Moving…

Working hard on commissions and packing. Sorry if I don’t respond to comments or post a while!

 

Here is a commission I finished today.

http://fav.me/d4d4kfu

Updated some things…

Hello!

As you can see I have created a new page called ‘Commission Info” which based on the title is fairly self explanatory!

I am taking commissions, and the process and how to get one is listed on that page. So if you are looking for a custom piece of art, take a look at that page and see if I fit your needs

I also have updated the gallery with some new pieces.

As always if you want to see work through it’s various stages or get the most up to date news/thoughts on my art check http://felixani.deviantart.com or https://twitter.com/#!/Felixani

Today I’m working on finishing an old piece that has been languishing in my works in progress folder and then working on another idea I’ve been messing around with. For those of you who read my DA page this is old news, but if you don’t keep reading!

I’m planning on doing series of bookmarks (and perhaps holiday cards with those coming up) and selling the raw print files at a flat rate so whoever purchases them can print them.

Why am I doing it this way?

For a variety of reasons. One I currently lack a printer that can print the quality needed when mailing prints and such. Also there isn’t a reliable print shop nearby so I don’t want to order too many of one thing and risk having overstock I can’t move.

This is a win for you though, as I plan to sell the books marks cheap (no more then $5 for a set) and you can print as many as you need for personal use, gifts etc. As long as you are not reselling them you can print as many as you want

I’m planning for this, to do a set of fantasy bookmarks, and then do a holiday card or two and see what the response is.

Aside from those things nothing exciting is happening!

I have currently three commission spots out of five open and those fill up quick so if you are interested contact me! Have a great day.

Keeping in Touch!

Hello there my friends

First and foremost let me apologize for the lack of posts. Real life has been kicking by rear and accompanied by the fact I am lazy, I have let my art and other goals fall a bit behind. So, I’m sorry I haven’t been posting much here. For most recent casual posts – http://felixani.deviantart.com usually has my more random less thought out posts. Warning, I don’t spell check or proof read those but in cases where I’m busy I’ll toss a note up there to avoid cluttering people who are subscribed to the RSS feed or facebook.

So lets first of all address goals! This blog is a goal of mine. Writing is one of my more secret and less used passions, and so this is my place to flex my writing skills. By posting what I’m doing and knowing some where someone in the world has looked at this and thinks I have cool art, I feel motivated. Also, Tyra Banks recommends blogging about what you are enthusiastic about. Now, don’t be ‘hatin’ I love Tyra. She is very positive and encouraging. I read her blog when I feel life is overwhelming because she has a lot of practical sound advice. Also, Top Model drama makes me laugh and I love looking at the photography on the show.

Now, back to the goal discussion! Sometimes you don’t succeed in goals.

In cases like that it’s very easy to just give up. You failed, so might as well just forget it right? Or just reset the same goal and retry?

Well, that isn’t the case! Giving up will never get you where you want to be, and sometimes do hurdling at the same goal over and over is tiring and self defeating. This is where you step back and look at why you failed.

Did outside circumstances interfere? I know a lot of my readers work full time, have kids and/or are a full time student. Mid-terms are coming up. The flu is going around school and workplaces. If this is why you didn’t meet your goal, don’t beat yourself up over it. Just remember when setting your goal again to take things like that into consideration and give yourself more time, or not expect as much. Specially with holidays coming up.

What about you? Did you cause yourself to not meet your goal? Perhaps you were down about something and unable to focus, or perhaps you had a lazy unmotivated period. Whatever the case is, still don’t beat up on yourself mentally! You know that little voice critiquing you and telling you about how you’re doing it all wrong? Tell it to shush.

Why?

Because failure is a part of being human. It’s how you learn, if you are willing to learn from your mistakes.

I didn’t post here for a few weeks. I did only some sketches but otherwise didn’t focus on art during this time. Why? Mainly because I was feeling fairly sick and not handling the stress of real life as well as I could, but also I was being lazy. There were times I didn’t feel sick but chose to sit and watch TV or play a video game over my love of art. Now, I could sit and berate myself, and trust me I have! But that won’t help me improve as an artist!

