LEISHA-MARIE; I draw A LOT.

Next of Kin, The younger sister

2012-02-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

Think Rachel Berry, just as spoilt, but Blonde, British and instead of a dwarf, a giant. She's 18, and studying her BA in Acting/Musical Theatre, when takes a turn for the worse.

I wasn't feeling well today, so my drawings didn't turn out so nice. Page three soon.

Next of Kin, Elder Sister

2012-02-12T21:37:00.001-08:00

She's 27, studying for her ST2 and SA2 (Medical Residency in the UK). She's called when the fire happens as their mother is out of the country.

Page 3 tomorrow, maybe.

Next of Kin, pages 1 and 2

2012-02-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

For the record. I decided to just wing this story because I've had the vague idea in my head for ages, and if I mull over it too much, I will ruin it.

Next of Kin Cover

2012-02-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here you go, here's a better cover. Drew from a few inspirations, Faith Erin Hicks included - a super talented comic/freelance illustrator from Halifax, Nova Scotia, who's also the illustrator and author of Friends with Boys. This is an odd combo, but it seemed to have worked somewhat.

I also realized that those sketches I posted last night were a complete dud without an explanation, but I won't spoil it. enjoy.

I'll be writing the story over the course of the next ~~month or howeverlongitactuallytakes~~ while.

I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers. It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at.
-- Maya Angelou

Next of Kin is about two half sisters who struggle to see eye to eye until a fire changes everything.

Next of Kin

2012-02-11T23:45:00.001-08:00

tasteful nudes?

Next of Kin Project

2012-02-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

coming sometime. (probably going to aim for a page every day, then post it in a separate section of the blorg, and on a tumblr)

I decided if I'm going to amp up the interest in my graphic novel, I'm going to release short stories related to the storyline. This is a prequel.

This is just an idea I had for the cover, and while it's probably the worst cover idea I've ever come up with, it's something I doodled and I thought I'd share.

bloop

2012-02-11T22:10:00.001-08:00

I wasn't sure what to draw, so I doodled this instead. It kind of blows, but w/e. it's decent practice. I'm not even linking this on facebook, just twitter. haha.

Nordic Nightingale

2012-02-10T22:33:00.000-08:00

I normally refrain from posting fanart on here, but this was for the art jam i participate in (as often as I can). We have to draw something in homage to video games, or a specific video game. I obviously chose TES V: Skyrim - since choosing minecraft would end up in a pretty ugly drawing.

This is my character in the game, which sounds really lame, but I like the way I designed her. She's a Nightingale. I like the way it turned out, but I realized that armor's a lot harder than it looks. (very punny) You can check out the art jam here.

Suzy Shears, Captain of the Queen's Fist

2012-02-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

I redid her. Her last costume ~~apparently didn't have enough useless crap on it.~~ is now leaning towards Steampunk. I do find the design theme Steampunk heavily overused so I toned down the crazy, it could be crazier.

I like the direction Bioshock took, it's not quite as in your face as it could be.

If you're wondering why I'm revisiting Suzy, I'll come up with a proper explanation with images sometime soon.

Also, if you look at the last three full body posts in sequence, it's like a pokemon evolution.

wip preview

2012-02-09T21:35:00.001-08:00

enjoy. not the classiest move i've ever pulled but hey.

More Steampunk

2012-02-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

A work in progress. I liked the sketch, so I thought I'd upload it. Time to paint it.

Steampunk Suzy

2012-02-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

She's a lot less steampunk than I'd probably like her to be, but to be honest, I'm not that big on steampunk. This is an idea Yuliya and I are working on, that will hopefully become more than just an idea. She loves the steampunk.

Check out her blog, which is mostly life drawings at the moment, since she's newer to the blogosphere. Cool work anyway.

Sargent Study

2012-02-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

I think if you want to be a visual developer, I think at one point in your life, you should do a master copy of Sargent - and if you've already done one, do like 5 more.

Here's my master copy of the painting he did of his sister (oops, not his wife. I definitely looked at his bio and went tl;dr). I probably could have kept going on it, but unfortunately, I can't make my livelihood copying his work. I learned a lot though, and I can appreciate the man this much more now.
I realized I have no idea what I'm doing, not that I didn't know that already, but it was confirmed ten fold when I was trying to do this. I did try to make it look less digital, since I recognize Sargent wasn't equipped with a desktop computer and a 21UX.

Anyway, google the original, it's quite gorgeous.

Master Copy. "Emily Sargent" Original by John Singer Sargent c. 1877

More exploration

2012-02-06T12:00:00.001-08:00

Lol no I didn't feel like finishing the second one. or the first one really. I got distracted by Sargent.

Painting/Design Test

2012-02-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

This was just a painting/design test, I'm trying to make her look more Indian. Incidentally, she looks more European than ever.

Ah gosh, whatever.

Breaking Bad

2012-02-05T16:01:00.001-08:00

just started watching it. It's a good show. These are bad drawings, but I thought I'd post them anyway.

dandy cats

2012-02-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

I have detached the filter on my brain and disposed of it accordingly. Let the weird rumbling around my skull run wild and free.

this is not a life drawing

2012-02-03T12:32:00.001-08:00

I wouldn't sever her legs if it was.

Actually I probably would, and say I was doing a torso study because I didn't make room for them.

I do miss life drawing. Mississauga is barren.

scavenger

2012-02-03T11:21:00.001-08:00

This raven is wearing a waist coat with a dreamcatcher as a brooch. Your argument is invalid. It also happens to be using a walking stick, but that's irrelevant.

I'm not sure, I'm seeing a lot of animals in clothing lately, and this came to mind.

bad days

2012-02-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

When I have a bad day, I sometimes draw. And sometimes I hug my blanket. Today I did both.

It hasn't been a very good day.

Demon Fox

2012-02-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

My Smudgeguard is gross, and I need to wash it.

Sorry, TMI. But it's a bad habit, and if you own a smudgeguard because your hands sweat like faucets, it's bound to get disgusting.

This is an idea I've been wanting to explore for ages, like actual ages, eras even. I might do it actually.

Griffith Trail

2012-02-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

I don't quite remember the hollywood trail, but I remember it being really long and really steep, and I was not dressed for it. They're totally dressed for it, and one of them is still suffering.

Don't do the Griffith trail in flats and black jeans when its 25+C out.

Just don't.

More doodles

2012-01-31T21:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm getting it. I didn't like my last drawing of her, so I redid her.

However. Most of the time I feel like this.

Oh yeah. Happy 50 followers. Thanks a lot guys. <3

I am expending nervous energy through doodles

2012-01-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

I drew Yuliya.

P.S. the concept art challenge is on hold until I have my interview.

Doodling again

2012-01-30T17:15:00.001-08:00

I was just doodling as I prepare for an interview tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Venice Beach

2012-01-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

About an hour, on and off.

A very late piece inspired by LA, considering I went about 8-9 months ago. I drew from memory (yes that was a pun), and just drew the things that I distinctly remembered seeing. I couldn't draw the shops on the boardwalk if you paid me, the only one I remember is the pizza shop.

