#this was a great exercise in helping me learn to draw faces

[multifariousmediums]

RvB facecanons! Closeups under the cut.

[themedialmercurial]

Asteroid Glo (3267) and How you Shine🐚

This asteroid and its placements point towards the ways in which an individual naturally shines. By taking awareness of this, one can level up their life in a more naturally-occurring way, tending to their innate strengths. With dedication, it can even lead to fame ⭐️

I'm finally back with a new post! Thank you for both your patience and your kindness on this platform. I'm so glad to have joined such a kind and accepting community on here 🫶🏽

As always, do share your own placements and how you believe it has played out in your life thus far! Of course, asteroids are not as important as the natal chart itself, though it can be fun to explore, because why not? Enough chatter, more about the content:

GLO IN THE HOUSES

1H

You shine for your authenticity, your natural beauty and personality. This kind of person reminds me of someone who simply wakes and is considered to be radiant. All face. Great skin.

2H

Your personal possessions are something of interest of others, perhaps being literally shiny and even of great quality. You are perceived to be of high status as a result.

3H

Your mind is highlighted with this placement. There is something so magnetic about the way you think and communicate with others. Perhaps your learning style is innovative and an emphasis on your early education days.

4H

☆ of the family vibes? Either way, your family is a very important factor in your life and even moreso, when it comes to your mother.

5H

Your mind is highlighted, this time in terms of your creativity. Your children, pets and romantic relationships can be a source of light for your life. Also, there is an emphasis on talent.

6H

Your work ethic is likely the talk of the town, perhaps for your disciplined nature. Also, the way in which you tend to your body (diet, exercise, hygiene) can be admired.

7H

Your long-term relationships (marriage) are something that naturally draw attention. On the other hand, careful with open enemies and envy on others behalf.

8H

Your ability to transform and resilience throughout your life are truly one of a kind. Perhaps your spiritual practices draw a lot of attention.

9H

This placement points towards a life plentiful in travel experiences, upper education opportunities (college, university) and overall incessant learning in life, particular language learning and of other cultures. These qualities do not go unseen by others.

10H

Your career and your status draw in attention naturally, regardless of what it is that you do. You can be admired for your authority-like presence.

11H

Friend magnet position. You also can be a hopeful and wishful person, thus attracting even more abundance, which makes you glow even further.

12H

Your energy is unforgettable. Despite this placement being more reclusive and desiring time alone, your spiritual practices are often highlighted. Also, some of your secrets and fears may to more apparent due to the illuminating nature of this asteroid

GLO IN THE SIGNS

How can you express and optimize your natural gifts?

ARIES

Through your shameless and enthusiastic nature

TAURUS

Through your patient and artistic nature

GEMINI

Through your inquisitive, communicative and adaptable nature

CANCER

Through your emotional, nurturing nature

LEO

Through your creative and fun-loving nature

VIRGO

Through your attention to detail, precision and helpful nature

LIBRA

Through your peace-loving, diplomatic and charming nature

SCORPIO

Through your magnetic, persevering and passionate nature

SAGGITARIUS

Through your optimistic and honest nature

CAPRICORN

Through your ambitious and efficient nature

AQUARIUS

Through your independent, unique nature

PISCES

Through your empathetic, responsive, escapist nature

GLO IN ASPECT

Glo-Sun benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

You shine in your self-expression and identity. You know that you shine though it isn't an ego show, you know how to acknowledge the confidence you have in yourself

Glo-Sun malefic aspects (opposition, square)

Surplus of ego, cockiness that may not be well-received. On the other hand, this may manifest as insecurity and lack of sense of self and esteem.

Glo-Moon benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

You have a knack for expressing your feelings that others resonate with, people can feel understood when you open up (youtubers who share their intimate mental health struggles come to mind).

Glo-Moon malefic aspects (opposition, square)

May manifest as emotional outbursts if not careful (breakdowns, surges of anger) that are not well-received but are perceivable to the public eye.

Glo-Mercury benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

Your communication style, whether that be through writing or speaking draw people in.

Glo-Mercury malefic aspects (opposition, square)

You may be prone to overthinking and communicating in a way that is difficult to follow as a result. On the other hand, this can point towards a fast speaker that engages their audience (a rapper perhaps).

Glo-Venus benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

You have a natural beauty that you too know how to accentuate. Whether it be through clothes, makeup, art or all the above, you capture others attention as a result.

Glo-Venus malefic aspects (opposition, square)

You may not see your beauty as easily as others, which may lead others to think you're searching for validation. On the other hand, this placement may lead to vanity, constant appearance checks and being unable to stop thinking about how one looks (overindulgence).

Glo-Saturn benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

You are a naturally hard-working person ("started from the bottom now we here" vibes) and your discipline does not go uncelebrated by the masses.

Glo-Saturn malefic aspects (opposition, square)

Despite well intent, you may be prone to overworking, something that generates concern for your well-being. On the other hand, perhaps you do not see the point of hard work and lack discipline.

Glo-Mars benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

You are likely a trailblazer in whichever career you choose. What comes to mind is a fitness instructor for example, who creates new exercises that can be done from the comfort of one's home. This creates competition in the best possible way.

Glo-Mars malefic aspects (opposition, square)

Despite your potential trailblazing capabilities, perhaps it wasn't always in the best interest of others. Remember not to step on others just to reach the top, not only is it not well-received, it also will not go unpunished (the fiery mars energy). Remember, competitiveness is healthy, in small doses.

Glo-Jupiter benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

You are perceived as a lucky person, particularly when it comes to all your life experiences. This is someone who likely finds luck through their travels and emerging themself in new cultures. Not to mention, higher education opportunities are abundant, something that does not go unnoticed. These blessings strengthen the individual.

Glo-Jupiter malefic aspects (opposition, square)

This can lead to either a blockage in opportunities, causing despair to the person or a surplus of opportunities, leading the individual to feel overwhelmed and unable to choose. In particular, this makes me think of someone who wants to do many things with their life though is unable to choose one venture. In the public eye, this person can be perceived as scattered or restless as a result.

Glo-Uranus benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

You shine through your uniqueness, your ability to tap into your original ideas. In particular, unconventional YouTube videos come to mind like storytimes with several plot twists or even "Staying in My Freezer for 24 Hours", idk. You have a great ability to entertain.

Glo-Uranus malefic aspects (opposition, square)

This can manifest as sudden, undesired changes. Using the previous YouTube example, perhaps things go wrong seemingly out of nowhere or that you venture into more dangerous video ideas.

Glo-Chiron benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

When you are aware of your natural ability to shine and you own it, this placement in turn shines again for their ability to share their teachings and past hurt to others.

Glo-Chiron malefic aspects (opposition, square)

This placement indicates a person who is not able to work through their shame associated with their natural shine, who shies away from what they know they are good at, in the guise of humility. They dwell on the undesired parts of themself rather than foster and nurture their strengths.

Glo-Neptune benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

Your imagination, and artistic ability take you far in life. Sharing these gifts with others provides both parties with a healthy escape from the daily routine of life.

Glo-Neptune malefic aspects (opposition, square)

This placement may lead to an excess in escapist tendencies, and mental sensitivity, thus leading the person to retreat more into themself and not share their gift.

Glo-Pluto benefic aspects (conjunction, sextile, trine)

This persons' transformative nature is incredible. This can be perceived as having many different "phases" (emo, edgy, girly, hairstyles, clothing, etc) depending on what it is that they've gone through in their life. This is admired by many.

Glo-Pluto malefic aspects (opposition, square)

This may manifest as someone who is in the spotlight for their inability to adjust to the constant changes in their life, who is famous for unfavourable transformations as a result.

GLO AND INSECURITIES

Forgive me for not mentioning the exact source but I've seen a person on TikTok hypothesize that when we feel insecure, we tend to embody the negative traits of the sister sign of the placement in question when we feel lesser than.

Let's use myself as an example. Natally I have asteroid Glo in Libra 1H. According to this, I shine for simply being myself. In times of insecurity, it can be said that may appear self-centered and arrogant (negative aries traits) and perhaps seek external validation through romantic relationships in attempt to remedy this (7H). With this awareness, I can learn to pour more into myself and become more attuned to my needs.

SOLAR RETURN OBSERVATIONS

This year (2023-july 2024), I have Glo in Cancer 11H trine saturn and squaring neptune. I've found myself slowly opening up more and literally crying (cancer) to my friends (11H) and noticing that it does help with the emotional burden, as someone who usually doesn't. Also, I find that those closest to me occasional make remarks about how hard-working I am (saturn) and this in turn has led me to in more into their perspective of me (8H) and lean more into discipline (capricorn) daily routine, diet and healthy regiment (6H). On the other hand, I have been trying to balance my mental sensitivity (neptune) through my formal education alongside more spiritual practices such as tarot, crystals and astrology (9H). As a result, this year has led me to take a more caring and gentle approach (pisces) to my mental health and explore the inner workings of my mind through guides such as tarot and astrology (8H) though I do require more alone time.

