#technically enhanced a sketchbook i already had

[two-calicos-in-a-trenchcoat]

Made myself a new sketchbook

[mxtcha-tea]

Lines.

✎desc; how I would rate haikyuu character's drawing.

✎team[s]; fukurodani, inarizaki

✎genre; crack

✎language[s]; english

✎chef note; okay, first off, I'm not a professional drawer but I can still rate drawings. This idea just came to me like a minute ago and I had to do it now, so enjoy :)

fukurodani.

Bokuto

Aight, I see that we started off greatly.

In all honesty, he have no idea how to draw,

And of course his drawing would look,,,, quite terrible i'm so sorry bokuto lovers

He's that kid in art class where's when the teacher already told them what to draw,

Bokuto sat there on his chair, staring at the canvas

Like, what is he suppose to do? Draw?

Well, yeah technically but what???

I can totally see him frustratingly erase the sketch if it can be called as a sketch

And then proceed to try to copy other people's work

Keyword; try

It's bad but at least he had an effort to finish it

4/10, there I said it

Akaashi

His drawings are not that professional but it's pretty

Have you ever seen a drawing that you wanted to stare at it for hours until you're satisfied?

That what's his drawing are like

Not typically an art kid so he's fine when student's from his art class asked him to draw for them

And is feeling pretty neutral with his talent (he actually won't call it a talent but more like a hobby or sum)

And just say 'thanks' if peoples compliments his drawing

Let say his drawing is, a good 8/10

A decent drawer in conclusion :)

Konoha

Not a bad drawer but he rather keep it basic

Konoha's prolly too lazy to draw something over the top so he's just gonna draw flower or something ksndnzkj

Sometimes sleep during art class and had to ask what they had to draw

Proceeds to decently draws a scenery

He's totally not the creative kid so whenever the teach tell them to draw something, he'll always go with basket of fruits, like,

Man, I appreciated the drawing but at least put some effort on thinking what to draw

The art teacher also kept telling him that he have raw talent and should enhance the skill more,

But that never happened, no

"Sorry ma'am, I'll just stick to volleyball, thank you,"

One part of the art room has a section of konoha's basket of fruits drawings but in different mediums

Rating is 7/10

Washio

IS actually an art kid and you cannot convince me otherwise

Has a small sketchbook with him and he'll always doodle when he's bored or in a middle of a lecture (while taking notes of course)

His main skill in drawing tho is painting

The colors blends in so well with one another and he's good at picking color palettes

Also, he doesn't really get that annoyed if some kids from his class ask him to teach them how to draw

Or even look through his sketchbook

He'll just nod and hand it to them without a second thought

Ajsjdhsijsi Washio get so blushy when someone compliments his drawing,,,,

I’ll give a 10/10 :), congrats

Sarukui

The best that he can do is doodles of owls and other shits but other than that, he cannot do

But the doodles are kinda cute doe ngl

He’ll have his moment where he’s in class and have no idea what to do, and just doodles a bunch of stuff

Once he draw his whole teammate including his coach and himself, he thought to himself,

“Huh, this looks good,”

And then take a picture of it for memories (cause he might throw the book he’s doodling in away)

Speaking of that, he doesn’t have an official book for drawing and just draws in his english or math’s textbook or sum

His juniors eyes are blessed when they got his textbook

Sarukui just vibes in during art class, draws and that’s pretty much it

The drawings,,,,,eh,,,, not that good, he only specialize in doodling as I said

so in conclusion,

drawing? 2/10

doodling? I’ll give a solid 5/10, good job

Komi

I’m gonna say this and I’m prolly gonna say it again

He hates art class

Like, even with him trying his best to draw, it’ll always gonna look strange than what he planned

mf cannot draw a straight line in art class

This dood can draw a nice straight line in any other class whether it’s for a graph or others,

And then proceed to shakily draw a straight line during art session

Totally not an art kid and will never be one

His drawings,,,,

I’m so sorry but it looks so bad

It’ll prolly look a lot better if he put more effort, but it’ll still look bad no matter what

Komi hates art class and can’t draw even a decent doodle so unfortunately, I’ll have to rate it 0/10, sorry :(

Anahori

His drawings are eh

It’s not good but also not bad?

Sometimes you’ll just stare at his drawing for a good minute and be like, what did he just draw just now?

What I’m saying is that his drawing’s are unexplainable

Maybe if you stare at it a little bit longer then it’ll make sense and you can see the beauty in it

But honestly I can’t really see anything, not in a bad way, but like, literally nothing

You’ll be staring at his canvas as the mario kart rainbow road music started playing inside your head

But Anahori is always proud of his drawings no manner what

So, I’ll rate confusion/10

Onaga

Just like Komi, he sorta hates art class too

But lemme tell ya, his sketches are GODLY, like, have you seen those pinterest hand sketches?

That’s what his sketch would look like

It’s so yummy to look at what

But he sucks at lineart so JAHGSDSHD

Onaga cannot properly hold the black pen and do the lineart, it’ll always turn wonky and he had to throw it away

Like, if he spend even hours tryna outline it all, and then erase it

It’ll look so trash

And he’ll just stare at it for a couple of minutes before crumpling the paper

He’ll also suck at coloring

Mans cannot understand how the color blend in together

And I think I’ll rate,,,,,6/10 just cause he suck at coloring and lineart lmao don’t worry i suck at coloring too

Kaori

Another decent drawer and her drawings are almost the same as Akaashi’s

But instead of it looking pretty, it looks cute

I have a headcanon that Kaori have a journal and does journaling so that’s prolly the reason why her drawings are cute af

But honestly, her drawings sometimes depends on her mood,

If she’s mad or frustrated, her drawing would look kinda rough and not that cute anymore

If she’s feeling happy tho, It’ll look so nice and cuddly does that even make any sense

Isn’t necessarily an art kid but would love to try be one

And she totally have drawing sessions with Washio aaaaaa,

Just imagine both of them sketching in the same sketchbook while talking about the volleyball club or anything else

She’s getting an 9/10 just cause her sketchs looks clean <33

Yukie

She doesn’t draw at all

Like, you’ll never see her drawing at any kind of time so you have no idea what it looks like

Yukie would still attend art class,

But never draws

She said that she’s pretty lazy to draw it and said to draw it at her home later

But no one even saw that drawing after that

Yukie doesn’t show her drawings nor EVEN draw for once

So I technically can’t rate :/

inarizaki.

Ginjima

LISTEN

The only reason why I started with Gin is because he have some amazing drawing skills

He admit that he’s not an art kid but draws godly as if he had been thought since he was a kid,

Well, actually yes

I think Ginjima actually wanted to be a drawer when he was still a little kid way before he started his 3rd year of middle school

So he practiced a few and became a nice drawer since then,

But he kinda quit being a drawer and decided to go with volleyball

And guess what?

His drawing talent is still there

He totally specialize in pencil drawing cause that’s the first thing he started learning

The lines are smooth and the shading are so yummy what is wrong with me

The Miya twins and Suna are so sh00ked when he saw his drawing during art class

ngl he’s pretty smug about it too but doesn’t brag about it

I’ll give this boy 12/10, mwuaah

Suna

I hate this man for this sole reason

Suna is too LAZY to draw so he doesn’t give any effort in his drawing

I can guarantee myself that I’ll get an eye strain when I saw his drawing

And...

*wipes away tears*

He draws too many dick

–2/10

Don’t come for my head Suna lovers

Atsumu

OMFG

OKAY, OKAY, I KNOW THAT ATSUMU MIGHT PUT ON SOME EFFORT IN HIS DRAWINGS,

BUT WHY IS IT STILL SO BAD?????

He’ll prolly think his drawing would look good but no, it’s not

No matter on what perspective you look his drawings at, It’ll still look bad

AND HE DOESN’T EVEN NOTICE IT

Osamu laughs a lot at his drawing and they started fighting for that only reason smh

Atsumu, I appreciate your effort so SO much,

But please, just stick to volleyball

–10+/10

I put a plus there because of his effort and because of pity

Osamu

He draws in ms paint, with a mouse

But he can draw some foods tho

But all of it looks wonky af

1/10

Akagi

A pretty decent drawer

Akagi always draw happy and cute drawings so you’ll also get happy when you saw his drawings

Puts on a big smile when people compliments his drawing and shyly scratches the back of his neck

“Nah, this just look normal!”

But he draws oddly thick lines sometimes

Sometimes it looks good in some drawing

And sometimes it looks, bizzare in others...

But I think his drawing would look nice <3

Overall, I’ll give a,,, 7.5/10, keep up the good work

Oomimi

He’s from class 7 AND I really think that he’ll be good at drawing

Well, he can draw a few things but he struggles drawing other things he never accustomed to

But!

Oomimi is that kid who’s good at drawing scenery

He knows basic color palettes and which is cold and hot colors

So the scenery drawing would always look good

He get a lot of compliments for the drawing (50% of it from Akagi)

I think he doesn’t have that many time to relax and draw freely but when he does have it, it’ll just be small and simple doodles

um, let’s go with 8/10 <3

Aran

I truly believe that Aran can draw peoples face but in a pretty decent amount

He’s also good with anatomy teach me your ways king

But as much as he’s good at that, he kinda sucks at drawing any kind of background drawings

Mans can’t draw a scenery I’m telling you

As if the background doesn’t even exist in his mind lolol I’m sorry Aran lovers, I didn’t mean that in a bad way

Mainly uses copic markers to color and color pencils to shade

The first time he use the copic marker, he got really frustrated that the marker stain the other pages lmao

And he never uses digital drawing applications or softwares

Aran just doesn’t

I think I’ll rate him, 8.5/10

Kita

Okay, I know that Kita’s a top student and never fails in anything

But he’s not typically a good drawer that much

His drawing still got good marks but when you look at it, it just looks normal

I just know that the Kita lovers gonna get me after this

It’s not that bad and not that good, just a nice balance in between

I personally think Kita’s not that godly in drawing but rather a neutral drawer

He draw what he can and does shading and coloring when it’s needed

The colors are all basic colors, no pastel, no neon

And the shadings are pretty basic

Just a normal drawer here

Ya’ll gonna fight me for this but I’ll give Kita’s point,

7/10

[kittybellestark]

Valentine’s Day

This is soft boi Peter celebrating Valentine’s day the best way he knows how too.

I’m a little late with this I know. But but but I’m also right on time? Anyways please enjoy this. It’s really not angsty at all. There’s a lil bit of insecure Peter, and some miscommunication but this is some soft stuff okay?

-

Valentine’s Day was probably Peter’s favourite day of the year. He loved the pinks and reds and the extra excuse to cherish all the people he loved. It was cheesy and corny, but did Peter ever love the day. He never got to celebrate it for what it actually was-a romantic day- not with his short fling with Liz and not with MJ either. But that’s okay, Peter loved the day anyways.

He didn’t really understand people’s hatred for it. Yes, it was now mostly just a capitalist ploy to have everyone buy into, but it was more than that for Peter.

Valentine’s Day was an excuse Peter was able to use to show the few people he had left that he appreciated them. It was a day of celebrating love and a day to fall in love with yourself. Peter liked that.

He worked hard on finding what he could make that could fit into the Valentine’s theme without being too obvious. it often took months of work and crafting to make sure he was content with what he’d gift to everyone.

