Saturday, November 30, 2013

Sketch Dump



Moar sketches of my OC, Andril, this time with yours truly included. I tend to dislike drawing myself, but it fits the gag* in this situation. I should've drawn myself barely reaching over his shoulder, for he is supposed to be about 6'2" and I'm a friggin' Hobbit compared to him. Second one was done while drunk, including speed painting part (you can probably tell where the drunkenness really set in). Sorry if it's hard to see some of the images. And yes, his eyes are supposed to be colored that way - he has heterochromia.

*Brownie points for anyone who can guess the references I've used.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Dunmer Battlemage!



My Dunmer character, Andril returns, modeling a lovely set of battlemage armor. Drew this last...Friday? I think. It's just practice, as I'm attempting to get back into groove of illustrating after a lengthy hiatus of self-loathing. I should certainly make a full-color portrait of him at some point.

It would also be nice to find some advanced figure drawing classes in the area.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Dunmer sketch


Quick doodle of a Dunmer dude (I'll call him "Andril") with his cowl up. 'Cuz I loves me some hot Dunmer men. I might add more to the drawing or leave it as is, depending on how I feel.

EDIT: I did some speed-painting work on it last night. With only the track pad. While hammered. If the finished results don't look too crappy, I'll post an updated version.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Hehe...

dagoth ur, nerevarine, morrowind, dunmer, bungie, destiny

Took this screenshot earlier this morning while browsing Tube of the You. Dunno why the recent images I've been uploading to my blog have been appearing darker and at lower resolutions...I'll have to look into that.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Kickboxing, yo

I highly recommend this kickboxing workout from Fitness Blender. I tried it out for the first time today and it wore me out! You may need a yoga mat or something padded to lay on for the ab circuit. If you REALLY wanna go super workout-psycho, add in hand weights.

Note: If you've never done kickboxing before, it's best to do a bit of research on basics of form and technique since this video is fast-paced.


Friday, September 20, 2013

Practice makes perfect...

 

Jean Grey? Probably not, since she's lacking her Phoenix emblem and the hip scarf. Generic Superhero Chick, then! Drew this during work today during down-time. I like how I did her face, but not diggin' her weird "child-birthin'" hips....oh well.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Progress work

...of the oni head/mask/thing. I still have detail work and shading to add in but at least I've worked up the gumption to resume illustrating this piece after letting it sit for weeks on end. Hopefully I'll maintain enough motivation to get this one ready for screen printing soon. 

There are numerous factors that have been contributing to my overall desire to draw anything new for the shop these past several months, but I prefer not to divulge any specific details right now.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Monday, July 22, 2013

Work-in-progress


...of an oni mask for my newest t-shirt design. I may also make an art print version depending on the results. 

I do sincerely apologize for the lack of new illustrations/designs this year. I've been experiencing periods of "burnout" where I'd either start a bunch of projects but then lose the motivation to finish them or simply not touch my list of concepts at all. And whenever I get the gumption to pick up on my new designs, other non-related business and general life issues get tossed in my way. But come this year's holiday season, I'll try my best to put out at least a couple of new designs, dammit!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Oh yeah...




I was on a Digimon kick not too long ago and was recently listing to this on my favorites list on Youtube. Angemon and Angewomon are my absolute faves. Deal with it.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

DIY Swimsuit Round-Up

It's already a few weeks into summer...not to mention it's the hottest month of the entire year. You're ready to hit the beach and wanna look your smexiest but can't find the perfect swimwear just about every store you've searched through. Or maybe you have found the perfect one but the price tag made your jaw drop...like in my case.

I was initially inspired to write this post when I was rummaging through my fabric stash and unearthed a bunch of perfectly good tricot fabric, in asphalt grey and sunny yellow (separate colors). I figured, "hey, these'll make really cute swimsuits!" which ultimately lead to my online quest for the perfect sewing patterns. Below is a round-up of several trendy styles you can make at home.

