1.04.2010
1.03.2010
Life: New Year's Resolutions
I want to put a little more here than just artwork I've made, so I'm going to put forth my New Year's Resolutions. So I can check back next year and see how many I've actually done.
1. Exercise more (at least half an hour, twice a week) and eat healthy. This includes dance more and install a timer on my computer which makes me get up and walk around every twenty minutes.
2. Get a job. I don't think I can handle conventions and freelancing any more, and I really want to be somewhere I can learn, trial-by-fire.
2.5. Get a boyfriend. However! Importantly! This is contingent on Resolution 2 being satisfied first. I will not look for a relationship until I've settled where I'm going to be post-graduation.
3. Spend one full day a week working on digital art, alternating 2D and 3D. This includes entering ConceptArt Character of the Weeks, CGHub Drawing Jams, etc. Contests are a good motivator for me.
4. Get published, get a Daily Deviation, get on DeviantART front page. So, like all artists, I'm a sucker for attention. I think it's a good reward, though for working hard. I'll have to do all the networking that goes with it, but yeah. ImagineFX, Exotique, Expose, etc. If it's small, it's still okay. I need to set this goal to make myself work more on art.
5. Read a book a month. I feel myself getting stupider for not reading. Got any recommendations? I really love things that are intelligent (no stupid protagonists, please!)and mythical.
6. Finish one of my life goals. It could be one of the following:
1. Exercise more (at least half an hour, twice a week) and eat healthy. This includes dance more and install a timer on my computer which makes me get up and walk around every twenty minutes.
2. Get a job. I don't think I can handle conventions and freelancing any more, and I really want to be somewhere I can learn, trial-by-fire.
2.5. Get a boyfriend. However! Importantly! This is contingent on Resolution 2 being satisfied first. I will not look for a relationship until I've settled where I'm going to be post-graduation.
3. Spend one full day a week working on digital art, alternating 2D and 3D. This includes entering ConceptArt Character of the Weeks, CGHub Drawing Jams, etc. Contests are a good motivator for me.
4. Get published, get a Daily Deviation, get on DeviantART front page. So, like all artists, I'm a sucker for attention. I think it's a good reward, though for working hard. I'll have to do all the networking that goes with it, but yeah. ImagineFX, Exotique, Expose, etc. If it's small, it's still okay. I need to set this goal to make myself work more on art.
5. Read a book a month. I feel myself getting stupider for not reading. Got any recommendations? I really love things that are intelligent (no stupid protagonists, please!)and mythical.
6. Finish one of my life goals. It could be one of the following:
- Rivek, 2D and 3D Character Design(face and full body character design illustrations, face and full body sculptures, textured and rigged 3D model, accessory and clothing drawings, beauty illustrations)
- 100 Themes, Sketchbook
- ???, One-Shot Pencil-Shaded Comic
- Otakon Trail, Macromedia Flash Game
- Prince Project, Fairy tale Gender-reversal Illustrated Novel
- Companion Guide to Mondigan, Artbook
- Guide to Mondigan Mythos, Illustrated Novel
- Trilogy of Mondigan, Novels
- Alternate Universe Artwork to Mondigan, Artbook
- List of Ideas I Had In High School and Never Completed, Paintings
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 14 or 012/100 Themes - Insanity
"Sanmensa." Insanity. 12/100 Themes.
I'm done the marathon! Take that! Trying to go out with a bang.
Rivek, in Wrath. More on Wrath here.
I'm done the marathon! Take that! Trying to go out with a bang.
Rivek, in Wrath. More on Wrath here.
1.02.2010
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 13 or 011/100 Themes - Memory
"Memorea." Memory. 11/100 Themes.
Rivek tends towards writing things down, and Bohren, years later, still has a habit of reading them.
Bohren looks good with a little facial hair.
Rivek tends towards writing things down, and Bohren, years later, still has a habit of reading them.
Bohren looks good with a little facial hair.
1.01.2010
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 12 or 010/100 Themes - Breathe Again
"Vent dise." Breathe Again 10/100 Themes.
Hooray, 10% through!
Little known fact is that Rivek's untamed, peregrine falcon, magic makes him one of the fastest runners in Mondigan history. He is also a very capable swimmer. However, he cannot hold his breath for very long because of smoke damage.
Fenne is the Brennan prince. He and Rivek were friends once upon a time. However, after Fenne's father discovered Rivek's dark powers, Fenne could no longer trust him anymore. The irony being that Rivek's nature was discovered when he took an arrow for Fenne, the wound revealing his black blood. Although Rivek has been officially pardoned for heresy, their conversations are still awkward because Fenne could have stopped his father but didn't.
