#I actually can’t freehand digitally for the life of me.

[thelocalestmoth]

Uhh hi <3

[get-a-new-lease-on-life]

Most recent digital art - character bases for Leon Jackson during "A New Lease on Life." The second two pics are avatar type images constructed with my usual resource. (Address in upper corner) As you can see, the results are rough, the lines shaky and the shading can be gritty, and there's a reasonable limit to what you can design. (NO PUPILS! HE'S A DEMON!) the program is, however, FREE, and I can't draw freehand worth crap. (Process and explanation to follow)

Though he started out as just a foil for Kimber, meant to appear a few times then fade away, Leon became one of my favorite OCs to write, accent not withstanding. The first picture is how he first appeared - full punk and going by the name "Lefty" to counter his twin's nickname "Northpaw." The second picture is the older, wiser, and more mature Leon we'll see in the future...and in the one-off I've been building for recently. Remember I recently asked for kids' names for an upcoming story? That's this one. Really stepping out of my box on this particular story (so even more research than usual, which is saying a lot!) but the plot and characters are very close to my heart. Whether or not I can properly tell it, this story MUST be told. (I'd be open to joint writing on this one since the pairing involved isn't my forte and I don't want to butcher the story by portraying it poorly or coming across flippant or ignorant. PM for deets.)

As promised, PROCESS: The FIRST set of pics are the final product, each the result of hours of editing and alteration in both Autodesk SketchBook and PicsArt. This means smoothing of lines and shading, blending, corrections, details, HEAVY alterations to the hair, and more in ADS. (Also, piercings, because he has a few. PicsArt alterations included texture, more smoothing, wrinkling and stretching of clothing, some moderate adjustments to his ears and facial structure, and masks and filters to name a few, along with his Purple Dragon tattoo and some added details on the clothing and his spacer. (I'm disappointed with how that gauge turned out but swelling the earlobe kept altering his jawline - too small a target! The lip ring, too, feels a tad off, though I can't figure out why.) Every single square pixel in both original constructions has been gone over and altered at least once, even if those alterations were simply smoothing and adding texture.

A couple personal notes: the "shaved" texture on his scalp turned out better than I expected. The "buzzed" sides on the second photo, while they look nice, don't really look buzzed. His eyes and eyebrows were a NIGHTMARE, but the texture of his irises came out nicely...even though the pupils are a bit freaky. The rings on his eyebrow and lip actually taught me how to use a function of SketchBook that I didn't even know existed before, so even if the shading and sizes are a tad wonky, I'm happy. The dragon tattoo coiled around his arm is neither drawn nor clipart - it's LETTERS in a free-to-use font I found online and downloaded to PicsArt JUST for tattoos. This baby is no less than THREE different letters overlapping - one character for the body, and two others for the long-ass tail. I have no idea how I'll recreate it when it comes to finishing up Northpaw. (I may just skip him. He's an ass.) Lastly, Leon is roughly the same age as Mercy's "body host," Donna Mays; this means that while he acted like a much older brother to Kimber, they really only had a year or so between them. He, too, was still a teenager during the flashback to Raph and Kimber's history, and he's been stuck between child and adult for a while now. 

[skarsgardonhard]

Date Night || Bill x Reader

Disclaimer: This is a reposted (and possibly edited) work that I posted on another blog.

Concept: Y/N and her boyfriend, Bill, go out on a date, but then things take a pretty sexy turn and they can’t wait until they get home.

“DATE NIGHT!” You and Bill shouted at the same time, wide smiles plastered onto your faces. Finally, you were going to get to spend some time with your boyfriend after a few months of only seeing him through video calls. You rushed to your room and went to get dressed, wondering what you should wear. Eventually, you settled on a dress you’d bought from the mall but had never actually worn. A skinny strap dress that came to mid-thigh. You finished it off with a pair of boots and a choker, not even bothering to wear a bra. Bill was sitting on the couch waiting for you, looking his sunday’s best in the full nine classy get up. He looked so good and you’d told him so the moment you’d laid eyes on him.

“Well, fuck.” Bill said, green eyes looking up at you, “You look so….beautiful.” He smiled as he stood up, his large hands cupping your hips. “My little angel.” He kissed your forehead before taking your hand in his and pulling you towards the door. You grabbed your small little shoulder purse on the way out. You guys went to a sushi place. It seemed hip and trendy and the people around you all buzzed with excitement and life. Despite it all, all you could see was Bill and his ever glowing smile. You couldn’t help but realize how ridiculously in love with him you were and it seemed he was thinking the same about you. He couldn’t stop looking at you, even while ordering your drinks and food.

“We’ll take your finest bottle of sake.” Bill smiled, staring at you, brushing a large thumb against your hand. The waitress ran off to get it and he reached his hand out to brush it against your cheek then. “God damn. Did I mention how fucking amazing you look?” He shifted his seat so that he could be closer to you. His freehand moved to cup your inner thigh and the result was instant. You shivered as his fingers tightened around your thigh, the other moving to grab the chopsticks and pick up an egg roll. He held it out to you and you bit off part of it, giggling with a full mouth of absolute goodness. You never lost track of where his hand was though.