As for this upcoming year (july 2024-2025), I'll have Glo in Virgo 12H sextile the moon and venus, as well as trine uranus and opposing chiron (wow). I foresee myself taking a more analytical view (virgo) when it comes to the inner workings of my mind, analyzing my spiritual beliefs, sleeping routine and hidden fears (12H). With this placement sextile moon, I suspect that emotional expression may come with more ease (moon) and that freeing myself from emotional turmoil may lead me to more career opportunities, and a greater reputation (10H). With a venus sextile as well, this placement is indicative of an improved fashion sense and general understanding of what natural suits me through an intuitive and emotional connected approach, nurturing my needs (cancer), in particular when it comes to finding success in career and social standing (10H), which mirrors my exact natal placement. With a uranus trine, embracing my innovative ideas (uranus) will allow me to flourish in matters related to fear as a general concept, conquering it and transform for the greater good as a result, becoming more spiritually attuned to myself perhaps (8H). This success should be approached in a patient, practical way as lasting success is not immediate (taurus). Now, with Glo opposing chiron, this upcoming year may be one where I must actively fight against my limiting beliefs, perhaps even those that others project onto me (chiron). In particular, challenges associated with potential romantic pursuits are at the forefront, if I do not acknowledge my strengths and hide away instead (7H). I must not waver in my faith and tap into the true courageous, leader-like energy that I know I have inside (aries). This last part shouldn't be as daunting seeing as I have Glo square chiron natally, both in cardinal signs.

Dividers from source!

[2plottwist]

The Heir of Ravenshade

Summary: As the young heir to the noble Ravenshade family of Baldur’s Gate, you are destined to inherit your father’s vast gem trade empire. One day, two men arrive at your family's estate, seeking an audience with your father to discuss crucial dealings in the gem trade. In an effort to prepare you for your future role, your father invites you to sit in on the meeting, turning what begins as a routine training exercise into a pivotal moment that could shape your future.

Word Count: 1.9k

Pairing: Early Vampire Astarion x GN!Reader

Warnings: weapons

Author: Kenna:)

The Ravenshade estate is a majestic exhibition of your family’s past and present. Its stone walls are draped in ivy tendrils and encircled by wildflowers, their vibrant petals reflecting the rich hues of the gems your family has traded for centuries. The fortress is a consistent reminder of the Ravenshade family’s status and importance throughout Faerûn history. 

You received an invitation from your father asking for your presence in the Great Hall this evening to attend a meeting with an esteemed nobleman of Baldur’s Gate. As you stride down the marble floors of the estate, you can’t help but think of the future your father is preparing you for. 

You are the sole heir of the Ravenshade empire. Your family’s dealings in the gem and jewelry trade have been documented since the founding of Baldur’s Gate. Your eyes roam to the portraits lining the wall. The faces of your former patriarchs who have upheld the grace and determination to establish one of the wealthiest family businesses in Faerûn. 

Your velvet garments move softly against your skin. Are the goosebumps rising on your flesh from your sapphire fabric or your anxiety? You cannot tell. Now that your father is climbing in age, it is important that you learn all that is required to uphold the dynasty that has controlled the gem trade for centuries. A large amount of pressure weighs on your shoulders as the oak doors of the Great Hall draw closer. 

Your father’s letter stated that you were to arrive well before the guests are expected to come, yet, once you push the creaking doors open, you see three men standing before the window overlooking the estate’s moonlit courtyard. 

A numbing sensation crawls around your torso at your father’s disapproving gaze. You checked your timepiece, seeing that you did arrive at the time the letter requested. Your father’s hearty laugh brought your eyes back to the present. Slipping into your practiced persona, you glide over to  the figures standing at the window. 

“Ah, yes, Lord Szarr and Ancunin, allow me to present my beloved daughter/son and the only heir to the Ravenshade legacy.” My fathers smooth voice floats across the room. Your elegant smile radiates one of wisdom, expertly crafted by your father’s copious amounts of training. 

You nod politely at both lords, noting their stances and making your initial assumptions. The first, Lord Szarr as your father introduced him, wears a tunic of emblazoned gold and dark red and dark trousers to match. His hair is well-trained to smoothly glides across his scalp and shapes around his pointed ears. His shoulders square towards yours, swiftly moving in front of the other man, bringing a sinister looking smile to his face. The second man, one of starlit, white hair that seems to move and curl in its own graceful manner, Lord Ancunin stands back, shoulders relaxed and poised. He’s obviously of past noble descent, knowing when to move and when to stay put according to status. His eyes roam your face taking in every dip and curve of your features. His gaze felt like a cold ray of moonlight upon your skin. 

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Lord Szarr begins, bowing his head to you, “You may call me Cazador.” 

“The pleasure is all mine, Lord Cazador,” Your polite smile never faltering. 

You look up to the silver embedded man, waiting for his remarks, but Lord Cazador’s voice hits your ears again, “And this is my vassal, Astarion.” 

“A privilege,” you nod again, this time towards Astarion. 

Your father claps his hands together, “Now that introductions have been made, let us get down to business.” His noble smile radiates off the golden walls of the Great Hall. One of power and prowess handed down by generations of aristocracy. 

Lord Szarr and my father, the commencers of this meeting, place themselves at the heads of the table, leaving their charges flanking their sides. A representation of hierarchy for both houses. 

Astarion’s incredibly handsome, pale face is a magnet to your eyes. The candles among the room do no justice for the beauty that emanates off his gods-crafted body. You shake your head out of the daze caused by the young lord, bringing your attention back to your studies. 

After small talk of newly discovered gems across the vast lands of Faerûn, your father’s voice slowly died down and his gaze moved to you. “My child, why don’t you show Lord Ancunin our newly developed courtyard. He seemed very interested in our plant life.” 

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He invited you to attend this meeting, why is he excusing you so quickly? His eyes narrow in command, his word becoming gospel in a matter of seconds. 

“Yes, Father.” You reply, bringing your eyes to Lord Ancunin’s, weaving an inviting gaze to his. 

Excusing yourself from Lord Szarr, you lead the younger noble to the low staircase leading to your favorite place in the estate. Quietly hating the fact that you are forced to share your personal escape to a mere stranger, you fold your hands behind your back to keep from clasping them in frustrated fists. 

“You know,” a low, sultry voice emanates from behind you, “your father is too hospitable of a man to allow me time with such a gracious host as yourself.” 

His words send shivers down your spine, like ice envelops the very syllables he pronounced. 

“My father is one for kindness, most certainly.” You state.

“And beautiful, too.” Lord Ancunin adds. 

You look over your shoulder playfully, not thinking about your words before you say them, “I guess you could say my father is beautiful, as well.” 

The lord scoffs, yet a small grin climbs his face, “That is not what I meant.” 

A small laugh escapes your lips at his annoyance and slight embarrassment. You lead him farther into the maze of hedges and flowers adorning the courtyard, audibly noting the plant species and ecosystems that inhabit the land. Lord Ancunin politely nods along to your words, letting a sarcastic or snarky remark slip into the air. 

You finally approach the center of the moonlit stage. A large pool sits cradling dark water adorned with lilies and leaves that fell from the trees. You take a seat on the dark stone edges, weaving your fingers through the small ripples. 

“You do have a breathtaking estate,” Lord Ancunin states looking up through the trees. Your ears perk at his words, bringing your attending to his structured face. “Not as breathtaking as you.” His fingers grab your chin, raking his gaze across your eyes. 

His movements are unexpected, you were not trained for this sort of reaction. “Oh-” was the only sound that came to your voice. 

His smugness is infuriating. You aren’t even supposed to be entertaining the lord. You’re supposed to be at your father’s side, learning of business dealings and further establishing your role in the industry. 

You plaster another polite smile to your face and stand, “Well, thank you, my lord. Now, I believe we should be getting back to our meeting.” 

“Oh, I much prefer this meeting instead.” His body moves in front of yours, blocking the path back to the manor. 

A slight blush dons your cheeks, “You’re very kind, Lord Ancunin -”

“Please,” he purrs, “Call me Astarion.” 

A small sigh leaves your lips, “My apologies, Astarion, but I do believe we should-” 

“Now, now, running away so quickly?” His hands raise to block any further movements, “I was hoping you would grace my presence longer. The night is young and so are we.” 

You would much rather accompany the lord for the rest of the evening instead of listening to your father’s droning voice, however, Astarion leaves you flustered and feigning for his smile. No prestigious noble, especially one trying to close what appears to be an important deal, should act as such. 

He can see the indecision racing through your thoughts, “I insist.” He purrs again. 

Your stomach flips with the sound, and you nod without further thought. Leading him through the winding trails and hallways of the Ravenshade manor, you and Astarion share bouts of riveting conversation ranging from your travels among the shores of Faerûn to his duties as a former magistrate of the city. While his explanations of his life are rather vague, you still enjoy hearing his boisterous laugh and dramatic retellings of his days in court. You find that your interests in history and literature align with his, while he has a more in-depth understanding of the writings, leaving you once again speechless with his words.

“You are a very interesting person, Astarion.” You state after controlling a laugh. 

