juliedrawz

[juliedrawz]

Update on my book

I will not sell it ....

Well guys,

I cannot with myself for actually forgetting about this crucial fact! And I apologize!

Cancíon de vida once started as a mere fanfiction, something small, something with not too much doubt about it. It brought me back to professional writing and ending up writing a real novel surprised me. A full novel , one that most likely will end up having 800+ pages is in no way shape or form copareable to a fanfiction. There is so much more work in it, so much more effort and professionalism. And I knew my first thought was, I want to sell to those who want it.

Now, as I was out in a restaurant with my father, writing a few book cover artists, it suddenly hit me and it felt like a cold slap. I felt so stupid for forgetting it!

I am not allowed to sell a book about Disney characters!

I'm not allowed to make money from disney's characters, since they don't belong to me! I would need disney's ok for selling my book! I would need the copyright! And nr. 1 it is as good as not possible to get that right .... especiall not if you're just a tiny nobody artist under a thousand. 2. It's a whole lot of stress to even reach out to disney, and even if they would agree, my book wouldn't be mine anymore, it would belong to disney and I would be forced to give it to some publisher. And in all honesty. As much as I love Coco, as much as it is my fav. I will not give my book, my baby, away to that company. Because then, they would be able to do whatever they want with it and I dont want that!

I didn't want to publish my book in bookstores anyway. And I certainly didn't want MY story to be taken away from me.

Now, if I would sell my finished book anyway, I'd be "technically" making money from characters that belong to disney. And if disney would find that out ... I would be in the biggest trouble. They don't care if the book is all my own idea. They'd only see the fact I made money from something that lawfully belongs to them. That being, Héctor, Imelda etc. And they could sue me.

Now, what does that mean for you guys? Well, hardly anything. I will still finish my book, I will still print it and give it away to those of you who would like to have the book physically.

As long as I don't sell the book, I'm safe.

If you'd want the book, I'll give it out. You won't have to pay anything. It is how it is.

#pixar coco #coco 2017

[juliedrawz]

AAAAH! I FINALLY got my fav. Boi!!! Yesterday was dia de los muertos and I feel kinda bad for not having any art at hand but I wasn't in the mood of drawing.

Anyway, this just made me SO happy!!

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco hector #héctor rivera

[juliedrawz]

Excuse meh but Ernesto looking mighty fine here 🙃

...

Also I wish we had more pictures of alive Héctor and Imelda 🫡

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco ernesto #ernesto de la cruz

[juliedrawz]

Guys! My heart! Yesterday evening something happened that I didn't expect AT ALL!

So it was my cousins birthday. No biggie. Just another small family get together at my aunts. Some cake, some really good dinner, boring chit chat. You name it.

And, of course, eventually, I sat ... and sat ... and got bored. So I took out my Ipad and started drawing Coco stuff, when all of the sudden I hear my Dad go in a whisper to my great cousin (She's almost 7, mind you) "Uh oh ... don't let Julie hear that!"

Too late! Sweet familiar melodies I've engraved in my heart reach my ears and I'm immersed in the movie I love more than anything! I hear Héctor talk to Miguel and that's it. I Turn my head, the child giggles and grins and boom, I scuttle closer next to her and before we know it, we are BOTH deeply in the movie. Dad shakes his head grinning, Mom beams from ear to ear as my great cousin showers me with a huricane of questions and facts.

"Did you know Ernesto's guitar is actually Héctor's"?

"Yes, sweety! I know 😂"

"Why is Imelda angry at Héctor?"

"Because she was very sad when he didn't come back."

My great cousin loudly - "But he wanted to come back!! Ernesto kept him from going!"

Me - 🫠 "Yes, sweety! I know!!" 💪😭 *so proud!!*

And she literally proceeded to ask me questions and I answered them all! Why do alebrijes look so colorful? Why does Pepita turn back into a cat? Why does Miguel turn a skeleton? Why did Ernesto snap?

She also wanted to know my top 3 and DUH, did I say, Héctor, Imelda, Ernesto! Héctor being nr 1. And she agress but says, "Héctor, Miguel, Ernesto!" And I'm just 🥹💘 (She said, Ernesto folks!! She's a clever one! She doesn't put the "Villain" stamp on him but understands (as far as child can at that age) that something went wrong with him. One day, when she's old enough, she'll get to read my book! That's for sure!

And further more, speaking of Héctor's guitar, her Dad comes around singing un poco loco and asks, "Why can't you play her un poco loco?"

