#but maybe someone saw my header artwork and what my blog was about

[lost-technology]

Okay, I'm officially weirded out. I've encountered two people recently - and one whose art I really like, who don't have my main blog blocked and don't have my Trigun sideblog blocked but have all of my other sideblogs blocked? (I have taken to the practice, before I bother reblogging something from someone, of going to the replies and going down the list of which blogs can reply to an OP or reblog. If I see any of them faded out, I know that specific blog is blocked). My best guess is that I annoyed them in another fandom and they decided to block all of the blogs they knew I had connected from one fandom blog or another, including, apparently, my very barely-used original art and writing blogs. Considering I do not recognise the names of either of them outside of Trigun fandom, I don't think they are anyone I've personally had any beef with in the past, although they might be friends of friends of people I had beef with? Or perhaps they just really, really didn't like a ship or a character preference of mine. I am assuming that, simply because one of my past fandoms had CHARACTER!OPINIONS! and subsequent ship-wars and there were a LOT of people who would just block you outright if you happened to like one certain character or another certain character. (I thought it was ridiculous, but oh well). Seems like a dumb reason to block my seldom posted to original art blogs, though.

[strings-have-been-cut]

Spread the love - all of them

What's a roleplay blog whose characterization you admire?

I would be silly not to say Jeanette (@ltbroccoli) as I can literally picture Dwight's facial expressions and mannerisms and hear his voice when she writes. She knows Reg very well.

Just started playing with Dean (@assasenach) but he has such a good backstory and universe built around Lorian that he is constantly developing, and it's just really great.

What's a roleplay blog whose writing style you admire?

Chris (@asteritm) just feels like she is having fun when she's writing, and her narrative style is so descriptive. She sets the scene so well, and she's just a pleasure to read.

What's a roleplay blog who always has the best plot ideas?

Cy (@iamselfmade) is probably gonna show up on this list more than once, but this boy knocks plotting right outta the park. He comes at me with plots and headcanons at all hours of the day and I love and appreciate every second of it.

What's a roleplay blog whose artwork/edits/icons you admire?

Hope (@astraldestiny) has always had beautiful graphics. They're simple, beautiful...like her header with Deanna was just my favourite and her muses page is so so pretty. I dunno, I just love her aesthetic.

What's the roleplay blog you've been writing with the longest here?

UH. It's gotta be @ltbroccoli. I can't think of anyone I've been writing with longer on Tumblr! If you wanna get technical about it, @galaeus and I haven't done too much on Tumblr, but we RPed together back in like 2009 on forums hahaha. <3

What's a roleplay blog who's an absolute joy to talk to ooc?

There's many, but I gotta call out Max (@lostmojave) for this one. They're just so sweet and happy and always a pleasure to get a message from!

What's a roleplay blog you love whose character you didn't know until you started writing with them?

Hmm probably Hugh (@iamselfmade). I loved Hugh in the way that I would go 'Hugh!' when I saw him on TNG or Picard, but not the way that I really thought hard about him!

What's a roleplay blog with a friendly mun?

Dawn (@cristobalrios) and I have been speaking more recently, and she's delightful! We totally have to write together, but I like her a lot and we seem to have a lot in common!

What's a roleplay blog whose dedication you admire?

Jen’s (@nashforhire) Liz Nash is basically canon for me. I forget she's not sometimes. She has every single detail of Liz mapped out and obviously loves her and has spent years developing her. Liz's lore goes so deep (okay, Jen, I know, I wrote that and was like 'should I rephrase? no.) and that gives her so much life.

What's a roleplay blog that always keeps you pleasantly surprised?

I don't like the phrasing of this question because to me it sounds like 'which blog do you expect to be shit and you're surprised when it's not?' so shout out to @garakk because I was scared af to play him and people are still trying to write with me, so I guess I didn't fuck him up that badly - pleasant surprise!

What's a roleplay blog you admire from afar?

Uhm like all of them. But if it's someone I haven't written with? Maybe @crimsonsunsets because I've seen their stuff on my dash a lot and it's wonderful and pretty (hi there! nice to meet you).