The waitress brought back the sake and two small cups, popped it open and poured some for you both. He picked up his glass and you followed his motions, making a toast. “To us.” Bill hummed, fingers tracing right up to the crotch of your panties. “T-To us.” You stuttered, shivering again as you felt his pointer finger run up against your clit through your panties. He took down the sake like a shot, so effortless as he teased you further. He was so nonchalant about it, but when you glanced at his lap, you could see that he was ridiculously hard.

“Baby…” You leaned over to whisper in his ear. He pushed your panties aside and began to run his middle finger along your folds. Despite all the noise around you, the wet sounds your cunt was making seemed much louder than they actually were. The waitress brought the sushi that he’d ordered out and Bill thanked her, sliding his finger slowly into you as he did so. You nearly jumped out of your seat.

“Ma’am, are you okay?” The waitress asked. You felt your cheeks go crimson, his finger still inside of you, but not moving any further. He picked up a piece of sushi and put it in his mouth, chewing with an innocent look on his face as he looked over at you in mock concern.

“Yeah…I’m fine.” You blinked and she walked off. You were just about to shove Bill away at how he was embarrassing you when he pushed his whole long digit inside of you. You bit your lip roughly to stop the moan that almost came out, your walls tightening around him. You could see him smiling through each bite of sushi from the corner of your eye.

“Aren’t ya gonna eat, babe?” Bill taunted, finger curling to rub right against your g-spot, thumb rolling over your clit slowly. Your eyes couldn’t help but roll back for a second.

“You’re an awful person.” You mumble, grabbing a fork and stabbing a piece of sushi with it. He slowly pulled his finger out of you then. You could see how his finger glistened from your wetness under the warm lights. He put the finger in his mouth, sucking on it like he’d gotten some sauce or something on it and it made you press your thighs together.

“Sweet as ever, princess.” Bill smiled, popping another piece of sushi into his mouth. All you could think about was fucking him now and it was driving you crazy. You forced yourself to eat even though you weren’t exactly hungry anymore. By the time you finished that and the bottle of sake, you were feeling a warm and relaxed feeling. He paid for the check and led you out. You both were sort of unsteady and he pulled you to the car, opening the back seat of his car and pushing you in. He climbed on top of you and shut the door behind himself. The windows were tinted, but that didn’t mean people wouldn’t hear if they went by.

“I can’t wait to get home. I have to have you now.” Bill mumbled, nuzzling against your collarbone. His large hand slid up your dress, yanking your panties off and tossing them up to the front. You were already soaking and you could hear it louder now as he eagerly rubbed at your pussy now. Your back arched, soft little whimpers leaving your lips as he began to nip at your neck.

“Shush, baby. Or we’ll get caught.” You could feel his smirk against your neck, like the thought of getting caught turned him on, but oh it turned you on too. You could hear him undoing the belt of his pants, unzipping his slacks and felt him shift to pull his cock out. You stared up at the ceiling of his car, trying to catch your breath. You never did though as you felt him slap his long length against your folds. “Beg for it, baby. It’s so hot…” Your whole body felt like it was on fire, hips jutting up, wanting him inside of you so bad.

“Ah…Bill…please….” You started, but then you felt one of his hands wrap lightly around your neck, the other keeping his cock from slipping inside of you. His face was so focused, usually bright eyes suddenly dark and hungry.

“Please what?” He asked through a clenched jaw. You could feel how hard he was throbbing for you. It only made you both want it more.

“Please…fuck me.” You panted and he put his thumb in your mouth. You sucked it eagerly and he watched you for a second, biting his lip.

“Since you asked nicely.” He hummed, hips shifting before sliding the tip of his cock inside of you. Your toes curled in your boots. He used the window as leverage, freehand pressed against it. His eyes locked with yours as you slowly took him inch by inch, your hips moving eagerly to meet his. You couldn’t hold his gaze though when you felt him all the way inside of you, eyes rolling to the back of your head for a second and nails digging into the leather of his car seats.

“Fuck, you’re so tight, baby.” He hummed, leaning down to press his full lips against yours. He began to rock his hips, slowly, not wanting to make the car bounce too much. “Feels so fucking good.” He mumbled against your lips. You couldn’t help but bite and nip on his lips then, making him grunt. It seemed to go on forever. Him slowly fucking you in the back of his car in a parking lot of a damn sushi place. You felt warm all over, thighs quivering.

“I need to cum, baby girl. Can I cum?” Bill asked suddenly, spreading your legs a bit as he began to pound at your cunt. You couldn’t contain the half moan half squeaks that left your lips then with each hard thrust.

“Mmf yes! Cum for me, baby! Give me your cum!” A few more thrusts and he was pulling out, shooting a heavy loud of cum onto your stomach and dress. He hummed softly, kissing along your collarbones lovingly, soft purring sounds leaving your lips.

