#it'll be the most highlighted in the final piece

[euniexenoblade]

Favorite Movies 2024

I do one of these every year, even though I see less and less of the current releases every year. But, I've been doing it on tumblr since 2012, so it's a tradition and everyone else does it so, why not?

There's a lot of movies I haven't gotten to see yet. Like, as far as I can tell Queer isn't available anywhere even though it's one of those movies I'm sure I'd love. Everyone seems to like The Brutalist, but I don't want to watch a bad cam recording. I don't usually see most non-American movies until the next year. Really excited to see that movie Viet and Nam.

That said, some honorable mentions:

Past Lives was a really beautiful film about a family immigrating to the USA from South Korea and how that affects their daughter and her friend's relationship, not to mention her identity. It's 5/5 for me but it's technically 2023 and it feels more fun to highlight the films I chose.

Perfect Days is a Japanese movie about a guy that works for a toilet cleaning company and it's really a beautiful movie. Like the previous mention the only problem is it's from 2023 and I think it'd be fun to highlight the films I chose.

Conclave is fun! Who would have thought picking the pope was exactly like high school cafeteria drama!

I'm sure no one cares for Speak No Evil, considering this one is an American remake. But, personally I had a lot of fun, James McAvoy is hot and honestly the family deserved it for diving a Tesla.

Drive Away Dolls is a really funny gay comedy. It's not good enough to make a "best of" list, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a watch. In that same respect, Bottoms was really funny. But again, not best of the year worthy, and it's from 2023.

Anyways! The list!

10 - Heretic

Heretic is one of those edgy pseudo intellectual movies that thinks it's so much smarter than it actually is. And I love it. Do not go into this expecting a horror movie, expect it to be some dude trolling some Mormon girls. Don't take it seriously and just enjoy the ride. It's funnier than it is scary. When the guy compares the Book of Mormon to Monopoly, or compares Jesus Christ to Jar Jar Binks? Hysterical.

9 - Alien: Romulus

I don't really have anything to add on to the letterboxd review. As a Alien lover, a Xenomorph fucker, and a die hard fan of the series, I really loved the atmosphere in this one. The world building was great. I'm happy we finally got a decent installment, finally.

8 - Challengers

Again, said most of what I need to up there. Challengers is not the movie you expect it to be. Funny as hell, interesting as hell, melodramatic as fuck.

7 - Will & Harper

Will & Harper is a breath of fresh air in today's transphobic climate. I didn't expect Will fucking Ferrel to be the trans ally of the year, but damn, he tried his hardest to keep Harper happy even in the darker moments. Will Ferrell's best movie (lol).

6 - Love Lies Bleeding

This fucking movie is insane. If you want to see a real lesbian crime thriller, this is it y'all. Music is excellent, acting is astounding, and they throw in some fucking curveballs to fuck with you. Underrated cinema.

5 - Monkey Man

Do you need another reason?

An amazing action flick in a similar vein to John Wick. Brutal, violent, but has so much heart. And we get amazing trans representation. This film looked beautiful, I'd argue only one other film had a visual aesthetic nearly as cool as this in 2024 (it'll come up later). Dev Patel wrote, directed, and starred in this, that's insane. He clearly had so much love for this project and it shows through.

4 - Look Back

I don't usually put anime movies on this list, but I don't know if I'll do an anime list this year so it has to be included.

From the creator of Chainsaw Man, we get a beautiful movie about friendship and loss. It's genuinely a beautiful piece of art.

3 - Femme

I'm not adding my letterboxd, it has spoilers in it and I don't want to ruin the ride. Technically a 2023 movie, but it's on John Waters favorite movie list of the year so it fucking counts.

A brutal look at internalized homophobia and the ways we hurt each other in our own communities. I can't recommend it enough, but trigger warnings for homophobia, assault, and abuse. It's really hard to get into the meat and potatoes of this movie without spoiling it. But, it's fucked up and well made.

I loved this movie. It looks so beautiful, the actors inhabit their characters so well it feels like it's all real, a gay horror movie if I've ever seen one.

2 - The People's Joker

Also technically not 2024, but this is the year everyone got to see it. But, The People's Joker is such a triumph of trans DIY bullshit. Making a movie about a trans woman Joker without the permission of DC sounds so stupid, but it comes together as one of the most interesting pieces of art to come out in the 2020s.

My first experience with this movie was unforgettable. I had no idea it existed, but my girlfriend who worked at a movie theater was like "this movie exists let's go see it!" And I was like, ok that's chill. I was hitting the weed vape so hard before going into this and killed me.

Live action, CGI, animation, this movie is a bizarre amalgamation of styles, built as this weird, indie love letter to Batman. Inside this shell of mixed artforms you find a very basic story about a trans woman finding herself and fighting for the respect of the people around her. And beyond that you can find comedy revolving around Batman lore or comedy revolving around inter community bullshit.

Outstanding movie. Would happily watch it 800 more times.

1 - I Saw The TV Glow

It couldn't be anything else.

Similar to previous, my movie theater girlfriend got a huge group of people together to go see this. I had seen trailers but I figured it was going to be a normal horror movie in the style of Candle Cove type shenanigans. I was very, very, very, very high when I saw this. Of the 15 or so people (all trans) that saw this, the majority were crying, a few were shell shocked and just left, and I'm there laughing about Phoebe Bridgers in the middle.

I don't think there's anything I can say about this movie that isn't already super well known. A transgender horror story with the message "it's never too late." As frightening, as sad as it is, it's also just the beginning of the story that'll have a happy end.

It's beautiful. Looks beautiful. Great soundtrack that fits the vibe. One of the best movies ever made, honestly.

[palefacestudentlove]

Kintsugi.— lewis hamilton

In Japanese culture, there is an art form that provides solace with sacred touch. Kintsugi. A broken object is put together again, glued and repaired with gold. A proof of how the deepest wounds and the darkest days have no power in destroying what one chooses to fight for. A story, telling the power of healing that love and care holds. Highlighting the flaws of the object with a golden shine. Unleashing the beauty of the history that every unique piece carries. Kintsugi. A symbol of solace even in the middle of chaos the world offers. The same kind of love we are about to learn from two beautiful souls.

Mercury. The planet that orbits the sun the fastest. Glorious in its game. Beautiful to imagine. This one however, happened faster than Mercury’s game. It raced light and time, painting shame with bold colours on those two fastest elements. Swift. Quick. No longer than a blink. Everything muted the second his car hit the barrier. Everything went silent. As if the world had lost its music and the birds forgot how to sing. And it was suffocating, how the blue sky in its glory appeared mocking that afternoon. 

He was smoothly weaving through the pack, making his way to the front as he overtook. One car. Two. Three cars. Majestically painting another masterpiece of his own on the track. A master leading and teaching the pack and the whole world, to engrave a beautiful story, carved by blood, sweat, tears, and respect. It was graceful, the way he danced on the track. Refined and poetic. And like all other dances, this one carried a story too, a plot of its own. One that is about to make the whole world whisper. One that would dull all notes of melody, even the most majestic orchestra. One that would make the dictionary lose its purpose in giving meanings to things. And definitely one that would make one person’s heart stop. Y/N.

Love, on its own, is a cruel game. It'll give you the most unimaginable. Painting a million different shades on the canvas of life. Building a huge tree house for you to lay in, safe from the danger and threat offered by the world below. Unfortunately, like every other thing this world has seen, it carries a darkness too. One second you look away, it'll rip out the carpet from beneath your feet, letting you fall into an endless abyss. Pushing you off the cliff even if your hands are clawing to hold on, to climb back. 

Lap 50. A car slammed into the barrier of Turn 7 with a force that shook the whole track. Making every single garage went silent. And when the dust cleared, she saw it. She couldn’t even whisper when the world demanded her to scream. Car number 44. Red flags raised. Safety car and medical car deployed. Little Gracie was kept close to her hip. One hand drawing circles on the little girl’s back. She didn’t have the power to look down, to look into those same brown eyes the little girl inherited. Her gaze was on Bono. Unmoving. The man hasn’t looked at her yet, his hand on his headset. Calling. Asking. Checking.