For Ned it was a portrait of the two but made of Lego. For MJ (despite the relationship ending they were still friends) sketchbooks where he made the paper and bounded it himself. For May a new throw blanket, made with the chunkiest yarn he could find at the discount store. For Happy a keychain with a little toy car attached, painted to say ‘Happy Taxi,’ on it. For Pepper a crocheted cardigan this time with crushed velvet and for Tony a painting of his mother.

He was good at making things for other people, to show them his appreciation and love. He worked tirelessly on them, letting it take up his free time. But it made him happy to know that he made something with his bare hands and was able to gift it to someone he loves.

No one really understood why he gave these gifts other than May. She would always give him a small smile and a hug and then the next day he’d get discounted chocolate. May was the only one who knew that Peter did all the work himself. Everyone else just thought he purchased them. Which was fine.

No one needed to know about the sleepless nights or bleeding fingertips. They didn’t need to know how long he spent working on each individual thing. And they most certainly didn’t need to know that Peter was selling some of his own possessions to be able to fund their gifts.

Peter didn’t really plan on telling any of them either. Why should he? He’s showing his appreciation to them, learning these new skills and then becoming good at them is just a way to learn and to show his love. Besides, he wants to show his appreciation, not force the people he loves to gift him something back.

Maybe the presents he gifts them end up shoved in the back of closets or tossed out after a month. That was fine. Just because he was showing his appreciation doesn’t mean they have to show theirs. Valentine’s Day is Peter’s favourite day, it doesn’t mean that the people in his life also need to like it.

But now it was nearing Valentine’s Day and Peter and Harley were kind of sort of maybe a thing. Honestly, Peter wasn’t very sure at this point. It wasn’t like Harley was one for talking about these things. But they had made out a few times and seemed to dance around any possibility of feelings.

Harley wouldn’t talk about his feelings, he was never very open about his emotions. Besides, Harley had a reputation at school for his relationships, if anyone could actually call a hook-up a relationship. Overall, Peter was very confused. Harley was sweet and kind. He made jokes that only Peter would get and casually sling his arm over Peter shoulders. Sometimes at the tower they’d find themselves cuddled on the couch when no one was around or sometimes Peter would find himself pressed against a wall as Harley tried to bruise his neck.

There weren’t officially together, due to the lack of communicating, which meant they technically weren’t exclusive. Peter wanted to be exclusive, but every time he tried to talk about it Harley would deflect and change the conversation. But now it’s coming close to Valentine’s Day and Peter doesn’t want it to be weird. Harley only started going to school with them this year, and while he’s been in the same friend group as Peter, it doesn’t mean he won’t look at the gift wrong. Most people think that Valentine’s Day is inherently romantic. And Peter really doesn’t want to freak Harley out, especially not when they’re still... enjoying each others company. 

It’s not like Harley ever celebrated Valentine’s Day the way Peter does. No one really does. So this might scare Harley. He could think that Peter believes their exclusive and while that is what Peter wants, Peter is also very, very painfully aware that that the two of the just hook up.

Spotting Harley already at their lunch table, created the perfect opportunity for Peter to explain his version of the day. Ned and MJ would be there, which would let them serve as proof that Peter just likes Valentine’s Day. So Peter hurried over to their table and sat across from Harley. It didn’t take much longer for Ned and MJ to join them and everyone to fall into their easy banter.

“So! Valentine’s Day is next week.” Peter couldn’t help the little shoulder shimmy, showing his excitement.

“Yeah, loser, what’d you get us this year?” MJ snorted.

MJ thought Peter’s idea of Valentine’s Day was cute. She was morally against the Hallmark Holiday but she indulged Peter by always accepting his gift. MJ would always roll her eyes and make some remark of her not celebrating the day but would always thank Peter for the gift. She knew the day was important to him and wouldn’t ever flat out reject Peter’s way of showing he cares.

“I can’t ruin the surprise, you’ll just have to wait,” Peter rolled his eyes, bumping his shoulder against hers, “but Harley has never been here for a Valentine’s Day before.”

“Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday to take advantage of susceptible couples what of it?”

“Peter doesn’t celebrate the day like that,” Ned explained. “He uses the day to show the people closest to him he cares. So he usually buys us all something he thinks we’ll appreciate.”

Harley raised his eyebrows surveying Peter like this was some sort of mystery when it was really simple.

“Yeah, I mean my family is like all dead, so I like to show the people that I have left that I appreciate them. Valentine’s Day is a good excuse. Also not tainted the way other holidays are with missing my family so...”

“Peter!” Ned scolded, “You can’t just drop the dead parents card, that makes people uncomfortable.”

Ned threw a pack of crackers at Peter in punishment, not that it actually ended up hitting Peter. Instead Peter caught it before cracking opening up with a cheeky grin, popping one of the crackers into his mouth. 

“Listen, if I can’t talk about how my parents are dead because it makes other’s uncomfy then I don’t want other people talking about their alive parents because it makes me uncomfy.”

The group laughed before getting back onto track. 

“Anyways, Harley, I’ve got everyone else a gift for Valentine’s Day, can I get you one or does that make you uncomfortable? I don’t mind either way, and you don’t have to get me anything back, I celebrate the day differently and I don’t expect anyone else to celebrate the way I do.”

Harley seemed to consider Peter’s words, his eyes squinting slightly and his head tilting to the side. There was an edge of discomfort and something else Peter couldn’t really identify painted onto Harley’s face. Peter bit onto his own lip waiting for Harley’s answer and really couldn’t help but notice how pretty the boy was. 

“Peter buy’s the best gifts. Last year he bought me this quilt and I literally cannot sleep without it now.” 

The amount of times Peter bled over that stupid quilt- it wasn’t a stupid quilt. It was actually really cool. Peter went from thrift store to thrift store finding cool t-shirts and fabric swatches. He found an old sewing machine- from the 50′s no less- that hardly worked and he fixed up the best he could. No one really made parts for a sewing machine that old anymore, not with them being antiques and everything. But because it was so badly damaged, he got it for next to nothing. Fixing the thing had taken what felt like a century, and the research behind it along with creating all the necessary parts was extremely painful. But the quilt was worth it, and Peter was able to get all the bloodstains out. Ned loved the thing. It was big enough to fit on a king bed, not that Ned had a king size bed now, but there was a possibility he’d get one in the future.

“It’s true, last year Peter got me this painting done of my Grandmother in Washington protesting. I still have no clue how he found that.” 

Finding a picture of MJ’s grandmother was already very, very hard to do. But he managed to find a picture when he was over at MJ’s house once and cross referenced it from a textbook from the early 2000′s. From there he had the picture enhanced and expanded. Then it was just a matter of tracing the picture onto canvas, and learning how to paint. The whole thing was a wreck and Peter was positive that he was going to ruin the whole thing multiple times over, but eventually it resembled to actual photo and then started to look decent. By the time Valentine’s Day came around he only needed a frame, and Peter was okay with the idea of just purchasing a frame was more than enough. 

“I do happen to know a lot of people, and they also know people. And a few of them owe me some favours.”

“Peter there’s no way you know enough people to find something like that.” MJ rolled her eyes.

“I personally know three, no five billionaires, but I only consistently talk to three, I know not one, not two but three groups of super heroes, then I also know a bunch of other vigilantes and not to mention I know so many small business owners. It’s called networking M, it’s an extremely important skill to have.”

MJ scoffed in response, now taking her turn to bump her shoulder into Peter’s. 

“I don’t know why I ever broke up with you, you could have networked me into a world take over.”

“Maybe because we both realized we weren’t straight, I’m bi, you’re a lesbian? Wait no that was a power move, lesbian-bisexual solidarity. Honestly I’m not too sure anymore, might be the long distance thing we had going on, we used to sit kiddy-corner to each other at lunch. It was much to far to support our relationship.”

Ned pretended to gag, but in actuality was trying not to laugh. 

“You guys were insufferable when you were dating but it’s marginally worse now.”

“It’s because we’re gay,” Peter answered.

“Bitches.” 

“Say’s the token straight friend,” MJ quipped.

Ned stuck out his tongue, and crossed his arms over his chest.

“So am I buying you something or not Harls? Whatever you’re okay with, I don’t expect anything back.” 

“I’m only sayin’ yes because of those wonderful testimonies. I better be dazzled Parker.” 

The table cheered. Peter couldn’t help the pit of anxiety that started to form in his stomach. Now he had a week to make Harley the perfect gift and make sure that the message behind it didn’t lead to far on the romantic side. Up to this point Harley was clear about the one thing they’re not, which is the one thing Peter wants the most. So now this gift not only was going to be rushed, but not put any more pressure onto Harley then there already was. 

This was going to be tricky.

The week went by faster then Peter was expecting. Valentine’s Day was the next day and Peter had just barely managed to pull together something, somewhat decent for Harley. Between his friends and the occasional make out session in the alley way behind the school, Peter was genuinely surprised he managed to make things work. 

He scoured the internet and libraries looking for the perfect thing. Harley had been getting increasingly homesick, bringing up certain stores and area’s of Rosehill that he missed the most. So Peter found old pictures, many of them pre-dating Harley, and some from when the town was first established and he learned to stretch canvas and print the pictures onto it. Before printing the pictures Peter printed the headlines that the town had that really stood out to him, some from the city being founded, to others about Tony Stark making an appearance in town. With the pictures printed on top the headlines were only visible in certain lights. 

Peter really hoped that this gift wasn’t too much. 

“May?” Peter called from his room, each gift was laid out across his bed, except the one for May, ready for inspection. 

He paced around his room, worried that nothing was good enough, that he had made a mistake somewhere. Maybe the cardigan was too loosely crocheted, or the painting of Maria wasn’t accurate. The sketchbooks not enough, the Lego portrait not the right colours. Maybe everything was completely wrong and now it was too late to restart them. This would be so much easier if Peter just purchased some gifts for everyone instead. God, what if he had over stepped with something.

May walked into his room, a smile forming on her face at each display of affection her kid created for the people he cared about. Peter taught himself new skills to try and create things people would love and he never, ever took any credit for his own work. All Peter ever wanted to do was show people that he cared and loved them.

“Peter these are beautiful. When are you going to be giving them out tomorrow?”

Peter shook his head.

“I’m going for brunch with Ned, MJ and Harley. Then after that Harley and I are going to the tower, so I’ll be able to give Mr. Stark and Ms. Potts their gifts. Then Happy will be driving me home so I can be here for when your shift ends, so he’ll get his then. And then you get yours tomorrow night,” he explained voice rushed, and face flushed. “I think I overstepped though, with Harley. Honestly probably Mr. Stark too. I don’t know. It’s not like they’ll be keeping this stuff long term anyways right? It’s not actual quality, they’ll keep it out of curtesy then toss it out when they no longer feel like I’ll be offended. I mean, Mr. Stark probably won’t because that’s a painting of his mom, so it’ll probably just end up in storage. But Harley will. May, he’s going to think I’m such a loser for getting him this, I don’t know what I’m doing.”

May hummed, pulling Peter in for a hug. The boy melted in her arms, hugging her back. Peter rested his head on her shoulder, and tried to calm his breathing. May could feel him trying to force himself to match her own. 

“Baby, you made them all thoughtful gifts. You put your heart into this stuff. They’ve all been so good at accepting and appreciating the things you’ve given them. Now I don’t know how Harley will react to your gift, but I don’t think you over stepped. You’ve been pinning after that boy for months now and if he can’t see how much of a gem you are from this then he needs to open his eyes a little wider. Peter Benjamin Parker, you are a beautiful soul and these things you made for everyone reflects exactly who you are.”

