

Soundwave did this and they found what they were looking for.

"Is that it?" Echo asked. "Yes," he said, "there." With that, he, Soundwave and Echo transformed into their aerial forms and flew up into the air.

◊◊◊◊

Raf was rebuilding his volcano. But he wasn't really paying attention. He was paying more attention to Bumblebee's stories from the war, particularly when Bumblebee mentioned that he hasn't made warrior class.

"Really, Bumblebee? Then how do you make warrior class?" Raf wanted to know, causing Bumblebee to bleep some stuff about experience getting in the way, "But I've seen you in action! You're awesome!"

That was when Optimus decided to intervene, placing his servo on his adoptive son's shoulder whilst saying to Raf, "I second your opinion, Raf. But Autobot lifecycles are much longer than those of humans. And though it may be hard to believe, our young scout still has much to experience."

"Well experience is the best thing to have," Paige said as she walked over to Optimus, Bumblebee and Raf. She was wearing a white shirt, along with some overalls and she was wearing her sketchers shoes.

"You done with your painting already?" Bumblebee asked.

"Yeah. I took it outside on the roof to dry," Paige said, rubbing her hands on the pants of her overalls, 'I think Cliff would've loved it.' She jumped when the monitors started going off.

"Exposed Energon! And it's on the move!" Ratchet proclaimed.

"And since we're not moving it, guess who must be!" Bulkhad challenged.

"Decepticons," Arcee answered as she stood next to Optimus.

"Without Megatron?" Miko asked in disbelief.

"Unfortunately, Megatron's legacy will live on as others rise to take his place," Optimus sighed gravely. "Why am I suddenly being reminded of wolves?" Paige asked aloud, making Optimus look at her curiously.

Optimus turned to his team, "Autobots, you have projects to complete. Ratchet, I may acquire first aid."

Ratchet was a bit hesitant at this, and turned to the three kids currently working on their projects.

"Science fair is a big part of their grade." Ratchet said to his leader, "Perhaps I'm best suited to remain and advise."

Optimus agreed to this, "Very well." He said, before turning to his scouts, "Bumblebee, Primrose, let us see about this energon in transit."

"Can I come?" Paige asked. "No," Optimus, Bumblebee and Primrose said in unison, making the fourteen year old girl squeak.

"You know it is too dangerous," Optimus said firmly. Paige frowned, "well I'm Dauntless enough to face danger!"

"This isn't Divergent," Jack called out. "Watch it, Jackson!" Paige said, glaring at the sixteen year old boy who put his hands up in surrender.

"What would your mother say?" Primrose asked in a playful tone. Paige opened her mouth but closed it and she crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.

Bumblebee buzzed with laughter as the ground bridge opened. Paige let out a meow of protest and she kicked invisible dirt with her foot. Optimus gently rubbed her head before he, Bumblebee and Primrose went through the ground bridge.

◊◊◊◊

Echo watched as Starscream and Soundwave pulled out what was a stasis chamber as she stood back. After they pulled the the stasis chamber out from where it was, they took a step back. "Soundwave, the cube." Starscream said.

Soundwave took out a container containing a single energon cube. He handed it over to Starscream; he placed it in the slot that was provided. The capsule had started to activate.

"The energon infusion!" Starscream said, "It's working!" They were soon blinded by a blue light.

In the distance, Optimus, Bumblebee and Primrose walked out of the ground bridge. They heard sounds just nearby. "Do you guys hear that?" Primrose asked.

"This doesn't feel right," Bumblebee said. "No Bumblebee, it does not," Optimus said, "hold your position and await my command."

Primrose and Bumblebee both nodded.

The stasis chamber opened and reveal the warrior inside; Starscream had stepped forward.

"Awaken warrior!" He said, "Rise and serve your new master!" Echo could tell that he was as large and giant as Megatron was; his color scheme was of green, white and red, and his optics glowed red. And a part of her was glad that he was another Seeker.

He spoke with a booming voice, "Skyquake only serves one master." "Excellent." Starscream said, "Your loyalty and devotion will set a fine example for the troops," he sent Echo a glare, "among other things. No need to be timid, Skyquake. You may bow."