“As are you, darling.” His voice sounds like an icy breath against your garments. His endearment racing through your body, silently wishing for him to use it again. 

Your heart aches for the end of the evening. You can hear Lord Szarr and your father exchanging farewells, and you know that the young lord will have to follow. Your eyes gaze into his. The crimson nearly bleeds into a gorgeous sunrise like the one you hope never comes, for it means the dawn of a day without Astarion’s voice. A sense of curiosity and sadness fills your chest, knowing you may never be able to see his eyes or pull a smile from him again. 

“Thank you for a wonderful night.” His sultry voice appears in your ears again. 

“Of course, thank you for joining me.” Keep it poise. Keep it polite. 

“Ah!” A boom shakes the walls of the hallway adorned with portraits. “I do expect you two had an eventful night?” 

“Yes, Lord Ravenshade.” The young lord’s smile radiates. “I do so deeply appreciate the time spent with your heir.” 

“Well, we appreciate yours and Lord Szarr’s visit to our esteemed home.” 

The pleasantries are excruciating compared to the words you and Astarion exchanged for the past few hours. 

“I do hope you will consider my proposal, Lord Ravenshade.” Cazador’s sharp words slither across my shoulder and to my ears. 

“I will.” So simply stated, so ingenuine. 

“Then farewell.” Cazador states, extending a hand for Astarion to follow. 

His eyes linger against yours. The same resistance, the same want to stay and speak of literature and life until the sun rises, but alas, our master’s take their leaves. 

—---

The Swordcoast sun is sweltering. How is Shadowheart able to meander amongst the sand in a full set of armor. Your sweat blinds your vision in a simple cotton garment. 

A call for help brings your and Shadowheart’s attention to a clearing off the path. “Hurry, I've got one of those 'brain things' cornered.” 

Your steps are too quick, needing to extinguish the overall anger coursing through your body at the thought of the illithid ship and the nasty bug moving around in your head. Before your senses come back to reality, your back hits the ground and a knife grazes your neck. 

“Shh. Not a sound. Not if you want to keep that darling neck of yours.”

“As are you, darling.” 

Your eyes widen. The pale skin of the arm threatening to slice your throat is familiar. The scent wafting off the figure fills your nose and brings you back to a moonlit night of stories and laughter. 

“Astarion,” you whisper, fighting against the figure. 

His movements halt, as if realization washes across him as well. His hold loosens allowing you time to quickly move away. Familiar crimson eyes land on yours. 

“Oh, thank the gods, a breathtakingly familiar face.” The sultry smile growing across his face, “Is your father still as beautiful as I remember?”

[xxplastic-cubexx]

Hey! Alway me🫣🤭.

I need to ask cause you draw so well.

I really like the poses and bodies you do, so I was wondering: Do you have any tips for learning how to draw bodies, hands, faces, etc. well?

Hello again!! Thank you so much for enjoyin my work !!!!

I didn't think I'd type up much in response to this, but. Oops!!!!!! So I have all of my notes below the cut :]

With regards to drawing anatomy and the sort, the shortest way I can say it is to study exactly what you're looking to draw: it's easy to generally say 'just study' or 'study everything' when it comes to art, but if you don't know exactly what you want to improve on, you're not going to make as much progress as you may want. You'll need a starting point, and identifying things like bodies/muscles, faces, hands and the like of what you want to focus on drawing is a great start!

For starters, I for sure recommend looking into muscle anatomy charts and models- something like these:

Color blocked diagrams like this can help identify the shapes of muscles, and generally once you understand the shapes of them and how they fit together, drawing anatomy as a whole starts to come easier: once you've made sense of the muscles of the body, you better understand where they belong and how they'll move, and therefore you can plan/visualize them better.

You know how sometimes people have to disassemble an engine and then reassemble it to better understand it? Think of it that way: you deconstruct your subject, study it, and- with a better understanding of it- put it back together!

Moreover, once you know the rules of anatomy, you can start to bend it when working with perspectives. make sure to look at plenty of photo references to understand this!

Perspective's a different subject I'm gonna pivot to really quick: it seems scary at first, but you just need time to study and play around with it, like with anything you're studying.

Generally speaking, the closer something is to the camera, the bigger it'll be. When we try to draw these extreme perspectives in mind- I, at least- get worried about it looking inaccurate or 'wrong'. But it's good to embrace that exaggeration at times! It helps add emphasis to your piece (especially if there's movement or action!), and it's why we learn these rules of anatomy and perspective: to harness them and break them when necessary. If you feel as though something looks off though, don't be afraid to look for reference images.

I don't use them much nowadays, but 'art dolls' can help you out with posing and perspectives at the start! You don't need a physical doll either: my personal favorite site was justsketch.me. It's totally free, and you can add multiple figures to a 'set' if you need to. Play around with it for a bit: it's pretty fun just posing the dolls!

Back to muscles though...

Obviously, you don't have to map out muscles like this every time. Just doing this a couple times once in a while as an exercise helps you get associated with the shapes of the muscles, especially when applying it to poses you're looking to draw.

*Quick note: the forearm's bone- the ulna- twists when bent as shown in this reference, hence the 'twisting' shape of the lime greens!

As for hands, I hope this quick little chart can help! again, a big help- for me- is understanding the shapes and how they all connect, and how parts of the hand move and work. Like I said before, looking at references will help a lot.

With hands and poses alike, I honestly recommend tracing your pose/reference of interest first, if you have one. Doing this lets you get a 'feel' of how to draw what you'd like, plus it allows you to become more familiar with the details of what you're drawing. After you get a grasp for that, free-handing poses will come easier. If you're able- whether that's taking pictures or looking at a mirror- yourself can be a good reference for your drawings too! You'll know exactly what you're looking for, and you don't have to worry about hunting for The Perfect Reference.

As for faces, part of that is based on style- BUT I hope how my approach to drawing faces can help!

If I May Provide A Quick Demo on how I go about learning to draw new characters: I do a fair amount of studying whenever drawing real people (as I do with my movie!x-men art), so I hope looking at my process can help you see my thinking in action.

Michael Fassbender probably has one of my favorite faces to draw since it's so distinct in shapes and therefore pretty easy to understand and draw, so I'm gonna borrow him for this:

I always have a set of reference images of the person/character I'm drawing off to the side. For this demo, I'm just going to use these few

When I first start to get to know a person's face, I start off with generic shapes. Almost like I have to carve the rest of their features out of this 2D marble slab, I guess is a way I can put it. While drawing Michael/Erik, I always think of how 'square' or boxy his face is as a starting point. Thereafter, I look closer at the details of his face and gradually start 'grinding' the 'marble' to be more specific to his face shape.

In this case, although I can 'summarize' his face with a square, I also acknowledge it's not perfectly square and that he has a rounded jawline, chin, and forehead. Still: I ask myself why I think his face is so 'square', and a part of it's because of how pronounced his features are: they give him a sharper look.

That 'sharper' look is displayed best at his cheeks/cheekbones, so I highlight it, as I feel it's a distinguishing feature of his face I want to capture.

So I have his general shapes down- but I also know Michael has very distinguished expressions as well! So I go look at my sources and no this wasn't an excuse to rewatch First Class I sweaarrr <-lying to see how his face moves depending on what he's expressing or even how he talks. When I understand how his face moves, then I can start to draw expressions I feel are more 'natural' or 'accurate'. The rest of his face just falls into place after that.

Once I have my notes, then I just do some rough sketches and I put what I learnt into practice. And then uh... yeah! That's how I do that.

Evidently, this way of study doesn't work if you're drawing a character with no real-life model. Moreover, some styles are a lot more simple than what I have going on here, and some subjects may be better suited for a different art style all together: it ultimately depends on what you find the most fun and what you think feels right to you!

I'm not sure I have any other tips off the top of my head, but if you have any please feel free to ask! Drawing takes time to get the hang of and to figure out what you like, so I hope you have fun on your artistic journey!

Happy drawing!

[soft-bugs]

Stress Relief/Calming Distraction/etc. Ideas for Regressors (based on my own experiences and things I've learned from others)

-- FIRST AND FOREMOST,

• Take some deep breaths. I know that's like listening to a broken record and obvs doesn't work for everyone, but it's worth a try!

• Drink some water and put some comfy clothes on and/or wrap your favorite blankie around yourself!

• Put on some soft lighting, if available. Especially if you're overstimulated!

• If you gotta/wanna bodily/vocally stim, DO IT!!! I also like to use stim toys and touch/hug soft things like a blanket, stuffie or pillow.

