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2023: Long time no see.
2 min read
Hey everyone, it's been awhile.
I've certainly not been as talkative in recent years as I once was. Obviously a lot has changed... everywhere... to say the least.
For those of you who are still here with me after all these years (or are new to me and my work), I sincerely thank you for sticking around and continuing to enjoy what I do, or waiting for updates on the projects you enjoy from me.
Deviantart is obviously not the same as it once was. Most places aren't, but there's still this spark in me that wishes to connect and share with you all (despite my introvertedness). But these days, it's best to not have all your eggs in one basket and so I've been considering other alternatives in hopes of recapturing a sense of community that has been lost in recent times.
Maybe deviantart is still that place, but I'd also love to try some other places I haven't yet given a chance to, such as Discord. Which brings me to why I wrote this journal up in the first place.
I was seeking your thoughts on such platforms. I'm familiar with Discord but haven't ever jumped into it, and I've heard in recent months there was some controversy involving privacy and such, so before I get invested, I wanted to know the thoughts of those who know it well, and if you think you'd be potentially interested in joining a sever of mine if I decided to go down that path.
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Soon...
2 min read
...❤
I know I've been real quiet over here lately, mostly bc DA never quite feels right when it comes to posting WIPs, but I've also been sick on and off throughout January because of the flu. But I wanted to let everyone know I am alive and I am here. I'm still working on all the things - Everything Under the Stars content, fanart, commissions, etc. I've just been slow or sick or dealing with real life things as usual.
I got some stuff going on I'm trying to organize though. New Year, new decade kinda motivation. Last year I worked on some pretty big projects - real time consuming kinda stuff... exactly the kinda stuff as the WIPs above. And while I think these large projects are some of my favs I've ever done, they don't exactly leave me much room to get a lot of other stuff done, so it's my goal to change that. To take a step back and focus on creating more content overall. Spread myself out so I have more to share instead of being silent for weeks at a time. Make things a little more simple and fun and frequent like it used to be.
Can't exactly build a universe full of characters with lots of stories and experiences to share if I'm slaving away on one project at a time for well over a month. OTL
What's great is I already have a lot of projects in the works right now. Some I've shared WIPS for before, some are commissions, a lot are still concepts, but the ideas are there and so is the will to see them all through. So I'm hoping this will be a very productive year and I can't wait to share everything with you
!
And as always, thank you all for being so patient with me and sticking with me for all this time - I could never express enough how much that means to me. ❤
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Deviantart Eclipse Info and Petition
4 min read
Disregard the part about the petition. The individual who created the petition via journal entry has deleted it with no apparent reason or warning. Go figure.
By now I'm sure that most of you are aware of Eclipse - Deviantart's new site layout/overall update). That even if you've not yet been able to check it out for yourself, you've possibly seen the fallout response towards it making the rounds.
I've been checking out Eclipse off and on since January as a beta tester and honestly I've been incredibly conflicted regarding the new layout - I have wanted a site update for years, ever since they hinted at very basic new features such as an art header option, which I've wanted so badly after seeing it on art sites like Weasyl and then later over at ArtStation. It was mentioned way back in.. 2015? It's been so long I can't remember. But they left us hanging ever since without a word.
And some of the big name artists here on DA have complained about the site being stagnant and not keeping up with other social media platforms. Of being left in the dark while newer sites gave us better features and for free, on top of it.. while we still had to pay here just to add thumbnails in descriptions.
But finally DA decides to update and we're left with a giant mess of a beta site. A site that is designed to cater to mobile users with awkward centered formats and floating text comment sections, crashing browsers with giant thumbnails and no option to turn off endless scrolling, disorganized gallery folders, a completely disorganized and cumbersome notification section, limited front page custom boxes that will require you to reenter all your HTML and CSS codes (if they even work anymore at all) and has completely destroyed all literature submissions (I'm going to have to go back to every single chapter of EUTS and fix all of my formatting and HTML under DA's new Eclipse text editor because they can't make these changes retroactive).