“I’m gonna make you cum so hard when we get home.” Bill mumbled then, hair matted with sweat.

“I know, baby. I know.”

[deliriousabsol]

“Watch out for the cars...”

Imagine that said in a low, creepy purr, and you’re spot on.

Okay, so I wasn’t gonna reveal this AU quite yet, but I can’t get it outta my head.

Yup, that’s Infinite the Jackal decked out with cyber dreads (and a new outfit because reasons.) He’s fun to draw like this. Like... I kinda can’t stop. I’ve not yet shared my first attempt, after he showed up in my head in all this flamboyance. Actually BOUGHT himself into this AU, given I wasn’t originally gonna put him in it.

(The cheek... At least he also brought a ton of lore along for the ride...)

Anyway, I’m not gonna explain the scene =P I’m mean like that. Y’all will have to wait and see if anything actually comes from this.

Time taken - about six hours *she says, sobbing into a bucket* (And that doesn’t include my previous hand-drawn attempt. The digital version was done because flat colours are nicer and I can’t draw straight lines freehand to save my life.) For those who’ve noticed it and are waiting for me to clarify (or those just curious) the art style is heavily inspired by Kagerou Project.

I’m not entirely that sure I’m happy with the sidewalk, but I’ma leave it like that anyway. The background isn’t meant to be three dimensional.

Yes, he totally would go to the karaoke bar. It’s already been asked of me XD (Amy would probably protest. She doesn’t look all that comfortable as it is.)

Not sure whether to post this on the Sonic Amino yet as I don’t wanna disrupt my MBtM chapter flow >.< Decisions... Too tired to compute... Should probably finally sleep...

(Sonic the Hedgehog and its characters (c) SEGA) (Kagerou Project (c) Jin)

[maiji]

Process and wip images for A House That Holds Long Limbs (Part 2) 

See Part 1 process and wip documentation

Read the pages for part 2 here (full complete version will be linked from YYH North Bound master post) 

As a story progresses, I tend to become more comfortable with jumping ahead and around in my so-called process. This is mainly because the idea of getting deeper into the action is exciting and I want to get to drawing the pages as quickly as possible. The downside is that it usually results in a lot of “oops” and rework on what was supposed to be a final page.

Here you’ll see that script/pagination/thumbnailing and final pages are all starting to drift even more than in Part 1.

The (last version of the) script

Earlier versions were even more point form and incoherent with typos. But, it only needs to capture enough that I can recognize key actions, points of dialogue, the mood, things to draw in the panels, etc. A few specific items to point out:

“[new part 2]”: The script originally had no exposition on rokurokubi - it went straight to Hokushin telling Raizen he was leaving. It occurred to me later, after I’d started thumbnailing, that inserting a few pages of storytelling narrative right here would help to further solidify the kaidan (traditional Japanese ghost story) effect and mood. More importantly, it creates a baseline reference for what the reader will know about rokurokubi for the purposes of this story. I was lucky that Part 1 and Part 2 were cut neatly enough that this wouldn’t be jarring.

I’m still not entirely happy with the text for this section, mainly the “features of note” about rokurokubi. Not just the fact that it’s oversimplification and slight adaptation of actual Japanese folklore - which can’t be avoided unless I want to write a historical essay here. I’m mainly not super keen on how each of the three items has been phrased. It’d be nice to make the three points more parallel in terms of length, but I couldn’t seem to edit, increase the number of points (by splitting them up), or reorder it effectively without negatively impacting other aspects of pacing and information reveal. More points would draw out the pages longer than I wanted, and some points were clearly sub to other points. The final here is the “good enough” version. JUST GET IT DONE ALREADY SO THAT IT CAN GO OUT INTO THE WORLD.

Sooo many word choice changes. The biggest one, done at the last second, was “They are almost always female” to “They are rarely male”. Other phrasings I debated - “They are very rarely male”, “They are almost never male”, etc. Lemme tell ya, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds… Anyways, the main reason for this was because after I drew it and ran the text through my head, the originally-intended juxtaposition of Hokushin on this page with the word “female” felt too subtle. I felt it would create a brief moment of cognitive dissonance that didn’t serve the flow of the story, so I changed it to create emphasis on the same gender instead with the rationale that it will flow more smoothly and allow the reader to focus their attention on the fact “males are very rare” more than the mental hiccup of processing the juxtaposition. DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE?? It made sense in my head.

Anyhow, I’m sure there are people who will disagree with many of the decisions I’ve made, but at least you can see what I was trying to do.

Thumbnails

As mentioned, these thumbnails were done BEFORE I decided to insert the exposition at the beginning.

The first two rows on the left hand page are actually the same set of pages - you can see little arrows pointing down or to the right whenever I’m dissatisfied with a thumbnail and attempt to redraw it.

