Well that was anticlimatic! I came home and 25k came and went and no one claimed the kiriban. So I guess I'll just leave it for 30k and see what happens at that point.

In any case, thought I should do a FAQ as apparently I lack one and hope this will answers the questions you never had!

FAQ 1.1 (edited 1.2008)
1. What do you use to do your art?
Most things start off with a pencil sketch. Sometimes that's pencil on paper (as in two of the last 3 pieces) or pencils in some kind of digital painting program. For the most part that program will be Painter 8.0 unless I specify that I experimented with something else.

Almost everything now is colored digitally. As i like very much to tweak color as well as play with spatial elements, I do everything in layers and am a notorious user of a layer for lighting effects.

Edit: Lately I've been playing with traditional media more as an attempt to try to make my process more efficient. If I have a better sketch or an inked sketch I may be able to do things that are slightly less painted (in finishes) and have it still feel relatively complete.

I also have started a marker obsession :3 . COPICS!


2. Did you go to art school?
Like most kids, I've had exposure to art in grade school, and one or two odd classes on the side in summer programs. There's been no emphasis on any particular areas (I've tried everything from silkscreening to making pots). I would say though that I've had more than average exposure to drawing and watercolor.

For the most part, I am largely self taught and like to experiment by myself.

3. What are your future plans?
I have a pretty crazy regular career in a field that has absolutely nothing to do with art. Those who remember me from my old Disney-fan days (as sherlgirl) know I was pretty interested in animation storyboarding and animation checking back in the day, but when that industry tanked I stayed far far away and stayed on course in another field. For now, I plan to stay away from that industry unless my current profession goes bust. (Doubtful.)

Edit: In 2008 I need some serious help with composition and the creation of dynamic motion in a picture. I also plan to do a lot of stupid headshots so I can narrow in on a problem I'm having with inconsistent facestyles.

3. So like what's up with the convention thing?
I like interacting with people and seeing people "Squee." I like "working" the cons that otherwise I'd be just spending all my time shopping. ha!

Edit: I don't feel quite the motivation to do conventions this year. I feel like my art needs less pressure to "please" and to generally improve in the areas I discussed earlier.

4. Do you do commissions?
Edit: Maybe. You will have to PM me to discuss or contact me at the LJ address I list. The only FREE work that I will do will be the kiribans OR if it's a fandom piece for something we mutually like (e.g., Kenshin, Bleach, Big O). I'm not a person who can draw things I don't like...

5. Okay, so what's up with the random fanart and random originals?
Fanart follows shows that I like watching . In particular, I like picking shows as they air in Japan and that leave some kind of impact on me or that I can envision something I want to express regarding that story or potential plot point.

Original pieces follow really no point. I usually have an idea or story I want to try to feel out and pieces go from there. There's a heavy Asian element to everything because I love Asian culture and history. I find that aesthetic very visually attractive, particularly Chinese elements.

Then there's that random crap. I like crack pairings and crack stories. Sometimes I like to be intentionally kitsch or irreverent because I secretly have a love for cheese. Having had friends who shoved their romance book covers in my face throughout highschool or made me watch too many pirate ninja shows, these oddly appeal to me as fun elements I want to draw. And I'm all about the fun and challenge.

6. What is up with the chibi-ness?
I love cute things. It's pathological.

As for Boobear, he's a real teddybear that my mom gave me when I went to college. His personality was decided by my sister and variou s friends.

And yes, he's currently unable to read or form any other sounds other than "Roor," which is a fun play on some crappy organic chemical formula.

7. Why is this FAQ so long?
Because I'm longwinded. I write like I sleep.

If you have other questions you feel should enter the s-girl FAQ let me know. If you read to this point, good god, have a cookie!