[evelmiina]

Hey there! I really love your artwork and I think your painting techniques look so cool. I was wondering if you had any advice for someone who has little formal training on how to present your art to the world? I know that's a really vague question, and a lot of people would probably answer 'portfolio', but is there more to that? What about networking etc. Thanks so much!

Hello Anon!

Thank you, I’m happy to hear that. I do have some tips - it might be a tad long post, but hopefully there’s some grain of advice to be found.

I think using big social media platforms like Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram are very good for putting your work out there. Some find their audience in Facebook. However it may be, you do need at least one professional looking platform that shows only your best stuff and communicates with clarity what you do.

Lot of artists who struggle to find audience have a problem of a cluttered internet presence. They might be on many platforms, but the chances of when someone comes to check their Tumblr or Twitter, all they see is personal posts and unnecessary clutter of info, when they just want to see the art. It’s important that your main platform only shows the work you really love and are proud of, whereas some other platform might be for all of your work, sketches and personal posts. It’s important to be consistent, and also think about what is the name/handle that people are going to find you with. Nowadays, many artists use primarily their real name and/or maybe a consistent handle name. I’s a good idea to have some consistency, like a fixed avatar and a name/handle, it helps people to remember and recognize your work.

And it’s totally fine to have a blog or personal twitter, as long as there’s distinction. Make sure there’s always a link available directly to your work (whichever platform it is on) and to your email in the fixed post/header of your platform. For example, if you have a personal twitter, point out a link to your portfolio in the header and clarify that this platform is your personal non-art account.

As for networking, going to conventions and events is a way to get into big artist spaces. The key to “networking” really is to seek out genuine interactions and not to chase people based on their popularity or their job. Any artist, and professionals in the industry generally enjoy talking about their work, and you can start conversations based on something like “hey I saw you posted this artwork, I’d like to know more about it” or “I noticed you enjoyed X, I really liked it too”. As long as the topics range on something related to their work on some project or fun things they publicly talk about (stuff ike corgis, anime and movies they saw etc), it’s cool. Being intrusive about personal life not so much. It’s also better to start talking about things that are positively in common, bonding over hating something is rarely a good idea. 

Keep business cards with you, and give them out when people ask where they could see your work. Business cards don’t need to be fancy or expensive, just functional!

When it comes to networking, the most rookie mistake is being obviously desperate. I’ve had people come to me and straight up ask for a job or who should they contact to get a job, and it’s rude. I’ve also heard people suddenly drop conversations with an artist, when they get a chance to talk to someone “cooler”. I find at conventions people are eager to help and chat, but it doesn’t mean an opportunity to take advantage of others.

I know it can be hard to be confident as an artist, and conventions can be really overwhelming, but it’s best to bite my tongue if I start feeling like saying something negative about myself or my work. At those times it’s better to take a break and get a coffee, than to start talking to someone new while feeling like crap. 

I don’t know where you’re from and what kind of access do you have to places, but other ways of networking exist. There are often local sketch groups and artist meets in many towns and cities, that are also great for getting to know like-minded people. Art schools are great ways to network as well, but I come from a country where education was free, so I can’t fully endorse the American half-million dollar debt for a school experience. In social media, giving thoughtful comments and being nice is also networking. As long as it feels genuine to you, and not like machine-writing. If you don’t like something, it’s best to say nothing.

Finding a common interest is always a nice basis for getting into discussions. Ask questions and show that you’re interested. Networking can happen anywhere really, an internet forum or a hobby group.

It has been a challenge for myself, things like these don’t always come automatically. I used to have a lot of anxiety and my bad self-confidence prevented me from getting into some conversations or spaces, because I assumed some people are somehow above me, hence look down on me, or they hate me, or something like that, unreasonably. Once I’ve felt more comfortable with myself and my work, it’s easier to be comfortable meeting new people. 

[thatrandomvirgo]

Thanks @thatbasichuman for the tags, these question are getting deeper 😊

Mystery behind my url:

I will just blurt out random thoughts that nobody understands and I don't really know who I am so hold onto tags like Virgo and stuff like that

Any Side blogs?

Not yet I only just started this one :)

How long have you been on Tumblr?