“Okay. Sure, yeah. Alright. Tomorrow will be fine.”

It wasn’t fine. 

Well, it was fine, it just didn’t go over the way Peter was hoping for. Brunch went pretty well. Peter and Ned sat next to each other in a both, with MJ directly across from Peter and Harley next to her. They all drank milkshakes and all got different breakfasts. Peter ate crepes, MJ ate waffles, Ned had pancakes and Harley had a typical eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. Their group was there for nearly there for two hours when they started to wrap things up. Which meant it was time for Peter to give them all his gifts.

“I think Harley should get his first, because it’s his first time being here for Peter’s version of Valentines Day.”

MJ winked at Peter after her suggestion. She knew about their complicated web of a relationship. 

“Yeah!” Ned agreed, “we’ve all gotten years of this so Harley gets the honour of going first.”

Peter nodded in agreement and Harley smiled. All the gifts were in canvas bags, leaning against the window of their booth. It was best for proper protection, and also made carrying the canvases a lot easier. 

“Show me whachu got darlin’. I’m sure you found somethin’ great.”

He pulled out the canvas with a picture printed of Rose Hill’s town square, from some time ago. A few of the businesses in the were shockingly still around, and there happened to be a festival going on at the time. Peter had tried his best to find out what festival could have been happening but unfortunately there wasn’t much information online.

“Alright, so I managed to find this, but if you don’t like it I can have it returned,” he couldn’t return it, but Harley doesn’t need to know that. Really, Peter would either put it in storage or he would burn it. 

Peter handed it over with a smile, Ned nudging him just a little bit. Harley took it, and stared at it for much to long without a reaction. His face remained blank, jaw set and Peter felt his stomach drop. Peter had really believed this was something Harley would like, but maybe he misread what Harley meant by homesick. 

Peter felt like an idiot.

“Okay well, MJ here’s yours.” 

He pulled out the homemade sketchbooks, each in a different colour and tried not to look back at Harley. MJ took the notebooks, flipping through the pages a smile on her face. There was orange and red and blue and green, enough of a variety to give her a challenge when drawing, or to set the mood.

“They’re all 100% recycled paper. I know you were saying you were running low on sketchbooks and wanted to find some more ethically made ones so...”

“They’re wonderful Peter, thank you.”

She reached out and squeezed his hand. No sarcastic remarks this time, a clear sign that MJ didn’t approve of Harley’s lack of reaction. Peter shook his head and MJ frowned.

“Okay Ned, this one is for you, be careful it’s a little delicate, not that it can’t be fixed but if you drop it then that’s it.”

“Yeah, yeah just let me have it.”

Peter handed over the Lego portrait, it was large, to say the least, the background red and it was accurate as it could be for plastic blocks. Ned gasped, and his grip tightened on the portrait. Peter watched Ned put it down and was pulled into a quick side hug.

“Dude! This is so cool, this is us! I can’t wait to put this on display in my room. This is so cool, they better make us into a Lego movie now.”

Everyone except Harley laughed. MJ and Ned both gave Peter looks of confusion and he didn’t have a response other than a shrug. This wasn’t the reaction any of them were expecting Harley to have. Not this silence. But Harley just continued to sit there, looking tense, no longer looking at the picture gifted to him.

“Okay, well Mr. Stark is expecting us at the tower in the next hour and we’re an hour and a half away so Harley and I should probably get going.”

Alone time could help. Or it could make things worse. They only had to sit through a bus ride and a subway trip before the tower. Maybe then Harley will have something to say. Besides they both have to work with Tony together. It’s a lot of time to spend together.

The group of teens all walked out of the diner, saying goodbyes and as they separated, gifts in hand. Peter followed slightly behind Harley as the made their way to the bus, trying not to accidentally destroy Tony’s or Pepper’s gift by taking up too much room on the side walk. He couldn’t help but notice the tight grip Harley used to hold on the canvas and Peter was very worried that Harley was going to stretch it or break the thing. 

Peter tried to start conversations with Harley. But every question ended with a shrug for an answer. It was clear to Peter that somehow, someway he royally screwed up. The bus ride was bad, the subway ride was awkward but the elevator ride up the tower was unbearable. Any reaction would have been better, in Peter’s eyes. He would take Harley screaming and tossing the canvas, never wanting to see him over this horrid silence. It was too tense, and Peter was genuinely worried that making any sort of sound or movement would make things crumble. At least he wouldn’t be at the tower for too long.

The elevator doors opened to the penthouse and both the boys exited. Harley stormed off to his room and Peter went to the kitchen. After hearing Harley’s door slam shut Peter put his bags down onto the island and checking to make sure that there’s no damage on either of the gifts. 

Tony entered the area, a big smile on his face. He was dressed up a suit jacket being carried in his arms. Tony and Pepper were supposed to be going out on a date, apparently Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to leave work behind for a few hours.

“Hey Roo, thought you and Harley would be hanging out?”

“Yeah, we were supposed to but I’m gonna head home. I just wanted to make sure you and Ms. Potts got your gifts. Right, yes okay first of all happy Valentine’s Day second of all I have gifts.”

Tony rolled his eyes with a fond smile. He placed his jacket down on one of the stools, and jumped up onto the island counter. He was careful to not disturb the things that were already on the counter. 

“Why is it that you get to buy Pepper and I gifts but then when I try to buy you something it becomes a whole thing?”

“Because when you buy me gifts it is typically something that is over the top. You tried buying a chocolate company because I was sad they were discontinuing my favourite kind. Our idea of gifts are very different.”

Peter stuck out his tongue and Tony flipped him off. 

“Okay, fine whatever now gimmie. You bought me a gift that means you can’t just not give it.”

The teen laughed pulling the painting out from the canvas bag. He handed it over and Tony took it, flipping it around to see Maria. Tony’s one hand went and covered his mouth and Peter gave a small smile. Tony gave himself a minute to recompose himself before reaching out his hand to touch his mothers face.

“Pete... How did you find this?”

Peter shrugged. “I know some people, and they also happen to know some people. They happened to not know that this was your mom and were trying to sell it so I got it.”

Really Peter saw a picture of Maria in the Penthouse, took a picture of the picture, stretched canvas went to the art store bought supplies. Sketched out Maria, tried putting down a base coat, cried because it was ugly, Tried painting it again, cried a little more while repeating “trust the process,” and the eventually it started to look vaguely familiar. Peter hated the process from beginning to end, but the painting itself was goo enough to gift so that was great too.

Just then Pepper walked into the room, hair curled and in a beautiful dark blue dress. She smiled at Peter before taking notice of Tony and the painting in his hands. Pepper grabbed onto Tony’s leg with a soft sigh. Peter felt like he was infringing in their moment when Tony looked up and her and Pepper ran her fingers through his hair.

“I uh, I didn’t get it framed, I didn’t feel that was right to do. I thought you might like finding a frame that fits your moms personality or making one, I dunno.”

“No, no, no that’s perfect. Thank you, Peter, this was just- thank you.”

“Literally no problem, Mr. Stark. I also got one for you Miss. Potts, though it’s not like an emotion one, I just thought you might want something for comfort when at home.”

Pepper tilted her head, a smile playing on her lips, eyes crinkling just so. “Peter, you really didn’t have to buy me anything.”

I know,” Peter dragged out his words head bobbing back and forth as he reached into the bag to get the sweater. 

Once it was out of the bag, Peter all but pushed it into Pepper’s arms. She unfolded the soft crushed-velvet cardigan. It was a deep purple colour, and used a simple enough pattern. There were a few golden buttons sewn on in case Pepper would want something that buttoned up. Getting Pepper’s measurements weren’t too hard for Peter, he just logged into FRIDAY’s servers, then went searching through things he doesn’t have access too and then wrote down everything he needed to know. Luckily for Peter, Pepper and May roughly were the same size, so May was his model in the end. The Cardigan should reach to just above Pepper’s knees and be slightly oversized on her. The entire process was painful, using a crushed velvet yarn was an ambitious move, especially considering that Peter’s crocheting skills are very basic. It was overall a success but a painful one.

“Oh wow, Peter this is really nice.”

She put on the sweater, lifting up one finger up before rushing to the bathroom to look in the mirror. 

“Peter this is so nice? Where did you find this? The quality is incredible and you can tell this is handmade by someone who cares for their work. Also It’s soft and, oh my god there’s pockets. Tony, honey, look, pocket’s I’m just saying that there’s not enough pockets in the world. I think I could fit a book in these pockets.”

Pepper stepped out of the bathroom and Peter was very happy to see it fit her properly. Her hands were deep in the pockets lifting the two sides of the cardigan up to showcase that the pockets were in fact real. She dropped her arms to the side after a moment, taking her hands out of her pocket and giving a little twirl. 

“This is probably my new favourite sweater, Peter. Thank you.” 

“It’s no problem Miss. Potts. I’m going to head out now, happy Valentine’s Day.”

Both the adults wished Peter well and on his way out Peter had seen Happy and was able to let the man know not to pick him up later as well as give him the little keychain.  Happy pretended to think the Happy Taxi keychain was very funny. Peter knew he did in fact enjoy the joke, as Happy had put it onto his keyring immediately. And Happy doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to- at least not when it comes to Peter.

The journey home from the tower was rough. Peter couldn’t help but thinking of Harley. By the time Peter got home he was consumed by everything he could have possibly done wrong. Maybe the gift was too much. Or not enough. Harley might actually hate the pictures that Peter picked out. Peter could have messed things up earlier and Harley just felt this was the right time to ice him out. Did Peter’s breath stink the last time they hooked up? Was he too clingy or just not good enough? Harley has a few people he hooks up with at school, which he’s stopped with everyone except Peter, so maybe Harley was upset with Peter.

Peter just wanted to scream. He tried his best to be what Harley wanted, to go with whatever flow was being set. Harley didn’t seem to want anything serious so Peter stopped trying to define what they were. They’re friends who kiss and that’s fine, except maybe Harley never wanted any of this and Peter pressured him into this. The entire thing was a mess, and Peter wished he knew what he did wrong. 

Boys are complicated.

Harley is complicated. 

It was March 1st before Harley started to talk to Peter again. Their group of friends had been tense, Ned and MJ did their best to keep things from getting awkward. None of it really worked. Harley would talk to everyone but Peter, and when Peter would try and talk he would be glared at instead.  But finally after two weeks of nothing Peter got a text.

Come over now ?

Peter’s anxiety went through the roof, but this was good right? A step in the right direction? Peter wasn’t so sure what it could mean, but talking was definitely better than nothing. So Peter responded and made his way over.

This could be the end of their friendship. What if Harley friend-breaks up with Peter? That would be mortifying. To be called over just to be told that Harley no longer see’s Peter as a friend is nightmare. It could be a reality. Peter must have messed up badly if Harley was calling him up to friend breakup. 

One Peter made it up to the pent house he was surprised to see Harley making popcorn in the kitchen. Peter had stepped out of the elevator, arms crossed over his chest, moving to sit at the kitchen island.

“I’m making popcorn. We’re watching a movie.”

Peter couldn’t help but nodding too fast too soon. He didn’t much like the way Harley was talking or Harley’s tense shoulders. It was too matter-of-fact. Harley didn’t have the emotion’s that usually filled his actions and move, not a single nickname or pushing his accent to sound stronger.  This was just Harley without the usual charm and it worried Peter. 