• If you have a pet, give 'em a cuddle or some pets! (a stuffie is also very comforting!) Or if you have one that can't/doesn't like to be handled/touched, you can just sit and watch them move around (feeding them if needed, can also be fun to watch!) (I love watching my fish swim around/eat sometimes 😹)

• If you're feeling anxious; dip your face in a bowl of cold/ice water, eat something sour or spicy like Warheads sour spray, Sour Patch Kids, Takis or jalapeños, hold something cold like an ice pack against your chest/stomach, try to relax your jaw and shoulders, use stim toys/stress balls

• If you're feeling angry; you can crumple/tear up pieces of paper or an old notebook. Writing down your feelings and/or scribbling rapidly before doing this is good too! You can also punch a pillow or anything soft enough to where you won't hurt yourself. Ik it can be wasteful, but snapping wooden pencils into lil bits was very therapeutic for me for a while! If you happen to have balloons for whatever reason, you can tie one to a rubber band(/string?) and bounce it against your fist like onea these babies:

• From the one above, write out your feelings! Even if it's just "I am feeling _ because _". If you have a hard time finding the words, here's some cool emotion wheels I like to use!:

• If you are on your period, take some painkillers (Midol is a lifesaver!), try to avoid caffeine & nicotine if you smoke, use a heating pad/heated blanket if available, take a hot bath or shower, if possible exercise/walking or certain stretches can help with cramping, and I'm gonna be completely honest here free-bl33ding on the toilet just helps sometimes idk 😂

-- NEXT, DISTRACTIONS:

• If possible, go for a walk or ride your bike around the block!

• If possible, try to talk to/call or text someone you trust, like a friend or family member. You can talk about anything, it doesn't have to be about what's causing your stress/anxiety/etc.

• Watch TV, YouTube, stim GIFs/videos, etc. Whatever helps you relax or laugh!

• Play a calming video game (I like to play Slime Rancher, Animal Crossing, Cooking Mama, Night In The Woods, Webkinz and No Man's Sky on creative mode!)

• Be creative! Even if you think you're "bad" at it bc it doesn't matter if it looks "pretty," you don't have to show anyone or post it anywhere. All that matters is if it makes you feel better! Drawing/doodling and coloring have always been a very great emotional outlet for me! Other fun stuff you could do: Splatter/abstract paint, make a collage or start a scrapbook, make a DIY craft with stuff around your house, SCRIBBLE!!, play around with an instrument or music program/app, design a character on Picrew or some sort of character creator, print out/make paper dolls and their clothes, stickerbomb something, film a music video featuring ur pets/stuffies/toys!

• Continuing the creativity one, make a mood/stim/agere board for yourself, an OC, your fave/comfort characters(s), etc.!

• Do word/number puzzles like word searches, crossword puzzles, sudoku, acrostic puzzles, cryptograms, framework/fill-in puzzles, etc.

• If you like making lists (like me), write out a list! (Ideas: Your comfort characters/movies/shows, your favorite board/video games, favorite places or cool places you've been, interesting animals, favorite bands/musical artists, current favorite songs, etc.)

• If you're like me, you can play some music and write down your favorite lyrics from each song that plays! (And doodle/scribble around the paper borders in between hehe) And/or make a playlist! Maybe make a playlist of songs that make you feel better in that moment, so you can look for it whenever ur stressed/upset!

• If possible, take a hot bath (you can add bubbles, bath bombs and/or toys!) Or a quick shower. Oh, and speaking of, I have a tip for people who struggle with brushing your teeth/remembering to do so! Try brushing your teeth when you shower!

These aren't the only things I do/know about, just ones I can remember at the moment, and they may not all work for everyone of course, but hopefully this is helpful to someone. 🥺 Feel free to add more in the replies/tags/reblogs!

[privatetrainingforsissy]

Stop scrolling sissy this is what you have been looking for

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[erismourn]

also. do you have any advice on how you draw exos. specifically when it comes to like breaking down their form in a 3d space. chewing on them /pos

ok so my 3 biggest tips for drawing exos:

USE A REFERENCE. the reason I can make my exos passable to look at is because I reference heavily. 3d models are best of course, but half the time I don't care to open up blender and look at them.

PRACTICE. do some exercises to get better at 3d shapes. trace some images of exos! tracing is a really good way to learn.

LOOK AT THE WAY OTHER ARTISTS DRAW EXOS. some artists I like are lavenderarts, rivaldi22, ninthriven, trialsofsaint14, monstyra, sylenth-l, and fmab. i look at what they simplify and what they don't, how they shade, and so on, and try to implement their tricks into my own style

this is one of my fav exercises that has helped me get better at understanding 3d shapes. it's smth I really struggle with - my brain doesn't picture objects in 3d space well, which makes driving a car very interesting. but this has helped.

this exercise just gives you an idea of volume and form that I really like. I'll fill up a whole sketchbook page with just these blobs for a warmup. it's great!

with that said I'll try to take you through my process of drawing an exo but please take it with a grain of salt as I'm still learning

some things to note:

despite being robots, exos are humanoid in shape. familiarizing yourself with human anatomy, ESPECIALLY the skeleton as exos have no skin, is really important

exos generally have the same shapes underneath their external plating, approximately the shape of a human skull (open a 3d model of an exo and remove its external face plating and you'll see what I mean)

the mouth on an exo is generally higher up than it would be on a human face. they don't have a nose to get in the way of the mouth, so the mouths are a little higher up

you can do whatever you want forever. there's a lot of stuff that I simplify when I draw exos - for example, I have very little patience for figuring out what the struts and supports inside the cheek/jaw area look like so I usually just draw them all the same unless I'm going really hard at it

when I'm drawing exos I try to focus on how the features relate to each other. I know where the eyes are supposed to go on a human face (about halfway down the cranium), so I know where they go on an exo. from there, it's about relating things to the position of the eyes.

I try to take note of important characteristics on an exo's face. I don't necessarily get as detailed as taking notes like in the image below, but this is a good start it you want to get familiar with exo features. I grabbed these two pics off destinypedia as an example

it's also important to remember that exos are very angular and have facial planes versus the smooth transitions we typically see with human skin. you don't need to necessarily draw them super precise - just a line hinting at the change of plane works wonders for making it look 3d.

these are very sloppy because I did them in like 2 minutes each but I hope it comes across how I've implemented what I said???

I hope this is helpful. you just gotta practice a lot, and if anyone faults you for your robot anatomy being off slightly they can go fuck themselves lol. everyone who draws knows that robots are hard to draw and shouldn't dunk on you for making mistakes. godspeed brave soldier

[ask-a-silvy]

@askthehoenngods Kyurem @ Shauna: Kyurem stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the fox, and his gaze turned sharp. He could see the aura around her clear as day, and the practically explosive energy he could sense from her. "Not to be rude, but I'm going to get to the point. You need training, or you could blow up from the power you hold," the rings in his eyes had been burning white before they faded to their usual black. He blinked once and huffed, "if you want to learn, I could probably teach you a thing or two while I'm here. Otherwise, come and see me sometime."

[ @askthehoenngods ]

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Shauna frowning slightly, looking somewhat wary. She's shown from the shins up and directly facing the viewer. Shauna's appearance is as described here. End ID ]

The look on her face seemed to suggest that for a moment, she was seriously considering it. It'd be the first time anyone offered to actually help her instead of keeping away.

Surely her mother would come to view her differently. Surely her mother would...

... what was she thinking?

Such a silly, silly thought she had, that her mother would ever see her as useful!

She laughed. She laughed and laughed and laughed.

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Shauna similar to the previous image. She's cheerfully sticking out her tongue with her eyes closed and holding the note in question. End ID ]

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Shauna similar to the previous image. She's smiling with her eyes closed but with a strained expression, and holding the note in question. End ID ]

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Shauna similar to the previous image. She's smiling with a ":3" face with clear distress and holding the note in question. End ID ]

She paused. Seemed she realized right then what she just wrote.

She was slipping... she really hoped no one else noticed.

noblejanobii asked: (askthewhiterocket) After observing Shauna for a bit, Meowstic decided to approach her. Offering a wave to get her attention, Meowstic said, "You seem to have great magical strength, but I can sense a relative lack of control. Do you think it may be because you lack a psychic typing? If so, perhaps I could help walk you through some basic control exercises. Kyo did the same for me when I had trouble with my own strength as an Espurr."

[ @askthewhiterocket ]

Another quiver.

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Shauna similar to the previous image. She's smiling with her eyes closed but with a strained expression, and holding the note in question. End ID ]

[ ID: A grayscale drawing of Shauna similar to the previous image. She has an open mouth smile that is considerably forced, in a fashion that shows her upper fangs, and holding the note in question. End ID ]

Shauna: [Everything's fine, I'm fine! Can we go back to having fun?]

