#it was just experimental painting to get back to doing digital art

[hiveworks]

OBELISK - Interview with Ashley McCammon

September 2023

The year is 1908. Evelyn Reuter is dealing with the affairs of her deceased father in her hometown of Manhattan. While she takes solace in the homes of her queer friends, grief presses in around her until one day... the mysterious Margot appears in her life.

Obelisk is a 16+ gothic horror/romance comic about vampires and lesbianism. In celebration of Obelisk's return from hiatus, we asked author Ashley McCammon @draculings for an interview.

What was the spark behind making Obelisk? Why a webcomic versus another style of publishing (print, self pub, etc.)?

My original inspiration for Obelisk was in my frustration with lesbian vampire movies - there are so many of them, and none made for a lesbian audience, let alone involving butch women! I wanted to tell that story, and celebrate that point of view. It’s similar to why I chose to set the comic in 1908 - the early 1900s are something of a transitional period, something not explored often when we aren’t talking WWI or the Titanic. I wanted to tell a story about the radical change happening in just a few, unusual people’s lives, in this transitory period. As for it being a webcomic - as a young artist, I always wanted to make one! It’s such an accessible, experimental way to tell a story, where even the website can be part of the atmosphere. Making a deeply atmospheric, spooky comic, that feels the most fitting.

For new readers, how would you describe your two lead women?

Evelyn is muscling through her day to day when we meet her - she’s putting on a brave face, or one that she hopes exudes confidence - but really feels like she has no idea what she’s doing. (The impostor syndrome is incredibly strong - something I think a lot of people can understand!) She’s been left with this enormous responsibility on top of the grief of losing her dad, and having that job and security is pressed on her as something she should be grateful for. She’s absorbed that idea and really hasn’t taken a moment to breathe - or to consider what she really wants for herself. Margot is quite the opposite - she’s a vampire who lives only for her own desires, a hedonist who’s been floating through existence that way for as long as she can remember. For all of her self indulgence though, she’s never connected much with anyone. She holds herself far above people, only ever showing them this facade of a regular person. It’s very arrogant - but it must also be very lonely! (Not that she has anyone to admit that to… yet ;)   )

What can you tell us about what's lurking for Evelyn in the upcoming chapter?

Evelyn makes a very bold choice at the end of chapter two, one that scares her - putting her own desires first, impulsively, in a way that will change everything and surprise even Margot herself. (Patrons read way ahead and will get to see this very soon, and the time she spends with Margot throughout chapter 3 as a result!)

Obelisk is a traditionally inked piece, with some digital final touches. What guided your decision to make this a traditional comic versus a digital one?

It really wasn’t a choice, to be honest - traditional media is where all my passion for making art lives! Obelisk is drawn and inked traditionally, and finished with Copic markers and the occasional paint pen or colored pencil for that killer red highlight ;)

What are some of the challenges in working this way? What do you find rewarding?

It can be tedious to scan, piece together and clean up my pages, but ultimately I have a fairly streamlined process for it and I don’t mind. I love having a physical final product to look at and hold when I’m done with it, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and connection to my work!

Do you have any tips for other comic artists on resuming a series after an extended hiatus?

Put your health first, and spend time reconnecting to your story before diving back in. It’s easy to feel obligated by the hamster wheel of social media and garnering attention, but your own connection to your work in the long-term is what matters most. Obelisk wouldn’t be the same story if I hadn’t had that downtime, and it’s off better for it!

What are some comics that inspire you? Do you have any reading recommendations for fans of Obelisk?

As far as webcomics go, I’m a big fan of Tiger Tiger, Hemlock, Barbarous, and Heirs of the Veil!

What is the best way for fans of Obelisk to support you?

The very best way is through my Patreon! Patrons have immediate access to the next six months of Obelisk pages (that’s my whole buffer!) as well as tons of behind the scenes work as I develop the next chapter and share work-in-progress shots right from my drawing table.

Obelisk updates Wednesdays and can be read for free at obeliskcomic.com 🩸Be sure to white list the site on your ad blocker and follow @draculings for more info and updates!

#obelisk #vampire #lesbian #lgbt #comic #interview #blog

[folyxfanart]

I absolutely love you art!! I'm still learning myself, but I was wondering how you developed your art styles and also how you manage to get that sort of dream like fee?

Hey that's very nice of you and thank you for your interest!♡✨️

I like realism so I studied photos a lot, tried to reproduce them as closely as possible (with pencil and paper 1st) and it had an impact on my art. I realised I was more comfortable with black and white. I think doing studies helped me a lot to better understand how to render (shading, lighting...)

Then I wanted to try digital painting. That was not easy because I had to get used to new tools. I had OCs too. I think this is what motivated me to create my own stuff. So I began to pick up some elements that interested me here and there (composition, pose, color palette...) and added my own elements.

When I started to 'overthink' I took breaks or did just simple or (unfinished) sketches. It should remain fun. Thus, I can come back to the process later with a 'new eye'.

But I think the 'road' of developing my style is not over yet: I like experimenting from time to time (tools, brushes...), I try what appeals to me...and I realised I am also more and more comfortable with colors now, drawing rougher edges...sketchy styles...

Music also has an influence on my drawings. It helps me to create some kind of 'dream like' mood. For this, I like to add smoke and blurring effects, mix some textures, play with the opacity...it is all about experimentation until the result 'speaks' to me.

To sum up: I practiced and referenced a lot. All came with time and practice.

I hope this answers your question!

#art journey #anon #thank you for asking ^_^ #art process #folyxart

[kelleah-meah]

When Astrology Meets Aesthetics

I can't seem to get away from the exploration of aesthetics or just general navel-gazing about how I present myself to the world in my day-to-day life. So I've decided to lean in and continue the exploration until I bore myself to death and move on.

In this post, I engage in pairing astrology with aesthetics and where I think my lifestyle reflects my astrological vibration. (So if you're into aesthetics, but not astrology or astrology, but not aesthetics, this post may not interest you.)

A quick note: Some of the traits, colors, or activities I do on a regular basis aren't mentioned below because it's something I think all of the aesthetics I embody are known for, so it doesn't really belong to just one of them. (For example, eating in or hanging out in cafes while reading, writing or people watching. I feel that activity really belongs to all of the aesthetics below.)

Enough introductory explanation, let's dive in ...

Pisces Sun

- Art Academia (An aesthetic centered around the creation and enjoyment of art. It is similar to Light Academia and Dark Academia in its value of studying, dedicated practice of learned interests, 18-19th century-inspired aesthetics, and architecture, but is unique in focusing primarily on the visual and performing arts.)

Here are some ways in which I feel I express this aesthetic in my day-to-day life:

Journal 🖊️

Headscarves

Ballet flats 🥿

Cardigans

Leather satchel (in cooler months)

Always carries a smartphone & hard copy day planner📱

Statement ring 💍

Reads books on art movements, artists, fashion, and more

Paints, sketches and colors 🎨

Studies French

Tea drinker 🫖

Collects art 🖼️

Pilates & floor barre

Enjoys going to the theater & ballet 🎭

Goes on vacations in cities with thriving arts scenes like Toronto, Boston, and Paris

Attends dance classes 💃🏽

Loves jewel tones

Homemade bread 🍞

Foggy mornings 🌁

Reading nook 

Cooks at home more than eats takeaway or out at restaurants 🥘

Reads James Joyce, Lorraine Hansberry, and Oscar Wilde 

Major vice: procrastination

Pisces Moon

- Downtown Girl (An aesthetic centered around the romanticization of living in the downtown of a major metropolitan city, specifically New York. It involves a more cozy, almost autumnal view of urban areas and emphasizes having a cultured lifestyle of visiting museums, cafés, and thrift shopping with a laid-back attitude and admiration for the music and visual culture of that community.)

Here are some ways in which I feel I express this aesthetic in my day-to-day life:

Headphones 🎧

Caps & hats 🧢

Converse sneakers 

Flannels & t-shirts

Canvas tote bag (year-round)

Always carries a notebook & pen 📒

Silver hoop earrings 

Goes secondhand shopping for vinyl records, books and home decor

Listens to a wide variety of music 🎶

Studies American Sign Language (ASL)

Hot chocolate drinker ☕

Collects candles 🕯️

Bikes and walks in the park & hikes on trails 🏞️

Enjoys going to arts & culture festivals

Attends stand-up comedy & improv shows 

Loves mixing patterns & texture 

Succulents 🌱

Record players

Public transportation 🚍

Happily mixes analog and digital tech

Reads Edgar Allan Poe, Anne Sexton, and Langston Hughes

Major vice: starts new projects before finishing old ones

Aquarius Rising

- Beat Bohemian (An aesthetic centered around the counter-culture movement of the Beat Generation in the mid-1950s and early 1960s characterized by their rejection of conformity, social norms, and mainstream culture while romanticizing the bohemian artist communities of San Francisco’s North Beach, Paris' Latin Quarter, and NYC’s Greenwich Village. It advocates for personal release, purification, and illumination through heightened sensory awareness via music, spirituality and experimental drugs like mushrooms. Find more info here and here.)

Here are some ways in which I feel I express this aesthetic in my day-to-day life:

Dark nail polish

Berets

Black ankle boots

Hand-me-down sweaters 

Canvas messenger bag (in warmer months)

Always carries a book & bookmark 📕

Simple silver ring

Studies philosophy, spirituality, and religion ☯️

Argues with idiots online & IRL about important social and political issues

Studies Spanish 

Vodka drinker 🥃

Lifts weights 💪🏽

Enjoys going to concerts & small clubs to hear musicians play 

Goes to sci-fi conventions & book signings 🖖🏽

Attends poetry readings & jams

Loves the color black

Herb gardening

Goes to absinthe tastings 

Road trips 🚙

Black cats 

Abnormal sleep habits

Reads Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Lao Tzu 

Major vice: occasionally smokes cigs

#aesthetics #art academia #academia aesthetic #astrology #beat bohemia #bohemian #bohemian aesthetic #downtown girl #downtown girl aesthetic #brown bohemians #beatnik #beat generation

[inquisitorius-sin-bin]

The Year Wrapped: Artist's Edition 1, 3, 15, 17, and 27.

Thank you for asking!!

How many works of art have you made this year?

Boy! I really have to think!

37 digital drawings that I could find right away, 1 pencil sketch, 1 needle felt project, and more crochet projects than I could possibly count. Hats, shirts, sweaters, booties, cardigans, blankets, a bird house, gloves, cat sweaters, baskets, keychains, pillows, etc. We're not going to count my photography in this case.