Me - "Because I've only been playing for 10 months? I'm not that good yet! 🥲"

He - "Well then learn faster!" 😂

Me - 🥲 "I wish I could! Believe me ... it's not that easy!"

And great cousin asks when I will finish Héctor's guitar. OF COURSE, Dad had to tell her what I'm up to!

Me - "Soon, I hope!"

Fast forward, un poco loco comes on, we sing! My aunt comes, hears and you can see the sneer in her face 🤣 but I already have the multitude on my side! So we settle in an agreement to turn the music down slightly!

And then Imelda comes and sings, and my great cousin goes "Imelda sings sooooo good!"

And I 🥰 "Oh yes she does!"

We keep watching the movie, kid keeps asking stuff, I answer and feel like the greatest nerd ever 😆🤓 The movie ends, we clapp and cheer, and kid proceeds to ask me to draw the characters. I show her my works and she's in awe! "Wow! You can draw them like in the movie!" And I'm 🤧❤️‍🔥 (you guys know kids are darn honest, no?) It went down like oil! I felt SO good! 🤣

Anyway, we drew a little, had dinner and then she fell asleep.

Will I continue to turn my family into Coco-fans? Heck yes!

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco hector #héctor rivera #ernesto de la cruz #coco imelda #imelda rivera #coco ernesto #coco loco #mamà coco #coco miguel #turning my family into cocolocos

[juliedrawz]

Hey Julie!

I was wondering if you’re going to sell your future Coco book in stores?

Hi dear annon!

I'm not going to sell my book in stores. BUT I will sell it to whoever wants it 🤗

As mentioned in a post before, all you need to do is message me that you want one and then we'll figure out the payment.

Once the book is finished, I will, of course, make a post here!

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco fan art #coco hector #héctor rivera #ernesto de la cruz #coco imelda #imelda rivera #coco ernesto #mycoconovel

[juliedrawz]

🏵 Teen Miguel 🏵

I've never really been satisfied with my teen Miguel vers. so I recreated it again. I think this is the best one so far. He's 16/17 here (as in the last quarter of my book.)

I also tried to level up my shading skills ... not sure if you'll see a big difference though 😅

Anyway, sorry I'm so slow with new content but I'm also still working on the guitar project.

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco fan art #miguel rivera #coco miguel

[juliedrawz]

I saw some old posts where people addressed Héctor's flaws. I got stomach aches reading them because I think they got it totally wrong! I couldn't get it out of my mind, so here I am, putting my salt into the soup!

~

First things first, EVERYONE's got flaws! Nobody is perfect. Everyone's done and is doing mistakes. And with Héctor, we need to look very carefully, consider 1. His character and 2. His situation.

Right off the bat, what some see as flaws are actually GOOD character traits merely tending to bring trouble because the world is dark and twisted most of the time! Héctor is one of the most selfless and altruistic characters ever! He'd give everything for those he loves and this immense love also makes him reckless sometimes.

Let's beginn with the first flaw pointed out by others.

"Héctor let himself be persuaded to go on tour with Ernesto. He should have said no."

Yes, Ernesto talked Héctor into his idea, BUT, they were best friends! As close as brothers! Héctor came along because 1. He loved Ernesto and 2. He wanted to provide for his wife and daughter! Even if that meant he had to do something he was slightly uncomfortable with. Ignoring his wants to stay at home, he took the chance! He took the risk. If being away for a while meant more money and hence a better life for his family, he gladly make that jump! It is absolutely selfless but also admireble! Like, that's what a good father does! He couldn't have know how much Ernesto would change during that time, nor that he would eventually snap and get him killed. And Héctor did stand up for himself! He's not a weak, idiot who let's himself get pushed around! Most of the time he's just peace seeking and slow to anger! Which, are RIGHT traits according to God! And to me too! It might get you hurt and some people might take adventage of your kindness but what exactly is bad then? Your kindness, selflessness or those mean people? Aha, see what I'm getting at? Nobody should change their positove traits or harden their hearts just because others are in darkness! It's a whole different thing to draw lines and stand up for yourself. And Héctor does!

"His irresbonsibility"

*big sigh* Ok, there are 2 reasons mentioned to put the stamp irresponsible on Héctor's forehead and it get's me mad!

