#Digital or Physical prizes please

[mortalityplays]

Run Ragged - a short, wolfish comic

Back the comic on Kickstarter until October 11th!

A gothic 24-page comic with four bonus pages of diary comics on COVID and cartooning. Have you ever tried to balance your tough day-to-day life training as a ballet dancer with your secret night life, tearing through the ragged woods as a werewolf? No?  This short fantasy comic, obsessively illustrated, is the perfect preparation for that eventuality. 

“Marnie tells a story of the lacerations left by the choke chain of an ableist society, a story they carve from sinew and suspend in negative space. A urgent, vital and brilliant work by an urgent, vital and brilliant artist.” - Erika Price

Run Ragged is the best comic my younger sibling has ever made. And they've made a lot of comics, they've won prizes. They've been making comics since we were teenagers drawing together at the kitchen table in the stolen small hours of the morning while everyone else in the house was asleep.

Run Ragged made me cry when I read it, on my sibling's ipad, at a café table, with them sitting right opposite me. Embarrassing! But it's beautiful, in word and in thought, and in image.

Run Ragged is about dance, and about changing relationships with the only body you have when that body gets sick. When that body no longer wants to obey. It's about disability, about frustration and beauty, and about tearing off into the woods.

This comic really was a labour of love. I watched Axe develop it and agonise over it for more than a year, picking it up and putting it down and ripping it apart and sewing it back together. They drew most of it in bed, physically unable to get up. Every stitch in its hide is meticulous and I want you to read it, so much.

But let's look at some pages:

I told you, it's beautiful! Axe has a knack for poetics that I've never grasped. The comic comes with additional diary comics, too - the personal behind what is already a deeply personal work.

Like me, Axe is a full-time artist. Like me, that means they are terrible with money. Their goals for this kickstarter are so low - their first stretch goal is only £600, and I had to argue them into it. They have all kinds of little additional bonuses planned for future goals, and I desperately want to see them come to fruition. But more than that, I really, really, really want people to read this comic.

You can back Run Ragged on Kickstarter until October 11th, and snag yourself everything from an original sticker or linoprint to a full archive of Axe's digital comics or a personal portrait of your pet escaped into the wild woods.

>>> Please don't miss it! <<<

[daemon-in-my-head]

I'm gonna say smth and I need people to read and understand what I mean.

It is perfectly fine to critique games. It doesn't matter what exactly you critique. You don't like the story? Say it. You don't like the combat? Say it. You dislike the way previous lore has been handled? Say it. You dislike the character creator? Say it. You think certain aspects of the game feel lazy or odd? Fucking say it.

Games at this point of time cost 60-70 bucks. Just the game itself. And it's often not even a physical copy, just a digital key they can revoked at any moment if they feel like it. If you want an advantage or a pretty limited skin or what have ya its gonna be 80-150 bucks. Yes that's how outrageous the prices are becoming. Let alone any future DLCs.

And again, it's 60 fucking bucks for just the base game. That's a lot of money for games. Not too long ago you'd be chased with pitchforks and torches had you said your game was that expensive. Some phones are as expensive as two AAA games, games that usually shine with a shit ton of flaws, bugs, missing content, messed up lore and generally feel like the publisher just wanted to make a quick dime. And considering how little time they take to develop, the later often holds true.

But yk what else? If you don't express your disgruntlement or your anger with these practices it's gonna keep going. Shit is only gonna get more expensive while also providing a worse playing experience. Y'all know what the big guys said about BG3. That we, the players, shouldn't expect that to be the new standard.

But hey, listen, we fucking should. It's our money and time. Our enjoyment of long established series or the first title of many. We should expect it to be fucking good and finished especially for such a great prize. We should expect to find entertainment in the things we buy exclusively for entertainment.

So please for the love of god stop attacking people for voicing their very valid and personal opinions. In fact do the opposite and join them and encourage others to do the fucking same. I'm so god damn tired of publishers doing everything only for the sake of sales rather than the art behind it. And yes of course 'the poor employees' and whatever excuses there are for these attacks. Guess fucking what buddy? You encouraging the Publishers behaviour by shutting down any and all criticism and buying whatever the fuck they slapped a name on is just telling them they get away with treating their people like less than shit.

Criticism is healthy. Criticism is required for a system to work and develop in positive ways rather than whatever tf is happening now. Voicing your opinion and critiquing aspects you find poorly handled is not hating a game. It's being disappointed that something you love and are absolutely passionate about was not treated well because some rich guy wanted yet another bonus check.

If a game is shit, call it out. If a system was handled poorly, call it out. If publisher try to limit the content and systems you're exposed to in the first 2 hours because you can still return the game in that period of time, call it the fuck out.

[honeydixonn]

Back to Friends, Myung-Gi

two, 333

3551 words

The eerie strains of classical music shattered the silence, sending a collective shiver through the room's occupants. The tune hovered, cold and foreboding, over the dense, humid air saturated with the mingling aromas of sweat and clashing cheap perfumes.

Nari's eyes fluttered open as fluorescent lights buzzed to life overhead. The blinding glare forced her gaze upward, to the stark, white ceiling. She froze. Every instinct screamed at her not to move.

Where was she?

Her breath caught as she became aware of the unfamiliar fabric brushing against her skin. A tracksuit. Her fingers trembled as they grazed the material, and dread tightened in her chest. The dress—the sleek black dress she'd worn when she arrived—was gone.

Someone had changed her. Without her knowledge. Without her consent.

The realization struck her like a physical blow, leaving her staring in stunned horror at the numbered shirt now draped over her. Across her chest, the digits stood out in stark white:

114.

Panic flared as her gaze swept the room. The expanse of the high ceiling emphasized her smallness, her vulnerability. Slowly, her vision adjusted to the bizarre sight before her. Hundreds of people, all wearing identical green tracksuits emblazoned with numbers, crowded the space.

Her attention snagged on a massive screen dominating one wall.

456 Players.

Nari's stomach churned. The thin mattress beneath her offered no comfort, and the coarse, itchy blanket felt more like a taunt than an attempt at warmth. Yet, complaints would be futile. After all, she had nothing else to go back to.

Forcing herself to sit up, she became acutely aware of eyes lingering on her—watching, waiting. A chill ran down her spine. Whoever those eyes belonged to, they made her feel like prey under the gaze of a predator.

She knew, deep down, that this place would bring nothing good. But she had no choice. She had to endure this—for Myung-Gi.

Her heart ached as her resolve hardened. If she could pay off his debts, maybe he'd come back to her. Maybe things could go back to how they once were, even if it meant she had to suffer.

Swallowing her fear, she swung her legs over the side of the bunk and climbed down. The cold floor met her bare feet as she joined the sea of players. Her resolve faltered briefly when a man with dyed purple hair flashed a flirtatious grin her way, blowing kisses in her direction.