WIPs

I really like how Hokushin turned out in the last panel here; I like the pencils more than the final inked version. It’s also another example of changing text up to the last second. In case it’s hard to make out, it says (along with what happened to them in the final):

First thought bubble: Ugh, whatever… (moved to the next page, seemed to work better as the end exclamation for this sequence of thoughts before he turns his attention to something else)

Over Hokushin’s head: Aaaargh (moved into the thought bubble)

Second thought bubble: He’s not my responsibility anyways! (no change)

First arrow:  *already feeling bad* (no change)

Second arrow:  *too responsible* (dropped, since a previous panel already said “too responsible”. Too redundant)

Next to Hokushin: All he did was tie me up in a tree (no change)

The above panel “And at night...” was a thrilling and scary thing for me lmao.  I don’t usually tackle large patches/fills of black, since many of my comics are scribbly in style (pencils, hatching) or colour. I’m too lazy for screentones, traditional or digital. It’ll be interesting as parts of the story coming up will involve poorly lit/dim/dark spaces. I’ve been reviewing how other artists handle it, particularly those with styles driven by pure-ink or minimalist type approaches. Two immediate examples from Yu Yu Hakusho that I’ve been going back to are the dark room fights during Genkai’s successor trials (I’ve taken a similar approach here), and the haunted bedroom case in volume 19. Hardcore cross-hatching seems like a likely route, but that freaks me out when I have to do it over faces. I’d like to minimize or avoid screentoning out of principle, but I still want to create a clear mood, so we’ll see how it goes...

This was my view while inking this page - holding the book in one hand while inking Hokushin with the other. Using the more freehand, sketchy inking style for this comic was so helpful in terms of reducing my inking anxiety and allowing me to work faster.

It’s always great when you can find a reference for period armor (because I find armor very difficult) that is so close to the pose you’re already drawing. There are some small differences - for example, Hokushin’s head is turned more to the right; his left arm is turned and raised more as he’s pulling the sword upwards. But it’s close enough.

Also, spotlight on a few of the books I’ve referenced over the course of working on North Bound in general and this part specifically.  

Clockwise from top left:

日本服飾史 女性編 and 男性編 (History of clothing/costume in Japan female and male editions). This marvelous set of books highlights Japanese fashion throughout history. I’ve actually been referencing these photos for a long time before I ever picked up these books - you can see them at the Costume Museum’s website here, alongside helpful line drawings and translations of some of the details. But the books allow me to see a lot more detail.

Hokusai manga vol 1 (this book is published as part of a set of 3). Sketches by Hokusai. This one focuses on “The life and manners of the day” and includes drawings of youkai, including rokurokubi, as well. You can check out the drawings online at places like The Pulverer Collection Online Catalogue.

Action references!! Real Action Pose Collection 02 (focuses on sword fights) and my favourite Samurai & Ninja Action Scene Collection. Not used as much in Long Limbs, but was helpful in some of the other chapters. The time frame is really much later than what I need for ideal clothing references, but it’s helpful for things like movement.

Kekkaishi volume 32. SPOILER a key flashback takes place about 500 years ago, which is actually a few centuries off give or take from but at least it’s closer than the Edo period. I’ve been looking at it for houses, some clothing.

Osamu Tezuka’s Phoenix - Civil War parts 1 and 2. I reference this so much while working on North Bound in general. It has scenes with peasants and commoners and some appropriate street and interior environments, not just stuff focused on the aristocracy or warrior classes. Just have to remember that they flipped all the artwork in the English version lol

Bunch of Yu Yu Hakusho manga and anime references from the end of the series, mostly for Raizen, the kudakusushi and just to check against things he or Hokushin said. The actual clothing and environments are not helpful at all lol

Last minute edits

After I posted, I discovered a few mistakes (of course). I used to freak out a lot and drop everything to fix it. Now I just sigh and laugh (and still freak out a little bit, depending on the mistake) and then decide what’s important enough to fix and what is like, “Oh well, whatever, move on with my life”.

I feel that seeing other artists share their frustrations and mistakes helps a lot of people feel better about it when they realize IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME TO EVERYONE (including professionals. There are errors like this in professionally published series, like Yu Yu Hakusho, too). YOU’RE NOT ALONE. 

So, these ones bugged me enough that I quickly redrew them on the computer.

[un-enfant-immature]

Here’s how TechCrunch is keeping our brains busy while we’re stuck at home

This is a difficult time. Whoever and wherever you are, your life is likely already changing in ways you never could have anticipated as the world grapples with the fast-spreading global outbreak of a virus we don’t yet fully understand.

It’s weird and hard and we’re feeling it too. Now more than ever, diving into new skills, old interests and even — perhaps especially — totally fluffy mindless entertainment can keep our minds refreshed and our days full. From at-home workouts and soothing virtual farming simulators to Catherine’s honestly uncannily good drawings of our staff pets, here’s what’s working for us.

