#AskEnto

[entomolog-t]

YO! ENTO! How you doing! Remember that time you called us bugs? I wanted to fight you and you pulled up Raid? Yeah good times...I was just passing by to...

*pushes your favorite mug off the table*

I just wanna talk

[entomolog-t]

Wait did I miss the autograph session!? Aww damn :(

[entomolog-t]

✋ anon here: YESSSS those hands are so good

I've had so much hand practice lately <3

Anotha one for the hand anon !

[entomolog-t]

Autograph please?

I gotchu fam

[entomolog-t]

Your reactions right now are WAY too cute Ent 😭

You do such great work and have such a big heart, I'm grateful you're back and a part of this community 💜 you really are just a light

(you probably know who this is, so you can just DM me an autograph teehee)

The purple is a dead giveaway @pocket-ozwynn 😙

This message just made me so overwhelmingly happy to be here an posting, and having fun!

Thank you.

[entomolog-t]

How many characters do you have?

ACK! Too many. I think this is a nice opportunity to show off some wips/art of my mains 💕

Currently I have 4 ongoing stories (Which you can find here on my Masterpost)

Bite Me has Aedes and June

The Shadow We Cast has Mark, Sal and Betty (with another character to be introduced very shortly)

Finding Strength has Rose and Tamius

INSTAЯ has Dawn, Honey, Bram and Clyde

These guys are still going through designing, but I should get a design settled soon!!

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I am still on a bit of a posting hiatus until I make a big enough buffer to post regularly, but on my return I'm planning to post one chapter of each story, followed by weekly Bite Me updates, and monthly updates for The Shadow We Cast. The other two will have sporadic updates until I either finish Bite Me/TSWC or create a big enough buffer for either of them to put on a posting schedule.

[entomolog-t]

That feel when you don't realize you're a recognized figure in a community.

THE SHEER AMOUNT OF HYPE YA'LL HAVE BEEN BRINGING??

EXCUSE ME???

[entomolog-t]

Oo 3, 6, and 19 for the asks

Ah thank you for the ask <3

I answer 3 here and 19 here :)

As for 6 ...

Would you rather find giant fingerprints on your car or tiny footprints in your house?

I'd absolutely want to find lil footprints in my house.

Though I feel like I'd get so deeply spooked either way. My brain would not go to g/t, it would immediately go to "Oh gosh we have a pest problem," or if the prints were distinctly human enough I'd straight up think there is some demon/monster/thing in the house or something.

There is a creature- the creature is not natural

I'm not an easily spooked person but things that go against my understanding of the world tend to genuinely unnerve me.

Even with my g/t brainrot that poor tiny would be getting jarred.

Live footage of me meeting a borrower for the first time at 3am thinking someone was breaking in

[entomolog-t]

Is this aedes?

My hand slipped 🤷‍♀️ whoopsie daisy.

[entomolog-t]

20) Would you rather cope with a sudden shrinking/growth spurt by yourself or with a random family member/friend?

OOOOH

I mean- I want to those ✨G/t interactions✨

But like- It would definitely depend on who

I love my family deeply and they are wonderful, but the idea of having to deal with a sudden change of size around them?? Hard pass.

But a group of friends??? Absolutely. Bring on the chaos of a band of idiots trying to get me out of the house before I destroy it- then the even bigger challenge of getting somewhere out of the public eye without causing too much trouble???

Ugh yes.

And like - the different reactions??

Like we all have one or two friends that would absolutely panic- and that one friend that would think it's the coolest thing ever?? The stupid arguments it would cause?

"How do you think this happened???"

"Magic?"

"What?? don't be stupid! There's gotta be something to explain-"

"Dude- She's 50ft tall. Its magic."

"Maybe she-"

"I bet she didn't tip at the coffee shop and got cursed."

[entomolog-t]

is there any reason u think small knights are kind of a common theme used in the g/t community? i’ve seen it used a few times and am a bit mystified by the coincidence

- 80

OOH Thats a good question!

I think theres lots of factors at play there- The main one I can think of off the top of my head goes as follows.

Subverted expectation

Charismatic Archetype

Easily "accessible" g/t premise

Symbolism

First off, its a great role reversal/subversion of expectations. Knights are seen as protectors, a beacon of strength and what have you, so making the knight small is an easy way to make something enticing to an audience since it defies expectation. This can be for comedic reasons, or angst ( or both). I think the biggest factor is going against the grain creates new avenues/perspectives to explore/thus high intrigue.