Echo felt her right optic twitch and she ground her denta together to hold herself back. Soundwave placed his servo on his sister's shoulder and gave a light squeeze.

"You fail to grasp my meaning." Skyquake said, "I am here on a mission assigned to me by my one true master- Megatron." "Yes. Him." Starscream said, "Sadly Megatron is no longer with us."

"Impossible." Skyquake said.

"Why is this so difficult for everyone to accept? Skyquake, I located you. I awakened you. Thus I, Lord Starscream, am your one true master!" Starscream snapped.

Skyquake growled, stepping towards Starscream who quickly stepped back. "It has been quite awhile Skyquake." Optimus spoke up, getting his attention.

Skyquake turned to him. "Optimus Prime." He said, "I haven't seen you since the Battle of Technar. Megatron ordered me to annihilate you."

"That was a long time ago." Optimus said.

"That may be, Prime, but my orders still stand," Skyquake said.

"Is this ancient war still worth fighting when so many comrades have been lost and worlds destroyed? If you want to be a true leader, Starscream, then stray from Megatron's path and lead the Decepticons towards peace," Optimus said firmly.

"I would be willing to consider a truce..." Starscream said, "If you are willing to bow before me... Optimus Prime."

"Again?" Skyquake said angrily, "Bow to this!"

Skyquake swung his arm and with one hit, Starscream was sent flying right into the wall. Echo widened her optics in surprise before she transformed into her aerial form and flew up into the air with Soundwave and Starscream following.

"Skyquake, this is a new era. On another world. Side with the Autobots and help me end this conflict forever," Optimus once again pleaded the newly-awakened Decepticon.

"I will NEVER side with a Prime!" Skyquake proclaimed as he ran towards Optimus.

Optimus never saw the next hit coming. So when Skyquake threw a punch at him, he didn't block it. Instead, he let it knock him into a nearby archway. Skyquake picked Optimus up by his shoulders and threw the other around.

Above the ensuing battle, Starscream, Soundwave and Echo watched everything unfold. "What need have we for peace when we have Skyquake?" Starscream asked rhetorically to Echo and Soundwave.

"With some disapline, he will learn to respect his new master," the Seeker continued, "And once it becomes known that Skyquake destroyed the great Optimus Prime under our command, all Decepticons will greatfully bow to us."

Bumblebee and Primrose watched the fight between Optimus and Skyquake become intense. A little too intense for Primrose's liking. Optimus unlocked his blaster and shot at Skyquake twice.

The large Decepticon Seeker pulled out his own blaster and fired at Optimus. Each rapid shot hit the Prime, knocking him back but he still stood on his pedes. Having seen enough, Primrose and Bumblebee ran forward.

"Bumblebee, Primrose, no!" Optimus shouted. Bumblebee fired at Skyquake's back, catching the large Seeker by surprise. He whirled around, his blaster reloaded and ready. With each fire he made, Bumblebee avoided being hit. He jumped from wall to wall within the canyon, avoiding fire. Eventually, one hit Bumblebee, sending him crashing to the ground.

Primrose jumped forward and she grabbed Skyquake's blaster. Skyquake grabbed Primrose and threw her aside.

"Do not miss a single moment, Soundwave!" Starscream instructed, "We shall need visual documentation of Optimus Prime's demise for the historical record!"

Optimus and Skyquake punched at each other, both bots often missing and hitting again and again. When Skyquake knocked Optimus back, Bumblebee and Primrose got up beside their leader.

"He can't transform yet?" Bumblebee asked, confused. "Skyquake has not yet acquired a vehicle mode," Optimus said.

Skyquake charged at the three bots. "Fall back!" Optimus exclaimed. Before Skyquake could swing at the three Autobots, they quickly transformed into their vehicle forms and drove away.

“So time has made you a coward, Prime?" Skyquake called after him as he fired a few more shots from his blaster.

◊◊◊◊

"Let's see. Where is it?" Ratchet muttered as he used his blowtorch to assemble Raf's volcano.

"Um...what is it?" Raf wanted to know.

"You'll find out," Ratchet answered.

"But Ratchet, shouldn't I be doing the work?" Raf protested.

"Zep-yip-yip-yip! Don't touch! Just watch and learn!" Ratchet said sternly as he shooed the twelve year old boy away.

