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#ough drawing this made my heart happy

chipper-smol · 1 year

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2 for the artist asks! :>

2. 5 favourites of your own work?

ough this one is going to make me go digging so give me a second.

My dragon AU design for Hornet. I just love it so much that i'm probably going to re-use this eventually for an original project if it'll fit in it.

My married husband ocs, Trotter and Cygnus, lovin' on eachother. (Cygnus is a black hole and he's floating. Trotter has no concept of personal space)

I need to draw them more. Little Chip made them in highschool and was so valid.

This was for my hollow knight space AU I had with Paya. We had a FUCK TON of good ideas adapting the lore to a futuristic setting. I just didnt have enough energy to flesh them out in art.

But space Quirrel genuinely makes me happy every time I see him. It's just a very good design.

this one i made in a feverish state of hyperfixation in under 5 hours

i have no idea where my mind went, but when I came back this was on my screen

This one was just really fun to do and came out really well. The designs are satisfying, the posing is engaging and dynamic, and it encapsulates both universes equally.

my aroace girls :3c

This was originally gonna be posted like my usual comics (frame by frame) but the page composition turned out REALLY NICE and honestly makes me want to do comic pages more frequently

also im surpremely proud of Macaque's face and the bottle

look

the legs, the hesitant hand, macaque's ears over wukong's heart, the grass, the tree leaves shading, the grass, the colors-

im just really really really really happy with this one and might end up making it my first print (along with another piece im proud of but can't post yet)

There's 7 pictures here BUT THERE WERE SO MANY I PASSED BY

#artist ask game #long post

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blues-sues · 9 months

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Lifegen mod with Owlkit!

One of these pieces of art has minor blood. Be wary if you proceed.

This will be me describing the journey of him in this post. He and his clan were generated randomly in Clangen. (If you dunno what Clangen is but you like Warriors... I definitely recommend playing it.)

This lil guy is my heart and soul. His name is Owlkit and his parents are Silverneedle and Robinstar (as seen above)! It's actually quite fascinating considering Silverneedle is deputy. So, Owlkit was just born into importance LOL. He was lucky to have such loving parents too, they're absolute sweethearts!

So, besides Owlkits status announcing his parentage, it also immediately announced that he had been scolded for trying to sneak out of camp and that Lionkit was scheming with him. So obviously I had to draw the two being mischievous...

At this point, Owlkit was only a moon old... So he shouldn't look like he's 4 moons in this but ey! Hush.

Lionkit was also about 5 moons when the clan began, so he's just about ready to become an apprentice! Decided to be a lil brat before the ceremony though for whatever reason. Troublemakers.

In moon 2, Owlkit heard a hoot in the distance. When he looked up, he spotted its silhouette! I found this incredibly interesting, wondering if it was on purpose (doubt it) but decided to ponder on it being an omen.

He also was nudged out of the nursery and saw his mother, Robinstar, waiting for him with a freshly killed shrew ready to eat! It was super cute reading Owlkit thinking how appreciated he felt. Robinstar and Silverneedle are good parents and I love them.

... I was right to be worried because in moon 3, an EAGLE tries to swoop up Owlkit and take him! Luckily, a warrior nearby, Oakbillow was able to jump in and save him!

While injured, his parents tried to stay supportive and help him be prepared for his apprenticeship by offering him pieces of prey so he can tell the difference between them by scent and taste.

On a lighter note, on moon 4, Owlkit is shown the apprentice den and is reassured, knowing his parents will be there to support him on every step of his journey. He and Robinstar also play some Mossball!

I have never had a Clangen cat have such a close bond with their parents and it absolutely delighted me seeing these three be all cutesy and happy. Their family makes me happy beyond belief...

Unfortunately, he also had an argument with a warrior named Conkerglide for whatever reason. Luckily his parents were there to keep his mood up!

Moon 5! Owlkit trails after the deputy, Silverneedle, with his chin and tail held high! Seriously, this made my heart clench when I read it. Silverneedle and Robinstar also encourage Owlkit to speak to the elders to learn all there is to being a warrior, healer or mediator.

A warrior named Mudfur also tells Owlkit to count on them when there's a difficult situation. Not too important but again, I found it cute! Owlkit has never done anything wrong ever.

...

But then, as soon as I clicked the timeskip button for him to become an apprentice...

Owlkit was swept away, drowning, while trying to save Oakbillow whom also drowned.

This absolutely shattered me. I was so excited to see him grow up only for his life to be swept up so quickly...

He was also trying to save Oakbillow, the cat who saved him from the eagle. It's just... Hrghh...

And then this status too?

Ough... My heart.

...

But perhaps the story isn't finished yet.

I suggest you look out for part two ;3...

#warrior cats #warriors #warrior cats clangen #clangen #lifegen #clangen challenge

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raynavan · 2 months

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heavy spoilers for chapter 23 of Always by your side by @ingo-ingoing-ingone!! this chapter was so fantastic i. didnt have words for it. ended up doing 6 (nearly 7) drawings for it instead. i think this is my record- it took me roughly 7 hours. a fair warning! this is both art and a comment to the fic in one. so its rather long!

ok i had an Unreasonable amount of fun doing the background on this one. ended up looking up a lot of the celestial bodies mentioned in the fic, man are they cool! it was implied that Emmet didn't really have a body so! stars instead. the colors were fun- i dont often let myself just. color like this haha! this one was... reall amazing. a fantastic opener! i immediately latched onto the visuals and painted a picture in my mind. it was just so... astronomical?

i actually struggled with how i was going to position these two for a while. at first it was just them coloring in a clearing- then i made them watching pokemon, and then. this! idk- there just something sweet in how Ingo turns around to look at Emmet and... lighting was funky for this one- how a forest shades the things beneath it will always hold a special place in my heart. these two interacting is always so wonderful to read. the gentle ribbing and teasing and... just them chilling and talking was so nice. the fact that it was dragons was even better! dragons are the best. i felt a very sweet and gentle moment needed an equally sweet and gentle drawing. if i could, i might have gone for line less on Ingo and Emmet here as well.

right- this was the last one i did. i think its the only one that i didn't get specifically from what was written. i just... wanted to give Emmet cuddles alright? /lh i had another sketch exploring exactly what Emmet might look, but i think ill revisit that when i... haven't been drawing for 7 hours straight hgfireohgope. the one in this is more simplified. the horror of having your face show one emotion- not even the one your most known for... your voice is toneless and the only was you can show even a fraction of what you feel is by copying what you (supposedly) dead brother used to do. there is a quiet horror in that- and yet Emmet still goes on. he cant feel texture and yet... he deserves many nice things.

this one!!! was originally going to be an Entire piece with a more "realistic" drawing of Ingo sitting behind a fire just like this. when i sketched this out (in the middle of reading it) that was the plan. Jedi saved me by making Emmet draw it like this. you saved me probably an hour ghirepoghpeirh. i... still might draw it how i wanted at some point. also the lighting was added last minute! i thought it would look... more messy with the light of the fire shining on it. i think it looks nice. the scene was sweet and, like Emmet mentioned he did, i put emphasis (or uh... thicker more defined lines) around peoples faces to better define their happiness. it made me happy to read them being happy and then draw them being happy <3

them!!!!!! i do not think it is a secret at All how much i love this au. i was More than happy to draw them again. and!!! being happy!!! perfect. i remembered this was a dream, and decided to blur the background quite a bit of this one- lopsided like its not really being thought about. adored this one. them!! teasing each other!! just!! going through a day!! perfect. amazing. it was really fun the way the small details of their routine was captured. from Ingo just. turning to goop so he doesn't have to pick up his clothes to Emmet just. accepting everything that happened from the mental connection to the shared feelings.

DRAMATIC FORESHORTENING!!!! i almost wanted to play it up More but then i might lose Ingo's expression. the background for this was fun to do- emphasis! strong colors!! looks like something broke. like something was torn away. this whole bit is just. exactly what Emmet fears and its just. ough. Ingo would never do this- we know this, Emmet knows this two- he knows how ridiculous Ingo was being here. and then the climax with Emmet just... falling off... amazing. Ingo's horrified expression is what caught my attention here, though i had a few more ideas depicting Ingo leaning over Emmet. i figured a dramatic drawing here would fit.

so! there ya go. i had. so much fun doing this and! thank you so much for writing this and sharing with us Jedi. if you keep this up, ill just have to keep making more drawings!! i don't think words are enough- not even sure if these can properly express how i felt reading it all (i actual had to get up and pace around bc i got so excited) but! i think that your art inspired my own art is a very beautiful thing.

lets all keep making art with one another forever.