Might do that next.

doodling

2012-01-29T21:39:00.001-08:00

doodling late at night. I have a tendency to go on binges where I emulate people's styles for about a week, then I just go back and take what i learned. This week is Kevin Dart, or the closest I can come for now.

Through the meadows of life

2012-01-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry. I've been a little under the weather and overall busy, talking to studios about jobs and stuff. I'm currently speaking to a specific Toronto studio now, hopefully that'll turn into something. If there's any updates. I'll let you folks know (as that'll probably result in a major posting hiatus)

When I'm sick I tend to write more, because leaning over my cintiq when I'm sick is just a joke. I've been writing on my ipad lately and its been a joy.I never have to worry about pressing ctrl+s. Then I drew this because I've been listening to the Avenue Q Soundtrack, which is ridiculously happy.

Such is life at the moment.

More Misses than Hits.

2012-01-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

Made them from my brain

Pub Night?

2012-01-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

A very different meaning if you're in England as opposed to Sheridan College, haha.

Environment sketches

2012-01-23T17:18:00.001-08:00

I really enjoy these brushes. They can stay.

Concept Art Challenge Day 002

2012-01-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

Actually if we're really keeping track this is like day five, and I've missed three -- but as I mentioned previously, I don't want to rush things. Who does?

I had a previous idea that was pretty badass, but then it tanked and I painted myself into a corner and I wept for days (approximately 20 minutes) and then I just decided to practice rendering because that's where I went wrong on the last one. I feel as though I might have added more texture to this one but I wasn't sure how without ruining it. So I might revisit it and add some clothy texture to her jacket, but other than that, this is #2. Her knees are a bit sketchy too. Ah well. she's not a portfolio piece, but good practice.

doodling

2012-01-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

just a doodle. playing with those mister bird brushes again, and they are most enjoyable.

Pencil sketch

2012-01-22T08:54:00.001-08:00

Time to change the rules of the game after the game's started! (*cough*US Government I'm looking at you*cough*) Okay, so I've decided it's not a character a day, that's just unrealistic -- i'll do a spree of about 30 characters, and whenever it's done it's done.

Here have a pencil sketch that i didn't actually do on paper.

A Character a Day Concept Art Challenge, Day 01

2012-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Photoshop CS5

Yes. Yes I did. I'm motivating myself in my unemployment by forcing myself (and I do mean forcing) to complete one concept art piece a day. A rough start (har har very punny), but for the first day, I decided I'd do something familiar.

Over the course of the next month or so (or whenever I give up, minimum 30 days), you'll see a bunch of characters on lovely grey backdrops. And hopefully by the end of the 30 days, I will be better at this.

Enjoy.

Quickie (har har)

2012-01-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

Something I drew fairly quickly. I was thinking about Solace (of course, among other things) and I was thinking blasts from the past. These are two of the characters aged 18, and 9 respectively. In the storyline they're 30 and 21.

These are also brushes I purchased from Mister Bird (aka Niklas Kragh Andersen). It is the first time I've purchased brushes and while it doesn't look like I should have paid for them here, I've been playing with them all day and I thoroughly enjoy them. May purchase more in the future. I bought one of the less popular sets "Workbook", because I Wanted an ink line as well as some pencils, but he has a lot.

Painting dump

2012-01-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

Hi folks. Hope blackout day didn't convenience you too much, not that it stopped you from browsing my blog. For comic relief's sake, you should check out Herpderpedia on Twitter, which is by the way absolutely hilarious. The moronic endeavours of students who have no idea how to look up something without a search function. Please, google was there before wikipedia, and libraries before that. I'm pretty sure you can do most work without wikipedia...

Take advantage of using these memes while you can.

Hope you learned a lot, and that you need to convince your congressmen to vote no to SOPA/PIPA on the 24th. I thought about "drafting" the SOPA/PIPA protest post, but I'm leaving it up. The link to the petition you can sign is on there, as well as information. There's also an enormous slur on the name that is MPAA, but that's their own fault.

I was doing a bit of painting over the last couple of days, but nothing major. I did some work from that story I had "Ride of the Valkyrie" (as seen in my portfolio, which is currently cornered off, you need to ask for the password).

This painting is of the Valkyrie in the story, who's some corrupt bitch. I'm not happy with her arm, but it's just a sketch.

Obviously, obligatory Solace image. Sorry, I will actually get to the comic someday. It's a work in progress, but I've been looking at a lot of video game concept art, and I thought I'd start doing some, and I'd start with something I knew.

And a little something I did in memorium. I'll miss you Amber. 17 years is a long time to know someone when you've only been alive for 23.

those are her adopted brothers in the bg.

Blackout in protest!!

2012-01-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

It's kind of like the Government was having Marital Issues (read: deficit and healthcare reform) but they couldn't deal with it, so they got angry and kicked the dog (read: created SOPA/PIPA)

What a lot of my fellow artists seem to be missing, not that their favourite sites will be taken down, or censored. I am upset that there are sites that I like a lot that might be taken down, HOWEVER, that is not the issue that affects us as this digital generation of artists, the most -

What affects us the most is that any professional work that we have done for hire, for a studio or freelance, will no longer be available for your use if SOPA/PIPA gets passed.

So what does that mean for you?

No more portfolio sites with work you've done professionally.
No more demo reels with work you've done for studios.

No you don't get an investigation, it just gets taken down without warning.

Blogger isn't exactly friendly to me covering everything with black.

So I did the next best thing. For the next day, my blog will be black like this.

What I am saying here is:

F*ck SOPA and PIPA.

Now that I've gotten that juvenile burst of vulgarity out, make sure you sign the petition from Google, linked through the image above. Learn what you're up against, and protest this bill, because it's stupid and should never be passed in a democratic society. As a blogger, and someone who frequents all of these sites threatened by SOPA. Probably the poorest defense against Piracy, ever. The Oatmeal probably put it the best:

It's like dealing with a escaped Lion from the Zoo, by blasting kittens with a flamethrower.

Effectively the largest slur on democracy I have ever seen. Want to stop piracy? You should probably focus on the more trying matters first, Government. Like your massive deficit, that's probably more important than how many movies people illegally download, or how many people put a picture of Oprah riding a sea-doo, with Jesus on the backseat on their website. Or how many people make awful gifs of Naya Rivera spitting a rainbow into Lea Michele's mouth on tumblr.

That's my two cents. Or ten cents. There was a lot of writing there.

It kind of seems like the government is throwing a tantrum because they can't fix anything else, so they may as well shut some shit down. It's cutting off your nose to spite your face.

It's like getting angry at your kids so you turn around the car so you can't go on vacation. Everyone loses.

Sorry, because it's blacked out, it's hard to read. My bad.