“Lewis, are you okay?”

Trying to be as calm as possible, as demanded for his job, Bono’s voice broke through. Steady but still noticeably strained. A few seconds passed. Silence. A few more seconds stretched longer, carving an open wound in her chest that grew longer and deeper as the seconds passed. Loneliness tapping a gun to the back of her skull. Waiting to claim its desired bullseye. Every single second that passed, every single murmur, every single whisper, every single turn of head, she was hoping it's to tell her that this was all just a dream. A stupid nightmare she'll wake up from soon. But there’s nothing. Not even the faintest sound of his breath. He’s not hitting the radio button. He’s not moving. In vivid details, complete with their own music, her mind orchestrated every worst case scenario like a finale. Someone will always have to be the first one to leave. This story is a centuries long inevitable fate. No one holds the power to deny it. But even then, her heart begged. No, not yet. Not today. Give us more time, please.

In every single love story the world had witnessed, it always spoke of sacrifice. Things like: I would die for you, I would burn for you. But that wasn't the case with Y/N and Lewis. Never had been, never will be. For these two beating hearts, it has always been different. I would live for you. I want to try, for you. That's how it has always been for them. Y/N is a midnight storm. A dark cloud stood loyally on top of her head, wherever she went. She had long accepted and made peace with that. But Lewis. Oh Lewis. He had shown her and gave her every single reason to live. Teaching her that she deserves way more than just surviving. 

So how? How will she find a way to survive this? If Bono turned his head toward her, and  told her that they had failed Lewis. That they had failed her, Grace. How will she go through her Sundays at home? Waking up to his side of the bed cold and empty? Eating breakfast alone after sending Grace to school? God, Grace's first day of school without her daddy? Will his chair at her school's sports day be empty too? No one to carve a poetic line along her shoulder with soft kisses while she prepares breakfast? Every single one hitting the harbour in waves. And she's drowning. But Bono called again, more urgent, but still calm. There’s two people waiting inside the garage for Lewis, and he couldn’t, he didn’t even want to imagine how he’s going to face those two if this ends badly.

“Lewis, talk to me mate.”

As if the heavens saw the scenarios her mind orchestrated, a faint whisper of breath went through the radio. Say something. Please.

“Yeah mate, I’m okay. Just… thinking about how I’m going to explain that to Y/N.”

Bono turned toward her and Grace, nodding calmly, exhaling a tension he’s been holding in too. Only after that, she could finally remember how to inhale and exhale. A relief. Like a clueless tiny toddler who just conquered the world with their very first wobbly step. Her hold on Grace was tighter, grounding herself in the safety of her daughter’s hair. Closing her eyes, because fear still lingers at the corner of the garage, and silence still has its hands on her shoulder. 

On the screen, the paramedics were rushing to his side as he carefully climbed out of the metal wreckage that no longer has the silhouette of a car. He was walking, but slow. Way too slow through the lens of her eyes as she watched in silence.

Lewis, on the other side of the page, was trying to not lay a single touch on his ribs as he made his way to the medical car. Don’t. She’s watching. His right hand however, raised two fingers shaped like a peace hand sign, before tapping it on the top front of his helmet, where his forehead should be. A sign. A language only him and her understand. A way of saying or showing i’ll be fine or you’ll be fine. She saw it. He knows she’s watching, witnessing. I’m living, Y/N. For you. For us. She turned her attention away, gathering their things, following Anthony who had stood beside her the whole time. Preparing for what would be a painful evening at the hospital, no matter how short or long. 

Everything that happened at the hospital was a blur to her. Pale fluorescent lights, murmured conversations with the doctor. Something about bruised ribs and nothing broken but he’ll be sore for a while. The hospital room they were in was too cold. Was it just the temperature playing its part, or the eerie chill in her bones that refused to leave? She didn’t even know. Y/N stood stiff at the corner of his hospital bed, Grace nestled in the crook of her neck, dozing off. Anthony sat on one side of the bed, one hand on Lewis’ thigh as the two men spoke in hushed tones, not wanting to wake Grace up, or pushing Y/N more to the edge of the cliff. 

She heard it all, as the words floated freely in the cold air of the room, but her eyes were too focused on the floor. And it’s torturous, how his eyes kept darting to his wife even as he was talking to his dad. Searching, calling, yearning, but her eyes refused to meet him. She couldn't even bring herself to even whisper. When all he wanted at that very moment was for her to scream in his face. Yelling. Telling him how worried she was. Put the blame on him. But she couldn't. Maybe, if she loved him less, her mouth would be able to do its job, spitting words, sentences. 

He had so much power over her. One that no one possesses. One that would make even the mightiest knights to lay down their shields on the ground, surrendering in defeat. She gave him that power. Handed it to him in a delicate box, wrapped with a fragile ribbon of love. Anthony’s gentle voice broke her unmoving gaze, offering her to take Grace into his arms, noticing how she hadn’t let go of the little sunshine since they left the track.

“No. She’s fine here. I’m fine.”

Hesitantly, Anthony nodded. Because he understood. She needed Grace in her arms. Not only because the little girl needed her, but also and mainly because she needed something to keep her from breaking down. Something to hold on to, to hide her shaking hands, to silence the trembles in her fingers. What isn't a part of ourselves will never hold the power to disturb us in any way. And maybe, just maybe, that's why all this shit disturbed her so much. Because it's a part of her that the track threatened to silence earlier today. Him. Her Lewis. That's why every tick, every breath, every whisper disturbed her mind so deeply, like a tsunami claiming its dominance through the alley it keeps on swallowing. So when Lewis called her name, she abruptly walked out in a careful manner. Leaving the room without sparing a glance at her husband. Something about wanting to check everything with the nurse before they leave, she said.

The flight home was unbearable. The luxury of the private jet did little to ease the tension. Nothing changed during the car ride home too. Suffocating him harder than his bruised ribs. Her eyes never left the window. Arms and hands hugging and caressing Grace’s back as she fell asleep in her arms. A rare occasion whenever Lewis is present. 

His brown eyes however, never left her tired face. Flickering to her every few minutes. His heart further declined, stretching its descent deeper and deeper as the tension in her jaw became apparent to him. The same one his lips had traced a thousand times in between the sheets, in the mornings where he would hug her from behind as she prepared breakfast.

Once the car pulled into the driveway of their house, Y/N immediately got out, carrying Grace inside without waiting for the man who had been waiting to see her eyes, hear her voice. Lewis stayed in the car for a silent few minutes. Weakly, his head fell back against the headrest that felt harder and rougher than the gravel. A long breath was exhaled. Shaky. His tears were pooling in his eyes. This wasn’t how he wanted to come back to her. This wasn’t what he meant every time he promised her to come home safe before every single race.

Come home safe. A phrase that she never missed to whisper in his ears as she hugged him, before every single race. Since the first race she attended after he handed her his heart, body, and soul. A promise. One that he would always reply with a soft I will, before kissing her lips and leaving another one on her forehead. 

Time. That’s what she needs right now. So that’s what he gave. When he finally stepped inside the house, he beelined his way straight to their bedroom. She wasn’t there. Probably in Grace’s room. In the kitchen maybe. Anywhere but close to him. Anywhere but in his arms. The shower he took was longer than usual. His body was in pain, but the wound in his heart was the one that digs deeper, through the flesh, deep into the marrow. Marking its territory in his heart with a bold move.

When he came down, the smell of curry hit him. Warm, but still unsettling. She had cooked his favourite dish. As he stepped into the kitchen, she was already placing his plate out. Just one. On his seat at their dining table. For him alone and him only. She’s not eating with me. He hesitated as he sat down, heart clenching. Eyes not meeting her. The soft hum from the kitchen light was the only calming thing in the room. It mingles with the clinks and clatters of the dishes and kitchen appliances as she moves mechanically. Creating a melody he never heard before, hating it as soon as the first note hit.

“Love,” a call to her. Soft and gentle. Even while his hands are clammy, shaking, to reach her skin. Not a single spoonful had gotten into his stomach ever since he sat down.

“Eat, Lewis.”