Natasha Mascarenhas, Reporter

Bon Appétit YouTube videos

While this is not at all a revolutionary concept, Bon Appétit’s YouTube videos are the calming distraction I’ve been using after work. I give double points to Priya Krishna, their in-house Indian American chef, for inspiring me to go back to some old classics with confidence. If you like New Jersey, watch any of Brad’s videos. And If you like watching a gourmet cook try to recreate niche food items like Hot Pockets, watch Claire’s videos.

Overcooked

This is the perfect video game for people who don’t like video games but enjoy high-intensity conversations about flipping burgers with their housemates. You act like a chef with other users and try to complete recipes. And yes, things do catch on fire if you aren’t on top of your game.

Catherine Shu, Writer

Procreate app + Apple Pencil

I was skeptical about digital art because my favorite part of sketching is messing around with different mediums, but the combination of Procreate (I use it on an iPad Air) and my Apple Pencil have been a very welcome distraction. I do a combination of freehand sketching and tracing photos to make my own versions of coloring sheets. I’ve been keeping a sketch journal and drawing pet portraits for my friends: this one is of TechCrunch’s hardware editor Brian’s rabbit, Lucy.

Keeping a journal 

….or you can try sketching with pen and paper, too! If you don’t own an iPad or drawing is not your thing, then journal. Seriously. This is a very strange time and things keep changing and escalating. I live in Taiwan, where COVID-19 has impacted daily life for months already, but I find it very hard to remember the details of what happened or how I felt from week to week. Keep a regular record, even if it’s just a couple sentences. It will keep you centered when the days start to blend together.

Brian Heater, Hardware Editor

High Weirdness: Drugs, Esoterica, and Visionary Experience in the Seventies

A thick tome that deconstructs the roles Philip K Dick, Terence McKenna and Robert Anton Wilson played in developing the psychedelic subculture of the 70s. Heavy, man.

On cinema

The lore runs deep with Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington’s On Cinemaverse. There’s the podcast, the series, a motion picture, another series (Dekker), a multi-hour mock trial and seven live-streamed Oscar specials — all of it is deeply hilarious.

Kettlebells

I dusted my old kettlebell off. This and morning yoga (see: Natasha L’s) have been the extent of most of my exercising, but the number of things you can do with the dumb piece of cast iron is mind-boggling.

“The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place” by Explosions in the Sky

I can’t say why for certain, but I’ve only been able to listen to largely instrumental music since this whole thing went into overdrive here in the U.S. My playlist at the moment mostly consists of jazz piano like Monk and Bill Evans, guitarists like John Fahey, Jim O’Rourke and Khaki King and more noise-oriented work like Can and Boris. But post-rock has been my real rock, including Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mowai and this absolute classic.

Devin Coldeway, Writer

Ring Fit Adventure

This Switch fitness game with its ring controller has helped me exercise regularly even after I finished my review. It’s even more helpful now that the actual gym is not an option.

Stardew Valley

This peaceful farming game is a great one to play with friends who might not be interested in more “serious” gaming. Download Discord, start a farm and have fun. Make sure you’re all on the same platform!

Generative.fm

People who haven’t worked from home much likely don’t have a big selection of ambient music that’s easy to work through. This site has dozens of pleasant but not distracting procedurally generated streams that go forever.

Korean and Chinese historical dramas

Tired of the same old U.S. prestige TV and sitcom reruns? Korea and China have been making AMAZING historical dramas like “Nirvana in Fire” and “Mr Sunshine” that are very different from what you’re used to.

Darrell Etherington, Writer

RimWorld

A great resource-gathering and crafting sim with a fun style and very light system requirements that’s available on both PC and Mac. A recent expansion provides even more fun.

Zooniverse

You might have a lot of extra time on your hands, and Zooniverse turns that time into crowdsourced contributions to ongoing scientific research. Verify lab results! Identify raccoons! Do all kinds of fun stuff, easily and from the comfort of home.

Hello from the Magic Tavern

This is a long-running podcast with the simple premise that a normal guy from Chicago finds himself trapped in a high-fantasy, Tolkien-esque world. All improv on-the-spot storytelling, and plenty of archives to catch up on.

Josh Constine, Editor-at-Large

Cowboy Bebop

If you were ever curious about anime, or thought it was too childish or ridiculous, you need to try Cowboy Bebop, the 1997 animated series. It’s about a group of bounty hunters in the near future navigating the gig economy as they try to find where they fit in the universe after an accident nearly destroys earth. Cowboy Bebop offers gorgeous noir-ish illustration, stylish fashion, thrilling action and suspenseful romance, all set to hip jazz soundtrack. You can binge the two seasons, but most episodes are relatively self-contained for a satisfying quick hit of entertainment.

Overwatch

Most first-person shooter games are pure tests of reflexes and experience, making them daunting to those who end up getting pwned by long-time players. Overwatch is different. Instead of everyone having similar weapons or skills, in this 6-on-6 battle you pick one of 31 different characters with unique attack, shield and healing abilities. Be a ghostly dual-wielding assassin, a viking knight with a giant hammer or angelic doctor who can revive teammates. It’s more about the interplay of your squad’s characters than individual effort, which is perfect for those feeling lonely amidst quarantine.