****UPDATE 11:06 AM****

That's right. It's irresponsible to censor information from people, but we'll just shut them down when we win.

source: gifbuffet.tumblr.com

iPad Sketches

2012-01-11T17:21:00.000-08:00

Yeah I bought an ipad. If people were wondering what that excitement was on facebook. I like it a lot, it doesn't have pen pressure but ~~it fills the void of having given my macbook pro away~~ does the job. I do like apple products, and I recognize I pay for appearance, and give extra money to have less features (drawing-wise) but it's pretty versatile. If you just need something to keep you interested while you feign company with a family member, this is the real deal.

this one's mega corny, sorry. also her arm is way too short. Sorry. I'm supposed to be better than this.

Another Test

2012-01-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

Another test for a studio, we'll see where it goes. There's more I just don't want to post it, this is the most ambiguous I can leave it until I either get interviewed/hired/rejected.

Environment Processes

2012-01-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

I can totally post this.
I think.
Well we'll find out. Here's my workflow so far.

There's obviously some problems still in the cleanup. Might hide it in painting, instead of fiddling with it.

Woop.

Happy New Years!

2012-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

I Reckon I'm a tad late to the New Years post party, but I thought I'd show up anyway, bring a couple of gifts.

I was going to make this a longer post, but I have too much to do. So have some art.

time: 5.5 hours photoshop cs5

Something I wanted to finish. I Suppose it's just a poster full of assumed Mary Sues until I release the actual story. If I Could make money from doing nothing, I would release it a lot faster.

45 minutes WIP, ipad 2/sketchbook pro

She's a little dark here, but I was really just learning how to use the program on the ipad. If you're wondering if it's worth it or not, not until you don't have to rely on a tool to make good art. That said, it's pretty good once you get past the learning curve.

Protip

2011-12-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

Some important things to think about

When drawing/colouring semi-realistic female characters. (Ie Anime, Comics)

A lot of the time, the problem isn’t so much the design, but if you’re intent on drawing semi-realistic women (or men), you’re probably not doing it for the character design aspect. You’re probably doing it for a story, so keep that in mind next time someone says they look similar or they’re not that appealing.

If you’re doing it for a story, what other people think of the design does not matter one iota. It’s your story.

But, you probably want to make it as right as possible anyway, which is why you’re reading this. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re drawing semi-realistic women. No, it won’t be tl;dr.

1. If you’re painting/colouring them, draw the face as if they’re not wearing makeup then in finalizing the face in colour, apply makeup as you would on your own face. If you’re a dude, then watch some Michelle Phan videos on youtube.

a. Ex.

Disclaimer: I obviously odn't own Marge Simpson or anything pertaining to. It was just to clarify that you don't want your makeup phasers set to less than stunning.

Some notes about makeup:

Most of what you need isn't foundation, man, you're painting, just make their faces the right colour. In Colour and Light for the Realist Painter (or something like that, sorry, I misplaced it in renovating), the face is broken down into three colour schemes - yellow at the forehead and half of the eyes, red, nose, and upper lip, and blue for the area around the lips, which are obviously red, not blue.
Research different types of eye shadow application, and what lip colours go with what skin tones - otherwise you end up with hookers. Be careful with blush, it can come out gaudy if you go nuts.
If you want to push youth you can redden up their nose and cheeks.
Avoid drawing in eyelashes as if you applied mascara, paint it on after with a softer brush. It's a bit too strong - unless that's what you need.

2.If characters are looking similar, but you drew their faces differently – it’s probably the hair line. Hair plays a big role in how you recognize someone. Look at their bangs (if any), and how their hair sits on their head. Is it similar to other characters? See below:

I tend to style my character's hair in one particular direction. I think it's because I'm right handed, and I naturally sweep that way.

That's all I have right now. Just a couple of protips that I've learned about drawing women and how to make them more natural instead of setting your cintiq pen to whore. If that's what you want, go ahead, but if you're trying to create the girl next door, I don't think she clarts on her makeup like icing on a cake.

cake face.

Foot note: Oh and obviously, match the makeup to the time period.

Fashionable Men's clothing on ambiguous women

2011-12-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

Daily Doodle. Well. That's a lie. It's a doodle, I Can't imagine I'll have the discipline or time to keep it up, as much as I'd like to kid myself on.

Sorry the button's went down today, I accidentally deleted them from my storage and forgot to put them back up. My bad. Hope everyone had a good Christmas/other holiday, I sure did.

Posting on the go?????

2011-12-27T18:22:00.001-08:00

What is this sorcery? I hope it works.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2011-12-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

"My Favourite Things - A Gil Elvgren Tribute"
Time: 12-15 hours Medium: Photoshop CS5 and Painter 11

Last year I posted a card that posed a challenge for me, there was a lot going on - and a lot of characters, so I thought this year - not that last year's was bad - I would attempt to do something where I could spend more time on the quality instead of the magnitude.

Then I had work and Holiday preparation and I had about as much time to do it as I did last year.

For this year, I discovered that people consider "My Favourite Things" a Christmas tune (likely due to Oprah). From this, I chose two of my favourite things, pinup ladies and Gil Elvgren.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed painting it. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you. See you in the New Year.

(Also yes, I realize she looks a bit like Ariel)

Board Excerpt

2011-12-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big on boarding, but occassionally I get inspired. These are the least ugly boards.

there's some serious jersey shore going on here.

I haven't been posting as much because it's sort of crunch time at work again. Also haven't been feeling terribly inspired. So a lot of my free time is actually spent doing anything except drawing.

Timelapse - We Are Young

2011-12-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Music isn't mine. It's from Glee, and from there it's "fun." I was going to do more, but then my computer was like WRONG YOUR NAME IS JC DENTON (Zero Punctuation joke, I guess you need to see that episode - it's the Deus Ex One).

So. Yes, it quit when I started to colour. Enjoy the linework at least.

More West Side Story...

2011-12-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

45 minutes.

I know. But I had a bit of downtime, and I used it to practice digital painting. I am well aware that you've seen enough West Side Story. Or have you?

Enjoy.

It's December Already?

2011-12-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

So it's apparently already December.

But at least I finally got paid for my music video that I did for Asher Roth, well most of it. Rest of it tomorrow.

While I'm not working 100% full time, when I do work, I work a lot.

And when I'm not working, I'm doing something else. Like driving in traffic jams (although in its defense, this is often means to a good end)

Or getting my face rearranged by rabid female shoppers at the Bay or other department store.

Or playing skyrim.

No I didn't draw that. There doesn't need to be any hard evidence of how often I play that video game. But if you're wondering where I am - and why I haven't done any art to speak of, this is why.

Nightingale

2011-12-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

I think as a female player of this very excellent RPG, I can relate to every other female player when I say - this armor is the best armor in the game and I will wear it no matter what. No you shut your mouth I'm going to wear it forever. I look fabulous and clearly that is what is most important.

I some how managed to clock about 44 hours into this game already, so it goes without saying that I love Skyrim. I think everyone does. I try to avoid fan art here, but it's Skyrim.

It's that time of the year.