Even while her heart was breaking, leaving cracks as it declines and descends, she still prepared him dinner. Straightaway once they’re home, not caring about herself not getting even a single beat of rest. Making sure he’s not eating his meds on an empty stomach. But god, he hates how it sounded when that “Lewis” fell out of her soft lips just now. He always loved how his name sounded when she said it. How it sounded when she’s ‘mad’ at him for stealing her chocolates, how it sounded whenever he came up with stupid unhinged ideas, and how it sounded as he slipped in and out of her, pouring himself empty for her.

So he willed himself to finally find her, her eyes. A silent but loud plea. 

Look at me please.

She didn’t

Y/N please, look at me. Please. 

Again, nothing. But the knife plunged deeper this time. Because this time, he saw it. She was deliberately dancing around the kitchen, keeping her hands and mind busy. Cleaning, rearranging, wiping every single useless thing in the kitchen. Even the ones he had never seen or touched before. And it was so bright and loud. In visions and sounds. How she wasn’t even half as delicate and gentle as she usually was with everything. She’s retreating. He knows she was silently retreating into that one dark place in her beautiful mind. The one place she only pays a visit when the whole world is too much, when she feels like she is not safe. As if not a single corner on this earth is safe for her anymore. Not even in their house. Not even in his arms. She’s not feeling safe. He couldn’t let her retreat and seek shelter there. And he needs her eyes. Hell, he missed them.

“Sweetheart.”

The sweet nickname fell out of his mouth softly, but still stern. Enough to catch her attention, forcing her to slowly turn her tired body around, facing him. The man she almost lost. The man that made her almost lost herself. Finally, that pair of eyes. Those deep beautiful eyes that never failed to draw him in, calming him. Those eyes that hold so many layers he never wanted to stop peeling and discover. Those eyes that made him surrender, leaving him breathless. Finally, those exact same eyes that he fell in love with and still, will always be in love with landed on him. Soft and warm, a gentle kiss from the sunrise, before they shifted in just one swift blink. A cold flame, scolding him, scorching his face, leaving him no place to seek refuge. 

But fuck. She’s… beautiful.

“Come here please…”

She sighed, running her hand through her hair, pushing it back. Her hair is getting longer. A beat of silence. Please, come to me. And slowly, very slowly, she walked over to him. Crossing the small physical space between them that felt a thousand miles away emotionally. Once her body was close enough, reachable to him, he reached for her. His hands crawled its way back to one of their homes, her waist. Reminding him what he almost lost today. Tattooing a thought in his mind, about no matter how often his hands had laid there, it would never be enough. He pulled her closer to him, leaving no space in between except for the thin material of her soft blue shirt. His eyes were threatening to cry in relief, when she didn’t even fight him as she claimed her way in between his legs. Weakly, he let go. He let his head fall onto her soft stomach. I should have kissed it longer this morning. Breathing her in, inhaling a deep one. Unbelievably grounding and calming. Her right hand that hung loosely on her side now made its way into the collar of his white t-shirt. A soft caress before softly massaging away the tension in his left shoulder. 

Oh gosh. Her touch. Her scent. Her. 

It’s still not enough. These weren’t enough. If his body wasn’t sore and screaming in pain, he would have begged her to let him give and pour. He would have been on his knees tracing his favourite path inside her thighs whispering his apologies again and again like a broken record before carrying her into their bedroom. So he moved his hands to her small back, drawing soft and gentle circles against it. She got it. The whole exchange was him talking. It’s him laying down his apologies. It’s him pulling her out of that dark place in her mind, saving her. A knight even in his low point. It’s him asking her to be with him, right here, right now. 

I love you. I need you. Please.

“Eat with me.” “I’m not hu–”

Immediately, he raised his throbbing head. Don’t lie. He was looking her deep in the eyes, silencing her mouth and mind. Staring and reminding her. I know you. Reminding her he knows her. His wife. His last love. His home. The mother of his child. His safest place. He knows that her throat hasn’t swallowed a single drop of water since they left the pale and sickening hospital, let alone touching the tiniest bit of food. Even in this weak and fragile state, he cares. About her, more than himself. So please, let him care and lay down the safety net she needed. Let him catch her like she always does for him without a miss, not even once. Let me take care of you, love.

It’s a losing game, this whole exchange. This whole conversation that they are having only with their eyes. Honest. Open. It’s a game she should have surrendered before she even started playing. He’s patient. Persistent. Always the same strategy. Always the same tactic. Although this time, it took him more and longer to claim the gold medal. She swallowed an empty lump. 

He won.

“The food is getting cold.” “Sit down with me then.”

Her hand reached the nearest chair, placing it next to his before sitting down. His eyes never left hers. Not even for a second since they were laid on hers just now. His right hand found a way home to her small back as she started with the food. Gentle circles, ups and downs under her shirt, against her skin as she fed him the first spoonful. Warm. Safe. Soft. She stared at him after the first spoonful, waiting for a reaction. He gave her a soft wholesome smile. It’s delicious. 

But her stare lingered, hands unmoving, not preparing for a second one. He stared back, delicately.

She nodded. You’re okay.

He nodded. I’m okay.

She had no strength left to hold it in anymore. The dam had been destroyed. Freeing her tears that were flooding. Her head nestled into the crook of his neck. A lost traveler taking shelter and seeking solace under the shade of an enduring tree canopy. Stopping the downpour of her fears. Letting time pass without a worry. Like Neptune travelling its orbit. His arms wrapped around her. A blanket draped over her trembling figure. Silencing the noise outside. Not forgetting to kiss her long on top of her head. A constant so grounding and reassuring. 

He saw it today. It wasn’t the first time. But today, it shone brighter, sang louder, danced bolder, and stood stronger. Her strength. Her trying to keep it all in her together, all alone, for him, for little Grace. But at that moment, he didn’t want her to. He wanted her to lay her fears and worries bare and naked in front of him. He wanted her to feel safe, be safe. Here, in his embrace. The only place where he will give everything to silence her storms, leaving them weakened, lifeless. 

His wife. The woman who has a hold of his whole heart. Had fought herself violently today. Baring her teeth to her own emotions. Drowning it down with all her might. All because of an almost. But this moment, right now. Her, safe in the hold of his arms, the fog finally cleared out. Both of them had no hold on perfection. And the world won’t sit still. At any time, at any given moment, it will send down cruel war and games to make them crack. Today however, it became clear as a sky. Bleed if they must, cry if they have to, but neither him or Y/N will ever let go. With her, it’s worth it. With his Y/N.  Every crack worth a story to tell.

This is the kind of love Lewis and Y/N fights for. Fractured with cracks at times, but made and built stronger, more historical, more beautiful, through the tears and smiles they pour empty to mend it. Their own piece of Kintsugi.

“You came home.” “For you.”

[https-furina]

“your order is complete!” this order is for @jingyuansbird:

“heyo heyo ✌🏾 congrats on 500! so, for my order, it'll be for alhaitham, size medium, with a cappuccino, soy milk, and foam please, and thank you!!!”

alhaitham x gn!reader | fluff, college!au + established relationship | 1.1k words notes. thank you so much !! i hope you enjoy your order (it should be mentioned that alhaitham despite being a previous main of mine is not one of my strong suits so i apologise if it's bad...) <3

thirsty? see our café menu before you order! | order receipts

with finals week drawing ever closer, it can sometimes feel like you're going insane with the repetitive revision and those god awful prep talks from your professors but adding onto that to make things worse, the most (seemingly) sane person in your circle really doesn't help the looming feeling of insanity. he seems to have no qualms with the endless academic revision thrown onto you for the sake of grades, his head always buried deep in a textbook that keeps him occupied whilst your friend circle do what they're best at… procrastinating.

"i'm really starting to think college isn't worth it," you mumble, highlighting another line in your notes - you're hoping the pretty colours will attract your attention more, "when am i ever going to use this in the 'real' world?"

your boyfriend makes an evidently amused noise from where he sits opposite you, his slim fingers working diligently at typing on his laptop; the one that you had snuck a cat meme sticker onto, much to his dismay but he is still yet to remove it. it is silent for a few moments save for the exceptionally fast clicking of laptop keys before your boyfriend presses the enter key, his turquoise eyes flickering up to meet your already staring gaze. you smile sheepishly and he rolls his eyes, a crack of a smile on the corners of his lips.