Since April 1st

Do you have a queue tag?

Not unless it's accidental otherwise I save them to drafts (which I have 72 of, I've officially failed at Tumblr).

Why you started this blog:

1) I wanted a place for my thoughts without the pressure of having lots of followers.

2) @thatbasichuman (HI 😅) asked me if I had , and I didn't, so I thought maybe I would try it.

Mystery behind my pfp:

I love the artwork (credit to the owner) and I feel like it best represents my imagination, it's got some sort of aura going through her body.

Why you chose your header:

Because it space is everything I love: daydreaming, wonder and adventure. Of

Post with the most notes:

Picture won't load but it's the American Idiot post at the top of my blog

How many mutuals?

Around 2/3 of my followers are mutuals, they are awesome.

How many followers?

SOME

How many I'm following:

I'm following a normal amount for someone who just started.

Have you ever made a shitpost?

Probably not because I don't know what it is...

How often do you use Tumblr?

Too much I need help ... lol

Have I ever had a fight/argument with someone on Tumblr, if so who won?

I've had a fight in my head on something I saw on Tumblr and I won that but otherwise no...

How do you feel about 'you need to reblog this' posts?

Don't especially like them even though my blog IS safe for lgbtq+ people or whatever the cause but sometimes I will do it.

Do you like tag games?

Yes definitely! It's nice when people are curious about you!!!!

Do you like ask games?

Yes as long as I'm comfortable with the questions

Which of you mutuals do you think are Tumblr famous?

I have a few in mind but I'm too embarrassed to tag them 🤭

Do you have a crush on a mutual?

No

No pressure tags: Anyone who wants to do it ✨

Thank you @afraid-of-americans sunshine 

1. Why did you choose your url?

It just came to me, with the similar concept of “death by chocolate” (I lovee chocolate), death by something indulgent…like Freddie  😏

2. Any side blogs? If you have them, name them and why you have them.

Well, I do have one other, a side blog that’s virtually empty because I just don’t know of anything fascinating enough to post on there. It’s supposed to be a blog with other random things I like or find cool… My side blog: Citrus Paradisi  🍊

3. How long have you been on Tumblr?

A while actually. So this current blog was just an un-weeded garden of a mess for about 4 years. Then, near the end of 2019 I began to fix it up and build what I have now. 

4. Do you have a queue tag?

no, I don’t hold things in queue. I just post things whenever I’m up to it, or occasionally save to drafts 😉

5. Why did you start your blog in the first place?

I looovee Queen and classic rock! Tumblr is the best social platform in my opinion. I love the creative and unique format of tumblr. So cute and expressive!

6. Why did you choose your icon/pfp?

I tend to change it from time to time. I currently have this beautiful artwork of Freddie (credited to illustrator, Samlo). Previously, I had a picture of Brian, beautiful as always this shoot from the ‘74 White Queen Mick Rock photoshoot. 

7. Why did you choose your header?

that most adorable gif of Brian? 🥰 Just have a look! precious right?

8. What’s your post with the most notes?

Well, the one commenting on each Queen member in a Japanese magazine circa ‘75  and the long post of Queen’s first photoshoot in Freddie’s apartment circa ‘72 

How many mutuals do you have?

A good little bunch! fond of them all 😊

10. How many followers do you have?

212

11. How many people do you follow?

25

12. Have you ever made a shitpost?

Not sure, good chance I did though…

13. How often do you use tumblr each day?

Much to often hehe…its the only platform I actually use.

14. Did you ever have a fight/argument with another blog once? Who won?

Never. I’m pretty chill, unless I see something really bad that I need to report (which never lead to a fight).

15. How do you feel about “you need to reblog this” posts?

Unless I see something that I really feel I should reblog, I don’t reblog, because I’d rather post something original/new. That being said, from all things I’d reblog, posts pressing me to “reblog something because/or else” are the worst - I find that it’s just a way to get notes. 

16. Do you like tag games?

absolutely, yes!!

17. Do you like ask games?

Yes, for sure!! though i never really get any 😞

18. Which of your mutuals do you think is tumblr famous?

@soundsof71 @innuend-o @ohmybribri

I think highly of all of them  :D

19. Do you have a crush on a mutual?

No, I see them as my best friends  😊

20. tags! and anyone who wants to do it..