Before he could approach, the haunting music that had greeted her abruptly stopped. A heavy silence fell over the room, broken only by the creak of massive black doors swinging open.

Men in pink jumpsuits filed into the space, their faces concealed by masks—circles, triangles, and squares marking their ranks. The square-masked figure at the center exuded an unsettling authority as he surveyed the gathered players.

"I would like to extend a hearty welcome to all of you," he began, his voice distorted through a modulator. Each word sent a ripple of unease through Nari. "Everyone here will participate in six different games over six days. Those who win all six games will receive a handsome cash prize."

Murmurs of confusion and doubt rippled through the crowd. A woman stepped forward, her hand raised in protest. "You said I'd be playing games but you practically kidnapped me. So how can I believe that?"

Nari's gaze shifted to the square-masked man as he replied with chilling indifference. "I apologize. Please understand that it was necessary to maintain the game's security."

Despite his assurances, unease lingered in the room like a dark cloud. Another player, emboldened by the first, called out, "And the masks? Why are you hiding your faces?"

"Is your face also a secret?" She spoke in a taunting manner causing the man beside her to react the same.

Nari zoned out staring at the huge number on the wall as they continued to speak about the unsettling factor of the masks and horrid uniforms. Her nails picked at the skin around her cuticles, stopping abruptly when a familiar voice pierced the air. Her heart picked up in speed as he spoke and her feet raised trying to see where it came from.

"What about my phone? Why did you take my phone and wallet? Give them back, please." It couldn't be Myung-Gi. Why would he be here if he was in hiding? Why would he come here, but not to her?"We're keeping your belongings safe. We'll return them once the games are over." He didn't like the answer he received, he needed to check the markets desperately to gain control of money.

"At least give me my phone. I need to check the crypto market." That's when she knew. The crypto market was still always on his mind. He couldn't let it go. So she knew that it was truly Myung-Gi.

Nari hated his obsession with crypto. Always nagging him about it-- wanting him to close it out and change his channel to something more productive. Yet, he didn't listen and that's why they're both in this position now.

"If I lose money, will you compensate me?" He kept hassling the square-masked man. The obsession gaining power over every other worry he should be having at the moment. "We will return it to you once the games are over." Myung-Gi wasn't having anything the man in charge had to say. All he could think about was his crypto.

"I need to monitor the real-time prices! Do you know how much I've invested?!" His voice raised before he could realize the mistake he was about to make. 

Nari's attention wavered as the large screen flickered to life, revealing a video of him, face bruised and a hat hiding his identity.

Her heart clenched. Her Myung-Gi. The video showed him being slapped repeatedly during a match of ddakji, his desperation laid bare for all to see.

"Player 333," the square-masked man announced, "Lee Myung-Gi. Age 28. Former YouTube channel operator, MG Coin. Total debt: 1.8 billion won."

Nari's breath hitched. The staggering number hit her like a blow. Her Myung-Gi—her reason for enduring this nightmare—was here, drowning in debt and shame.

Her eyes sought him out in the crowd, but the room was too chaotic. Players jeered and whispered, judging him without considering their own circumstances.

More names and debts followed, including her own.

"Player 114, Ha Nari. Debt: 8.3 million won."

She shrank back, her own shame magnified by the murmurs around her. Myung-Gi's gaze darted through the crowd, searching. Did he recognize her name? Her face?

"Nari..." 8.3 million won? It couldn't be, they must've had the wrong person. How would the Ha Nari Myungi-Gi knew accumulate such a debt?

He wouldn't believe it and he wouldn't believe she was here until he saw her. Until then, none of this was real. Just his kind tricking him. But all he could see was the replaying image of the man slapping her across the face in his mind.

It angered him to have known someone put their hands on her in that way. No one had the right to touch her in any way that harmed her, he knew when he left this place he would find the salesman and hurt him worse than he hurt her.

So he thought.

Nari's attention focused on the elder man who was shamefully ten million won in debt. Something shameful to have out to the vast majority of the group.

"Ten billion?" The lady next to her sporting the number 120 nodded her head in agreement of disbelief.

"What are you looking at?!" He shouted at the group causing a roar of gasps in shock."Do you think it's easy to get a ten-billion-won loan? They don't lend that kind of money to just anyone! Only to those who are capable of paying it back." The players all collectively murmured about him, sneaking in side comments when they have a debt just not nearly as large.

Before she could think of what to do next, the masked figure's voice rose above the noise.

"All of you in this room have crippling debts and are now on a cliff-edge. When we first came to you, you did not trust us either. But as you know. we played a game and gave you money as promised. And so you trusted us and volunteered to participate according to your own free will."

There appeared something to lie plunging underneath his words leaving her nonplussed and utterly at fault for accepting the invitation.

"You have one last chance to decide. Do you want to live like a piece of trash, running from creditors? Or will you seize the last opportunity we are offering?"

The lights suddenly dimmed and a chime of a tune played from the speakers as a glowing piggy bank was lowered from the ceiling-- the masked man continued his speech as everyone gazed in amazement.

"What you see now is the piggy bank where your valuable prize money will be stored. After each of the six games you will play, the prize money will accumulate in this piggy bank." The music stopped at the piggy bank reached.

"How much is the prize money?" Nari's fingers plucked one and other, worrying it wouldn't adequately fulfill her debt and Myung-Gi's. "The prize money for the games is 45.6 billion won." Player 120's breath caught at the announcement, sharing a similar look with Nari as they both thought of their new life.

A few games and they would be better off than they were before. "And one of us will get it?" Player 007 yelled in shock and excitement, the glow of the piggy bank illuminating off of him."We will give you the details about the distribution of the prize money after the first game. For these games, you will be given a special new advantage." The elder man with the greater debt among the hundreds interrupted him wanting to know what the advantage may be.

"After each game, you will be given a chance to vote on whether to continue the games or not. If the majority votes to stop the games, you can leave with the prize money accumulated up to that point." Nari thought hardly to herself, seeing there was something they weren't sharing.

Why would they want to leave? Why would they leave if there were opportunities to gain more money?

"Are you saying..." A deep voice from the back of the steps spoke breaking the murmurs of the group. "We'll still receive the money, even if we leave after the first game?" The masked man paused as if he recognized him, "That's correct."Player 456 gazed in shock before turning, eyeing the camera on the wall closely.

An elder woman suddenly ran through the crowd pushing the people around her and grabbing onto the man wearing 007 on his back."You idiot!" The man halted in shock holding onto her cheeks in horror. "Mom! What... What are you doing here?" He stopped and looked around seeing the many eyes watching the scene unfold.

"That's what I wanted to ask you! What are you doing here?" He quickly hushed the woman moving close to her."You're embarrassing me." The mother stood not believing he was the one embarrassed. "Embarrassed? If you knew what was embarrassing, you wouldn't be here!" He gripped onto her arm pulling her down so that their conversation stayed private."Stop it! We'll talk about this later."