Instead I now am focusing on working so many hours a day on art once more. While I’m not pushing for as many hours as before, I still have a goal of so many hours or at least producing a finished piece a day. I still do my art research and check my websites that I have bookmarked for art. I do this, because it is through goals you will make it to where you want to be. Revising goals is something that will happen, and sometimes you won’t meet your goals, but it isn’t the end of the world

So take a moment today and think about your passion in life. What goals have you set recently? Do you have long-term and short-term goals? If you haven’t set any goals recently what do you think you do to try to improve in your area of art? Leave a comment below and make a goal today

Now instead of spamming you with two posts I plan to post some sketches below of some recent work!

A fun picture of Omy the smuggler having fallen asleep while working on some project. In the line art I fixed her neck to not be so insanely long. Should have that inked soonish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a commission I’m working on of the troll Kolturu. A large ice troll from Dun Murogh, he has found himself the leader of an odd bunch of mercenaries. Two of whom are characters I play >:D Lucky fella right? I plan on as I ink the picture to tweak the staff to make it taller and more narrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another commission, this time of a Draenei. Her name is Maeorra and she is wielding blades forged by her lover, one which is fiery – an opposite to her her icy personality. So we’re making the obvious play of opposites. xD The background may change as I work on this and this sadly isn’t the most updated version so you can’t see how glow I made the sword.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but not least, below is a picture of a tutorial I made about inking. It’s not a long or thorough one about inking, just the basics of my process as a few people have asked what I do. It’s easier for me to show how I work versus explaining so yay pictures! Keep in mind this was a quick tutorial so it’s a little informal and none of the things listed are things someone MUST DO to ink. It’s just my method I have developed over the years and meant for someone with a tablet really. (Edit: Realized you can’t click to zoom in – at least I couldn’t – so here is a link to my DeviantArt page with it. Just click to zoom in if you are not familiar with DeviantArt! )

 

As always thank you for reading and your support! I hope some of this information or thoughts was useful or at least mildly amusing in some manner. Have a good day!

Overcoming the Block.

It’s a dreaded feeling, but one artists of all types feel at various points in their craft. It goes by many names, ‘writers block’ ‘art block’ ‘somethingsomething block’. It doesn’t matter if you paint, write or sew, there are times you look at your work and materials and feel nothing.

 

I’m sure if you’re reading this you have experienced this at one point or another.

 

Currently that is what I am going through. I have sketches and sketches that need to be inked and colored, but when I try to push myself to do them I make little progress, or don’t like what I’ve done. It’s an aggravating feeling. I try to do new work, but it all looks the same or doesn’t have that ‘snap’ I need.

So what do I do in times like this?

Mostly I try to push through it. A lot of times when I’ve pushed through a block I’ve become a better artist because of it.

I posted some sketches on http://felixani.deviantart.com while trying to work through this. I may later today try some different inking techniques and coloring and see if I can get a piece done and get back into the swing of things

Your work space and you!

So you do a some art. Perhaps on the side or for a living. Whatever the reason why, you have a space reserved for your art. It may be a whole room full of your craft, or perhaps just a corner. Maybe even just a box full of your supplies you pull out now and then. Where ever and what ever it is, all work spaces have some simple principles that should be followed!

Work Space Rules

• Always keep your area as clean and organized as you can. I know it’s hard at times. Specially when you are in the middle of a project, but whenever you leave your designated spot that you are using for art you need to clean it! Not only does it help keep brushes and other supplies intact and increase their life, it also helps you want to come back. If you’re work space is messy and you can’t find things, it’s easy to find an excuse to put projects off.

