#Desktop Cleanup

[glowettee]

✧ preparing for next semester series (7/12): digital organization dreams ✧

hi angels, digital organization is sooo important nowadays especially since now most schools + universities/colleges require devices and laptops for students to use. so here's a little guide for digital organization for your academics! <3

essential digital organization:

folder structure:

semester folder

subject subfolders

assignment folders

resource folders

archive system

file naming convention:

date_subject_assignment

class_topic_version

project_draft_number

reading_chapter_notes

homework_week_number

cloud storage setup:

google drive

dropbox

onedrive

icloud

backup system

app organization:

study apps folder

productivity apps

note-taking apps

calendar apps

communication apps

digital maintenance:

weekly backup

monthly cleanup

organize downloads

update apps

clear cache

note:

consistent naming

regular backups

easy navigation

clean desktop

organized bookmarks

pro tip: create a digital dashboard in notion or your preferred app to access everything quickly!

sweet thoughts, mindy x

p.s. what's your favorite organization app? let me know! ✨

[copperbadge]

Migrating Off Evernote

Evernote, a web-based notes app, recently introduced super-restrictive controls on free accounts, after laying off a number of staff and introducing AI features, all of which is causing a lot of people to migrate off the platform. I haven't extensively researched alternative sites, so I can't offer a full resource there (readers, feel free to drop your alternative sites in notes or reblogs), but because I have access to OneNote both in my professional and personal life, I decided to migrate my Evernote there.

I use them for very different things -- Evernote I use exclusively as a personal fanfic archive, because it stores fics I want to save privately both as full-text files and as links. OneNote I have traditionally used for professional purposes, mainly for taking meeting notes and storing information I need (excel formulas, how-tos for things I don't do often in our database, etc). But while Evernote had some nicer features it was essentially a OneNote clone, and OneNote has a webclipper, so I've created an account with OneNote specifically to store my old Evernote archive and any incoming fanfic I want to archive in future.

Microsoft discontinued the tool that it offered for migrating Evernote to OneNote directly, but research turned up a reliable and so-far trustworthy independent tool that I wanted to share. You export all your Evernote notebooks as ENEX files, then download the tool and unzip it, open the exe file, and import the ENEX one by one on a computer where you already have the desktop version of OneNote installed. I had no problem with the process, although some folks with older systems might.

I suspect I might need to do some cleanup post-import but some of that is down to how Evernote fucked around with tags a while ago, and so far looking through my notes it appears to have imported formatting, links, art, and other various aspects of each clipped note without a problem. I also suspect that Evernote will not eternally allow free users to export their notebooks so if nothing else I'd back up your notebooks to ENEX or HTML files sooner rather than later.

I know the number of people who were using Free Evernote and have access to OneNote is probably pretty small, but if I found it useful I thought others might too.

[coolchulainn]

desktop sketch cleanup part 2. that first one was gonna be for a zine but I couldn't make the deadline so it's just been sitting around. it's been so long since I regularly drew any version of him but I never fully gave up the habit

[elderscrollsconceptart]

Some users on PC have an issue where the Oblivion Remaster shader compilation is not completing.

The game may crash during shader compilation and if you relaunch the game, you can play, but stutters and FPS issues will be worse than if you had successfully compiled shaders. Shader compilation cannot be automatically re-ran so you need to force your PC to restart the compilation.

Here are the steps I took to "fix" this issue:

1. Roll back your Nvidia GPU drivers to 572.83

If you have an AMD GPU, I believe AMD released an updated driver for Oblivion Remastered that should mean no driver rollback is needed.

2. Delete your shader cache via the Disk cleanup windows program

3. Cut/paste this file OUT of this folder path:

steamapps\common\Oblivion Remastered\Engine\Plugins\Marketplace\nvidia\DLSS\Streamline\Binaries\ThirdParty\Win64\sl.pcl.dll

I personally dropped it into a desktop folder so I have it saved somewhere. Just make sure this file is NOT in that folder path anymore.

4. Delete Oblivion.ini from this location:

\steamapps\common\Oblivion Remastered\OblivionRemastered\Content\Dev\ObvData\Oblivion.ini

5. Open Oblivion Remastered and shader compilation should now begin.

If all went well the shader compilation should complete (may take a long time) and you should notice *some* improvements to stuttering as shader are now fully compiled.

Make sure you re select your graphics settings as they will have reverted to default. See below for my personal settings and performance notes. 👇

---

Next part is how I personally went from ~40fps outdoors to a solid 60fps average with occasional dips to 50fps at the lowest.