Nari couldn't focus on the scene playing out in front of her—instead, she tried to move and look around to catch any glimpse of the man who left her stranded at the restaurant now six months before.The night of her birthday dinner, which she'd never forget. He promised to come since they weren't able to celebrate it the week of— it felt more special from the acts they performed three days before.

Yet, she sat alone in the restaurant for two hours with fading hope.He never showed up, there was no trace of him. Just YouTube videos and news stories unveiling the truth. So as she looked for him her heart ached, knowing it took this for them to even be in the same room. "If you wish to participate in the games, please sign the player consent form. Those who do not wish to participate, please speak up now." The circle guards moved to place six tables at the front of the room, each standing at the designated table as the players lined up to sign the paper.

"We always give you a chance to leave the games." Myung-Gi's eyes flickered back and forth around the room trying to find any trace of her being there. But it seemed like the video was false.He couldn't find her and his eyes were just playing tricks on his before. As he signed the paper he moved to return to his bunk yet was stopped in his tracks.

"The Amazing Myung-Gi from MG Coin? Is that you?" Player 124 grimaced at him in a way that dropped the subtle smile from his lips. "You may not know me, but I know you. MG Coin. I was subscribed to your channel." The purple-haired man, player 230, smirked swaying his arms around.

"And I lost a shitload of money, asshole." The two men glared at him in hatred as he tried to move through them.

"You've got the wrong person." 230 shoved him back, the false smirk still evident on his lips as he played a narrative."I watched your content all day, every day. Now I even see you in my dreams. motherfucker."

He placed his arm on 124's shoulder, "Was your name Nam-su?" The man chuckled at the mix-up as Myung-Gi stood facing the two trying to find any way out of the conversation."It's Nam-gyu. From Club Pentagon." The purple-haired player waved him off bringing his attention back to Myung-Gi. He couldn't believe the debts were coming to face him face to face in the game.

"Thanks to you, I bonded quickly with Nam-gyu here. Because we shared the same pain." He turned leaving his spot now empty as Nam-gyu taunted him. "I thought the sons of bitches who made that coin fled to the Philippines with the money. So why are you here? Did they cut you loose?"

He knew the real reason he stayed. It would've eaten him alive every day if he left the country leaving her behind. It was something he couldn't bring himself to do even if it meant being in debt."What do you want from me?" Player 230 shot forward wrapping his hand around the back of his neck causing the players to exclaim. Nari heard the commotion watching from afar as she contemplated her choices.

"What do you think? Give me my money." Myung-Gi forced his hand from his body pushing him away in anger and distraught, "Did I force you to buy that coin?" He looked between the two as 230 grew angrier."You told us to bet it all, you fucker. You swore it'd shoot up. You said we'd be fucking idiots if we didn't buy it!" He shouted in his face becoming very hostile, like he could break any minute.

Nari's lip was taken between her teeth in fright-- she knew this was all the consequences of his actions catching up to him, but she couldn't help but worry.In her eyes, he needed to own up to what he did and let the crypto go but then again she'd always take his side. She just wanted him to see how badly his actions hurt her and everyone else. That an apology wouldn't fix everything this time.

"'You are responsible for the final decision on your investment.' Didn't you hear me say that at the end?" 230 scoffed in his face becoming angrier by the second, noting that every word flowing from his mouth could make him snap."You said you watched every day." Myung-Gi was suddenly grabbed by the front of his jacket, a fist raised in the air to bruise his face and ego until Nam-gyu stopped him.

"Hey, calm down!" Myung-Gi pushed back against the furious man, still believing Nari was somewhere watching and he couldn't look like a fool. "Get off of me! Let go of me." Nam-gyu pulled him off as the player tried to calm him down."People are watching." Myung-Gi tried to catch his breath as his heart rate sped, he was never one for physical altercations.Unless there was a upmost reason for it.

"You don't want to be on the news." Nam-gyu smiled as he rubbed the man's arms."You'd better do well because I'm coming to get my money back." The two walked off with Nam-gyu laughing, as they settled to the back of the third line, 230 caught the eye of Nari-- glancing her up and down before winking her way.

Myung-Gi stood off to the side now embarrassed and made out to be a fool in front of the entire room, stepping off to the bunks to hide from the reality of what had happened.Nari let her breath finally ease as the altercation was over and she could easily sign the papers without worry.

Her worries fell at ease as she read the clause over and over, there seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary. Nari's heart pounded. For the first time, hope flickered through her fear. Could this be the answer to her problems? To Myung-Gi's?

Despite her doubts, Nari stepped forward. Her hand trembled as she signed her name beneath the ominous clauses.

A PLAYER IS NOT ALLOWED TO VOLUNTARILY QUIT.

A PLAYER WHO REFUSES TO PLAY WILL BE ELIMINATED.

THE GAMES MAY BE TERMINATED UPON A MAJORITY VOTE.

IF THE GAMES ARE TERMINATED, PLAYERS WILL DIVIDE THE PRIZE EQUALLY.

Her fate was sealed.

The players were ushered into a vibrant room adorned with shades of pink and yellow. The green accents on the floor matched the hue of their uniforms perfectly, creating a bizarrely cheerful yet unnerving atmosphere.

"The first game will begin momentarily," announced a robotic female voice over the intercom, its volume cutting through the players' chatter. Nari moved forward, her steps hesitant, and paused when she reached the photo area.

"After having your picture taken, follow the staff's instructions and proceed to the game site," the voice continued. Behind her, a group of players gathered around a purple-haired man she recognized instantly. It was Thanos, self-proclaimed "The Great Rapper."

Nari couldn't help but chuckle as she watched him attempt to flirt with a girl whose sparkling jewelry and perfectly manicured pink nails suggested she was out of his league. He was met with swift rejection, but it hardly seemed to dent his oversized ego.

Running her fingers through her short hair, Nari sighed inwardly, envying the girl's ability to style hers so effortlessly.

"Hey, señorita," Thanos called out, his smirk widening as his gaze landed on her. "What about you? Want to take a picture with Thanos, baby?"

She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, but before she could respond, his expression shifted. It was as if he had just pieced together something crucial.

"Wait... I know you. You were in that MG Coin video!" he exclaimed, stepping into her booth without hesitation, his entourage trailing close behind.

Nari froze as he invaded her space, leaving no room to retreat.

"You, baby, owe me money," he said smoothly, his voice low but dripping with authority. "Now, I'll give you a break because you look so good standing here, but soon, you and your little boyfriend are gonna have to pay up."

Before she could protest, he leaned in, planting a quick, infuriating kiss on her cheek. Then, just as swiftly, he sauntered off, his groupies giggling as they followed.