• Have a spot designated for working. It’s easy to prop up on the couch or floor to sketch, and continue the project there and sometimes you need a change in scenery, but in most cases you need to stick to a spot in the house you have chosen for art. Your brain likes to associate it’s surroundings with activities. Hence why if you read in bed for an hour before you sleep, reading while laying down may make you tired. Likewise, if you sit and watch TV, play video games in bed and such, you may have issues falling asleep as your brain associates the bed with fun and activities versus sleep. As creatures of habit it will be easier for you to go into a creative mode and for you to keep your art things together.
  

  My work space while painting a set for a party.

• Move away most distractions. In this day and age with cell phones, lap tops, and everything else going on in peoples lives it’s hard to not have distractions on hand everywhere. While it can be good, when you are trying to focus on art it can be detrimental to your work. I know a lot of people have kids or pets, and those can’t always be ignored, but if possible tell your family that when you are in your art area that it’s ‘you’ time. Turn off your cell phone or don’t be afraid to tell people, ‘I can’t talk right now I’m arting, call back in two hours.’ For people like myself who work on the computer, don’t be afraid to unhook your internet.  I can’t recall how many times I’ll be working on a piece to get messenger spam or decide I need to check Facebook right this second! I’m at the point now I don’t have to do that, but I do ignore messages or tell people to talk to me later. I also limit Facebook checking to five minutes.

• Have fun These rules obviously aren’t set in stone. These are things I have noted from my experiences and your situation may be different, or youe work different. That main importance is to make sure you can use your work area without distractions, and to keep it in a condition where you can readily walk up and do art. Make sure to keep it fun though. Music or background noise may be needed, I know without music my art gets very flat and boring as I get annoyed at the silence. At times I’ll turn on a favorite TV series I’ve seen before to just chuckle at the conversations as I know what’s going on so I don’t need to watch. Find what works for you and make it successful.

 

I hope this helps people as they work on their art whatever medium they may use. While some friends or family may not understand your art is important to you or invade your workspace, remember there is other artists around the world just like you who are trying to show a vision whether through color or words.  Don’t be discouraged and continue toward you dream

Getting back into the swing.

So today was the first day in a few I spent all day doing art. After a weekend, my BF’s birthday it was a bit different haha. Had to talk a walk midday just to stretch and rest my eyes. I did finish the commission I was working on and tomorrow I will return to working on other projects I have

 

Upgrade…and why breaks are important.

So I finally updated my mac’s OS to Leopard.

I’m enjoying it so far ^_^ I love the new features and the improvements they have made for the graphic refresh rate as that effects both my art and what little gaming I can do on a mac xD

Currently working on getting everything reinstalled, my art back up and such back on the computer. My wonderful boyfriend has a birthday tomorrow, so aside from sketching I doubt I will be getting much work done as I want to spend the day with him. So while we’re on the topic of me taking a short break from art…

Lets discuss the importance of breaks.

First, it’s important to remember that breaks are not excuses. If you have a big piece or are stuck on a art project, it’s good to walk away sometimes, but never use the ‘you need a break’ as an excuse to put it off instead of working through a rough spot.

Why you need breaks – Breaks are a good refresher for your mind and your muscles. Whether you work on canvas or the computer, sitting or standing for hours on end making repeated movements is never good for someone. So every 2-4 hours take a short 5-15 minute break to stretch, grab a drink and so on. For longer art periods, like when you spend a whole day arting, make sure you remember to eat and switch things up.

As far as your mind goes, it will want that break I promise. When you’ve been staring at a piece for hours you start to notice ALL the mistakes you’ve made or you start to get impatient and rush just wanting a new task to focus on. Whatever the case may be, taking a quick walk and then coming back will bring you back renewed and perhaps give you new insight on the piece.

“But Tiffany! I am really focused on painting this hand!”

Unlike work, your breaks aren’t strict. If you see it’s been a couple hours and you know your back needs a break, but you know if you leave right now you will never finish that detail properly, you can wait. Or you can go early. Just don’t let yourself get distracted (that’s a whole other blog post entirely).