#submas #submas au #ray's art #ingo #emmet #ray rambles #man.#sometimes #you encounter something that strikes you hard enough to let you work for 7 hours straight #and its freaking amazing #ah- apologizes for any misspellings #i am rather tired haha- im not checking as thoroughly as usual #thak you jedi <3

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penguin--person · 4 months

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i wanna share this little eclipse moment since i know you would understand just how cute they could be with eachother. SRS: *lovingly staring at moon* I could call you my reflection but id have to neglect just how much brighter than me you are in this sea of darkness. LTTM: *giggles* you shine brighter than most starts and I want you to be the one i look up for. Hold me during the day and ill accompany you through the path at night.

wasgonna draw something more for this but itd take me a million years.. i will one day!!! anyway Oughhhh !!!! waough.... for realsies... oughhh... you get me !!!! you get me... its me and crypticemerald against the world... !!!!! they could be everything... i wish i had the words... its !! the care !!! caring for each other despite their inevitable erosion and death ..

you dont understand theyre everything to me. its been a while since ive thought about them in detail but i need to get this out of my heart.

theyre so.. both care!! so much!!! both care so much for those around them. they could care so much for each other.. dont even get me started on the sun and moon symbolism and all. both celestial bodies but. oughh. the moon shines bc its reflecting the sun and all... or something...

and like, pebbles' rot !!! suns dooming not only him but moon too !! two people they care so much about !!!! i like to think about how pebbles would react to them being in a relationship... ive got many thoughts on iterator relationships as a whole, theyre so different from us that they most likely (i like to think so, at least) have a different perception or relationships. 'romantic'? 'platonic'? umm i think you mean (ancient term)... i think you mean (post-mass ascension term) ... you get me?? so much potential..

do you think relationships are tabboo? in ancient society, at least someplaces, intimate relationships must have been, right? and some iterators must be vehement on following the ancients' traditions after the mass ascension, right? or something like that !! the worlds too big for nothing like that to happen .. ough ..

theyre so. they care!!! they care about each other!!! they care !!! suns cares so much. they care about spearmaster, about pebbles. they worry !! moon does, too !! she cares about rivulet, about pebbles. she worries !! she doesnt want to force communications !! suns sends a messenger to pebbles !! they worry !! oughh . its so...

theyre doomed from the beginning !! tragic doomed yuri or whatever ... oughhh .. and like, ancient and iterator perception of gender ?? of sexuality, of the self ??? its so !!! ough ... sorry if this is incomprehensible i dont feel the best today but. goddd. theyve got potential. so much potential. to me. to us.

but theyre not onl y tragedy !! theyre love, too !!! theyre spending time together and making each other lives brighter just by being there !! theyre talking long into the cycle !! theyre together !! theyre love‼️‼️‼️and so on... theyre sooo Therefore you and me ... theyre love in the face of everything !! to me !! theyre choosing to care despite it all. and theyre happy..

thank you so much for the ask!!!!! it made my day to receive it:) and sorry for the late reply teehee...

#rw sunmoon #rw shipping #ask

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roberrtphilip · 11 days

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PLEASE tell me about giselle’s first mother’s days, both with morgan and with sofia 🥹

OUGH okay so

the first mother's day Giselle had was the one that rolled around within her first year of living in our world.

our holidays were still new for her (which kinda answers your other question, about if it was a thing she celebrated in Andalasia. I think it does exist there, but Giselle didn't quite know about it, but I'll touch on that later) and while she absolutely considered Morgan her daughter, she did not expect anything because she knew how scared/unsure Morgan was about having a stepmom at first. I think Giselle just kind of silently saw Morgan as her daughter, but never wanted to say it out loud, because she didn't want her to feel pressure to see her as her mother, ya know? she didn't want to overstep any boundaries.

meanwhile, Morgan silently saw Giselle as her mom, but was too nervous to say anything out loud because what if Giselle doesn't see her as a daughter ??? just too risky !!

but that mother's day, Morgan draws a picture of her, Giselle, Robert, & Pip with "Happy Mother's Day" written above them, and she nervously asks her dad if he thinks Giselle will like it, and he's like, "she's going to love it so much she'll probably start crying" which makes them both laugh.

which like, okay, to backtrack a little, Robert was going to quietly celebrate Giselle that mother's day, just not say it out loud, because he also didn't want Morgan to feel pressured. he had planned on buying Giselle flowers, and making breakfast in bed, but then Morgan showed him the drawing, and he was like !!!!!!

so, together, they decide to surprise her ! they take her to her favorite café for breakfast, and while they're there, Robert comes up with a quick excuse to leave (he pretends he left his wallet at home), and secretly buys some flowers, then brings them back, and Giselle's like, "oh!!!! they're so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and then Morgan nervously gives her her drawing (which is now in a fancy envelope) and Giselle's like, "goodness, I did not know we were giving gifts today, I didn't make you two anything!!" and they're both just, "it's okayyyyy 🤭🤭"

and then she opens the card, and realizes they're celebrating her on mother's day, and she immediately starts crying, and Robert pulls some tissues out of his jacket pocket (he's always got 'em ready!!) and she just can't stop smiling and hugging Morgan !!! and then later that night, Giselle's like, "she gave me a mother's day card ..." and Robert's like, "She did !" and she's just... still in shock !! she's like "me!!!! ME!!!" and Robert just nods and can't stop smiling, and then she starts crying against his chest, and he holds her tight, and tells her how much Morgan loves her and ugh !!!!!!!!!!! one of these days I WILL write an actual fic about this, I swear !!!

I think shortly after this, like maybe a few months later, Morgan actually calls her "Mom" for the first time and ough,,,, the tears never stop. and at first Robert's confused, cause he wasn't there when it happened, but then she finally manages to say, "she called me mom!!" through her sobs, and Robert's heart melts and OUGH.

with Sofia's, she was only a few months old, and was crying almost always, so they decide to have a little picnic instead of going to a restaurant, and Morgan & Robert made cupcakes (which, the little hearts and flowers he attempted to draw on said cupcakes turned out horrible, but it's the thought that counts !! Giselle loves them !!!!) and they enjoy the sun, and each other's company. and Robert gently held Sofia's hand, and had her "draw" something on a piece of paper, which he then presents as her mother's day card from their baby, and Giselle's like oh my !!!! she's so talented already !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

overall just a very wonderful, peaceful day. in fact, it was so peaceful that Sofia did not even cry !! (until later that night, of course, when they needed to sleep 😪)

#enchanted is SO cool I wish moms were real !#💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖#giselle philip #enchanted #hc #lumiereandcogsworth #ask

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sp0rkless · 2 months

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Hey I hope you’re doing better but if things are getting tough or still are I would like to help as best as I can ( I’m trying )

I know things might seem bad at times but I want you to know that I’m proud of you and what you have become. Think about it 19 years! 19 years and your still going through life and you’re still here your still going and I hope that no one And I Mean No One tells you that you can’t do anything or make you feel like nothing because you aren’t nothing, you are you and that’s all that matters :)

I know life is hard and things seem really difficult and big and scary but you can make it, you Can do it, if you realize how you can do anything you would be unstoppable

Hope this helps

You are

So sweet

Holy balls

Ough my heart

You’re such a sweetheart oh my god. I love you. that’s the sweetest message I’ve ever received anonymously, and easily like top 5 overall. You’re doing a great job and if you’re the same anon who asked me to draw a clown. You’ve actually made my entire year. Like not just day or week like legitimately you’ve made my year I haven’t gotten an art request since like middle school and I almost cried when I got your ask because I was so happy somebody wanted to see my art

You helped a lot and I’m actually going to put this on my fridge (I have a digital fridge I put stuff on)

Things suck and mental illness is hard but people like you genuinely remind me that things aren’t so bad

I’d love to be friends with you if you ever wanna shoot me a message my DMs are always open!