2011-11-30T06:31:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little overworked, and it's not my job. I find work is my respite from the rest of the holiday hustle and bustle. Especially trucking it around malls, that's probably the worst. The second worse might be harassing old clients to actually pay me for the work I did, I'm waiting on an exorbitant amount of money from about three people. But I have my computer back online - but that's not promising any art, not gonna lie - if I'm not working, I'm holiday-ing.

I'm definitely feeling a little close to "The Gift of the Magi" right now.

Computer Poop

2011-11-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

I'm sorry I'm not posting - but my computer exploded. I was able to set up my macbook pro to my cintiq at least, and I'm drawing again.

You might say: Leisha, why don't you just use a scanner?

...

I didn't pay 2300$ for my cintiq to use a scanner.

My Hipster Planet Needs Me

2011-11-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

This is for my terribly talented friend Darnell, who said this piece of gold this morning and I promised him I would draw it.

It was worth it.

Although I'm beginning to think I could use my freetime for something other than drawing. Especially since Steam has this sale on, and I spent like 30$ on games that I haven't touched.

Beat Boards

2011-11-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

Yeah I lied here's another one.

Edit: I realized her crotch was generating a spotlight. Since crotches can't generally do that - I took that out.

Another Beat Board

2011-11-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

The only beat I finished today -- need some R&R tonight. :)

Some beat boards

2011-11-22T20:42:00.000-08:00

the bullets look more like "attack of the giant sperm"

I was beat boarding tonight. This is all that got done. Oh well.

Blargh

2011-11-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

This is my vow to the computer - no matter what state of health I am in, I will be by your side.

this should say "my cintiq". we're very close.

Just playin'

2011-11-22T16:20:00.000-08:00

I like comic books, and I thought, considering Solace is technically a comic book, I'd experiment. The pose is poo, but I like the technique. I know, I'm jumping all over the place, soon I'll break my art-knees.

I don't make sense today. Sorry.

Baby John (West Side Story)

2011-11-22T06:47:00.001-08:00

Something quick before work picked up today.

Rumour Has it.

2011-11-21T16:55:00.001-08:00

I just watched this scene again. Amazing. Go Naya.

Also aside from finishing the header (which may never happen, let's face it), the new blog layout is go! I liked the old one (notreally) but I thought it was time for a change, brightening up the place, and forcing you to go through everything before you can follow. Hohoho.

Julia says it looks like Chocolate banana Creme Pie now, or Condensed Milk and Chocolate - therefore if my blog could sing, it would sound like Adele, apparently.

Tucker Smith (Ice in West Side Story 1961)

2011-11-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

I watched the second half of the movie today, for the first time in a long ass time, and "Cool" really stood out, and it might be because Tucker Smith has the craziest blue eyes ever.

Also my layout is currently in shambles, I'm still fixing the HTML for a lot of it - and recreating assets, but right now I didn't feel like working on it. Or finishing the header, but yes, if you're wondering, that is Harmony from Glee. Lol. "Anything Goes/Anything You Can Do" shuffled on, it was destiny. I am aware that about 20 minutes ago, I Called her Melody, but I REALIZE I am stupid and that is not her name.

My friend Mike (Mic)

2011-11-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

30 minutes

He went to the Waterloo Animation festival with me, and he's a tall fellow. He's also very considerate and didn't want to block the people behind us from seeing the screen, so he slouched as far down as he could without-- well, he did end up hurting himself because his back doesn't bend that way.

Rita Moreno

2011-11-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

I think it goes without saying that I like West Side Story. I'll stop drawing this soon (and move on to another one of my favourite musicals, most likely). Have some (vaguely) Rita Moreno/Anita.

I'd say I'll draw Sound of Music next, and while I love that musical, it left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm lookin' at you, High School.

I might do Glee. Lol. Eueghghghghghg. Anything to keep me drawing.

Waterloo Animation Festival

2011-11-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

I'm not gonna review it, my experience was not as pleasant as my previous one - as the film I drove out an hour and a half to see got cancelled.

However I got some drawing done! But I forgot my sketchbook, so I Did it in my agenda... Close enough.

But my scanner driver is crap. Too bad. Canon makes the best scanners but some of the worst printers, HP makes the opposite, apparently.

Julia was particularly hyper after we laughed our asses off
at the replacement movie.

Some patrons of the Waterloo Animation Festival.
Most of them left when they realised the film had been
cancelled.

More Patrons, and Mike and Julia.

Mike slouches epically.

FOOTBALL IS A SPORT. So is hockey.
Find the Adventure Time reference.

Me miserable, and Diana, not as miserable.

Elephants, a shitty scan, and some more FOOTBALL.

The Warblers

2011-11-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

I think we all know I like Glee. But I bet you didn't know I liked the Warblers. So sue me.

Here's some sketches of the two Warblers who got solos in "The First Time" I did try to make it look like actual caricatures of them, but Sebastian (Grant Gustin) moves too much.

"Nick"/Curt Mega (BEST NAME EVER???) 30 minutes

"Sebastian"/Grant Gustin, 30 minutes.
Or More because I suffered drawing him.

I like their cute little uniforms, and how incredibly flaming the whole troupe is. Except the beat boxer, he looks pretty tough.

A Boy Like That

2011-11-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

So apparently this is my 251st post. That's pretty cool.

More West Side Story. I think we can all agree that the previously mentioned artist has awakened a part of the artist in me that's been asleep for too long. (Or the whole artist, the whole thing might have been asleep)

A Boy Like That - 1/2 an hour-45 minutes.

Last one, I promise

2011-11-18T22:40:00.001-08:00

It is 1:39 AM.

I am super tired.

This is the last one I promise.

20 minutes

Anyone else miss this? I sure don't. I like the costume though.

Posting rampage

2011-11-18T20:40:00.001-08:00

I dunno what's going on guys.

40 minutes

posting rampage.

Candyman

2011-11-18T18:50:00.001-08:00

40 minutes.

I like the song. What can I say?

I'd say I like the Glee version so much better, but then someone might say I like the dead version of you so much better - and I don't want that.

More West Side Story

2011-11-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

If you haven't discovered this artist yet, (I wish I knew his name), you should. He revived my love for 60s Disney, and well, this happened.

Looks like I don't have a lunch break today. Ah well. Time well spent if you ask me.

West Side Story

2011-11-12T22:23:00.000-08:00

30-45 minutes. Photoshop CS5

I've had "America" embedded in my head since I saw Glee last tuesday. Also I like West Side Story anyway, so this isn't a case of, Oh the Glee version of this song is so much better THE DEAD VERSION OF YOU IS SO MUCH BETTER

I actually like West Side Story. Long story, I could have probably auditioned for it in Grade 12 at my high school, but I ended up boycotting the theatre after a debacle I encountered the year prior. Too bad. I might go into community theatre sometime. I would be an awesome Maria - being a soprano of the untrained nature.

This poster is kind of like if Jamie Metzger's Paso Doble met West Side Story. Also I fully realize that Anita is not the main character, but like I said, I have America embedded in my head.

