caw4brandon

[caw4brandon]

What Happened to Yazmin Vane?

I feel like I need to explain what the heck happened to Yazmin for the trip I have put her through. So, this post is going to explain as much as I possibly can. Yazmin Vane or Yazamanyhands is the fifth and final character. She is a unique case of a character made on a whim that became a household classic.

To explain her origin, Yaz was initially the Avatar for the Hoodlites. A Queen, you could say. She was once a normal person with Grimmjaw, but mutated with blank white eyes, goth grey skin and four arms.

This version of Yaz can control all four of the STAB and was meant to be a bit of a loner character. Much like Anis Rusli at the time. As time went on, I decided to ditch this concept. Since it feels like she would be too overpowered. So, I experimented a little more.

Referring to my list of favourite characters, Ranni the Witch, Rhea Ripely, and Noi (Dorohedoro). After her first appearance, I've worked tirelessly to reinvent her design. Which gave voice to my interest in women who are a bit more masculine. Enter Yaz 2.0/ Super Yaz.

This Yaz was bigger, taller and tougher. There's a lot of expansive lore behind this version. Such as the fact that she and Professor Timothy Brian Anderson are half-siblings due to their abnormal connection.

Gotta admit, I was really into Netflix's Sandman at the time, and the relationship between the skinny explosive hair boy (Dream) and the cooler sister (Death) made me want to try the match up.

Sadly, this idea was scrapped. The stress of managing six characters at the time got to me, and I had to do a bit of cleanup on ideas that I'm no longer interested in. For that brief period, Yaz was considered.

Good news, some characters may be dead, but the essence of it lived on! Yaz returned earlier this year in a more human tone. Borrowing from the rejected concepts into one character. I called this Human-Yaz

This version of Yaz is instead a Hollowaye because I love this condition the most. Since some of the characters are gone, it was more open for other colours to come into Yaz's look.

I was into the idea of Heterochromia. So, I tried to make this a more outstanding character with her main features being more unique. At the time, I also wanted to try the idea of a character from the same world but with different ways of using their main power system. So, instead of having a weapon. Her body "is" the weapon. The jury is still out on that comment.

Despite my optimism, I was still a little unhappy with how she looked. The new condition is better, but her colour seemed uninteresting to me. It felt like I was just doing it to honour the fallen. Yaz was no longer the Yaz I liked in the first place.

So, here we are. The latest version of Yazmin Vane. I inquired a friend lately about my issue with this character. I love her design, but I've exhausted every colour I want to see to make her good, and none of it is working!

So, I desperately asked around my circle what they thought of this madness thus far, and one claimed that the old Yaz was better. "I mean, I prefer her first concept with the grey skin and white hair. It made her unique. I think now (Human-Yaz) she looks like she could be a sibling with Hector and Sadie because of their similar colours. You should shake it up."

The conversation made me realise I have been trying too hard to make Yazy blend in with everyone else. Probably best to make her outstanding both in sketch and with colour and return to the root of Yazy's persona. Yaz was meant to be a bit abnormal, and removing that look will take away a lot of her character. There is a mild adjustment. Yaz's hair had a mild mix of blue as opposed to the previous flat white.

The Heterochromia is gone because it was too try-hard. Also, I noticed a trend in characters with Heterochromia. It's an all-too-popular combo. Purple eyes are cooler anyways. So this is Yaz, she's back in grey and I love it already.

It's good to have her back.

[caw4brandon]

Sketch Reference.

"Come dance with me, on a moonlit night. I'll guide you." Yazmin puts on her best nightdress. A bright red dress with sparkles of glitter on top. As she twirls to show off to her dance partner. The dress shimmered~

[caw4brandon]

Sketch Reference.

"There is wonder in most everything I see. Color is everywhere!" Yazmin puts on a simple sleeveless dress. Its deep purple contrasts against the backdrop of the colorful street.

[caw4brandon]

What Happened to Yazmin Vane?

I feel like I need to explain what the heck happened to Yazmin for the trip I have put her through. So, this post is going to explain as much as I possibly can. Yazmin Vane or Yazamanyhands is the fifth and final character. She is a unique case of a character made on a whim that became a household classic.