3. How long did you spend creating in an average month this year? Was any month more or less creative?

I'm going to be real, after I get home from work, if I am not being creative, I am languishing. That could be drawing, writing, crocheting, editing my photos, taking more photos. I was definitely less creative the first half of the year. The Kenobi trailer really revived me from the dead. That was in what? May? June? I hadn't picked up my drawing tablet since 2017. Hadn't written a single word of fiction since then either. I was crocheting, yes, but I still wasn't outputting quite as much. Thanks Inky, you're a real muse.

November was probably my best month because I had an entire week off work where I was completely bedridden. Yes work was in crisis but I was relaxed for once.

15. Is there any new style/technique/medium you want to explore next year?

Welllllll I did just learn how to knit, so...

I also still adore, admire, love, etc etc Tunisian crochet and will be in continuous awe until I learn it.

I also think as far as my digital art goes, any kind of style that makes the lighting/shading feel more fun and less of a chore that I have to do to finish the piece.

17. What piece took the longest to create?

Welcome to Nur. So many figures, such a complex background. Lots of research into new uniforms. Had to really play to be happy with the reflections and all. But I am still in love with it and how the colors came out. My experimental color phase was fun, and I am willing to take more goes at that in the future too.

Some other honorable mentions include Evil Dead AU Poster (Painting is hard):

And Thrawn and Bettany (again, backgrounds, and how does one sit in that chair?):

27. Biggest surprise while creating art this year?

That I actually finished anything after 5 years of not creating anything, really. That I could just jump back in and really enjoy myself. That all it took was a 5 second trailer clip to jumpstart my creativity once again. It was literally a switch, overnight, and then I wanted to draw again. Brains are funny like that, I guess.

#thanks again for asking!

[highly-opinionated-art]

I wanna share with you guys some traditional art I've been making recently- since November I've been doing this album-of-the-week thing, and a few weeks into the year I started picking out my favorite line from the album of the week and doing a little illustration for it. If you can call it that- they're just quick, rough little pictures, more experimental than polished. Some are better than others. But I have some watercolors and acrylic paints that I never used before this project, and a hell of a lot of markers and gel pens and colored pencils that need to be used, too. I've been learning a lot and getting some use out of what I have at the same time, so that's good enough for me! Here's the first quarter of 2024 done:

Albums/artists/lyrics under the cut, plus some additional commentary because why not.

Week 1 was bury me at makeout creek, by mitski. The line is "I wanna be what my body wants me to be" from the song Townie. I have a red marker that does that blotting thing sometimes, but I made another one to match on the other side, so the first I is like that half on purpose. I should have done the exclamation point facing the other way, I realize.

Week 2- album was In League With Dragons, by the Mountain Goats. "It never hurts to give thanks to the local gods, you never know who might be hungry" is from the song Younger. In digital art I sometimes just put a mostly transparent blue layer over everything when I want it to look like night. Turns out you can't do that with watercolor so easily.

Week 3- My Head Is An Animal by Of Monsters And Men, it says "that we won't run, and we won't run, and we won't run" from King and Lionheart, but you can't tell very well. I used a metallic sharpie. But I like how the painted parts came out on that one!

Week 4- Minutes to Midnight by Linkin Park. "Make it a dirt dance floor again" from Bleed It Out. It looks just like poop but I swear the paint came out of the tube like that, I didn't mix it with anything or anything!

Week 5- 52nd Street, by Billy Joel, "gotta be more to life than just try, try, try" from the song Half A Mile Away. This was actually the first one I made, I went back and did the first 4 a little later.

Week 6- The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, by Chappell Roan, "I'm gonna keep on Dancing" from the song Pink Pony Club. The words are metallic on this one too.

Week 7- Built To Last, by Arrows in Action, "maybe they'll love me when I finally get out of this town" from the song Mad For This. I like this one.

Week 8- Born To Run, by Bruce Springsteen, I know you can't read it but it says "together, Wendy, we can live with the sadness, I love you with all the madness in my soul". It was really hard to get a picture of this one for some reason. Metallic gel pen might have something to do with it.

Week 9- No Angel, by Dido, "Inside, everybody's hiding something" from the song Slide. I meant to add more masks, ok. I got lazy. I should have just made the other ones bigger...

Week 10- How Will You Know If You Never Try by the band COIN, "tomorrow's just another day" from the opening song Don't Cry 2020 (which was released in 2017). It's my room, but I didn't get up and walk 10 steps to get a reference, just did it from memory. The window is too small and not in the right place, and I just changed up the patterns on the blanket because I didn't feel like checking.

Week 11- Pure Fiction by Eric Hutchinson. The lyric is "if it's ever gonna happen, it's gotta happen here I am", which seems like it should be missing a comma, but it's like that on purpose.

Week 12- New Beginning, by Tracy Chapman, "make new symbols, make new signs" from the title track. I'm so mad that I messed this one up. I should have left blank space for the words, I think.Week 13- Good Charlotte, self-titled debut album, "I don't look important, so they're telling me to wait" from WaldorfWorldwide. It's me. I'm really short and carry my stuff in a backpack and get mistaken for a student so much, it's absolutely infuriating. It's Thursday when I'm posting this but I just knew that was going to be the line for the week, so there you go.

#art attempt #album of the week #personal #see you in another 3 months...? #with lyrics

[xtrablak674]

Femficatio - A showcase of experimental writing and art.

[Due to some creative differences this interview wasn't published. I love that term due to "creative differences", I had some kind of falling out with the persons behind this blog, lets be clear its not a magazine but a blog that only ran for twelve issues starting back in 2012. But there was something I liked about their questions and my answers that lead me to want to share this unpublished interview, which I believe I also shared on my FB page when that was still live.]

How did your artistic journey began?

This is a very good question. And a hard one for me to answer because I'm still on that journey. I think that being an artist is a journey. A quick aside, I feel that everybody is an artist, whether they choose to take the trip or not is the question. Personally I encourage everyone to travel, artistically or otherwise.

Now where did my artistic journey begin? You know I'm really not trying to avoid the question but even the designation 'artist' is a larger conversation for me. To be perfectly honest I never even thought I was worthy of being an artist. I feel it's important to mention my past in context of talking about my journey to becoming an artist.

My father was a poet, my grandmother was a painter. I have an aunt who writes novels and paints. My first experience with the arts to be perfectly honest had to do with the TV show called Fame. I was always performing in school and church plays, but Fame got me really excited about dancing. I remember placing a tape recorder up against the TV and recording the songs from the show, and performing them later. This led to me auditioning for the High School of Performing Arts, the same school that the TV show was based on. I auditioned for drama and dance, but even with my brief Dance Theater of Harlem background, I didn't get in for dance, but I did get accepted for drama, the irony of which is not lost on me.

I attended school with the likes of Adrien Brody, Omar Epps and Marlon Wayans but still really didn't consider myself an artist. The title of artist I just always felt was reserved for someone with I don't know, more ability than me. It took me easily over a decade before I became comfortable with the fact that I was an artist and actually have always been one.

I would compare this to gender identity, even before having the language I never felt my gender was binary. When I first heard the term two-spirited, I felt very seen, but didn't want to appropriate someone else's cultural traditions. Off the record I still consider myself two-spirited, but in any official capacity I am a non-binary transgender person.

The journey for me really began when I set up an account on a website called Flickr, and begin posting photos of things that I saw. Surprisingly people actually liked these photos which was a total shock to me. This Internet-based support gave me the confidence to approach a curator I knew and do my first exhibition in 2007.

Since that first exhibition I haven't looked back. I presented work at different museums, been published and exhibited internationally, reviewed by The New York Times and this was all in my first three years of being an artist. I'm humbled by the experience that I've had but I'm really focused on what's next.

Does your art construct or deconstruct?

I think it depends on which work you're talking about. Not everyone knows this but I have two bodies of work one is the abstract stuff that you see quite often, and then I also have a body of intimate work.

In the former I shoot digitally and in post production process the photos minimally. There is some controversy around digital work even being fine art. I do think that my eye for composition color and texture challenges the notion of what abstract art can be for some people. Ultimately I think if you think it's beautiful, than I've done my job because all my work at its base is beautiful.

With the latter intimate work, I would say I definitely challenge gender identity and the definitions thereof. As a queer person one who has very strong female and male energy, I love the conflict and contrast of those spirits in my own body. In the work I often explore that ambiguity and entice people to redefine their notions of masculinity and femininity. Furthermore I confront the somewhat arbitrary labels around sexuality and attraction, and force people to see if they're being honest about who they are in their relationship to the world around them.

I realize that my intimate work is not for everyone and some of the themes are provocative, but I think they are important issues especially in a world of HIV and AIDS. As an artist it's definitely a conversation that I'm trying to have, even if I don't have as many outlets to have that discussion.

I think I as a person I have a tendency to deconstruct, as a self acclaimed iconoclast. I choose to challenge tradition, hegemony and institutions. I realize this is only natural to an artist, and if some of that spills into the work so be it.

If the world was less violent, would your art be different from what it is today?

Short answer, I don't think so.

As I previously said at its core all of my work is about beauty so whether we're in a violent world or non-violent world I think everyone can appreciate beauty.

Personally, I don't think we appreciate it enough and we really don't appreciate nontraditional forms of beauty. My work definitely explores themes around nontraditional beauty. Accepting nontraditional beauty is like embracing difference once you can realize that things or people that are different from you can be beautiful, you've really taken the first step towards knowledge, acceptance and compassion.

What do you refuse to ignore?

As a photographer composition is really key to me. But I'm learning with age and experience that sometimes it's okay to let go of that, and in some ways I had felt that without strong composition my work wouldn't be very good. I was also trying to overcompensate with making sure that everything was always perfect, trying to prove to myself that I'm an artist. In my head I equated artistry with perfection, this is something I have moved away from.

As I said in the beginning this is something that I continue to struggle with, not being worthy of being an artist. Real talk, some of this thinking is a society influence, society says artist are a certain thing, they behave a certain way, they are educated differently. I've learned to let go of a lot of those notions but I can definitely say with confidence it's still a journey and a struggle.

Why do you think you are an artist?

This is like torture. Because seriously every other day of the week I really don't think I am. I think I'm a fraud. I would be lying if I didn't say I suffered from imposter syndrome, even with my moderate successes.

I started an audio journal recently, and through it I discovered that my eccentric behavior is not because I'm a freak or weird or different I'm just wired differently than other people. I experience the world around me in a different way than others I take the path that's less traveled and ultimately that's the journey of every artist.

[Photos by Brown Estate, this piece has been edited for clarity and updated around how I define my gender identity, sexuality and work.]

