#i don't know how you forget to add train elements in your designs for train characters in the train musical about trains. but here we are.

[jekyll-doodles]

Revival Redesign, Main Engines || My Kofi & Commission Info || Do not edit, trace, or repost!

Rusty, Momma McCoy, Greaseball, and Electra.

I know the Non-Replica productions tend to be Different. And I do like some of the revival's designs. However, some of them missed the mark imo. So I'll be tinkering with the designs, trying to keep what I feel works, without the regular show's guidelines (mostly).

[artfoold00k]

Hey Dook, I really hope the upcoming year brings you nothing but good vibes and a perfect harmony in your awesome art! Your new pieces always make my day, seriously. You're such an inspiration, so dang talented.

Quick question for you: I often find myself stuck when I try to draw in my free time. How do you always come up with such cool ideas? Share your secrets on finding inspiration and drawing as expressively as you do, please!

(´｡• ω •｡`) Ah, you're so kind. Thank you for the good wishes. I wish you an awesome upcoming year as well.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

That's a good question! It's relevant for many fellow artists out there.

SUMMARY: Mix: your passion, your favs, a theme, portfolio and art goals. Power up with your references collection.

In details ⤵️

For me, stumbling onto those bright ideas that really click, started with digging into who I am and what I love.

It's mainly about recognizing the roadblocks and figuring out a fix that fits you. And it's like having a chill heart-to-heart with yourself:

you: I'm stuck. Can't figure out what to draw! mind: Okay. What is your main objective? Work or hobby? you: Feeling a bit rusty. Maybe I should start with something personal, you know, for practice. mind: Got it. First things first, let's jot down your favorite things. Got a list handy? you: Uh, not really. They're all up in my head. mind: No biggie. We can roll with that. It might spark some inspiration. But hey, to spice it up, let's create a visual board of you as an artist. Your focus, your style, your values — everything. Think of it like a moodboard. you: Sounds kinda complex. I just wanted to doodle in my downtime. mind: Trust me, this won't eat up much of your time. It's a breeze, and the result might just be the secret sauce for your future drawings. Start a bit now, pick it up later.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I, actually, aided it further.

All my ideas that wake me up or keep boiling in my head, I write into digital lists (in my case is TickTick app). Because when I see something inspiring (or someone) I can attach a link where needed, or add a custom note with markdown available.

Then I began to fill up my reference folders. I work on them from time to time with a timer (20-30 mins). In my case, when I focus on character design, I have a collection of styles I want to try (including art from my favorite games cuz sure I want to learn how pro artists do it), coloring and drawing tutorials, educational (anatomy and all that), poses/faces/expressions, fashion, etc. *can be on your device, online drive, or a platform like Pinterest. Each set is not enough on its own. To make it work - combine things. Example: pick a pose, add a face to it, choose something trendy and fashionable, add your favorite colors/items/theme, throw some VFX. Mix and mash, don't be afraid to combine incompatible.

By establishing my priorities, I made lists (yet again, my obsession) of what I want to practice and then added each category in a randomizator to pick for me 3 elements to match and challenge. Here is my approximate plan (WIP). Random color generator (one of many out there)

I trained myself not to take too broad themes and stick to what I want to have in my portfolio (what drives my future commissions) while staying versatile. Takes practice.

I hope it helps somehow. It's something that works for me these days but might change in the future.

Find your own way because no one knows you like you do, so the most comfortable way to resolve an issue is the one that's crafted by you. Believe, your mind can find shortcuts and tips for you if tasked to do so. Don't forget to research and store.

[dotexts]

The Best Heart Rate Monitor Watches

A heart rate monitor is a tool that measures your heart rate in real-time. Although it was originally conceived as a medical device, sports have been added to its scientific use in recent times.

Thanks to a very rapid technological evolution, today the work of these devices goes far beyond the simple monitoring of the heartbeat since the data collected is sent to another device (watch, smartphone, computer) that analyzes and interprets it, sending back useful information: physical fitness, activity level, personalized training, forecast of competition results ... And to all that we add mobile connectivity, with access to social networks and specific applications depending on the chosen sport.

In total, that today sports heart rate monitors are mini-computers with so many possibilities that it is easy to get lost between technical specifications, and in the end, one does not know what to buy.

Why do I need a GPS? Will I get a smart band to measure my workouts? Does it pay me to invest time in learning to handle the schedules? They are common questions, and that is why, in this buying guide we are going to break down the main characteristics of these devices, explaining what each thing is and what it is for. So that you make the right decision yourself and buy the best heart rate monitor for your case.

Guide to buying the best heart rate monitor

We have already said it, but just in case we repeat it: the first thing is to think about what you want it for. It is not the same to prepare the San Silvestre of your town as to train the UltraTrail of Mont-Blanc. If your thing is to go for a run a couple of times a week to vent and keep fit, you may not need the best smartwatch on the market (although we recognize that it would look great on your wrist).