Just like state laws have finally recognized in most states, breaks are needed, else you will wear yourself out.

Make sure you keep yourself comfortable as well, use a tablet if you work on the computer a lot, the investment is worth it for your wrists. You can get some basic small tablets for $100 to $300. It you really think it’s worth it there is very fancy $1500 ones.

If you work traditionally, make sure you have a even surface to paint on if you don’t use an easel, and if you have an easel make sure it’s adjustable so you can move from sitting to standing comfortably.

Lastly, stretch your wrists, arms and back frequently. It you do all this, and take your breaks you reduce the chance of strain on your muscles and helps you avoid down time.

I hope all this helps, and sorry there isn’t more in-depth thoughts today but was Labor Day weekend as I’m sure you know

Hope you all had a fun and safe weekend and come back tomorrow for another musing!

Star Wars, The Old Republic

Got some character pieces done for the server my friend and I plan to play on. She is playing a Smuggler and I am playing a Jedi Knight.

The Smuggler piece took be about 20ish hours, while the Jedi one took me about seven. So I’m getting a bit faster.

The Working Artist

Many people claim to be artists, but not many can claim it as their job.

There are many reasons for this, one being that freelancing and finding contractual work can be difficult at times. Most artists work for set client on their payroll, or have a set of clients they take contracts from – once they are successful. So what do you do in the mean time? In that time while you’re in college or working to be discovered? What jobs should you take for free based off of promises of paid future work, or promise of *gasp* exposure?! How do you handle having to work full or part time to pay your bills while you wait for your break into the art field?

First, you should rarely work for free. As the Joker said, “If you’re good at something, never do it for free!” That being said, there is rare times doing the art for a reduced cost (and even more rarely free) will get you some exposure or a much needed contact. This guide is very useful in helping determine if you should work for free.  Remember a lot of businesses these days are more than willing to prey on a freelance artist or a fresh student by promising future work or claiming to be a ‘start up’ business. Keep this in mind and use caution when approached by such people. Your time IS valuable. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t the best in your industry, they came to you. If they are asking for something you that you feel is our of your skill set, be honest or at a reduced cost offer to try. No one wants to spend 20 hours working on art for free unless you know you get some guaranteed benefit.

For example, I did a set of illustrations for Dragons at Dawn: Supplement I at no cost. The main reason I did it free is because it is a self published work. Looking over the sales and the price being set, the author was barely cutting even (if that) for the time he was investing into the project. He didn’t have fundage to pay $30-50 a pop for black and white illustrations. Now, in the future should this table top game become more mainstream and he releases another, I can hope he’ll remember me and pay me back for my generosity. If he doesn’t, I got my work in a book that is related to a game I enjoy, and got a little exposure to the gaming audience. Either way, I did it knowing that the chances of getting paid work in the future from this source is slim, but my art reaching some of the gaming community was worth it.

In short, when doing something for free or at reduced cost you must be realistic on if this will get you future work for the time you are investing. Don’t be afraid to say no, or say you will only do it for money. Another thing, if they try to get you to do it for free, and than turn around and have a magical budget to pay you with, you should most likely say no. If they are dishonest at the beginning they will be dishonest when you try to collect payment and so on.

That being said, we all know that working for free is rarely beneficial, but how do you get your name out there? How do you focus on your art career while working a job to pay the bills?

The answer isn’t a fun one! It’s lots, and lots of hard work.

Go right now and look at the many artists out there. Aside from a handful, most of the majorly successful ones have been working the industry at least 8 or more years. Look over their info and you will see that most of them have had to devote a lot of time to working on their art at odd hours, going to conventions, working over contacts and doing small jobs until finally they got that break. Even then, after that, they are STILL busy.

It’s not like a magical art fairy shows up and POOF! You’re now a big time artist and just sit and paint all day.

You have to get your work licensed, copyrighted and go over various paperwork and still find time to get some painting done each day.

Now, before that happens you have to show the same dedication as you will once you are big.