Enjoy something that actually has nothing to do with anything else I post.

Legend of Korra Fanart

2011-11-08T09:18:00.001-08:00

I coloured it.

I try to avoid putting fanart on my blog, but the latest art jam prompt was to do some - and to be very honest, I like Legend of Korra. It seems like it could be genuinely good. As I'm working, I didn't really have time to colour it or make it fancy, so its just a sketch.

Animation Insider

2011-11-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know what Animation Insider is, Mike Milo set out to interview every single professional in the Industry, and I had the honour of being interviewed a couple months back.

"Animation Insider’s goal is to focus on the blue collared worker of animation; the back bone of the industry. We want to focus on the real people in the trenches who make the award winning stuff we love. Basically if your job is associated in some way with animated movement, we want to interview you! We think everybody has stories to tell from the trenches of animation!"

Check it out:

some speed painting

2011-11-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

yup. I did it to relax, and honestly didn't really care how it turned out. She turned out a little asian looking though. oh well.

Some sketchbook shieett

2011-11-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Usually I'm a lot more loving when it comes to sketchbooks - but I think because I did these when I was really tired, drinking a lukewarm Dr. Pepper in a Country Style, I think I can easily say:

These drawings give a whole new meaning to sketch dump.

But let's not perpetuate the self-loathing artist image, and post some more junk soon. If you must know, in my spare time I watch Six Feet Under, and it's amazing.

Doodles

2011-10-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

20 minutes

20 minutes.

I digress, I haven't been posting a lot. I'm working at Capcom Mobile/Beeline Interactive for now, so I don't have a lot of time to myself. I'm also still doing some other freelance on the side.

I'm a busy girl.

Another Art Jam

2011-10-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

I did this in about 20 minutes, for an Art Jam. Don't feel like rewriting it:

I'm not gonna lie, I spent like 20 minutes on this. But I put Freyja as a single mom with a couple of babies, and a couple of cats, with a garden.

Freyja supposedly has a chariot drawn by cats, and I suppose she doesn't actually have tons of kids, and I suppose she's probably actually pretty well off.

But this is the 21st Century, she's probably part of the 99%.

EDIT: SORRY DOMEE, I was late. I apologize. Sorry Johnny, I totally jacked your prompt with this. Avatar comes next.

Quick How to Get Freelance Guide and a WIP/

2011-10-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have been asking me lately - Leisha, you charismatic Goddess, how do you get so much darn freelance?!

I reply simply, Darling Peer of mine, you must carry yourself with the same dramatic presence as I do, and it will fall at your feet like chocolate rain.

Basically what I meant, and I promise this won't be a tl;dr article, is that you have to maintain online presence, and here's some quick tips how:

1) Get on as many online "gallery" sites as possible; by this I mean, have a blogspot, a tumblr, a deviantart, as well as signing up for portfolio sites like Behance and Wooshii. The more people that know your name the better. Maintain at least one of these religiously.

Quick tip, don't change your name across these sites, have your user name be your real name - and use it universally. People googling you will have a much easier time.

2) Be cordial, but casual in your outgoing letters to possible clients. Too many times do I see people writing e-mails that are far too casual, or far too formal. Maintain a conversational presence as you would in a face to face interview, this way you don't come off as too intimidating or too unprofessional. But you have to gauge who you're speaking to as well, speaking to a large company versus a single client can vary the level of casual you can get away with.

Here is an example of something conversationally cordial, for a small-time client. I have blotted out names for obvious reasons.

Right. So. I realized that was probably the ~~most shit~~ not the best example I could have used. Here is a much better one, without name dropping, and I Don't have to bleep everything out either. As you'll note in the comment sections, a good friend of mine pointed out that I go nutters with exclamation points. That's a good thing to avoid.

Hello ████,

I recently received an e-mail from ████████ concerning ████'s upcoming series, and their need for story artists and Flash Animators. I am a graduate of Sheridan College from 2010, and I am interested in applying for the position of Story Artist.

As you will see in my resume, I have experience working on as a Flash Animator for television, so I have a very good idea of the television pipeline. As well, I have Feature Film experience - where I prepared concept art, and storyboards for the Director and Director of Photography.

My story portfolio is online at ████████████, and I have attached my resume. My phone number is ████████, and I hope to hear back from you.

Thank you for your time!

Regards,

Leisha-Marie Riddel

████@████████

██-███-████

And here's a response letter that worked quite well for me.

Hello ████,

It would be my pleasure. I am available currently - and I can work full time (So up to and around 40 hours weekly). The only time I would be less available would be the week of Christmas, where it would only be 20 hours.

I understand, I know words mean very little but I work very fast. I would say my hourly rate would be around 25/hour, but I'm willing to negotiate. I'll attach my resume for you to take a look if you would like to.

Thank you for your time.

Regards

Leisha-Marie Riddel

3) Be careful in how to ask for money. Money is a large issue in freelance, and I see too many people lose opportunities by demanding too much.

Quick tips: When asked what your hourly wage is, instead of saying, I expect to be paid 25/hour and no less than that! I might say: I usually charge around 25/hour, but depending on your budget I am willing to negotiate.

If they are paying you in the "deposit, and final payment" method, clarify what your budget is, and how much you are getting in a deposit.

4) Contracts, in the end, mean very little. You must demand one to show you're serious, but try and uphold one in court and let me know how much it costs, so you have to be very sure that this person is legitimate.

5) Own a smartphone. I'm so serious. If you don't right now, you should. If you can't check your emails all the time, you're at a disadvantage. I get freelance because I pounce on it.

6) Speak to your old professors, they'll often have jobs for you that they themselves don't want or can't take.

7) Don't forget your peers. You might think this sounds crazy, but if you don't talk to your peers, they won't give you jobs they can't take. There are a few people who've cut contact with me, who could have easily taken jobs that I rejected, but I gave them to more, well-deserving friends of mine. <3

8) Craigslist, and Kijiji. There are a lot of postings there, that are totally illegitimate. But there's a few diamonds in the rough.

Your best bets are old peers, or professors, as they'll find someone legitimate and filter out the illegitimate clients.

Good luck!

Here is a WIP I was working on, then stopped because I have to pack for Montreal.

I thought I might elaborate

2011-10-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted on facebook:

"It seems as I age, things I learned as a child get pushed out of my brain and get replaced with cartoons, and women. *sigh*"

So I illustrated this:

It explains a lot.

As an update, I've been offered three (legit) freelance positions lately - and me being me, I took all three. Granted, one of them is finished in two weeks, and another is a year long sort-of-on-the-side project, and the last one is a 3 month part-to-full time contract.

But still, I haven't learned to not bite off more than you I Can chew. I do go by the old adage (courtesy of Courage Wolf) "Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it."

I'm also going to Montreal for four days this upcoming Friday because Yuliya Boublikova is a boss and got into Stop Motion Montreal with her film Icaria. So I attend by default.