Greg Kumparak, Editor

Apex Legends

If you’re into the concept of battle royale games but aren’t into the building aspects of Fortnite, check out Apex. You pick one of 12 “Legends” (each with their own strengths and abilities) and team up with two other players to try to be the last squad standing. Like most battle royale games, it’s easy to keep saying “OK, OK, one more game,” until you look up and realize you’ve been playing for eight hours straight. It’s available for Windows, Xbox One and PS4… and it’s freeeeeee!

Ask the StoryBots

Working with a young kid at home and need to give them a bit of TV time for everyone’s sanity? Can’t stand to watch any more Daniel Tiger? Ask the StoryBots. Kids ask questions (Where do planets come from? How do ears hear?), and the StoryBots go and find the answer. Created by the brothers behind JibJab (a viral internet thing before viral internet things were a thing) and acquired by Netflix, it’s somehow perfectly tuned for us to watch when everyone just needs some down time… and, I admit, I’ve totally learned a thing or two from it. Bonus: A lot of the music in the show is by Parry Gripp, the unreasonably clever songwriter behind Nerf Herder. The songs will get stuck in your head forever… but hey, better than Baby Shark.

MasterClass

It’s the best kind of “distance learning.” No one is going to complain about getting schooled by Steph Curry and the many other greats who appear on the platform.

Lucas Matney, Reporter

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

My hype had already been building for Animal Crossing’s release Friday, but after being under government-enforced shelter-in-place in San Francisco, I’ve been yearning for the relaxation of repaying predatory home loans to Tom Nook. We have little idea how this will compare to past versions, but given its been eight years since a major release in the series, I have sky-high hopes.

Natasha Lomas, Senior Reporter

YouTube’s fitness community is going to be essential to stay sane and healthy during this lockdown — whether you need specialised training or just want to keep (or obtain!) a general level of fitness. If I had to pick one longtime favorite channel I’d probably go for Yoga with Kassandra. The channel offers a mix of vinyasa and yin yoga classes, including some hour-long classes. The content caters to various levels and interests. For the more advanced she offers some minimal cues classes, which can be especially great if you’re sharing a living space and don’t want to take over too much of the general ambiance with yogi chatter. Namaste.

Matt Burns, Managing Editor

Gundam Models

I’ve never watched Gundam nor read the books. I don’t know anything about these robot guys. But they’re great fun to construct. The best part is there’s no glue involved. Everything snaps together in a satisfying way and the only tool required is a pair of snippers. A couple hours later, bam, robot dude with a giant gun. Things can get even more involved. Some builders take ultra-fine pens and line the panels, which gives the models more depth. Others add weathering marks and battle damage. I’ve taken to painting a few panels. There are no rules.

Anthony Ha, Senior Writer

Star Trek: Picard

The latest Star Trek spin-off on CBS All Access (and Amazon Prime Video outside the United States) is a bit of a slog in its early episodes, wallowing in a future that has gotten considerably bleaker since the days of “Next Generation.” But the pace is quickening, and the darkness increasingly feels like a reminder that an enlightened Star Trek future is something that has to be continually fought for and earned — and that we will always need compassion, curiosity and optimism.

The park

While the rules around going outside differ from location to location, it’s worth emphasizing that for many of us, walking and exercising at a safe social distance are still encouraged. Here in New York, with bars and restaurants and theaters closed, it looks like plenty of city dwellers are rediscovering the joy of green space. (Just remember to stay six feet apart!)

Ingrid Lunden, Editor

Pandemic (and other table-top games)

Not wallowing in coronavirus pity here! Pandemic is a group game, away from the screen, where everyone has to work together to cover the globe with research centers. Wonderful lesson to be had here: There is no single “winner.” You have to collaborate to reach the objective, which is to find a cure. Other table-top games my family likes include Catan, Ticket to Ride, Istanbul and Perudo.

Kirsten Korosec, Senior reporter and editor

Jump rope

I rediscovered a jump rope hanging on the back of my door and thought, hmm this is something i can do. In moments of frustration or when I feel like I’ve been sitting too long I just jump rope for a few minutes.

Organize!

In such a chaotic world, organizing and cleaning has been a go-to for me. That’s how I found that jump rope. ^^

Photo journal

I’ve been playing around with my Pixel 3 camera, digging into some of features and stuff I never bothered to learn. I have started taking macro and more artistic (in my mind) pictures of stuff in my immediate world. There are a number of cat photos too of course. But each day’s photo seems to perfectly capture my mood.

Taylor Hatmaker, Writer

Pokémon Sword/Shield

The world may feel upside down, but the latest Pokémon game is as relaxing and formulaic as ever. And there’s something about catching virtual animals and relegating them to tiny spherical prisons that makes home quarantine feel not so bad.

Duolingo/Memrise

I get bored when I don’t feel like I’m learning anything, so language apps are perfect. I got started with learning beginner Japanese in a classroom, so now I use apps to refresh my (very rusty) knowledge. And happily, the language has enough memorization to keep me busy from now until the end of time.