Vintage-Style Bombshell swimsuit PDF Pattern by Closet Case Files

"Alison" Vintage 50s Maillot by BurdaStyle

Gah, I want this crop top/hip-hugger set! Too bad I can't knit.
Vintage Knitting Pattern 1970s Hip Hugger Bikini/Crop Top Play Suit (PDF Format) by 2nd Look Vintage
tankini bandeau ruched
The 3-in-1 DIY Swimsuit Sewing Tutorial by Cotton + Curls
FREE Swimsuit Patterns in Three Different Styles (PDF Format) by Ralph Pink

Below is a quick and easy tutorial that revives the saggy bikini bottom that's been sitting in your dresser for a few summers...Y'know, the one you're too embarrassed to wear 'cuz it makes you look like you have a saggy diaper that leaks? I've been there before!
The Pucker Bottom Tutorial by Bits, Bites, and Mishmash
FREE Ruched Halter Bikini With Instructions by Sew Mama Sew

Vintage-Style High-Waist Bikini Bottom With PDF Pattern by HollyMann

If you're not skilled with the sewing machine, you can always take any existing swimsuit and make it fabulous with dye, paint, fabric markers, and various embellishments. Below are a few tutorials to get you started:

Solid color dyeing tutorial (I recommend using Jacquard's iDye Poly)
Ombre dip-dyeing tutorial 
Ruffles Tutorial
Fabric stamping tutorial
 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

HURRRR!!


My reaction earlier this morning upon discovering that my abs are beginning to show, even if it's just the faintest trace of the upper abs. The strength training has been paying off well so far. Body fat went down roughly 2% since I got down-'n'-dirty into strength training a few months ago, currently putting me at about 19.4%. I've been doing TDEE - 10-15% for my daily calorie intake for a goal BF aimed at 15-17%.

My diet is roughly 75-80% healthy, 20-25% junk food. I've attempted the total clean eating during Lent, but all it made me was pissy and miserable. Not trying to knock those who can stick to the clean eating habit. More power to them. But I, however, will never give up my pizza, burgers, and ice cream. NEVER.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

New sketches


Did this 5-minute sketch over a week ago. So far, she's been interpreted as a shape-shifting dragon lady, Hell girl, Loki's long-lost sister, as well as a female Dovahkiin in Dragon Aspect mode. What would you guys call her?

Mage elf chick...sorry about the nekkidness. Another quick sketch I did recently. I like the pose, but the execution is rather off. I may re-do this sketch at some point, if I feel like it.
Posted in

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Friday, May 24, 2013

Gah!

I'm so terrible at updating my blog at reasonable intervals. I'm sorry.

Over the past couple of days, I've read through Miss Myrielle's Skyrim fanfiction, Dragonrend on Fanfiction.Net. Do check it out, for it is excellently written, has a nice sense of flow and great character development. Free of Mary-Sue-ness, Gary Stu-ness, incoherentness, and WTF moments. Human Alduin made me swoon, so I sketched up a quick portrait of him. 

Dour Alduin is Dour.




Sunday, February 24, 2013

New haircut

After contemplating for the past several months, I've decided to take the plunge and give myself a side cut. Yes, I'm well aware that I'm late to the party on this style, but I simply do not give a f*ck. I still like this look. Plus, it's easy to hide with an opposite side part should certain environments find it unacceptable.

I'll be wearing this around for a bit and if I like it well enough, I'll use the 1" extension on the trimmers for a slightly longer look.





Friday, February 8, 2013

New Items!

I have a few new items listed, plus I'm happy to announce that I've re-opened my photography shop again. I've realized that I've been doing everything wrong with the titles, descriptions, etc. that my shop barely showed up in Google's search results, which explains my poor sales. So with much tweaking with the SEO, here's hoping things turn around for the better.