The layout as a whole feels confined and less inviting which I can only imagine will significantly hinder any sense of community or encouragement to interact with other members. There is a plethora of other issues and depending on how you use the site, many of the new features (or lack of them) will be more frustrating for you than others.
So while I welcome change and am trying to be optimistic, they've done these changes in such an intrusive, inconvenient way that I can't fully get behind this update at is stands now.
Worst of all is that with 90% of users seeming to hate the update, they're also threatening to leave if this update is forced upon us. This hurts artists like me who have relied on Deviantart as their main platform. Despite DA's issues, I've met my closest friends here and have had the most success with getting work via commissions and just having a sense of community with people who are interested in the same things as I am - When you're a niche artist, that means everything. I've already took a huge blow with the downfall of Tumblr, and losing Deviantart, I have very little safe and comfortable places to go from here. I have very little places left to keep in touch with those who enjoy my work.
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F.A.Q. - 2018
11 min read
Frequently Asked Questions and General Information.
I'm slowly updating all the things so here is a new and updated FAQ page as well.
Some of these are things I'm asked regularly, and some are just extra info. Please check my FAQ before asking any questions to see if your question has already been answered (chances are VERY likely I've been asked the same thing before and added it here). That's what I made this for. c:
If you have any questions I can add to this list, just ask below in the comments, and I'll update this as needed!
Table of Contents:
1. Art Materials
2. Commissions/Trades/Requests
3. Art and Original Character Usage Permission
4. General Art Questions
5. Heather and Neelix (Everything Under the Stars)
6. Other
1. Art Materials 2. Commissions/Trades/Requests 3. Art and Original Character Usage Permission 4. General Art Questions 5. Heather and Neelix (Everything Under the Stars) 6. Other 1. Art Materials· What kind of materials do you use?
I came from a traditional/physical art background - A lot of the older art in my gallery (2012 and older) was created using Prismacolor Premier & Verithin Colored Pencils & Prismacolor Markers on 8.5x11 Cardstock or 9x12 Smooth/Vellum Bristol board.
Today, I work digitally, creating my art (all by hand) with a Wacom Intous5 Touch Small Artist Tablet and work with Clip Studio Paint EX digital art program.
· Why did you switch to Digital Art?
I went through a bumpy transitional period into Digital Art mostly because I was unhappy with how my work looked once scanned and uploaded on the web. I tried upgrading my paper and switched to mixed media with the inclusion of Prismacolor markers, but relearning a new medium was time consuming (and expensive) and the old tech I was working with in the past continued to butcher the way my work looked on the web compared to in person, regardless of what I tried. It was very frustrating and heart breaking to see hours of hard work destroyed by scanners.
I also made the switch because of travel reasons (lugging around tons of physical art supplies is difficult), and because I wanted to broaden my options and explore larger environmental pieces which I personally found more difficult with physical media. It did take a long while to relearn how to draw with an art tablet, but the convenience of digital art has been very freeing for me, especially when doing commissions, because editing traditional art and getting things done in a timely manner is a real pain.
· Can you teach me some tips?
I'm still learning myself and I don't feel qualified to teach anyone, but if you're interested in seeing my work process and have some questions for me, I do live streaming sessions often over at Picarto. picarto.tv/LadyOwl and enjoy helping others when I can.
I'm still learning myself and I don't feel qualified to teach anyone, but if you're interested in seeing my work process and have some questions for me, I do live streaming sessions often over at Picarto. picarto.tv/LadyOwl and enjoy helping others when I can.
2. Commissions/Trades/Requests· Can I request a drawing?
You may politely suggest to see a certain character you'd like me to draw that I may do at my discretion, but I don't take free requests.
· Do you take commissions?
Yes. I have a commission queue I keep updated regularly here: Commission Queue along with my prices and ToS.
· Can we do an art trade?
I am sometimes interested in doing an art trade, but please understand that art trades should be fair to both parties involved.
· Can we do a collaboration?
Maybe? Depends on the project and time involved. Doesn't hurt to ask though.
3. Art and Original Character Usage Permission· Can I use your fanart on my website?
Under two conditions: 1. You ask me first (I like to know where my work is being posted). 2. You credit me and keep my name and copyright information on my drawings (no cropping or editing my information or watermarks off my work). Please be respectful of my wishes.