If not that’s totally okay too though! Thank you for the ask either way, I love you and I hope things are going well for you forever and ever and ever

And if they’re not you always have a friend over here who’d be happy to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on if you need it :} 🧡

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fluffypotatey · 10 months

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Hi hi! Made more sketches of Júhua and the cast! Some fun times 🙂, and some very not 🙃

1. Top left, Júhua and the little suns, vs Monkey Cop (guess who won). Can you spot the smug smiler?

2. Top right, Júhua and Pigsy, the ups and downs of their relationship. S3 is where they start to hit the rocks. Notice someone sneaking out behind those three? Lady reaper is not happy with local monkey man.

3. Bottom left, SWK fills in his final appointment. Júhua feels melancholic for him.

4. Bottom right, what those two are feeling on the inside. Nobody is happy about the plan but both know the other too well.

I hope you enjoy them! Also your latest meta about the Sunburst duo really broke my heart. What do you mean by that? Will we get what Macaque thinks of Júhua? Will she play a role in s4, seeing as the scroll was a part of Diyu? Eat your fruits and vegetables!

Oh goodness you spoil me 🤧 these drawings!!!! So good!!!

“just one movie,” Júhua says ignorant to what she allowed the little monkeys to drag her into 😂 you depicted it wonderfully

and yes! Pigsy and Júhua were pretty chill during s2 but his trust for her declines at s3 since both her and swk are being secretive and not revealing everything that’s going on

and omfg WUKONG LOOKING TIRED AS HE HANDS HER THE SCROLL 😭 it’s one thing to write it but to see it visualized???? Ough 🫠 and then the one after that 🫠🫠🫠🫠 bro you are shooting me in the heart (I know wrote it first, I know but I and distraught)

I’m enjoying these so much 💖💖💖💖💖 sorry not sorry for the sunburst duo spiral i went into. I just have too many thoughts and feelings involving them and there are plotlines in the show that could lead to a possible fight between them and I can’t wait >:3

it will probably be awhile until we really know mac’s opinions on Júhua and why she’s even here. what I can tell you is that he was definitely annoyed about her appearance when he first found out about her being in Magepolis city. they had never met until the show but Júhua was aware of him since she was around swk enough for him to tell her

as for her role in s4……ya gotta wait a little longer :)

#lmk #lego monkie kid #lmk oc #my oc #huáng júhua (黄菊花)#tbh Júhua and Mac don’t really have a lot of moments to talk and when they do it’s not fun lol #post s3 is when they finally come to some understanding #I’m still mapping out the plot for s4 since with Júhua’s involvement in the Diyu it changes a lot #(although I do like s4 so imma see how close I can get with canon without it feeling weird)#tbh Júhua in s4 will be on her own investigation for…..reasons and stuff #swk & the reaper fic series

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unethicalmorals · 2 months

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BTW I am constantly going back to stare at the one drawing you made of Bishop and Lucky all the time 24/7. I am always thinking about them......

Lucky's little heart zipper🥺🥺🥺

Also the way Bishop looks at Lucky,,,,, so tender,,,,,,, so kind,,,,,,,, keep him safe hold him in your arms,,,,,,,,,, I'm sooooooosososososososo normal and completely sane about them grrrrrrrr GRRRRRRRRRR

My brain is on a constant loop of "What if Lucky did unspeakable things to that guy" to "What if they kissed tenderly under the moonlight. What if they were both kinda awkward about it but they soon find themselves in their own rhythm and for a little bit- for just a small bit, everything feels okay,,,,,, they feel safe,,,,,,," I have these thoughts and then I start foaming at the mouth and clawing at the floor because GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

There are SEVERAL scenarios I did not put in the porn thread because they were soso soooo sappy and I felt embarrassed sharing them cuz I'm making myself flustered and kicking my feet like ough wow wow okay ueueueueueueueue

I love them both sm but if I ever encountered Bishop I would immediately punch him so hard and then I'd trip him and I'd run away. I need to express affection through violence but also I discriminate against tall people💥💥💥💥💥 fuckin shrink loser (Captain when I get my fuckin hands on you- so help me god when I get my godamn hands on you)

I also stare at Rabbit a whole bunch because I'm feeling kinda lesbian about her............. Rabbit fits into a LOT of traits I find attractive in women so everytime Rabbit does something I'm kinda just like 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀 Twirls my hair cutely...... heeeeeeeeyyyyy Rabbit *leans on my super expensive car* hiiiiiiiiiiiii🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

And she's just really short compared to Captain and it makes me happy cuz DESPITE my desire to remove his height advantage- seeing taller and shorter characters side by side puts happy chemicals in my brain,,,,,,,,,,, he can pick her up,,,,,,,, he can hold his whole crew,,,,,,,,,,, (Current Bishop might kick him if he tries though, good for him-)

-Watcher

Auagh 🥹 THANKYOUUU AHghh-- 💖💗💞💖💗💞💖💗💞

The heart zipper is so cute, ever since i started drawing him he's got that silly little heart and I can't stop 🥺🫶🥺

Yesyesyes!! Bishop wants to see him be happy, to keep him safe from harm. Lucky doesn't deserve what's happened to him and what will happen,, 🥺

Ohmy godd,,, What if they did that,,, That's so sweet,,, ahhh 🥺🥺🥺

You shouldn't be embarrassed!! Sometimes we need to destroy and tear and claw at everything and others? Well,, is it too much to ask to be held? To be cradled in one's arms, let your head rest against their shoulder and just listen to each other in silence? To trust and feel safe with each other like that,, 🥺 It's so sweet and yet not enough,, 🥺

Treating Bishop like Wrench 😭 (Understandable, honestly) Why is everyone so tall, what are you hiding from all the way up there?? (Captain has no right to be 7'4, this is a crime)

YESS RABBIT IS YEAHH YEAHYEAH!! 💗💞💗💞💗💞💗💞

The height difference between Captain and his crew is insane and I love it so much. HE REALLY JUST CAN PICK ANY OF THEM UP AND IT WOULD BE NOTHING!! (Bishop would bite and scratch and kick and try to strangle him 😊 <<< FERAL CAT)

ALSO, I AM WORKING ON PROPER REFERENCES FOR THE CREW TOO, I WILL GET THERE EVENTUALLY,, (the fic comes first 😌) IT'S BEEN REALLY FUN SO FAR >:D

#ask #watcher #tsitd

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cheemken · 3 months

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what are the things you love and hate about all of the pokemon games you played?

Well now I can say I have played gens six and seven, but I haven't finished them yet so I'm just gonna post down what I like abt em so far hahah

I'm also adding the spin offs bc they're also pkmn games

Anyways under the cut hahah

Red/Blue/Yellow - honestly... I just liked that Pikachu can follow us on Yellow, wish they kept that feature all throughout each games, it only came back on HGSS, SwSh, BDSP, and ScVi. Also the fact I can get all three starters hahah

Starting from gen one

Crystal - Kris supremacy, the highlight of it really, also really dope we can visit another region post game

TCG for the GBC - it's fun, made me understand the card game a bit better back then hahah

Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald - HOENN SUPREMACY ough this is home in game form fr, this and BW/BW2, but more on this really hahaha it's cool the contests are cool actually, love the starters, they're the first starter trio where I liked all of them, love the characters, I love my son Wally so much, May/Brendan too, Wallace the true Hoenn Champion in my heart (Emerald bias), the best roster of mons, I could go on really

FireRed/LeafGreen - I mean.. idk. It's an improved version of gen one I'll tell you that but yeah

Platinum - Torterra, Garchomp, Riolu, and the contests (yes I liked the contests here too, the contests here low-key better than in gen 3 ngl)

HeartGold - love the pkmn following feature for real, it's so cute, it's dope, wish they added that in gen five hcnxnx

PMD Red/Blue Rescue Team - Red Rescue Team was my intro to pmd, fucked me up so much I had to use the HP cheat lmfaoooo but it's fun tho hahaha

PMD Explorers of Sky - changed me as a person, really dope, the characters are cool, I just hated Chatot at the start lmfao, but dude this game is so fuckin dope pls cndmdn the way Hero and Partner are so soft and I love how they're still together even post game they mean so much to me your honour🥹