Caveat I have a high end PC, play on a 4k TV and don't play above 60fps. Your Milage may vary as everyone has their own hardware setup and graphical preferences.

---

1. Make sure your game is installed on SSD. Game just runs alot better on SSD and even warns you to make sure its installed on one.

2. FPS lock/VSync. If you need Vsync to play games like I do. Turn OFF the in-game VSYNC and force VSYNC ON in Nvidia control panel. IDK how AMD gpus work but id imagine you'd use AMDs version of control panel to do the same.

Set the FPS limit to 60fps (or whatever your preference) in the in-game settings. This can also be done instead in the Nvidia control panel so if you set the limit there, be sure to NOT have a limit set in-game settings.

3. DLSS of some kind is a must for most games these days. Especially if playing with Ray Tracing (as you can note below)

Set DLSS to either performance (looks worse, runs better), Quality (looks better, runs a bit worse), or DLAA (looks alot better but most performance hit out of all DLSS settins).

Use FSR if you are on an AMD GPU.

4. DLSS Frame Generation. This literally will give you like 10+ FPS. BUUUTT it gives you CRAZY input lag. Make sure if you use this you also set NVIDIA Reflex to Enabled+Boost. For me this game me the free 10+fps while eliminating the input lag almost entirely.

Note: If you use Frame Generation you will notice the menus in-game have a weird flutter/lag. Beyond this tho the issues are minimal.

If you use AMD GPUs make sure to use the FSR/FSR Frame Generation/XeSS options as these are AMDs versions of the NVIDIA options i discussed above

I know alot of ppl play on different hardware in general so to summarize the graphics settings:

Turn off VYSNC in game and force it via your GPU control panel. Use frame generation and DLSS/FSR as specified above. If your settings don't give you the performance you want, roll them back bit by bit.

ALSO: This may be relevant but as a precaution, make any major graphics settings changes *FROM THE MAIN MENU* After you make the changes, exit and restart the game. Sometimes the changes don't work if you make them while you have a save loaded + don't restart the game.

Hope this all helps at least somebody out there. Send asks or DM if you need any clarification, and remember, Milage may vary so experiment with your settings as needed.

[3liza]

i had some sort of Episode the past few days (physical illness, not mental) which culminated as usual in some kind of highly unpleasant fever series and bulk sweating operation accompanied by symptoms of ketosis even though i'm not starving, my eyesight is really bad, i cant really focus my eyes much during these spells . no i dont know what's wrong with me, yes i have many doctors who also dont know or care, let's all move on!!! anyway i can sort of see a little better now

TODO LIST DECEMBER 13-14 2024

[ X ] take meds

[ X ] use timers

[ X ] put guaifenesin into pillbox and take one

[ X ] eat something

[ X ] put meds and food in phone

[ X ] let dog on patio

[ X ] dog snack

[ X ] dog walk :)

[ X ] feed dog dinner

[ o ] close dead tabs desktop

[ X ] clean kitchen sink

[ X ] launder fleece dog blanket

[ X ] water philodendron

[ X ] pay storage unit bill (it WAS overdue >:I )

[ X ] re-check current web project cleanup list, send

[ ] check Apollo vape refund because I don't think they actually refunded me enough. the ENTIRE order was fucked up

[ o ] clean out and re organize house basket

[ ] move bird of paradise plant (i think this plant might be done for, if i'm feeling up to it i'm going to dump the soil because i think it was too dry, and now it's too wet, and it's obviously just miserable. i hate plastic pots)

[ ] buy shipping labels

[ ] reschedule allergist(?) phone call to monday with alarm (today's alarm just didn't work, missed business hours)

[ ] email commission inquiry about update on delay/supply chain issue, new timeline for fulfillment

[ X ] clean sneakers for sale

[ ] photograph sneakers

[ ] put sneakers up on Nextdoor, FB

[sarasa-cat]

Love it when I am cleaning up desktop files and I find a folder called desktop cleanup may 2024. Inside it is a bunch of shit plus a folder called desktop cleanup aug 2023. Inside it is more shit plus a folder called desktop cleanup nov 2022. Etc etc etc going back back back.

[palomahasenteredthechat]

Vic stares out the window, her fingers drumming on the desktop as the patter of raindrops splash against the window. The light outside has reverted to that typical wintry London gray, where the slate of the skies perfectly matches the dull concrete below.

Vic closes her eyes and for a moment thinks of summer, of Pimm's and lemonade on the veranda, soft breezes-

"He's on line two," the intern's voice jars her from her reverie.

Vic clears her throat and picks up the phone, firmly pressing button 2 as if that will set the tone for the conversation.