It's also my birthday on Wednesday.

Yay.

Colour practice

2011-10-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know how long this took me. Maybe about 45 minutes?

I've been studying "Colour and Light for the Realist Painter" by James Gurney and hot diggidy damn, it's like going back to school.

You can buy it on amazon.ca

So I was practising, and then I guess I didn't do well enough because I ended up having to digitally adjust it anyway.

enjoy.

Some First Kiss.

2011-10-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

~~In honour of Liberals in Ontario getting re-elected, have some homosexuality, because that's GAY. I'm just kidding, I don't mind.~~ Let's not talk politics here.

I didn't max out the width on this, because you know what, some people would find this offensive. but seriously, if you didn't expect this here, by now, I don't know why you're still here.

This was mostly to practise drawing kissing, because I know, I'm terribad at it. I don't leave enough room for face, and then their faces melt or go all skewy. Don't worry, these characters aren't just making out for the fun of it, it's canon to the storyline.

You should practise drawing kissing, it's actually really hard.

Sorry, I've been wildly ill, so i haven't been posting.

A long-winded Guide to Freelance

2011-09-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

A disclaimer: I don't own any of the images, and the following is intended to be a guide, not the ten commandments to Freelance. Everyone's experiences are different. Also it took way too long for me to write this.

So it's approaching the six month mark out of the 2011 graduating year, and I think it's time to talk about freelance.

Hell it's approaching the one and a half year mark for the 2010, and I know most people are still struggling with the one concept (granted, not their fault):

HOW NOT TO GET FUCKED

A nice strong rip off is inevitable in freelance, but it shouldn't last long, either you recognize that your value is a lot more diminished than you originally intended it be, or you grow a second head - in the form of a business man, who tells you what to do and says "HEY YOU, you're worth more than that!! Just charge! Just charge more!"

So let's back track to before you had the business tumour grow

You're on the conveyer belt of life, and you're like - hey fantastic, time to go through my film (hell), my industry day (can be hell), and I'll end up on the otherside with a studio job.

And while that dream came true for about 30 of you, thats a mild exaggeration, probably about 10, most of you came out the other end to meet a blindingly bottomless pit, not unlike Portal 2, - of sadness. And poverty. And OSAP. So more poverty.

But fret not, the bottomless pit had a bottom, and a good 60% of you climbed out to find a job - a job that wasn't your favourite, or a job that may end up jading you, but a job! Experience, love, studio environment, money, osap payments, you know the whole bit.

Unfortunately, for the rest of you, the studio job market only has so big a house and to invite any more people in would be a fire hazard, and then the police would be called for you partying too loudly.

So you have to learn the big wide scary world of freelance - and granted, while most of you accept this less than ideal ending to your college life, most of you wonder, why do I constantly feel like I'm being ripped off? Am I worth so little? What did I spend my four or five or six years of SHerida--

STOP THAT. STOP THAT RIGHT NOW.

Lest we forget that we all went into this business because we have good taste - Ira Glass - and maybe the work we're generating right out of school is not that good - Ira Glass.

(Source: http://vimeo.com/24715531)

In fact, most of you probably recognize, that your work is probably shit (No offense, mine was too). But you don't know what parts of the shit to de-shit in order to get a job, or a more consistent money flow instead of one that parallells with a hooker in the middle of the Ocean whose only income is the Somali Pirates that occassionally drift on by.

But unfortunately, until you really start learning what you need to do to get to the level you want to be at (and remember that it takes up to 12 years to really make it ANNYYWHERRE in the industry) and learning to either a) make your art more exciting or b) finish the thing so it doesn't look like you spent 10 minutes on it.

I am guilty of the second point.

Unfortunately we're guided into a deep, corner of our way of thinking that good = fast. However, for the most part, you can't quickly generate art that looks like you spent several days on it; and unfortunately, most studios like the art that took several days.

But if you are the kind of person that loves to spend several days on their art, and is really enthusiastic about doing the right techniques and making it just right - you're at the risk of generating something less exciting. And that's just that, I mean, we're students, or we were, and we're still figuring out balance.

Balancing the quick and the good, and the shit and not shit. That said, if you are forced into freelance, you'll notice something very quickly - that you will be working for people who are not artists, 90% of the time.

With that in mind, you'll be faced with two scenarios:

A) The Client has no idea what goes into art, and wants you to generate something completely beyond the timeframe and your current skill level, and is threatening to pay you absolute pennies.

B) The Client has no idea what goes into art, and wants you to do something reasonably well, and they'll pay you for your work reasonably well, because they know that it's hard work.

Can you guess which one works better for you? Hint, it's the one where you don't end up hanging yourself from the rafters, right after you riddle your client with bullets.
But not actually, because it's probably money. Probably.

Unfortunately, for the first year, you can expect a few As, you know, the bad As. A few moments where you become all introspective and weird, and wonder how much more of this you have to take.

So let's get down to Business. About Business. Business Business

ANYWAY

So you're new to the Freelance world, and you're sitting there thinking, Jesus Christ Leisha it took you long enough to get to this point.

What do you do, and how do you avoid as much as possible to get ripped off? I tell you what, you need to get ripped off a few times, because contacts are good. If you can take the work, do it.

Let's talk about some scenarios, let's be clear that the following isn't blasting any clients, or anyone in particular, it's the notes on combined experiences from people I know as well as myself:

So a Client contacts you.

"Hello [Subject's Name Here], I recently found your work on [Subject's Blog Here], and I am very interested in having you ---

Scenario #1:

"I am very interested in having you do some work for this project. If you can send me your resume, and maybe we can discuss some details over Skype."

This is a pretty good start. So send them your resume, and make sure you discuss contracts - which I'll talk about later.

Scenario #2:

"I am very interested in having you do some work. I'm working on this Project, that's about 60 seconds of animation, but we don't quite have a big budget. We can only pay about 1200$ for this."

This is less than ideal, but if you have the time and you're willing to do it - it could be successful. And you could make a name for yourself. In this scenario you can also discuss licensing, and maybe if you have to design the characters to, you retain the rights to the designs and if they require use of them again, you make money off of it. Creator-Owned Work is one of the best ways to make money, and keep making money in this industry, so try to generate as much as possible. Work-For-Hire should be your least favourite words, but to be honest, it's still work and if they pay you reasonably well (as you may expect in Scenario #1) Work For Hire isn't so bad, just try to ignore how wildly successful it becomes if it does.

Scenario #2 can also become Scenario #3:

"I am very interested in having you do some work. I have this great idea, and I was wondering if you could do the art for it, but I can't pay you."

I would not do these, unless you are truly bored and really need some deadlines. But even then, you're at risk of not having deadlines anyway because generally speaking these clients can be unstructured. You can expect to run into them not really knowing how much work goes into things or how much time you'll need, or just drop off the grid all together.