White - my absolute beloved omfsssss everything's so cool okay everything abt it is so cool, love the characters man and the story too, dyou know how cool it was seeing all the Gym Leaders interact and fight Team Plasma, dude that blew my mind back then lmfaooo also c'mon the Tao Trio? You mean the greatest Legendary trio? Hahaha

Black 2 - same w White, it's so cool, everything's so fucking dope, plus PWT

Conquest - I like the art style lmfao

X - Diantha my beloved, also the pokemon petting thing I'm just sad it's a bit lag on my emulator but still I really love this feature hahaha

Ultra Sun - the starters, and the pokemon petting thing again hahah

Omega Ruby - look you already know how much I love Hoenn, plus this has mega evolution and it has the dexnav! Also the pokemon petting thing ofc lmfao also also love how they improved Magma and Aqua really idk I just cnmdnd god ORAS Team Magma and Aqua my beloveds jcdmdn

PMD Gates to Infinity - look I just know that Hydreigon isn't really the big bad guy okay and I'm so happy abt that bc it's usually the Dark/Ghost types that are villains in these games so it's a nice change that Hydreigon isn't a villain

Super Mystery Dungeon - man the scene from the start w Nuzleaf looking at the hero and the hero was giving him puppy eyes killed me okay it lives in my head rent free and I wanna draw smth abt it

Unite - ah yes, the moba game, anyways it's dope if you're winning lmfaooo also it's dope Gengar's there they should buff him actually, I think Hex and Sludge Bomb deserve buffs

TCG online/live - the online one was dope, I still miss my Zamazenta deck to this day

Masters EX - the lore chdmdnd they should add more Diantha lore please I am begging😭

Cafe Remix - it's cute, I love the art style of it hahah

Now for my gripes for all these lmfaooo

Red/Blue/Yellow - it's boring as hell. I don't like the fans of this one too, most just couldn't accept that people like the newer gens and they always shit on people if they don't like gen one

Crystal - other than not being able to get Mareep, nothing much, they do have a point w the level scaling tho

TCG for GBC - I mean tbf I understand why it's not mentioned much there's not much to it but it's still fun for killing time

Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald - how back breaking it was finding Feebas I honestly gave up, also what the fuck was that Regis mission man💀

FireRed/LeafGreen - same w RBY

Platinum - it wasn't a fun experience for me, it's slow as shit, and I'm pretty fucking sure majority of the people who like this game only likes Cynthia. Fr, no hate on Cynthia, she's a dope character, but she's like the Charizard of the pkmn characs really, she gets everything and is everywhere, how abt giving a chance to other Champions

HeartGold - a bit slow, but not DPPt slow at least, also again w the level scaling

PMD Red/Blue Rescue Team - this would've been so so dope if it weren't for the fact that after the story, Hero and Partner became nothing but normal recruits. Like all that buildup of Hero wanting to stay for Partner, and suddenly they're just like normal recruits, it sucks

PMD Explorers of Sky - Aegis Cave

White - idk but for me it's hard to level up in this game, also the fact the E4 didn't do much on screen, like I wanna know what they did during Plasma's attack

Black 2 - it's,, well it's how the previous characters interacted really, I wish there was more of it, I wanted to see the Gym Leaders interact w each other during the games, pls I wanted to see Bianca and Iris meeting at Castelia bc I know they met up there again please I just know it

Conquest - I think it's a skill issue on my bit but the gameplay was just so confusing for this one, and no I don't mean the battle gameplay, that I got, more on the,, recruiting bit and using of items and everything else—

X - I can't say it's easy just yet bc I really haven't made much progress so hey, for now I'm gonna say at how fucking long it takes when you get an item like dude why does it take so fucking long💀 also the lack of Diantha scenes, she deserves more, honestly she deserves so much better

Ultra Sun - have not finished this so no solid judgement but for now Imma say it's how tedious it is levelling up your mons and idk if it's a skill issue on my bit but like,,, do they really give off such a small amount of exp?? Idk, granted, my pkmn was a bit over levelled hahah

Omega Ruby - Granite Cave man I can't get Aron early on now ncmxnx

PMD Gates to Infinity - again, haven't progressed much so I don't really have a solid judgement for this

Super Mystery Dungeon - same w GTI

Unite - the abysmal matchmaking, the fact that ftp players don't have a way to get gems even if it's through events or missions, the devs thinking gem locking pkmn was a grand fucking idea, the way they can't balance their mons some are just too squishy and some are still strong despite the nerfs, also have I mentioned the matchmaking? Dude fr standard is either full of bots or I get matched w players who don't even know the objectives even if I'm telling them where to gather chxmxn

TCG online/live - live was honestly so so shit and a lot of players agree like even the cards aren't balanced Jesus Christ also it's lag as shit you can't even do anything most of the time and suddenly you lose also fun fact this game almost broke my fucking phone I almost couldn't exit the game and I had to forcefully reset my phone to save it lmfao

Masters EX - I haven't played this much yet for a solid judgement too but damn is the download time for this is slow as shit and fucking crashed on my tab. Also the lack of Diantha lore, pls they should add more abt Diantha she deserves it

Cafe Remix - idk ig it's the fact I'm broke and can't afford stuff in this game bc almost everything needs real money to get, I really thought this was an offline game at first hahah

#an ask and an answer #anon #anyways #rse🤝eos having the shittiest missions involving the regis #honestly man wtf was aegis cave #do you know how backbreaking it also was finding the right unown letter for the mission💀#and most of the time you find the right letter it doesnt drop the goddamn stone like cncmcnd #at least if youre playing on an emulator theres quicksave when you do encounter it #so you can just quickload numerous times till you get the stone #also #emulator fast forward option my absolute beloved #if it werent for that going through platinum would've been my personal hell #honestly it really is even w that idk it really wasnt a fun experience for me lmfao

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luminecho · 3 years

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Hello Echo, question. Do you still have Four brainrot? Follow up question. Do you have any songs that you associate with Four? Thanks bestie <3

Answer 1: Steel, I ALWAYS have Four brainrot <3

Answer 2: I am literally SO FUCKING GLAD you asked, you have no idea how excited I got seeing this holy shit. HELL YEAH I do!! Take a few songs from my playlist

If I include more than 3 Sleeping At Last, Of Monsters And Men, or The Oh Hellos songs on any given playlist or list of songs you may be entitled to financial compensatio-- *looks at this list* oh whoops

1) Crystals - Of Monsters And Men - this might as well be Four’s theme song for all I associate it with him. It’s so good. So so so good.

2) Call Them Brothers - Regina Spektor - Obligatory Call Them Brothers mention. This is not original at all I've seen so many other people talk about this song with Four and-- yeah they're right this song is about Four JKHEHBFDEKF.

3) Bad Blood - Sleeping At Last - I'm biased. If you know me then expect way too many SAL songs from me in any list of songs ever because I will never shut up about SAL and they have a lot of songs I like. So there's 4 SAL songs on this list, deal with it jhkwewjkwjkfh. Anyway Bad Blood gives me so many Four feels. 11/10

3) Soap - The Oh Hellos - THIS SONNGG. Ouugghh. I could probably dissect this song if I wanted to go over every little thing in it that makes me think of Four & why but I already exhausted my song infodumping capacity on the last song on this list so perhaps some other time HDEGJDDEKF. Just. The vibes AND the lyrics. Mannn

4) Forgive Me Friend - Smith & Thell - I have both the original and the acoustic version saved to my Four playlist because I really like both versions hwdfjefke but. There's so many ways this song could be interpreted w/ Four and tbh I'm just gonna leave it up to everyone else because every time I listen to it I think of something else lol.

5) Meteor Shower - Cavetown - I don't have much to say about this one other than thinking about this song gives me a LOT of emotions jhqkdhwbefjk. Just,,, it has a lot of self-acceptance vibes to me when I listen to it in this context and I think I'm drawing those comfort vibes from the melody? Idk but they're there for me lol

6) Glitter & Gold - Barns Courtney - Someone did a mini AMV to this song w/ Four a while back for the LU zine and I've associated the song with him ever since hwdkjgefhkfev. I like the vibes. Reminds me of the forge.

7) Lakehouse - Of Monsters And Men - Idk what it is about this song. It has a mix of homesickness feels and storytelling feels and something about that makes me think of Four. Also there's a line about breaking trust in here somewhere heehee hoohoo Vio go brr.