[iztea]

Iztea I need your help💔💔 I'm genuinely trying to find my art style but I'm not very good at art in the first place, I'm a beginner and I just don't feel motivated to draw anymore because I'm not good at it,, can you pls link your tutorials so I can try to follow them the best I can..😓 I genuinely love your art and your a huge inspiration but I can't draw for shit. A lot of the tutorials on YouTube don't actually help me as much as they do for other people so I'm lowkey putting my faith in you to try and help me lmao, I just can't get the proportions of anything right, like I can't draw a body or head,, and when I trace things it just feels like cheating in art like ugghhjjnn,, can you help me😓☹️

If you struggle with proportions, then drawing over the reference photo (which you should totally have, btw) to get a feel for the distance between things is a great starting point. I also think you should have simplified anatomy references, as well as references from other artists. Basically, everything I mentioned here i don't want to repeat the same points

Tracing is not "cheating" if you're using it to learn. It can be very distasteful if it's used for finished art, where it is obviously meant to replace actual skill, or if it's traced from another artist. If you're using it to study and as a stepping stone to improve your skills, then it's totally fine and even encouraged (it's like doing assisted pull-ups at the gym). But you gotta to play it smart—tracing the actual outline without engaging in critical thought leads to ugly, mediocre, commercialized art that we don't want because we're cool based and always striving to improve ourselves

Okay anyways "But how exactly do I trace references in a smart way, iztea?" Well, like I said, you can lower the opacity of your reference photo and draw over it. Use the general shapes and volume of the body as your guide until you learn to draw without them. Don't follow the outline exactly—exaggerate or stylize the limbs to your liking. For example, I like drawing small wrists and long, slim necks because I think it looks more appealing. So whenever I'm using a reference, I (subconsciously most of the time) slim these body parts down, elongate the fingers, and so on. If you're still not sure what your style is, that's fine too. Use this exercise to find out what your hand naturally leans into

I'm not the cleanest sketcher, and it's been a while since I've done this sort of approach, so excuse the messiness but I wanted to show an example of how I'd tackle this technique. If you look closely, you'll see that I didn't exactly draw over the body parts, especially in the neck and arm area. I exaggerated the posture by adding more gestures—I made the shoulders rounder, the skull bigger, and the arms and neck longer and slimmer. I didn't focus on details like the face or fingers because that's not the point

The next important step after creating your guidelines is to redraw the lines from scratch on a separate layer, but this time without the reference. Set the reference aside and focus on copying your own guidelines. Afterward, compare the two drawings to check if your proportions are accurate. If they're off, take note of any recurring mistakes and correct them. For example, I have a tendency to draw the mouth too far down on the face, so it's something I am always aware of whenever I'm drawing. Other times, I draw the eyebrows too high from the eyes and so on. Another important thing to point out is that not all references are created equal—there are such things as bad or poor references. If the body’s silhouette looks like a blob or the limbs are heavily foreshortened, you'll find it much harder to draw so for practice, I recommend choosing poses that are fluid, clear, and expressive, with good lighting and features you can exaggerate. This will make it easier to understand the form and you'll have more fun in general I've provided a little comparison below. I'm not saying the 2nd pose is terrible and impossible to draw, it's obviously not, you can draw anything you want howeveerrr if you're just starting out, painting the 2nd one can be much more challenging due to it not being very clear in shape, value range, pose, gesture etc. So what I'm trying to say is to choose your poses wisely too

I don't remember doing any tutorials outside that hair one unless you consider my rambling sessions tutorials (i don't) but you can also scroll through the #ask iztea: art talk hashtag for whatever art-related question I might have answered I'm too lazy to link everything so YOU put the work and stalk my page

anyways yeah idk this is how i'd start.... so to summarize:

pull up references, from both real-life people, simplified anatomy sheets, and artists you like

draw over your reference photo and treat it as your training wheels

close the og reference, and use the newly traced, much more simplified outline as your new reference, and now draw the pose again, but "freehand" this time

compare the traced and the freehand version, take notice of your proportions and try to correct them

choose good, readable, easy to draw refs

never give up never what

[poemsfor-her]

GLOW UP QUIDE 𖹭⠀࣭⠀ֹ⠀͡꒱

I. THE INNER ME

— When you think of the word "glow up" , your mind automatically thinks of changing your appearence, right? For me the beauty is in our soul. If you think nasty and degrading thoughts of yourself that can be damaging in so many ways.

let's get some things clear here:

First of all, beauty standards always change, as trends come and go, and you will never be enough "pretty" for someone; because beauty is subjective and you might be the dream person for someone and for someone not. which is ok! there are so many beautiful flowers. i personally perfer tulips and peonies, but someone might prefer roses or sunflowers. that doesn't make a flower less beautiful because every flower is beautiful in it's own way.

— do you know yourself? we spend so much time trying to know others, but do we even know ourselves? go on pinterest and find some questions to ask yourself. here are some:

1. what qualities do i like about myself?

2. what qualities of others do i admire?

3. what am i scared of?

4. what would i like my mornings to look like?

5. who inspires me?

if someone asks me any of these questions i would answer them all in a second, because i know myself.

— SHADOW WORK. Grab a pen and a journal, go on pinterest and search "shadow work prompts". I Personally, don't know much about this subject, but i know it's talked about by many people i look up to. It helped them heal from trauma.

some videos i suggest you watch that helped me so much in changing my mindset:

why you'll never be pretty enough - zoe unlimited.

you don't need to glow up, our obssesion with glow up culture needs to STOP.

tiktok is DESTROYING YOUR IDENTITY.

what type of pretty you are.

— I suggest watching every commentary video of zoeunlimited. Her videos changed my views on various topics.

II. THERE IS NOTHING TO CHANGE

— you are perfect just the way you are. embrace yourself. there is only one you in this world. many women look the same to me these days and it's a tiring and sad thing. Everyone is following the standard that is going to probably change in a month. As Hwasa said "I am my own beauty standard" and thank you Hwasa for that!

Embrace your features, look for makeup that suits your face shape and eyes. I know that eyeliner doesn't work with my eyes so i don't apply it. I also know that a lot of bronzer doesn't suit me.

Wear whatever you like and don't be afraid to express yourself.

When it comes to exercising, ALWAYS DO IT FOR YOURSELF. Think of it as: "My body deserves to be healthy"

strech when you wake up, do yoga, workout or go for a walk/run. whatever you like!

eat healthy but don't pressure yourself too much. have it balanced. you can eat a healthy meal but that doesn't mean you can't eat a cake. BALANCE IS EVERYTHING.

my favorite fitness youtubers:

lily sabri

yoga with bird

mady morrison

emi wong

III. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

— if you follow my posts you know how much i respect and talk about education and it's importance. As my favorite saying goes "BEAUTY IS DANGEROUS, BUT INTELLIGENCE IS LETHAL." I stand by this!!!! READ BOOKS, FOCUS ON YOUR STUDYING, WRITE, PAINT, LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE AND DRAW.

here are some book suggestions:

i who have never known men

the great gatsby

the prophet

my body

the art of war

search some famous musicians or artists and get to know their work. i seriously find this so attractive.

watch documentaries.

watch news, read articles and just generally know what is happening in the world.

get to know your country's history.

watch some iconic movies.

beauty fades, but knowledge always stays.

that's it! if you have some questions send me an ask ♡

with love, t

[ghostofthejungle]

I wish I could physically see and meet the braincell who told me it was okay to draw a whole ass PIANO

In my defense, I kept thinking about Sokka somewhen learning how to play; maybe, shortly after the end of the war, during a trip to the Fire Nation, he finds a broken piano in an abandoned room of the palace and manages to repair it (servants and guards decide not to question the din coming from said room day and night).

To everyone’s and mostly Sokka’s surprise, he is a natural: his fingers dance on the piano keys like they have no other purpose in the world and he is able to replicate tons of melodies by ear. Slowly, but inevitably, the notes generated by those black and white blocks become a great comfort for Sokka; his unspoken sorrows, fears and regrets turn into a melodic balm for his soul, the piano his trustworthy companion when he can’t sleep during the hot, endless summer nights.

He likes playing for an audience, but in certain cases the only thing he wants by his side is quiet, warm breeze accompanying the sound, while the moon´s cold rays gently wrap the dusty room.

It’s during one of these nights that a sleepless Zuko can’t help but follow a long-forgotten home call, Sokka’s notes materializing in front of him and guiding him towards something he didn’t even know he needed. He moves slowly, hypnotized, almost dreamwalking; the melancholic notes give voice to the cold air, embracing him like a soft blanket, soothing his spirit like a soft voice coming from afar, wandering through the Reigns just to find him and whisper in his ear everything he’s always needed to hear.

With this sensation strongly engulfed in every fiber of his being, Zuko stood in front of the door, meeting the pianist’s back in religious silence. He didn’t want to scare Sokka or interrupt the music + in that specific moment Zuko wouldn’t have been able to produce any sound whatsoever, even if he was asked to scream for his life: everything he ever wanted to express, and never dared to say, was wrapped around those tapered fingers, gently pressing the piano keys, tenderly stroking the most sensitive strings of Zuko’s soul, smoothly caressing his hair just the right way, just like his mother used to.

And when the song’s over a dense silence wraps the room, briefly interrupted by a dull tear falling on a gloomy D#, the same key Sokka touched last.

The candle on the piano suddenly lights up, allowing the tear to evaporate. A moonbeam escapes his trajectory and lands on Sokka’s widened eyes before a sincere, embarrassed smile warms his tired face. Sokka doesn’t turn towards the door, Zuko doesn’t walk towards him and neither of them will ever mention that night.

From that moment, anyway, Zuko rarely missed Sokka’s daily exercises, and Sokka didn’t mind at all; when he was there, for some reason, Sokka made some more mistakes, but he didn’t care. For once, he knew he didn’t need to be his usual perfectionist self to be understood, to give emotions, or to be useful, even.