The second point is that knight are a fairly fun and charismatic archetype- their role is already exciting, and you don't necessarily need a lot of background knowledge to use the archetype to make a compelling story. So while prevalent in g/t media quite often, I think they are also quite prevalent in media as a whole (especially fandom), and would fall in the same "Charismatic Archetype Bin" as other such characters like witches, vampires, mafia bosses, pirates etc. Though I do think knights stand out particularly in g/t, which leads me to my next point-

Its an easily accessible g/t genre. Adding a g/t element can at times be difficult- Giants in a modern world usually mean a lot of question about world building pop up, as well as logistics. A knight setting is normally much more primitive, and often times has a fantastical or magical element, thus taking a lot of the "How can we make this work" leg work off the creator's shoulders.

Lastly I think Knights as a whole offer a lot of interesting symbolism. Certain aspects could be a combination of things such as strength, duty, loyalty, obedience, bravery, dedication etc... And those make for a very interesting character, especially when making that character small.

How do they handle losing/not being able to use their strength?

Does their sense of duty crumble in the face of someone so much larger than them? Does their bravery crumble ?

How do those traits look on someone so much smaller? Is it inspiring? Sad? Comical? Infuriating (A good ol combination is my favorite)

Whatever the case, knights act as a very clear symbol in both the cultural zeitgiest and within the unique perceptions of an individual. Its easy for one's mind to project particular feelings onto a symbol.

For example, someone who may highly value duty/responsibility could easily (both consciously or not) project those feelings onto a knight character. Making that character small could be a way to vent/explore the idea of ones responsibilities being overwhelmingly large, or as if you feel like you've lost the capacity to deal with them.

Another may write about others not viewing them as capable because of their size, despite having the skills and abilities of a knight- they just aren't seen seriously.

Knights offer a really loaded character archetype, especially in the G/t sphere, since the symbolism of both themselves as a knight and then the concept of being small can create such a variety of metaphors for the audience.

[entomolog-t]

How did you come up with entomolg/t? It kinda sounds like entomologist like the scientist who studies bugs.

That's exactly what it's after (more so- entomology + "tee").

I love entomology (the study of insects - which is a little ironic given that most of my "bug posting" is on spiders, which is technically a whole different branch of study - though practically the field will still shoehorn them in a lot of the time.)

I have a deep personal interest in inverts as a whole, and it was easy to slip in a little "g/t" reference.

The unintended bonus is it kinda sounds like a joke by implying tinys are bugs.

[entomolog-t]

Are there any other types of G/t stories you would like to make? Like other genres or something?

Oh Goodness- there are so many. I have quite the backlog of ideas I want to play around with, but I really want to write something to completion before starting on new ideas.

These are a few that I am committed to doing eventually.

These are all working "titles"/concepts

Measure of a Man : a shrinking story based off one of my prompt posts where there's a societal innovation to incorporate shrinking technology with the general public for highly specialized jobs, and general sustainability. A man trying to make ends meet for his family and do whats right takes on a specialized job that requires him undergoing shrinking. He doesn't like the idea, but is committed to giving everything for those he cares about. He doesn't anticipate the humiliation- he sacrifices so much of what he values in himself for others, yet find himself the butt of jokes, his previous authority dismissed, loses his ability to be physically there for those he cares about. A very angsty story of morality, duty, the exploration of masculinity, and finding ones place in the world.

How Tall is ___? : Another story based of one of my brainrot prompts. After a series of funny conversations, a group of friends realize none of them can agree on one of their friends heights. They eventually discover their friend has the ability to shrink/grow at will and uses for his own convenience. As of right now its just some silly dude bro slice of life comedy.

Cursed : [Redacted cause this is gonna be a massive project and I wanna keep it spoiler free]

Title pending : A story about an entomologist and their deaf intern stumbling onto a colony of fairies. Story splits into two distinct storylines as the pair get separated. Adventure romance with some shrinking

Title Pending: Possibly could just be an au, but - feral giants. Due to an unknown reason, people have suddenly started growing- but the transformation seems to be extremely traumatic, causing a lot of damage to higher thinking/functioning, leaving the giants relying mainly on instinct, vibes, memories. If the giant perceived you as a threat when they were human, they may act out in fear or aggression, and have become a significant threat to society. They are essentially very large an dangerous animals, with moderate intelligence.