8) I Dare You - Bea Miller - my brain can't decide if I actually like this song or not for some reason buuuut it has big Four vibes regardless lmao. Mostly in the lyrics. Definitely in the lyrics

9) No Light, No Light - Florence + The Machine - based more off the vibes of the song than the lyrics. i don't really have an explanation for this one, it's just always given me Four vibes for no reason hdwkjfgeh. Shadow too. I have it one both playlists

10) I Have Made Mistakes - The Oh Hellos - probably self-indulgent but this one has the self-acceptance and self-forgiveness vibes than go hand and hand with Four as a character so <3

11) From The Ground Up - Sleeping At Last - something about the line "in an effort to remember what being mended feels like" shakes me to my core. Am I allowed to slap the "self-acceptance" label on this song and call it a day? Cause,,, yeah the self love in this song. Ough. Also the themes of growth and being somewhere that's truly home.

12) Overture III / Awake - Sleeping At Last - Bestie this one's so self-indulgent. This song is pretty new and when I tell you that I latched onto it the DAY I first heard it FTHDGHWJKEFG. I connect so deeply with this song and I can and will project every emotion I experience ever onto Four which means he gets this song too. <3 Also it once again has themes of self-acceptance

13) September 15, 2017: Cassini - The Grand Finale - Sleeping At Last - OH MY GOD *VIBRATES INTO THE FIFTH DIMENSION*

Alright alright alright. Listen. This song is entirely instrumental. So why do I associate it with Four, you may ask?

WELLLLLLLL.

First of all, happy anniversary to the event this song was written about! Or-- well, it was the anniversary when this ask was sent djwhfkhjdewjhke. I took a while to answer it. BUT still. Happy anniversary!

Second of all, strap in cause I’m about to infodump the hell out of this song on my way to explaining my reasoning behind why I associate it with Four. It might seem irrelevant at first but trust me, I’ll get there.

(All the stuff I mention here is all explained in a much better fashion by the artist behind Sleeping At Last on his podcast episode about the song here. I'd absolutely recommend giving it a listen if you're interested!)

Cassini was written about a satellite with the same name that was built with the intention of exploring Saturn. On September 15, 2017, its journey was complete and its course was set to crash into Saturn in a brilliant grand finale. Hence the name of the song.

This song is a medley of four of Sleeping At Last’s songs, written as a mirror of the exact flight path of the Cassini satellite. (SAL has songs about each of the 9 planets + our moon.)

The song starts and ends with Saturn. The beginning is a chorus singing the tune of SAL's "Saturn" and the ending is that the song on the "Astronomy, Vol. 1" album leads straight into SAL’s "Saturn" to symbolize Cassini crashing into the planet. Cool, right?

After the opening the song crescendos with SAL’s "Earth" to represent Cassini’s launch. Cassini passed by Venus twice in its flight, so the part of the song immediately after that is from SAL's "Venus". The next part of the song (and ofc the next part of Cassini’s flight) is Jupiter! It’s very faint and distant since Cassini only passed by the planet. Aaand then finally it reaches Saturn.

Now what does any of this have to do with Four?

Welllllll, it's all a bit of a stretch but LET ME HAVE THIS hdgjhkjdwef.

I mentioned that Cassini is a medley of 4 different SAL songs.

Venus could easily be associated with Red! It’s a love song and love of course comes from the heart and all that. But it’s also a song that reflects wonder and awe and I feel like that’s a very Red feeling.

Jupiter is a song I associate a lot with Green, not only because of the song itself but also because of the planet and Green’s wind element. Jupiter is well-known for its storms! So it seems fitting for Green. Jupiter is one of the songs I have on my separate playlist for Green too. It has vibes of instinct and wanting to make things count and make a difference which I feel like fits him.

I feel like Saturn and Earth are interchangeable with Blue and Vio. I’d probably tentatively assign Blue to Earth and Vio to Saturn for now despite Earth being Vio’s element and me generally associating that song with him a lot more than Blue anyway. Saturn is a song about loss and trying to move on and I think Vio encompasses that feeling and experience. It’s very melancholy and slower-paced too, which fits Vio more. Whereas Earth is a very powerful, somewhat explosive song (which fits Blue’s vibe) about ignorance and possibly arrogance. ALSO if you go with Blue as Earth then it works even nicer because Earth and Venus are woven together very closely in Cassini. Which could represent how Blue & Red are both the "heart" of Four compared to Vio's mind and Green's instinct.

And ALL of these songs are packed into Cassini into a convenient little medley. Four songs blending seamlessly into one another creating a whole song that makes me want to throw my hands in the air and weep.

And how perfect that the day Steel sent this ask is coincidentally the anniversary of the day the song is about. jhkqdwfgehf. It was meant to be :>

#i didn't proofread this post so please excuse any typos lmao #I also have extensive playlists for each of the colors + shadow but this is four as an individual #if anyone would care to hear the songs i associate with them or any other lu character BY ALL MEANS please send an ask i love doing this #SORRY THIS IS SO LONG LOL I REALLY WENT OFF #IM SORRY IM JUST VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC ALRIGHT #JKHGYDWYHSUWD #//#answered echoes #muffinbuttonfan #echoing songs #<- just in case i ever post more playlist stuff there's a tag for that now #four leaf clovers & iridescent steel #lu #linkeduniverse #lu four

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artdjgblog · 4 years

Photo

Innerview: Sonya Baughman / Review Magazine

July 2008

Image: DJG's "Live & Let Die" Record by Paul McCartney & Wings

Note: Interview for a magazine feature.