"So we're just gonna help Jack and Miko finish theirs..." Bulkhead trailed off as he referred to himself and Arcee.

"Without my supervision?! You want them to be right, don't you?" Ratchet asked, causing Arcee and Bulkhead to look at each other and give small shrugs. "Then watch a master at work!" Ratchet said eagerly.

"Control freak," Miko murmured. "That's the understatement of the century," Jack huffed as he walked over to Paige who was messing with some wires. She had some scissors in her hand.

"Paige?" Jack called out. Paige jumped and she hit her head, making her yelp and she shouted in pain when the scissors cut her arm.

"Fudge nuggets it all! Jack, don't sneak up on me like that- especially when I'm lost in thought!" Paige snapped. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Jack exclaimed.

Ratchet, Bulkhead, Arcee, Raf and Miko hurried over to them. "What happened?" Ratchet asked.

"I accidentally scared Paige and she cut her arm," Jack said.

"Not to mention, I hit my head," Paige said. "What were you trying to do?" Bulkhead asked.

"Well I was trying to untangle some wires in the main wall because I figured that might give you some trouble," Paige said, "I had a toolbox stashed away."

"Let me see," Ratchet said as he activated his human form and he gently held Paige's arm, "it's a small cut, nothing major. I suggest you let me handle those wires from now on." He started to wrap her arm in some bandages.

"Sorry," Paige said, "thought I could help." "I appreciate that," Ratchet said with a soft smile and he looked at Paige.

She stared at him, her light brown eyes connecting with his light blue eyes. He stared at her, his face meters away from hers. He felt his human heart pounding against his chest and he felt his cheeks warm up.

Miko looked between the two and a sly smile appeared on her face. Paige's phone started buzzing and she picked it up out of her pocket.

She gave it to Ratchet who looked at the text message and his eyes slightly widened. The text was from Marcus and it said: 'make a move on my daughter and your spark is mine.' A shiver ran up the medic's spine and he sighed softly.

"Protective Dad?" Jack asked. "Yep," Paige giggled, "my parents have protective daddy and mommy senses- and they tingle."

"Remind me again as to why and how your parents know about us yet Ratchet and Optimus know them?" Bulkhead asked curiously. "They thought it'd be a good idea to tell me about my home planet," Paige said, "although it sounds weird, coming from me. Plus, Mom said that Ratchet and Dad met when Cybertron still had it's Golden Age. I don't know how to explain it myself."

◊◊◊◊

"We've lost sight of them! Soundwave, why aren't you tracking them?" Starscream screeched, "What? What is it?"

Soundwave was showing Starscream something else. A different map. It wasn't of the area they are currently watching Skyquake's battle with Optimus and Bumblebee. But a map of Earth and the space that surrounds it.

"A second Decepticon life signal? But Skyquake is the only sleeper buried in this area!" Starscream scoffed in disbelief as he studied Soundwave's map closer.

But Echo noticed something perculiar about the life signal. She knew that area well. After all, they were there just days ago.

"The sight of our destroyed Space Bridge! You're not telling us that life signal belongs to Megatron?" Starscream gasped as the realization dawned on them both, "but he was microns from the detination point! Nothing could have survived that blast! Your sensors must be faulty! Ignore the contact! Delete the coordinates!" Echo gave Starscream an icy glare which was quickly unnoticed.

"What am I saying? Of course it must be investigated! If Lord Megatron is up there, I shall bring him home. Soundwave, Echo, remain here and monitor the outcome. When Skyquake snuffs Prime's spark, I must bare witness," Starscream instructed.

With those words said, Starscream jumped into the canyon below. Once he was close to the ground, he transformed into his alternative jet mode and flew away from the canyon. Soundwave and Echo just stood by and watched him leave.

"Must bare witness," Soundwave repeated before he deployed Laserbeak and she flew up into the air.

◊◊◊◊

"Tango 6 Alpha to Station Command. We're picking up transmissions from unidentified technology. Possibly hostile. We are moving to investigate."

"Negative, Tango Six Alpha," Agent Fowler interrupted the communications between the two respective personnel, "This is Special Agent William Fowler intercepting. Strike your report from the record and abide origin coordinates. I'll take it from here."