The thing about him lending things and losing them all! Well, Héctor tried desperatly to cross the flower bridge for decades! He tried everything to cross. Lending himself stuff and noz being able to return them wasn't because he's careless and irresponsible! He just couldn't bring them back! Take a look at his broken bones, his knocked out teeth, his scratches and THINK for a second! All the horrific accidents he must have gotten into. He surely aimed to bring each and every item back but they all got lost or destroyed in the process. And I don't think Héctor made an attempt to cross with it most likely failing at the back of his mind. He just went for it! Remember how he bolted forward once he was through the check? All his mind is focused on is "I need to get to and see my baby!" And before that it was "I need to get to and see my wife and baby!"

If Héctor had the chance to bring the items back, he would have! He wanted to take the Frida costume back but who forbit him to do so? The officer! (Joke's on him though because it'll be Ceci giving him hell later"

He was being irresponsible with Miguel ...

Someone said it would have been easier to just hand over Miguel to the police and have them sort it out! Well, have you seen how Miguel ran from his own family to get his way? He ran from Héctor too once he figured out Miguel had relatives around! Héctor helped Miguel first and foremost because out of desperstion! Miguel was the BIGGEST ticket for him to be able to cross, by letting him bring the photo back. But for Miguel to do so, he had to help him bring him to Ernesto. And that's what Héctor did. He tried hi best to get Miguel to Ernesto as fast as possible. Not to forget, that it was a race of life and death for both.

And Miguel is a kid! And obviously he's acting like one now and then! And Héctor paniced when Miguel ran off. Because he worried for him! If his deal wouldn't work, he would look for another way but Miguel could die! Yes, Héctor might not always make right decissions, but he is giving his best and he always means well! And we also need tp consider his condition! He knows he'll most likely not last the night, yet he still risks that and helps Miguel.

Of course we see Hèctor later on pleading with Miguel one last time that they had a deal but then in the cenote, he caves in. He's getting weaker by the second, the process of him fading has begun. And even through his pain, he is still comforting Miguel.

Him being clumsy and him lying is also often seen as one of his flaws. And while I absolutely agree, that yes, he's a huge clutz and he's both accident prone and sometimes too reckless when it comes to his own health and savety, I wouldn't call his lying a flaw in the classical way. Because, the only times we see Héctor lying in the movie is so he can get as much as a hinge closer to his goal of crossing the bridge. That's how important his daughter is to him! Lying is never good, but he lies out of desperation. (In my book, young Héctor sometimes used his catch phrase "That was a lie! I apologize for it!" as a means of his humor, and, or to calm his opposite. And Héctor is darn humorous!

Now to what I point out in my book, not necessarily flaws but things that get Héctor into trouble often

His kindness

His altruismn, selflessness

Him ignoring his own needs and wants for the wellbeing of others

His clumsiness

His recklessness

His trait to always see the good in people

His stubborness

And while most of those are wonderful character traits, as mentioned above, in a world where such personalities as Hèctor are rare, it's hard to get around.

What do you guy's think?

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco hector #héctor rivera

[juliedrawz]

When your aunt is the only one who doesn't like Coco because she think's skeletons are scary and misses the whole beauty and meaning of the movie and the kids of my cousin watch it on repeat and start loving it! + Your Dad gets frond of your Ernesto funko pop and Mom starts loving him because of the book your writing!

And why do they even watch it? Because a certain someone in the family loves Coco to pieces, makes a literal replica of Héctor's guitar, has lots of merch flying around, draws and writes about the characters 24/7 and keeps talking about it non stop.

Mission accomplished!!

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco hector #héctor rivera #ernesto de la cruz #coco imelda #imelda rivera #coco ernesto #making my family love Coco

[juliedrawz]

Sorry I HAVE to gush about Héctor again 😩🫴

I cannot get over how AMAZING he is ... there are his looks and his character and the combo is just 😩👌💯 in my humble opinion at least.

Just look at him! He's tall, fluffy hair, his slighty tanned freckled skin! He has freckles guys! Those full, sensual lips, those pearly white, straight teeth, the defined, strong nose, high cheek bones (and high cheekbones have been seen as perfect for I don't know how long?) The long, strong jaw, full but soft eyebrows and those EYES! Man, the way his eyes just display love, purity and gentleness is AAAJFKFKFK

And his character! His personality! Please!!! 🤧 I've rambled about it a thousand times and I cannot scream it often enough!

Will need to make a seperate post because tumblr still cannot handle a post with more than 10 images .... reeee 😬

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco hector #héctor rivera #my all time favourite character

[juliedrawz]

Ok but can we talk about the Rivera family dynamic?

😆 Like, Oscar and Felipe throwing really bad Dad-jokes and laughing about them, Rosita finding it funny as well, Victoria (the sensable and rational thinking one) finds the joke rediculous and not funny, and Julio is like "ok, yeah, makes sense."