01) Where did you grow up and where do you live now? My young cloth diapers treaded a lot of dirt, dead animal and doggy acres in the North Central stick regions of Missouri, Mid-West, USA. Currently, adult plastic diapers drag and sag me in mid-town Kansas City, MO. The first six years had me bucking bales, falling off hay wagons, piercing my cheek on a hay bale stinger, assisting with the old cow stuck in the mud, designing elaborate tunnels and forts from tomato cages, watching “The Muppets” and “Star Wars” a lot, hearing scary stories of Leopard Man, posing for many pictures with dead and live animals, rocking out in cowboy boots to “Live & Let Die” on my Papa Smurf guitar, and crying at night to my raccoon wallpaper…among many other early formative brain tattoos. Act Two had many dry summers and the bank repossessing the farm and moving us to the home and acres where my Dad grew up. The new place had a blacktop in front of it and a gravel lane with a bridge/creek. The blacktop was a reservoir for leaving behind summertime shoe and bike impressions and for popping tar bubbles in the blistering heat. I also was of age to really explore and build many forts and treehouses in the ditches, barns and woods. Also, I started to go hunting and spend time in the fields with my Dad. We never had a shortage of animals and pets too. A lot of spare time was also spent in the sandbox or in the bedroom designing and building things based on what I saw and experienced. There was also a massive in-take of drawing and pop-culture from comics, books, music, television and movies. There wasn’t much of a cap on what my siblings and I could devour. Oh, and loads of sugary sweets and cereals. Go through the yearly motions and I end up at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. There I got some very formal education and incredible interaction with students and design professors from the great making thing ways of Eastern Europe and Russia. I pretty much maxed out my art and design class card and was even making a ton of design work on the side for musicians. I then received a higher calling to drop out of school and make my guts out in Kansas City, MO which is where I’ve flopped around now for the past seven years. 02) Talk a little about your artistic background. Are you self-taught, did you go to college for art (if so, where)? My background is painted with loads of pop-culture from the 1980s and ’90s mixed in with the soil of farm life. I also designed and built many elaborate tree houses and forts up until the age of eighteen and spent most any spare minute in the sandbox or locked in my room drawing, reading, studying, video game playing, movie watching and just playing in general. I’ve never understood people’s ability to get bored or to not use the creation within them to ooze life out. I’ve enjoyed drawing comics, sports mascots and WWII battle scenes with my Dad at a young age that involved aircraft carriers, tanks and flags of those involved in conflict. My older brother would also draw a lot with me. He was better though. My younger sister and brother were pretty solid too. We have no idea where our creativity came from other than a great uncle, maybe? Also in my youth I would make giant collages out of magazine clippings and lots of mix tapes of Dr. Demento’s bizarre radio program and recorded and memorized many a variety of cartoon episodes and cool shows like Pee-wee’s Playhouse. I’ve also been a constant collector all my life. Back in the day I was all about the whole spectrum of toys, comics, ball cards, cereal boxes and loads of other junk…even kept dead animal parts under my bed. In the fifth grade I won a county wide logo contest for a skating and bowling fun center and it was the first time I realized disappointment with design as my logo was butchered by those higher-up. In middle-school up until my junior year of high school I studied more comics, logos, sports architecture and wanted desperately to design new-vintage baseball stadiums until the realization of my poor math skills hit like a ton of collapsed buildings. I even won a Kansas City Royals baseball essay contest. Getting made fun of daily in high school stunk, but it really fueled my work ethic, dreams and caused me to lock up in my bedroom at night. Though, I still wish I would have worked harder in my youth. I still really enjoy working hard and being alone to this day. In the summer of 1996 I was selected to attend the first ever Missouri Fine Arts Academy and learned that I had more to offer with my insides and got a chance to interact with more likeminded minds. I came back to my senior year of high school with notebooks of typographic graffiti designs and a whole new language of what I thought was the art world. There was also a new art teacher at my school and he was serious and seriously cool and recognized that I had something to offer. I also came back to my senior year with more confidence in expressing myself and decided to dive into the world of graphic design for my post-high school studies. I had no idea what I was going to really do with it, but I knew I just wanted to use my gift of making stuff for the rest of my life. And graphic design somehow promised a bit more security in money than going the fine art route. Though, I’ve now managed to merge the two and to still not make any money. My high school scores had me at number 12 out of 24 in my class and I scraped the bottom of the test barrels to get me into college. Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO said I could come and so I did. They were the only institution I applied for and I had liked it from my three week stay at Fine Arts Academy the previous year. College was great, but I could tell quickly that I wasn’t a top art pup like I was in my small school way back down the line. I was with the bigger dogs now. I struggled with drawing classes because I realized that I wasn’t as good as I had been told I was for the previous eighteen years. That was a set-back and I still wish to this day I would have worked harder at drawing. But, mostly I have trouble drawing in a cramped room with a ton of people breathing down my neck and at certain times of the day. The introduction and foundation art classes were more my calling and I could take the stuff home and work alone and all night. Most of my friends complained because they couldn’t wait until sophomore year when we would be on the computer for design. I didn’t really understand what I was getting into with graphic design. In fact, one day I exclaimed to my friends that I was taking the graphic design route that didn’t use computers and was entirely hands-on. They thought I was pretty insane for saying that and pretty much called me a fool. It’s kind of funny now though. I was so naïve at 18 and 19 to what the formal graphic design world was and I think I still am ten years later. Back when I was more bushy-tailed, I just wanted to make things and cut stuff out and not chain up to a computer…and I guess I’m still bushy-tailed, though I have a computer and use it mostly as a tool. When I finally did get placed in front of a computer, it was a struggle and I just couldn’t get into it and past the screen barrier. It almost stopped me from majoring in graphic design. But, we weren’t on the computer all the time as we were taught to conceptualize and to think and to be hands-on too. But, we needed to know the computer too. I just couldn’t get along with the computer for the longest time. Of course, the computer whiz kids just couldn’t wait for the next semester that involved a wordy world called typography. Which, naively enough I thought was about the art of map making. I liked maps, so I was excited too. But, I soon found out it was a whole new world that would poison the ABCs in me forever…good and bad. At least in type class we were still taught to think and do things by hand before messing with computer fonts. That first year or two of official design school was just terrible for me as I felt I wasn’t really “getting” it and didn’t think I would be happy as a graphic designer. I was just fulfilling project requirements and with zero heart or much care. It wasn’t until I haphazardly signed up to duel major in illustration that things started to make music inside of me. I began to really pour myself out and realize that I could approach things in a similar light as to when I was a child and be happy. Illustration saved me and I found my voice with it and my classmates and instructors started noticing. The energy there was great and everybody fed off of each other and helped each other see in new light(s). I also began to understand the valuable importance of the experience of my schooling as the instructors not only had a unique style of teaching, but they also had interesting backgrounds and culture from Eastern Europe and Russia. I could mildly relate to them as I was a transplant from the foreign farm world of North Missouri. After many design trips to studios I began to feel a very empty feeling with the profession I had chosen to represent my working life. It was not what I wanted to do with a “career”, or my time. I didn’t wish to work in a factory of fried monitor goo-lash. I wanted to just make stuff and at my own pace and pleasure. I was also very protective of my work and wanted parental rights and not for it to belong to another man’s name or dream. My love for music started to fuse with design and I began to start making many things on the side for musicians, which spread to other types of word-of-mouth work for me. An eye-popping lecture by modern rock poster designer Art Chantry sealed my personal deal for wanting to do my own thing. Shortly after that I decided I needed to change many gears in my life and secretly drop out of school following my final design class in the fall of 2001 and live with a band (and some) in a big old dilapidated orange house behind the original Lamar’s Donuts in Kansas City, MO. While some senior students had trouble looking for one real world client to work with for their final projects, I had close to 10 off the top of my head and whole bunch of future blank pages to fill. 03) During the time you have been making art have you always been drawn to this type of graphic expression? Did you “find” a style or did a style find you? I’d say a bit of both. I’ve never really gone for a set “style”. I’m sure that I’ve got one that has become recognizable to my thumb prints. Honestly, I never really think too hard about what I’m making or the why or how of the making until I have to answer questions like this. Then I start to over-think things. Also, whenever I’m told that I’m a good collagist or good at hand type or so-and-so rendering, then that is the only time I really make an effort to switch gears. I have boiled the majority of my output to be relational to the immediacy of my moods, thoughts, tickles, inclination and whatevers. Though, sometimes life can get in the way and I’ll have to slide down a small sliver of time and energy depletion, like I am with trying to get this writing out on time! But, I’m a big fan of cranking stuff out no matter what. Life is pretty darn short to sit on my hands. It seems that style can be a bit of a drag for some people and/or a hole. I’ve always been more in-tune to the folks who just follow what their gut, heart, hands and eyes speak instead of creating a set template. Some people never stray too far from that and only a few can truly get away with it. Edward Gorey is perhaps one of the few who could really make it work for me. I would certainly love to draw and think as well as he did, but I might be quite miserable doing the same thing over and over even if I was able to do it for a living. I think that a lot of people get confused and think they need to have a style and either invent one