I've also been working on more new photography pieces, which will be added to the shop eventually. At some point in the future, I would love to expand on new lines of merchandise, such as canvas prints, iPad cases/clutches, and even home decor items. But, I gotta take baby steps first to avoid being overwhelmed.

storm clouds san diego california photography print
"Storm Clouds in San Diego" 8x12" print
beer penguin tshirt st patricks day
Beer Penguin Tri-Blend Unisex T-Shirt, in coffee brown

Lieutenant Green Ginkgo Leaf Summer T-Shirt

Friday, February 1, 2013

Eargasm


Since yesterday, I've been listening to Active Child's hauntingly beautiful song Hanging On. I recall hearing this a while ago, but completely forgot about it until I recently listened to Ellie Goulding's cover. I am in love with both versions. Or maybe I'm just trying to detox from having to listen to migraine-inducing garbage on the radio like Rihanna, Pink, One Direction...the parade of shit goes on.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

New year, new resolutions

I apologize for not posting this until now, I meant to have this ready at the beginning of this month. Much of my schedule has been packed with filling in holiday orders, my part-time job on the side, and general holiday festivities. And the latest Dragonborn DLC. That took up much of my free time as well. How has your Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice been?

I won't lie. Much of 2012 consisted of much drama and stress that has left me feeling emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. However, I view life's curveballs as an opportunity to build character and become a stronger individual, so misfortune can bite my cute, well-toned ass. I'm plenty thankful for friends who have stuck by me through thick and thin, as well as new friends that I've made along the way...People who are fellow recovering "sponges" and "doormats." We get each other.

Moving along, I've met most of my goals for 2012, and I'm certainly not beating myself up over crossing off every single one from the list. Shit happens, ya gotta get over it and move on.

1. Fitness: Become ripped like Jillian Michael. Although I'm now about a size 4US, I still think I'm a bit "skinny-fat" when I look at myself nekkid in the mirror. I can see some muscle definition in my legs, butt, and arms, but I definitely need more work done to get rid of the remaining jiggliness in my midsection. Currently doing a mix of beginner/intermediate/advanced moves of Level 2 of Yoga Meltdown, and will eventually do the advanced moves of both levels in a row to get the most out of this dvd. Upon completion of that, I'll try out either her Ripped in 30 or No More Trouble Zones next. And perhaps I should also plunk down some extra monies for a pair of those Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, but well see.

2. Do an overhaul on my art style. Over the previous year, I've been stewing over my illustrations and have come to realization that I'm not satisfied with how they turn out. I feel that I'm getting a tad rusty in my technique, which partly explains the lack of new work as of late. Haven't had much time to curl up with my sketchbook and draw. I think now is a good time as any to experiment with new styles and see which one will "click" with my audience.

3. Sew moar cute outfits for meself! Since I started my part-time office job a few months ago, I've been having trouble finding cute and unique business casual attire that were reasonably priced. Luckily, I have a large collection of patterns I've amassed over the years that have remained in style (and those that weren't only required some minor alterations), as well as acquired several new patterns from Jo-Anns. So far, I've sewn five dresses, two skirts and a tunic, most of which were made from my existing fabric stash. Huzzah for couture clothing on a shoestring budget!

4. Install cherry hardwood flooring in one of the spare bedrooms. SO freaking glad that Lumber Liquidators just recently opened a new location in my area. I can just pick up the flooring in person and not have to pay high shipping costs.

5. Stain concrete floor in art studio.

6. Enjoy life more. Take my first vacation in years.

7. Find happiness...This will require some soul-searching.

That's pretty much it. Again, I'm making promises not to beat myself up over not achieving everything on the list. I'll just have to try harder next year. As for you guys: What are your New Year's resolutions?

Monday, January 28, 2013

I've been featured!


Just got a lovely convo today from Katrina and Inguna of Moods & Appetites, notifying that they featured my black Japanese pine t-shirt in their latest blog entry, along with a collection of gorgeous Asian-themed artwork (left side, near the bottom of the image).  Thanks, guys! ^_____^

Friday, January 25, 2013

Friday, January 11, 2013

Random Sketches

As I've mentioned in my previous post that one of my goals for 2013 is to draw more. So here are a couple of quick sketches I did shortly before I left the office for the week:

A pissy-looking Teldryn Sero from the latest Skyrim DLC, Dragonborn...Just imagine that somebody dyed his mohawk rainbow/added hair extensions in his sleep.

Ellie Goulding? Dunno, just wanted an excuse to draw someone with 80s new wave-inspired hair.