"we're almost finished and you're giving up now?" he mumbles back into the quiet of the library, almost filled to the brink with students and their numerous cups of coffee. you recognise that alhaitham has a point but all of this seems excessive when you glance around at all the dark circles under people's eyes, hair tied up in messy buns and stomachs full of leftover food because they're lacking time to cook. a frown adorns your face and alhaitham is quick to pick up on it, clearing his throat as he fixes his posture, sitting straight.

"it's all we've done for weeks now, haitham," you pout, jutting your lower lip out. without realising, you'd just made your boyfriend keen in a matter of seconds, his eyes quick to look away before he's caught slacking, "can we go for a walk? anywhere but… here."

alhaitham can't deny that the pair of you had locked yourselves away in the library for far too long to the point where his limbs have gone stiff and he's sure his knees might sound like he's aged beyond his years when he stands up. this means - much to his disliking - that he also cannot deny you, his darling partner, this walk you're requesting.

"alright, fine," he groans, slamming his laptop shut before he turns his body to slip the piece of technology into his worn leather satchel. he doesn't miss the way your face he adores so much lights up almost instantly, your eyes twinkling and wide, "but you have to promise to finish this chapter tonight."

you don't even reply to him under the premise that it'd be unwise for you to make a promise you may not be able to keep, not that it would be your fault. your friend group had tendencies to rope you into unwise things, to say the least. it could be any of them; kaveh, nilou, cyno, dehya… you have the inability to say no unless alhaitham is there to beat you to it. you're thankful for his input when it keeps you on the right track throughout college.

with your fingers laced with alhaitham's own, the two of you begin to make your way out of the jail that is the campus library. the spring sun beams down a hug of warmth on sumeru during these months, slightly sticky with humidity. alhaitham is always less than pleased about the heat, more so when he has tasks to do that require him leaving his accommodation. to quote your boyfriend, this weather in his eyes is good for nothing at all but here you was, removing him from the safe confides of an air conditioned building that was nonetheless silent - that's his idea of perfection! he bites back saying his complaints out loud, only because it's you.

"do we have a destination to this walk?" alhaitham breaks the silence first, slightly out of character for your boyfriend and it shows when you glance over at him in mild surprise, your eyebrows raised. he scoffs, looking away. you take this moment to trail your eyes over the beloved features of your partner from his silver locks and the pair of white bluetooth headphones that hang around his neck at all times. he never parted from them, almost like how he never parted from you.

you shake your head when you realise you never answered him, clicking your tongue to your teeth as you admire the bustle of the college campus - usually a little too crowded for your own liking but today it seemed to be just perfect, at least it lacked to feel like a sweaty tin of sardines, "nowhere in particular."

alhaitham appears to nod out of the corner of your eyes, his own gaze falling to a patch of empty grass on the green in the middle of campus. he squeezes your hand to catch your attention, beginning to lead you silently as you weave through the aforementioned crowds you'd been mindlessly watching prior. you didn't question his sudden change in directions, knowing alhaitham there was always a possibility the man had gotten overwhelmed in the current situation. he settles onto the lush grass first, pulling you down at his side due to your joined hands which only earns him a yelp of shock and a glare.

"that was unnecessary." you comment stubbornly and a small noise comes from your boyfriend as he watches you finally settle down, resting your head on his shoulder with a sigh.

"this walk was unnecessary." he retorts, earning him a slap on his leg that curls his lips as he looks away, squinting to watch other students.

"it's good to get outside and feel the fresh air, haitham," you muse as your eyelashes flutter shut, relaxing as you feel alhaitham's thumb brushing over your knuckles subconsciously - this is just one of his many habits he does without realising but you most definitely notice every single one, "y'know… photosynthesis."

alhaitham scoffs, suddenly turning his attention back to you as he glances over your face while your eyes are shut. he takes in the way you styled your hair today and the minor details of your face you think nobody notices. seconds pass with no more words said before alhaitham leans to press his lips to you, catching you off guard as your eyes widen. pleased with your reaction, he pulls away with the faintest of a smug expression on his face as he dares to utter a response to your earlier comment, "love, we're not plants."

© https-furina 2023 | please do not copy, re-upload or translate my works on any form of media. heart banner by @/cafekitsune.

[coleopterabyte]

INSECTOID INSPECTION | An Anthropod Adventure Awaits

Hey folks, my brainrot's getting terminal so I'm starting this blog series: Insectoid Inspection! I'll be rating various exoskeletal/anthropomorphic characters from across all media-- hopefully for at least once a week while I can keep it up.

Below the cut are descriptions of my planned rating categories, for those interested:

Accuracy: This can get tricky for characters that aren't based on any real species in particular, but what I'm hoping to highlight is the amount of thought put into the character as being something bug-like. While aesthetics will be important, behavior will also be a factor.

Aesthetic: This is by far the most subjective category. Does the character have aesthetic appeal? Does it appeal to *my* specific tastes of non-standard? This is where this starts really becoming an opinion piece.

Amusement: Getting even further into the depths of subjectivity, how are they as a *character?* Perhaps they barely act as one, and instead as a force of nature-- I can still rate based on how they fulfill that role. I guess you could say this would be "how likable/interesting they would be to me if they weren't also a bug thing".

Attunement: How does this character, this insectoid, fit in with the rest of their world's setting? This is more a judgement of the world than it is of the character themself, but I think it's worth analyzing. You can take or leave this category as part of the final rating, it'll mostly be a breakdown on how I feel about the work's worldbuilding.

Actuality: Just the average rating across all scores, acting as a final rating. I guess I could've named it "Average", but "Actuality" is so much more relevant to this as a critique, don't you think?

[trappedtowers]

Trapped Towers Dev History ~ How We Got Here (Final Part)

(Middle art piece done by @/evilredyoshis)

CORRECTION FOR PART 2: THE TRAPPED TOWERS REBOOT ANNIVERSARY IS IN MAY. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUNE. NO IT IS MAY 15TH. I GASLIT MYSELF FOR OVER A YEAR WHAT.

Hey again everybody !!

So we reached the beginning of the current stage of Trapped Towers last time, the official beginning to the reboot in May 2021. This final part will cover a bit less I do think, mainly because a lot of the old/scrapped content I think I'd like to go a bit more in-depth with in seperate posts. However, there's still stuff to go through. It's gonna be a lot less story of Trapped Towers and a bit more sappy emotional though, hope you all don't mind.

So, for the final time in this mini series - lets hope into it shall we?

May 2021 - Present ~ The New Trapped Towers:

I will always remember those first few months of the new TeamT VERY VERY fondly. It wasn't perfect, we weren't all fully motivated, but we sure were making progress slowly. TeamT was always very chaotic - and sure some of it hasn't aged great and isn't the best to look at, I should have cut some stuff instantly and cut ties with others quick - but nights like staying in voice call with some of the best team members I could have asked for just screwing about, playing video games and screensharing it in about the worst way, and coming up with some amazing ideas for the project. I'll remember those fondly.

Stuff like this is what makes projects like this worth it. The memories and friends - as corny as that is.

But hey, you're here for the story, not for the sappy "the real trapped towers was the friends we made along the way" schpiel. So, what happened in the months from the Trapped Towers reboot beginning? Well, we worked. We made songs. We made new concepts, new art, and more. The story I'd written made - and I won't say who and if they out themselves AGAIN it's their own fault - made somebody CRY. Have you ever made somebody cry from a story you've written. The initial thoughts is "oh no they're crying, that's sad I didn't wanna make them sad" but very quickly the giddyness hits.

Emotional aspects of storytelling are one of the things I've been wanting to hit for ages. To have somebody connect to a character and their story to a point where it brings genuine emotion - it's the best. Not only for the reader's attatchment and immersion, but to you. To know you managed to create a story that compelling that it caused that. I won't drag this out much longer, but it's really something I'm aiming for with Trapped Towers and I do hope to get you all with some of these plot points.

