I've Ruined Everything

I'm letting my nerdiness show on this one--taking the time to create an avatar for an online game that matches the art-style AND color scheme. Wow... I'm a geek. BUT, geekiness aside, I'm quite happy with the final product. Plus, this was one of the most enjoyable artwork production in awhile, and I'll tell you why.

I was talking with one of my friends last night, and I realized that what I've done with my life is basically ruin everything that is, or once was, fun. Through schooling or my taking on a ton of self-inflicted projects (really, I only have one commitment outside my dozens of projects), I've managed to turn all of my hobbies and pasttimes into work.

It sucks.

Because of film school, I dissect most movies I see with a critical eye. Because of my Master in Creative Writing, I can't read a book without noting how, or why, an author is doing what they're doing--and if they're not doing what they're supposed to, it drives me nuts. My art changed from a bizarre pasttime into working on Gibberish, painting for profit, and crafting a graphic novel. And writing, too, with all that stuff with the agent and such, I now feel like I'm doing this for money instead of just for fun.

What makes this all so frustrating though is that it's not like I'm not having fun with each of my projects--my mind just gets too wrapped up on the deadlines, the craft, the "tangible" reason for why I'm doing what I'm doing. Perhaps I just need to take some time off. Push off on some sort of bizarre pilgramige to let my mind settle back down, forget the worldly reasons for what I do, and shift back to just having fun. Because what good are hobbies if they aren't fun?

For the moment though, I've got rockin' out music and an old NES copy of Spy Hunter to keep me entertained. Yeah Spy Hunter... Do do, do do, dunn-a-la do do...

+The Best Defense+

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If only I'd known this in high school...

More Stupid Crap

Yet again, I've fallen prey to stupid time-wasting devices. This time it has taken the form of Utopia Kingdoms. Nothing particularly special about the thing, but it helps pass the day. The main thing that drew me into the game was the artwork. I'm a sucker for cartoony goodness. And as with most of these types of games, you can create/post a custom avatar. Since I chose to be a Troll, I figured I needed a troll avatar. The above is the initial sketch for my avatar. I'd hoped to have it inked and colored last night, but I got side-tracked by the ever-evil Catan. I'll be sure to post the finished shot.

This got me to thinking though, how often does someone/anyone want to have a custom avatar that not only is what they want, but it also FITS with the overall design scheme of the game? Basically, I decided that if there are any of you out there that play any of these types of things and want a custom avatar, I'd be willing to put something together for a small fee, probably in the range of 5-15 bucks, depending on the style and intricacies. Feel free to contact me with any questions or commissions, I'd be much obliged.

In the meantime, more Gibberish tomorrow.

+The Balloon of Happiness+

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Spitting is so last... whenever.

Maxx UP

More of my new art attempts. Thought I'd try out the Maxx as Sam Kieth is one of my favorite artists and writers. His comics are just... awesome.

Also, if you haven't done so, go see UP, and soon. While I might need another viewing to solidify this in my brain meats, I really think it is my favorite of the Pixar pics. It seems to have an added sensitivity and more emotional impact than the others. Plus, it's just plain amusing, from the crotchety old men to the annoying child. Pixar really should be proud of this one.

That being said, it's really not a kids movie either. Sure, it has the action sequences and jokes for children, but the overall themes and ideas behind much of the film are very adult--not anything grotesque, but they just aren't topics and issues that a child really knows about or can fully understand. Maybe I'm wrong, but I still give kudos to Pixar for making a film so sensitive and simultaneously heart-warming. And if it doesn't give you an added appreciation for your significant other, there is something wrong with your black, black heart.

Gibberish tomorrow.