Her face burned with a mix of anger and humiliation. She now owed even more than she had when she arrived.

"Smile!" the automated photobooth voice chirped, jolting her from her thoughts.

Nari stared blankly ahead, her hands trembling.

"Smile!" the voice repeated.

With a sigh, she forced a grin, the most plastic expression she could muster, as the camera flashed. As soon as it was over, she followed the crowd up a set of stairs leading to three large doors.

The group gathered outside, waiting anxiously as the ceiling above them opened to reveal the blazing sun.

"Welcome to the first game. All players, please wait a moment on the field," the voice commanded.

Nari shielded her eyes with her hand, squinting as the harsh sunlight stung her vision. When her eyes finally adjusted, she found herself staring at an expansive sandy field.

At the far end stood a towering robotic doll, its lifeless eyes locked in her direction.

"What the fuck?" she muttered under her breath, her unease swelling as the reality of her situation began to sink in.

[lino-lov3]

far, yet together - hwang hyunjin

𖦹 genre : fluff + angst

𖦹 warnings : slight swearing

𖦹 a/n : repost of hyunjin's birthday fic from last year

𖦹 summary : you and hyunjin are apart yet again on his birthday. but he tries to make it up to you the best that he can, until he comes back

𖦹 word count : 1054

to be added to my taglist, fill out this form!

leave a reblog if you enjoyed my work <3 please do not spam like, you will be blocked.

hyunjin was scheduled to resume tour today so you wouldn’t be able to see him in person for almost a week until he was able to come home. it pissed you off to say the least. why couldn’t they schedule the tour dates so they consider the members birthdays? the question the plagued your mind every time your boyfriend or his band mates had long schedules on their special days.

if it was aggravating to you, then you knew it had to be for them as well. they often have to plan things ahead or push plans back a few days or weeks.

when hyunjin sent you a voicemail the night he was leaving, reminding you how long he’d be away, you had already fallen asleep.

hyunniebun ❣️: hi, love. just want to say that i love you and hope you sleep well. my flight is in half an hour and i know you won’t see this until the morning since you’re already asleep. i’ll talk to you as soon as i can, ok?

as soon as you woke up the next morning, you grabbed your phone to check for any messages and found the voicemail hyunjin had left. hearing the sadness in his voice as he spoke made your heart hurt. knowing he’s just as pained being away from you. you wish the two of you could run away together. to get away from all the hurt. never have to be apart for more than a few hours at most. but what you didn’t know was, hyunjin felt that he’d never be enough for you never being enough because he’s not always there for you physically. it hurt him to even think about letting you go, but he knew it wouldn’t be as easy as it seemed to quit his job, pack up and leave. he loved both of you and he didn’t know how to weigh in both at the same time. it was draining him mentally day by day.

he knew he had to talk to you about how he was feeling but he didn’t want to worry you. make you feel like he was leaving since that wasn’t what he truly wanted to do. he just needed to get the underlying feelings off of his chest because he felt like he would explode otherwise.

the sun had rose and fallen since you last spoke to him. and with not much to pass the day, you just sat at home after work awaiting his call. your cat, honey accompanying you as you tapped your fingers on the edge of your desk. you had your laptop opened to facetime so you’d be ready as soon as his contact popped up, with nothing else on your mind.

when your laptop flashed the call screen, you sat straight up in your chair and quickly clicked answer.

“hi, baby!,” hyunjin smiled as soon as he saw your face, “i miss you so much already, can’t wait to come home and give you so many hugs.” he frowned a little

“hyune, i miss you too. did you have fun at the first show?”

“mhm, stay had so much energy tonight. it gave me and the boys more energy as well.” he laughed

“that’s good. don’t want you boys falling asleep on stage. i know the jet lag must’ve been bad as soon as you landed, huh.”

“yeah, but we ended up taking naps, and soon after we got to explore the city a little.”

“ooh how fun, did you get to go to any gift shops and eat some good food?” you ask, curiously

“yeah! it was really fun, love. we even wet to an arcade and won some prizes. i’ll be collecting little trinkets and plushies to bring back to you.” his eyes turning to crescents as he smiled

“that’s great. i’m glad everyone is having fun and eating well. make sure to send me lots of pictures.”

“i will. i brought my digital camera and we also picked up some disposable ones. so there’ll be plenty to show you,” he trailed off a little, “besides all of that, how are you holding up?” he asked worridly

hyunjin could see the lack of sleep on your face. dark circles occupying your eyes. he knew it was hard for you to get good rest when he was away for so long.

“i’m doing okay, hyune. i’ll be fine, i promise.” you give him a tired smile

“alright, love. you know you can always talk to me if something is troubling you, right?”

“i know, babe. i promise i will.”

“okay. but there is something i’d like to talk to you about…” he trailed off again, but this time you noticed.

“what is it? did something happen?”

“no, no. nothing in particular happened, it’s just i hate being away from you. and I hate it, but i always feel like i don’t deserve to be with you. i-i’m not there with or for you enough of the time and i know it bothers you too. hell, you can’t even get proper rest when i’m not around and i hate making you feel like that. i’m so sorry i’m not there whe you need me. i wish-” he started to tear up. you could hear the shakiness in his voice.

“hyunjin. it’s okay.” you cut him off

“no it’s not. you know it’s not. i don’t deserve you. you don’t deserve to be treated this way.”

“hyune, baby. i love you despite all of that. don’t say you don’t deserve me, because you do. because i love you and only you and i don’t want to be with anyone else, okay?” your eyes now threatening tears to fall, but you pushed them back. wanting to stay strong for him.

he nods and sniffles before replying, “i know, i’m sorry. i just had a lot on my mind and needed to let it out. i don’t want us to break up either, i just hate having to be separated all of the time. it’s draining both of us so much. i love you too, always.”

“let’s figure this out then, yeah? we’ll get it sorted.”

“yeah. and i promise to plan a real date for us when i get home. something special, just the two of us.”

“it’s a deal.”

[failbettergames]

Fallen London Festive Fanart Competition

The festive season is always a bustling time in Fallen London. ‘Snow’ will be falling. Mr Sacks will be hitting the pavements, looking for gifts for its sack. Truly a time of goodwill to all, &c.

In celebration of the season, we’re hosting a fanart competition! The theme is:

Just A Typical Neathy Christmas

Both digital and physical media are accepted (providing you can share the latter digitally), and we’re accepting photography as a form in its own right. Please note that AI generated entries are not being accepted.

The prize will be a Rubbery Plongeur, one of the rarest companions in Fallen London, who will come and wash all of the dishes left over from your revels. There are fewer than a dozen of these fellas in circulation, so a truly special prize indeed. There will be a minimum of seven winners.