◊◊◊◊

Down in the canyon below, the chase appeared to be working out in the favor of the Autobots. Primrose continued to drive around the canyon with Skyquake hot on her trail. However, Primrose eventually reached a dead end. Once she did, she transformed into her bipedal form.

"It will be a shame to crush you, young Prime. But it is my duty," Skyquake remarked.

Suddenly, he heard the familiar sound of a truck horn behind him. He turned around and saw Optimus approaching him in his truck mode. Immediately, he started firing shots from his blaster. Whilst taking hits, Optimus transformed into his bipedal form and punched Skyquake in the face.

"Excellent strategy, Primrose," Optimus complimented his scout as Bumblebee drove up beside them.

Skyquake began to get up. "Skyquake, stay down," Optimus instructed as he retaliated with his own punch.

Bits of shrapnel broke off from Skyquake's face due to Optimus' punch. Skyquake fell to the ground weakened. Optimus, Primrose and Bumblebee stood above him. He appeared to be defeated.

"Fowler?" Optimus gasped as he looked up and saw a familiar fighter jet.

While Optimus, Primrose and Bumblebee were distracted, Skyquake looked up at the jet with a sinister grin. His eyes glowed green as he took in the appearance of the jet.

"Agent Fowler, fall back!" Optimus pleaded Fowler through their radio connection.

In his eyes were the designs of the fighter jet he had just scanned. Skyquake jumped above Optimus. Before either Optimus, Primrose, Bumblebee or Fowler could do anything about it, Skyquake was no longer in his bipedal form. But instead, he was in his recently-acquired alternative mode. His alternative mode was the jet Fowler was flying and Skyquake had scanned. He flew towards the skies at high speeds, intent on finishing his enemies once and for all.

"Well, I'll be a bald eagle!" Fowler remarked as he noticed Skyquake flying next to him.

"Air superiority achieved," Skyquake proclaimed as he fired shots at Optimus, Primrose and Bumblebee below him.

Immediately, Optimus, Primrose and Bumblebee started running for cover from Skyquake's shots. Needing more speed to do so, they transformed into their vehicle forms and sped away.

"Stealing plans for classified military aircraft will NOT be tolerated on my watch!" Fowler proclaimed as he fired shots at the phoney classified military aircraft.

To Skyquake, Fowler was now his new target of destruction. He fired a group of missles at the government agent. And they are no ordinary missles.

"HEAT SEAKERS!" Fowler gasped.

Fowler was now thankful of his intense compulsory pilot training. With his special maneovers, he managed to avoid the missles. When he reached a dead end, he pulled up immediately. Below him, the missles flew into the rocky cliff face and exploded upon impact.

"I still got it," Fowler boasted rather proudly.

◊◊◊◊

Bits of shrapnel from the Space Bridge explosion remained in space, floating around Earth's orbit.

"No one could have survived this." Starscream said as he looked through the rubble. "As I suspected faulty sensors, the last thing I need now is rumors that Megatron is still..." A painful moan interrupted him and Starscream hesitantly found the source. Megatron's burnt body was present and still in one piece. Every bit of him was charred and black and he had scratches everywhere from his body. There was a large whole in the center of his chest, right where his spark should be. "Megatron.." Starscream said amazed. At the slightest touch Megatron reacted.

"AAARRGGHH!" He roared as he grabbed at Starscream, who's optics went wide with fright. He wasn't sure if Megatron recognized him or not, but just as quickly as the attack started it ended with Megatron going limp again.

"But how?" The seeker said puzzled, until he saw a familiar purple glow. "Dark energon." Starscream leaned into Megatron's unconscious form. "Everyone believes you are deceased, who am I to disappoint them...master." He slowly pulled out the shard and Megatron groaned in pain before collapsing again. "And this time stay dead." Starscream snapped before pushing off his body. Suddenly he heard the chittering sound of Laserbeak nearby as the minicon flew over to Starscream and Megatron.

"Soundwave!" Starscream gasped as he hid the Dark Energon shard, "If you are listening, I have found Lord Megatron. And he is...unwell. We must transport him to sick bay...immediately!"