They both moved over to the living room once Harley was done with the popcorn. Peter sat down in his usual spot- on the left end of the couch and Harley, well Harley just a little bit farther away than usual. It wouldn’t have been too noticeable to Peter if Harley hadn’t shut him out.

But now Peter noticed everything. 

He couldn’t help but notice the way Harley’s heart was beating just a little bit faster than it usually did. Peter noticed the way Harley would not relax, how each movement was carefully thought out. Harley wouldn’t let himself take full breaths, and Peter could feel the vibration on the floor from Harley bouncing his foot. 

Peter was so focused on Harley, trying to find out Harley could possibly be thinking. He wasn’t paying any attention to the movie was playing, or even what Harley’s actions were. Peter was so focused on trying to understand everything about Harley that he missed it when Harley moved. 

Well, Peter missed it up until there was lips on his neck. 

Harley’s hands moved to Peter’s waist, trying to pull Peter up on top of himself without losing any contact. The tension in Harley’s muscles started to relax, and Peter couldn’t stop himself from melting into Harley.

This- Peter could be what Harley wanted like this. He can be pliable or rough. Whatever Harley needed, whatever Harley wanted, Peter could be it. It’s easy to be good and in the moment with Harley. There was no talking, sure, that wasn’t great. But kissing? Sitting on Harley’s lap? That was good.

Here, Peter can be whatever Harley wants him to be. No picture on a canvas or anger. The attention isn’t solely wrapped around the lack of talking between the two, but of them together. Peter can be what Harley wants, he really, can. He just need too-

No. Peter can’t be whatever Harley wants. Not without the communication. And definitely not with everything that’s happened in the last two weeks. Every day Peter has ran through what exactly went wrong on Valentine’s Day. Whether it was the gift, or the place, maybe it was some sort of unknown expectation Harley had. But it led to nothing. Peter felt like nothing. Peter doesn’t what to be nothing, not even if that’s what Harley wants him to be. 

He can’t be here, not like this. 

“Harley, Harley, stop.” 

Tears burned in Peter’s eyes as he forced them shut and turned his head away. Harley pushed Peter off of his lap without a second thought, and Peter hated how that felt personal. 

“Darling, what’s happening? Did I do something to upset you?”

Peter wanted to hate that honey-thick accent, but he also just wanted that concern to be real. Not that the concern was fake- Harley wasn’t the type to fake concern- but Peter wanted it to be more than just situational. He wanted things to be deeper, Peter wanted Harley to care about him the same way he cares about Harley. And if Peter couldn’t have that, then he wanted to hate Harley and his stupid accent, and southern charm, and blue eyes and not-quite-brown-but-not-really-blond-hair. 

So he straightened his shoulders out, and took a deep breath in. Peter opened his eyes to Harley only being a few inches in front of him. Barely enough room to breathe, but also way too much room. Peter sat more up right and shook his head.

“I can’t do this Harley. I can’t be the person you call for a good time. You haven’t spoken a word to me since Valentine’s Day, and now this is it? We just make out for a little bit and I have to pretend like I never felt like I was the one to do something wrong? I can’t do that.”

Harley pulled himself backwards, his hands pressed into the couch. His head was tilted just a little bit the the side, eye’s flickering back and forth as he thought.

“You literally gave me a present for Valentine’s Day, Peter, I wasn’t okay with that.”

Peter wanted to pull his hair out- he really did. He stood up and walked around the coffee table one hand tugging lightly at his hair while the other stayed at his hip.

“Why would you tell me that you were okay with me getting you something for Valentine’s Day if you’re going to be uncomfortable then. I asked you so I could avoid this. You even saw me give MJ, who is my ex-girlfriend, a present and Ned one. If you were not okay with it then why did you tell me to dazzle you?”

“Because I thought you’d buy me something. But you didn’t. Nobody has ever heard of Rosehill let alone sold pictures of it with headlines from the town’s news paper. You made that. I don’t want you treating me like I’m special.”

Harley also moved to stand, making his way closer to Peter. With every word he jabbed a finger in Peter’s direction, his voice getting louder as he continued. His face was patchy-red and Harley’s jaw was set tight.

“I don’t buy shit for anyone on Valentine’s Day, Harley. I made the Lego portrait of Ned and I, and MJ’s notebooks, I also painted Mr. Stark’s Mom, and crocheted Pepper a sweater, and May a blanket. Also I made Happy a little Happy Taxi keychain with working headlights. I don’t claim to buy anyone’s gifts. I do it all myself. So my bad for making you feel special for doing a two minute Google search and printing something out I’d thought you’d like. I spent months making gifts for everyone, except yours because I just didn’t know you well enough. I did what I could, but everything I gave was made by me.”

The room fell silent again. The teens stood face to face, just a few feet away from each other. Harley’s blue eyes were filled with anger and disbelief and Peter couldn’t help but feel hurt. They stood there, starring at each other for too long, breathing too heavily. The movie continued to play, casting different lights across the room and they all just seemed to fit too well.

“Okay,” Peter finally broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper, “okay. I’m going home. I really cannot do this anymore, Harley. The ball is in your court now. Just- if you decide that we’re not going to be friends or whatever can you please not just ignore me at lunch? It’s awkward. Also it’s not fair to MJ or Ned. And please don’t tell anyone I make their gifts, I don’t want them buying me something out of guilt. I do it because it’s important to me. Other than that, if you want to stay out of my life or whatever you decide it’s fine. I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable. I’m really sorry, Harley.”

With that Peter turned away from Harley. He hated that he was the one that was bringing things to an end. Is that even what this was? Peter gave Harley the choice, it doesn’t mean that Harley will choose to burn everything they’ve had to the ground, but he could. This could be it. No more friendship or laughing or kissing. It’d all be over. All because of a stupid picture and Peter’s need for attention. 

That’s all it was ever about. Attention. It had to have been. If he was being rational, then Harley’s silence wouldn’t have bothered him. Peter wouldn’t have met with Harley after school or during lunch. This was all Peter’s fault. He just liked the attention.

No. No. That wasn’t it. It couldn’t be. Peter liked Harley. He wanted a relationship with Harley. It’s not like he didn’t try waiting for him or communicating what he wanted. Peter tried to give Harley all the time he needed. It just wasn’t enough and now Harley has a choice. This wasn’t over a picture, or attention, it’s about Harley.

So Peter walked away. He made his way to the elevator where FRIDAY already had the doors opened and waiting for him. Harley just needed time, to figure out what he wants. That’s all this is. Time. It’s not an ending. It just feels final. 

Peter turns around and smiles at Harley, tipping his head forward. Harley is still all the way across the living room, just watching Peter walk out on him. The doors started to close when Harley finally, finally called out to him, making FRIDAY re-open the doors.

“I’m sorry for freaking out. I just thought you were trying to make me feel bad for not getting you anything.”

Peter sighed, “I don’t care if you get me anything, Harley. It’s my holiday, not yours. No one get me anything in return, it’s why I don’t say that I make the gifts. But I stand by what I said. I’m not doing this weird friends who make out thing anymore. I can’t be waiting around for weeks because you’re upset and wondering where things stand between us. You’re either in this or you aren’t. I can’t be another name on a list you work your way through because you’re bored.”

“Darling, you’ve never been another name on my list. I swear it.”

Harley made his way from around the couch and Peter stepped out of the elevator, but not enough to really be in the room. The both of them were saying their words a little too loudly, and it all felt like too much. 

Peter could feel the heat burning his eyes as he tried his best to to cry in front of Harley. His jaw ached from the feeling and everything in him said he should just leave. Cut his loses and leave. But Harley was here, pretty as ever, with his splotchy-red face and freckles. Peter just couldn’t convince himself to leave. 

“Cindy. Brad. Sarah. Ashley. Josh. Eric. Damion. Brittany. Jessica. Me. That’s a list, Harley. I tried to be okay with it, I swear. But there’s only so many times you can brush me off when I try to talk about it. You can’t tell me I’m more than just a name on a list when it’s all right there.”

Tears started to roll down Harley’s face first. Harley’s hands shook as he tried to wipe them away and Peter tried not to sob at the sight. Peter stayed where he stood and Harley moved forward into Peter’s space. He lifted his hands up to Peter’s face, thumbs on Peter’s cheeks and finger’s tangled in Peter’s hair. Harley cried as he held Peter, and Peter did his best not to lean into Harley.

“I’m so sorry, Peter. I’m sorry that I’m scared and that I wouldn’t listen to you. I like you so much, sweetheart. I’m so sorry that I made you feel like this. I’ll do better. Please, honey, I don’t want to lose you.”

Peter couldn’t stop himself from sobbing. Tears streamed down his face as he let himself fall into Harley. He wrapped his arms around the taller boy, and Harley had one arm wrapped around Peter’s back and the other holding onto the back of his head. Peter was relieved to hear that Harley wanted him to stay. He just couldn’t imagine a life without Harley.

“We can be boyfriends, if that is also what you want Peter. I know I’d like that a lot. Just the two of us, no one else.  How’s that sound?” 

“Yeah, I like that, just the two of us, no one else.”

Harley tried to laugh as he held Peter, but it didn’t work out well. Instead the two just held each other as they cried. Finally releasing the emotions they held in during their fight, and instead of being left alone they got the comfort of each other’s arms.

The elevator closed. The movie played on. Peter finally got the one.

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[tsarisfanfiction]

A Tradition of Pride

Fandom: The Mortal Instruments Rating: Gen Genre: Friendship, ish Characters: Clary, Raphael

When designing the new symbol to represent the Council, Clary struggles to find a symbol to represent the vampires.

Clary frowned, staring at the paper in front of her. It was almost finished, almost but not quite. There was one space, one symbol missing, yet to be drawn, but she couldn't think of it. In this situation, her usual response was to scrunch up the paper and throw it away, only to begin anew, but that wasn't possible here. Well, it was, but she would only keep meeting the same block again and again, and this was not a piece of art she could just abandon.

Well, technically she could, but she didn't want to. It was an honour to be asked to draw the new insignia for the Council, a fresh emblem to represent the new beginnings, the start of an alliance she hoped would last far longer than the previous one had. For the first time, Downworlders had a seat each on the Council, and she wanted to represent that in this artwork.

It had been easy to start with. The symbol of the Nephilim was already well known, and it had not taken her long to draw it. Then it had got harder, although not by much. Creating a symbol to represent each of the four seats held by Downworlders was a great responsibility, and she did not want to pick something wrong. The werewolves had been easy – they drew their power from the full moon, which now proudly displayed itself on the page, alongside the Nephilim's crest. Warlocks and the Fae Folk had been harder, but she was confident that her selections of a spellbook and a four leaved clover were appropriate. Magnus had certainly seemed to think so, when he'd come over to visit Alec – again – and crept up behind her to see what she was drawing. Not that he didn't already know, of course, and his presence hadn't been entirely welcome – it was her drawing, and it wasn't finished yet – although it was relieving to know that he thought his symbol accurate.

No, what was troubling her, the empty space that mocked her artist's block, her lack of imagination in just this one thing, was the vampires. They were the sole reason for numerous scrumpled sheets in the corner, where she'd tried to draw something but it hadn't worked. Nothing that she had tried fit, then again, she was stumped for ideas. She'd even, in a fit of desperation, tried Simon's jokey idea of a bloody fang. That had been eliminated almost before she'd finished drawing it. Compared to the peaceful symbols of the others, it looked far too violent. She didn't want to show the vampires as violent, even if violence and cruelty were the only things she really knew to associate with them.