To explain her origin, Yaz was initially the Avatar for the Hoodlites. A Queen, you could say. She was once a normal person with Grimmjaw, but mutated with blank white eyes, goth grey skin and four arms.

This version of Yaz can control all four of the STAB and was meant to be a bit of a loner character. Much like Anis Rusli at the time. As time went on, I decided to ditch this concept. Since it feels like she would be too overpowered. So, I experimented a little more.

Referring to my list of favourite characters, Ranni the Witch, Rhea Ripely, and Noi (Dorohedoro). After her first appearance, I've worked tirelessly to reinvent her design. Which gave voice to my interest in women who are a bit more masculine. Enter Yaz 2.0/ Super Yaz.

This Yaz was bigger, taller and tougher. There's a lot of expansive lore behind this version. Such as the fact that she and Professor Timothy Brian Anderson are half-siblings due to their abnormal connection.

Gotta admit, I was really into Netflix's Sandman at the time, and the relationship between the skinny explosive hair boy (Dream) and the cooler sister (Death) made me want to try the match up.

Sadly, this idea was scrapped. The stress of managing six characters at the time got to me, and I had to do a bit of cleanup on ideas that I'm no longer interested in. For that brief period, Yaz was considered.

Good news, some characters may be dead, but the essence of it lived on! Yaz returned earlier this year in a more human tone. Borrowing from the rejected concepts into one character. I called this Human-Yaz

This version of Yaz is instead a Hollowaye because I love this condition the most. Since some of the characters are gone, it was more open for other colours to come into Yaz's look.

I was into the idea of Heterochromia. So, I tried to make this a more outstanding character with her main features being more unique. At the time, I also wanted to try the idea of a character from the same world but with different ways of using their main power system. So, instead of having a weapon. Her body "is" the weapon. The jury is still out on that comment.

Despite my optimism, I was still a little unhappy with how she looked. The new condition is better, but her colour seemed uninteresting to me. It felt like I was just doing it to honour the fallen. Yaz was no longer the Yaz I liked in the first place.

So, here we are. The latest version of Yazmin Vane. I inquired a friend lately about my issue with this character. I love her design, but I've exhausted every colour I want to see to make her good, and none of it is working!

So, I desperately asked around my circle what they thought of this madness thus far, and one claimed that the old Yaz was better. "I mean, I prefer her first concept with the grey skin and white hair. It made her unique. I think now (Human-Yaz) she looks like she could be a sibling with Hector and Sadie because of their similar colours. You should shake it up."

The conversation made me realise I have been trying too hard to make Yazy blend in with everyone else. Probably best to make her outstanding both in sketch and with colour and return to the root of Yazy's persona. Yaz was meant to be a bit abnormal, and removing that look will take away a lot of her character. There is a mild adjustment. Yaz's hair had a mild mix of blue as opposed to the previous flat white.

The Heterochromia is gone because it was too try-hard. Also, I noticed a trend in characters with Heterochromia. It's an all-too-popular combo. Purple eyes are cooler anyways. So this is Yaz, she's back in grey and I love it already.

It's good to have her back.

[caw4brandon]

"There is wonder in most everything I see. Color is everywhere!" Yazmin puts on a simple sleeveless dress. Its deep purple contrasts against the backdrop of the colorful street.

[caw4brandon]

"Come dance with me, on a moonlit night. I'll guide you." Yazmin puts on her best nightdress. A bright red dress with sparkles of glitter on top. As she twirls to show off to her dance partner. The dress shimmered~

[caw4brandon]

Hoodlites: Mug N Pot

The Hoodlites are building up with some new faces. Meet, Mug. A wizard of the Ange. Famously known to experiment with how to best use the Ange for offensive attacks. Bit of a hothead (pun intended)

Meet, Pot. The boiler of the Tide. A fearless fighter who fuses agility with his signature style. The Pot Head Butt!

[caw4brandon]

Link ~~~

[caw4brandon]

Submental Comment

I want to address my personal thoughts on the issue. Here's the thing! The episode didn't trigger me to beat this dead horse of a subject to gain some kind of clout or anything.