· Can I use your art as a wallpaper on my desktop or phone?
Sure! I have no issues with you using my art for personal purposes.
· Can I use your art as an icon, banner, signature, etc?
Yes, but please give me credit somewhere on your profile page/signature and do not crop out my name/watermarks.
· Can I upload your fanart on my tumblr/twitter/instagram/Facebook etc fan page?
Please first check if I already have an account on said website and if I have already uploaded the artwork to my own page where you can reblog/retweet it first. If I do not have an account or you can not find my account, please contact me before doing what you want with my work.
· Can I do gift art of your character(s)?
I do really enjoy gift art, but please don't do it with the intentions of receiving something in return. All I ask is that you show me your pic(s) and give me credit for my character(s) in your descriptions. Thank you.
· Can I color one of your Black & White drawings?
Ask me first, please.
· Can I use one of your drawings in a book/video game/movie/etc... I'm making? I'll give you credit.
Please no. Not at all. My art is created for myself and my stories, or as gifts or commissions. If you need art for whatever project you're working on and can't create it yourself, please... go support the art community and find an artist to commission. You'll feel more proud of your project knowing you got art created just for it.
I do really enjoy gift art, but please don't do it with the intentions of receiving something in return. All I ask is that you show me your pic(s) and give me credit for my character(s) in your descriptions. Thank you.
· Can I color one of your Black & White drawings?
Ask me first, please.
· Can I use one of your drawings in a book/video game/movie/etc... I'm making? I'll give you credit.
Please no. Not at all. My art is created for myself and my stories, or as gifts or commissions. If you need art for whatever project you're working on and can't create it yourself, please... go support the art community and find an artist to commission. You'll feel more proud of your project knowing you got art created just for it.
· I love your characters. Can I include them in a story I'm working on?
Again, please no.
· Can I use your OCs (Original Characters) as my RP (Role Playing) character(s)?
No. I don't draw for the purpose of people using my stuff. Take some pride in your hobbies - if you role play on a constant basis and are unable to draw, there are a ton of wonderful artists of all price ranges who would be more than happy to take a commission from you.
Please be respectful of my wishes on all of these matters. Thank you.
Again, please no.
· Can I use your OCs (Original Characters) as my RP (Role Playing) character(s)?
No. I don't draw for the purpose of people using my stuff. Take some pride in your hobbies - if you role play on a constant basis and are unable to draw, there are a ton of wonderful artists of all price ranges who would be more than happy to take a commission from you.
Please be respectful of my wishes on all of these matters. Thank you.
4. General Art Questions· You're not very active, why so slow with posting art?
We went through a life altering family situation that affected our lives negatively over the last two years (2016 - 2018). It has been difficult to pick up the pieces since, though we are slowly recovering with the help and support of family and friends. This has made it very difficult to have enough time to devote towards art and interacting on the internet until recently.
Aside from that, under normal circumstances, I also enjoy other activities besides drawing, such as Video Games and juggle my time on what I feel like doing at any particular moment. Some of my art, whether personal or commissions, may also be private and therefore wont be posted, yet still requires time to do so that may result in spouts of inactivity at times. I am trying to be more active, though.
· Do you offer Prints?
· Do you post art on other websites that I can't find in your deviantART gallery?
Yes. I have sketches and concepts posted on my Tumblr and Twitter accounts, along with some adult content over on Fur Affinity and my adult Tumblr.
Tumblr | Twitter | Fur Affinity | Picarto Art Stream
Not at this time, but it is something I'd like to consider in the future.
· Do you post art on other websites that I can't find in your deviantART gallery?
Yes. I have sketches and concepts posted on my Tumblr and Twitter accounts, along with some adult content over on Fur Affinity and my adult Tumblr.
· How come you draw a lot of fanart?
Because I like a lot of shit that isn't mine.
Because I like a lot of shit that isn't mine.
· I love your Usze and Vale drawings, will you do more?
Short Answer: Eventually.