Fortnite

Against all odds I somehow got my non-gamer wife into Fortnite and we play it when we absolutely can’t otherwise turn our brains off. Fortnite is a 180 from relaxing games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, but it’s addictive and absorbing if you’d like to teleport forward in time a few hours. Also the new season has a really buff calico cat named Meowscles, so don’t sleep on that.

Cooking e-books

It’s the perfect time to hit the virtual library and check out e-books that embody the skills you’d like your very impressive aspirational self to have. In my case, I’m trying to learn the principles of Japanese and Thai cooking so I never need to eat out again, pretty much. Lately, I cook every day and it’s gone a long way toward keeping me sane. Cook something and waste a bunch of time taking artsy photos of what you made. You’ll feel accomplished, even if you won’t be winning any Michelin stars. If all else fails, make pancakes and don’t stop until you feel better.

[consulting-cannibal]

could you do a tutorial for drawing realistic faces? the faces of your rob paintings are so perfectttt

I WILL DO MY BEST OK so

this..i mean, this is just how i personally do it. there are probably better ways. i freehand, but i’ve been freehanding portraits for like a decade now, so note that practice is the key to this

so say you wanna paint some @stardustandmelancholy work. and whattaya know! what you wanna paint is mr. rob. nice. first thing’s first, i do a rough sketch. i mean, this is like, unpaved freshly dumped gravel rough. it’s just to give me a feel for my canvas and help me have a target to aim for with my guides

this is the reason i do digital instead of traditional–during this part i erase a lot (PRAISE THE UNDO), but i start blocking in a grid. if you see the face in squares, it’s basically all laid out for you. you can actually draw the features in as shapes at this point, but i am always too lazy to do this. it generally just leads to more erasing for myself

once i have my grid (which, doing this traditionally, i sometimes use a ruler to compare distances between features. with digital, you can do the same thing, actually–ps has a ruler! it’s with the eyedropper in CS5) i take a thicker brush to start doing actual facial features. these’re vague and sometimes where i stop if i’m not doing anything exciting with the sketch.

after that, i take a thin brush, and go over the sketch with correct/closer proportions/line weights. i’ll keep my sketch close and my reference closer. i’ll actually map out where the shadows are when i’m going to go in after it and paint. this seems meticulous, but once you do it a million times over, it becomes second nature and pretty dang speedy. you may struggle with proportions now, but once you’ve drawn enough faces (or the same one a lot!) you get a feel for where things should be anyway

once i have my finished sketch, i’ll go in with color, and that’s just a gradual build. the brush i used for it is actually just my sketch brush i used above, but with tablet pressure opacity enabled:

a lot of times in my life i’ve heard “YOU CAN’T JUMP AROUND A PAINTING! YOU HAVE TO FOCUS ON ONE PART UNTIL IT’S FINISHED” and that is…..no

no for me, that is.

say i get bored with a part of the beard, there’s a reason why, and it’s generally because it’s not coming together right. so you bet your sweet buns i’m gonna randomly drop working on a beard to work on a hat any day, because once i do that, i figure out why the beard was so boring and i make it exciting for myself again

learning art is different for everyone, and there is no set way. realism is difficult because you know what a face looks like, and you just want it to be. but you just gotta treat it like everything else! i can’t give many more technical or specific tips or tricks (i’m self-taught, so i really can’t help the way someone who knows how to teach this could) but i hope that gives you a little insight!

[delhi-architect2]

Journal - How One Design Firm Transformed Its Business Thanks to Fiverr

As any small business owner knows, trying to meet all of your clients’ varied wishes and deliver projects on time is a recipe for frantic days and sleepless nights. The challenge in maintaining quality while battling against tight deadlines and even tighter budgets is daunting. Thankfully, in the digital era, help is now at hand in the shape of online outsourcing platforms.

A leading player in this field is Fiverr, whose mission it is to make freelance services accessible to individuals around the world. In turn, they enable small businesses to grow strategically at a pace to suit them.

One such beneficiary is Robyn Mulligan, independent business owner at RM Interior Concepts, an interior design visualization company that specializes in creating conceptual designs for clients, designers and contractors. Robyn explained: “As a solopreneur running a business on my own, it can be challenging finding the right people with the necessary talent and proper skills to help me meet all of my client’s demands.”

The designer continued: “As a result of the amazing people I have connected with on Fiverr, I have had the opportunity to expand my business, bolster the services I offer and take on new clientele. I would have never been able to do this without Fiverr’s help.”

Architizer chatted with Robyn about the challenges of growing her business, and how Fiverr is helping her take her projects to the next level.

Architizer: Tell us about you and your business.

Robyn Mulligan: I started my interior design business a little over two years ago after transitioning from a career in fashion. I started out working with designers and contractors,  helping them to get their ideas on paper. Everything from elevations, floor plans, tile layouts and 3D renderings. I’ve even done exterior facades both commercial and residential. 