Back to the timeline though, things began to slow further around November, with most things basically halting in December - though shoutout to the artists and musicians who carried us that whole time. January was a break month, February we hoped to be back in action but things didn't quite resume for a while. April picked it up a little more, with new art and concepts and writing happening, but not much else.

It's not a satisfying end to this story is it. We just kind of... died off.

But it's not the end, is it?

This was something I said in the team general channel in February 2022 and I still hold by it to this day. Trapped Towers has been a major part of my life since the day it was first made, and it always will be. I'm forever grateful for how things have turned out, even if it feels like the project never gets anywhere.

So until the day comes where I can release this, I'll keep posting, writing etc. I will keep working until it happens no matter how long it'll take. That's the end of the timeline and sappy stuff for now though. Lets go through some content.

Content Highlights:

(TO NOTE A LOT OF OLD CONTENT IS MADE BY VARIOUS OLD TEAM MEMBERS AS WELL AS MYSELF. @/evilredyoshis like usual, JackInASack who I believe does not have tumblr, Mojo, StellarDee, and many many more names I wish I could list. A full Trapped Towers credits list will happen one day, every name who was involved will be respected and honoured <3)

Y'know instead of "old content" this time, we've got highlights instead. Some of it will be old yes, but there's too much overlap with yesterday for me to just show old content because then there'd be barely anything.

MOST RECENT TRAPPED TOWERS SOUNDTRACK

ALSO TWO WHOLE DEVLOGS YOU CAN LOOK AT !!

AND THE SECOND ONE !!

Y'know I put that a lot of this was made by old team members, and yeah especially in the soundtrack more people appear but a lot of this art is done by Madeline PFFTT. Shoutout to her once again @/evilredyoshis she was actually the goat of TeamT. Did so so much.

There's SO SO much content I could share here and I would love to share it ALL. Unfortunately I don't want to ram this post with too much. If we do get a game out of this, I'll be sure to include a gallery with EVERYTHING.

There's also a lot of great animatics done. You can guess who by at this point. I have already got permission from her to use her old work for all these posts, so I'll likely do a post dedicated to the relevant/appropriate ones and explaining a bit behind them.

But seriously to end this off, I just want to say again how grateful I am for everyone and everything that has happened to Trapped Towers in these past 6 years. To anyone who sees this if you were a part of TeamT, still (technically) are a part of it despite how nobody is really doing anything besides me lol, or if you've just been following the project. Thank you. Thank you so much.

That's all from me. I'll speak to you all again soon.

- JustDaniel

[carlandrea]

hi :) i love your art and your style a lot, and i was wondering if you maybe have some tips?have a nice day <3

omg thank you!! this is such a sweet ask :)

Artists don't actually really. know how to draw. this is why they always tell you to practice. Unfortunately, this is true. You do need to practice. There aren't any shortcuts.

While true, the "practice" advice is pretty unhelpful, so my advice is make sitting down to draw as easy and seamless as possible. Carry a sketchbook and pencil (and pencil sharpener!) or download a drawing app on your phone (what I did) so that pretty much any time you could just be scrolling on your phone you can instead be drawing

(I recommend artstudio pro if you're willing to shell out I think $10 per year or $40 up front—i don't totally know the conversion rates, but for just doodling there are probably free ones. Doodling is also good practice.)

The MOST important thing about a drawing are the big things—proportions, composition, overall color scheme etc. It NEEDS to look good as a sketch or else it won't matter how good you are at rendering.

If your sketch is warped, it will continue to be warped in the final image. Trust your instincts even if redrawing something seems like it'll take too long and you really don't want to—it'll take longer if you need to redraw it later. Adding more detail won't help.

It's pretty common advice (if you're drawing digitally) to flip the canvas to make sure your drawing really looks good, and I recommend doing that at each stage—from the first sketches to the finished piece.

Colors next to each other need to be visibly lighter or darker than each other. Otherwise they clash.

As for my particular style—

i've developed a style where I don't need to worry about the details too much—my line art is kind of rough and my rendering is painted and a little messy. This is because I draw on my phone.

The thing about this is i need to spend a lot of time thinking about colors to make a piece look put together. Colors are soooo difficult you have no idea.

Mess around with blending layers! I like to put light colors on multiply for shading and darker colors on color dodge for highlights.

Anyways that's all I can think of rn :) hopefully it's at least a little actionable (the gold standard for advice)

[jinxedshapeshifter]

Y'know what, since this is back on my dash, here's what I use layers for, in the general order they're in on the layer palette:

Background

I usually have a folder for my background if my background requires multiple layers, which it generally does because I like using gradients and overlays in my backgrounds. Makes it harder for people to take off my watermark lmao

Sketches

Occasionally I use more than one sketch. Usually this is when I'm tracing over a 3D model or when a drawing has multiple parts (for example, if I'm doing a scene the drawing is more likely to have multiple sketch layers).

Color

My art teacher in my sophomore year of high school said I use layers for color weird but I don't care because I use it how it works for me lol. I usually use one layer per color, unless I for some reason need to use more than one layer per color. An example of times I've done this is when I use the same color for clothes as a character's markings. Usually I use separate layers for the eye color and the clothes, even though they're the same color, because if I for some reason need to adjust the position of the irises it makes it easier if I don't have to select anything (plus I sometimes clip the irises to the sclera layer which means the clothing color won't show up if I color it on the same layer as the irises). Additionally I always use a base color and clip all other flat colors, shading, and lighting onto that layer. Shading usually also gets its own folder, because I use multiple layers for shading in more complicated pieces.

Lineart

Lineart always goes above the color for me. Pupils are usually done as part of the lineart, which is important for the next part of my layer order.

Eye Highlights

I do eye highlights in one or two layers, depending on the detail of the art piece and my mood. Sometimes I'll add highlights to the upper half of the eye and use a soft eraser to kinda blend it a bit (I guess? That's the easiest way I can think of to describe it lol) which I use one layer for. Secondary eye highlights (like you see in my icon) are on a separate layer from those highlights.

Effects

This is things like overlays over the entire piece, rain, etc. Generally I just use a gradient over the entire drawing and mess with layer effects until I like how it looks. This usually only takes one layer but sometimes it'll take more.

Watermark

And the final layer in my process is my watermark. I use a vector layer for it (so that I can resize it without messing up the quality or anything) then set it to an overlay. Alternatively sometimes I'll leave the layer mode to Normal and just turn the opacity down.

So for me, everything is organized into folders (not always named, but definitely organized into folders). The most layers I've ever used on one canvas was I think around 175? That was when I had multiple characters on the same canvas though, where using separate folders for each character is easier. Like I don't even use that many layers when I color comics. I think I would go insane if I pulled any of the stuff I'm seeing here tbh, and lag isn't even a concern for me because I use Clip Studio Paint on a touchscreen laptop. Like how can you mentally handle that many layers??

If I want to doodle I just do it on one canvas and save it as a png, why use more layers than necessary?

WAIT GENUINE QUESTION FOR ARTISTS, DO YOU GUYS NOT USE THE SAME CANVAS FOR MULTIPLE DRAWINGS???? YOU JUST MAKE A NEW ONE EVERYTIME??

[princepestilence]

NYR: August in review.

Post-August horoscrope: "Remember when we used to dream of days like these?"

This was the busiest month of the year so far by pretty much every possible metric, but also a very good one. For example, here's some of what happened:

Dissertation revision! There's still more to go to get it ready for the proofing stage, but I'm very happy with how it's coming together. The end is very much in sight now. .

Lots and lots of theatre. We went to nine different events in August, which was wonderful but definitely part of why the dissertation revisions are a touch behind my initial schedule. Some highlights include: an orchestral performance of How To Train Your Dragon at the Opera House, some experiemental theatre and dance performances, the actual opera (not at the Opera House), a drag queen wearing hi-vis and a hard hat downing eight beers in a talent show while the crowd went fully ballistic, the epic highs and lows of local amateur theatre, my first time attending a Rocky Horror screening, and my most anticipated piece of work for this year (which did not disappoint!). .

Somehow managed to friends + family. There's still a long list of people I want to spend time with but for now this will do. .