I just learned to accept that the internet has come to a state where everyone has their own version of Right and is unwilling to see the Wrongs. As mentioned in the episode, intent is important.

Some people are just so out of touch with the internet or the specific niche that you just can't blame them for it.

A while ago, I experienced a similar scenario like Garnt's scenario 2. One of my Father's work colleagues took a picture of us having dinner then proceeded to use the hot topic filter (the Ghibli filter) and was delighted to show me, a Graphic Designer this neat trick he discovered through an app.

It's frustrating, sure and it immediately soured my mood for the rest of the night but this mister is about 60 something years old. I just can't fault him for not realizing the conversation surrounding this issue of AI Art. I tried to educate him about it but I'm also building upon layers of other media he definitely has no clue about.

What this scenario made me realize is. AI Art first started out as a massive boom of new media content. Then it gained a ton of controversy of ethical dilemmas in art theft.

Now it has reframed itself as just a fun tool for entertainment purposes. With the caveat that some users will use it to sell for a quick buck. Because this tech is new and a lot of it is locked under a paywall.

AI-generated work has repackaged itself as a fun tool to kill with a thousand cuts. It's held back now because of new art theft laws, paywalls and obvious signs to indicate if it was authentic. But like I said, it will get harder to tell.

As the world spins and moves forward, AI will be lurking in the dark though the tech bros. Waiting to pounce again.

On that topic, I find myself less motivated to draw these days. Not just because of my day job but also because with how a lot of agencies are adaptive to AI and the fact that wherever you scroll. AI is everywhere.

The competition is getting tougher and because platforms are not so supportive of art. The traction is getting weaker. But to also be fair, I'm not really good at it. I see my personal problems but I refuse to budge at the pace and the hot topic the internet is on now to put the ball on my side.

Again, death by a thousand cuts. A slow and agonizing death as the world around you changes and you are falling behind. But I'm still holding out hope that even though, I can't succeed. Someone out there will carry the baton.

The world is now spoiled for choice on what is good, on trend, and perfect. But eventually, the world will crave something more visceral, and more personal. Something that challenges us rather than telling us how to think and feel. The Optimus in me still believes that, WE have to believe in that.

AI Art is at it Again

There's an ongoing thing that I've been banging my head on the wall on that I'm pleased the podcast I follow, the < Trash Taste Podcast > covered to help the general zeitgeist gain awareness.

And that is our old pals, AI Art. For context, Garnt (Gigguk) brought up three scenarios from his recent trip back home. First, a friend made an AI Artwork as a gift. Second, a family member used one of the most popular AI Art filters (The Ghibli Style) to make a phone wallpaper. Third, A friend confessed that they look at AI Art Lewds. [WATCH HERE]

The discussion during this segment was that the boys strongly detest AI Art, considering it an insult to the painstaking and personal fruits of the respective artist's labor, and the topic of intent came up.

For Connor (CDawgVA), no one is entitled to getting "quick and easy good art." The appeal of the craft is that it's by someone with experience and a good sense of understanding for the client's needs, which makes good art. Creative pursuits should have no shortcuts.

AI Art to the general public who is unaware of the art industry and the conversation is just a tool for them to make some quick and easy fun.

It is inevitable that AI Art is here to stay but the fact that it's normalized to use AI for creative work. Be it, art, music, writing or even animation is where it proved my point from my first post about this subject.

Tempting as it may to say the world cares more about the idea than the craft. This is still detrimental to small timers or freelancers who want to pursue art as a profession with their own new ideas. It can discourage new and rising artists from chasing their ventures as they will be aware of the competition upon them.

People like the idea of making art rather than the pursuit of doing art. It's becoming more common where people will be very quick to suggest using AI-generated work because to them, learning how to draw is considered "old-fashioned"

The other conversation is the issue of how the discourse is too trigger happy and quick to call anything "it's AI generated" which we also covered in the past.

The sad truth is, as AI gets better at using it's database to improve at rapid speeds. Our way of finding what is or isn't AI gets harder every minute. It's very easy to hate on AI now because everyone, rightfully so. Hated AI Art but this instant claim from the comments has to stop. They are not helpful at all.