#Femficatio #interview #artist statement #being an artist #queer artist #artist interview #visual artist #photographer #intimate photography #abstract photography #abstract #exhibition #texture #color #artistic struggles #creative differences #artistic process

[layered-worlds]

02/02/24

Personal Statement.

Layered Worlds is a project I feel I may take forward into my personal work. It took me a long time to get the necessary motivation, but now that I have had to choose a point to finish it I feel that I am almost dissatisfied with how many new directions I could take this if I could keep going without time limitations. I was very intimidated initially by the idea of creating a pure ‘utopia’ but have now realised that what someone may deem as perfection will always be challenged by another who sees it as the opposite- Utopia will always be subjective. My concept of technology advancing to a point where humans become one with it originated from Jeanette Winterson’s essays, where she explains the intricacies of its evolution, and how we have/ will entirely ignore it as it happens, as it is handled by the companies that are already aiming and gaining control over our lives. The concept I have created is only the extremes of this being shown: how we could one day be entirely unaware of how our bodies and the flesh inside us are extorted to create a ‘perfect world’. I began my final pieces with my star character, as I feel they are representative of what is ‘half-human’. This progressed to setting the scene of the interior in a bedroom overwhelmed with flesh pink and furniture made of muscle. The exterior shows the environment of natural spaces being made from human flesh and muscles as well as actual ‘half- humans’ growing from the ground.

I had never had the space to explore digital art properly until this project, as it was almost impossible to avoid with the topic at hand. This has caused me to be honestly unhappy with the outcomes I’ve created. I have never used photoshop before this project, and am still learning to draw using IbisPaintX, so my technique is entirely experimental and all over the place; I am yet to find my style. I’ve had huge amounts of technical difficulties just from learning how to use the softwares but have tried by best to implement the style I have with traditional painting/ drawing. The exterior was completed first and has much harsher lines, as I was focused on achieving a cleaner look. The interior was created to put emphasis on texture through softer use of brushes. I’m hoping to come back to these pieces once my digital skills have improved, but for now this is the best I could do. 

[portraitohnegesicht]

That's me

I have been on tumblr for about ten years now and I think like most, just recently got back to it. Not because reddit shut down, or twitter is going to shit, but more out of a feeling of "the internet used to be different". I am not sure if this is some sort of nostalgia, but it really used to be different, as capitalism is very good at providing us with the illusion of choice, we grew towards the internet being structured and measured the way BigTech intended it to be.

I came back to tumblr, because I liked the content, the people and the freedom it offers, with its blogging structure. It feels more free, more experimental and to a good amount also less toxic. There are not like 2-15 top creators who define the feed for most people. Not every second post is a "How to get 10K followers in a week" or a "Do this to increase engagement" sort of post. It is refreshing.

It feels more like a universe in which you can step into, change planets and moons and orbits, while twitter and instagram seem to be more streamlined. They may have different cities but in the end we're all put on the hyper-speed-highway of endless consumption.

Anyway. This is why I came back. I lost nearly all of my basic html-programming skills and my tumblr-blogs are not as funky as they used to be, but I will be more active here now. If not on this blog then at least on my others. Engaging more with creators and contents and even start posting myself, to give something back to this community.

Having this said, I want to drop another thought: Instagram also became too personal for my own taste. Like - I am a person that is mainly publishing art, drawings, digital paintings, but I grew very hesitant as it became more and more the portfolio page, the place where not only friends, but also colleagues would see something of "you" eventually. And for some it may be great, but for my art is not something i want my co-workers to see. Not if I know them well enough.

So, to wrap this up: tumblr offers me the perfect conditions of being a creative, even with the presentation and not being afraid of trying more things. I also sometimes do little design-exercise, which I have never shared except with my SO.

It's time to reclaim the internet isn't it?

Closing with a few words: I am not a native english-speaker, so please don't be too harsh on my grammar or wording and if you want to reach out - i think Instagram would still be the best.

I would love to hear from you!

#thoughts #late night thoughts #back to tumblr #this is not an essay #written by a human #written by leeorio #tumblr over anything #leeorio

[scottelkartwork]

EXCOGITATE

“I felt a conflict between my desire to perfect my designs and my desire to price pots low enough that the price would not negate their functionality. I never bought into the dogma of the humble potter, but I also wasn't happy making only pedestal pieces for collectors.”

Excerpt taken from a Ceramic Arts Network article about one potters journey into production pottery.

This idea that you want to price your functional ceramic pieces low enough to sell and to get used, but not too much they become ornamental.

My thoughts…

I have been thinking about an idea for a masters program in ceramics, focusing primarily on production pottery. This idea would incorporate the marketing and sale of works, with the money made from sales used to purchase a kiln at the end of the 2yrs. Keeping it very simple, I would look at Australian ceramicist Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, and Italian painter Giorgio Morandi, with studies into companies that have delved into the mass production of ceramics; from the historical Wedgwood, to the contemporary like Mud Australia.

The benefits of this idea include:

Experience setting up a routine of making, documenting, selling, and shipping work.

Defining a specific form and glaze treatment across a body of work.

Refining processes associated to all aspects of production.

Management of the financial side of being a ceramicist; from ordering materials, to the collection of funds from sales, and using this information to get a clearer understanding of unit price.

Looking at, and engaging with the various places to sell work, from a personal website, market stalls, art/design expos, boutique homewares, and design shops.

Looking at, and engaging with ways to promote work, including a personal website, social media, traditional media like magazines, and digital media including blogs on ceramics and design.

Some practical / logistical considerations:

If the project has a financial goal of raising $45k, this translates to $450 in sales a week; aiming to sell 6 coffee cups at $50 and two bowls at $75 a week.

Firing twice a week, one bisque and one glaze.

A weekly digital release of work, which would involve photographing each piece, uploading to website, sending out a monthly group email, and promoting on social media.

In addition to the smaller functional pieces I would aim to make one big sculptural vessel a month, 24 over the 2yr period. The sale of these bigger pieces could help shortcomings in weekly sales, and would also provide a foundation in which to play and try new ideas in regards to form, as well as surface / glaze experimentation. It would also give me content for art prizes, and exhibition applications.

I would also use my ceramic works to make one observational painting a week, similar to Morandi, really exploring my forms and surface decoration. It would make me take a step back and observe what I am creating, making connections I may otherwise miss, while also influencing the ceramic work I make. The output would also provide content for art prizes, and exhibition applications.

Update: I spoke about this plan with one of the ceramic department lecturers and this idea has been vetoed. I was informed this proposal would not be supported due to the financial aspect. There would be ways around it, but I don’t think I’m interested in doing this idea in a non-direct way without everyone being on the same page.

One of the issues with the idea is I would be selling the work, so I wouldn’t have it to show for assessment, and documentation would not be enough.

Another issue is they don’t want the students to run a business from the school, as it is a place of experimentation.

Plus this idea is something I could do outside of school, in my own time, and probably will at some point anyway. It’s just a shame this experiment and training couldn’t happen at school.

[comeandreadawhile]

Clone Social Media : Hobbies

The phenomenon starts with the intention to show the civilians of the Republic the men behind the armor, as well as an encouragement for the men to do the things they enjoy when they have the time to in lieu of sitting around cleaning weapons for a third time that day.

Scratch that—the phenomenon starts with High General Kenobi, on a rare day of leave, teaching his Marshal Commander how to bake. Said Commander’s men were happy to taste test the flurry of experimental confections that pervaded their leave days in the following months. News spread fast of Marshal Commander Cody having a knack for baking, and so followed the spread of troopers attempting to make their own treats and/or branching off into other things the civilians called “hobbies” whenever what they could get their hands on afforded them.

The phenomenon kicked off when Padawan Commander Tano began a social media account with the intention of using it as a public diary, her first post was a picture taken of some of the 501st—with permission, her caption says—as they went about retouching paint scuffed in their most recent battle. The men are relaxed, some with paint smeared on their hands and cheeks and seemingly reacting to some joke or story told outside the threshold of the camera, and it’s an almost startling difference from the image of rigid lines of men, faceless in their full kits of white plastoid, that the civilians are used to. Tano’s second post is a video clip of one Captain Rex, with one General Skywalker sitting on his back counting reps, doing push-ups; the video was captioned “Another day in the G.A.R., restless in hyperspace.”

The digital diary continues from there, videos and pictures of specific locations posted only after reaching a safe distance to do so, never sharing anything mission critical—past, current, or hypothetical future. Eventually she shows the men under her how to make their own accounts, and other Jedi and their own troops follow suit. The 212th then takes it upon themselves to post pictures of the little cakes their Marshal Commander has gotten so proficient at making, and, when General Kenobi creates a joint account titled “command_212”, convince Cody to post pictures of things he bakes before they are distributed—even in the process of baking, if the fancy strikes him.

So Marshal Commander Cody shares pictures of his experiments, of recipes he finds that turned out well, of recipes that didn’t because of some error or other that he’s determined to give another go, with the occasional cryptid picture of General Kenobi taking his tea in the barrack’s kitchen. As time goes on those pictures shift to Obi-Wan covered in flour, or a shot taken from several feet away of Cody sneaking batter captioned “caught red-handed in the red velvet”.

As Marshal Commander of the 212th has taken to baking to relieve stress, the Commander of the 104th has turned to needlecraft and yarnwork.

The 104th retaliate the populatrity of the 212th’s command account with the domesticity of their own, despite the vaguely threatening possibilities of knitting and sewing needles. Boost and Sinker run the majority of the account, although all OG members of the 104th have access to it; they post pictures of the things Wolffe makes them, of General Plo covered in the lengths of scarves he’s received, of Comet in the ever-growing swath the gifted blankets with the current tally in the caption (his toes were off the floor by blanket burrito 6). The holonet at large loves Plo almost as much as his men, and once a week they post him saying some piece of sage wisdom—or utter nonsense, as the mood strikes—as the war goes on. After months of asking for a face reveal and requests for the patterns people are sure Wolffe uses, they make the most Force-forsaken tutorial videos as an all-in-one series.

“HOLY **** HE’S CASTING ON 12 TO START—“ “WHAT A MAD MAN!”

“So when you get to this row here you’re going to knit 3, purl 3–“ “TRANSCENDENT!” “—yes, thank you, and then keep doing that until you reach the end of the row...”

“Oh, OH MAN HE’S GONNA DO IT!” “HE’S GONNA CHANGE COLORS!” “Holy **** man he’s gonNA YOOOOOOOOOO!”