Rivek could barely stand looking the Prince in the eye, but he tried his best to make small talk. Unfortunately, certain friendships were not meant to be recovered.
"After all these years, Falcon, you're still an infantryman?" The disbelief in his voice was an genuine as his distaste.
"Fenne." If his majesty was going to use old, familiar titles, so would he. "I prefer the term 'man-at-arms,' and, even given that, it is my choice to tread on foot." Albeit, he couldn't actually afford a proper steed on his salary. He laughed, but it did nothing to cover the tension in his voice.
The envoy reached a bridge, "Just a ways to go before we reach the outpost, your highness."
Rivek took the reigns of the prince's horse and began to guide it across the icy crossing. As they approached the high point - too far down to turn back and too far away to keep going - an arrow flew through the trees and landed squarely in the shoulder of Fenne's mount. The stallion reared. Rivek dropped the reigns. The startled beast lost its footing on the cobblestones and plunged both itself and its rider into the river.
"Haisan!" Ambush, Rivek cried, forgetting to change frm his native tongue. But with no second though, he unbuckled his pack and dove headfirst into the icy water, not even waiting for it to hit the ground. He cut throught the surface like a pike, but the sudden chill forced him to struggle back up for air.
"Fuck," he muttered, wiping hte water frm his eyes. He glimpsed something vaguely human floating downstream. "Fuck. Again."
He inhaled as much air as he could and dropped beneath the surface. He knew he needed as much speed as possible, and the ice floes at the surface could be deadly. He had to stay underwater until he reached Fenne.
Where the hell was that boy? Rivek widened his stinging eyes and saw a flash of gold hem ahead of him. It became a race against the current. Each second, his target would move away the same distance he had covered. Each flailing limb only gained a few inches in the correct direction.
Rivek tasted iron in the back of his mouth and coughed. Bubbles of precious oxygen rose to the surface. Too much longer under water, and he might drown as well.
As luck would have it, Fenne's cloak had wrapped around a rocky outcropping at the river bottom. The prince had been knock unconscious and blood was seeping from his forehead. Rivek wrenched his body through through the current in one final effort. His hands touched wet cloth, and he tried to tug the garment loose to no avail.
His lungs were burning now, and it was all he could do to keep from floating away himself. He fumbled with the cuff of his boot and released the small knife he kept there. Don't you dare complain I ruined your new clothes, he thought as he sawed through the cape.
He wrapped his arm around Fenne's shoulders and hauled them both to the surface. He sputtered, a mix of blood and frigid water spilled from his mouth and nose. He reached over to a rocky outcropping and screamed for help, trying to keep the prince's head above water.
In seconds, Bohren appeared, lowering a rope down to the pair. He struggled to hold all three items, but Rivek managed to wrap it around Fenne's waist and his arm. "Heave," he shouted over the spray.
He half-threw Fenne's body onto dry land and collapsed to his knees, coughing. Bohren was already working to revive the prince, checking his pulse and pushing the water out of his chest.
Fenne gagged as he regained consciousness, swiftly rolling over and spitting the remaining water onto the ground. He turned to Rivek, "You saved me. Again."
Hooray, 10% through!
Little known fact is that Rivek's untamed, peregrine falcon, magic makes him one of the fastest runners in Mondigan history. He is also a very capable swimmer. However, he cannot hold his breath for very long because of smoke damage.
Fenne is the Brennan prince. He and Rivek were friends once upon a time. However, after Fenne's father discovered Rivek's dark powers, Fenne could no longer trust him anymore. The irony being that Rivek's nature was discovered when he took an arrow for Fenne, the wound revealing his black blood. Although Rivek has been officially pardoned for heresy, their conversations are still awkward because Fenne could have stopped his father but didn't.
Rivek could barely stand looking the Prince in the eye, but he tried his best to make small talk. Unfortunately, certain friendships were not meant to be recovered.
"After all these years, Falcon, you're still an infantryman?" The disbelief in his voice was an genuine as his distaste.
"Fenne." If his majesty was going to use old, familiar titles, so would he. "I prefer the term 'man-at-arms,' and, even given that, it is my choice to tread on foot." Albeit, he couldn't actually afford a proper steed on his salary. He laughed, but it did nothing to cover the tension in his voice.
The envoy reached a bridge, "Just a ways to go before we reach the outpost, your highness."
Rivek took the reigns of the prince's horse and began to guide it across the icy crossing. As they approached the high point - too far down to turn back and too far away to keep going - an arrow flew through the trees and landed squarely in the shoulder of Fenne's mount. The stallion reared. Rivek dropped the reigns. The startled beast lost its footing on the cobblestones and plunged both itself and its rider into the river.