or pick other people’s noses instead of sniffing what they’ve been wearing all their life. Style to me is a lot like decorating or something. Though, at the same time that decoration might marriage perfectly to what somebody thinks they need. I don’t know though. Sometimes I think it’s funny when we as people think we need something to look or feel a certain way that’s already been communicated or visualized. I think that sometimes we are too caught up in what’s done before instead of thinking for ourselves. I’m guilty too. What’s really confusing to me, on a personal level, is when I get a request like, “We like all your work so make whatever you want!” and then the client ends up being really disappointed because it wasn’t in their “style” and then it’s awkward. Style is just an odd thing to me. But, most things are. I try to just trust my gutty heart and just make. 04) Do you see your work as communicating your identity or as helping to communicate the identity and message of others? … or both? I see it as me communicating what I’ve gathered from being on the Earth for 29 ½ years and spreading that manure the best I can. It’s a heaping helping to tell the story of others by telling my story. Most of my work fits into fine art and design, at least I’m always told that. I’m not really sure. Of late I’ve been pushing into more of the fine art bin. But, I’m not a big fan of labeling things and I would like to do many things with this thing I do. With design, one does have a role to play with helping somebody else tell their story, and at times, sell their story. There is also a responsibility to the venue the product is in or where it will eventually end up, whether a fine package on a shelf or a poster in the gutter. I feel it can be easy for a designer to lose perspective of the role playing. With leaving behind an identity…well, I like the idea of a paper trail, time-line and bruising thumb prints on this life. However, I don’t necessarily have the intent to say “Hey, look at me.” I am just another human, and one who happens to make things. If the work speaks or inspires (probably frightens and confuses on occasion), then that means a lot to me, especially in these fast-paced and flashy “everyone’s a designer-decorator” times with millions of images and advertisements everywhere. I think it’s great to recognize and at times celebrate gifts and achievement. But, I feel there needs to be a healthy balance. It can be a dangerous thing to play with at times. Some artists I feel become the work of art themselves and end up playing God with the gift and this saddens me as it usually ruins them in the long run. 05) Is there anything about your geographic location that has given you a unique perspective on design and the art you create? Certainly, growing up country might have my visions at a stranger advantage, and a howling merge to that with the city life now. You might see a lot of wonderfully strange things on the streets of the city due to the amount of activity by varieties of people and culture. But, only in small town Missouri do the deer pile up outside the meat locker and blood runs next door to the Baptist church as the high school band splash-marches through it. Growing up it was easy to take my lifestyle for granted. I enjoyed it immensely, but when I was 15 to 18 I wanted to get out a bit more. I was hungry to explore, and not just the many acres we lived on. I wanted the rest of the world. I became a little disgruntled with growing up country and I think that there is a certain stereotype placed upon people anywhere they are, but country folk get it pretty bad. I definitely ate from both sides of the fence, but also didn’t want to be hung up in it for a living. As I grow older I appreciate my roots a lot more and celebrate them and am very thankful. I enjoy going back home. And some day I’d like to move outside of the city to a small plot of land with a making things shack out back. But, my family home isn’t too far down the road for a getaway weekend visit to sit with the stars, coyote yips and fish. 06) What do you consider influences on your art? (this can be other artists, music, philosophy, nature – anything. this question is not just limited to “I’m a big fan of Banksy”) First thing, I believe in the compiling of all days in life to influence an artist’s output (horse apples or clean streets). Our walks tell a lot about who we are in the present prints. I feel that one would be lying to me if what they created was not in their full vision. But, I too think that we all wear and share influences as witnesses to what we’ve seen and where we’ve been. We all help shape each other. I’ve rattled off my early influences of popular culture. I think I’m more in-tune with my child’s self now than I was then as I sit alone and make things and pull from all my days. It’s also easy to feel that I was really moving and discovering more back then with naïve, childlike faith that I’m trying to get back now. I have some good days though and mostly when I’m not thinking too much. I’m still a fan of absorbing lots of things and from many angles. Of course I have my artistic influences. One of my big influences as a child was my Grandma Gibson. She is from the old school of the country and a very hands-on person with making many things like clothing, dead animal backpacks, blankets, pillows, fridge magnets and game board pieces. I still have a lot of the things from those years. I think a lot of my approach to making things came from her. My “professional” art world as a kid had an outside knowledge from trips to museums and PBS specials, though I felt a little detached from that world and still kind of do. My heroes were at the movies because they were more immediate to me, guys like Jim Henson, Stan Winston, Dr. Indiana Jones, Rambo and Han Solo. But, it was Henson’s world that opened me up to the first idea of an artist’s legacy, vision and spirit and glimpse of another world. Something big-time ached in my decade old gut the day I found out he passed away. Musically speaking I was very much a child of my Mom’s Beatles records, “oldies” music and a ton of television theme songs, novelty sing-alongs and old church songs. I still put a lot through my ears now and my biggest influences in music in my older years are Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith and Bob Dylan. Also, I am still a big fan of tons of picture books and just anything really. I just know that I’ve never had bare space on the walls and shelves of my home and head. Oh, and wherever I am I’m usually distracted by the stuff on the ground. I’m a big collector of found notes, writings, scribbles, addresses, children’s drawings and good-bad-silly-stupid-smart designs. I like to collect ‘em all. I’ve also collected stamps since I was 10. I’m a big nerd. Here’s a listing of some names in the art and design canon who have made things that either attracted, influenced or moved me in some ways (in no particular order): Saul Steinberg, Seymour Chwast and Push Pin, Lester Beall, Edward Gorey, Ray Johnson, Art Chantry, Henryk Tomaszewski, Vaughn Olver and V23, Raymond Pettibon, Paul Klee, Stanley Donwood, Stefan Sagmeister, Cy Twombly, Saul Bass, Ivan Chermayeff, Ralph Steadman, Robert Rauschenberg, Jean Michel-Basquiat…most anybody who has something to say and develops a bad back carving out their paper trail. Movies are also a giant influence on my work and I study them almost daily. Some of the filmmakers who capture a certain craft of unique spirit that I enjoy include P.T. Anderson, Wes Anderson, Michel Gondry and the Coen Brothers. Folk Art is another big mind-blow and one of my favorite areas to study and get ticked by the of-the-moment heart, purity and passion. I love the idea of somebody just up and making something for the heck of it and not for art’s or ego’s sake. That’s the childlike thing I miss the most. The makers and shakers that move me the most from the folk art movement are Henry Darger, Bill Traylor and Robert E. Smith. And sometimes I get more out of the work on display in county and state fairs by everyday arts and crafters than so-called “professional” art and design work. 07) What is your perspective on the place of poster art here in the Midwest (or KC specifically) as it interacts with the rest of the art community and how the poster art coming out of this community may be perceived on a more national level? I’m curious about this because of the recognition Kansas City artists in general have been receiving lately on a national and international scale and how the art world tends to waffle between interest and disinterest in artists in this region. The music scene here is very interesting to me and a lot of times I think that it is just like 20 people all making it happen. Though, there is a lot of talent, diversity and genre-bending for a small town like this. There are a lot of groups making a mark here and down the highways, same with the people making stuff for them. Though, I get a little strange sometimes because I sometimes feel that the small scene mixed with the internet’s social networks and fewer record stores (oh, and most of my posters take up a whole bulletin board!) makes the poster almost secondary information and so-so decoration. In the same thought though, most of the stuff I see on the internet passes by me in a two-second window like that of highway advertising. Though, some do stick out to me because I’m always on the look to get tickled. And I don’t feel the art of the printed piece will die any time soon. Anyway, the scene just works here in Kansas City somehow and everybody takes care of and appreciates each other’s roles and contributions. I’ve had some great response to what I’m slapping up, but at the same time I think that a lot of people don’t get it. What’s not to get, it’s not too special? But, that’s fine with me. I’m not sure where I am in the scene. Maybe more-so in the “seen” department with my meager budgeted work hanging above a stool in the blurry-eyed late hours. I still think that toilets are one the best places for information gathering. Poster art in general in the last ten years alone has received a great breath of fresh air. Many of the makers are respected within a small collective, and have also been breaking through to represent on a national level of design aesthetic, as well as a well-rounded view of the printed timeline to life and culture. It’s also something that anybody can do and a lot of bands still just make their own stuff, which I’m cool and whatever with it. Everybody has their own style, agenda and empty pockets. But, the personal computer has saturated the landscape with a lot of “samey”. Then again, if it works, it works. In the end if it gets people interested and enthused, then what is there for a bum like me to complain about? And sometimes I really get a kick out of unskilled design stuff(s). I try to stay out of design politics for the most part. There is more to life than design dogma. Though, there is design all around us as we interact with it in every way from the tip-top of a tree to a paper scrap for this article. I enjoy the simple act of creation and inspiration that comes from something that seems like nothing, yet has always been a “something” growing and building and will continue to grow if the viewer lets it do so. You just have to add the proper mix of ingredients, I guess. And I guess my brain isn’t one to formerly function on the full realization to what it’s thinking. So, I’m babbling right now. I do know that something I’ve always enjoyed about the concert poster is the relatively short life span it has and how that can be used to the advantage. I just want to encourage people out there, designers/artists, non designers/artists or even church secretaries, to really push things and work harder. I