I spent my time looking at other artists marveling at how good industry standard art is. At first glance, they are inoffensive and pretty. They have a place in the industry, sure. But at its core, art is meant to challenge the comfortable.

It's meant to show more about the person, their ideology, their personalities, their interests and their struggles. A part of what makes art a fun medium is to document your journey. To see how far you've come. AI Art can't do that. Because it knows perfection but doesn't know the complicated part of what makes us human.

We (humans) are fearfully and wonderfully made creatures with our own faults. As we grow, we learn to accept those faults and improve from it. At the end of it all, it's up to us to decide what we want with the creative content we consume. Do we want them to be engineered as the most perfect art? Or do we want it to challenge us? Make us think for ourselves and inspire more with our own work.

That is for you to decide.

[caw4brandon]

AI Art is at it Again

There's an ongoing thing that I've been banging my head on the wall on that I'm pleased the podcast I follow, the < Trash Taste Podcast > covered to help the general zeitgeist gain awareness.

And that is our old pals, AI Art. For context, Garnt (Gigguk) brought up three scenarios from his recent trip back home. First, a friend made an AI Artwork as a gift. Second, a family member used one of the most popular AI Art filters (The Ghibli Style) to make a phone wallpaper. Third, A friend confessed that they look at AI Art Lewds. [WATCH HERE]

The discussion during this segment was that the boys strongly detest AI Art, considering it an insult to the painstaking and personal fruits of the respective artist's labor, and the topic of intent came up.

For Connor (CDawgVA), no one is entitled to getting "quick and easy good art." The appeal of the craft is that it's by someone with experience and a good sense of understanding for the client's needs, which makes good art. Creative pursuits should have no shortcuts.

AI Art to the general public who is unaware of the art industry and the conversation is just a tool for them to make some quick and easy fun.

It is inevitable that AI Art is here to stay but the fact that it's normalized to use AI for creative work. Be it, art, music, writing or even animation is where it proved my point from my first post about this subject.

Tempting as it may to say the world cares more about the idea than the craft. This is still detrimental to small timers or freelancers who want to pursue art as a profession with their own new ideas. It can discourage new and rising artists from chasing their ventures as they will be aware of the competition upon them.

People like the idea of making art rather than the pursuit of doing art. It's becoming more common where people will be very quick to suggest using AI-generated work because to them, learning how to draw is considered "old-fashioned"

The other conversation is the issue of how the discourse is too trigger happy and quick to call anything "it's AI generated" which we also covered in the past.

The sad truth is, as AI gets better at using it's database to improve at rapid speeds. Our way of finding what is or isn't AI gets harder every minute. It's very easy to hate on AI now because everyone, rightfully so. Hated AI Art but this instant claim from the comments has to stop. They are not helpful at all.

I spent my time looking at other artists marveling at how good industry standard art is. At first glance, they are inoffensive and pretty. They have a place in the industry, sure. But at its core, art is meant to challenge the comfortable.

It's meant to show more about the person, their ideology, their personalities, their interests and their struggles. A part of what makes art a fun medium is to document your journey. To see how far you've come. AI Art can't do that. Because it knows perfection but doesn't know the complicated part of what makes us human.

We (humans) are fearfully and wonderfully made creatures with our own faults. As we grow, we learn to accept those faults and improve from it. At the end of it all, it's up to us to decide what we want with the creative content we consume. Do we want them to be engineered as the most perfect art? Or do we want it to challenge us? Make us think for ourselves and inspire more with our own work.

That is for you to decide.

[caw4brandon]

A little show for how different my sketches is different compared to the finalized version.

This Power Bat has always been an idea I had in mind for Jamie. I was just unsure what the weapon will it look like.

At its core, it's based on the cricket bat, stylized to be like a Aztec Club and made a little larger.

Since this universe has the elements providing different aids. It would be sensible to make a heavy weapon that breaks the way how normal weapons work.

One could say that, as of now. Hector stayed the most consistent with his weapon of choice. Till the next one.

Jamie: THE POWER BAT!

Behold! Jamie and the Power Bat! A crude but effective weapon. Simple and adorned with Stan fragments. Which gives it that extra punch to her hits.