"Haisan!" Ambush, Rivek cried, forgetting to change frm his native tongue. But with no second though, he unbuckled his pack and dove headfirst into the icy water, not even waiting for it to hit the ground. He cut throught the surface like a pike, but the sudden chill forced him to struggle back up for air.
"Fuck," he muttered, wiping hte water frm his eyes. He glimpsed something vaguely human floating downstream. "Fuck. Again."
He inhaled as much air as he could and dropped beneath the surface. He knew he needed as much speed as possible, and the ice floes at the surface could be deadly. He had to stay underwater until he reached Fenne.
Where the hell was that boy? Rivek widened his stinging eyes and saw a flash of gold hem ahead of him. It became a race against the current. Each second, his target would move away the same distance he had covered. Each flailing limb only gained a few inches in the correct direction.
Rivek tasted iron in the back of his mouth and coughed. Bubbles of precious oxygen rose to the surface. Too much longer under water, and he might drown as well.
As luck would have it, Fenne's cloak had wrapped around a rocky outcropping at the river bottom. The prince had been knock unconscious and blood was seeping from his forehead. Rivek wrenched his body through through the current in one final effort. His hands touched wet cloth, and he tried to tug the garment loose to no avail.
His lungs were burning now, and it was all he could do to keep from floating away himself. He fumbled with the cuff of his boot and released the small knife he kept there. Don't you dare complain I ruined your new clothes, he thought as he sawed through the cape.
He wrapped his arm around Fenne's shoulders and hauled them both to the surface. He sputtered, a mix of blood and frigid water spilled from his mouth and nose. He reached over to a rocky outcropping and screamed for help, trying to keep the prince's head above water.
In seconds, Bohren appeared, lowering a rope down to the pair. He struggled to hold all three items, but Rivek managed to wrap it around Fenne's waist and his arm. "Heave," he shouted over the spray.
He half-threw Fenne's body onto dry land and collapsed to his knees, coughing. Bohren was already working to revive the prince, checking his pulse and pushing the water out of his chest.
Fenne gagged as he regained consciousness, swiftly rolling over and spitting the remaining water onto the ground. He turned to Rivek, "You saved me. Again."
12.31.2009
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 11 or 009/100 Themes - Drive
"Fures." - Drive. 09/100 Themes.
I still need to work a bit more on how Sorian looks and dresses, but he has light brown hair and hazel eyes.
Given that cars don't exist in this story. I took drive to mean motivation. Sorian is by far the most relentless character in the story. When there is an ends to be met, he will ignore the means. Often, his views are clouded by his emotions, which happens due to his low self-esteem. Therefore, no matter what, he desires to prove himself as more than a "second son," to make himself equal to or greater than natural magic users.
His twisted tango of a relationship with Rivek is described here.
"Sorian! If you do that, all of my men could die!"
"As a servant of this country, you will refer to me by my proper title, Ailinar."
"Of course, your highness."
"It must be done. For the sake of our countries. For the sake of progress."
"What you call progress. I call madness. I call murder."
I still need to work a bit more on how Sorian looks and dresses, but he has light brown hair and hazel eyes.
Given that cars don't exist in this story. I took drive to mean motivation. Sorian is by far the most relentless character in the story. When there is an ends to be met, he will ignore the means. Often, his views are clouded by his emotions, which happens due to his low self-esteem. Therefore, no matter what, he desires to prove himself as more than a "second son," to make himself equal to or greater than natural magic users.
His twisted tango of a relationship with Rivek is described here.
"Sorian! If you do that, all of my men could die!"
"As a servant of this country, you will refer to me by my proper title, Ailinar."
"Of course, your highness."
"It must be done. For the sake of our countries. For the sake of progress."
"What you call progress. I call madness. I call murder."
12.30.2009
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 10 or 008/100 Themes - Innocence
"Inosea." Innocence. 8/100 Themes
In Alisian, the word for "state" is the same as "family." There are twelve Alisian "states," each led by a family of the same name. The Alisian are known for their, often backwards and barbaric rituals. At eight, every Alisian citizen receives his or her first weapon, often a dagger. The weapon's first cut is therefore, its future bearer. Each state uses a different set of markings representative of a different state founder. Those of Ailinar are over the right eye because the founder was disfigured on that side of his face.