don’t really care if everyone isn’t versed in design and art. In general I just encourage more to experiment with poster art, find your voice(s) and find new ways to spread the good word. Even if it’s not for a concert or an event, just make something and get it out there. Throw your junk off the overpasses if need be. 08) How has your work been received within the arts community here (and also in other geographic regions if you have been branching out)? For seven years now I’ve somehow managed to remain fairly anonymous and at the same time have sparkled a bit of attention…maybe just a glittering. Life and day job dwindle my hours to where it’s hard to even pay attention on my own stuff sometimes, so I don’t get out much here in the city. Though, I guess it is easier to keep up with things on the internet, papers and here-say. I think Kansas City is making her own dent right now with a wide variety of things going on in the arts landscape. The town is kind of booming and bustling right now. Being that we’re a small town, it’s easy for a small fish to get more wet feet. Though, I’ve never put my whole foot into anything. I just do my thing. Some days I’m not really sure what that thing is, but I do it despite my muck. When I first started on my design quest, like when anyone tackles something head-on, I was head-over-heels and not sleeping much. I was also living with bands and interacting more and actually going to shows several times a week. I don’t know how I did it without exhausting my ticker, but for some reason it all worked. I started to garner a little bit of buzz here that seemed to spread quick outside the state and international borders. Many people contact me from all over and slap my stuff alongside some of my design favorites in magazines and books. It’s a hoot. People are always interested in my story and creations. It’s all still really odd and blushing to me in some light that the little things I make are reaching a selective audience on a much grander scale. Anyway, I’ve certainly learned now that sleep is important and that it’s better for me to work smarter, not harder. Though, that’s not entirely the truth as I still work pretty darn hard and I believe in it greatly. Still, I’ve struggled with my own brand of discontent since I fell from a slide and blacked-out at the age of five. It’s something that I’m working and wrangling with. But, with any kind of actual work you’ve studied, worked hard with and duct taped up the switch with 24-7, you learn to just not think and rather DO and the moves become mechanical. I just have to put to use different types of oil to keep from rusting. It all becomes a fluid thing, or something constantly coming down on me in the grocery aisle, tree leave holes and side walk crack scribbles. It can be challenging when life stuff gets in the way, but I shouldn’t see it as getting in the way. I easily get confused, but then I realize that the things I experience and see and do (good-bad) all go into my design pot mixed with my past and then I just have to do the upchucking as I move forward and I tend to feel better. Recently I’ve definitely stepped back on my massive production of concert posters and I’m sure that many people reading this will think, “Geesh, I don’t think I’ve ever even seen this idiot’s work?” Not only has my life changed in some ways, but I also had to give myself permission to take a time out and to learn to say no to some things. A break was needed before burnout and bitter rotted my worms in the apple, among other things. I had a year of little activity and practiced sitting on my nest. I still made a bunch of stuff, but a lot just for me. I’ve also been involved in various group art shows around the country, design books and special art projects with friends spread about. Another thing I did, and still do, is just to see what other avenues I’d like to take my one man show. I’m learning to use the internet for the medium that it is too. Anyway, I’ve always got some stew samples back burning, but my biggest competition is myself…on top of time, energy and money. Mostly myself, as I’ve always been extremely hard on myself. Though, I’ve been told I make it look easy. I’ve never been good at math, so you go figure. I get exhausted from trying to figure this out. 09) Is artwork your main profession and, if not, are you intending to make it so? It’s really flattering and kind of sad when every spring I get more and more inquiries from freshly plucked and talented college students about a possible internship or job with DJG Design. In general, due to what most think to be a large and varied output of work, people who don’t know what I’m about think that there is a D, a J and a G making things. It always excites me to be contacted by enthused students and other design people (any walks of life, really) who saw something or connected to my work and got a spark. It makes me rosey, but it also keeps me a little down as I don’t make enough money to do this full-time. But, it all keeps me at my little basement bay working on my bad back and poor eye sight, keeps me (under)grounded in some ways. I’ve always worked full-time jobs and have been married now for three years. So, certain responsibilities come with walking hand-in-hand with another. For now I just spin the day job blues and try to stay content and disciplined, burning the fuel before and after work. But, age is setting in a bit and I’m getting antsy. I also grow tired easier. Good things do come out of day jobs, good design work does too. For the first four or five years I was a janitor and groundskeeper. So, loads of perks came from great finds, discards, dumpster dives and lots of free food and more time to read and study and draw. Heck, I even designed a few posters between clock punches. Currently my position has me staring at a computer doing data entry. The health care, artificial air and hours are great and I can walk out my back door and be there in seven minutes. But, it can be difficult to know that I’m sitting and squandering something back home. I do take it with me everywhere upstairs, and I do a bit of networking during the day time, but there is still that itch to make things full-time and not have a full plate of non-stop. It’s all hard to balance. But, making things is the only thing that I’m told that I’m somewhat good at. Well, other than eating junk food, watching movies, being confused and petting my four kitty cats. I am fast approaching thirty and the visual of time stacking is more evident than ever. Each space between second hand clicks is another scratch of tiny pine box to me. I am slowly checking off my list of “Before 30 Goals”, but I’m usually several cars back and sometimes it’s a pileup. Life takes a different course too. But, I have caught back a hold of a torch of some sort. I am constantly tacking up side boards to the wagon. After eight years of looking at Gigposters.com, I finally have ALL of my poster work up on there. It’s a great way to generate exposure and get my work out some more. I also have my new website up and an extensive volume of imagery on my Flickr.com account. It can be a bit odd to put one’s self out there in such a reservoir fashion, but I do like the idea of the timeline and personal file cabinet. And if my house burns down, it’s all digitized and makes it easier on my friends when they have to move me. So, day jobs…they are both blah and bling in my mind. My sling shots just point back at me on certain days. Sometimes they change direction with every sentence. At least I’m now under a thousand dollars on my student loans. I don’t make a thousand dollars in most years on design. 10) Tell me a story – have you had any strange poster requests? A project where you just about lost it? A poster that succeeded beyond expectations or failed in a way that took you totally by surprise? A project-situation-chaos that always sticks out when I’m asked a question like this happened to me back in June of 2002. It’s not a poster, but it’s pretty whacky and ended up being one of the best things that I think I’ll ever make. It was a special run of 250 homemade CD packages for the band Elevator Division. I’ve had many projects that demand more production time than my little brain imagines, but this one was the worst. Actually, the finished piece is a lot tamer than my initial idea. Though, the final image’s concept married to what the band was communicating on the disc inside is way better. The following true story I’ve released for a previous interview, I just tweaked a few glitches… The idea came at the night I started printing. Well, actually it was spray paint. I had an image made for a month or more and then changed it at the last stroke of inspiration. It married the themes for the album “Whatever Makes You Happy” perfectly. With reflections of war and relationships in the songs, I made an image of a hand shooting off its index finger like a missile. It was the idea of shooting off one’s options and making decisions. It was aggressive, inviting, serious and humorous all in one. It was not only fitting for the band/music but also to the national/world agenda and climate. I went to war that night with many cans of spray paint and the idiot mind to do two-hundred and fifty all in one massive sweep, and in my basement, which is something I will never do again because I could have died. I will probably also never be involved with another package like this again (take that back, I have been). Anyway, each one was hand-cut from cardboard and handmade stencil sprayed and rubber stamped. Inserts were cut, folded and glued. At the last mist of red spray a crack of thunder shook the massive turn-of-the-century home and I bolted from the basement and out the front door to a down poor fit for Noah himself. I was like a much less cool version of Dr. Frankenstein though. I leapt off the front porch and slid head first down the embankment and into the street turned river current. But, like a taxidermy nightmare, I was born again. The drug dealing squatters across the street were on their front step perch per usual summer evening, looking at the fire in my eyes and the red paint streaming from ears, nose and mouth. It was a high much higher than that of chemical substance. Well, maybe a three pack of design, life and paint fumes. 11) What is it about the poster as an art form that you feel is unique among other art forms? What purpose does it serve in your mind that can’t be served by another type of visual art? I’ve hinted at this in a previous question. I like the idea of the poster’s life-span being short, relative to the date and time…event, whatever. But, if it connects in the right way, and it can be different for everyone as art-design-whatever, is all relative to the viewer, I think that even a concert poster’s impact can last a long time. Since my first year in Kansas City I’ve had people find me out and say that they had a bedroom wall filled up with my work. It really moved me that something so simple (and sometimes stupid) that I squeezed out caused somebody else to be moved enough to hang it above their dreams at night. It means a lot to me when others get something out of something I’ve made. I know from child to adult, I myself have gotten something out of the stuff I’ve collected and tacked to my walls. It’s odd, yet a really nice feeling to know I’m somehow contributing to a landscape in some way. Making things is an act that I’ve always needed to do and has helped me get the best out of many days. I’ve always had difficulty with contributing in many forms of communication and on some days it’s terribly hard even just to be out and about. Making things has served as my calling with communication. It’s nice to know it can help others too in whatever way. -djg

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