In the region where Jamie resides, weapons are often large and crude. Compared to the sophisticated Switch Blade. The weapon is compact for easy travel. They frequently resemble the looks of a cricket bat or a baseball bat. The fragments can fall off with enough force and reassemble.

Jamie has a mean swing with her bat. Despite its size, it's actually light thanks to a special mix of Ange on the inside that helps lighten the weight.

[caw4brandon]

Jamie: THE POWER BAT!

Behold! Jamie and the Power Bat! A crude but effective weapon. Simple and adorned with Stan fragments. Which gives it that extra punch to her hits.

In the region where Jamie resides, weapons are often large and crude. Compared to the sophisticated Switch Blade. The weapon is compact for easy travel. They frequently resemble the looks of a cricket bat or a baseball bat. The fragments can fall off with enough force and reassemble.

Jamie has a mean swing with her bat. Despite its size, it's actually light thanks to a special mix of Ange on the inside that helps lighten the weight.

[caw4brandon]

Those meddlesome kids...and their bird too!

I’ve been charging my inner loser nerd for days

It’s time to throw the results out and run, take it

TAKE IT 🏃💨💨

I think some turned out better than others but I tried to hard to let them rot in my personal collection

[caw4brandon]

Reblog boost~

New Rook, New Hair

Sadie's weapon is back with a new look: The Rook 2.0. A multi-function walking cane embedded with Tide silk and fragments. The tip is shaped like the head of a certain corvid.

Because Sadie is not much of an upfront combatant. The tools used are also less aggressive and more range-based. The Rook carries several functions.

The Combat Beak - an extremely tough but dull object capable of striking down objects. Even stones.

The Twist Handle - a part of the cane with a good grip. It's also able to activate the body below. Unlocking its many hidden abilities.

Retractable Tide Silk - a carefully woven version of the Tide. Its strong and elastic but it also dissolves easily.

Solid Body - for the rest of the build. The tough exterior can withstand Bolts.

Tide Sonar - a section of the cane that can release a Tide frequency to sense the environment ahead of time for the user.

The functions may change a little later as time goes on. Also, Sadie has a new hairstyle. She has a vanilla blonde underlayer. An experiment to freshen up her look for a new start.

[caw4brandon]

Something Feels Different

Yazmin's skin tone is different from her old self. Little difference, but just thought that you guys should know. Although I was reluctant to make her a thing. Yazy is fitting in well. Still finding a group to belong to.

Her unique change as a natural Ange user will be useful later. I plan to make her the ideal heroine. So, lots of chances to test action poses. Anyways, here are some sketches and...I'll catch you later!

The New Ange

Yazmin Vane can conjure Ange with her bare hands. A unique trait of the Vane family is Hectochromia. In addition to being a Hollowaye, Yaz can "see" the Ange in the atmosphere and absorb them to her use.

The Ange is one of the four elements in the STAB. It is a purple puff of cloud that displays itself a lot like fire, dancing on top of surfaces in a rather low brightness. Upon contact, The Ange can discomfort opponents and elevate objects.

[caw4brandon]

The New Ange

Yazmin Vane can conjure Ange with her bare hands. A unique trait of the Vane family is Hectochromia. In addition to being a Hollowaye, Yaz can "see" the Ange in the atmosphere and absorb them to her use.

The Ange is one of the four elements in the STAB. It is a purple puff of cloud that displays itself a lot like fire, dancing on top of surfaces in a rather low brightness. Upon contact, The Ange can discomfort opponents and elevate objects.

[caw4brandon]

Vox / Nox: The New Hoodlites

Here's a little update: Voxy is back and has an ally. Reintroducing, Nox of the Blue. Both characters are Hoodlites. An elusive species of little critters. Scavenging for food and shelter in a dangerous world.

Hoodlites don't have special powers. In fact, they only have long tails with a unique tip shape to help them grab items. However, they are intelligent. With their wits, they can construct tools to help them combat their enemies.

Hoodlites are often social creatures, finding companionship with each other or with other creatures to ensure everyone's survival. Some unique quirks: Vox is an excellent climber and good at lock picking. Nox is a lot stronger than the average Hoodlite. Capable of carrying heavy things.