Homeowner stuff, like a real adult. I have accidentally become the Lorax of our apartment block so am now having to liaise with tradies and strata (i.e., call up and badger until things get done). This just keeps happening to me.

In September, I will:

Finish dissertation revisions! My plan is to give the final version to my supervisor and friends for proofreading / final edits and suggestions around the end of September or early October. I have two weeks booked in for another project so I think that's the ideal time for other people to read through my thesis while my attention is elsewhere. .

Jury duty? I've been summoned to attend this week coming but we'll see what actually comes of that. Really unideal time re: what a busy time it is at my work this month (the busiest of the year for me) but there's a strong possibility it'll only be the one day. .

Celebrate mum's 60th. Her birthday this year is on Friday 13th, which she always loved. It was her favourite whenever that happened. She was planning on having a big party to celebrate this year, with music and dancing and good food and drinks, so we've planned a nice evening together doing things she loved. .

Go to the art gallery. They have an exhibition of Alphonse Mucha's work at the moment and I've been so so excited to visit.

[blinkvisa]

Navigating Academic Honesty: Using Chegg Plagiarism Checker Effectively

I. Introduction

In the vast sea of academic challenges, honesty is the beacon of integrity. But how do we ensure our work shines with originality? That's where the Chegg Plagiarism Checker comes in, an invaluable tool for students and educators alike. Let's understand how this tool can be a lighthouse guiding us through the foggy waters of academic integrity.

II. Understanding Academic Honesty: What Does It Mean?

Academic honesty is more than just not cheating on a test; it's about being truthful and original in every aspect of our learning journey. From essays to projects, it's the commitment to create work that's genuinely ours. But why is this so important? Because each time we're honest in our work, we build trust, credibility, and respect – qualities that define us far beyond the classroom.

III. The Rise of Plagiarism in the Digital Age

In our digital world, copying and pasting information is just a click away. This convenience, however, brings a challenge: the rise of plagiarism. It's like a sneaky shadow that can fall on even the most well-intentioned student. The ease of accessing information online has blurred the lines between inspiration and imitation, making tools like Chegg Plagiarism Checker essential in our educational toolkit.

IV. An In-Depth Look at the Chegg Plagiarism Checker

So, what is the Chegg Plagiarism Checker? Think of it as your academic detective. It scans your work against a vast database of sources, pinpointing any line or idea that's too similar to existing material. This isn't just about catching mistakes; it's about learning to see and understand the thin line between inspiration and copying.

V. How Can Chegg Plagiarism Checker Help Students?

Here's where the magic happens for students. The Chegg Plagiarism Checker is more than just a 'gotcha' gadget; it's a learning tool. It shows you where to give credit to other authors, helping you avoid unintentional plagiarism. It's like having a wise mentor over your shoulder, guiding you toward better research and writing habits.

VI. Why is Using Chegg Plagiarism Checker a Smart Choice for Educators?

For educators, this tool is a double win. Not only does it help maintain a standard of integrity in your classroom, but it also saves you time and effort in reviewing assignments. Imagine being able to quickly check for originality, giving you more time to focus on teaching and less on policing.

VII. Step-by-Step Guide: Using Chegg Plagiarism Checker Effectively

Ready to get started? Here's your step-by-step guide to using the Chegg Plagiarism Checker:

Upload your document or paste your text.

Hit the 'Check Plagiarism' button and watch the tool work its magic.

Review the report. It'll highlight problematic sections and show where they match other sources.

Make the necessary changes to your work, ensuring everything is properly cited and original.

It's like embarking on a treasure hunt, where the treasure is your improved skills and confidence in your work.

VIII. Are There Any Limitations?

While the Chegg Plagiarism Checker is a fantastic tool, it's not infallible. It might not catch every single issue, especially with cleverly paraphrased content. This is where your judgment and understanding come into play. Use the tool as a guide, but always trust your learning and instincts.

IX. Chegg Plagiarism Checker: A Case Study

Let's look at a real-life example. A high school junior, Emily used the Chegg Plagiarism Checker for her history essay. The tool highlighted a few phrases that were too similar to her online sources. Emily reworked those parts, learning more about proper citation in the process. Her final essay was original and richer in quality and understanding.

X. Beyond Chegg: Fostering a Culture of Honesty in Academia

While tools like the Chegg Checker are vital, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Fostering a culture of honesty in academia is about more than just avoiding plagiarism. It's about open discussions, creating environments where mistakes are learning opportunities and originality is celebrated and nurtured.

XI. Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating academic honesty is a journey made smoother with tools like the Chegg Plagiarism Checker. Remember, these tools are not just for catching mistakes; they're stepping stones towards becoming more responsible, skilled, and confident learners. So, let's embrace these tools, not as shortcuts but as compasses guiding us.

[og-reesetti]

I do not post here often, much to everyone's appreciation. So let me get a little annoying about the One Piece live action adaption.

(tldr It's good, some inaccuracies and cruddy changes but overall a delightful celebration of One PieceL

Early on when this was first announced, I was cautiously optimistic, with the rather dogshit history of manga to live action adaptions. I mean, sure we've never seen a single good adaption outside of maybe the Death Note movies? But maybe this time. Surely it'll go better this time.

We started seeing some of the sets, and imo, it was pretty lifting. They were building boats, using proper locations and translating designs of shit like the marine base and especially Baratie with excellent accuracy. Faith was building.

Then the casting started to be announced. I vocalized being cautiously optimistic, but I think at that point I was honestly sold. The casting and costumes of the show are honestly my favorite part of the whole project, and it was obvious from the choices that whoever was behind this show knew their shit and gave a shit besides. I can't remember when in the timeline it was announced Oda himself had a hand in the shows making, but that was also a glowing sign of "this might be it, folks". The man took time from working on the manga to travel and work on this even, the stars were aligning.

My big worry was that I've seen Sky High and Fantastic 4. Hollywood is not known for making rubber stretchy powers look believable, or good for that matter. Considering that the main character's power is the big stret, getting to see how the vfx team tackled it was what I was biting my nails the most over. Then we got the first trailers, and I was sold.

Cut to present, the show is out and I've watched it. There is a lot to think about, and I think I don't want to spend all the time just comparing it to the manga, so I'll start with the good. Visually, the show looks like One Piece. It's weird, things are just weird while still being believable. The costumes and sets are bar none my favorite part of the show and if I was an award giver I'd give it to those teams. It's a treat for the eyes. The casting was spot on and the acting is mostly right what I wanted. Acting highlights go to Luffy, Usopp, Sanji, Mihawk, Kuro, Zeff, the young SH crew, and ESPECIALLY Buggy. Music design was also a good translation from the anime. You have Bink's Sake playing, you have the We Are moments, and the character specific scores are all enjoyable.

With any adaption there'll be changes, and for the most part the changes here are good. My personal favorite was the handling of Syrup Village. Siam and Butchy were way more fun than their manga versions, the whole murder house vibe, Zoro getting trapped down a well compared to a slippery hill. Other things like showing more of Coby and Luffy's relationship, Sanji being not a drooling freak like his recent manga time, and Arlong Park being an actual amusement park. Tons of small details building to an incredible experience.

Things that I wasn't so hot on are a shorter list, but still present. First and foremost is Garp. We got a few shots where he got violent and loud, and the actor crushed those moments. But so much of the series with him is brooding, talking quietly and taking everything way more seriously than he should. Coco Village actually resenting Nami for her deal with Arlong instead of secretly bearing it with her, and really a lot of how that final stretch was handled, just didn't fit right. Once the fighting started it's aces (sans Hachi being absent) but aside from Nami's past, I think Coco Village should've been done closer to the source. The whole Garp chasing Luffy through the East Blue bit I understand but don't like. Okay, you wanted a natural way to show Coby and Helmeppo's growth without just whole cutaways like the source, but I think because of how... wrong, Garp was portrayed, the entire plot line just feels off.

You have a few small details that could've been better, but overall I think the series crushed it and definitely helped introduce a lot of people to an incredible world. I do not trust that Netflix will continue the series, because their leadership is pretty damn stupid regarding what to continue and what to cut. But if they did, and the team manages to capture lightning in a bottle more than once, I'd be more than happy.