Cody is then issued a challenge by the holonet to learn to knit. He learns to crochet. Because Obi-Wan knows how to crochet. The holonet loves video snippets of them progressing on projects together. They also love the videos Ahsoka posts of Cody attempting to teach Rex, and praise the absolutely completely unrelated hat she later posts a picture of; it covers her Montrals with enough room for a few years’ growth. Anakin gets yarn stuck in his mechanical hand because he forgot to put his glove on before attempting to craft.

The real throwdown happens when the account for the Coruscant Guard posts videos of Fox aggressively tatting while venting about the lack of funding for proper security and surveillance tech.

Each posts sees a comical increase in the surfaces covered in lace doilies and runners, as well as a new topic for Fox’s venting.

A picture of an pillow embroidered with “Kriff the Seppies” is briefly posted to the 104th’s account before being taken down and replaced with a censor bar. Rumors begin to circulate when Senator Chuchi posts a picture wearing a gifted lace shawl; Senator Amidala comments on her confusion being resolved as to why Riyo kept bringing little baskets of crochet thread with her before a senate meetings.

A competition for ship nose art starts up, many votes going to the 501st, and the holonet’s heart once again melting at “Plo’s Bros”. Personal art begins popping up soon after. Fives starts posting spray paint tutorials, Rex and Hardcase become popular for clean graphic art. Bly gets his hands on metallic paint and the crowds go wild. Kix has taken his clean haircut game to the next level.

And then Colt and Shaak Ti make an account to post art the Littles make, most of them representations of their older brothers with wishes of safety and good luck, and of the only Jedi they’ve ever known, sometimes creatures they studied in their preparation for worlds outside of Kamino. Of batches passing their final tests with a congratulatory post.

Suggestions and instructions are sent out for clones who want to take and sell commissions, allowing them to finally make some money; most Jedi are more than happy to help make sure the finished work mails out properly to the buyers.

Ships of the non-nose art kind surface on the holonet. It’s generally agreed upon that command_212 is run by husbands, and Aayla is the protector of the 327th and Bly’s heart, even if she’s a clumsy menace around his artwork (caf spilled over a drying watercolor can be interesting or terrible depending on the circumstance). No one can agree whether Skywalker is married to his captain or Senator Amidala, but everyone agrees that Ahsoka is their baby. The holonet declares Plo to have Big Dad Energy. Shaak Ti’s Big Mom Energy is a friendly rival. The Jedi council has made no official statement denying or denouncing these attachments.

Public interest begins to shift from producing more soldiers to making sure the ones the Republic has stay alive, when the realization hits that within a couple of years the children posting art and losing teeth would probably be losing blood and brothers on some far away planet. Of making sure the men are eating well instead of just surviving. Well certain account-holders don’t post for a while, grieving a loss, posting again to reassure their followers they’re alright, the public questions what’s being done to keep the men emotionally and mentally well outside of the hobbies the public knows them for. “Born to handle any stress” is very much the wrong answer.

Pressure is put on the Chancellor to let the Separatists sucede, no one quite sure anymore why allowing them to would be harmful when at worst new trade agreements would need to be brokered; if they want to leave so badly, let them. And let the men have their hobbies.

(Sad thoughts ahead)

Sometimes commissioners never receive their orders, simply a refund with a letter from that clone’s Jedi after the latest battle ends. Any money they’d made would be split however their closest brothers decide.

The channel that always posts pranks and spray paint tutorials makes a post saying they’d be away to look after their sick little brother. It’s the last post they make.

The Coruscant Guard’s account stops posting a few nights later.

After Order 66 goes out, a new account goes up posting any pictures and cute videos of Aayla. Reposting old ones that the public is sure they’d seen somewhere before, posting new ones of funny faces and ridiculous videos of silly dances. The last one is the only one captioned, “she wasn’t a traitor.”

The account is deleted the same night, and the one of the 327th’s adventures never posts again.

Wolfpack_104 does not post, but is still there.

Command_212 is deleted almost immediately the night of the order.

Years go by, almost sixteen, and only after Vader already knows she’s alive does Ahsoka post again. It’s a picture of her, and Rex and Wolffe onboard the Ghost in hyperspace captioned “Was never a traitor. Always the little sister even if I’m four years older. In case you’re wondering, Rex still draws and Wolffe still knits when we can nab the string and flimsi.”

#star wars #the clone wars #codywan #blyla #implied #foxiyo #rexwalker #commander cody #captain rex #commander wolffe #commander bly #commander colt #obi wan kenobi #anakin skywalker #ahsoka tano #plo koon #shaak ti

[mitsamu]

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA.

sakusa, f.reader.

— what better present for sakusa than a little something to remember you when he's away?

› smut. MINORS DNI.

UNPROTECTED SEX + CREAMPIE , SEX TAPE , LIGHT DOM/SUB THEMES , BONDAGE , DEGRADATION , SLIGHT BREATH PLAY , DACRYPHILIA IF YOU SQUINT.

› words : 0.9K

NOTES – repost from my old account, slightly edited.

the camera lens stared at you avidly, capturing every minute, every second of your pliant, naked body being toyed with. the soft pink glow of the neon lights outside the window bathed your form, caressed your curves and the ropes that danced on your chest, painted them like your skin was a canvas aching to be filled. you looked ethereal, straight out of one of your boyfriend’s deepest fantasies.

sakusa trailed his hands up your legs, massaging them softly. his mouth followed the path with wet kisses that had goosebumps breaking through your skin. he teased you like he had all the time in the world, getting you all worked up for him, pulling away from you every time he felt the knot inside you begin to unravel.

as he got closer to your drooling cunt, the desperate need inside you grew. experimentally, he dipped a finger in you, took the digit to his mouth and savored your arousal as if he was tasting the most delectable dessert.

he kneeled in between your legs, stroked his bare cock a few times before directing it to your entrance and barely pressing the tip in. he grabbed your legs and pulled them further apart, glancing at the camera before bottoming out in you. there was a moment of quietness as he stared down at your trembling frame. his eyes explored the silky rope he had tied you with, admiring it like it was a work of art. two fingers followed the intricate turns and knots that decorated your skin, slowly, delicately. he took his time to commit the image to memory, regardless of the fact that he’d have it all on video by the time he was done with you.

“sakusa, please, just fuck me already” you whimpered, voice full of need and want and yearning. he chuckled at your whiny tone, hooded eyes now fixed on yours, exploring your face as he licked his lips. maybe he should’ve blindfolded you, too; although he liked it better this way, being able to drink in the look in your face as he fucked you senseless.

“you’re such an impatient, greedy whore,” he pulled out as he spoke, a smirk plastered on his face, “always so eager for my cock.” he dragged the tip through your cunt, teasing your clit and barely slipping past your folds. “does my desperate little whore want me to fill her with cum?”

you managed to nod, spurting out needy words and pleas for him to fuck you up, tear you apart and make you beg for more. it was just the answer he was looking for.

there was a distinct moment of calm before he was fucking you into the mattress as if the world would end the next day, hands gripping your thighs and nails digging in your skin. the lewd sounds of your bodies moving against each other filled the room, accompanying the chorus of moans and whimpers and murmurs that soon poured out of your mouths.

sakusa stared down at your cunt with lust-drunk eyes, watching his cock disappear inside you with a burning kind of fascination. there was no mercy in the way his hips met yours, the force of his thrusts shaking your whole body as if he was trying to leave its shape printed on the mattress. somewhere in the back of your head, you felt bad for the people that had rented the neighboring hotel room.

lifting your ankles to his shoulders, he fucked deeper into you and hit your sweet spot effortlessly. his eyes watched you avidly, taking in the way you threw your head back and shamelessly whimpered his name. he tightened his grip on your body and picked up the pace, a thrilling sensation taking over his mind. his hips started to snap into you harder, abusing your sensitive bundle of nerves every time he entered you; and you couldn’t do anything but thrash your head around and clench around his cock desperately.

“come on, baby, smile for the camera.” his voice came out uneven and rough. “tell it how much you like it when i fuck you like this.”

a hand sneaked its way to your neck, squeezed lightly and forced you to stare back at the lense. even when you knew nobody but him would see the video, you couldn’t help the sting of shame and humiliation crawling up your skin. sakusa tightened his grip as a warning sign, as if to tell you you were not to disobey him, not if you wanted to end the night in pleasure.

“i… i love to have my slutty cunt stu—ffed…” he chuckled as you choked on your words, fingers pressing on your clit and forcing your voice out. “love it when you… fuck me so hard i… can… barely think.”

the blissful feeling washed over you suddenly, tensing your body and making you tremble in his arms. needy tears pooled in your eyes, blurring your sight. drool trickled down your chin, your mouth agape and pleading in incoherent half-sentences. and with his hand clasped tightly around your neck, you looked so utterly fucked out sakusa couldn’t hold it back any longer.

your whole body felt on fire as he fucked you through your high, your fluttering walls pushing him over the edge and tearing him down. he came with a moan of your name, cum filling you up as he went on ravaging you mercilessly.

“well that should make for a great movie, shouldn’t it?” he chuckled breathlessly, looking down at you with a look of pure ecstasy.

you would’ve hit him if the restraints on your body allowed you to.

© MITSAMU ; DO NOT REPOST , MODIFY OR CLAIM AS YOUR OWN.

#sakusa smut #sakusa x reader #sakusa fic #sakusa x y/n #sakusa scenarios #sakusa x you #haikyuu smut #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu fic #haikyuu x y/n #haikyuu scenarios #haikyuu x you #cw dacryphilia

[peripapaya]

The fine folks over at @thewebcomicsreview‘s discord are doing a Five Layer Painting Challenge (make a finished piece with just one layer each for sketch, inks, flats, shadows, and background), so have this picture of some Little Bee-eaters (Merops pusillus). Birb!

The challenge was created by @twitchmoss-art (may he suffer for his crimes.) It annoying as all heck but also really fun, and I definitely learned a lot doing it. I highly recommend giving it a try! 

Some of my take aways below the break:

1. I really don’t need as many layers as I often use. My finished paintings (which tbf are typically more complex than this one) often end up with +25 layers, many of which I created as a safety blanket to make tiny adjustments. I don’t need to do that! Be bold and make those changes! Or at least merge the layer back into your existing ones afterwards :P

2. That said, having a highlight layer makes a huge difference. If I was allowed one more layer, I would have used it for some higher contrast accent feathering and texture highlights to the branch and I think the whole piece would pop more. Could I have added this on my existing color layers? Sure, but I’m also a scaredy cat and it was 1 am so I wanted to sleep. 

3. Experimentation pays off! I discovered like four brushes hiding in my CSP folders that I had forgotten about and am now in love with.