@ohmybribri @soundsof71 @brianmayhem @innuend-o @yearthirtynine @thatbasichuman @sevenseasofyeet @meddrowse @wildhornypie13 @myidentityisamystery @maydustspecial @i-will-be-a-legend

[emthelibra]

thank you @tricewithaz for tagging me! :)

1. Why did you choose your url? saraphina was my childhood cats name and i thought it would be perfect to use for my artwork. as you can tell i was obsessed with the barbie movies as a kid, and yes i know i spelt her name wrong but i was like 4 so don't come for me haha. (i had to add the extra 'i' because just saraphina was taken)

2. Any side-blogs? i made one to separate my art from fandom stuff but it was all just too annoying to deal with lol. i don't mind having my art posted along with my other interests. i hope you all don't mind too much (you can always track my art with #saraphiina if you just wanna see my work and nothing else)

3. How long have you been on tumblr? if we're talking using tumblr casually for searching things, just reading fanfiction and not interacting like at all then i've been here for almost 4 years. if we're talking how long have i been actively posting and being apart of the communities then its only been less than a year i think. i'm still very new to how this all works and how to properly tag, reply, etc. if you see me do something wrong please let me know so i can correct it!

4. Do you have a queue tag? i have no idea what this means haha

5. Why did you start your blog in the first place? i wanted a place to talk about my oc's, post my art and get to know people better, and have the people who like my art get to know me better. instagram was the only place i was posting my art and don't get me wrong i like it on there but i find it really hard to talk more freely without having it be on your story or having to have a picture to post along with what you wanna say

6. Why did you choose your icon/pfp? its my drawing i did of brie larson for her brithday (just fact we have the same bday!). tbh i picked it bc i loved the colours and it was easy to figure out the layout

7. Why did you choose your header? i have the header turned off

8. What's your post with the most notes? i think its my recent drawing of tamar from the shadow and bone books. i still can't believe that many people saw my drawing and enjoyed it enough to share and like it. not to be a corny bitch but thats the type of shit that keeps me going!! thank you <3

9. how many followers do you have? 31 i think

10. How many people do you follow? yikes only 25 accounts what the heck. i gotta follow more people!!

11. Have you ever made a shitpost? i have yet to do that on here but it'll happen soon it's in my dna

12. How often do you use tumblr each day? on and off through out the day

13. did you have a fight/argument with a blog once? no and hopefully it won't come to that because confrontation gives me ✨anxiety✨

14. How do you feel about 'you need to reblog this post'? it all depends on what the post is about, what they are trying to do and whether it's about something triggering to others or not. its not really a black and white situation, theres a lot of grey

15. Do you like the tag games? i do! this is my first one :)

16. Do you like ask games? sure! i've never played one before but i bet i'd enjoy it

17. Which of your mutuals do you this is tumblr famous? i have no idea tbh i'm not sure what makes someone tumblr famous lol

18. Do you have a crush a mutual? maybe i do, maybe i don't, you shall never know

19. Tagging: i'm gonna tag anyone who wants to do this. you reading this right now have been tagged!! hehe only if ya want though

[deadphoenx]

Who Are Those Chibi Characters? [10 Anniversary Special]

So you’re now accustomed to the gallery and all its intricacies. But you’re probably wondering what those Chibi characters are adorning the header (and several other areas, like on Twitter, DeviantArt, Pixiv, and the 10 Anniversary Poster). I’ve already explained a little bit on both DeviantArt and Pixiv where they come from. But now I’ll give a full explanation as to when they were created, what they were associated with, what years they represent, and if they’ll still have any use in any projects or stories I create.

I should probably start with the fish, the odd-man out of the entire group. Finne is my mascot. He technically debuted in 2006 under a different name and part of a fan-game idea. However in 2009, I started drawing him more frequently among my friends and family, acting as something of a calling card whenever I was around and I wanted to leave behind a drawing. He was quick and easy to draw compared to other characters I’ve done. He soon became part of my “DeadPhoenX” logo in 2010. My gaming blog “The Wired Fish” was also named after him and incorporated into the site’s logo. Today, he’s still in almost everything I do. As a matter of fact, since 2015 he’s included as an Easter egg in all original art (not fanart) that I do. Think can you find him? He represents years 2010-2013. Artwork With Finne: He's everywhere! 