ONE BIG TIP: (that's what she said, hehehehe)

One thing I have learned in my experience as a freelancer, if you have the option to choose your price (which is ideal), charge way too high. Always charge more than you think you should be paid, and work down. Often times, you'll discover that the client goes for the "Way too high", which is always pleasant. Remember, never undermine your value, and to a lot of these clients, you are diamond.

ANOTHER BIG TIP:

Remember, just because you're not necessarily face to face with these clients - be professional. A lot of people don't need reminding, but some do. If you do some face to face with some of them, dress well, show them that you're serious about this.

If you are sitting down to talk to them, have your macbook turned on already, open to billable.me, with the invoice of what you expect to be paid open.

But be prepared, your clients may not be well dressed, but don't underestimate them. A lot of them have serious buying power, so don't expect them to be pushovers, or not know what they're doing.

ONE LAST BIG TIP:

The biggest thing I know a lot of people struggle with, when faced with this big ugly world is contracts. The word is absolutely dreadful. However here's a few tips you can use to avoid trouble, or see trouble, and face it head on.

Ask if they can have their lawyer draw one up, don't be scared. If they want quality work, they'll do this.
Work-For-Hire: Eugh. I know. But you have to do it sometimes, and granted, if they're willing to pay you well it shouldn't be too bad. Just remember what this means. After you do this, you don't own any of it. You're selling it to them, never to be seen or used by you again.
Just because you're freelancing, don't be ashamed of demanding overtime - if you are working 14 hour days, you should not be getting paid the same rate you would be if you were working 8 hour days. Make sure this is in your contract.
Licensing: if your Client cannot afford to pay you the big bucks that most freelance deserves, you should ask about licensing. Most of the time, this won't fly. However, if you're designing characters and they can't pay you the money you rightfully deserve, you should ask to retain the rights to the characters so that whenever they use them, you make money off of it.
Revenue/Cut of Profit: Sometimes clients will offer you this, and while it sounds like a great idea, sometimes it's not. But if they offer, take it! It's pretty self-explanatory, if you agree to this, you do the work for less money, in hopes you will receive 10% or whatever % They agree on. Sometimes it'll be less than 10, and sometimes it'll be more. You'll often run into this if you do work for a friend, where they won't pay you, but if it succeeds, you'll get money out of it too. It's not a bad deal, it's just speculative.
Spec work: Ah yes. The work that ties in with the previous point. This is work that you'll do, often times for free (or very little money) in hopes that it'll succeed. You should avoid this, but do it if you really want to. Sometimes it'll work out.

Let me talk about something else that I know is a big thing for a lot of freelance artists. Someone posted this on facebook today, and I've seen it before - and I'll post it here.

Freelance does not make a whole lot of money, in fact, a lot of the time, it makes no money - Not enough money to survive off of. And if you're living away from home, you may start seriously considering working at a Tim Horton's. If you are living in Toronto, I would at least try to get a job in a place related to your field, for instance, the TIFF Lightbox Library or an art store or something else remotely similar. Instead of a Tim Horton's, you'll actually hang yourself from the rafters then.

But you really can't make your decisions, as to what job you should take, or what job you should apply for, based on money. Money decisions, in this industry, are always a bad idea. Speaking from personal experience, I applied to a studio and my only reasoning to do so was to move out. I put all my heart and soul into it, and dreamt of the life beyond my houses' confines - and I didn't get it.

Money intensifies reactions, and when they're bad, they make you miserable. So just don't. Find a job that you really want for the sake of doing what you love, and just go for it.

If you happen to be offered other jobs, doing other things other than what you love, do them anyway - especially in the first year or so. I've animated several times since grad, but I have very little intention of animating forever. I enjoy animation, and quite frankly, I'm not bad at it, but it's not what I want, and you can tell.

The biggest thing that people have to realize is as a freelancer, you are not any less than those who have studio jobs. You will be making less money, for the most part, and your work schedule is probably going to be crazy ie.

Nothing for about 2 months, then about a month and a half of solid work, non-stop, 14 hour days. Proper example:

I was kind of sitting around, applying to jobs, but really nothing was coming up. I started work on my graphic novel, but even then, not that seriously.

Suddenly, I was contacted by Titmouse Inc. to help catch up on scenes - so I did that for about a month, and after that, I settled down again. I heard from Director Luke Tedaldi about doing a music video, but hadn't heard from since. It took two weeks before it started up - then it was 3 weeks of 14 hour days.

Since, it's been 2 weeks of not a whole lot. I've been pursuing personal projects while I apply for new jobs.

That's something else -

If you are freelancing, or even if you're in a studio environment and you have some spare time, and you consider yourself an "artist" - instead of just an animator, or a designer, etc etc. You should start a personal project that fulfill that creative desire that otherwise will not be fulfilled. But don't mak the personal project your numero uno, to the point of it interrupting your work. (This goes without saying, but I thought I should clarify anyway) Unfortunately, a lot of people have experienced that the work you do right now, is not the most brain-massagingly-stimulating, heart-beatingly-emotionally-fulfilling work. It can be, but it also most definitely can not.

Some people cope with this better than others, and I usually find its the grads who also consider themselves to be artists to some degree, and need that creative outlet that they're not getting. Generally the advice is to "Suck it up, and just do your work" -which you should, but you should have something on the side you can turn to.

Do you people have hobbies? If you don't have time to make a novel, or even work on your portfolio, you should at least take the time to do something mundane in your spare time that has nothing to do with your work, and is fulfilling.

I find people who knit, or bake cookies when they're not working, tend to be a lot happier at work. I cook when I'm stressed out, and by cook I mean, I cook fancy shit. Like Black pepper crusted steaks with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, sort of fancy. (Then I don't eat it, and pawn it off to someone else. IT's actually just the act of doing something that's not work)

Backtracking a couple of steps, that's something else that you should constantly be pursuing to improve - no matter what you're doing. No I know you have a part time job. No I know you have a studio job, and you come home and you're super tired because you have to eat and go back to work the next day. Something I should mention is that, your hobby really shouldn't be gaming. I'm sorry, if you can control yourself and play a game for a couple of hours and come back - then maybe. But a lot of you are going into gaming anyway, so your brain won't shut off, and you'll continue thinking about your work, and it won't ease you at all.

Especially those in a designing/art stream, you should draw every day. No, stop complaining, just draw every day. Sketchbook too big? Buy a little one. I have a moleskine (which is too expensive granted, so buy a knockoff) and just whip it out wherever you are, and doodle. Better yet, draw stuff you don't normally draw. Did you know it takes 10,000 hours of hard work to become a master at something?

Something else, actually. If you are subject to freelancing, you should always try to remain on top of every software. Unfortunately, the best freelance set up would be to have a top of the line computer, with a cintiq strapped on. I know a lot of people can't afford that, but you can consider going into debt for at least the cintiq.

I have a cintiq 21UX, and it's seriously the best thing ever. The amount of freelance I Was able to do because of it, and being able to crank out work quicker, especially for the crunch times - it was extremely useful.

Also, you really want a reliable computer in your arsenal. Not necessarily Optimus Prime, but you don't want it frying on you in the middle of a job. I actually lent out my macbook pro just for this reason. Some food for thought.