◊◊◊◊

Down in the canyon, the chase continued involving Optimus, Primrose and Bumblebee on the ground and Skyquake and Fowler in the air. Optimus, Primrose and Bumblebee narrowly avoided every shot Skyquake fired. One missle came too close for Optimus' liking. It sent him flying through the air. Optimus transformed into his bipedal mode to prevent potential self-harm.

But Skyquake ignored the Prime. He continued going after Bumblebee and Primrose. They continued to drive through the canyon with Skyquake flying close behind them firing shots from his blasters. Eventually, Primrose drove around a corner and Bumblebee drove up a hill at high speeds, causing him to fly over the top of the hill. Midair, Bumblebee transformed into his bipedal mode and ran across the hot, sandy ground underneath his feet. Skyquake flew above the gap of the canyon.

Bumblebee jumped from the edge of the canyon and landed on top of Skyquake. Immediately, the jet began flying out of control, randomly knocking Bumblebee into cliff faces in the process. From the ground, Optimus witnessed the events between the two. And he immediately knew that Bumblebee would need further support.

"Agent Fowler, we acquire immediate assistance!" The Prime said.

Bumblebee was punching Skyquake and ripping out bits of wiring vital to his bodily functions. Bumblebee's actions sent Skyquake into a crash dive, rapidly approaching the ground below. Immediately, Fowler was hot on their tail.

Bumblebee looked to Fowler and buzzed and beeped his thanks.

"Anytime, fella. Ground floor's coming up fast!" Fowler remarked.

Bumblebee jumped from Skyquake and landed on top of Fowler's jet. Immediately, Fowler pulled up to avoid crash-landing alongside Skyquake. The smoking Decepticon jet continued his crash dive towards the ground.

From the ground, Optimus watched as Skyquake landed nearby with an exploding bang. The burning jet skidded along the desert ground before coming to a stop a few feet away.

"Happy landings, 'Con," Fowler wished cockily.

Fowler flew his jet near the edge of the canyon so Bumblebee could jump off. Once Bumblebee was off of the jet, Fowler flew away. Bumblebee stood by the edge and observed the still-smoking remains of Skyquake. Eventually, he climbed down to meet up with Optimus and Primrose. Together, the three watched as the red optics of Skyquake went dark and his spark gave out.

"Had Skyquake chosen to stray from his master's path, we might not be burying him today," Optimus remarked.

Primrose stared at Skyquake's body and she clenched her fists tightly. Bumblebee glanced at her.

Soundwave and Echo watched the three Autobots from their spot on the canyons. Echo looked to Soundwave, a familiar look in her optics.

Soundwave only transformed into his aerial form and flew up into the air. Echo watched her brother for a moment and she looked back at the Autobots and Skyquake. She shut her optics tightly, holding back tears that threatened to form before she transformed into her aerial form and flew after Soundwave.

◊◊◊◊

"Bumblebee, putting yourself at risk was perhaps not the wisest of strategies. But you performed admirably," Optimus complimented Bumblebee after Ratchet finished checking him over for injuries.

Bumblebee bleeped to Optimus his thanks for the compliment as he stepped out of the chamber. Ratchet laughed gleefully as he heard the sounds of car horns from the hallway. Bulkhead and Arcee had returned with the kids. Jack and Paige hopped off of Arcee while Miko and Raf climbed out of Bulkhead and the two transformed into their bipedal forms.

"There you are! Well, how were my – I mean, our – projects received?" Ratchet asked eagerly.

"Well...," Raf trailed off.

◊◊◊◊

"Miss Nakadai, what planet would that be?" Mr Capizzi asked, referring to the model Miko displayed.

"Um...Cybertron?" Miko answered nervously.

Just as she answered the question, the metallic planet fell off the wire holding it up and rolled around the classroom, causing many kids to jump up in fear.

◊◊◊◊

"It's large, Mr Darby. But is it operational?" Mr Capizzi questioned nervously.

Jack hit the button and the machine went wild. It even left the classroom to terrorize the kids who were unfortunate enough to have free period at this time.

◊◊◊◊

"I hesitate to ask, Mr Esquivel. But is it active?" Mr Capizzi whimpered.

To answer his question, Raf pressed the button that activated the electrical volcano. It almost destroyed the entire school.

◊◊◊◊

"Well, on our planet, you would have been awarded the highest honor!" Ratchet snapped before walking away grumbling, "Absolutely no credit whatsoever."