Perhaps that was her problem. She didn't know the vampires like she did the others, and her view of them was tainted because of what had happened to Simon. They'd wanted him dead, because he was different. They were stoic, traditional and unchanging, and the difference of Simon didn't sit well with them.

Now, if only she could find a symbol for that tradition, that unchanging nature.

Sitting here, staring at the paper, was doing her no favours. Her mind was running in circles, trying desperately to think of something when nothing was coming to her. Artist's block was no-one's friend, and as much as she wanted to get this done now, it wasn't happening. She needed a break.

Slipping the unfinished design under another sketchbook, hidden from the casual eye – hardly anyone in the house had a 'causal' eye but maybe they'd at least respect her privacy, she hoped – she stood, pulling on boots and the green jacket Luke had given her what felt like worlds ago.

It was hard to believe how quickly her life had changed, from a normal school girl whose main concern was hanging out with Simon and lecturing him and Eric on suitable band names, to a Shadowhunter with more angel blood in her than any other, save perhaps her wonderful boyfriend.

She should go see Jace, she knew, but it didn't feel right. He was a musician, yes, but not an artist and she didn't think his wit, or the gentler words he reserved just for her, would help her out of it. She certainly couldn't ask him what represented a vampire. He'd probably say the same thing as Simon. There was no love lost between him and the vampires, really.

Her feet, unguided by her mind, led her towards the edge of the city. It was dark, the moon hiding from view, leaving only the stars to guide her, once she was away from the glare of the Witchlights. Settling herself down in the trees, just beyond the wards, she sighed, staring up at the sky. Perhaps the pressure was too much. Perhaps she should turn down the request after all and hand it over to her mother. Jocelyn was an equally talented artist – moreso, if you asked Clary – and had been a Shadowhunter for far longer. She would be more suited for it.

No, she told herself. She had accepted it, and she would see it through. Clary Fray was not a quitter, even if her name wasn't technically Clary Fray any more. Clarissa Morgenstern. The name still felt unfamiliar, like a glove that didn't quite fit, although she knew it should. Perhaps she was just putting her fingers in the wrong holes, but the knowledge didn't make it any easier to accept that her name wasn't what she'd thought it was.

She didn't like change, she decided. Well, she liked what had happened, but that didn't mean she didn't wish she'd grown up in this world, rather than a shocking introduction to it as a teenager. She liked what had become of the change, but not the change itself. Perhaps that was what the vampires needed to learn to do. Perhaps not embrace the change itself, but accept the results of it. But no, the vampires seemed far too stuck in their ways to do that, and she had no intention of trying to make them listen. More than any of the other Downworlders, they scared her. Werewolves had always been kind to her – thanks to Luke, she knew – and while both Warlocks and Fae had been less open, more confusing, she still knew more or less what to expect from them, and they'd never caused her harm.

Vampires, on the other hand. They had killed her best friend, although to look at Simon you certainly wouldn't think he was dead. She remembered the terror of Hotel Dumort clearly, as Raphael had ordered their deaths. Alone out of all the Downworlders, they were the only ones she truly feared.

"Nephilim rarely leave the safety of their wards, particularly when unarmed," a quiet voice commented and she looked up in surprise. The vampire she had just been thinking about was standing there. She hadn't heard him arrive, then again, perhaps he had been there first and she hadn't seen him.

Either way, the lack of warning unnerved her.

"Valentine's gone," she said, keeping a wary eye on him. "And I'm not that far out."

"Far enough that no-one would hear you scream," Raphael said idly, still standing next to her. She knew that when most saw him – a young teenager with an angel face – they thought him harmless. Having seen two angels herself she had to admit that the description wasn't totally accurate; Raphael was hardly an angel, although still beautiful. She would compare him more to Sebastian – Jonathan. Beautiful, but in the way that could and would kill you if given half the chance.

She didn't feel safe any more.

"Are you going to make me scream?" she asked instead, a challenging look in her eyes that she knew wouldn't faze him at all. If he wanted her dead there was little she could do about it.

He sat down, not quite beside her but not that far away, either.

"It is rare to see a Nephilim outside the safety of their wards," he said, repeating his earlier greeting. Now that he was sitting, not that it really made a difference in the threat levels, Clary could hear the curiosity. That was something she'd forgotten about Raphael, and she wondered if it was standard among vampires to be so interested in the minds of mortals. It was as if he'd forgotten what being human was like.

Perhaps he had – she had no way of knowing just how long he'd looked like he'd just reached puberty.

"I wanted to think," she admitted.

"And you could not do that within Alicante?" Raphael asked, not looking at her. He hadn't looked at her since he'd made his presence known, she realised. Then again, he didn't need to. Not with his superhuman senses.

"Being surrounded by Nephilim isn't helpful when you're trying to think about something that's not Nephilim," Clary replied, taking the advantage she had to study him.

He wasn't white, like most vampires, although she assumed that if he were to stand next to a human of the same ethnicity he would look it. What was he, anyway? Spanish, perhaps. Maybe Mexican. Certainly Spanish was his mother tongue. She wondered how long it had taken him to learn to speak English so fluently that he'd even lost his accent, more or less. It was a subtle reminder that he was far older than he looked.

His eyes were dark, although whether black or merely brown she couldn't tell, and his black hair curled around his face in a way that was entrancing. She wondered if he had always been so beautiful or, like Simon, if being Turned had enhanced his features into the current beauty.

"If you want a vampire to study, perhaps it would be better to study your friend," he said suddenly. She jumped. Of course he'd known that she was staring. "Not everyone takes so kindly to being scrutinised. What is it you are looking for?"

She didn't answer, or look away, although her gaze turned from curious to wary. She was afraid to look away, in case she lost him. He was a killer and her only safety was to know where he was.

After a moment of silence, in which dark orbs turned to look at her, aged eyes still shining with a curiosity she'd associate more with a child, she realised that the answer to her problem was, potentially, in front of her.

"What is a vampire?" she asked him. His eyes widened, then narrowed in suspicion.

"Your friend is a vampire," he said. "You have been inside our home – one of few humans to leave alive – and you have been educated by both Nephilim and Magnus Bane on the matter. You know better than many what a vampire is."

Despite the tone, Clary could see the confusion, and the curiosity still burning inside him.

"I know the theory," she admitted. "But it's not enough."

"Why is it not enough?" he demanded. "You are not one of us. You do not need to know." The unchanging aspect, the one that hated anything it didn't understand, was showing through. It was probably stupid, but Clary decided to keep talking.

"How can I finish a crest if I don't know what it represents?" she asked. The silence felt shocked, just for a moment, before it turned calculating. She continued to explain. This was her one chance, she realised, and it wasn't going to slip away from her. "I'm the one that's designing a new insignia for the Council. It's not just made up of Nephilim any more, and I want to show that. There's a moon for the werewolves, a spellbook for the warlocks, and a clover for the fae. But I don't know what would be best to represent the vampires, and I think it's because I don't understand you."

"Your view of the Night Children is clouded by the Daylighter," Raphael said after a long silence, so long that Clary had thought he wouldn't answer. "The only vampire you interact with considers himself to still be human. He has yet to accept that he is dead." Clary couldn't deny it. "You say that you do not understand us. Perhaps your best course of action would be to think about what you do know, when you remove your friend from the picture."

"You don't like change," Clary said immediately. "You didn't like it when Simon could walk in the daylight. You think yourselves superior to humans, but despite that we still intrigue you."

Dark eyes narrowed further.

"You sound as if you think you know me, not us," he said, somewhat stiffly.

"Aside from Simon, you're the only vampire I've ever spoken to," Clary reminded him. Despite the stiffness, he still managed to look elegant as he inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"And therein lies your problem," he said, looking up at the sky again. "You cannot base something meant to represent us as a whole on just one individual."

"Then tell me," Clary said. "What is a vampire? What are you, as a whole? I can't go round talking to hundreds of vampires, not in the time I have."

Raphael laid himself back on the ground, looking up at the sky.

"We are a proud race," he said after a moment. "You cannot comprehend us because you are not one of us, and have no wish to join our ranks. When you live lives as long as we do, change is an unwanted constant. Our environment changes, the humans that we do know, be they what was once our family or humans that willingly gave us their blood in return for protection. They all fade and die. Vampires should stick to the night. We do not belong in the day, for there are even more changes there. That is why your friend should not exist, and why, had I the chance, he would no longer exist."

He knew she was the one that had Marked Simon.

"But perhaps the main thing to remember is that we are the children of the night," Raphael continued, looking straight up, still. "We stalk the night and sleep during the day."

Clary wondered why he'd said that. Everyone knew that about vampires, even if they thought they only existed in fiction. Then she looked up.

The sky hadn't changed since she'd emerged from her room. The moon was still hidden, with only the stars shining down from above. She looked across at him again, a lean black shadow on the grass, illuminated only by the unwavering light of the stars.

Before she registered it, she had leapt to her feet, charging back into the city and her room with no thought for the vampire she'd just abandoned, not that he minded, probably.

Pulling the paper towards her again and wielding her pencil with the practiced ease of one that had been drawing all her life, as she had, strokes appeared in the blank space, simple, yet elegant. Much like vampires themselves.

Putting the pencil down, she surveyed it for a moment, waiting for the sense of wrongness to hit, as it had all the previous times, but there was none.

"Perfect," she finally allowed herself to breathe. "It's perfect."

Nestled in what was once an infuriating blank space was a star, proud and unchanging, just like the vampires it represented.

[jamesnbarnes]

end game

Pairing(s): Steve x Bucky

Summary: Steve snatches the bottle away before Bucky says anything else. “It’s six o’clock in the morning. You’re not having vodka.”

Word Count: 1.1k

Warnings: This is a ton of angst??

Notes: This was requested by the lovely @amusedbyallthemurder . I hope you enjoy! I had a lot of fun writing this.  Comments are always welcome. This is the first fic I’ve written in a year and a half (no joke) so I’m sure there’s room for improvement.

I am definitely thinking about making this into a longer fic, but I’ll see what the interest is first before I make any promises or let my mind wander too far. If you’re interested in seeing a longer version of this, please let me know!

Requests: currently open!

They aren’t on a first name basis.

Bucky makes that abundantly clear to anyone who sees them interact. It’s mostly just Sam and Nat at this point, with Stark occasionally dropping by to mess with Bucky’s arm or talk to Steve in hushed tones about super secret shit Bucky doesn’t care about. He knows the last name basis weighs heavily on Steve’s heart. He ignores the fact that it weighs heavy on his own.

Every day it’s another memory. It’s another recollection of a forgotten touch on a dimly lit Brooklyn street, a stolen kiss in a tent on a European battlefield. The worst ones always come when Steve stands too closely during a briefing and Bucky remembers what it felt like to have him even closer. The big stuff has all come back. He sometimes gets the timeline jumbled up, but he’s done a lot better with it recently. It’s the little details about things that happened decades ago that catch him off guard. Bucky doesn’t quite know how to deal with the phantom memories of Steve’s lips on his skin.

Steve snatches the bottle away before Bucky says anything else. “It’s six o’clock in the morning. You’re not having vodka.”

“That shit doesn’t even work on us that well, Rogers, come on, you know that.” Steve flinches at the ‘us.’ It insinuates something darker and sinister, something that neither one of them are really willing to admit yet.

“I really don’t give a fuck,” Steve says bluntly. “You’re not fucking drinking at all, but you’re definitely not drinking vodka at six in the damn morning.