Title Pending: I WANNA DO SOMETHING WITH BULLY/NERD +SHRINKING SO BAD.

One Missed Call: Gonna keep this vague cause the meet cute on this is gonna be juicy. Borrower. Terf war. Mad Max semi sci-fi.

Theres a few more, but I wanna keep those to myself for now until I have a better idea of how I wanna write them.

I'd like to aim for finishing a fic every year, but that may be lofty. We shall see. I have so much I want to write and it just keeps piling up😭

[entomolog-t]

Dude, I think I would be amazing friends with sal If he was a real person, and here's three reasons why,

1! I'm outside alot and get covered in mud and huckle buckles alot (except I actually shower regularly)

2! I love torturing Germophobes by walking into the house dirty.

3! I love his hair.

I FEEL YOU 😭 I relate to Sal a little too much.

Also! First time hearing them called huckle buckles (I love that!!) I can't remember what I used to call them (its dog-something, because if you take your dog out hunting they always come back covered in it)- but I recently learned they're called burdock.

Also that have me a wonderful idea

Sal is not a fan.

(In cannon reason he's shirtless??)

ALSO

I'm glad theres appreciation for his mullet-hawk 😭

[entomolog-t]

Idk if you’re still doing this psychoanalysis stuff but-

Still kinda new to the gt stuff but I noticed something that others haven’t brought up much that I absolutely adore. Size shifters! With size shifters dynamics between characters can fluctuate depending on if they go tiny or giant which is perfect for me since I’m indecisive lol. One of the things that appeals to me specifically is if the size shifter may not have a full handle on their ability or if it’s new to them, panicking as they look around for someone who could help, someplace to hide, etc. maybe causing a little collateral damage in the process. Maybe they try to keep it secret, seeing the ability as something dangerous or unnatural.

Then when throwing other people into the mix-

Someone the shifter trusts or someone they don’t know who they inadvertently they bond with from the encounter finds them in such a state. The person tries to play it cool for the shifters sake as their mind is going a mile a minute, trying to think of a way that the shifter can return to a normal size or at least calm down.

I got size shifters on the brain too anon 💕

Time to analyze this further-

Size shifters as an archetype have a clear tie to change. Shifting perspectives and dynamics, as well as power and control.

It can show indecisiveness sure, but depending on how its portrayed it can show a wide range of interesting topics- strong emotions, internal balance, high energy/excitability, uncertainty etc..

With size shifters in particular I think the context is crucial to getting a clear overall sense of your internal environment.

For example, a highly controlled size shifter that changes their size dynamically, for convenience and self expression, would likely imply a large personality and a desire for excitement and self expression. Comfortability in either side of the spectrum nods to self assuredness and confidence.

Now if you took that same person and made them shift emotionally, that changes the perspective drastically, nodding to feelings of a lack of control over emotions, perhaps a desire for those emotions to be seen and acknowledged. Rather than confidence, this nods to a lack of feeling in control of ones self, uncertainty, and personal disjointedness.

And even within the levels of control and emotional shifting there are key differences. An emotional shifter may typically never shrink, and is always in control of their emotions, so when they do shrink those feelings are poignant, and rather than a lack of control, they may signify a need for their emotions to be seen.

Its also important to analyze what drives the growth or shrinking. Shrinking is typically associated with feelings of vulnerability- which often times is portrayed alongside negative emotions. However there are various portrayals where shrinking may be more positively associated (the vulnerability we feel when we are flustered, comfortable, in love, and safe. Shrinking because ones needs are met and there is no need to have to feel big). Growth can also be negative- the feeling of being monstrous, being seen by many, being dangerous/out of control etc. How one associates the emotions to the sizes can be extremely telling of ones own internal environment.

With that rather extensive preamble out of the way, lets analyze your particular example.

"the size shifter may not have a full handle on their ability or if it’s new to them, panicking as they look around for someone who could help, someplace to hide, etc. maybe causing a little collateral damage in the process. Maybe they try to keep it secret, seeing the ability as something dangerous or unnatural."