4. I’m getting faster at this art thing! Wooooo! This was a “speed paint”, which for me means I finished it in under three hours. (Yes I do realize that is not particularly fast, but I’m still pretty new to digital art so I’ll take it!)

#birb #bee eater #my art #stuff by me #five layer challenge #bird #bird art #art challenge #art #speed paint #art talk

[defdaily]

THE STAR Magazine April 2021 Issue featuring JAY B

Translated by defdaily.

GOT7’s eternally sincere leader JAY B. A friendly interview where you can feel his warm-heartedness.

*This interview was done in informal language to give off the feeling of two friends chatting*

It has been a while since we last met for GOT7’s feature in 2017.

Right, hi. I’m JAY B. Nice to meet you. Have you eaten?

JAY B has been chosen to be on the cover of THE STAR’s 8th anniversary issue.

Dobby is free now. (Laughs). I’m a freelancer now but I still can’t believe the fact that I was chosen to be on the cover of THE STAR’s anniversary issue. I’m so thankful to THE STAR for choosing me to be on the cover so I worked extra hard during the shoot.

How are you doing these days? We’re curious to know what you have been up to.

A freelancer’s daily life is always similar. I work when there is work and rest when there isn’t. I was busy recently organising this and that to release GOT7’s digital single ENCORE. I took the lead and there were many things I needed to figure out such as paperwork. So I was very proud. The members have all joined agencies but I want to take a little more time and think about it carefully before choosing. I’m still a freelancer.

Does the freelancing life suit you?

I don’t know if it suits me but it’s fun. Now work-related calls come to me directly, so I would be asleep then receive a call. I’d go “Ah I fell asleep for a moment, sorry. What is this about?” (Laughs). Since I do even these kinds of small communications myself, it’s nice and fascinating to realise the value of work and opportunities. If I didn’t have this time and experience, I think I might have not realised the value of work as much. I used to be on edge at times when the managers used to tell me things in the past. But now that I’ve learnt how much processing has been done before the information reached me, I feel sorry. Now I have a heart full of gratitude for opportunities.

I don’t know if it’s because you’re a freelancer now, but you seem much brighter than before.

Dobby is free now. (Laughs) I’m joking. Of course it was very helpful having a company. But now that I do everything myself, I feel more satisfied. I enjoy it.

The GOT7 members have all started solo activities. It must not have been easy for everyone, how did you come to your decision?

Right. It definitely was not easy. The seven of us researched a lot so that we can continue as GOT7 together. But then we thought that we should broaden our view so each of us could end up in a better situation. In the process, what we each wanted changed a little and, there is a future that each person dreams of right? The company said we did everything we could do on our part and that they will cheer us on in the future, that made me feel proud. We are also very thankful to the company. I felt that we received a lot of protection under a large umbrella. After all, the company is like the mother that gave birth to GOT7, so I’m thankful to them and respect them. I also thought a lot and looked into a lot of things about how to continue as GOT7. I also went to the president and asked him for advice, and I greeted and thanked Jinyoungie hyung for everything.

While preparing for new activities, what was the thing most discussed amongst the members?

“So what is it that you want to do?” “So what do you want to do?” We asked that a lot. So everyone said “We have to do it" So I asked again “No, not 'I have to', but do you want to do this? Or do you not want to do this?” If you are going to do something, you should do it properly, right? If you are not going to do something with an active attitude, I think it’s better to not do it. So we all came together and decided to give it a try.

It’s clear that you are GOT7’s leader.

One advice the company president told me was that my talent and effort as a leader starts now. Personally handling matters related to our recent digital single, I felt this “Taking the lead as a leader, I need to really work hard.” There was a lot of pressure, but if I don’t do it, who would. It pushed me to work hard.

You mentioned very clearly in your social media livestream that “GOT7 did not disband.” I felt your affection towards the team, what does GOT7 mean to JAY B?

One extremely important thing in my life. Actually, it’s an indispensable part. I’m thankful for the fact that our team exists. You have to know that because GOT7 existed, we individually exist too. It wouldn't matter if my beginning was as a solo, but my beginning was as GOT7. That's what made me who I am now.

How is Lim Jaebeom different as JAY B within GOT7, JJ Project, Jus2 and ØFFSHORE?

Comprehensively they’re all sides of me but if I have to split them, they would be a novel vibe versus an essay vibe. ØFFSHORE and Def. are all about music I like, regardless of genres, and honest stories I want to tell. As for GOT7, JJ Project and Jus2, we would have a particular concept and make it a bit more fancy.

Most of the songs you have shown on SoundCloud are R&B genres with a groovy feel. Have you ever had a conflict between music you want to do and music you have to do?

I felt that I needed to work harder to prove [myself] to do what I wanted to do. I can’t always be spoon-fed. To prove [myself] I made more GOT7 tracks and sent around 15~20 demos. Later on Jinyoung hyung and the president acknowledged me and said “Jaebeom will take care of the musical aspect. You can trust him with that.” I felt really proud hearing that. I don’t really feel a sense of conflict between the musical differences. From pop and R&B to folk and modern rock, I don't want to draw lines between genres and make music that sounds good.

We are curious about the music JAY B will show alone and what you’ll pursue. What stories do you want to tell?

I want to do a variety of things. Alone, I think I will try mixing genres and do things that are fun and experimental. I can also do R&B pop or Urban genres which I’ve originally liked. But that might change later on.

Is there an artist you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

Someone with a pleasant tone to listen to. Even now, when I listen to music and I like the artist’s tone, I send them a DM asking if they’d like to collaborate. And Korea's top hip hop artist, IU-nim. Do you think it's possible? (Laughs).

Then would you like to send a message to IU?

Suddenly? Um… I will work very hard. If by chance you think my song is alright, I would love for you to add your nice voice to them. (Laughs)

An appearance that may seem cold with a tsundere charm. But what do you think your real personality is like?

I’m the type that is quiet and calm, but people close to me tell me I’m a weird person. When I cry reading a book or watching a movie, or when I get emotional they say “It’s so weird, it doesn’t suit you.”

Are you the tender type?

I think I just often get hit by waves of emotions.

We’re curious about the lifestyle you seek and your values.

To live each day without any regrets.

Is there a place you’d like to visit after COVID-19 ends?

Kyoto, Japan. It’s a place where there is a lot of Japanese heritage and it’s also pretty.

Recently you have combined your two Instagram accounts @jaybnow.hr and @def.cnvs, what was the reason?

I’m the one doing everything after all, it is just the musical name that was different. I can’t split my body into two. I realised I could combine them into one account and just show the difference within it. And as I get older, it’s hard to manage two accounts. (Laughs). Was I too honest? Now I'm confused about what's what.

Was there any other moment that made you feel old?

I don’t do much and my whole body aches. In the past, my body wouldn’t get affected by the weather. Now when the weather is gloomy my back hurts and my knees go numb. (Laughs).

I can see that you’re interested in artistic aspects such as photography, painting and fashion etc. Do these things influence your music?

Of course. They affect the way you live in itself. I’m a person who wants to express and leave behind what I feel. Calling myself an artist feels somehow cocky.

What are you interested in recently?

It’s not art but I’m interested in moving around. Living as a freelancer, I spent more time lying down at home, but now I need a fast-paced daily life. I try to wake up in the morning to eat breakfast and nutritional supplements then go outside to photosynthesize and soak in the world. Everyone has to keep moving. (Laughs).

Are you interested in fashion and lifestyle curation and design etc?

I don’t think I’m a person who dresses up exceptionally well, but if someone asks I’d be willing to help.

What would you introduce as JAY B’s preference?

Freedom. Regarding fashion too, I liked vintage and grunge styles but recently I’m interested in work look and amecage styles. My preference keeps changing. I can't define myself clearly either, but I like the sense of being free.

What inspires you?

Many situations and people, my experiences as well as indirect experiences.

How do you have an indirect experience?

Watching movies and reading books. Nowadays I read song lyrics and unfold the scenes in my head. I try to think of various points of view in these one-act plays.

To JAY B, love is?

Nonexistent. A moment. I don’t know. As you live life, I think falling in love is a momentary emotion. If it lasts long, I think it’s affection not love. I'm a person who has to talk about love, but sometimes I wonder if it’s okay to feel this way. There are also many different forms of love. The love that my parents give me and the love that my fans send me. I’m thankful for everything.

While promoting for 10 years, what was the happiest moment and most lacking point?

I feel like every moment until now has been somehow lacking. Whenever you look back you end up thinking “I should’ve done better back then.” I think everyone feels that way. But I never regret those times I’ve spent. The happiest instance was when I spotted my parents at a fanmeeting and ran to them and held them while singing. It felt like I was boasting to my fans “These people are my father and mother,” and it also felt like I was showing my parents how I was receiving that many fans’ love and support. I'm thankful that the fans looked at my family happily at that moment.

Have you ever had a slump?

I don't think about something if I think I'm going to fall into something serious, but I'm the type who gets stressed out to do something new.

You are loved not only in Korea but also abroad, have you ever thought about why your fans like you so much?

A lot. I just don't understand. I'm not even popular among my friends... Why on earth?

Think of at least one thing.

Maybe it’s because I worked hard steadily? To be honest, during the past 10 years I have never not tried my best on stage. I can say this with confidence. I’m thankful to be able to do what I like as a job. I have told the members about this previously, I’m sorry for not being affectionate to fans onstage. It’s my nature so I can’t help it. But I have never been indifferent as a singer onstage, that is a fact.

Your bucket list that you surely want to achieve this year?

Being healthy mentally and physically. Since the members have started their solo activities this year, I think I should release an album as well.

Any words for the readers?

Everyone, I’m not saying this as a formal greeting but I really want to say thank you. Hmm… How should I put this? Don’t worry since we are not disbanding. That’s why I tried hard to release the digital single. Continuing on I’m going to try my best to do as much as I can. You might feel disappointed at times along the way, and I apologize in advance for that. But what I can promise is that I’m going to do my best. Thank you so much for supporting me for 10 years. You all know this already, but I’m not so good at things like sending hearts and saying thanks affectionately. I just want to speak sincerely. Thank you so much. I hope everyone will be more happy, not just because you like and support us… I could sound arrogant saying it like this but... I hope our fans are sturdy people who will find their own small sources of happiness in their daily lives even if that isn’t us. And I hope everyone is happy. I’m so thankful and I want to ask you to trust me.

Lastly let us know your future plans.

We will try our best to match our times and do GOT7, JJ Project and Jus2 etc. no matter what. Even if our times don’t match somehow, we’ll try our best to gather even 4 or 5 people and return, so don’t worry. And Dobby is free now. (Laughs). I will do my best in everything. I've made a lot of songs and I'm diligently working on songs right now too, so look forward to it. You’ll be able to listen to it soon. Thank you. This has been GOT7 JAY B. Please give lots of love to The Star’s April issue!