Bucky looks at Steve like he’s stupid. He chuckles, his body sighing as he slides back into the chair. “Jesus Momma Rogers, since when do you have a stick up your ass?”

Steve rolls his eyes as he shoves the vodka back in the cabinet. “You’re not stupid, Barnes. You know it’s a problem. I don’t give a fuck if you aren’t interested in talking about it, but I’m not watching you sabotage yourself in this fucking apartment. There are lives in your hands. In all of our hands. If you’re on this team, you’re fucking sober, even if it hurts.”

Buck snorts, pushing himself away from the table and standing up. Steve mimics the motion, his feet sliding out so they’re shoulder-width apart and crossing his arms in front of his chest. 

“I think you’re an asshole who can’t come to terms with the past.”

Something in Steve flashes red hot. “Believe it or not, I don’t care what you fucking think of me. I don’t know why you can’t let it go. You’re not drinking. That’s the story.”

There it is, Bucky thinks. You’re always right on the edge of hate, Rogers. Say it. I dare you.

“You know what, Rogers?” Bucky says, taking a step forward. Steve stands up straighter.

They’re always playing this game. It’s been this way since the bridge. The push and pull, even know in this distorted form, is as natural to both of them as breathing. Someone gives an inch, the other takes a mile. If nobody’s willing to give? Well, that just means they get to stare at each other for an extended period of time.

Brooklyn comes back to him in that moment. It’s winter, probably; there’s a light dusting of snow on the cobblestone streets. Steve is laughing in between shivers. That coat was always too big on him; the winters were always too harsh on his small frame. It’s always been this, the two of them, five feet apart, in distance and in heart-

Bucky coughs to cover up the way that flashback shakes him down. Steve’s eye twitches because he sees it. This happens more often than Bucky would like to.

He continues to ignore it every time it happens. Steve never asks. He knows better.

“You’d love an excuse to beat my ass, I’m sure.” Bucky smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. The hair on the back of his neck is still standing up.

“Jesus fuck Barnes, you think highly of yourself. I wouldn’t waste my time.”

Bucky sees his shot before Steve is even finished speaking. “Aww, now what would Sarah say if she heard you talking about that?”

“Don’t fucking talk about her,” Steve growls, taking a huge step forward towards him. Bucky doesn’t miss the way Steve’s fingers curl into themselves where they’re laying at his sides. 

Bucky imagines Steve would just love to wrap those fingers around his neck. “You have absolutely no right to bring her into this. That’s low, even for you. You fucking know it too, so don’t play coy.”

Bucky decides he doesn’t care.

“You know what she’d say if she could see us now, right?” Bucky says, lowering his voice. Steve’s straining to keep his hands where they are. If he was physically capable of trembling in this situation, he would be.

Right now, Bucky thinks he’s probably mulling over which part of Bucky he wants to take apart first.

“She’d probably make us sit across from one another in the living room? ‘Go to your corner of the carpet, boys, and stay there. No talking, no toys, no sketchbooks, no nothing. You two are best friends. I won’t listen to this argument on my day off. Got it?’”

Steve doesn’t make eye contact. Bucky knows he’s winning. Steve knows this story as well as Bucky. Enhanced memories work wonders.

“We’d always get squirmy but neither one of us wanted to stand up first. That’d be admitting defeat. No, we’d wait until she came back and released us. She’d make us hug before we did anything else, and then we would be on our merry way.”

Bucky looks down at the floor before stepping minutely closer, bringing his right hand up to cover his chin, index finger resting on his upper lip as he speaks through his fingers. “Wanna kiss and make up, Stevie?”

Steve actually does respond this time, his mouth falling open inaudibly. Bucky realizes he’s surprised even himself. 

It’s not technically breaking the unspoken rule, but it’s too close. Stupid boyhood nicknames are way too close. That’s uncharted territory. All of this is.

“Shut. Up.” Steve growls, but his voice is laced with something else. If Bucky was capable of feeling guilty, he would feel bad for dragging her into it, but he can’t go back on what he’s already said.

They stay like that, two feet apart now, Steve’s hands by his side, Bucky’s crossed in front of his chest.

I could end this right now, Bucky thinks. I could give it up. I could kill you. Even worse, I could kiss you.

Bucky doesn’t know which thought scares him more.

There’s a knock at the door that jolts them both out of the deep shit they’ve gotten themselves into. They both step away at the same time. It’s a truce.

“I still don’t hate you.” Steve says. “I’m capable of a lot, but…”

Bucky pretends not to hear. Don’t fuck this up, Rogers.

“You’re still not drinking,” Steve calls as he walks to answer the door.

Bucky just smirks.

[lsmithart]

BAFA301 – Research and Experimentation Module Briefing 09/10/20

Deadline: 18/01/21 @ 5pm

Feedback: 08/02/21 @ 10am

Opportunity for expansive experimentation. Play with materials and ideas. Not responding to a brief other than our own.

Space of creative freedom to think/make/try new things/play with new media. Testing out different avenues for materialising ideas. A final experimental push before consolidating ideas for final module.

We give question; we give answer.

We will not be asked to conceptualise our work and ideas. We will just be expected to MAKE and EXPERIMENT. The annotated bibliography and research will inform the conceptual aspect of the work.

Outcomes don’t interest as much for this module; resolved works are not so important.

Careful and considered presentation at the end of the module.

RESEARCH -> EXPERIMENTATION  (informs each other constantly).

Intention is to deconstruct preconcieved ideas and work patterns, to allow new creative formations to emerge through calculated risk taking & critical reflection.

Likely that this will underpin some of the choices made when mapping out aims for subsequent modules. Resultant explorations feed directly into the practical development in 302 & 303.

There are no mistakes – everything is important. Reflection is key.

In depth practice based enquiry.

“Imagine something never before done; by a method never before used; whose outcome is unforeseen.” – Allan Kaprow

Deliver questions rather than answers. Questioning and testing. The whole thing is one entity, it is not just about the final result it is just as much about the process.

Stage 1 (9th October to 2nd/6th November): The Interrobang Project

4 week project – explore existing practice through a medium/discipline of my choice that I previously have not explored. What I feel I haven’t done, a desire to explore. The aim of the project is to work out ways in which I can realise my existing conceptual interests through this new medium..

Spend time taking stock of skills//processes that I have already developed and consider skills that I wish to explore further or haven’t had the time to full try out and get grips on. This can be my starting point. Then required to develop 4 helpful questions. Focus these questions on tangible outcomes or points that can be used to measure level of success.

Question 1 – Medium – processed based research.

Question 2 – Concept – question what ideas are about.

Question 3 – Context – should be read broadly and consider what context means to you, including place, time period, space, artists.

Question 4 – Creative Aspirations – what I intend to do next with the rest of the module.

How will I do it?

Think of things that I have always wanted to do, but have not had the chance to;

Think of ways that could challenge myself and push myself out of my comfort zone; e.g. process, outcome/

What questions drive my practice? How can these questions trigger a different kind of exploration?

Want to see every week – what we have been making… Less focus on research journal and concept.

Fully support process.

Result:

Produce a number of experimental works/try outs/results that will be critiqued on Monday 2nd and 6th November. These will be submitted as part of formative and summative assessments. This will be a group presentation/crit.

15 minutes each to present to discuss successes, failures, discoveries and dead ends. Discuss and evaluate outcomes through the framework of questions. Encouraged to revisit these key questions that have arisen in the phase of the module throughout the course of the year.

Stage 2 (16th November – 18th January):

After Interrobang, we will undertake production of a body of work that responds to my set questions, feedback and findings from the presentation and production of work produced in Interrobang. Development of work should continue through the module. Be prepared to engage with workshop sessions and resources to assist with the development of practice enquiry.

Aims:

Work out ways I can realise my existing conceptual interests through a new medium.

Build confidence in research, decision making and expression with available resources and timescales.

Develop and test conceptual, technical, aesthetic, ethical and economic issues related to area of practice.

Enhance critical and evaluative reflection.

Evaluate acquired knowledge and technical abilities.

Formative Assessment on 23rd & 27th November will help prepare for submission.

Will have 10 minutes to present work in progress, practical work and research up to that date.

Summative Assessment on Monday 18th January – attend a 15 minutes assessment and speak for up to 10 minutes on my practice. Presentation is marked against learning outcomes and is very important in terms of making.

Deliverables:

Summative Presentation of work.

Portfolio/display of all related completed and in progress practical work, including research and development, sketchbooks, experiments and resolved works undertaken as part of the module.

Written project plan with initial proposal and reflection on progress and actions to take forward to 303 (approx. 500 words).

Artist example on presentation: Walead Beshty installation at the Barbican.

Discussion with Phil (planning for Interrobang):

Phil - Performance poem “why are we voting the Tories?” A happening in public. Relies on collaboration, could take place in various locations. Is this limiting? Could there be any more research explorations/experimentations?

Me – Encapsulating objects, images, transparent materials, intangible things such as breath in materials and their functions alongside each other. Fleeting ideas about magnets which repel and attract – what would happen if they are encased in materials and set up in a space? What will happen to the material, if anything? The trace left by the material and the process of this.

Practice as process, embodiment of emotion through performance. Contemporary dance, emotion and movement – a film. Lighting and a shadow self, links back to the unconscious exploration and seeking out the inner self. Allowing this to be reflected through filming of shadow movement behind a sheet of fabric or paper in a space. Could I do this at home in my bedroom? What would the scope be for utilising space in the Warehouse / sectioning off an area?

Feedback: Immateriality, voice, breath. Performative sculpture? I don’t think I have encapsulated objects in materials…

Manual Cinema – look into: https://manualcinema.com/

Book sound studio as private space to practice.

Links with 302 - Tasks to submit for Professional Practice portfolio include:

Live project; external exhibitions and creative sector/industry engagement, educational projects, work experience etc;

Professional development activities; applications, proposals for open calls and competitions, workshops/training;

Presentation and promotion of my work; portfolio, website, blog, zines and publications, online presence business cards;

Critical reflective writing on activities;

Artist statement;

Creative CV.

[writingconceptsandstupidshit]

Welcome to Insanity abandoned concepts #1

I sighed in contempt as I was laying underneath the oak tree in our backyard. Summer was no doubt the best season, no school, barely any responsibilities, and nice weather. I I felt the breeze glide onto my face. I wanted every day to be like this, then I started to think about it more. Then I would get bored, nothing to do except think.  

My sister was inside like usual, she was sketching away making her own worlds. I asked her if I could see her art and she said when I’m older. That didn’t make sense since we’re the same age, twins. I eventually let it go.  

“What’re you doing out here?”

“Can’t a man tan?”

It was my sister, Roxi. She was funny, kind, caring, but also very protective.

“Rix you don’t tan, I don’t even know If you know what that word means.”

“Ok fair, but what brings you outside lil sis?”

“I’m not your ‘lil sis’” she did air quotes to enhance the sarcasm. “And I’m out here because I wanted to sketch outside for once.”  

“Did dad fart next to you again?”

Roxi ignored me and sat down next to me.

“I know you’re gonna ask what I’m drawing again Rix.” she smiled, glancing at me.

“Well no shit, you never let me see your art! I want to be able to brag about you and your fabulous talent!” I whined.

Roxi groaned and then slid the sketchbook to me.

I opened to the first page; it was a realistic sketch of me. I think it was the time we had gone to the new café downtown.  