Those of you who think you can’t draw: don’t be disheartened. As ever with our fanart competitions, it’s interpretation of the theme that we’re judging on. You’ll find that charm, character and a have-a-go spirit will get you a long way. (And when all else fails, make us laugh.)

You have until the 1st of January to enter in any of the following ways:

In the #fallen london festive fanart competition tag

In the competition channel on Discord

In the competition thread on the forums

In the thread on the subreddit

Here are the full terms and conditions. We look forward to seeing your entries!

[kedreeva]

hi, im curious abt the wip Wednesday community and have some questions because i still don't know what wip Wednesday is

what are file names?

what if the only progress ive made wasn't on a digital file (ex: a physical notebook)

if i didnt have to spoons to work on something (neurodivergent & PCOS) do i post just saying i didnt have the spoons/energy? (this also goes for life events that take up my time)

these are the questions i have (there is a chance your answer will bring more questions, i like making sure i entirely understand things)

answer when you can😅

File names are literally just the name of your word document. Like when you save a document on a computer, the name you name the save file is the file name.

If you don't have a digital file you can make up a shorthand name for your work, or use the title if you please. The file name rule is there to make it interesting and kind of make it a blind guess for requests so people don't all pick the same thing (since presumably if you've listed multiple things then you want to work on all of them, so this adds a random element for many) and also because it's amusing to me to see what other people are naming their files since sometimes people name them interesting things. It's not super deep and not super strict.

If you don't have the spoons to work on stuff, then you just don't make a post asking for people to send asks/comments. You only make a post to participate when you're planning on participating. It's not a contest, there's no prize, there's no obligation. It's a tool to help you write when you want a little outside accountability.

[sing-in-me-oh-muse]

Sanctuary’s February 2025 Writing Challenge: Greek Love

Welcome to a brand new year of writing challenges on the Sanctuary Discord writing server! 

This February, we on the Sanctuary server are exploring different forms of love. The Greeks have eight words for seven different types of love:

eros - Eros is physical love or desire. Eros is the type of love that involves passion, lust, and/or romance.

philia - Philia is affectionate love involved in friendships.

agape - Agape is unconditional, sacrificial love.

storge - Storge is the natural love that family members have for one another.

mania - Mania is obsessive “love,” such as a stalker’s.

ludus - Ludus is playful, noncommittal love, like flirting. 

pragma - Pragma is practical love based on duty, obligation, or logic.

philautia - Self-love, meaning how a person views themselves and how they feel about their own body and mind.

(source: dictionary.com)

Your mission, should you accept it, is to write a fanfiction one-shot or original story about the start of something new by February 28th at 12:59 AM (PST).

Challenge Criteria

Length: 500+ words.

Fandom: Any.

Features: Any romantic or platonic pairing.

Deadline: 11:59 am PST February 28th, 2025 at 11:59 AM (PST).

Super Secret Prizes: Join the server to find out!

If you join the Sanctuary server, you’ll have access to a bingo card you can fill out to win the following prizes:

Digital Prize: ???

Physical prize: ???

Note: The physical prize requires an address or PO box. Adults only, please, and I *can* ship internationally!

Don’t forget to post your completed stories in the share-your-works channel on Sanctuary!

Happy writing! <3

[Image ID: A purple calendar labeled, “Sanctuary 2025 Events” in a swoopy font styled to look like handwriting flanked with two white and purple butterflies. The contents of each of the twelve squares are as follows:

January: Write a story about renewal or the start of something new.

February: Love. The Greeks have 8 words for 7 different types of love; fill out a bingo card with the 8!

March: Start or end your story with a hero losing their powers.

April: Your main character plans and enacts an elaborate prank on someone or has one enacted on them.

May: Write a story as a diary/journal entry about a secret or confession.

June: Write the origin story of a notorious villain.

July: Write a story titled and inspired by your favorite song.

August: AU: Write an Alternate Universe of your favorite canon.

September: Sequels. Write a follow-up to something you’ve already written.

October: Write a villain MC. Make us love them, make us sympathize and agree with them.

November: Drabbles. Write an exactly 100-word fanfiction every day of the month.

December: Write a story that hides something from the reader until the end.]

[jetkoweek2024]

Hey Yall! Just wanted to do a bit of an interest check for (future) jetko weeks (no promises for this year's, but I'll see what I can do)

If I were to make a jetko themed prize would anyone like to participate in a raffle?

I wanted to do a raffle bc it's ultimately more fair that way, I thought of people picking their favorite submissions, but there's so many different art mediums and I'd feel obligated to make a prize for each one which is too hard on me, and also it's easier to consume a drawing or edit than a fanfic

There are some terms and conditions before hand though (PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU VOTE):

-I've NEVER hosted a raffle so it may be a little wonky ...

-the prize will be some sort of physical piece by me (most likely some sort of keychain/cellphone charm)

-you'd have to be comfortable with sharing your address/p.o. box to me

-im not 100% on if I'm able to ship worldwide considering I'd be the one compensating for shipping prices

-winners would be announced AFTER jetko week because only participants who have created a piece for jetko week are allowed to enter but I'd have to find out a way to ask for proof of participation and i may only be able to achieve that on ONE platform (most likely Twitter but I'll see what I can do, if you have suggestions please let me know)

I might have more questions in forms of polls here as well as Twitter PLEASE CHECK FOR UPDATES AND VOTE + SHARE (this post and following post may be edited several times bc idk what I'm doing :D)

PLEASE CHECK THE REBLOGS, I HAVE ANOTHER POLL THERE FOR CHOOSING A DIGITAL PRIZE INSTEAD OF A PHYSICAL ONE

[ttmzine]

INTEREST CHECK RESULTS! 💙

Hello all!

We have finished compiling the form results, and we are finally ready to reveal the information we gathered from our interest check!

Please see the images below to view the survey questions, and the corresponding most frequent answers!

1. ENGAGEMENT RATING 💙

2. PREFERRED WAY OF SUPPORT 💙

3. PHYSICAL MERCH 💙

4. DIGITAL MERCH 💙

5. PREFERRED ZINE PRIZE 💙

6. PREFERRED BUNDLE PRICE 💙

7. SUGGESTED GUESTS 💙

8. CHARITY CHOICE 💙

9. OPEN END INTERACTION 💙

We look forward to carrying out this project together with our team, and we’re counting on the community’s continued support.

Thank you everyone!

[n2qfd]

@swradiogram Thursday 1930 ET broadcast 9265 AM

t¼ aiÝSntgp Before RSID: <<2025-01-24T00:31Z MFSK-32 @ 9265000+1500>>

0iDiDts0 IOe hnypwsvmuTut F 

Welcome to program 386 of Shortwave Radiogram.

I'm Kim Andrew Elliott in Arlington, Virginia USA.