The story of how Rivek got his scar is something I rarely explain but holds a lot of meaning. While the cuts heal in most cases (like Mirab's), Rivek had an infection which caused his to scar. He nearly lost his eyesight, but he was saved by his magic. However, the lasting imprint on his face is a metaphor for the foreign birthright he can never escape. The dagger is one of the few things he keeps his entire life, a symbol of acceptance in some, albeit foreign, society.
I'm not very practiced at drawing children.
Rivek wrapped the grey cloak around his shoulders. The sun was just rising out at sea, and the earth hadn't warmed up yet. His father, Mitharon, took a long, cloth-wrapped package from one pocket, and a small codex from another.
Mitharon flipped the book to a middle page, marked with a red string, and began to read the same words every Alisian child longed to hear. "On the winter solstice after your eighth birthday, we have assessed your ability and welcome you as a member of our family. As a token of recognition, you will receive your first weapon."
Mitharon unwrapped the cloth package, revealing a silver stiletto dagger, its pommel engraved with a six-pointed star. Rivek knew it had been specifically crafted for him. "A blade has been chosen for you. Honor it as you would honor your father, your mother, and your country. But before you may touch it, it must leave its mark on you."
He placed his thumb over Rivek's right eye so as not to damage it, and he ran the blade down across his cheek making sure he drew blood. "Know and feel the pain that you can now inflict on others."
He drew the blade across Rivek's cheekbone, leaving a horizontal welt in its place. "And that, is for being born a true son of Ailinar. You have the birthright of a leader, and so you must know that the pain your followers inflict is also your responsibility."
With that, he placed the hilt in Rivek's left hand and began bandaging the boy's face.
"Thank you, father."
In Alisian, the word for "state" is the same as "family." There are twelve Alisian "states," each led by a family of the same name. The Alisian are known for their, often backwards and barbaric rituals. At eight, every Alisian citizen receives his or her first weapon, often a dagger. The weapon's first cut is therefore, its future bearer. Each state uses a different set of markings representative of a different state founder. Those of Ailinar are over the right eye because the founder was disfigured on that side of his face.
The story of how Rivek got his scar is something I rarely explain but holds a lot of meaning. While the cuts heal in most cases (like Mirab's), Rivek had an infection which caused his to scar. He nearly lost his eyesight, but he was saved by his magic. However, the lasting imprint on his face is a metaphor for the foreign birthright he can never escape. The dagger is one of the few things he keeps his entire life, a symbol of acceptance in some, albeit foreign, society.
I'm not very practiced at drawing children.
Rivek wrapped the grey cloak around his shoulders. The sun was just rising out at sea, and the earth hadn't warmed up yet. His father, Mitharon, took a long, cloth-wrapped package from one pocket, and a small codex from another.
Mitharon flipped the book to a middle page, marked with a red string, and began to read the same words every Alisian child longed to hear. "On the winter solstice after your eighth birthday, we have assessed your ability and welcome you as a member of our family. As a token of recognition, you will receive your first weapon."
Mitharon unwrapped the cloth package, revealing a silver stiletto dagger, its pommel engraved with a six-pointed star. Rivek knew it had been specifically crafted for him. "A blade has been chosen for you. Honor it as you would honor your father, your mother, and your country. But before you may touch it, it must leave its mark on you."
He placed his thumb over Rivek's right eye so as not to damage it, and he ran the blade down across his cheek making sure he drew blood. "Know and feel the pain that you can now inflict on others."
He drew the blade across Rivek's cheekbone, leaving a horizontal welt in its place. "And that, is for being born a true son of Ailinar. You have the birthright of a leader, and so you must know that the pain your followers inflict is also your responsibility."
With that, he placed the hilt in Rivek's left hand and began bandaging the boy's face.
"Thank you, father."
12.29.2009
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 09 or 007/100 Themes - Heaven
"Evan." - Heaven. 7/100 Themes.
"Heaven" is not a word or concept that exists in Alisian, so the word is a phonetic translation of Common.
Rivek calls on his older sister, Mirab, when he needs help. Four years older than him, she used to tease him and beat him up when they were children. He has, however, always respected her as the stronger fighter and better leader.
She is a formidable fighter because, unlike her brother, she showed no magical prowess as a child. Her peers blamed her Brennan blood. It was a shock when her powers manifested late during puberty. She is based off the king cobra. Therefore, her magic power involves venom. What happens when she gets stressed in a ring cuts itself into the skin of her upper arm, and she begins bleeding. The blood actually forms a protective surface that is - at will - also poisonous and corrosive. They're referred to as the "Gloves." Yes, the process hurts.
Mirab abandoned her Brennan nationality entirely and adopted the mercenary business of her Alisian side. She shows no mercy towards foreigners who disrespect her culture.