“Is it that bad?” Roxi seemed on edge now

“No, not at all! It’s beautiful! You got all the proportions right and even the values! I’m impressed.”

“Since when did you know jack-shit about art?” “Since you were my sister” She bopped me in the head with her other sketchbook.

“Can I look at the other ones?”

“Well you’re already holding them idiot.”

“Ow”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it.”

“I know.” I stuck my tongue out at her.

I flipped to the next page, this piece was fully finished, I asked who it was, and she said it was an OC, or original character. She planned on making a comic but since school is keeping her busy and summer is only so long, she might have to wait till graduation.  

“I like it. You have amazing talent.”

“Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

After that we just chilled, the only noise was cars passing by, the gentle breeze and Roxi’s imagination being taken out on paper.

“Hey Rix, we have to go back to school in a month.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.”

“it’s weird, we won't know anyone because we just moved here as soon as the school year ended.”

“Yeah, it is weird. Let’s just hope kids are nice here.”

“yeah” I shifted my gaze back to the sky. The sun was setting already, to be fair it was already 7.

“What should we do when we get outta school?”

I thought for a minute.

“Maybe a YouTuber or Livestreamer on Twitch”

“I meant REAL job”

“Technically it is a real job, you do get paid afterall.” I defended my dream.

“Well I’m gonna be either a singer, or an artist.” She waved her sketchbook in front of her as if she knew it was her destiny.

“Well when I think about it more, like about jobs and stuff; I think I might want to be an astrologist.”

Roxi sat up and looked and me puzzled.

“You realize you have to go to college for that right?”

“Yeah, but I’m gonna need to do something with my life.”

“That sounded more depressing then I think you meant it to be.”

“Well yes and no.”

“This is gonna be a weird year.”

“Yeah, it is.”

-----------

Chapter 1

Now it’s the first day of school in 2019. Of course, I’m a freshman and so that means being terrified of literally everyone you meet. I was already dressed and already ate breakfast, so I went ahead and waited outside for the bus.

Kumo’s car pulled out of the driveway, cluttering the clean road with rocks. I waved but he didn’t see me.

“You excited? You got ready really quick.” I jumped and quickly turned around.

“Christ almighty Roxi! You almost game me a heart attack!”  

“Sorry, I thought you’d heard me or something.”

Before I could say anything else, Lide forced themselves out the door. They were younger than us, so they went to the middle school that was next to the high school. It was quite convenient.

“Li-”

“Shut your fucking mouth, both of you. I swear to god if I hear one more word out of you two, I’m actually going to snap your guys’ necks.”

Roxi and I were shocked, the words made Roxi tear up. I wasn’t affected because I’ve heard them talk like this before, I didn’t know why. I assumed it was because they were in a bad mood.

When the bus arrived at its scheduled time, we all took a harmonious breath.

Summer was over, now we must deal with hell.

---------------

Chapter 2

There were signs directing students where to go, such as ‘schedules are here’ or something like that. The staff make school seem like such an innocent place, who are we kidding we’re teenagers, dumb and stupid.  

I followed the extremely glittery signs and eventually got to the staff who hands out the schedules.

“Last name?”

“Stjerne.”

“Okay, that’ll be right over there!”

She pointed across the room. I hate this already.

I get my schedule, finally, and head to my first class.

Okay room...125. Didn’t the lady say that was in the freshman hallway?

I wander aimlessly through the labyrinth that was now my school, I finally lose hope and try to ask a staff member. I got attention of a tall, light-haired woman.

“Hello, miss, I’m looking for room... 125? Do you know where that is?”

She glanced at me, and then laughed.

“You think I’m a staff member?” she looked like she was about to lose it.

“Yeah, are you not?”

“I’m a freshman, assuming how lost you are, you are too?”

I panicked “I’m so sorry! I didn’t me-”

“shrimp it’s okay, it happened all the time last year.”

That didn’t help, but okay.

“You okay?”

SHIT SHE SAW MY INTERNAL SCREAMING- “Ya I’m aight.”

“Mhm, well I should introduce myself. I’m Cloud, Cloud Musikk.”

“I’m Rix Stjerne. Nice to meet you.” I made a vurnabural move and stuck my hand out to shake her hand.

“...Rix what’re you doing..?” That’s when realization hit me that I had stuck my hand right into her boobs. I didn’t know what else so I just broke down and started crying.

“imsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryididntmeantodoitpleaseforgiveme” I was a mumbling mess.

Cloud hushed me and brought me to the office, where she asked about something but I was drowned in my tears to hear her. I was being slow and people were starting to stare, or at least that’s what it felt like. Cloud picked me up bridal style and carried me to a private room. She said it was someone else’s but I thought that meant we stole it, thus more tears.

“It’s okay Rix, I’m here.” She started shushing me again and slowly but surely I stopped crying. When I was able to finally respond it was shaky.

“I-I’m s-sorr-ry"

“Rix it’s okay, I know you weren’t trying to do that. Plus, not trying to offend you, but height difference is a thing. Social interaction is difficult, I get that. Hell I’m a loner, I only have a few aquaintances here and there.”

I was surprised, I couldn’t see Cloud as a loner. She seemed so nice and caring.

“You okay to tell me what’s wrong?”

I nodded and told Cloud everything that happened.  

[webart-studio]

The 9 Greatest Android Apps For Artistic Professionals

Designing is undoubtedly one of the profitable and demanding professions in as we speak’s world. Nonetheless, being an expert designer shouldn’t be everybody’s cup of tea. It’s certainly a full-time job the place you by no means know when an thought or inspiration strikes. In such a scenario, having some helpful designing apps in your Android system turns into the necessity of the hour.

So, to be able to make your designing work simpler, we appeared by means of the Google Play Retailer and handpicked among the greatest Android apps for creatives.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a designer trying to create vector graphics or a inventive skilled planning to sketch out a wireframe in your Android-powered smartphone or pill system, these apps will certainly allow you to to cope with your on a regular basis design errands effectively on the go.

So, let’s get began!

1. Paperless

Paperless is a straightforward but highly effective drawing software for designers, permitting them to attract, paint, coloration, sketch, and write notes proper from their Android units.

Geared up with 6 various kinds of drawing instruments, this wonderful app facilitates designers to create as much as Three layers and likewise handle the opacity on every layer.

One other nice benefit of this app is which you can share your creations straight to Fb with out quitting the app.

2. Infinite Design

Created by famend developer Sean Brakefield, Infinite Design is an SVG vector graphics Android app that permits designers to create designs utilizing their smartphone and pill units.

What makes this software completely different from others is the flexibility to create 3D photos with 5 completely different views.

Moreover, you’ll be able to play with 4 kinds of symmetry, add limitless layers, import/export SVGs, and add particular results.

3. ArtFlow

Designed to switch your bodily sketchpad, ArtFlow is a straightforward and user-friendly portray and drawing software that turns your Android-powered smartphone or pill into a strong digital sketchbook.

Full of a high-performance engine, it helps canvases as much as 6144 x 6144 pixels with 50 layers and affords designers over 100+ paint brushes and instruments, together with smudge, gradient fill, and eraser instrument.

Furthermore, ArtFlow incorporates a Materials design impressed consumer interface and absolutely helps strain delicate pens like S Pen.

4. Canva

Though Canva has been round as a web-based graphic-design platform since 2012, it has made comparatively a late transfer to Android in 2017.

Similar to the web model, Canva for Android can also be full of greater than over 60,000 glossy, ready-made templates which you’ll be able to produce eye-catching designs for the assorted social media channels on the go.

And, one of the best factor about it? It’s fairly simple to make use of! Simply choose a template of your style, personalize it to suit your necessities after which share it!

Though Canva is a straightforward instrument, if used correctly, it may well produce extremely skilled graphics.

5. Colour Reference

Bear in mind Adobe’s Kuler? Colour Reference does the identical!

The primary goal of this coloration administration software is to assist designers and coloration lovers enhance their designs by offering them some inspiration and permitting them to find new coloration schemes.

With this fabulous app, not solely you’ll be able to create and export your personal coloration palettes with as much as 5 colours however you even have the flexibility to select colours from imported photos.

And, essentially the most fascinating function of Colour Reference is the wallpaper creator that means that you can create superior wallpapers primarily based in your coloration palettes.

6. Adobe Seize CC

Adobe Seize CC is a improbable Android app that turns your atypical smartphone or pill system into a strong creation machine.

With the assistance of this intuitive software, you’ll be able to simply convert any picture or picture right into a scalable vector, brush or form.

Profiting from Adobe’s superior AI expertise, Adobe Seize can simply detect fonts, suggest visually comparable fonts, and create coloration palettes or geometric patterns from any picture instantaneously.

Moreover, if coupled with a Artistic Cloud account, Adobe Seize retains all of your creations in sync throughout all units you employ.

7. Discover my Font

Because the title itself explains, Discover my Font is a font-identification Android software best for net designers, graphic designers, signal makers, and different inventive professionals to establish the fonts in a picture in seconds.

To establish the fonts, you simply must both take a photograph or load an current picture from the gallery.

With an enormous on-line database of greater than 150,000 fonts, this app boasts to fetch correct outcomes all the way down to a mere a 20px textual content top.

For the reason that Discover my Font Android app is restricted to establish solely Latin letters and symbols, you’ll be able to obtain and use Discover my Font Desktop in your Mac or Home windows PC for the identification of non-Latin letters.

8. Infinite Painter

In case you’re already acquainted with the favored iOS desktop portray app Procreate, you’re going to like this excellent portray software Infinite Painter.

With a cutting-edge portray engine backed by over 80+ pure brush presets, Infinite Painter goals to offer designers a significantly better expertise than prevalent graphic design instruments resembling Autodesk Sketchbook, Adobe Photoshop, and Procreate.

You may create your personal brushes, rework a number of Photoshop-compatible layers concurrently, and export your photos as JPEG, PNG, PSD, or ZIP.

9. Colour Seize

Full of numerous excellent options like real-time coloration measurement and after-shot coloration evaluation, Colour Seize is a useful on-the-go color-picking Android software for graphic designers, artists, and artistic professionals.

To select, seize and acknowledge colours, you merely must level the digital camera at a picture.

Furthermore, it facilitates you to benefit from the flashlight in low-light situations and you may even set the customized white stability. Supported export choices embody Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, Inkscape, and extra.

Wrap

So, these had been some useful and fascinating Android Apps for designers, artists, and artistic professionals.

Did we miss any nice ones? Tell us within the feedback part beneath! 

Visitor creator: I’m Jay M, an app developer come blogger working with iPraxa – a cellular app improvement firm, who has confirmed experience in resolving all of the technical complexities concerned within the improvement of modern, distinctive web sites and apps. I spend my spare time on the internet to study in regards to the newest applied sciences and like to share my information with others by means of my content material. Discover out extra about me on LinkedIn.

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source https://webart-studio.com/the-9-greatest-android-apps-for-artistic-professionals/

[danielkibbey-blog]

Evaluation Reflection

Project 3 HomeHeart

Thinking…

01/ In your own words, how did understand the problem you were asked to solve?

To begin the assignment, I started off by reading the brief and focused on fully understanding the assessment objectives.  Before delving more into what I wanted to base my project around. I found it difficult at first to come up with a cause as I wanted to choose one I felt most passionate.  After having a few ideas and beginning to have a concept for my project. The snow arrived in Birmingham and immediately I felt great pity for those who had to suffer living in it. I therefore decided to aim my project on raising awareness and tackling some of the problems faced with poverty in the UK. I knew I wanted to create something that made a difference and take more away from the task than just creating one response.