Chelsí is the next one, full name Chelsí Pleinair. Her creation is an interesting case and is something that almost every girl in this group has in common. She was created in 2004 as “Chelsea” and was a schoolgirl with a French Painter theme. Her design was inspired by a line of Lollipop Girls dolls that my sister was collecting. The story she was included in was actually a hentai story I had concepts of. However that went nowhere with the story being scrapped (but the characters being retained for repurposing in other stories). She was then (somewhat subconsciously) repurposed for a medieval fantasy story as a French-themed princess around late 2005. Like before, it too was hentai themed. However that story was scrapped too (with the characters being retained as well). So she was never drawn again until 2015. There was a ribbed sweater craze going on in the ecchi art community, and I was wondering how I could get in on it. Then I remembered having a French painter girl in my repertoire of characters that wore a sweater. So I brought her back with her old design and under a new name spelling, Chelsí, and made her sweater ribbed. Once uploaded, she became my postergirl for everything I do, representing the art side of things. Since she debuted in very late 2015 but had more art in 2016, she represents 2016. Artwork with Chelsí: What Am I Going to Draw Today (2015), No Valentine's Day Pic (2016), I'm Ready To Paint (2016), Chelsí's Summer Fashion (2016), Joyeuse Saint Valentin (2017), Zis Chandail, It'z So Low! [Virgin Killer Sweater] (2017) 

The catgirl, Rhapsody, was actually something of an error in both name and design. Starting with the name, she was actually a short-and-pink-haired catgirl. She debuted with a set of 5 catgirls and was part of a regular story idea I had. You can still find her tucked away in my DeviantArt gallery. All catgirls I’ve ever drawn had musically themed names. Here’s where the error part comes in. I had another catgirl under a different name that has the current white paws, pink stripes, and blonde hair look. She was part of a hentai story idea that saw all the catgirls from the normal story repurposed to here and completely naked. So she was a new addition to the group. When it came time to draw her and Lullaby together on DeviantArt, I realized too late that I accidentally named the new girl Rhapsody. So I pretty much gave her the Street Fighter II treatment. She would stay as Rhapsody while the old one would have whatever name the new girl originally had. She represents her online debut year, 2007. Artwork with Rhapsody: Wanna Play a Game (2007), Purrrfect Valentine's Day (2015) 

Belinda comes from the second hentai story idea that Chelsí once appeared in. All I could remember was that she was a witch, and that’s about it. Any details about her relevance to the story were all forgotten. In 2015, I wanted to get in on the Halloween art and had the perfect character I could use. So I brought back Belinda from the Scraps ghetto and gave her the full artwork treatment 10 years later (since the story she was in was conceived in 2005). She currently doesn’t have much of a story and is really only made for anything Halloween/spooky themed. Since she made her online debut in 2006, that’s the year she represents. Artwork with Belinda: Belinda's Halloween Rush (2015) Next is Harriette. She came from the same hentai story that Rhapsody came from. Talking more about that story, the theme of it was mythical fantasy-creature girls. Not necessarily monster girls, but things like Mermaids, wood nymphs, fairies, angels, catgirls, etc. Harriette (whose original name was simply Fluffy), was one of only two bunnygirls in that story. She never made her debut online and was never repurposed for any other story. When Easter 2015 was close by, I figured it was time I drew her again. However since Japanese artists and quite a bit of the ecchi/hentai community like it, I decided to make her a bit thicker this time, as well as give her a new name. Her name is actually a pun on “Hare”, which actually gave me a hard time sometimes when I would say her name out loud and trying to squeeze the “Hare” in there. I’ve since given up and just pronounce it like normal. Since someone already has 2015, Harriette’s online debut year, she instead represents 2005, the year before I joined DeviantArt (and having any online presence). Artwork with Harriette: Harriette Easter Surprise (2015), Please... Gimme That Chocolate Carrot (2017)