I mean ... I get the part about the barber shop but a sausage has no hair to beginn with ... 🫢 so, I personally would have found it funnier if they had compared Dante to a sausage. Anyway ... 😂 I do like some good Dad-jokes though! And I wanna know how many times Imelda rolled her eyes over her brothers and Héctor duelling each other in who tells the best Dad-jokes.

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #random stuff #the riveras

[juliedrawz]

Starting off with Nuru 💙

Reminder - She's Álvaro's alebrije. She used to be a silken windhound in life. Her alebrije form is a mixture of maned wolf, squirrel and dragon. Her height is about the same as Pepitas.

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco fan art #pixar coco oc #coco alebrije

[juliedrawz]

Just a quick info for those who'd been asking me when my book will be finished.

Even though I can't give you an exact date, I really strive to finish it by the end of next year [ 2024] That's because I'm not giving myself a timelimit. Also because I travel a lot ✈️ and do some other creative projects.

How will you be able to get the book once it's done?

I will make a post and everyone who will want a copy just needs to write me and then decide if they want the physical hardcover one or the E-book.

What exactly is the book about again?

Well, Coco. Generally speaking. Or better said, it's a veeeerrryyyy very detailed mix of a prequel and a sequel 😂 The very main characters are Héctor and Ernesto, then Imelda and Ceci. Second comes Miguel and a few of my Oc's.

The book beginns where the movie stopped. In the middle you'll get to read a lot about the past of the beloved squad. There are also seperate parts that focus on one or two characters specifically. Ernesto for example.

The second half of my book will have a 3 to 4 years jump into the future. This time Miguel's little sister manages to get herself cursed to the other side and so he and Sara (I already introduced her) follow to get her back. This will also eventually lead us to the big climax of the whole story and the ending. (The ending which won't really be an ending either but much rather a new beginning 😉)

Actually, there is SO much going on in my book, I can't tell everything here. Not to forget it would be a spoiler.

What are the themes/topics targeted in the novel?

Trauma/Ptsd, violence and abuse, human psyche, loss, hurt/grief, healing, romance/Love (soulmates, one true love) friendship, forgiveness, family relationships, faith etc.

(This is basically one of the big WHY'S my book is not for children but for older teens/adults 😅🫴) you will have mild spice here and there, yes, but if you expect detailed stuff, sorry amigo 🫡 that's not my territory.

What will be the litte "addings" ?

Since I was totally free to bring my very own ideas and thoughts into my novel, I spent some good amount of time building up and exploring the world of the Land of the dead and all it's magical possibilities even further🤗 I wanted the movie to feel like the last marveling gaze you take at the glittering ocean and the horizon, and the big breath you take before diving down to the big colorful coral reef with thousands of beautiful fish.

💔⚠️The book isn't for you if:

You don't like the concept of soulmates and one true love.

You don't like exploring deeper topics

You don't like redemption arks

If you're very sensitive to strong topics such as PTSD

You're not a fan of Ernesto

If you expect smut/ premarital sex

Can't accept the fact that I bring my christian faith into the story and writing fantasy fiction my way.

🎉❤️ The book's for you if :

You love slow burn romance

Believe in one true love - soulmates

Love Fluff

Love deeper topics

You can't get enough of Imector 💞

You are in for drama

You can handle teasing of your heartstrings

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco fan art #coco hector #héctor rivera #coco fanfiction #ernesto de la cruz #coco imelda #imelda rivera #coco ernesto #coco miguel #pixar coco oc #my novel #frequently asked questions

[juliedrawz]

One thing I really loved doing for my novel was exploring the relationship of Coco and Miguel.

Canonwise we know that they've been very close. Giving that Coco took after her father so much, loving music and having it in her soul, it was easy for her and Miguel to connect, because he too takes after Héctor most of all in the family.

We know Coco always used to sing to Miguel and in the movie we see Miguel hanging around Coco the most. Even after Coco couldn't really interact with him as much as she used to because of her age, she still went along with all his quirks and games and listened eagerly to whatever he told her.

Their relationship is just so pure and sweet and I loved writing it. All the while remembering my own grandmothers whom I'd been very close with.

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco miguel #mamá coc and miguel #exploring coco #my novel

[juliedrawz]

Hola !

Checking back in because ... I've seen my little group of follower legends has grown while I was gone and ... THANK YOU!

I didn't expect my account to grow while I'm practically gone for a while.