02/ Who were you designing or producing work for?

I wrote the brief as if I had been commissioned by a group of charities to create an awareness campaign as a symbol of unity between the larger corporation charities and the local based efforts.

03/ What relevant theory, reading or research underpinned your approach to solving the problem?

This modules theory began by considering the process of which I was about to undertake I decided to delve into how successful designers carry themselves when approaching clients with innovative ideas and their thought process behind the construction of a brand which was an interesting insight as Iam keen to explore this in my future career. I now I feel more confident with the technical and logic aspects of design which will be of great benefit when planning future tasks.

Our smaller side projects for the main brief varied and often we were asked to create experience outside our comfort zone to find information. This really benefited my topic as both tasks involved us being instructed to go out and engage the environment which really related to my topic.

04/ What were the best ideas you came up with and how do you know that?

I felt my best ideas came from my inspiration behind the symbol itself. I took my time exploring many different ideas. I found myself truly inspired by what human beings and a graphic designer were capable of.  Jean Julien’s symbolic humane message from the 2015’s Paris attacks captured the thoughts of solidarity and respect across the globe; all from what started as a quickly drawn illustration to a social media frenzy. I there by believe whilst the more traditional based medias are effective the future is social media just by its pure outreach potential. This I believe was a clever idea to base my future developments on social media as it’s an advertisers tool that you can, track, share and boost its audience all from just a click.  I thought my designs were appropriate and carried the correct tone of voice important when covering such a social issue. To ensure this I referred my work to my peers and members of my ALS group as we worked together to enhance the positivity of our projects.

Doing…

05/ How did you develop your ideas before choosing a one to produce?

I knew from the outset I wanted to create a branding/style project. However, it was through trial and error I came up with ideas for how I could market it as a group. From writing my own creative brief at the start of the project and setting my own specifications it was clear for me to see which ideas were working and weren’t working. However, I feel with better planning and time distribution this time could have easily been spent elsewhere. Perhaps even working toward a better outcome.

06/ Which relevant practitioners did you study to validate your personal reasoning?  

I studied a range of practitioners throughout this project each adapted my projects style subtly however I feel my project had its own message or persona from the outset. I first studied Amplfy’s prevention campaign for Shelter UK this allowed me to understand what the current objective is for shelters campaigns. I then studied my main inspiration for this project Jean Julien, watching interviews of him following his images success. I then decided to watch Paula Schers Episode of Abstract and became hooked on her placement of type in public spaces and how she would mimic these obstacles to only extend her designs charisma.

07/ What editing process did you use to choose the preferred solution?

Throughout this project I focused mainly on refining my work in Illustrator from my scamps and sketches of logos. These were then later transferred to photoshop as this was useful in editing and defining details that otherwise may have gone un-noticed. This also allowed me to create a build-up of different effects which were useful in creating an atmosphere or a texture for my future pieces. Then finally I took these to InDesign where the final still image would be created, however I also experimented with after effects and Fireworks to create simple gifs or short animations to be used on infographic social media banner ads.  

Making…

08/ How did you go about producing your solution/s and why?

By following advice from many YouTube videos, I chose to follow Will Paterson’s advice when creating my branding for this project. By first creating a brief and specifications the rest of the process became easier to follow, by then creating a visual mind map of all the clients wants and needs for his or her design to draw inspiration from existing brands they like the look of. Then by putting pen to paper create rough sketches which can then be refined and scaled up before completing the process on Illustrator.

In the full process…

10/ What was successful and why?

I believe my project was successful in its research and therefore the advertisings tone of voice had a good understanding of the issues found in my research. When it came to the final design I think it was executed in a professional manner with my final outcomes resembling that of an already published campaign.

11/ What was unsuccessful and why?

To conclude I believe that I should have allowed more time to experiment and potentially learn new skills. I have been wanting to learn about video and animation for some time now. And I feel that if I delved into this it could really raise the standard for what was potential for the project. I should have managed my time a bit more appropriately as I feel the project was a bit rushed and sometimes didn’t flow as well as id like it to in my sketchbook. This meant that for me the presentation could have been more professional when discussing idea development.

12/ How will you modify or change your approach in future?

  Overall, I feel that I could have experimented a lot more before generating ideas as this could have impacted my design for the better.  With better planning as the weeks unfolded it’s clear to me this project isn’t finished, and I would like to return to it in the future. The structure I feel could have directed the project further towards a greater meaning and if I had the chance to do it again I would focus more on recording some primary research that could have an influence on the final.

[3dscatterplot-blog]

3D Scatter Plot

How to Sell and Design Custom Sketches

Online money making choices typically require you to have some form of web site, and have some sort of skill in advertising and on-line enterprise to begin with. However, what if I instructed you that there was a technique to generate profits on-line utilizing your existing arts and crafts skills? For those who're involved, read on, as a result of we're going to check out Etsy, and how you can use your current arts and crafts abilities to realize money on-line. What Is Etsy? Etsy, and different websites like it, is a web-based portal that permits members of the positioning to list their original arts and crafts creations on the positioning, add a worth and shipping costs, and promote them to individuals around the globe. It is a little bit like eBay, besides that everything on it's handmade by the people who use the positioning. What Can You Promote On Etsy? Almost anything that's handmade. Individuals promote every little thing from full sized oil paintings handy beaded jewellery, hand knitted baby clothes and handmade candles. From leatherwork to portray, sculpting to sketching, if it's arts and crafts, you may promote it on the positioning. How Do You Make Cash? In contrast to some websites, Etsy does not take a fee off your sale. As a substitute, they permit customers to put up their arts and crafts on the site, in their own 'store' for a small fee per posting. You advertise your products, put a worth on them and embody transport prices, and you get publicity to the 1000's of people that use the site. It is like an internet craft market, with much more visitors! Is It a Good 3D Scatter Plot Concept? You probably have a pastime that you already do, and that you'd wish to become profitable on-line with, then Etsy is a great thought! It can provide you a lot more publicity to much more individuals, and will even lead to you being able to pursue your pastime full time, quite than solely on weekends and at night time! As you'll be able to see, in terms of getting cash online, and on-line business, it's not solely the technically gifted and the enterprise minded that can profit. Everybody, even people who prefer to work with their hands, can earn cash on-line, and either start or expand on an present money making concept. Sketches are nothing however free hand drawings that consists of many overlapping traces. Generally sketches are useful to record something for later use. Sketches will assist artist to increase his imagination power and give him a chance to develop one thing worthwhile within the subject of artwork. Attributable to advanced software, nowadays on-line sketches are also potential. This is very terrific that folks can specific their thoughts by creating sketches utilizing these software tools. Top-of-the-line digital packages for this type of art is Adobe Photoshop. In early days individuals have been utilizing MS paint software program, however it has very less options compared to Adobe Photoshop. You have to have laptop if you wish to create digital sketches. It's a very distinctive technique to create all the sketches amazingly using latest software and hardware on the pc. It also gives a better picture quality then you've ever anticipated. It makes very simple for the artists who needs to create pictures for commercial function like product posters, guide covers, video games and many more. Also the most effective characteristic of digital painting is that you may send it to anybody by way of electronic mail. Let me tell you one thing essential in regards to the adobe photoshop software. This software is the most advanced software program ever researched for portray, pictures and doodles. It offers high quality photographs and provides effective print quality. It is very straightforward to create sketches utilizing adobe photoshop. In case you are going through issue to create sketches utilizing mouse, then you will get digital pads or cordless pen to make it smoother. The cordless pen will act like a mouse and it transfers image on the computer drawn by the artist. From this software program even photographers can develop some special results in their images and may give them an attractive look. This is the superb revolution launched on the planet of painting and sketches. When you have just began attempting at hand on sketching, it's best to learn the valuable suggestions given right here. These will aid you in sketch making. It is best to first perceive that sketching cannot be learnt in a day. It's an artwork. To change into proficient in this field, it is advisable to work onerous and apply quite a bit. The more you follow, the simpler it is going to be to attract. Sketching is a free hand drawing made with pencil on paper. For making good sketches, you must have correct supplies like sketch pencils and paper. The standard of provides can affect the top results. Sketchers maintain pencils in different kinds like tripod grip, overhand grip and underhand grip. Nonetheless, there isn't a best model. You need to choose the type that you are most snug with. You should begin practising with simple figures like straight traces, curves, circles, ellipses, squares and triangles. Although, most individuals suppose that it is simple to draw such figures and they don't have to work exhausting, but it's not so. Many people cannot even draw easy figures with free hand. Mastering simple figures will enable you to to regulate your hand movement, which is step one to drawing a superb sketch. When you turn out to be proficient in drawing geometric figures, it's best to start drawing figures of landscapes, properties, and pets. Gradually transfer to the type of sketches that you just need to draw. 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It also helps a person to visualize whether the thing is shut or far away, whether or not it is stationary or moving, what is the texture of the thing, what time of day it is and so forth. Therefore, it is best to pay particular consideration to shading. Learn different styles of texturing. Put money into good quality comfortable pencils of different grades for shading your sketches. Throughout the initial learning course of, do not be too crucial of what you might have sketched. Study out of your mistakes and enhance with each drawing. Final however not the least, get training from an expert. You possibly can join a drawing class or study some expertise and tricks from a non-public tutor. You can too take the help of online drawing tutorials for studying easy methods to sketch. It's no secret that we're going by means of some significantly trying financial instances. Recession, melancholy, double dip recession, regardless of the consultants and analysts are calling it for the time being, instances are difficult and the unemployment price is one of the worst within the historical past of our nation. Whereas one of the things which I do is train folks how you can make cash with developing a website by affiliate internet marketing and advertising, admittedly it takes some time to develop a worthwhile web site which you'll be able to stay off of. Due to this fact at present we will talk about what to do once you're determined and canopy the way to make money on-line quickly. Extra importantly it will only discuss the right way to generate income quick online without cost particularly. Micro Job Sites Offering your companies is kind of possibly the quickest method to generate profits on-line quickly. Micro job websites like Fiverr.com are how a lot of people make a guaranteed fast buck by promoting their companies to interested purchasers. 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A number of years ago after I was simply starting in affiliate marketing and didn't know a lot to something about what labored and what did not work and was consequently nonetheless struggling to assist myself, I took to Craigslist and located a couple of jobs which stored me going in the quick term while I bought my footing. One job had me writing descriptions for a whole lot of economic products on an financial website stuffed with affiliate presents (which I did not even notice until later). I used to be paid $one thousand for only a few days of labor. Check out the "And so forth." part, half time section, or search "telecommuting" in your city or any variety of massive cities for gigs which you are able to do from your own dwelling. Just make certain to exercise your due diligence to just remember to're working with a good one that won't stiff you on fee. You must get a contract worked out to determine the parameters of your exchange with your contractual employer when it's a relatively massive sum of money like $1000. There are plenty of free contract sites on the market which you'll grab free documentation from and might easily edit on your functions. eBay eBay is an effective place to earn money online shortly by itemizing and promoting off your potential valuables to involved events for a fast payday. You can also check out what is promoting on eBay then pop in to your local thrift stores and pawn shops to search out these gadgets then resell them on eBay at a better charge for a pleasant profit. On-line Advertising and marketing Okay so I stated in opening that online/internet online affiliate marketing takes time to essentially take off. That doesn't imply that you would be able to't earn money on-line quickly by it, as properly. 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