The No-Name Mermaid comes from the same hentai story as Harriette and Rhapsody. She actually had a name back then, however around that time naming things didn’t really work too well. I can’t remember her name right now, but it was probably something simple and dumb. So now she doesn’t have a name. She was paired with another mermaid in that story that I might draw in the future. I wanted to do something water themed in 2015 that would help me flex my background-making muscles at the time. In bringing her back, I changed up her tail fin design a bit, and also made the tied hair more straight instead of making it flow out like big strands. She represents her online debut year, 2015. Maybe she’ll finally have a name before the decade ends! Artwork with the No-Name Mermaid: Sailing Through The Sea (2015) 

Lola’s origin is actually kinda forgotten. I can’t quite remember if she came from either a hentai story or a different story. Regardless, she ended up getting repurposed for the only story idea to make it to DeviantArt, Devangie’s Fairy Tale. She herself made her debut in 2007 with a light counterpart. However I made the mistake of building up her individual story, as well as others, before building up the world she would inhabit. This is something that I did a lot during my highschool/pre-online days. This would result in a lot of stories getting the axe and the characters shelved or repurposed. This would also include Devangie’s Fairy Tale. That story has been abandoned with all the human characters (except one of them) getting shelved. The fairies that were in that story might get repurposed back into the hentai that they were once in. I currently have plans to repurpose Lola into a normal story, this time without her light half. She represents year 2007. Artwork with Lola: Hell Hath No Fury (2007), Darket of Lolitas (2007)

Lady Jess comes from a series of girls I drew in 2009 called the BladeLadies. At the time, I was really into rock and heavy metal, getting a metal poster calendar and got inspired by the music video Ghost Town by the group Shiny Toy Guns. I remember sketching out a more realistic semi-nude Heavy-Metal inspired woman in a small sketchbook I had. Right next to her I drew this tiny puppet like thing with a cartoonish blade, a helmet covering half her head, and very pointy torpedo-tits. I wondered what this would look like if it was drawn larger. So I did that on the next page. I then got the idea to draw more of them with different boob deformations and weapons. The end result was seven of them being made. Also around this time was when I would change programs right in the middle of the series, forcibly getting switched from Picture Publisher 7 to GIMP. This was when my artwork creating skills would improve with better hardware. Lady Jess represents 2009. Artwork with Lady Mimi: Bladeladies - Lady Jess (2009)

Lady Mimi is my newest creation, making her debut in 2014 with the series BladeLadies 2nd. She was actually conceived soon after the first wave of BladeLadies ended, most likely around 2009/2010. The old theme of BladeLadies 2nd was actually based on gore, building up from the first wave’s theme of rock and heavy metal. I had drawn some BladeLadies concepts, with a few catching on. One of them was Lady Mimi with the giant piecing in her tongue and the tongue length being much shorter than now. At this time however, I had really bad artist block as well as college work eating up a huge chunk of my time. On top of that, I ended up realizing how bad I actually was at drawing gore. Upon my return to making pics on DeviantArt, I decided to bring back the BladeLadies. The theme was switched from gore to a circus, and this some had something of a story unlike the first wave. But it’s very minimal right now so that I can build the world first. Lady Mimi represents 2014. Artwork with Lady Mimi: BladeLadies 2nd (2014).

Meet the newest girl to the chibi parade, Xiuying Gushan! Like many of the other girls, Xiuying had her start in a hentai story. And like the others, when that story folded, they were all shelved. Due to my lack of knowledge on the specifics of Chinese and Japanese culture and language back then, Xiuying's original name wasn't even Chinese, but Japanese. I had desires to bring her back for a while, but I didn't find a good time to do it. I finally had a chance during this year's Lunar New Year celebration. The release did something of a snag, but I was able to upload the pic close enough to the Lunar New Year Date to be relevent enough. Currently, Xiuying is being utuilized in a story as high-ranking general. The story details won't be known anytime soon however. Xiuying represent 2017. Artwork with Xiuying: Natsuko Nakahara (2005, old name), Elegant Flower of the Lone Mountain (2017).