Yes, Sokka could finally allow himself that self-indulgence with Zuko.

And there was no better feeling in the world.

Will I ever be able to capture all of this in a fanfiction or a fanart? Absolutely not. So, having said that, make do with this sketch and take care of it before I colour and definitely ruin it for good and for evil 🍵

[itsvaleriesucka]

the day of your luck - prelude

pairing: criminal!joel miller x fem!reader

prelude summary: being locked up behind bars isn’t easy. luckily for you, you have been given a chance to start new. 

prelude warning: brief language 

word count: 1.4k

a/n: no worries! joel will make his appearance in ch.1. i'm just warming things up.

chapter one ⋆ series masterlist

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

“I hope you like it sweetie.” 

A warm smile paints across your mother’s face as she hands you a small box with retro floral pattern wrapping that’s adorned all around. Your curiosity kicks in with anticipation of knowing what can possibly lie inside the small box. 

You carefully rip the wrapping apart which reveals a plainly boring yet dull box on the outside. You tilt your head, eyes glancing up at your mother. She softly chuckled. 

“Go on, open it.” Her chin rests upon her hands that folded just underneath. She contained her own excitement by biting her bottom lip that’s painted with a coral peach tone. It was her usual lipstick color. 

Listening to your own mother’s words, you cautiously removed the lid. Your eyes widen at the sudden item revealed. You were too ecstatically happy that you didn’t even notice the lid slipping from your hands and onto the ground. You couldn’t help to draw yourself in to give your mother the biggest hug possible. 

“I love it! Thank you mom!” Your cheek rested against her shoulder with closed eyes. Your hands wrapped tight around her neck, still holding the box. Your mother laughed and embraced your hug in return. 

“I’ll show you how to use it.” Your mother mentioned softly. 

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

“Do you know why you’re here?” 

The question from your correctional social worker snaps you back into reality from your flashback. She stared down at your case files that were neatly organized inside a manila folder. She pushes her reading glasses towards the bridge of her nose, concentrating on your information and statements that are provided. 

Deep down inside, you knew exactly why you were here. You didn’t want to admit it, no. You rather let your new social worker figure it all by herself like puzzle pieces. After all, it is her job. 

“Because orange looks great on me.” An impudent tone slips past your lips that filled the walls surrounding the office. A tone that ought to earn yourself a rough slap across your face. 

The brief silence between you two remained. You often try to tell yourself you wanted to work on your attitude, but in all reality, you fail miserably to do so. Guess you’re stuck with it for the rest of your life.

Staring out into the window, your eyes danced and followed each movement of your fellow inmates exercising and socializing out in the courtyard. Holy hell, how are your inmates not passed out on the ground in this notorious Miami heat?

Those poor German Shepherds outside, sitting besides their companionships with tongues sticking out to remain cool under the heat. They deserved ice in their water bowls after their guard duty shift. 

Every day is an opportunity to step outside and get some fresh air and good ol’ vitamin D. On the hottest days of getting enough sunlight striking your skin, you like to stand in the shade against the wall and talk away with other inmates you’ve known during these past months. You would’ve been outside if it weren't for you getting pulled inside.   

Your hands fold neatly in which they are pressed against your lower abdomen. It’s perhaps the only position that is absolutely comfortable due to the lovely set of silver handcuffs adorned tightly against your wrists.

Robberies were mainly your strong forte. Why did you accomplish this path? For obvious reasons, it was easy money. A pretty dame like yourself can get away with almost anything your heart desires. Nobody would ever suspect a thing from someone who deemed innocence.

Breaking into the fanciest of homes to see what the rich have in store for you was always an exhilarating escapade. You learned the rich tend to carry priceless jewels stored in safes you knew how to crack the code to. You just take them and pawn each item at different jewelry shops. Nothing but Benjamin Franklin’s was all you’ve ever seen and boy, did he make you smile cheek to cheek. 

“Orange looks great on everyone.”

You rolled your eyes at her words, providing a narrow squint as you turned your head to take a look at her. You’re not going to lie to yourself, she’s perhaps the third correctional social worker you’ve gone through. The last two have given up because you’ve never given in to their bullshit responses. You’re done believing. 

“Sure.” The only word you’re able to mutter as a response. You know you’re going to be locked up here for lord knows how long due to every crime. There can be a possibility of parole because technically, you never murdered anybody. Just punches and bruises if a bitch got in your way. 

“I’m here because I am giving you a chance.” 

Whoa. 

This is new.

The silver chains on your handcuffs were the only sound to linger across the room with just the flick of your wrists. The expression fixated upon your face loosens its tension. You can feel your body coming into a relaxed stance. You also want to remind yourself that the amount of expression caused on your face can cause crease marks and wrinkles in the future.

From the corner of your eye, you watched as your social worker stood up from her seat and slowly made her way towards you. You turned around to give her your full attention. Where exactly was she going with this? You thought.

“A chance?” 

Curiosity pools inside of you, a slight tilt of your head was the only gesture she was going to receive since you absolutely couldn’t deter what just came out of her mouth. Was she messing with you? Is she going to tell you this and then leave? Oh boy. Here comes your trust issues radiating across your mind. Your anxious thoughts sort of pounds against your skull. 

Relax.

You felt her hand rest upon your shoulder, gently forcing you to turn and face back towards the window. You can hear herself gently breathe into contentment.

“I see potential in you. You’re not like the others I’ve met.” She tilts her head to look at you, “You’re young, smart, and have so much to live for. A lot can happen in a year, you know.”

She’s right. 

A lot can happen within the span of one fucking solid year it’s insane. Spending your time enclosed behind bars, three course meals provided daily, exercise, limitless showers, it’s a lot. It’s not the grandest paradise but at least it’s better than nothing. 

To your surprise, your social worker gently grabbed your wrists. A small key held in her other hand. You feel the bones and muscles from your wrists alleviate some tension from the metal hooks she removed from you. You pressed pressure with your fingertips to massage the stiffness away. 

“Consider this the day of your luck.”

There was another paradise pictured deep inside your mind. Your eyes stare out into the open behind those wired fences and out into the vast horizon. From a distance you’re able to see structured buildings, nothing but the heart and soul of Miami; downtown. You know just right beyond that, awaits South Beach.

Oh. South Beach.

A place where you forget time exists. A place for long drives along Ocean Drive. A place for fun underneath the sun wherever you go. But once the sun is down and those neon fluorescent lights illuminate the night to play, there’s nothing but trouble seeping along those infamous streets. Drug dealers lurking at every corner you’d meet, offering their best stuff yet. Prostitutes hitching a ride for a good time, the younger crowds dancing the night away at popular disco bars. Anything that you can think about exists in that eminent neighborhood. 

You were too drowned into your thoughts to even notice your social worker calling out as she pulled a chair right in front of her desk for you to come and sit down. 

“We’ve got some work to do.”

Blinking a couple of times, your tunnel vision disappeared. She’s right. There is work to do and in order for you to get out of this place is to get on her good side and follow the rules. You inhaled deeply to then exhale the tension that rushed against your body. Almost pulling a sigh.

A gentle whisper, a huge reminder, breaks apart from your lips. Words you absolutely want to commit to this time. You considered it a promise.

“Don’t screw this up…”

[bkh-s-7449]

The buzzing is familiar.  Fluorescent lighting. Corpus standard bulbs, long and cylindrical, whining quietly as electricity courses through the vapors inside. A great heave of effort sees his eye crack open a sliver, rolling uneasily in the socket. It’s bright. That’s a good thing. Waking up somewhere clean and well-lit is a good thing. He tilts his head back a little, looking up at the ceiling. It is a sterile white. 

A voice addresses him, the way one might a child they’d given a heavy dosage of cold medicine. 

“Ah…? Are we awake for real, this time?” 

Florix blinks away some of the bleariness. His hand smooths over the surface at his side — he is sitting? Yes. It makes a faint, papery whisper. He turns his palm over. Still in his gloves. Still in uniform. He looks down. His fingers are brushing over the sanitary cover on an examination table, where he seems to have been perched like a little dove, his legs dangling over the edge. He winces, shutting his eye as his brow furrows in frustration. He does not remember. He cannot remember what he is doing here. 

Where?

“Wonderful! Here, look here. Open up. You can do it. That’s alright.”  

He looks again. A woman is sitting across from him. She wears the smart greys of any Corpus you could point your finger at, an aseptic laboratory coat buttoned all the way from her throat to her waist. She moves forward a little in her chair, leaning in closer to him, smiling placidly. Neat lines draw from her jaw to just beneath her lips. Her hands bear the markings of debts forgiven. “7449-0938,” she says, rousing his at-current very sparse attention span, “Florix-S, is it?” 

“Do you- do you know what-? What time it is?” 

She does not answer. 

“It’s good to have you back.” The tone is conversational. Her fingers tap quietly at an interface in her lap, filling up the emptiness over the hum of the lights. “I’m the head research assistant here, Doctor Alba Immox. I’ll be your physician during your stay.” She regards him for a moment, greeted by his blank stare, the corners of her mouth twitching. “You can just call me ‘Doctor,’ if it’s easier.” 