So in conclusion, let's wrap it up for people who didn't feel like reading the WHOLE thing:

1. If faced with freelance, ensure that you're at least getting paid well, and if not well, you can discuss licensing. If you're being asked to put the free, in freelance, don't do it.

2. Business tip! Charge more! That way if they accept it, no loss, if they don't, you can work it down to the reasonable price you originally had in your head. This way the price of freelance doesn't dip, and they don't go from someone else because "They're doing it cheaper" if we all do it, then it won't go down.

3. As a freelancer, you are not less than a peer with a studio job.

4. As an artist, you have to be fulfilled. Start a personal project if you have the time, and if you don't, take up a hobby that's not your work - and preferably not gaming! Try baking, cooking, or knitting little boots for your pets.

5. Draw every day.

6.

7. If you don't have a good computer, and a cintiq, and you really don't want to go into more debt, you may have to joe job it until you can afford one. Unfortunately, most jobs require some sort of swiftness to finish, and trust me, cintiqs make a difference. Tablet is still okay, if you can rock the tablet/scanner set up, do it. If you want some suggestions, build a mid-tier computer tower for 600$.

8. Remember to be professional.

Freelance isn't bad guys, it's just scary. You have to be your own business man/business woman, and you don't need the power blazer.

Coming Soon

2011-09-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, sorry no art again today.

i know I've failed.

But I did want to let you know I'm working on a couple of posts (like actual posts, with content, and art, and words) - and they may sound either self-righteous or self-promoting but niether is intended.

So I'm working on a post about how to draw women, and granted it'll be how I draw women, but a few people have asked how to get into the grey zone between femininity and masculinity, without jumping the fence into the other gender. So I'll be talking about that.

And I'll eventually be able to announce what I've been working on for the last little while. If you're wondering why gifs and internet memes are suddenly invading my blog - I kind of came to the conclusion that a blog isn't your portfolio - so I can sort of do as I see fit, and I see fit to not have every post include art. If you disagree, you can let me know by putting it in this bin right here:

K goodnight

I'm tired.

2011-09-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

:( Sorry. I don't want to art today.

I just finished production. I'll announce it later.

Have a gif.

It's like looking in a mirror

2011-09-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

About 40 minutes?

I'm a firm believer that cat lovers get stupid around cats, the smartest people I know, turn into baby talking nonsense-speaking blubbering idiots around their favourite feline.

I do too.

This is Alex and her cat, whose name is yet undecided. Yuliya and I have narrowed it down to Pickles, Count Derpula and Mr. Moustache.

What do you think?

EDIT: Pickles has been kicked out of the running. It's Count Derpula or Mr. Moustache.

Costume designing - sketch of the day

2011-09-11T20:39:00.000-07:00

Time: 30 minutes?

So yeah. I don't feel like writing. This is kind of a poo-quality drawing, but it's okay, it's just a sketch, right? Enjoy.

Sketches for tonight

2011-09-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Time: 20 minutes. In PS CS5, ofc.

So like, I'm so tired, this is the only thing I could draw tonight.

I'm waiting for stuff to upload and its taking fuckshitforever. I'm so tired.

Sorry, no art was done today.

2011-09-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well, no art that I can show anyway. I worked for about 14 hours. But I thought I'd traumatize you anyway. Love you guys.

Have a gif.

This is why I can't take season 5 of Sailor Moon seriously.

6 foot tall transvestite with a 10 foot long rattail with this attack:

Sisters who don't look like Sisters

2011-09-08T20:20:00.001-07:00

Time: 30 minutes, after throwing on some colour

Sorry followers, I got lazy. Have a WIP. They have the same mother, but different dads, and they look starkly different. Meet Crystal (left) and Michelle (right) Woohoo! Crystal is not a man. She's just manish manly.

We Miss you Pluto.

2011-09-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Time: like 20 minutes.

So not only does she have the shittiest job out of all the Sailor Soldiers, now she no longer has a planet? Bogus.

We miss you Pluto.

Also I definitely played minecraft instead of drawing today. Sorry. So you got a 3 panel comic instead. Also, Season 3 of Sailor Moon = AMAZING. Season 4 = starts off okay, thennn...pooooooooooo.

I'll get them with my LADY GUNS

2011-09-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

So while I was working, I watched a metric shittonne of Sailor moon.

then I made this, because I love these two.

A Pair a Day...

2011-09-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

About 2 hours, just because I kept getting distracted.

So now, I've decided I'm gonna draw these two every day (or almost every day) to relax after a hard day's animating. This is a great idea. Also I've rediscovered Sailor Moon and you might see a whole lot of Sailor Moon fanart flood this place.

You should listen to this while you look at this, I was listening to it on loop while I painted this.

Someone asked me recently how I set up my computer while I work, I actually have my desk in an L-shape and my cintiq is perpendicular to my screen so I'm not actually as heavily distracted as this screenshot tells.

So I have my references (mostly colour, to keep them all the same, and consistent on top of my work. I use a Cintiq 21UX, so I have plenty of space to work. If I had a side by side monitor system , this would be a lot easier to spread the reference out, but I don't :(.

This works for me.

I'm totally fangirling out on sailor moon it's ridiculous. My face right now, as told by Adventure Time gifs:

Instead of going to bed...

2011-09-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

Time: About an hour. Less than probably. I'm stupidly tired. (This is the only time I have to doodle)

PS CS5. I don't scan anymore because I ripped out a piece of my printer-scanner combo when there was a paper jam. Now it's broken.

I painted more cute shit. Alex kind of looks like a lumber jack. Or a Hipster. Also I discovered today that these two have a tiny, tiny, tiny internet following - probably because of Revolt, and how they were in it (because I was too damn lazy at the time to come up with original designs, in my defense, I had 2 months to do the film...)

So there's Alex x Lisa shippers out there, now you know their names. So you don't have to say "these characters" and ask me if Alex is a guy, because she has boobies.

Also, check out my friend's not so subtle hint that he wants me to join him in California here.

This is my new hero.

2011-09-04T21:13:00.001-07:00

You should all follow her work. Right now, actually.

Time Lapse

2011-09-02T21:10:00.001-07:00

This is a time lapse for a different approach to lineart (for me, I know its not new at all, I just don't do this normally)

Nightly Sketch

2011-09-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

REcording will be posted soon. Sorry I usually post more but I'm so tired and so dumb right now.

LUMPY SPAAACEEE

2011-09-02T20:25:00.001-07:00

Lumpy Space Andrew.

I love this show so hard

2011-09-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to draw this, but Yuliya asked for it too. I enjoy it.

Please excuse this intermission of Adventure Time Fanart while I finish my current project.

MATHEMATICAL.

2011-08-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

It's my first day off in ages - and I drew my friend D as if he were the hero of Adventure time. He's like the hero of adventure time Montreal.

Talented dude. as crazy as I am. If not more. That's his dog.