Long Answer: Ok... *deep sigh* I do a lot of interspecies / cross species illustrations. It's my jam. And while I like Sangheili, they're not like, my main thing. They're not even my favorite Halo aliens. The Olympia Vale and Usze 'Taham illustration was just intended to be a one off kinda thing because I enjoyed the concept of it. I'm not into "shipping", nor am I even active in any fandoms or cater to fandoms. I just do random things that strike me at any particular moment and had no idea it would take off the way it did. I'm really glad you guys like it so much - Halo is my favorite franchise and I have done a lot of illustrations and random interspecies art from the series, not just Sangheili.
If you really wanna see more art sooner involving the two, ya know.. commissions are a thing.
Also, PS - please stop asking on non related art. If you wanna ask about Halo characters, please ask on relevant illustrations or hit me up with a private message/ask/note/DM/tweet/etc .. it's kinda like, rude to distract and derail my other posts that are not Halo related.
5. Heather and Neelix (Everything Under the Stars)· What is EUTS?
"Everything Under the Stars" is my own personal ongoing original story that I started back in 2006. It is a Science Fiction story involving a human named Heather who was abducted from modern day Earth and auctioned off as a slave on a multicultural alien space station. She deals with the struggles of culture shock, language barriers, being property, and the realities of never seeing her home again, along with the awkwardness of a developing unconventional romantic relationship with an alien.
Like mentioned above, I'm still in the midst of cleaning up the mess from our family crisis and have only recently been able to start getting my shit together, so it might still take me some time to get new content finished up and ready to post. I am currently working on Chapter 22, though, along with doing a rework of Chapter 1 since it's the weakest/roughest of the chapters, which isn't good since it also acts as a "first impression" kinda thing.
· What about new art? I miss seeing Heather and Neelix!
;___; I know.. I'm working on that, too! Current projects in the works include a new character sheet and size chart, plus some extra goodies. /foreverbeggingforyourpatience
6. Other· What is the origin behind your username?
My username has deep roots with my long history in video games. Owl came first due to the fact that a lot of retro gaming had limited character count for your name/high score/game saves. Either using your initials, or only having 4 to 5 character slots for a name, which was always too short to put my first name in full, being 8 characters long, and I was fond of owls growing up, particularly Barn Owls (probably influenced by The Labyrinth).
As for Lady, one of my favorite franchises growing up (well before Halo) was the Metroid series. Samus was a personal role model of mine, a strong female character kicking ass in space, back before Nintendo turned her into a sex symbol with the whole Zero Suit thing. I particularly liked how the nickname Lady was used in Metroid: Fusion, as it felt dignified and respectful. A sense of strength and femininity without tacking on unneeded sexuality, pink colors, or hearts to show she was female.
· Who is H-Falcon?
He is the love of my life, my best friend, and we share everything together. He is also my collaborative support on "Everything Under the Stars". Without him my story would not be where it is today. You can visit him here: H-Falcon and give him a shout out if you'd like!
He is the love of my life, my best friend, and we share everything together. He is also my collaborative support on "Everything Under the Stars". Without him my story would not be where it is today. You can visit him here: H-Falcon and give him a shout out if you'd like!
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Special Streams Offline (Sept 22nd)
2 min read
Gonna do both an art and a game stream again tonight. Game stream on Mixer for a bit, then gonna move back over to Picarto to do the art stream.
Today
Game Stream
Where: LadyOwl @ Mixer What: Halo 3: ODST (9 year anniversary today already???). Dunno if I'll have mic on. When: At 8:15PM Eastern Time Zone (EST) check the countdown timer and/or Time Zone info below for exact time. Duration: 1 to 2 hours - end time: 10:00pm EST. (Might end earlier? Dunno) Countdown Timer for when next stream begins: link Time Zone Info: linkArt Stream
Where: picarto.tv/LadyOwl What: Continuing commission work - NSFW (18+) When: Around 10:00PM Eastern Time Zone (EST) check the countdown timer and/or Time Zone info below for exact time. Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours (estimated end time: 3:00AM EST). Countdown Timer for when next stream begins: link Time Zone Info: linkJoin the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In