Here is the lineup for today's program, in MFSK modes as noted:

1:41 MFSK32: Program preview (now) 2:51 MFSK32: NZ mayor objects to Trump 'split the atom' claim 5:35 MFSK64: NASA develops a 3D-printed antenna* 10:46 MFSK64: Images of the week* 27:40 MFSK32: Closing announcements

with image(s)

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net

We're on swradiogram.bsky.social now

And X/Twitter: @SWRadiogram

 tnop tn 

From AFP via Phys.org:

New Zealand mayor goes nuclear after Trump claims US 'split the atom'

January 21, 2025

A small town mayor in New Zealand has picked a nuclear fight with Donald Trump, after the freshly sworn-in US president heaped praise on American scientists for splitting the atom.

Trump's inauguration address rattled off a list of crowning American feats such as ending slavery, launching into space, and the moment they "split the atom".

The mayor of Nelson in New Zealand's South Island seized on the sub-atomic slight, pointing out that work to split the atom was actually pioneered by Kiwi-born physicist Ernest Rutherford.

"I was a bit surprised by new President Donald Trump in his inauguration speech about US greatness claiming today Americans 'split the atom' when that honor belongs to Nelson's most famous and favorite son Sir Ernest Rutherford," mayor Nick Smith wrote on social media.

Credited with splitting the nucleus of an atom during experiments at UK's Manchester University in 1917, Rutherford was "the first to artificially induce a nuclear reaction by bombarding nitrogen nuclei with alpha particles", Smith said.

He added that he would invite the incoming US ambassador to visit the Rutherford memorial in Nelson, population 50,000, "so we can keep the historic record on who split the atom first accurate".

Widely regarded as the "father of nuclear physics", Rutherford was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1908 for earlier work on radioactivity.

He remains one of New Zealand's most famous sons, and his face still adorns the country's $100 bill.

Shortwave Radiogram now changes to MFSK64 …

 Eheoetv*:Rf0P ¾kg6P Before RSID: <<2025-01-24T00:35Z MFSK-32 @ 9265000+1500>>

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This is Shortwave Radiogram in MFSK64.

Please send your reception report to radiogram@verizon.net

NASA's 3D-printed antenna takes additive manufacturing to new heights

by Kendall Murphy, NASA January 22, 2025

In fall 2024, NASA developed and tested a 3D-printed antenna to demonstrate a low-cost capability to communicate science data to Earth. The antenna, tested in flight using an atmospheric weather balloon, could open the door for using 3D printing as a cost-effective development solution for the ever-increasing number of science and exploration missions.

For this technology demonstration, engineers from NASA's Near Space Network designed and built a 3D-printed antenna, tested it with the network's relay satellites, and 1 k~hÎ an on a weather balloon.

The 3D printing process, also known as additive manufacturing, creates a physical object from a digital model by adding multiple layers of material on top of each other, usually as a liquid, powder, or filament. The bulk of the 3D-printed antenna uses a low electrical resistance, tunable, ceramic-filled polymer material.

Using a printer supplied by Fortify, the team had full control over several of the electromagnetic and mechanical properties that standard 3D printing processes do not. Once NASA acquired the printer, this technology enabled the team to design and print an antenna for the balloon in a matter of hours. Teams printed the conductive part of the antenna with one of several different conductive ink printers used during the experiment.

For this technology demonstration, the network team designed and built a 3D-printed magneto-electric dipole antenna and flew it on a weather balloon. A dipole antenna is commonly used in radio and telecommunications. The antenna has two "poles," creating a radiation pattern similar to a donut shape.

Testing

The antenna, a collaboration between engineers within NASA's Scientific Balloon Program and the agency's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, was created to showcase the capabilities of low-cost design and manufacturing.

Following manufacturing, the antenna was assembled and tested at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, in the center's electromagnetic anechoic chamber.

The anechoic chamber is the quietest room at Goddard—a shielded space designed and constructed to both resist intrusive electromagnetic waves and suppreseo /gr emission to the outside world. This chamber eliminates echoes and reflections of electromagnetic waves to simulate the relative "quiet" of space.

To prepare for testing, NASA intern Alex Moricette installed the antenna onto the mast of the anechoic chamber. The antenna development team used the chamber to test its performance in a space-like environment and ensure it functioned as intended.

Once completed, NASA antenna engineers conducted final field testing at NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas, before liftoff.

The team coordinated links with the Near Space Network's relay fleet to test the 3D-printed antenna's ability to send and receive data.

The team monitored performance by sending signals to and from the 3D-printed antenna and the balloon's planned communications system, a standard satellite antenna. Both antennas were tested at various angles and elevations. By comparing the 3D-printed antenna with the standard antenna, they established a baseline for optimal performance.

In the air

During flight, the weather balloon and hosted 3D-printed antenna were tested for environmental survivability at 100,000 feet and were safely recovered.

For decades, NASA's Scientific Balloon Program, managed by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, has used balloons to carry science payloads into the atmosphere. Weather balloons carry instruments that measure atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction. The information gathered is transmitted back to a ground station for mission use.

The demonstration revealed the team's anticipated results: that with rapid prototyping and production capabilities of 3D printing technology, NASA can create high-performance communics ion antennas tailored to mission specifications faster than ever before.

Implementing these modern technological advancements is vital for NASA, not only to reduce costs for legacy platforms but also to enable future missions.

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Image»l3D-printed antenna mounted to a ladder prior to testing at NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas …

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This is Shortwave Radiogram in MFSK64.

Please send your reception report to radiogram@verizon.net

This week's images …

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"A joyful discovery in Vondelpark Amsterdam" photographed by artist Robin Rimbaud. https://tinyurl.com/26ygxofu …

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A worker arranges dried incense sticks near Hanoi ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, known in Vietnam as Tet. https://tinyurl.com/24bmhnvg …

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A steam train travels through the Harz forest to the top of Germany's Brocken peak, January 13. https://tinyurl.com/2y6bkzoc …

 tW ' qr  Sending Pic:158x199C;

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A snow covered tree on Loch Achall near Ullapool, Scotland. https://tinyurl.com/23yukzos …

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Fishing boats in Dunbar, Scotland. https://tinyurl.com/23yukzos …

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Skiing on Bourbon Street during the recent unusual snow in New Orleans. https://tinyurl.com/2ysa7wom …

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A poinsettia as it appears in its native habitat of Mexico and Central America, growing in the conservatory of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. https://tinyurl.com/2crwl3ja …

 VrZt bRSoeSLg Pic:195x156C;

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A narrow gauge railroad in Forest Park, Ma , Oregon, January

It's out of service, but there is a campaign to revive it. https://x.com/Myles_Younger/status/1881105146878521367 …

 aòyA  Sending Pic:151x204C;

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Our painting of the week is "Fleurs" (1952) by Nicolas de Staël (1914-1955). https://tinyurl.com/2atd89sr …

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Shortwave Radiogram returns to MFSK32 …

 vfnIo°¢R Before RSID: <<2025-01-24T00:57Z MFSK-64 @ 9265000+1500>>



This is Shortwave Radiogram in MFSK32 …

Transmission of Shortwave Radiogram is provided by:

WRMI, Radio Miami International, http://wrmi.net

and

WINB Shortwave, http://winb.com

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net

X/Twitter (for now): @SWRadiogram

I'm Kim Elliott. Please join us for the next Shortwave Radiogram.

 x©ti¦tGb- 5 o e-äQetrnj tng

[mi6-cafe]

007 Fest prize donations

Hello, all! We hope you are enjoying 007 Fest!