Okay, I'm done. Fuck off, let the door hit you on the way out.

[beckugo]

Thesis ideas

Idea number one is something I've thought about making a video on for a while, and while this isn't something I want to focus on enough to make my thesis film on, I still think it's an interesting concept. Hair has been a big part of my life, especially before I figured out that I was trans. I loved having long hair as a kid, it was one of my favorite things about myself, and it gave me a sense of piece. When I started to come to terms with the fact that I was trans, I felt like I had to cut it off to be perceived correctly. While I still think that's the case, I think I've stopped caring as much. I want people to refer to me correctly, but to confine myself because of fear was dumb, and I want to represent that it's just hair. It's not the most compelling idea so I won't be using it, but I thought it was a bit interesting.

Idea two, this one is about caregivers and caring for those you love. This revolves around how I care for my abuela when my dad or my uncle can't, whether they're at work or at the hospital with my abuelo, and the concept is pretty black and white. I don't have the same responsibilities as them because they don't want me to, I don't deal with bathroom duty, diaper duty, or any hygiene in general. I'm there to watch her and feed her, and it's pretty similar to what I did when I would babysit my cousins. I feel guilty that she has to depend on other people so much, but she has no choice. The entire situation is unfortunate, and my abuela just doesn't have the best medical service to lean on since she barely has any social security or hospice privlages. All we can do is make her feel comfortable in her final years, however long that is, and this video would just be to highlight what it's like taking care of her. I don't think it has enough depth to use as my final thesis film, though.

My final idea is doing a video based on the people at my dojo. I've thought about doing this for a while, especially after the video with my dad did so well, but I have some issues with it. One, I don't know how compelling it'll be. I have a list of questions similar to that of which I asked my dad, but I don't know how well it'll work. I want this idea to be it, because I really like it and I want to use it as an excuse to be closer with the people at my dojo. However, I am still missing a main theme that I would use as a cohesive idea. Karate, self respect, regret, loss, those are all options, but I need to workshop it to come to a correct conclusion. However, even with all of these issues, I believe this one has the ability to hold the most weight emotionally with an audience, and I love seeing the reactions I get from my videos.

[clothinghideout]

Stay Stylish with Women's Printed T-shirts: A Must-Have Wardrobe Staple

Are you tired of the same old boring plain t-shirts in your wardrobe? It's time to add some flair and pizzazz with women's printed t-shirts! Whether you're rocking a casual look or want to make a statement, these trendy tops are here to save the day. From cute graphics to inspiring quotes, these must-have wardrobe staples will keep you stylish no matter what the occasion. So, get ready to upgrade your fashion game as we dive into the world of women's printed t-shirts. Trust us, once you start wearing them, there'll be no turning back!

The Stylish Possibilities of Women's Printed T-shirts

A woman's wardrobe is not complete without a few printed t-shirts. They are versatile, comfortable, and stylish. You can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Plus, there are so many different prints and styles to choose from. Here are some of the most popular ways to style women's printed t-shirts:

1. Tuck it into a pair of high-waisted jeans or shorts for a casual yet chic look.

2. Layer it under a blazer or cardigan for a more polished appearance.

3. Wear it alone with a pair of statement earrings or a funky necklace.

4. Knot it at the waist to show off your figure.

5. Pair it with a denim skirt or distressed jeans for a relaxed and effortless style.

How to Choose the Right Printed T-shirt for Your Body Type

It's no secret that a well-fitting t-shirt can make or break your look. But with all of the different cuts and styles out there, it can be tricky to find the right one for your body type. Whether you're looking for a relaxed fit or something more figure-hugging, here's a quick guide to help you choose the right printed t-shirt for your shape:

If you've got a larger bust, opt for a style with some extra room up top, like a loose cami or slouchy tee. For a more flattering look, try one with a V-neckline – it'll help to create the illusion of a longer neck. If you're petite, go for something cropped or close-fitting to avoid being overwhelmed by fabric. A fitted tee will also help to accentuate your curves.

If you've got a hourglass figure, lucky you! You can pretty much rock any style of t-shirt. Just make sure that whatever you choose doesn't cling too closely to your waist, as this will only serve to highlight any lumps and bumps. An oversized tee or tunic style will suit you best.

And finally, if you've got a boyish figure, go for something with a bit of structure to it, like a button-up shirt or tailored tee. Avoid anything too baggy or boxy – it'll only make you look bigger than you are.

Ideas on How to Style Your Women's Printed T-shirts

A printed T-shirt can add a touch of fun and personality to any outfit. Here are some ideas on how to style your women's printed T-shirts:

-Pair it with jeans or shorts for a casual look.

-Layer it under a jacket or cardigan for a chic and stylish look.

-Wear it with a skirt or dress for a fun and flirty look.

-Tuck it into a pair of pants or shorts for a polished and put-together look.

- knot it at the waist or tuck it into a high-waisted bottom for a trendy look.

Conclusion Women’s printed t-shirts are a great addition to any wardrobe and can help you stay stylish while expressing your own unique style. With the wide variety of prints, colors, and styles available, it is easy to find one that will look perfect on you. Not only do these shirts look good but they also offer many comfort benefits due to their lightweight material. Add a few of these must-have pieces into your wardrobe today and enjoy looking effortlessly stylish!

[elbytron]

Dave Strider

photography-enthusiast

(References: [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] )

[ravenstargames]

✦ Lost in Limbo Devlog #1 | 01.31.23

Welcome to Ravenstar Games' first devlog! ✨💜 We are so excited to finally share this month's progress with all of you! It has been a surprisingly productive month for the team, and we have not only done everything we scheduled for January, but also some extra work!

I want to first and foremost congratulate my team for their wonderful job this month. We hope February will be another amazing month for us and the game!

We want to thank you all so much for sticking with us, for sending us asks, showering us with love and good vibes, and overall for just being here! Without further ado, let's jump into the devlog, shall we? 💜

One of January's highlights has been, without a doubt, Vycar's debut! He's one of six supporting characters you will meet in the demo, and he is very dear to the team.

Calm, shy and a bit of a workaholic, Vycar is the complete opposite of his Lord and close friend, Amon. The dynamic of these two is extremely fun to write, and you'll be seeing a great deal of it in Amon's route!

We did his concept art around late 2022, but this month we focused on his clothes, the color palette and his sprite.

He's not our first finished supporting character, though: we already did Neela's sprite—a character you'll also meet in the demo, and one of the main supporting characters of Envy's route— a few months ago. We want to do some tweaks as her sprite sadly is a bit outdated now compared to the rest of the cast, but you most likely will be meeting her soon! 💜

Ah, yes, the team's personal nightmare! This month we have made outstanding progress with our backgrounds: as of now, six out of ten backgrounds are ready for rendering, or are already finished!

I may as well point out that Raquel, our lead character artist, is also in charge of rendering the backgrounds, which is a ton of work. As we'll be focusing on the characters next month, it'll be a while until Raquel can keep working on finishing backgrounds, but the wait will be worth it! 💜 In the meantime, Astro and Kayden will keep working on them.

Here you have a WIP of one of the first places you'll visit in the demo: your kitchen! We also wanted to show how the background department works with this little gif. Every member of the team is in charge of a different stage; I, for example, write down a briefing for each background and create a moodboard for Astro, and then we all offer our feedback as he works.

Well, this is your mother's kitchen, but it counts...right?

Astro, our lead background concept artist, has also been working hard on bringing Lost in Limbo's world to life. We don't want to spoil too much, but as the director, I wanted to highlight Astro's work today, so I'm leaving here one of the concept pieces he did for another background, as a treat! 💜

What could possibly be happening here, I wonder...?

As of today, 76% of the demo script is coded! ✨ Courtesy of Seyl (that's me!), who has suddenly become a Ren'Py pro (quotation needed).

Jokes aside, we are slowly but surely getting closer to tie all the knots and solve all the mysteries behind Lost in Limbo's demo programming. The pronoun selection works great, the choices don't make the game explode, and variables change when they have to, which may not sound like a lot, but for us first-timers it is like a dream!