"Yes, hello, is this...Enty?"

"Yeah," responds the man on the other end. Americans. Always so rushed. Vic wonders if he's in the car, it seems like every time she speaks to someone in Los Angeles they're driving somewhere.

"Yes, thanks for taking our call. I promise I won't take up too much of your time. It's about several items you have received that are about one of our clients-"

"If I had a nickel for every time a publicist called to tell me I'm going to hell, I would own a yacht. I post everything, I put up a disclaimer, and I don't take things down. Sorry, my blog, my rules."

"Yes, well, it seems that several of the blinds are actually written by, er, disgruntled fans, and not actual-"

The man's laughter blasts through the connection, and Vic can only hold the phone slightly away from her ear as his chuckles ricochet around the cab of his no doubt expensive vehicle.

"Sorry, give me a second, turning left...that's the funniest shit I have heard all week. Your fans are submitting blinds?"

"I'm sure you can imagine that it's highly inappropriate to post such submissions."

"Inappropriate? It's a gossip site. I make more money from that fucker than my day job. It's entertainment. If your client is so thin-skinned he can't handle it he needs to get out of the business."

Vic closes her eyes and takes a deep, cleansing breath. "Yes, well, all I'm trying to say is please just use a modicum of discretion when posting these blinds moving forward."

Enty chuckles again. "Not the first time I've been the cleanup crew for a shit deal."

Vic flushes bright crimson. "Yes, well, thanks, have a good weekend." She presses the phone firmly back in its place, breaking the connection.

The intern peeks meekly around the door. "Do you need anything else?"

Vic rubs the bridge of her nose. "I need you to fly to America and stab someone."

The intern nods and slowly approaches, holding the steaming cup of Oolong tea. Vic accepts it gratefully. "Thanks. You're learning."

[satureja13]

Let's say from clicking on 'PLAY' in the EA App (or else) until you enter the lot where your sims live and you're ready to play.

If you want you can add on what kind of device you play and if you play with mods and/or CC and (roughly) how many of the packs you own.

I remember when I wanted to play Sims 3, I clicked on 'play', then started to make and had breadfast and then I did some stuff and after 30 to 45 minutes we were ready to play (with mods and cc and all the packs and almost the whole store, oh my!)

I play on an old Windows 7 desktop computer without mods and CC and all the packs and it takes 3 minutes to load until I am ingame. It also depends on the lot.

It takes one minute to the main menu. Another 30 seconds to the map and then again 1 minute 30 seconds until I'm at the (usually very stuffed) lot ^^'

And it's a bit faster after the monthly backup and cleanup routine when I moved the saves and screenshots to the harddisk.

[woohoojuicesimoleons2]

Okay, so I think I have an answer on the disappearing mods folder.

*I recently updated my desktop’s operating system, a day before the folder vanished.

*The only folder deleted was the mods folder which contains the larger merged files

*The folder is completely wiped from the hard drive and people have used apps like Recuva to recover their files, but since I had everything backed up and some merged files backed up as well I just decided to remerge everything, and do a CC cleanup while I’m at it.

Conclusion:

Windows Updates can delete folders containing large files

this is a Windows software issue that dates back to the Windows 7 OS. All you can do is to make sure everything is backed up before updating your system. Good thing is this type of issue is pretty rare.

[yamicsoftwindowsrepair]

Desktop Cleanup with Windows Manager by Yamicsoft

Keeping your desktop organized and clutter-free is vital for both productivity and system performance. Yamicsoft’s Windows Manager offers a robust desktop cleanup tool designed to streamline your workspace and optimize your system.

Why Choose Windows Manager for Desktop Cleanup?

Efficient Organization: Automatically sort files into designated folders based on type, date, or custom rules.

Space Optimization: Identify and remove unnecessary shortcuts, duplicates, and temporary files cluttering your desktop.

Customizable Layouts: Personalize your desktop arrangement to suit your workflow.

Enhanced Performance: Free up system resources by clearing unnecessary desktop items, improving startup times and overall responsiveness.

Key Features:

Auto File Management: Categorize and relocate files seamlessly.

Duplicate Finder: Detect and eliminate duplicate files taking up space.

Shortcut Cleaner: Remove broken or outdated shortcuts.

User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design for users of all technical levels.

Benefits:

Improved productivity with a clean, organized workspace.

Faster access to important files and applications.

Enhanced system performance and reduced clutter.

Take control of your desktop today with Yamicsoft’s Windows Manager. Say goodbye to chaos and hello to efficiency!