Translated by defdaily.

#jay b #jb #jaebeom #def #defsoul #got7 #got7 jb #got7 jaebeom

[august-bleeds-red]

Tag Team

In which the AFAB!Reader discovers what Bo and Vincent can achieve when they work together.

Dedicated to the fabulous @quiveringdeer for being my sounding board and general awesome human, and to the absurdly talented @thesightstoshowyou for igniting my love for these boys with her phenomenal writing!  ❤️ NSFW under the line.  

You know you’ve been in the Sinclair household too long when you can identify the person behind you by how they grab your ass.

 “Bo,” you sigh, glancing over your shoulder at the smug bastard smirking at you. You’ve been cleaning almost all afternoon, sweeping and scrubbing under the kitchen units, and the stove is your final task before you allow yourself some rest. “Really? Right now?”

 “Hell yeah right now,” he chuckles, smoothing a large hand over your jeans-clad ass cheek. “You’re puttin’ on too much of a show here for me to wait, darlin’.”

 Setting down the dishrag you’ve been scrubbing the stovetop with, you wipe your hands on the ratty old T-shirt you’re wearing and turn to face him. You can’t lie – even after all these months, he’s still more than a little intimidating to you. Six-foot-one of sinewy red-blooded Louisiana male, leering down at you like a fox cornering a baby rabbit.

 “Now, what made you think I was interested in seein’ your face?” he says, gripping your hips and swivelling you back round to face the stove. He’s undoing the button on your jeans when a shadow falls across you from the doorway. You both turn to see Vincent staring at the two of you. He’s dressed casually, meaning in clothes that aren’t caked in wax, his long hair pulled back in a messy ponytail at his neck.

 “Little busy here,” Bo warns.

 Vincent looks to your face, already flushed with expectant arousal.

 It’s my turn, he signs.

 “Fuck off it’s your turn,” Bo snorts. “Go on, get.”

 But Vincent’s not budging this time. Three long strides and he has his hands on you, jerking you from Bo’s grip and pinning you to his chest.

 “The fuck?” Bo looks genuinely annoyed now. “Y’think you can just barge in here and blue-balls me?”

 You groan in exasperation. Usually this kind of She’s Mine play would have you feeling hot under the collar, but it’s been a long day. “Look, one or both of you just do it or let me get back to work, okay?”

 A thread of silent communication seems to pass between the twins, and Bo’s lip curls mischievously. “You want front or back?” he asks.

 Vincent holds his hand out flat in front of his face and moves it downwards to his chin.

 Bo shrugs. “Fine by me.”

 Before you can so much as question what’s happening, Vincent hauls you up and over his shoulder, carrying you like a sack of potatoes to the ancient shag-pile rug in front of the TV. Setting you down, he quickly pulls off your T-shirt while Bo tugs at your jeans. You step out of them almost automatically, the cogs in your weary brain piecing together what’s about to happen. Forcing you to your knees, the brothers both unbuckle their belts.

 “Eldest first,” Bo grins, grabbing a fistful of your hair and guiding you to his waiting erection. Your mouth opens automatically and you take him inside, bracing yourself against his thighs as he drags you back and forth along his length.

 “Ahh yeah, that’s it, baby.”

 Knowing what’s expected of you, you scramble blindly for Vincent, wrapping your fingers around his cock and stroking it. He lets out a rasping moan and thrusts into your loose grip. Bo allows you to break free and you turn your attentions to Vincent, sucking on him until he’s rock hard against your tongue. You’re vaguely aware of Bo rummaging for something in a nearby drawer, and when your eyes focus on the blue bottle he unearths you realise “front or back” was not referring to Vincent in your mouth and Bo in your pussy.

 “Wait—” You try to pull away, try to stand, but Vincent already has a hold of you.

 With a strength that always manages to surprise you, he drags you down to straddle his hips, one hand already on his cock, nudging the tip at your slit. Despite your disquiet at the way Bo is approaching leisurely from behind, you can’t stop the moan that falls from your lips as you’re impaled on Vincent’s impressive girth. He may be the quieter of the twins, but he’s by no means merciful – not with his victims, and not with your body. You thank stars for the natural lubrication of your arousal that allows him to penetrate with little resistance, the sting of the stretch lasting only a moment before the warmth of pleasure blankets you. Vincent’s hands settle on your waist, easing you slowly – but firmly – down, until your thighs meet his hips. You unconsciously push upwards as he lifts you, chasing that spark of bliss that curls through your lower belly. Vincent’s thumbs paint patterns in your skin, hips thrusting to meet your downward strokes. You cry out, palms flat against his chest, the muscles in your legs burning with the effort to keep elevated.  

 “Room for one more?” Bo’s liquor-smooth voice murmurs in your ear, and you feel the straps of your bra ping loose. Throwing the offending undergarment aside, Bo cups your breasts and squeezes hard. You gasp and he claps one hand across your mouth, slipping two thick fingers inside. You taste traces of engine oil and tobacco, the smoky-sweet scent you’ve come to associate with him. Combined with the aroma of wax and clay that clings to Vincent, you’re deliciously trapped in a cloying fog of aphrodesia.

 Releasing your mouth, Bo’s hand traces the curve of your spine, pressing between your shoulder-blades to force you into a more accessible position. Your heart pounds and you glance anxiously over your shoulder at him. His eyes glint wickedly back at you, one hand stroking his cock with obvious intent.

 “Bo,” you whisper. “Please. . .”

 “Please what, baby-doll?” he purrs.

 “Don’t hurt me.”

 “Now why would I do a terrible thing like that?”

 He rubs the tip of one finger, wet from your mouth, against your rear hole; Vincent slows his thrusts to a slow, crawling pace, just enough to keep the fire lit. You squirm as Bo’s digit pushes past the tight ring of muscle, the intrusion not big enough to hurt, but enough to feel unusual. When he adds a second finger, however, you flinch.

 “Aw, too much?” You can hear the gleeful grin in his voice. Pushing both fingers in to the second knuckle, he splits them into a V, stretching you in preparation. You guess you should be thankful he’s giving any at all. You feel strangely empty when he pulls them out, but only for the briefest moment before you feel something bigger take their place. Vincent falls still as a figurine, his one sky-blue eye watching your face intently. Reaching between your bodies, he rubs the fore and middle fingers of one hand against your clit, sending a hum of pleasure murmuring through you to counteract what’s happening behind.

 “Oh fuck, baby,” Bo grits his teeth as his cockhead disappears inside you. “You’re so fuckin’ tight.”

 By the time he’s fully sheathed, you’re trying to remember your name. You’ve never felt so full as you do now, you would go so far as to say . . . complete. Vincent drinks in your kaleidoscope of expressions like a man dying of thirst; the holy sequence of pain and pleasure that crosses your face more beautiful than any art he could create alone. He gives an experimental thrust and you see Heaven. When the brothers begin moving together, you can just barely cling to your sanity. The warm, soothing ecstasy from Vincent integrated with the sharp, gratifying pain being served to you by Bo takes you to a new plane of experience.

 “Y’like that, huh?” Bo threads his fingers through your hair and pulls your head back, exposing your neck. “Y’like being stuffed like a little slut?”

 “Nng . . . uhh . . .” Your tongue feels too big for your mouth.

 “Say it,” Bo licks a long stripe up the side of your neck. “Tell us what you are.”

 “I-I . . .” the tempo of the two of them inside you sends lights popping before your eyes. “I’m— I’m a slut.”

 “And who owns your pretty little pussy?” He deals a sharp slap across your ass cheek. “Who does this ass belong to?”

 “You!” You’re almost sobbing, your pleasure rising within you like the sun. “Oh God, Bo . . . Vince . . .”

 Bo quickens pace, hips smacking into your ass with ruthless force, and Vincent hand is almost vibrating with the speed at which he’s massaging your clit. Your combined gasps and moans rise in harmony, Bo turning the air blue with lustful curses.

 “Oh god, oh fuck,” you whimper, white heat radiating upwards through your body from where you’re connected. “I’m— I’m gonna cum . . .”

 “That’s it, baby,” Bo grunts, his thrusts evolving into mindless snaps of his hips, jerking so sharply you wonder if you’ll have bruises there tomorrow. “You’re gonna be drippin’ with cum after this. Gonna fill you so fuckin’ full.”

 Your scream must echo to the church when you finally finish, your inner walls pulsating against Vincent’s cock and drawing his own orgasm from him. The warmth of his seed fills you, spilling down your thighs.

 “Gonna cum in your ass,” Bo’s breathing is ragged, you can tell he’s close. “Gonna fuckin’—”

 The sensation of cum shooting deep into your ass is an interesting one, but the wild howl of ecstasy that emits from Bo more than makes up for it. Both brothers are twisted, broken, often cruel, but God if they don’t give you pleasure the like of which you’ve never known; or likely ever will again.

 You collapse onto Vincent’s chest as Bo pulls out of you, unable to keep your balance any longer. Vincent’s softening cock is still inside you, twitching occasionally when you move. Bo staggers to his feet and cups your jaw in his palm, claiming a feral kiss from your dry lips.

 “You’re ours, Y/N,” he says.

 “Yours . . .” you nod dazedly. You think you might pass out.

 Both of you glance down at Vincent. It’s not often that he speaks, but the monosyllabic moments he does are always worth the effort. Lifting his wax mask from his face, he gives his own interpretation of Bo’s signature smug grin.

 “Ours.”

