We’re at of the end of April in the year that has been a thousand-year blink. It is a vast expanse of time that has vanished between breaths. I see the work I have done over the last few months and think, “Wow, I made that so long ago.” Only, upon checking posting dates and timestamps, I discover a week, or maybe two, has passed. The months have become emotionally heavy.
At least, that is how it feels to me.
What has it been like for you?
How are you holding up?
Two weeks ago, during the One Week Portrait Challenge, I wrote about how my tablet broke on Wednesday: midway through the challenge. When that happened, after I spent a bit of time panicking, my husband encouraged me to look into getting a tablet that would work for me.
After much research and consideration, based on the types of tablets I found, we decided the cost difference between a decent tablet and a great tablet was too small. And so, rather than settle for decent, we ordered a Microsoft Surface Book 2.
Everyone who donated through Ko-fi in the last few months, or commissioned me for work, helped me afford this tablet. And so I would like to say: thank you. You’re actively helping me become a better artist and designer, and it is appreciated.
March was full of tough decisions, and to be honest it was a really scary time. I was so nervous making posts about my fears, and dealing with the anxiety that came with all of the uncertainty. That anxiety and uncertainty has not all gone away, of course, but it is less new and a little more familiar. And frankly, familiar has always been easier to deal with, for me.
I’m fortunate for the family I have, for those who can and choose to support me through Ko-fi, and being in a position where I’m able to change my Ko-fi goal again from food/rent to something beyond necessity. And I know this could change at any moment. But, for now, I want to have hope and think positively. And this, for me, means aiming for something that will help me create, improve my abilities, and do what I love to do.
And that’s to create good art.
One program I have wanted for some time is Clip Studio Paint. My Ko-fi goal has been updated to reflect the plan to purchase Clip Studio Paint Ex, for $219 USD. I would prefer to purchase the program outright, rather than pay a monthly subscription, as I’m not a fan of the subscription model for using programs.
The program itself has some impressive features including a variety of functions designed for comic-creation, smart colouring tools, precision rulers, and comes with an impressive library of brushes, poses, and other resources. Given all that the program offers, and with the potential to increase my workflow and improve my abilities, the cost of the program seems more than reasonable. That’s not to say I won’t be keeping an eye out for a sale, though!
Want to help me reach my goal?
The learning curve for Clip Studio Paint may be steep, but I’m up for the challenge.
Monday April 6th I started the One Week Portrait Challenge, run by Paintable, which I was excited to work through and see where I end up on the Friday. I posted the daily results on my Ko-fi page, Instagram, and Twitter for good measure.
Here’s the entire week’s posts, all in one place!
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