Visit Yamicsoft for more information and a free trial.

[venusmage]

FAQ Post!

I've gotten a good amount of repeat questions the past few years and thought I'd make an FAQ. No need to RB or anything, this is going to go in my pinned post!

I still always happily will take questions, this is just for folks who might want to just find the answer without going through the extra effort. These are mostly about art and TTRPGs :)

ART STUFF

Can I crosspost your art to other sites?

Yes, as long as credit is given to me in some way!

What brushes/programs/hardware do you use?

Almost all of my regularly used brushes come from either Retro Supply or True Grit Texture Supply! I'm not sponsored or affiliated, just really like the quality of their products. They have sales fairly frequently and I've never had any complaints. I also use quite a few products by Ittai Manero.

Right now I primarily work in Procreate on an iPad Pro. Procreate is my favorite art program and I'm quietly hoping they eventually make a desktop version.

I very recently also got an XPPen Deco 01 V2. Partially because there's some art programs on desktop I want to learn (Aseprite, Blender) or programs that have superior desktop versions as compared to mobile (ClipStudio). I'm also teaching some grade-schoolers digital art and wanted to have the same kind of tablet as them (I haven't used a screenless tablet for over half a decade). As of right now I'm very happy with it! For the price it's an easy recommendation.

I mainly use ClipStudio in this instance, and the brushes linked above both also support the program (aside from Manero). However there's a huge user-base that upload free assets constantly that makes ClipStudio so great. I especially like painting in it for some reason!

What's your opinion on AI art?

I don't like it, obviously, but I get how people who lack the context and education on why it's bad wouldn't get it. I also think that some other artists fearmonger a little too hard regarding it and it has the unintended effect of making the situation and it's nuances even harder to understand. I talked about it here.

Did you go to art school? Would you recommend it?

I did, I have a BFA in illustration and graduated from CCAD in 2018. Every art school is unique and my experience with art school and the benefit it gave me is VERY different from how I believe it may be for others. As of right now I think there's a lot of good cheaper online resources than private art education in general. I did have a wonderful time there though, and it's availability helped me eventually escape a domestic abuse situation - so my feelings are a bit complicated.

Do you have a dream art job?

I'd love to be a college-level art teacher. Funny I know, considering I just said art school isn't always worth it. I just deeply enjoy the craft and discussion surrounding art in general. I'm tempted to make art videos one day to scratch that itch.

What's your favorite/least favorite part of the drawing process?

I hate sitting down and getting the sketch started (hello ADHD...) And flatting. Linework/sketch cleanup and finishing details for color are where it's at for me.

What made you interested in art?

My grandfather was a painter, sculptor, and stained glass maker. He will always be one of my biggest inspirations. In terms of media, there's a ton - but I started internalizing art as a skill after seeing the Shivering Isles DLC concept art by Adam Adamowicz. I started appreciating how art can be weird and beautiful and whatever you want after reading Evan Dahm's Rice Boy (and the rest of his work). I also had a particularly beautiful book cover for A Wrinkle in Time by Leo and Diane Dillon when I was little and their art rewired my brain chemistry. At the time I said Adamowicz was my most impactful inspiration but on reflection I really do think it's the Dillons. I talked a little about it here.

(2023-24) Commissions haven't been updated in a while. Can I get some more information as to why?

I have a post here about it! If you're one of my clients, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any further issues. I apologize for the delay and am more than happy to work out something with you if you're unhappy with the wait. I'd advise messaging me here or on discord - the latter of which is linked in the post.

TTRPG/DND STUFF

What system is your DnD game running?

I'm running my game using a modified 5e ruleset. 5e happened to just be the first TTRPG system I learned and I also really enjoy Forgotten Realms as a setting - though I take extensive liberties with both. I'll probably be moving away from WoTC's products and the system after this campaign, though. I already change lore so much the setting has a lot of differences.

What materials do you use in your DnD game? Do you play online or in person?

As much as I'd adore to get to play IRL with my friends at some point, our game is currently online. For our current campaign I recently made the switch from Roll20 to Foundry VTT. If you're an online exclusive DM and have the money to buy the one time license, I would recommend it!

A list of what I use to run my current game:

Foundry VTT

Discord (A custom server for Voice Chatting/Private DMs/Memes and art sharing/Scheduling)

Epic Isometric (On Patreon. Digital isometric maps and tokens. Have been using them since at least 2020 if not earlier. Will be making tutorial videos soon!)