#house of wax #bo sinclair #bo sinclair x reader #vincent sinclair #vincent x reader #horror #slasher fic #my fics #slasher community #slasher fandom #slashers #slasher x reader #bo x reader #vincent sinclair x reader

[dragondawdles]

hey-! this is probably a redundant question, but ever since I saw your part in Amphibia reanimated, i’ve ADORED your art. and while i’m not trying to copy your style, i was in the market for a new drawing tablet, animation program, as well as just general art app. If you’re comfortable with it, would you mind telling me yours? No pressure, and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

hey thank you thank you no worries!! I don't know how helpful my answers will be but I can for sure tell you what I'm working with as of now!

tablet-wise I'm currently using a wacom intuos, it's really rather solid and affordable Especially if you're on a budget or still testing the waters for digital art but honestly I should probably start looking into an upgrade myself LOL. I'm on my second one currently, my first one broke back in early 2020? I wanna say? due to the usb port on it just outright refusing to work after a year and a half of use and I'm afraid my second one's gonna do that to me too one of these days 😔

for animation I use krita! free, open-source, pretty easy to figure out and mess with; I've been using it since I started using art tablets with the exception of some brief experimentation with gimp that was ultimately fruitless. I WILL say that the animation capabilities are clearly not the program's main focus and it might not work on all computers (it also does not in my experience support audio scrubbing and I had enable drop frames to get the audio to work in general) so. it's a wee bit flimsy and I feel like I put too much strain on it ESPECIALLY for more elaborate multi-shot projects like amphibimate was but! it works for me and for the foreseeable future I'm sticking with it methinks

I used to use krita for general art too, but with my wacom tablet came a license for clip studio paint pro and I love it SOso much; has a steeper learning curve than krita imo but the skill ceiling is so much higher as well. took me a bit to get into the groove but once I did it feels good to use and to paint and draw in and I like the colors/brush systems more. I know clip studio paint ex has specific add-ons for comics/animation but I don't know a whole lot about the technical aspects of either so no thoughts on that. note though that (if you don't luck out and randomly get a license like I did) it does cost money but it is Well worth full price and goes on sale often so keep an eye open! (also I am going to plug the brush I use for pretty much everything because I'm love it)

this isn't a part of what you asked but it's certainly a program I use fairly often so I'll include it anyways; the free version of davinci resolve is a intimidatingly extensive editing program I use for most any video project more complicated than a gif or snippet of animation. some of its more ambitious aspects are locked behind the studio version and I've yet to upgrade to the most current version but with little exception it does everything I ask of it. it's not TOO difficult to figure out but it has the opposite problem I have with krita where. I feel like I'm asking too much of krita right? davinci asks too much of me and my computer JKAGKJDGA the more complicated it is the worse it runs for me and it's doesn't crash consistently enough for me to drop it or complain to the people who work on it but it Does crash enough for me to note that it crashes sometimes. at least for me I could be unlucky but save often regardless Learn from my mistakes,,,,,,,,,,

but yeah hope that helps at least a little bit and good luck figuring that all out! it's the artist that makes the art and not the tools but golly is it easier to put in a nail with a hammer than with a screwdriver

#asks #dragon answers #anonymous #art advice #MAYBE?? #dragon rambles #I was gonna tag 'not my art' but. I guess I did draw for this so LOL #I hope me listing every conceivable negative I have with each one doesn't scare you away from them #but yeah if you have more questions technical or creative or whatnot feel free to ask! hopefully I won't let in rot in my inbox like usual! #my mindset with my art & social media is less a personality or product I'm selling and more a public archive of whatever stuff I make #(with the occasional direct influence of people on said social medias!!) #but also I am pro-talking about the more niche/technical aspects of making that stuff #making the creation of things more accessible is ALWAYS swag yolo #<<< ... these tags are off-topic to the ask but shrug emoji I love to be annoying aswell #ty nik from my brain for being our doodle dummy for the evening

[hains-mae]

Flowers - Pt. 5 (The End)

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 (The End)

(Damian x Reader) Soulmate AU

The Flowers: @call-me-prodigy @annoylinglyaries @zphilophobiaz @comic-brew @biglilwing @awkwardspontaneity @lozzybowe @mariiecapo @distressedearie @diyosku @dracoaereum @thesuitelifeofafangirl @chims-kookies @blade-xingston @danicalifxrnia

Rating: T

Ages: Damian and you are 16, everyone’s ages follow after.

Summary: Soulmate AU where the wounds on your soulmate turns into a flower tattoo on your skin, if it heals with no scars the tattoo goes away, if it heals with a scar then the tattoo stays.

Notes: Wow that was a fun ride. But every story comes to an end, I hope you guys enjoy the final chapter! And thank you everyone who has taken their time to like, comment, and reblog. I appreciate it a lot <3

Disclaimer: I do not own DC. If I did, I wouldn’t make it as confusing as it is now.

Robin visited every other night after that. It was surreal to have a hero that you’ve so long admired become your frequent visitor. Then again, nothing seemed normal anymore.

“It’s past the convention week. How do you keep coming here?” I asked curiously one night.

Robin gave me a lopsided grin and tapped the side of his nose. “I have my ways.”

After Mom’s week long leave was up she begrudgingly had to go back to work. The hospital assured her that I was healing fairly well, and that I would be transferred to Gotham Hospital the following weekend.

I was never really lonely though. Besides the friendly staff, my midnight visitor always came right on time. I wondered why he would take the time. Maybe it was to get to know me better? Perhaps my speech that night managed to get through to him. I had hoped it was both.

If I was being honest though, I was a little more than glad he did. I had meant it when I told the boy that I found him intriguing. He was a tough nut to crack though. I couldn’t blame him.

During the day when I would shower, I’d trace the flowers across my frame and wonder just how much he had gone through.

Soul marks start to appear at 10 years of age. You could imagine the shock (and worry) my parents had gone through when they found me one day absolutely covered in flowers.

From a young age I would hide them. Always wearing my sleeves till my palms, my neck constantly covered with either my jacket, scarf or high placed collars. It wasn’t that I was ashamed, but Gotham liked to talk – and when you’re the subject of attention, then you’re an easy target for criminals.

As I got older, the marks around my neck forearms slowly faded. I had worried about my soul mate and their well-being. Now that I understood everything, it was a different type of worry all together. The kind that would sit at the pit of your stomach and tie knots, heavy enough to keep you on edge.

My T.V in the hospital room was always on the same channel, Gotham News. Every battle would have my heart clenching as the camera’s desperately tried to follow the fight. Most of the time’s they wouldn’t be able to capture the end, and I’d be left holding my breath.

That’s one other reason I looked forward to our nightly visits. I could relax knowing he was alright.

I still wasn’t sure what I felt for this enigma of a person. But I knew that I wanted to get closer.

“I have an idea.” Robin said one evening. There was a glint his eye, the mask was off since my mom wasn’t around anymore. “And it’s got something to do with your invention.”

I arched a brow. “The bullets are complete but I still have yet to finalize the counter measures.”

He nodded understandingly. “Counter affect can wait. We don’t want to encase anyone in rock at the moment, but I’m putting it out there since you wanted to help.”

Intrigued, I urged him to continue.

Damian was quite brilliant in his own way. After much thought and planning, we had about 3 more types of chemically enhanced concoctions laid out. All of which were to go through Batman before beginning the experimentation process. He has assured me that I would be leading the research team for that under Wayne Ent.

I couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital.

“Do you like sweets?” He asked randomly.

Arching a brow I studied him. He was slouched on the couch with his leg dangling on one side and a book in his hands.

Charles Dickens.

“Yes.” I said, noting his obvious attempt to look natural. “Do you?”

“On occasion.” The boy shifted a shoulder to mimic a shrug.

The very next visit he had a black bag slung across his shoulder. His face gave nothing away but from the times I’ve spent with him, I realised it was his eyes that did most of the talking.

“Whatcha got over there?” I asked curiously, scooting closer to him at the edge of the bed.

“Patience.” He said and pulled up the make shift table that was attached to the side of my bed. Placing a medium sized box on top, he carefully undid the lid and opened it. “I present to you, baklavas.”

In the dim light I saw that they were flaky, almost like a croissant. There were some with a mix of nuts, from pistachios to almonds. Others were plain but still looked heavenly. They gleamed with a moistness, as if coated with a syrupy substance. I picked one up and popped it into my mouth.

It burst with flavour and dissolved much too fast. I squeaked at the exotic taste.

“Oh my gosh these are so good.” I said, licking my thumb.

Robin looked pleased.

“You should have one.” I pushed the box towards him but he shook his head.

“They’re yours.” He said.

“Nonsense. Food always taste better when shared.” I picked another one up intending to eat it.

“If you insist.”

I had barely managed to register the wicked glint in his eye before he took hold of my wrist and brought my hand that was holding the sweet close to his mouth. He took it carefully from me in one easy motion and lightly licked my finger.

“You’re right. It does taste better when shared.”

I felt the burn on my cheeks and ears before I heard the warning blare of the heart monitor. Immediately, Robin slipped behind the couch just as the nurses for the nightshift burst into my room in a panic. They fussed over me as I repeatedly tried to tell them I was alright. My heart finally calmed and once they left, Robin got up covering his mouth. He was trying to keep himself from laughing.

-x-x-x-

The weekend came much faster than I had anticipated. When the doctors checked on my progress, they gave the thumbs up for me to be transferred to Gotham’s hospital.  Mom was relieved, and wouldn’t stop fussing over me when we got there. I let it be though, thinking it was more for her own peace of mind than mine.

After that it was a short two weeks before I was fully discharged.

Robins visits never wavered though. If anything, he had stayed for longer periods of time. I got to know the boy under the mask more than I had hoped for and opened up in return more than I had intended.

I found out his brothers were vigilantes too. He pointed them all out one evening with a family picture he’d secretly stashed in his wallet. They were a “thorn” to his side — as he had so eloquently described, but I could see just how much he loved them. That was another thing I learnt about him, his speech patterns were very posh. He liked to use formal names and slang was not completely in his vocabulary. I asked him about that one time, to which he only replied “another time”. It was probably a touchy subject, where he exactly grew up.

His favourite colour was green, and his adoration for animals was as deep as black hole. It was crazy how perfect my mind painted him to be, and the more I knew, the harder it was to ignore the feelings growing inside me.

He enjoys reading, but would gladly spend the day locked in his room with his tablet and pen drawing the day away. He is good both in traditional and digital art, and sometimes dabbles in graphic design when he feels like it. He prefers his tea without any additives, but would not hesitate to pour bucket loads of milk and sugar in his coffee during the rare moments he drinks it.

I could list everything down but it would just solidify my attraction to him, and honestly I doubt this was he needed right now. Juggling a double life sounded a lot more stressful than he showed it to be. He hardly ever talked about it but from the amount of flowers blooming on me, it was difficult to see it any other way but exhausting. He’d kick butt at night, get hurt, then go to school the very next day like nothing happened.

He arrived one evening like he normally did and I had rushed up to pull off his glove. I felt a sting earlier and found a Sakura branch littered with pink flowers. I was right, his arm was soaked in red, and the gash looked bad.

“It’s just a scratch.” He promised me.

I didn’t reply. Taking him straight to the bathroom, I rinsed out the remaining blood and addressed the wound. After bandaging him up I finally looked into his eyes and showed him just how worried I was.

That evening we sat next to each other, with our fingers intertwined and his thumb randomly brushing against my knuckles.

-x-x-x-

Finally I was able to return home. Being able to lie down on my own bed, inside my own house, I could let loose and properly relax. I threw myself onto the soft comforters that smelled like fabric softener and smiled to myself.