In the effort to maintain their cultural identity, the Alisian hold on to many out-of-date rituals. The cross on the right cheek is the symbol for the Ailinar state, so many Ailinar citizens paint it on before battle. Mirab uses blood.
"Unfortunately for you, we Alisian do not believe in heaven. When we die, our ashes will go back to the earth. Where our souls go - well, that no one knows. My brother would say, that is proof that we should live our lives respectfully. But unlike my brother here, I am not so kind."
"Heaven" is not a word or concept that exists in Alisian, so the word is a phonetic translation of Common.
Rivek calls on his older sister, Mirab, when he needs help. Four years older than him, she used to tease him and beat him up when they were children. He has, however, always respected her as the stronger fighter and better leader.
She is a formidable fighter because, unlike her brother, she showed no magical prowess as a child. Her peers blamed her Brennan blood. It was a shock when her powers manifested late during puberty. She is based off the king cobra. Therefore, her magic power involves venom. What happens when she gets stressed in a ring cuts itself into the skin of her upper arm, and she begins bleeding. The blood actually forms a protective surface that is - at will - also poisonous and corrosive. They're referred to as the "Gloves." Yes, the process hurts.
Mirab abandoned her Brennan nationality entirely and adopted the mercenary business of her Alisian side. She shows no mercy towards foreigners who disrespect her culture.
In the effort to maintain their cultural identity, the Alisian hold on to many out-of-date rituals. The cross on the right cheek is the symbol for the Ailinar state, so many Ailinar citizens paint it on before battle. Mirab uses blood.
"Unfortunately for you, we Alisian do not believe in heaven. When we die, our ashes will go back to the earth. Where our souls go - well, that no one knows. My brother would say, that is proof that we should live our lives respectfully. But unlike my brother here, I am not so kind."
12.28.2009
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 08 or 006/100 Themes - Breakaway
"Ruta liber." Breakaway. 6/100 Themes.
Rivek and Bohren, at 17 and 18 respectively, the latter helping the former walk to a meeting where he will sign away his citizenship.
A metaphorical rebirth, in a way. When Rivek is pardoned for impersonating nobility, he breaks free of the lies he made during that time. However, this forces him to adopt and accept his innate qualities as a dark-mage - an identity which is chained in its own right by a blood contract to Willow.
Bohren, though, is the kind of guy who would stick by his best friend no matter what crazy emotional crises he was going through. Not much of an identity breakaway there, but it high time where he has to come to terms with his own sexuality.
I liked this one, but I ran out of time on the execution. Notice the fast shading and... uh... how he's missing legs.
"You didn't even wash up, did you?"
"Well, I heard my best friend was finally conscious again."
"And thus, you subject his sensitive, avian nose to upir post-practice odor?"
"I'm afraid he'll have to deal with it until his charred legs can walk again by themselves."
"Well played, sir. Now, you taking me to sign my life away?"
"In blood, no less. I heard there's a bonus: free tattoo."
"Goddamn fantastic. I can't hardly wait."
"Good to have you back."
"Same here. Same here. Ow, watch your foot."
Rivek and Bohren, at 17 and 18 respectively, the latter helping the former walk to a meeting where he will sign away his citizenship.
A metaphorical rebirth, in a way. When Rivek is pardoned for impersonating nobility, he breaks free of the lies he made during that time. However, this forces him to adopt and accept his innate qualities as a dark-mage - an identity which is chained in its own right by a blood contract to Willow.
Bohren, though, is the kind of guy who would stick by his best friend no matter what crazy emotional crises he was going through. Not much of an identity breakaway there, but it high time where he has to come to terms with his own sexuality.
I liked this one, but I ran out of time on the execution. Notice the fast shading and... uh... how he's missing legs.
"You didn't even wash up, did you?"
"Well, I heard my best friend was finally conscious again."
"And thus, you subject his sensitive, avian nose to upir post-practice odor?"
"I'm afraid he'll have to deal with it until his charred legs can walk again by themselves."
"Well played, sir. Now, you taking me to sign my life away?"
"In blood, no less. I heard there's a bonus: free tattoo."
"Goddamn fantastic. I can't hardly wait."
"Good to have you back."
"Same here. Same here. Ow, watch your foot."
Art: Art Half-Marathon 09, Day 07 or 005/100 Themes - Seeking Solace
"Venar kuia." - Seeking Solace. 5/100 Themes.
When Rivek isn't around, Willow seeks out Bohren. I didn't have time to write anything to accompany this.
When Rivek isn't around, Willow seeks out Bohren. I didn't have time to write anything to accompany this.
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