"Speaking of highest honors," Arcee smirked as she glanced at Paige.

"Why are you guys looking at me?" Paige asked nervously.

"I don't believe it. My best friend has forgotten that she was awarded the highest grade in the entire school!" Jack exclaimed.

"WHAT?!" Ratchet screeched before promptly fainting.

"I only introduced and showed my painting and constellations and galaxies to the teachers," Paige said, blushing and smiling shyly, "especially my favorite constellation: Orion and Cassiopeia."

"So what are you guys going to do next year?" Primrose asked them with a smirk.

"They should've strayed from Ratchet's path," Bumblebee bleeped.

"Indeed, Bumblebee. Our human friends would have been wise to stray from Ratchet's path like Paige did," Optimus agreed.

"Hey. You made Ratchet faint! I LIKE THIS GIRL!" Bulkhead proclaimed, causing everyone except Optimus and Ratchet to laugh.

"What happened to your arm, Paige?" Optimus suddenly asked, noticing the white material covering Paige's arm.

"She was surprised by something and cut her arm with a pair of scissors," Jack said, "Aunt Tasha had to put some alcohol on it and wrap it up even more."

"What?!" Optimus exclaimed. "I'm okay," Paige quickly reassured him, placing her hand on his digit, "you're starting to act like my Mom."

Optimus only vented, blowing gentle and warm air against the girl, making her laugh and she hugged his digit.

After the events, Optimus gave Paige a lecture about safety and she half listened and half smiled at the Prime. She was thinking of the last night memory of her parents talking to her about her second planet and how it had become desolated when Cybertron became dark.

"So you met Orion Pax and Megatronus when you were at least my age?" Paige asked her dad curiously. Marcus chuckled and gave a small nod.

"I was at least twenty-one when the War started," Marcus said, "Orion Pax became Optimus Prime. And Megatronus became Megatron."

"So... what are we?" Paige asked, looking to her mom. Tasha smiled softly, "we're Galatrians. And we're very special Magic users. We got along with Cybertronians very well. At least... up until the War began. Galatrians, along with many other Magic users, were either captured or killed by Decepticons and many went into hiding or just disappeared."

"There were many Magic Users we had met just like your parents," Ratchet said, "there was one named Kaitlin Elisabeth Prime."

Paige blinked in surprise and she looked to Optimus who gave a solemn smile. "What was... what was she like? Did you meet her?" Paige asked.

Tasha and Marcus nodded. "We did. She was an amazing and brave Irilian. Even Megatron loved her and she loved him," Tasha said, hugging her daughter close, "and I bet she would've loved to meet you."

Paige smiled softly and she looked at her markings. "What magic can I do?" She asked curiously. "You can do what many Galatrians can do," Marcus chuckled, "your eyes may be light brown but when you use your powers, they change to ruby red. Those are your Galatrian eyes."

"Show us some magic Paigey!" Miko said excitedly. Paige smiled nervously before she closed her eyes in concentration. The markings glowed sapphire blue and apparitions of Sky Children appeared around the base.

Tasha chuckled and shook her head with amusement. Paige smiled softly as a Sky Child walked up to her and gave a happy musical sound.

Paige giggled happily and clapped her hands together with delight. Optimus smiled softly.

After Arcee, Bumblebee and Bulkhead took their charges home, Paige had fallen asleep on the couch and Tasha drove into the base, silently parking her truck on the side.

"Optimus?" Tasha called out, making the Prime and Ratchet look at her.

"Paige insisted on sleeping over tonight," Ratchet said. Tasha chuckled softly, "I see. I actually wanted to talk to you both."

"Of course," Optimus said as he knelt down in front of her.

"If Megatron was found by his... followers, is it possible that he knows about my family?" Tasha asked. "That will not happen," Ratchet said firmly.

Tasha looked over at the still sleeping Paige, "my daughter is no Kaitlin. She's no bright blue dragoness. She's no Valentine."

"Megatron may or may not know that," Optimus said, "he knows the history between you and him. He knows the history between him and your mother." Tasha gripped her arm tightly at the mention of her mother.

"I am not losing anyone else," Tasha said darkly, "I don't care what it takes. I will fight Megatron till my last breath."