Well, fall is slowly but surely coming closer AND, I've been working! 😏 Currently I'm back at the "Guitar project" and while THAT is continuing to cost me a lot of sweat, tears and nerves, I was also spending a lot of time doing stuff concearning this dude.

The dude I grew unexpectedly and immensly fond of ever since I studied him to pieces and wrote down his whole backstory/life in my novel and I'll protect him fiercely 👁 👄 👁 Any haters will face the wrath of Imelda's boot, which I will borrow!

And also

The gem of a man

And yes, there have been MAAANY things going on while I was gone. I talked a LOT with my besties and as I was continuing to write my novel. I came to the conclution, that I will not post any more drafts online at all anymore. I'm sorry, I know many love the story but the thing is this; I first started with a plain fanfic. That was the plan. I posted the first drafts and over time suddenly found myself going back to professional writing and woops, all of the sudden I was writing a novel. Something that became immensly important to me. It became a serious commitment, not just a itty bitty story. A real book that'll end up having around 700 to 800 pages give or take. Making the decisson to not post any drafts anymore saves me and you guys from disappointments. It's not a question if you'll get to read to book one day, because you will. However, the whole book won't be out for free. I know that some might not be happy about having to buy my book but guys ... don't you also go into a book store and buy a book you like? Writing a whole novel is different than writing a fanfic. It cost a lot of time! And if you put that much time and effort into something, it's absolutely right and ok to eventually charge something for it. Not because artists are money hungry. It's a form of support.

On the good side, those who will want the book, will get it. It won't be too expensive, promise! Not much more than a normal book you buy. 😊 📖

I hope you understand. You can also always keep asking me questions if you cannot wait to read the thing. I will also keep posting some scenes from my book as some little encouragements and quotes.

As for my art, I've been working on quite a handfull, so you'll not just get 1 thing after such a long time!

Also, I will open up Commissions soon. The price list and the rules come with it.

~

Other than that, I also have 3 more Coco projects coming in the future. And for now, they'll stay a secret. 🧵🪡

~

#update I guess

[juliedrawz]

Thought I might share this little moment, while I'm still in my break 💖✨️I could have fireworks everyday 😍

@las-traigo-muertas thought of you 🤍

#fireworks

[juliedrawz]

Meet Sara Cortez (The detective's daughter)

Age : 13

Height : 1.58 cm

Parents: Ana and Mateo Cortez

Home : Oaxaca, Juazapa near the ocean.

Character: ambitious, curious, daring, brave, compassionate, bubbly, optimistic and analytical

Traits: Sporty, mature for her age (similar to Miguel )

Interests, likes:

Believe it or not, Sara is a huge Ernesto fan. She know's about everything and anything there was to know on the plain, that includes knowing script lines from the movies by heart. She also memorized every single interview. Compared to her collection, Miguel's is tiny.

After she finds out her father is part of the investigation of Ernesto's scandal, she's heartbroken. But she eventually finds consolation in Miguel, who, just like her, loved Ernesto.

Besides that, she's greatly interested in biology, a bit of science and alchemy, as well as investigation and archeology. This passion was kindled by the professions of her parents.

She's a bookworm and athlete. Her sports are tennis, badminton, climbing and swimming.

Sara also always wanted to play the guitar but found she just doesn't have the talent for it. However, she does sing very well.

In the future, she will play a important role, more or less.

Little side fact :

Sara likes to sneak into her mothers little museum of archaeological artifacts.

When at the ocean, she dives for seashells and pretty stones.

#pixar coco #coco 2017 #coco fan art #coco fanfiction #coco oc

[juliedrawz]

*Gasp* What is this? A new post?

Sorta ...

Eh ... hola!

I wanted to sneak in and tell ya, I'm still around! I haven't abandoned my blog! *cough* summer just began offically; well, if you take it from the calendar that is. ☀️

I hope you guys are all well! So far, I'm wonderful! I'm absolutely enjoying my relaxation time. But I also miss interacting with you guys! And I miss the Coco babes T ^ T

What am I doing/going to do?

Well, I'm still traveling. As mentioned in my last post. Italy is next. 🏖✈️🌏⛰️

Never the less I've still been drawing and writing. There are so many characters from my book I want you to meet ✨️ And of course, I want to keep telling Héctor & Ernesto's story, alongside Imelda and Ceci. (It's a lot! )

So, yes, I will be a TINY bit more active now but not entirely just yet!

Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy summer and my coming posts 😊 also, friendly reminder, that despite my break, I'll gladly answer any questions you might have. You can also still ask me things about my book in private chat.

~ See ya'll 🤗 ~ Julie

#update