From there, I transitioned into kitchen and bath designs for clients that wanted to see how the cabinet color would look or the backsplash they chose before they made a final decision. Oftentimes, I will illustrate a birds eye view to see how all the fixtures will fit in the space before the actual construction is started. All those things are very important to what I do on an everyday basis.

Sample image of a bath rendering; seller credit: dream_build25

Are you an interior designer or an architect?

I’m an interior designer that focuses on space planning, but I’ve now extended my business to kitchen and bath design. Currently, I’m focused on growing that part of my business to be a full design service, a one stop shop. We will be opening our first showroom in the next couple months.

What is your introduction with Fiverr?

I was introduced to Fiverr by CK Design when I first started. We used Fiverr to produce elevations and floor plans. From there I used Fiverr to grow and expand my small business.

Is your business based on drawings, or on designing the bathrooms and kitchens themselves?

My business is not just about drawing or kitchens and baths; it’s a combination of all aspects of design so we can help with the project from concept to completion.

Sample image of a kitchen rendering; seller credit: dream_build25

So, Fiverr helps you expand your business?

I used a designer on Fiverr for my very first logo, my very first business card, and to help launch my website. I now have a social media manager that helps post updated photos to keep my business current. 

Aside from social media, design and marketing, are you using Fiverr’s architecture services?

Yes — I just used them to help produce drawings for the whole side of a building that is being built for a developer in my area.

A building that Robyn helped to realize – rendering vs real life; seller credit: meneliotorres

Are you working with the same service providers on a regular basis?

Yes, most of the time. I’ve built a loyalty with some of these people. The newer people on the platform are very busy; they have other things they’re doing. If I need something immediately and contact the one person that I usually work with, even if it’s 3:00 in the morning, he’ll get up and do it. They’re loyal to me because I’m loyal to them.

Bathroom designs; seller credit: dream_build25

Would you say that using Fiverr helped you increase your productivity?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. It’s a real time saver; instead of having to draw everything to scale freehand, I can just send it out and have it done in AutoCAD pretty quickly. Now I just send it over, double check it, make my notes and send in revisions. Eventually, I will hire an assistant just to oversee all our Fiverr projects.

Did it help you decrease your expenses?

Yes. When you are starting a business, you cannot afford a huge overhead. Until I am able to afford hiring a CAD artist on a full-time basis, Fiverr allows me the ability to have people work with me without having the expense of payroll, insurance and other business-related costs.”

You’re the ultimate buyer!

I am! Actually, sometimes I look at night, thinking to myself: “What else? What else can I use Fiverr for?”

Would you consider hiring BIM services through Fiverr?

Yes, I already used Fiverr to help me with a commercial project. He was able to take the plans with my drawings and model the building to create the new facade. These changes from the plans had to be adjusted from the architect but created an amazing visual to hang on the construction site! 

You mentioned you bought 3D rendering services on Fiverr. How would you describe your experience? Were you satisfied with the quality of what was produced?

100 percent! I offer 3D renderings to all my clients now to help move along the decision making process. My experience has been extremely positive; there are so many talented CAD artists on Fiverr. 

Are you using Fiverr for the 3D renderings to provide a visualization of your design?

Yes, I have two kitchen and bath programs that I use to generate cabinet elevations and floor plans. These software programs do a decent job to visual the product but from there I will have it rendered with the exact tile, lighting, countertop, floors, pulls and appliances. 

They approve, saying “It looks just like your drawing”. That’s what I’m able to offer them with Fiverr freelancers.

Kitchen designs; seller credit: phuocha_arch

To summarize your Fiverr experience, what is your one Pro and one Con?

It enables me to offer additional services, services that require talents that I don’t possess. I can draw freehand, but I am not a CAD artist. So, I take my weaknesses and outsource them. Fiverr helps me to grow my business in a way that I couldn’t on my own.

Having said that, I invested time on finding the right people. I’ve had a couple of experiences where I had a lot of pressure to get things done, and when you are communicating via a digital marketplace, you can’t always locate them 24/7. It does not happen often, but this is why I built loyalty with my preferred sellers.

I also take advantage of the time difference; I make sure to order and send the seller all the information before I go to sleep and then have the delivery ready in the morning when I wake up.

Is there anything else that you find relevant or interesting about the platform?

Fiverr is something that I use on an everyday basis. It’s gotten to a stage where I almost feel like I need to hire somebody to help manage my Fiverr; I’m not even joking!

It’s really great, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without that extra help; it makes me look good. There’s a lot of super talented people out there, and it’s great that we can all work together and help each other succeed.

Make sure to check out Fiverr’s new Architecture and Building Design store for yourself, explore the platform’s rendering services, and sign up to become a buyer or seller on Fiverr.

The post How One Design Firm Transformed Its Business Thanks to Fiverr appeared first on Journal.

from Journal https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/industry/rm-interior-concepts-fiverr/ Originally published on ARCHITIZER RSS Feed: https://architizer.com/blog