Diary of a Manga-ka Wanna Be :P

     Well, I've figured how to do black hair this way, I might want to try the more flat colored version that you find in a lot of Chinese style illustrations.
 

Its strange this month. A few weeks ago I hear of SCAD professor Jeremy Mullins die, then my cousin Ester died 3 days ago and today Michael Jackson dies. All of them had ill fates, though I know that Mullins had a good life. I dont know what to say about this other then that I feel weird as thought its all just a big joke. May they all rest peacefully.

*Disclaimer, this is not a post directed to you Mayshing, its related to my most recent deviation ^^*

I use to believe that I'm good at taking critiques, but lately I've been shy with my work. For those of you who follow my DA, i’ve disable comments on some of my pieces. In truth, I just have a delayed reaction with critiques, which is why I do the same mistakes over and over again. I’m really bad at take them, I'm polite but it takes quiet a few mental slaps to get me to correct my self on something thats been pointed out to me.

Its worst when I'm practicing. I can take critiques better on works I’m more comfortable with because I know how to make changes when people tell me too.  Taking Mayshing’s comment for example, she said basically that a cleaner inking style would match the story more. It may sound like a simple general critique but its something that I know how to go about it. steady hands, quicker and cleaner strokes and practice with hand movement control.

Middle ground critiques are kind of frustrating for me cause I just dont want to do it that way. for example, I can do black hair cell style but have yet to figure it out soft style. I can do dark grey in both but white hair only looks good to me in soft style not cell. I want to do all in both, and as trivial it might be to just ‘pick’ a style, I'm sure we can all agree that versatility is an artist’s best arsenal (and keeping to deadlines).

Now when I'm venturing into new territory, I get nervous and would rather work/practice quietly then have others comment. While working on a picture, my mom came over me and started commenting politely, I covered my screen and said ‘wait till I'm finish to comment’ even giving excuses like ‘I’ll fix it when I’m done’. I’ve never done that before, I’ve given demos, and done commissions with people watching me. Its cause I was trying to find something new to try but had no idea if I was on a right path or a train weak.

But you know, I think its better to get out of your comfort zone once in a while and challenge one self. With this new self discovery of how I really handle critiques will help. I’m not really attached to my art, just attached to my ideas so its frustrating when you don't recreate your thoughts accurately to share with others (feels misrepresenting).

Ah, the con went by, it was a bust. It wasn't just me though, I already knew it was a bust since early friday. Thats when I make most of my money and I heard many made about 12 - 40$ a day. This is the 3rd time I’ve gone to metro and it be a bust so obviously this is not a con to go to in my case. same with AWA though momo does well for me.

I did gain some more knowledge and made a new Friend. however, it does get kind of irritating when people stop at my table to give me excuses 2+ mins long. I dont mind if you dont buy, I do mind when you try to excuse your self as if i’m condemning you. For the first 2 or 3 people, fine but when its that many (and I was not sleeping enough so I was cranky) I”m this close to just state my thoughts unfiltered. I mean, do they have to come to me and tell me they spent 52$ on 3 (crappy cause i’ve bought better) doujin and then tell me how you look for size and quality. Trust me, any really good doujin is hard to find in such a ‘small’ out of ways cons like metrocon, let a lone in the US. The good doujins are soild out in its originating county, you’d have to know some one that has family/friends/connections over there to get the good ones. plus… I doubt she could read japanese  and its not like you can open the package at most dealers to see if its actually art pages or just a bunch of text.

On another note, I’m trying to clear out some of my older stuff, been sketching a bit but right now I’m working on an art trade. After, I’m going to do some planning since AFO is right around the corner and I have 2 panels for it. Laters

I’m just testing out this new program called ‘windows live writer’ because I hate how small lj editing can be. I dont know how extensive this can be, but its free so we’ll see.

Also found a cool blog and post about Commissioners and how to commission art work. Everyone, if you take commissions, go a head and link this to the top to help others not to waste your time: Guide to Commissioning .

A quick update from me, I’m full from dinner and feeling sleepy. I’ve gotten some vitamin pills cause I know I dont eat the right stuff and I think its taking a toll on my body and creativity. Only wish I didnt buy the one with caffine. I’m in those classes that I dont like about my major. I really dont care for advertising publication. If its clever, i’ll laugh and pass by, if its just a photo and text of something I need/want, I’ll just get it. I like life to be simple and effecent, not following what is ‘cool’.

I”m going to blame that reasoning as to why i’m having a hard time in that class. Other classes didnt bother me much, but I think i’m going to take a break and take other classes except advance 2 next term.

I’m going to Metrocon the friday after this one, 19th. I hope to see you there. I have nothing to prep for, infact I’ll prep less. I made about 130$ at jacon so I’m hoping to hit that number too to cover my costs (what, you thought I made a killing at cons?)

If not, then hopefully I’ll see  you and the manga workshop, downtown orlando on the 18th.

*edit: let see if this lets you edit*

*edit2: oh snap it does! now to put tags*

*edit3: it does have tags, this is awesome*

*Edit4: this also allows for auto uploading of images. alright, i’m sold, no wait, this is free :) *