Home sweet home.

But not for long, I reminded myself that this evening I would be dining with the Wayne’s. Swallowing hard, I hurried my face onto the pillows. I can’t mess this up, not after everything they’ve done for me.

Damian’s smirking face suddenly came to mind, and all his welcomed visits. It made my stomach grow warm. Remembering us sharing the sweets he gifted – soft lips against my fingers.

I groaned into the pillow, the room was getting a little hot. Getting up gingerly, as to not aggravate the newly healed stitches, I manoeuvred my way to the window and pushed it open. The cold evening air felt good against my heated skin. I sighed in content.

If I were being honest, I didn’t know what exactly was happening between us. I didn’t know if I wanted anything to happen between us. Wouldn’t it be weird, considering that I’d be interning for his dad in just a couple of months. Possibly work there if my luck doesn’t run out first. Not to mention WHO he was.

You’re just a normal girl, I chided myself. Not someone important enough to stand beside such a prestigious boy and his ridiculously wealthy family.

But even then – I found myself wondering. Seeking. Imagining… What if we were to become something more? What if it works? What if we fall in –

“Y/n!” Mom’s voice broke through my reverie, waking me up from the needless train of thought.

Closing my window, I poked my head out the door and found her putting on a bracelet.

“Are you ready? The cab is nearly here.” She asked.

I nodded and took a step closer to her. Looking quickly at the vanity mirror in the hallway, I gave myself a once over to make sure everything was in place. I had on a slightly fitting turtle neck sweater, paired with a high waisted pleated skirt and dark stockings. On my feet I sported on my boots. It was safe to assume no one would be able to see my soul marks.

My mom grabbed her purse and headed downstairs. I followed close behind her, handing her her coat before locking up the front door.

The cab driver arrived a few minutes in, and we drove off straight to Wayne Manor.

“This is exciting isn’t it?” She said to me with a lift in her voice, as she exited the cab to get the gates opened.

Once we could enter, we were greeted with a very large land that was pristinely kept. The grass was cut evenly, and the trees lining the estate were trimmed to perfection. Bushes were perfectly shaped into different animals, and flowers systematically grown to create swirls and shapes beside the road. A big fountain was situated just in front of the mansion while a man in a black suit waited beside the opened doors.

We exited the cab after paying and did our best to take it all in without looking like fishes out of water.

“Ah, Mrs. & Ms. Y/l/n.” It was the man who I saw pick up Damian that one night in Metropolis appeared. I also remembered him in the family photograph. His accent was thickly laced with British poise. “My name is Alfred Pennyworth, I shall be you’re attendant for the evening.”

“Thank you.” Mom was quick to compose herself.

As soon as I entered the house I felt my breath stolen away. It was huge. Everything looked so new and polished.

I barely registered my mom and Alfred chatting away as he led her to the dining hall.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

I nearly jumped at the voice that startled me. Whipping my head around, I found Jason standing with his hands in his pockets.

“I remember my first time coming in here. Completely floored.” He chucked.

I waved a small greeting. “Everything looks so –“

“Expensive? Exorbitant? Grand?” He tried to guess.

“Beautiful.” I breathed out.

He laughed. “Not what I expected. But you’re full of surprises aren’t you.”

I blushed. “Ah, I’m not sure about that. I’m just me.”

“Hey, no stealing our guest before dinner.” Dick walked down the stair case with Tim beside him.

“Feeling better Y/n?” Tim asked as we grouped just below the stairs.

“Yeah, thank you.” I answered, suddenly feeling flustered as they surrounded me.

Stay calm.

“Don’t be nervous.” Dick said with an air of comfort.

I wanted to ask what made him think so, but he answered before I even began to articulate the words.

“You’re fidgeting like a college student during a thesis debate.” He said simply.

“You’re… very good at reading people.” I arched a brow at him.

“One of my many amazing abilities” He winked.

Jason let out an air of playful frustration and pulled Dick aside. “And now you’re stealing her. Can’t hold a normal conversation can you Dickie, always a flirt.”

“First of all – do I need to remind you who mostly does all the talking during dad’s parties. And second of all – I am not a flirt. I can’t help it if I’m charming.” Dick mocked a suave look and shot it as his brother.

Jason looked like he was about to gag and Tim was less than pleased. I laughed at their antics.

“What’s funny?” Damian appeared beside me. I jumped and held a hand to my racing heart.

“Jeez, do all of you have a talent for sneaking up on people?” I wheezed out, trying to gather my bearings.

They all grinned at me without answering.

Robins, my inner muse whispered. I brushed off the thought as quick as it had come.

We had made it to the dining area just in time for Alfred to begin serving the meals. My mother was already chatting up a storm with Mr. Wayne. A wine glass in hand and a slight tint to her cheeks. She looked happy.

I began walking towards the seat beside my mother when Damian pulled out the chair like a gentleman. I bit the inside of my cheek and mumbled a thank you.

He took the space beside me and the rest of his brothers seated themselves opposite us.

As we opened our plates for dinner, I was amazed to see how well it was presented. Mr. Pennyworth continued to serves other dishes, and once he was done he left the room.

The food tasted just as good as it looked.

Easy conversation wafted around us, the usual topics of school, and future plans. Mr. Wayne brought up the internship which I nearly gushed over due to my excitement. Damian held back a laugh with a cough when he noticed my little slip up before I composed myself again. I bumped his knee under the table and playfully glared at him. He smirked and bumped me back.

“My compliments to the chef Mr. Wayne.” Mom said.

“I’ll be sure to tell him.” He smiled through a glass of wine. How many glasses in were they at this point? Damian and I were the only ones who weren’t allowed so both our glasses were filled with water and juice.

“And, please,” Mr. Wayne continued. “Call me Bruce.”

“Hey, we should give the women a tour.” Dick suggested. “I’m sure you’ll both love it.”

Jason and Tim had excused themselves, and I had an inkling as to what they were up to. Patrols were a common thing, as Damian told me.

And so with Dick and Bruce leading, my mother and I followed as they showed off the grandness of the manor.

I couldn’t help but be awestruck all over again. The library was huge. Their shelves towered from ceiling to floor, and filled with all kinds of books. From novels to more informative documents. I recognised a couple of titles from the times Damian spent the night reading.

The sunroom was next. The glass was near invisible. I took in the sight of the gorgeous garden just beyond the panels, being able to outline a gazebo at the far end with flowers twisting around its pillars. I unconsciously touched my stomach where the stitches were, randomly pondering what kind of flower had bloomed from such a brutal wound.

“Are you okay?” Damian was beside me immediately and his hand supported my elbow. His voice was laced with concern.

“Oh.” I realised what he was talking about and pulled my hand down. “I’m okay, just a little tired.”

“Honey?” My mom’s face pinched in concern. “Is it hurting again?”

“I just need to rest Mom, I’m fine.” I assured her. “You should continue, I’ll just sit here for a bit.”

Mom was hesitant but there wasn’t much she could do, and she knew it. So they moved on, but not without Mr. Wayne asking for some painkillers to be brought to me.

After taking the medicine, I thanked ‘Alfred’ (as he had asked me to call him) before he left.

Damian was sitting on the arm rest of the couch. My hand was in his and he rubbed random circles around my knuckles. His brows were furrowed, and his features were set in a deep scowl. I could practically feel the guilt and worry radiating off of him.

“I have to be honest, I thought I’d see more animals around.” I said, trying to lighten up the mood.

“Father asked me to keep Titus in my room for the time-being, he didn’t know how you two would react to a Great Dane, or vice-versa.” The boy said simply.

“Great Dane?” I asked flabbergasted.

The corner of Damian’s lips turned upwards. “When you feel better I’ll introduce you.”

“It’s a date.” I answered before thinking. All at once I realised what I said and felt my cheeks burn. “Ah – I mean, not date. If you aren’t comfortable with that, people just use the word date as a meeting time or –“

“It’s a date.” He brought my fingers up and ghosted his lips over them. I had to hold my breath fearing that my heart would stop.

I was momentarily stunned by his forwardness and calm. Looking away I managed to slow down my heart rate to a regular beat.

“I still need to guess the rest right?” I asked coyly.

He gestured for me to continue.

“Let’s see.” I rested my head on the couch and closed my eyes to recall our conversation back in the ball room. “We’ve got a dog, a cat.”

“Mhm.” Damian nodded, moving from the arm rest to the empty space next to me.

My brain brought up an old song from the Princess and the Frog, when they had to ‘Dig a Little Deeper’.

A dog, a pig, a cow, a goat – the lyrics were sung in my subconscious before I could stop it.

“A cow.” I guessed.

Damian’s eyes grew a little wide, before a grin made its way to his lips. “Yes.”

“What seriously?” I giggled. “You actually have a cow?”

“Bat-Cow.” He chuckled. “I was a child, and that was the first name to come up.”

I was full on laughing now. “I cannot wait to meet them. But that was seriously a random guess, now I feel like my confidence is dwindling.”

“Then how about you wait till you see them?” He suggested.

I bit my lip and shifted in my seat, our knees brushed and I felt that warmth spread across my chest. We’re close. A little too close.

When I looked at him I found he was staring at the garden outside. I didn’t mean to be rude, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him. There was something about this boy that just drew me closer, making me want more. I traced the little moles across his cheek and wondered when I had let this magnetic pull take over me.

“Take a picture. It’ll last longer.” Damian commented. His intense green eyes bore into mine as he threw a deviously charming smirk my way.

I blushed and looked away, suddenly finding my shoes a lot more interesting than it was. “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

He turned towards me. And I made the mistake of facing him again, because now our faces were just mere inches apart.

I found myself gazing at his beautiful green eyes that contrasted so well with his tanned olive skin. There were so many different shades of green looping and mixing with one another, it felt like a maze – one that I would willingly get lost in.

My fingers rested in the spaces between his, and I marvelled at how everything in that moment felt right.

I tilted towards him, and he did the same towards me.

“What are we doing?” I whispered, stealing a glance at his lips.

Heart pounding.

Blood racing.

It left me dizzy.

“I’m… not sure.” Damian replied, his tone low. “But if you asked me to kiss you, I would.”

His thumb grazed the inside of my wrist with a feather-light touch and I burst into flames.

“Kiss me.”

And he did.

-THE END-

#My Fan Fiction #Damian Wayne x Reader #DC comics #dc universe #Soulmate AU #Batman #batboys x reader #Nightwing #Red Hood #Red Robin #Robin #Bruce Wayne #Dick Grayson #Jason Todd #Tim Drake #Damian Wayne #Flowers AU