At the end of 007 Fest we like to give out prizes in random drawings, one pool for the winning team and one pool for all participants. The way we get these prizes is by asking YOU ALL if you would like to donate them!

Past prizes have been digital and physical. They have included gifts of fanart or fanfic or beta-ing (as short or detailed as you, the donor, prefer!), fancrafts from the fest itself, Bond memorabilia that needs a good home, or even just a small gift card. Prizes are one of the ways we keep the joy of Fest going once July is over. 

If you would like to donate prizes to 007 Fest, please email mi6cafemod at gmail.com to let us know.

Thank you, and happy festing!

[artificialqueens]

🏳️‍🌈PRIDE 2023 CHALLENGE!🏳️‍⚧️

Hello friends! As requested, we have put together a stunning Pride challenge for you this year! This challenge will run the entire pride season, and the goal will be to work together as a community to rack up enough points to earn amazing prizes for the blog. 

Current point total: 13,340

We'll post soon with more detail regarding the prizes and point levels, but here’s an idea:

Special roles in our Discord server for participants

Digital art, such as lockscreens and avatars

Sticker sets as both digital art and physical stickers for those who want to order them

Extra benefits for top point earners, such as voting on image themes 

A STUNNING new pride-themed banner for the blog designed by the extraordinary @imstillafuckinglibra

How do we earn points? Well, by submitting fic *or art* during this challenge period! ALL submissions will count, and as you can see after the jump, there are a ton of ways to earn bonus points, including reader interaction with those posts. 

Also—before you freak out! You don’t have to do any math yourselves, you precious little angels! I will be taking on that burden myself!

I’ll post the points earned at the bottom of each fic or art post, and after each queue finishes I’ll update the totals. (If you *would* like to try calculating your own points, here’s a little spreadsheet you can use.) 

There are a few fics ready to queue up, so I’ll post them tomorrow and you can see how the points add up even when the writers don’t have the challenge in mind. 

NOW! ONTO THE POINTS!!

Glossary:

“Art” is for any creation that’s not fic. So drawings, digital art, photo collages, etc. 

“New Creator” means anyone who hasn’t posted on AQ before. 

2nd, 3rd, and 4th posts refer to during this challenge. 

“Next Part of a WIP” would be a new part of something that’s already partially posted on AQ 

“Uncommon Ship” would be a ship with less than 50 posts here on AQ

“Rare Pair” would be a ship with less than 10 posts 

“Brand New Ship” would be for the first post of any given ship

*(If you want to check the numbers for any ship, you can use this database: https://artificialqueens.tumblr.com/all-ships)*

“Includes Art” is for fic that has art or illustrations in it. 

“Returning Writer” is for any writer who is posting after an absence of 3 months or more. 

“Sexy” art doesn’t necessarily mean NSFW. Just anything with sexy vibes, whatever that means to you. 

“Fic-inspired” is art that’s inspired by a fic, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, and whether that fic is posted on AQ or elsewhere. 

FAQ:

Q: What is “pride season”? Do you mean June? The summer? A: Yup. (It’s open-ended on purpose to give ourselves space to achieve all goals.)

Q: Am I allowed to cross-post my work here that’s already on AO3? A: Yes! You are encouraged to do so; it’s a great way to rack up points and advertise your work!

Q: What if people ‘cheat’ by sending in prompts and then filling them themselves?! Or sending in anon feedback about their own work?!?!?! A: Obviously this will be taken very seriously. We will first send a team of forensic investigators to their house, and then submit all evidence to the FBI. (In case it’s not clear, I’m kidding.)

Get going, everyone! If you would like to participate in our Discord server for any reason: brainstorming, sprints, giving feedback, finding betas, volunteering to beta, etc: please let me know! @veronicasanders

Thank you so much to @petitmonde for their help and inspiration, and to @imstillafuckinglibra for his beautiful graphic design work. 

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[fallowyrm]

For 150+ followers (thank you all!) would folks perhaps be interested in a raffle of sorts? I'd love to raffle a physical piece of some kind, and maybe digital icons as secondary prizes :0 the physical piece would likely be a subtly nonhuman necklace of some kind, though there are probably some other items I could make with my sewing machine or something, unfortunately nothing too big so shipping won't kill me

if anyone has any thoughts, please let me know!!

[friend-711]

Entrapta with her PDW

This took a long time to make, digital works often do. Still I hope you will all enjoy this piece and the lore I have for it. Hard to believe its been two years since I drew Entrapta for the first time.   This is her wearing her scolar-VII armor in my original story: ROBOTWARs. 

 <UEU-5013 Entrapta>  Entrapta was still a scatterbrain even after the AI transfer, showing high euphoria and optimism as she started working more as a scientist, often times designing and making new machinery in multiple fields of engineering, so much so that she was nominated in the 2038 Nobel prize for physics.  Once WW3 became inevitable, Entrapta would be a commanding officer in the 13th Pioneer Regiment attached to Army-Group "Rachel"   Despite agreeing to be a member of combat, Entrapta was not keen with taking lives like the other soldiers.   This reflexed with her defensive weapon: the PP-92 which she kept in her engineering kit, missions for the 13th Pioneer Regiment were also rear guard missions, fixing broken down/damaged vehicles and infrastructure in the Australian battlefield.   When the Surprise attack happened, her pioneers were stationed at the town of Texas while she and two others under her direct command UEU-1498 Skids and UEU-1499 Mudflap were in the middle of making a power station in the town of Surat.   The three were stuck nearly 300 km behind enemy lines, with their 6 wheel MRAP Buffalo A3 which Entrapta converted into her mobile command and control center, they were able to listen to the emergency broadcast, learning that the RDFM forces were isolated and fighting in pockets of resistance and forts.   with enough water to fuel the journey, the three headed for the town of Roma where five FLUFUs and two UEUs were fighting against units from the Indian, Pakistan and Afghanistan army. (3rd engagement of Rome) 

 three out of the five FLUFUs were heavily wounded that they would be out of action as they drove to three more pockets of resistance until finally, after twelve days, they arrived at fort Texas.   During this time Entrapta would make claw arms inspired by the claw on the MRAP Buffalo A3, mostly used for moving debris but when the situation called for it she would use them to dispatch enemy combatant. 