"Let us not focus on that now," Optimus said firmly, "focus on your daughter. The only child you have ever brought into this Earth- she needs you."

"And she needs you," Tasha said firmly, placing her hand on Optimus' digit, "just as you will grow to need her." Marcus picked Paige up into his arms and walked over to the truck.

Tasha turned and walked after Marcus but she paused. "Optimus," she said, "no matter what happens... do not let Paige's darkness take a hold of her."

Optimus stared at her for a moment before he gave a small nod. With that, Tasha got into the truck and she drove out of the base.

◊◊◊◊

"The troops will be pleased to hear of our success in rushing Lord Megatron into stasis. Let us hope that our master pulls through," Starscream said. Echo stood in the medlab, staring at Megatron coldly.

Her leader was hooked up to life support cords. No matter what, she was going to guard her leader. Especially from Starscream.

◊◊◊◊

Starscream and Soundwave walked into the control bridge. Starscream paused when he saw a cloaked figure.

"Reveal yourself!" Starscream snapped, "Decepticons, attack!" The Vehicons didn't move an inch.

A dark chuckle came from the cloaked figure. "I'm surprised you think that they would follow your orders, Starscream," the voice said, "you truly have forgotten who I am."

The figure removed her cloak and Starscream widened his optics. A bright orange and white femme with yellow highlights turned to them, her fiery orange optics glowing.

"I have heard of Lord Megatron's... steady recovery," she said calmly, "and while he is in recovery, I shall lead the Decepticons... unless anyone has a problem with that."

Soundwave didn't say anything but the femme somehow knew his answer. The Vehicons in the control bridge stayed silent. Starscream's wings twitched and he lowered his helm.

The femme smirked and turned back to the large screens, clasping her servos behind her back.

#fanfiction #transformers prime #my ocs #self insert #the girl among the gods

[gimmethehobbit]

2020 Fanart Highlights

Thanks for tagging me @une-amie!! Love your art btw!

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your favourite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

Yay, nothing like a little artistic self-reflection! I’ll stick to linking to my comics and art (I have some rotten fic festering on the distant regions of the internet that we won’t mention here lol)

I think I drew more comics in 2020 than I did the previous two years? While my style has gotten less cute and I’m using almost no color, I actually don’t feel too bad about it. The art always served the punchline/gag anyway. If I got you to chuckle/smile with my comic then it’s mission accomplished for me. Also, around when quarantine started is when I got a drawing tablet and basically everything I’ve posted since then has been drawn digitally. I’ll go chronologically over my faves:

Pining Keith in 2020 [VLD | Klance] It seems like I optimistically start every year ranting that this will be the year of klance (now years after the actual show ended.) My favorite thing to do is cut corners so repeating panels and just changing expressions/dialogue is the absolute BEST and I encourage everyone to do it! No one will notice or care! :D This one was still pencil on paper, which I kind of miss because it carries a certain energy that digital misses.

RA Comix: ONE FEAR [Richard Armitage] Okay, this one has like NO notes but I died laughing making it. We could have had a really epic closing chapter to the whole RA/LP thing but I guess now we’ll never know? (is the con even being rescheduled??) Also any RA fan is free to reuse this for whatever RA’s current fear is lmao.

Michigan J. Frog! [Looney Tunes] I worked full-time during quarantine. But on a random day off I thought, you know what, I should really draw Michigan J. Frog on this tablet I’m still getting used to. I think he turned out alright. It’s still my aim to animate him once I have like a year off :P

RA turns 49 [Richard Armitage] This one is very special to me because I spent 5 minutes drawing it and then like an hour just playing around with cut and paste and warping his face. The real satisfaction here was making myself cackle. Also I love that his doll friend is the only thing worthy of being put in color. Did I mention how much I HATE coloring comics???? Which leads me to coloring art...

Leatherface’s Quarantine Advice [Horror | Texas Chainsaw Massacre] This was the first one of my horror/artober challenge. Drawing/coloring is hard! He came out okay, if a bit smudgy but I’m still perplexed over how I did that real cool-looking sky and background.   