You can punch Amon in Lost in Limbo's demo! Yay!

For me, the most complicated thing has been programming the LIs sprites, as they will change clothes in the future, they blink, etc. A bunch of unexpected problems came out (as they always do) as I got familiar with Ren'Py, but fixing them has been an equally rewarding and maddening experience. There's a lot of work left to do and I'm sure I'll suffer a great deal trying to figure everything out, but isn't that the fun part?! Coping mechanism!

Honestly, as an adult who still has to count with her fingers, finding out that I can program with Ren'Py quite correctly is making me feel kind of smart.

Our UI is still on the making, but we hope we can show y'all some sneak peeks real soon!

Seyl's programming adventure also includes absolutely beautiful placeholders like this one, made by yours truly. We promise your mom looks better than this.

As for the writing department, I keep saying the prologue / demo script is finished, but I find myself going back to it to modify stuff. To this day there's still some changes I think can benefit the narrative—but I have to sit down and think about them thoroughly first. As the story grows and the plot thickens, it is my job to make the demo as engaging as possible, and I'm committed to it.

The first chapter of Amon's route is done, and the second is on the making. My plan is to at least write three chapters of every route before focusing on finishing one, to make sure all of them are coherent and cohesive.

January has been a good month for the team. I'd say that the progress we have made especially in the programming and background department has relieved us from a lot of stress.

Sadly, as you all know, Raquel, Astro and me are full time students, and our master degree is being quite intense. How much time we can dedicate to the game depends on the amount of work the master demands from us, so February could be as good as January for the game, or it could be not as fullfilling. Only time will tell! Know that in any case, we regularly work on the game.

If you've made it this far, thank you so much for your time! 💜 I hope it wasn't too boring, and please forgive my overworked brain if there's a bunch of nasty typos around. I promise I'll check the post (again) soon, just in case.

Sending you all a lot of love from the Ravenstar Team! Have an incredible week, take care, and remember to drink water!💜

[luckyrabbit1927]

Can we talk about Bluey for a sec?

This is a long one, but something that's been on my mind for a while. I've mentioned I'm a fan of this show a few times on my blog now, but I think it's time I delve in and highlight what this show has accomplished, and why I think it deserves to be seen by others.

For those who may not have seen it yet, I'll give a little bit of background. Bluey is a Disney Jr. original made by longtime animator Joe Brumm (Who also worked on the equally awesome Charlie and Lola back when I was a kid!). The series takes place in the real life Australian location of Brisbane, but with actual dogs in the place of the humans. The main setup for this show is to highlight the day to day life of little 6 year old Bluey heeler, along with her sister Bingo, mother Chili, and dad Bandit.

Throughout the various episodes, we see how playtime and games of pretend affect each of the main cast, and the show stresses how important this time is to help not just the children, but the parents too to grow as people. We often see Chili and Bandit getting involved with their children's games or being a strong influence in their lives, and the show frequently highlights the mother and father's wonderfully realistic, but beautiful relationship. This is something I always felt was done especially well here, and is something that is a lot more rare in children's cartoons than one might expect.

Joe Brumm's vision for this show was to not only give a closer look into the more suburban side of Australia, but to also highlight his own experiences as a parent and show how beautiful playtime can be. While the show may be a Disney Jr. original, it is most certainly intended for all ages to take something from it. Its humor is expertly written, enough to get groups of all ages laughing at the family's antics, but there is also a distinctly emotional side as well. In my time of watching this show I've seen it discuss serious topics such as:

Death, and how children can learn to cope:

How quickly friends can sometimes come and go, but the memories will never leave you:

Regardless of whether you're a mother or father, parental stress is going to happen, and in Bandit's case, it's okay to need to take a step back and breathe. While on the flip side, Chili has to learn to enjoy the moment and realize that everything will work out in the end:

Your family will always be here for you, even when you can't see them:

And finally, and my personal favorite lesson; the impact we can have on a child's life with even the smallest of gestures.

Each episode of this show I feel deserves their own posts, especially just how much depth and love goes into the making of each one, (which I'm considering doing a small series of if there's interest). After I was able to binge both season 1 and 2 for myself recently, I feel like I walked away a better person, even though I have yet to have any kids of my own yet. It's wide range is one of Bluey's best strengths. Regardless of whether you're a kid, teen, adult, or a new parent that happens to be watching it with your little one, there is something everyone can take away from this incredible little show. During a time where I had to leave behind my home and find my way in life, I couldn't have asked for better guidance in life than from Bluey.

I don't usually do longer pieces on my blog, but Bluey is something I feel genuinely changed me as a person, and it needs to be shared. I can only hope that my post here might convince any newcomers to give Bluey a chance, and that you too are able to find appreciation in what might be one of the best children's cartoons of all time.

(A quick side note: Since I can't go in depth here without making this post a couple years long, I thought of an alternative. If any of you are wanting to see me make a separate little episode-by-episode analysis series, I'm more than happy to give it a go if that means it'll help gauge more interest in Bluey! I hope to see you then!)

"Gotta be done!"

[domirine]

@wradicall i hope to alleviate your stomach hurt! re: this study post

i'll make a new study with you and share my process behind making these and spruce in some tips i keep in mind with each steps, hopefully it'll be helpful! this process is generally one i use across all photo studies i make; (obviously this is what works for me, if you have a different method that works for you then good)

1. first step is sketching out the outline, but before i do it i determine things that will help me keep the proportions of the picture. i think of them as anchors - darker folds, negative space, major planes. i find it easier to do those small parts and align them than just make a single large outline.

2. i lightly sketch out the contours and these points of interest; i am showing you two steps of that process, because i never get the proportions right on the first try, and i think it's unrealistic to expect that of yourself. better to take time and check with the reference, make deliberate and precise lines, rather than create a lot of messy thick lines just for the sake of speed. this isn't a race~

3. i will be working on the shirt. i block in the separate shapes on different layers for ease of later rendering, trying to use a similar colour i'm seeing in the photo reference. the colour differences will come later, but i find this to be also a helpful exercise in simplifying shapes and colours in general. next, with a rather simple brush (one i use is just a square with a subtle chalky finish) i refine the secondary, larger shade - since i start with a medium shade, i will work on the lighter planes. no ultra darks and no ultra lights yet, we are still laying out the basic foundations of the shirt.

4. i add the darker and lighter bits, fleshing out the creases and paying attention to the colour differences in the shirt. elbow on our right has a redder shadow, shoulder are is a bit more yellow. you think this is a fabric study, no, it's an everything study. while the main point is to focus on how this shirt is structured, i wanna break down what makes it realistic - which is why colours and proportions earlier were taken into consideration, not just the form of the fabric. then, on a separate layer, i paint the pattern. i grab stock patterns when i can, but things like embroidery or non-tiling patterns often need to be done by hand to make them look cohesive with the rest of the pic. we are now working on layers above the sketch, since it's done its job and we don't need it for details.

5. i finish embroidery details. while i like rendering with softer, textured brushes, i use a sharp edged brush for the embroidery because it's not a pattern that fades away. even though it's not a 1 to 1 representation of the reference, it looks good enough for me. then, since emrboidery is on the separate layer, i can shade it so it's not all one shade of vibrant red and matches the lighting. then i get to the final darkest shadows, highlights, details. the last step i find the most satisfying and substantial, because adding that sharpness and refinement brings the whole thing together.

6. it looks weird now, but i then applied literally the same methods to the rest of the individual pieces and now it looks more coherent and put together. (sorry about your face, lady.)

some of these steps i don't carry out because i have them in my head, for example i don't draw over the reference to remember those anchor points. but this is my process, i hope it was a tiny bit helpful. if you need to take extra steps or you think you are slow, that's alright! make the process work for you. don't get bogged down by details and making things too refined, while also try to be deliberate and not too careless in your brushstrokes.

i don't usually post such detailed processes, because i share all my process gifs/breakdowns of various pieces with my patrons. i hope this was understandable, and if you'd like more (or just wanna support me, 'tis but a dollar), please take a gander at my patreon.

happy painting!