Where?

He knows this place. At least as much as he knows any Corpus pillar, standardized to the last measurement, the last finish on the metal, the last fixtures in the paneling. His gaze flickers over the medical charts plastered to the wall. Breathing exercises to practice during repossession and shelving appointments. He knows this place, but he does not belong here. He has not for years. Cast out and collateral. 

With a cursory once-over of a document in front of her, Doctor Alba Immox nods. “I’m sure you’re worried about your debts,” she begins, and Florix freezes up, a chill in his pulse. None of it makes much sense from where he’s sitting — his rank, how much he owes, what he is doing here at all — but it still brings him pause. She watches him, restrained, vaguely pleased. “But I wanted to tell you that bygones are bygones. There is a better way you can make good on your dues, and we want to help. You’re in a unique position, with a unique condition.”

That doesn’t make sense. Florix is submissive by nature, and the last thing he wants to do is disrespect Doctor Alba Immox, physician and researcher, but he’s positive even a physician and researcher doesn’t have that kind of authority. That doesn’t even touch upon what she seems to be trying to suggest to him — his “condition.” The incident with the mutalist strain had been a complete logistical nightmare for the Corpus, thousands of assets lost, a thousand more disease-ridden and malfunctioning. A red-faced embarrassment for the entire Board, when it was all said and done. Florix had learned that nearly as quickly as he’d been rescued. There isn’t a chance in any cold hell this is an approved venture. He shifts uncomfortably, moving to try and get off of the table, beginning to stammer something about “being late.” 

Doctor Immox leans in again, putting her hand on his leg to cut him off. He stills, tensed. 

“You have a real chance to do something great for the Corpus, 7449-0938. Your Corpus. You can honor them. You’re still here.” 

A shock of guilt paralyzes him. His body feels frayed in its wake, every nerve tingling with shame. She stands, putting aside her interface and favoring the needle and the scalpel. Tools of the trade. “Your make is completely standard for your series. We have every strand of DNA on file. We can understand better with your help.” She turns her back on him, curt and professional, measuring something out in a clear syringe. “You can make a difference for the future, Florix-S, if you’ll allow it.”

What is he supposed to say? 

“Just a few samples, for now. Blood and tissue. We’ll want to monitor things more properly…” 

They are not alone. The head research assistant has an assistant, too. He files in wordlessly, moving behind the table, faceless in a standard issue helm. Florix straightens out a touch, nervously folding his hands in his lap. If they just want to run a couple laboratory tests, he supposes it’s the least he can do, if she really means it. If he can be forgiven. A graceless, heavy hand moves his hair aside, and he flinches away, baffled by the gesture. Aren’t they going to sedate him? This is the sort of thing they sedate him for, in the Tenno infirmary. There’s a pop of the stitches at the back of his uniform, at the high collar. 

Florix shudders in revulsion. At the idea of being touched. At the idea of the body beneath, at being exposed in any measure. His throat constricts. There is a steadily rising tone in his ears. 

“I don’t think— I - I don’t think, I really— We don’t think this a good idea—“

A sharp, cold jab at the nape of his neck, where the infestation curls around it like strangulation bruises. 

The tone swells to a roar. 

Blackness, dark as pitch. 

— 

A gentle unfurling sees his optic flicker on. The petals of flesh that make up his face, opening as a sickly flower, the jumbled mechanisms underneath establishing a visual connection. He knows this place. It is home. The dormitory is softly lit. It smells like incense. 

Relief floods his nervous system. It was a bad dream. Here he is. 

He tries to move, and finds himself impossibly heavy. Limbs of lead. A head filled with disease. The body is unwilling. He tries to count his fingers, but he cannot feel them. He cannot feel much of anything, at least not anything he recognizes. There is something else, a shape bent and unnatural, something that does not feel like himself. His heart flutters, somewhere, in a chest that does not match. Fear. He doesn’t understand. 

A thousand hands.

They stretch their leg out, long and slender, flex plates underneath a flayed webbing of tissue and muscle. He tries to lift his hands, to cover their face, but she has none to speak of. The strange, nascent structures at her sides writhe uselessly. Their lengthy neck twists. They make a quiet gurgle, somewhere in the mass. 

For you, a thousand eyes.

Terror slices clean through the swarm, electrified. Through her auditory output he screams in her voice, the thick and bubbly vocalization of the infestation, her rewired sound chip. 

The hive fragments. 

—

His mouth tastes strange, when he wakes next. Viscous, coppery, heavy on the tongue. A secondary reflex bids he gag, retching, working his stiff jaw. It’s difficult. There is something on his face. He reaches to touch it, and finds he cannot. It is not because he is made wrong this time — he can feel it quite well. His hand, his curling fingers. The restraint on his wrist. Medical, padded. Had he done something wrong? 

A spit guard? 

Not right. It’s firmer than that. 

A muzzle. 

Like a filthy, sick animal. He wriggles, drooling and trying to put his hands over his mouth, humiliated. The room is colder than before. His uniform had been split at the seams at least to the waist, laid bare. He nearly throws up at the very realization of it, nausea bearing down on him, curling inward to hide the hideous deformation that made up his self. 

He’d done something wrong. He’d reacted poorly, and did something bad. He squeezes his eye shut. 

Come back to us. Try again. 

[tamelee]

Hello Tamelee! Do you have any advice to give to beginners regarding drawing? Maybe some exercices that helped you to make progress? I’ve seen that you learn to draw all on your own, and that’s really impressing (and inspiring)!! ❤️

Hi!! 🧡 thankyou so much (ノ・∀・)ノ♥︎ Ah yes of course!!! I wanted to make this earlier but I waited until I finished a few drawings to see if I could come up with more tips and find out what really helps for me.

✍️;

 I did learn to draw by myself, but I watched a lot of speed video’s for guidance ^^ I used to slow them down a lot and really tried to study what artists that I liked did, but I wouldn’t recommend this for beginners. Especially when you don’t really know the program and you won’t understand why they do what they do.

I used to copy the greyscale method even though I knew nothing about color so I heavily relied on values only which made everything look very muddy.

It’s actually only recently that I’m understanding the things that I do and I feel like my anatomy/coloring is improving slowly because of it. 

So, first, I’d highly recommend to instead of copying only as a study method, (like faces for example) to understand why things are the way they are. If you know how planes of a face work, it’s much easier to remember why a certain perspective is like that, when something feels off and how to fix it or how to lay down shadows. The ‘Asaro head’ is a favorite for many, the free version you can find HERE a video on the topic is HERE and learning how to shade is explained very well HERE. Sinix Design has a great video that goes beyond that and it may help you for different kind of faces which you can find HERE. If you're more interested in Anime faces (though the planes work the same), you can find and manipulate 3D models for free HERE or HERE that you can use as a reference. Of course you should always make it your own but they can help with perspective. In fact, you can find many different kinds of models on Sketchfab. Your character holding a cup and you aren't sure how to draw it in that angle? Find one, manipulate it, screenshot and study the perspectives ^^ (I don't recommend tracing or copying.)

Learn about environmental lighting and color temperatures instead of value's (light and dark) only!!! Trust me, the earlier you learn this, the better >*chants* color temperature, color temperature, color temp-

Anatomy is interesting. A lot of tutorials recommend you use photo's to learn it, but it confused me a lot. Pictures aren't always clear enough to see how the body parts are connected and I always thought it was a bit pointless to learn muscles, but it really isn't. I'm not sure how to explain it well, but a picture is often too complicated and you have to narrow it down to find its foundation. I personally think it's helpful to find an artist you like and look how they do anatomy if they have shared any sketches.

Not sure if that makes any sense xD but what I'm trying to say is that for me, looking at pictures alone didn't help me understand much of anything else at all and in some cases made it even more confusing. Clothing makes much more sense in drawings when they're simplified, but this also depends on style!

You can use a napkin around you finger and bend it to get a quick fold reference for a sleeve or something!

Studying the body means... well, studying the body. Naked, in underwear or swimwear. You can find many free references! But there are special anatomy reference packs that are being sold like these.

I don't really do drawing exercises because my ADD just won't allow me to. My motivation immediately drops to zero. So I can't say which ones are very helpful but always feel free to try anything you want and see what works for you! But if there's anything you should exercise always... it's your hands.

Trust me on that one. The pain for ignoring your pain is a consequence you don't want ;-; and sometimes it even leaves you unable to draw for a long time. Avoid issues with carpel tunnel or RSI as much as possible. There are many video's but you could use THIS ONE for example.

I do practice though with everything new that I create. I always try to learn something.

I think the thing that helped me a lot in the beginning was by getting the habit to save everything that I liked. An expression in a movie? I saved it. Favorite art styles? I saved them. Naruto looked particularly adorable in that panel? Saved. Sasuke's hair spikes flawlessly there? Saved it.