I've gone and highlighted some key things of note. Firstly, we see a lack of knowledge/skill in the shifter - ie feelings of lack of control. This lack of control is directed inward at oneself. Said lack of control is causing fear/stress/anxiety as seen in the need to hide, and looking for help. What I found particularly interesting is the "causing collateral damage" implying that this is a growth scenario. With a growth scenario and the need to hide there is a very clear image that comes to mind of being essentially stuck in the open- too large to hide oneself and fearing being seen- and if we circle back to the beginning of this analysis, we see that said fear is linked to a lack of control.

So one could interpret this as symbolism for fearing that others will see you lose control.

This does not directly imply emotionally - loss of control can mean failure (losing control of the situation, not being able to manage one's responsibilities, being seen when we are vulnerable etc...). This draws me back once again to Collateral Damage.

Theres nothing in the scenario that suggests it was done out of anger, frustration etc... and I would go out on a limb to assume its accidental damage- making a mistake.

Our previous analysis then becomes- Fear of others seeing you mess up.

This is further exemplified by the wanting help, needing to hide, wanting to keep it a secret- all pushing the theme that one is afraid of others seeing them make mistakes.

The language of dangerous and unnatural may even hint at these mistakes being tied to social mistakes- with unnatural in particular hinting at the idea of not adhering to the status quo. Though this is more so grasping given that it could just as easily be a normal reaction to seeing size change and is just a stand in for other negative perceptions.

The later half of this trope/fantasy is very intriguing.

"Someone the shifter trusts or someone they don’t know who they inadvertently they bond with from the encounter finds them in such a state. The person tries to play it cool for the shifters sake as their mind is going a mile a minute, trying to think of a way that the shifter can return to a normal size or at least calm down."

Note how the language chosen was not someone who trusts the shifter, but someone the shifter trusts. The shifter themselves is scared, and it is them who has a need to feel safe- be it from someone they already trust or someone they have bonded with. The stranger who they bond with is worthwhile making note of. Bonding during an encounter suggests this person is open and accepting to a degree, or that the shifter themselves is charismatic enough to make someone understand them.

The first option likely suggests a desire to be accepted and understood as one is, though the second may imply a hope that one's values/personality/character shines through their mistakes, and that their own nature is good, but misunderstood.

Playing it cool for the shifters sake is quite interesting language as well. They aren't playing it cool for their ego (their own sake) but instead for the shifter. This seems to suggest that the situation is serious/important but they are willing to let their own feelings (implied with heart racing/fear) take a bake seat in order to prioritize those of the shifter (looking for a solution).

All in all this fantasy seems to be symbolic of a fear of others seeing one mess up and the subconscious seems to have projected a desire for those one cares about to be understanding and caring born out of genuine care/affection for the individual, as well as a longing for help from others.

Further analysis of the individual helping the shifter could have subconscious projection of either who the mind may associate with wanting help from, or the traits you may associate with being in control.

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I quite enjoyed our session today. Please feel free to book another session with the secretary at your earliest convenience.

Until next time.

[entomolog-t]

Hi, how are you doing today?

Do you have any advice for anyone new to the gt community

(I'm actually a little to ask since it is my first time talking about it. I did send an anonymous scenario here since I was nervous to ask it and it made me smile seeing it)

Well first off- Welcome!

I'm going to be honest, it can feel a bit quiet at first getting into the community. When I first started posting years ago it felt like I was just throwing stuff into a void hoping someone would shout back.

And eventually they did.

The more I started interacting with others the more connections I made in the community- commenting on stuff I liked, dming creators, reblogging with goofy tags, making silly memes, the more people began engaging with my content as well.

I think the two best ways to feel the enjoyment of the community are to engage with others, and create an avenue for others to engage with you as well! Its such a small community that any form of engagement is usually a lot for creators here (even extremely popular creators don't typically have more than 10 comments). The silverlining to such a small community is that theres not a huge barrier to making friends.

That can be writing or art sure- but silly little shitposts, memes, prompts, or even just questions are things that people like to interact with! I think the posts that get most engagement from myself are my lil "g/t brainrot" scenarios - which is just me half writing scenarios I get fixated on a lot, which I'll leave vague enough that others can feel free to use the idea.

My last piece of advice is no matter what you do, make it a space that works for you. You don't have to interact with anyone you don't feel comfortable with, don't let yourself feel pressured to create continuous content, etc.

I've seen lots of individuals come and go over the years over a myriad of things- and I think a lot of that can be mitigated by keeping your blog a fun place for you.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE COMMUNITY!