You’ll Float Too! [Horror | It Movie | Pennywise] Stylistically I went for something that looked like a kid drew it and I think I really nailed it! 😆

ANNABEL/LE’S [Horror | Annabelle | RA’s friend lol] Probably the art piece I spent the most time on this year? Aka more than an hour. Had a lot of fun painting her, I was in the Zone. Really like how her creepy face plays with light and shadow. That blood tear is pretty spot-on 👌 Also nothing like the juxtaposition between Annabelle’s realistic creepiness and the cartoony Annabel 🤡

(audio scream warning!->)  Thrandy Scream [LOTR/Hobbit | Thranduil | Legolas] Including this one because it’s one of three animations I did last year along with Thorin’s McRib and Artie Fufkin. I was all set to do a bunch more and then I realized CSPaint has me stuck on a time limit of just a few seconds??? So that kind of sucks. But I like merging audio with crudely moving art. Definitely want to try more of it. Also amused myself by drawing Thrandy after a long hiatus.

That’s all folks! Lmk if there’s something you want to see more of this year :3 (I fell off the RA train because I don’t do audiobooks but I can always make shit up 🤪)

Tagging @heyholmesletsgo @oldfarmerbillswife @sillymarillion-comics @aninomori @atanes-universe @monkeyscomics @thejerseydevile  @evankart and any other artist/writer/creator who wants to do this!

#2020 fanart highlights #tag game #damn i spent longer writing this post than drawing some of these comics i mentioned #🥴

[otterloreart]

good news everyone! I’m making serious progress on... a comic! yay! sorta!

Since I’ve been posting more about my process and art here is a little process post!

Panel 1: final background + frog princess (speech bubble: Giddafuck out my swamp)

Panel 2: marker drawing with color correction

Panel 3: Marker with lineart added

Panel 4: White fog has been added for fog effect

Panel 5: more shadows on the stones, plants, building, reflection in the water, and light has been added, but before more color correction was done

Panel 6: a “bright” alternative color version (eg less moody lighting)

So... if everyone doesn’t know, I really struggle with making comics in particular and more detailed pieces of art as well. I simply find it very difficult to come back to a project I have “started” in some way, I basically give up or have to really push myself and that takes a long time and is not very fun for me, so I tend to drop comic projects fairly quickly. There’s also the fact I find digital painting, particularly for backgrounds, really difficult and not fun.

That’s one of the reasons my first comic project, Hand of Crystalline, looked like this:

It’s backgrounds were a (kind of sloppy) mix of gouache and watercolor! I really love those mediums but they can be a pain in  the ass in terms of drying times which does not make for a smooth drawing process. Like I said, my ability to concentrate on a whole project at a time is kind of nonexistent! So! Waiting for watercolor to dry made this much more difficult to do all at once.

From what I see on the internet, most comic artists go like this: Script -> thumbnails -> layout/ full sketches -> lineart -> color -> text/bubbles and, besides doing the backgrounds separately, thats what I /tried/ with Crystalline. Which is probably why both times I tried to start it, it took so long to complete each page. When starting a project I can basically do Step 1, Step 2, Step 3 as long as they’re all at the same time, but if I start Step 1, I have a lot of trouble motivating myself to go back to Step 2, essentially.

So! To solve my two main problems (backgrounds and Motivation) I’m doing things a little differently this time around. I have already done thumbnailing, script, and laid out panels, and I’m going to try and just fill them in step by step so I don’t struggle so much motivating myself. That way, one panel can be complete and I can move on to the next one, etc, and even if im not totally satisfied with it I don’t have to look at it 300 times while coloring!

And I’m drawing in marker!

I’m not like super good in marker! (And I’m still shit at perspective lol) heres my first draft of that drawing which i way overdid

which i managed to make like... half better digitally but still ended up redrawing

but I’ll be learning, trying to improve. If you’re wondering why i dont just *try to improve* at digital painting I just... don’t find it that fun, its a completely different way of drawing and I simply don’t like it very much! Maybe someday I can but right now i dont have a super amount of time to practice drawing 24/7 *before* starting a comic and I’ll be way happier with the comic if I’m trying in a medium I actually enjoy.

Finally, the actual post above: is not quite the finished picture but a preview of a background from the first section of the comic. more to come soon!

#princess frog #frog princess #comic #my art #art2021 #ocs