If you're quickly overwhelmed though (like me lol) then it's not a good idea to save a bunch of screenshots in a folder because you'll have no idea what to even look for. If you do this then try to keep things as organized as possible so you actually have some use for it and even narrow it down as much as you like. Some panels for Naruto and Sasuke for example I have saved in several folders like 'expressions', 'manga style' or 'outfit' for example. I don't want to spend too much time looking for things, because unlike some of you think, I don't have that much patience xD

INVEST IN EXTERNAL SSD('s) and BACK UP REGULARLY!! Like, everyday if you can, but at least 3x a week. Once a week at THE VERY LEAST. You'll thank yourself one day. Save your art-files so you have access to full versions always but post smaller files if you're drawing in large 300DPI (or more) files. Whatever program you use you can learn to reduce sizes, you don't need to save every layer always when you've finished a drawing, but in Photoshop for example you can 'merge layers 'duplicate all visible layers' as a copy and put it in a progress folder in case you ever need it, like so;

Some other things that helped me a lot also was to create my own short keys to flip the canvas and making the current layer I'm working on visible or not. Personally I have the flipping on 'command+§' and layer visibility on 'command+1'. If you're working with Windows you can switch command key or pick anything else you think would be easy! Flipping your canvas horizontally helps a lot to find mistakes and layer visibility.... I don't really see anyone talking about it, but when I'm rendering over a sketch and get lost in it, I often use this short-key to see if I'm not overdoing it or losing the original perspective which can easily happen!

I hope some of these are helpful, I can't really think of much more right now, but feel free to ask anyway if there is anything in particular! 🌷

[tearsinthemist]

Want to learn something new

Want to learn something new in 2022??

Absolute beginner adult ballet series (fabulous beginning teacher)

40 piano lessons for beginners (some of the best explanations for piano I’ve ever seen)

Excellent basic crochet video series

Basic knitting (probably the best how to knit video out there)

Pre-Free Figure Skate Levels A-D guides and practice activities (each video builds up with exercises to the actual moves!)

How to draw character faces video (very funny, surprisingly instructive?)

Another drawing character faces video

Literally my favorite art pose hack

Tutorial of how to make a whole ass Stardew Valley esque farming game in Gamemaker Studios 2??

Introduction to flying small aircrafts

French/Dutch/Fishtail braiding

Playing the guitar for beginners (well paced and excellent instructor)

Playing the violin for beginners (really good practical tips mixed in)

Color theory in digital art (not of the children’s hospital variety)

Retake classes you hated but now there’s zero stakes:

Calculus 1 (full semester class)

Learn basic statistics (free textbook)

Introduction to college physics (free textbook)

Introduction to accounting (free textbook)

Learn a language:

Ancient Greek

Latin

Spanish

German

Japanese (grammar guide) (for dummies)

French

Russian (pretty good cyrillic guide!)

Jan 2, 2023

Want to learn something new in 2023??

Cooking with flavor bootcamp (used what I learned in this a LOT this year)

Beekeeping 101

Learn Interior Design from the British Academy of Interior Design (free to audit course - just choose the free option when you register)

Video on learning to read music that actually helped me??

How to use and sew with a sewing machine

How to ride a bike (listen. some of us never learned, and that's okay.)

How to cornrow-braid hair (I have it on good authority that this video is a godsend for doing your baby niece's black hair)

Making mead at home (I actually did this last summer and it was SO good)

How to garden

Basics of snowboarding (proceed with caution)

How to draw for people who (think they) suck at art (I know this website looks like a 2003 monstrosity, but the tutorials are excellent)

Pixel art for beginners so you can make the next great indie game

Go (back) to school

Introduction to Astronomy (high school course - free textbook w/ practice problems)

Principals of Economics (high school course - free textbook w/ practice problems)

Introduction to philosophy (free college course)

Computer science basics (full-semester Harvard course free online)

Learn a language

Japanese for Dummies (link fix from 2022)

Ukrainian

Portuguese (Brazil)

American Sign Language (as somebody who works with Deaf people professionally, I also strongly advise you to read up on Deaf/HoH culture and history!)

Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified)

Quenya (LOTR fantasy elf language)

Dec 26, 2023

Want to learn something new in 2024??

Beginner-oriented video on how to sail

This guy has so many videos on baking different types of bread. SO very many.

Coding in Python - one of the most flexible and adaptable high-level programming languages out there - explained through projects making video games

Learn to swim! (for adult learners. I don’t care if you live in Kansas or Mali or wherever. LEARN TO SWIM.)

Learn how quantum mechanics works. Then read some more about it

[Learn about quantum mechanics again, but in a more advanced engineering/mathematics class. Then read more about the math and physics of it]

Poetry Handbook, by Mary Oliver

Something I learned this year: how to sew a quilt (Here’s a very easy beginning pattern that looks amazing and can be done with pre-cut fabric!)

How to hit the ball in softball

Tutorial video on what is under the hood of most (gas) cars + weird engine sounds and what they mean

Full beginner mechanics technical training, if you want to go more in depth

Playlist on how car engine physics work if you want to go ultra in depth

Lecture series on architecture design through study of buildings

How (American income) taxes & tax law work (choose “audit course” at checkout for free class)

Pickleball for beginners (so you can finally join your neighbor/friend/distant cousin who is always insisting you join their team)

+ Para-Pickleball for beginners (for mobility aid users!)

School is so much more fun when there’s no tests:

American Law - Contracts

Shakespeare’s Life and Plays

Fairy Tales: Meanings, Messages, and Morals

Modern Poetry

World History [Part 1, Part 2]

Learn a language:

Arabic + Resource Guide compiled from Reddit (includes info on different dialects)

Chinese (Cantonese) (audio)

Urdu (frequently recommended course on Reddit) + Resource Guide

Yucatec Maya

[candythepuppy]

Insanely basic tips for writing fights:

So... You wanna throw some characters at other characters and tell them to kill each other, huh? Well, in order to make all that interesting, ya gotta consider these tips first.

1. I've been in martial arts for over six years and animation for just as long. So of course I'm going to suggest you plebs do a little research first. Wanna know how it feels to punch someone? Punch someone. Wanna know how it feels to get punched? Come over to my place.

Even learning simple stuff like rolls, stretches, differing exercises, and the most basic of techniques can help out a ton. At the very least, it'll keep people from making this face at you: ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ

You don't have to go all out like me, but at least learning the fundamentals of physics and how certain injuries will affect the fight can help. Take these fun little tip for example: there's a vein on the neck that, when hit properly, will make you instantly pass out. It only takes eight seconds to choke someone out to the point of fainting as long as you're holding them right..and if you keep it up, then just wait five minutes and they'll be dead. Anywhere in-between can give them serious head injuries they'll likely never recover from. There are a thousand more, but I'll stop there. Trust me. I've learned more about biology from karate than from actual Biology class.

2. I feel like this is also a given, but at the very least, know what your surroundings are. Find ways to implement the setting into the fight creatively.

Example: two people are fighting in the desert and one tosses sand into the other's eyes. Or, two people are fighting in that same desert, but the one currently losing is being shoved into the sand, choked alive by all the granules.

Also please remember that when your characters are in extreme heat or freezing settings, they will fight differently. Maybe it's even the setting itself that is slowly killing the fighters, and the battle is really all about who can last the longest.

At the very least, I'd suggest you do two things in case you have a hard time with this one. (1) gather images of the setting, or at least settings like it. Then, take note of all the elements, obstacles, and even ambiance involved. (2) pick out objects to scatter about the setting that your characters can later pick up and use in the fight. Just make sure they have to do with the setting.

3. The destination of the fight can greatly impact the "vibe."

In the sky: superman level fights, typically very grandiose, larger than life, and impressive (even if written realistically). These are great locations for if/when you're trying to make your character look cool in some way.

On top of buildings/canyons: similarly grand but with more emphasis on stakes. You typically want that sense of uneasiness every time the main character sways or is knocked a little too far away. These scenes are often used around a climax thanks to the perfect level of grandiose tension and realism. It's a great way to get your character on edge and reveal their true feelings, mainly fear.

On the ground, outside: these fights are often much more grounded than most. Often deals with a lot of running/trying out other options beyond fighting. Typically, you're trying to establish what kind of a fighter your character is in these fights + what their morals may be.

On the ground, inside: oddly enough, this is where it gets personal. Mostly because I usually think of someone's home or a grocery store where every action means something. This is typically where the most drama takes place. I'd definitely suggest you lean into the importance of the setting they are fighting in much more than the setting of other fights. (This is also where every word counts.)

Underground: by far one of my personal favorites. The claustrophobia one can draw from these settings is truly something else. The most grounded of any other fight setting. This is where I like to strip the flashy powers and magic from my characters and let them brawl the old fashioned way, getting dirty and going all out. Down here, every punch matters.

There are of course more, but these are the basics!

4. Similar to the first step, please know how the weapons your characters are using work!

5. And of course no fight is complete without (A) build up, (B) understandable reasons for the characters to fight, and (C) clear stakes/what would be lost or gained if either were to lose. Remember, a fight is just an argument acted out. Keeping that in mind will make the whole process so much easier.

Anyways, that's just about it. I could ramble some more, but these are supposed to be the basics!

Anyways, I hope to see you guys again. Thanks for your time. And, seeya!