Art opportunities won’t just show up for you. You have to look for them. So while you’re working your job, or going to school you need to have some goals.

1. Do art every day for at least an hour. Preferably more if you can.

Doing art daily keeps your mind focused and ready for art. It keeps your ideas and skills alive. It’s easy to not to art daily and plan to do it on a weekend, but really, with all your other responsibilities are you going to be able to sit for 8 hours on your weekend to just focus on art? Some people might, but most people get caught up in laundry, kids, homework etc. Keep a sketchbook is a must.

2. Look for art opportunities in your area.

What I mean by that is, look for art shows, art jobs, conventions or gatherings in your area. Most areas support their local artists and a lot of major cities have art nights monthly or weekly. If you can get a show, or go to a gathering of artists you can network. Networking is SO important. You’ll see at least three or four blogs about it from me. If no one knows you, how will you ever succeed? But if people have seen you, know you’re a good person, when they get that job they don’t have time for – you could get a recommendation.

3. Set goals.

Set realistic goals for your art. Look at your gallery of works and note your weaknesses, your strengths, and then plan accordingly. If you have problems with the human figure, make a goal to sit for 15 minutes  daily and do gesture drawings. I recommend Posemaniac’s for that. If you have problems with backgrounds, focus on still life’s and drawing details background on each of your works until you are comfortable with them. Remember, no one is going to hold your hand. You have to better yourself by your own initiative. Luckily, the internet is FULL of resources and guides if you need help with something. Don’t be afraid to use it!

If you follow these things, in time you will become a known artist. Only you limit how far you can go. It won’t happen overnight, but with perseverance and lots of effort you can be an artist for a living.

Remember, respect for your work and yourself will go a long way. Your time is worth money. Your art is a part of you. Don’t be afraid to show yourself or your art off! Only then will you move forward as an artist.

Welcome to Wings of Psyche!

Ah the first post.

It’s always so hard to think of something to say here.

Should I introduce myself? Should I go on some explanation of my art and themes? Should I give an in-depth look at the experiences that have shaped my art and career? A combination of these?

Well. I will do a little of them all I think, but save some details for later posts!

I am a twenty-three year old woman who has since I was very young, loved art. My grandmother is an artist, and when I was told that at age three I wanted to be like her. I’m unsure why, the memory is fuzzy, but I remember sitting there with my pink pen scribbling ponies and wanting to do nothing more with my life than this.

Twenty years later, I have moved on from pink pens and ponies and now paint and illustrate various themes with equally various media. I now also explore writing and other creative means, but my main focus is still art. These days I work primarily with Photoshop, watercolors and pen and pencil. In time I will explain how and why I choose my medias, but the medium is only a part of the creative process.

Over the years my art has been all over the place and until the last couple of years lacked direction or focus. It’s easy to get lost in the many ideas you can have as an artist and I’m hoping that by sharing my experiences and methods other artists can take something from this blog. In time I will post blogs that will go over my processes for various pieces and how I go about working on themes and finding inspiration.

I would like to say as an artist that I have always been focused on this goal. That I never wavered, but that would be a lie. Many times in my life I have given up my dream to look at other options. Many people will try to pull you from your dreams I’ve learned, including yourself. To be caught up in the difficulties, or to only see the obstacles that oppose your dream happens to us all. For a long time when I was in High School I had given up on being an artist. I was going to be a lawyer, or a psychologist, but then I encountered an art class in high school. It was there the fires for my passion were rekindled. I had devoted art teachers who showed me how to create and explore my thoughts past my little sketches. They pushed me to show depth.

It was here in my life I decided to focus on art. This path has led me here today, where you can look at my gallery and in time look over my thoughts and musings as an artist.

You will read this many times if you follow my blog, Art is a story. Art is a depiction of an image that you as the artist want to share that draws on your experiences and emotions.

I hope those who read this stick around.

Feel free to comment, ask questions and I will do my best to respond.