 I hope you enjoy and like always please share your thoughts in the comments down below. ^w^ 

 She-Ra and the princess of power belongs to dreamworks animation. 

[voldylockswrites]

Transformative Works Policy

Disclaimer

All characters depicted in my works are the property of the respective original creators. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made from any of my transformative works.

Transformative Works Policy

Ethical transformative works are crucial for the protection of fandom. For that reason, my Transformative Works Policy is firm.

Translations

Translations of my works are permitted, but must meet the following criteria.

a) You must link my original work.

b) You must not profit from the translation in any sense, including use of paywall services or subscription tiers.

Note: I encourage all translators to contact me and provide links to their translations. I will happily link them to the original work on AO3.

Digital Artwork

Artwork inspired by my works is appreciated and encouraged. If you are able to, please link to my original work wherever you share your art. 

Transformative artworks based on my works may not be for profit, including by way of paywall services or subscription tiers.

Physical Artwork/Merchandise

Physical artwork based on my works is permitted. Transformative artworks based on my works may not be for profit nor be acquired by way of profit, including by way of paywall services or subscription tiers.

Bookbinding

Bookbinding my works is permitted under limited criteria. Please ensure bound books meet these guidelines.

a) Bound books of my works must be for personal use or personal gifting.

b) Bound books of my works, including typesets, labor, or other materials, cannot be for profit. This includes paywall services or subscription tiers.

c) You may not use for-profit printing services to acquire bound copies of my works.

d) You may not use/create bound copies of my works for commissions, giveaways, prizes, raffles, fundraisers, etc.

e) You may not solicit donations for your fandom efforts on your profile, webpage, etc. when posting in association with my works.

Podficcing/Audiobooks

Podficcing my works is permitted under limited criteria. All podfics of my works must meet these guidelines.

a) Podfics/audiobooks may not be for profit. This includes paywall services, subscription tiers, and ad revenue.

b) You may not solicit donations for your fandom efforts on your profile, webpage, etc. when posting in association with my works.

Transformative Written Works

Transformative written work based on my work is permitted under limited criteria. Please follow these guidelines.

a) Transformative works must not be for profit. This includes paywall services or subscription tiers.

b) Transformative works may not be a continuation of any of my unfinished works without explicit permission. 

c) You may not solicit donations for your fandom efforts on your profile, webpage, etc. when posting in association with my works.

d) Transformative works may not plagiarize my works.

e) Usage of Artificial Intelligence such as ChatGPT must be disclosed when posting transformative works based on my creations.

If you have inquiries about my policy, please contact me via Tumblr or at ladyvoldywrites@gmail.com.

[gallery4percent]

How to Participate in an Animal Art Contest: A Wild Ride to Artistic Glory!

Welcome, fellow artists, to the thrilling, tail-wagging, and occasionally claw-scratching adventure of competing in an animal art contest! If you've ever dreamed of turning your love for art and the animal kingdom into a masterpiece that could make even a lion purr in approval, then you're in the right place. Whether you're an experienced wildlife artist or a curious creative soul who thinks drawing a giraffe’s neck is a piece of cake, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Choose Your Animal Muse (Fur, Feathers, or Scales?)

Before diving headfirst into the zoo art world, you need to pick your muse. Are you inspired by the noble stance of a tiger, the mischievous glint in a raccoon's eye, or the sheer chaos of a parrot who refuses to stay still? Choosing an animal that resonates with you will make your artistic journey more enjoyable and authentic.

Step 2: Pick Your Medium – The Art of Animal Artistry

Once you’ve chosen your furry, feathery, or scaly subject, it’s time to decide how you want to bring them to life. Animal paintings on canvas are a classic choice, giving you the freedom to capture the raw beauty of wildlife with acrylics, oils, or watercolors. However, don’t limit yourself—digital art, sculpture, or even mixed media are all welcome in many animal art contests.

Step 3: Find the Right Contest – A Call for Wild Artists!

Not all animal art contests are created equal. Some focus on realistic wildlife portraits, while others celebrate abstract and impressionistic takes on the art of animals. Do some research and look for contests that align with your style and artistic goals.

Places to find animal art contests:

Online platforms like Teravarna (shameless but well-deserved plug!)

Art foundations dedicated to wildlife conservation

Local and international zoo exhibitions

Art magazines and social media groups

Please read the guidelines carefully. Some contests have themes—such as endangered species awareness or animals in motion—that can inspire new artistic directions.

Step 4: Let Your Creativity Run Wild (But Stay Within the Rules!)

Now comes the fun part: creating your masterpiece! Let your creativity take center stage, but keep an eye on the contest rules. Some contests have size restrictions, submission format guidelines, or even specific color palettes (because apparently, not all giraffes can be purple—who knew?).

If you’re creating animal paintings on canvas, consider using different techniques to make your work stand out. Layering textures, experimenting with perspective, and playing with light can make your piece truly captivating.

Step 5: The Submission Process – Don’t Let a Missed Deadline Bite You!

Once your zoo art masterpiece is complete, it’s time to submit it. Double-check the contest requirements:

Does your submission meet the required dimensions and resolution?

Have you formatted it correctly (JPG, PNG, PDF, or actual physical submission)?

Is your artist statement engaging and well-written? (A short blurb about your inspiration can make a huge impact!)

Have you proofread your submission to avoid typos that might turn “majestic panther” into "majestic panther”?

Pro Tip: Some contests charge an entry fee, so budget accordingly. If you're new to the scene, look for free or low-cost competitions to get started.

Step 6: Promote Your Work – How to Roar in the Art Jungle!

Even if your entry doesn't bag the top prize, participating in an animal art contest is an achievement worth sharing! Use social media to showcase your work, engage with fellow artists, and get feedback. Who knows? Your painting of a sleepy sloth might go viral and make you the next big name in wildlife art.

Some ways to promote your work:

Post your piece on Instagram, tagging relevant art pages

Create a time-lapse video of your process

Engage with other artists in zoo art communities

Offer limited-edition prints for sale (because everyone needs a sophisticated llama portrait in their living room)

Step 7: Celebrate Your Wins (Even the Small Ones!)

Winning an animal art contest is amazing, but even if you don’t place first, remember that every contest is a learning experience. Constructive feedback from judges, exposure to different styles, and the sheer joy of creating something meaningful are all wins in their own right.

Conclusion: Ready to Take on the Animal Art World?

Whether you’re painting a roaring lion, a curious raccoon, or a dignified penguin, participating in an animal art contest is an exciting way to showcase your talent and passion for wildlife. From finding the right inspiration to nailing the submission process, this guide has hopefully given you all the tools you need to jump into the world of animal paintings on canvas with confidence.