Therefore, above all, realism. Do not spend € 400 on a smartwatch that you are not going to take advantage of. Don't invest in a GPS if you don't get out of the gym. Do not install apps that you do not know or how they are used. To understand us: do not buy a Ferrari to drive on back roads.

Now, if your thing is to train hard and push your own limits, congratulations. It is an excellent time for sports because manufacturers have seen the vein and are bringing authentic machines to the market, with customization possibilities unthinkable a few years ago.

It is also true that with a smart band you will get in shape AND you WILL more:

Heart rate monitor, activity bracelet or sports watch, what does each one do?

Although they are often used synonymously, and the same device can combine characteristics of one and the other, several concepts should be clear before we get lost in the hundreds of options available on the market.

An analog heart rate monitor measures your pulse. Already. It neither analyzes the data nor tells you what to do with it. At most, the former were combined with a pedometer or a calorie counter.

An activity bracelet or smart band monitors all your movements throughout the day, including your sleep rhythms. This way you can calculate your status in great detail, set daily challenges, and record the achievements made day by day. This dynamic is very motivating, and more and more people are using it to help them maintain healthy habits.

A smartwatch or smartwatch is a small instrument that is worn on the wrist and is linked to a more powerful device, usually a smartphone. These types of watches have many more features than a bracelet (they vary depending on the model), including the option of having GPS, and are recommended for athletes who seek to train systematically and more or less professionally.

Main functions not to get lost heart rate meter

Come on, the heart rate monitor of a lifetime. Here it is important to see the device that is used because there are two basic options:

External sensor. These are usually chest bands or belts, although there are runners who put a sensor on their ankles. Not so long ago they were what they had, although many people complained that they were not comfortable and that is why they did not use them or reserved them for specific stress tests. Today the designs have improved considerably, and it must be said that they are the ones that offer the greatest precision in measurements. Essential if the sport involves aquatic activity.

Wrist sensor. The system is a bit more complicated than counting the heartbeat: an optical sensor calculates the amount of blood pumped and from there the heart rate is deduced. As it seems, it is less reliable than a chest strap, but the technology moves fast and there are already really good sensors that are very close to the ideal. The minor or major lack of precision is compensated by comfort, yes.

GPS

It is one of the elements that determine the price in a very clear way. If closed gym activity is your thing, you probably don't need it; But the moment you go abroad, the quality of the measurements is very noticeable when scheduling training. If you move around the city you will take advantage of it. If you go out to the mountain, you need it. Not only because of the information it is going to give you, but because it can get you out of a serious problem if you get lost en route or if you need medical help and you must give your precise location.

Submersible

If you like to wear your watch all day, it is something that you have to contemplate and that will also show in the price. Most watches state on their data sheet that they can be worn underwater, but there are many levels of quality. Some, more than submersible, are wet and will only hold a shower with great difficulty. This information is usually indicated with the IP name and in these tables, you can see the different levels of protection, although the manufacturer does not always provide this information.

A good way to know what the device will hold is to look at how many meters it can submerge, assuming that most manufacturers are very optimistic on the subject. With a resistance of 50 m you can start using it in the pool, and little else. We are talking about diving from 100 m.

If the connection with the charger involves removing the strap, extra care must be taken because the tightness tends to suffer from handling. If the strap is fixed and you want to change it or you need to replace the battery, have a professional do it if you want to guarantee that you do not get water in the next workout.

Finally, if you sweat a lot, don't think about it: you need a waterproof watch. Otherwise, its service life may be noticeably shortened.

Download data and social networks

Unless you buy an analog heart rate monitor, the normal thing is that any device already has an application for data download integrated, either of its own design or with software compatible with the most popular apps. The program "chews" your measurements and gives you diagnoses and training proposals, which can be 100% personalized.

Phone connectivity

It's not exactly a sports tool, but it can make your life a lot easier. On the screen you can view incoming calls and answer them, view messages, agenda, notifications from social networks ... There are those who when they go out to play sports take the opportunity to forget the world, but in an increasingly connected society sometimes it is important to have the information in real-time.

One last detail: the stress test

The goal of having an external tool is to customize each exercise to achieve optimal performance. A well-calibrated heart rate monitor will warn you if you are lazy, that is if you can train more intensely; or if, on the other hand, you are overexerting yourself, something that you only have to do at very specific moments if you don't want to damage your body.

To correctly interpret the data collected, it is advisable — if not essential—… to do a stress test that indicates our specific capacity. In this way, we rule out possible health problems that can give us a bad scare when training or competing.

Don't think about it: if you are going to invest in a bracelet or smartwatch, invest in a stress test first. It will tell you the state of your heart, and so you can take care of it with much more discretion. After all, sport is healthy, right?