The Dungeon Sketcher (Also on Patreon. Also isometric maps and tokens. The artist frequents Epic Isometric's discord server where we all share custom assets we've made, too. His stuff blends in pretty seamlessly with EpicIso)

Vile Tiles by Gabriel Pickard (Found on the Roll20 marketplace, but you can use the assets in any VTT. For theater of the mind and RP backgrounds)

Artstation (Our game is not streamed, so I tend to use backgrounds I source from concept artists for RP backgrounds. If you stream a game, obviously always ask the creators of your assets if you can use them.)

Procreate/An art program (I draw the PC/NPC portraits for our game myself)

Milanote/Any note-taking method (Milanote is just what I use to plan the game, since I already use it for other hobbies and commissions as well.)

Do you stream your game? Is there someplace I can find out more about it? Are you looking for players?

I am not looking for players! Our game is also not recorded or streamed - mostly because I'd get some serious DM stage-fright. I also like it being a relaxing experience for myself and my friends where we're performing for ourselves, instead of with the pressure of a potential audience.

However, I do have a toyhou.se world where information on the game is available - including session recaps! If I ever get the time I also want to draw fun comics and little animations of what happens because my friends are very inspiring to me and DMing has quickly become a favorite hobby.

You can also search the words "Seven Asunder" on this blog and you'll find relevant posts here.

Can I use your art/assets/ideas in my own game?

I can't really stop you. If it's not recorded, streamed or monetized and you're not saying you created anything I made yourself, I legitimately don't care! This even includes using character art I've made. I just would like to politely request you don't post any of it publicly to avoid confusion and to respect my players - many of the NPCs in my games are also characters they create and I cannot give permission for them (obviously). It also would kind of suck to see one of my own beloved characters supposedly "belonging" to someone else.

Essentially, I understand taking inspiration and having "placeholder" images/artwork for characters in a game. Not all of us have time or resources to have custom art! Just don't take one of my or my players' OC's designs and start saying they're yours publicly , pretty please :)

Once commissions are over and I find the spare time, I intend to release free-to-use (personally and for streaming) art packs for folks' games. I also highly recommend the patreons I linked above.

[tngrayson]

Tuesday

A/N: A little something I found during a desktop cleanup. This is OLD, but I thought I’d post it anyway.

Pairing: Sam x reader

Warning: Angsty

Word Count: 650

Summary: Sam just loves Tuesdays (Sarcasm)

________

“Wake up, Sammy. It’s Tuesday,” you say, leaning down to kiss his cheek to wake him gently.

Sam wraps his arms around you, pulling you closer and sighing contentedly. “Morning.”

“Is that…bacon?”

You can’t help the smile that spreads across your face. “Yep,” you answer, popping the p. “Come on, Jody’s making breakfast.”

Jody had asked the three of you to come to Sioux Falls yesterday evening. You were all packed up and heading over before she could even tell you why she wanted you there, and when you finally arrived in the middle of the night, she had insisted that you all get some rest first.

You and Sam joined Dean and Jody in her kitchen. The boys sat at the table, Dean with his coffee, and Sam with the smoothie Jody handed him as soon as he walked in. While you helped Jody put the final touches on breakfast, Asia’s ‘Heat of the Moment’ comes on. Dean snatches up his phone to change the song. “Sorry, Sammy.”

Sam grimaces, briefly remembering the torture that Gabriel put him through all those years ago.

“So, Jody, why’d you call us over here? Got a case for us?”

The doorbell rings suddenly, pulling everyone’s attention for a moment. “That’d be Bobby,” Jody mentions.  

“I got it,” you say, putting down the knife you were holding to run and answer the door.

Sam gets up, grabbing your arm before you can leave the kitchen. He pulls you close, taking his time to breathe in your scent. “Don’t get that.”

You laugh, a little confused. “Why? It’s just Bobby-“

“It’s not Bobby.” Sam’s words have an odd sense of truth and finality to them, but you make to answer the door anyway. Sam grabs your arm again, hard enough to hurt this time. “Please.”

Dean and Jody tense, uncomfortable with Sam’s sudden shift in behavior. Dean’s voice sounds like a threat. “Sam…”

Sam realizes what he’s done and jerks his hand away from you as if your skin were searing hot against his own. Absently, you rub your arm where he grabbed you. The doorbell rings again, and Sam bites his lip in anticipation. Bracing himself for what’s on the other side.

“Okay, consider me spooked, Sammy. What the Hell’s going on?”

He spares a glance at Jody and Dean in the kitchen. They’re completely still; frozen in time. For some reason, you haven’t noticed.

“It’s a Demon.”

“You sure it’s not just Bobby? I mean, Jody just said-“

“I’m positive.”

“What else are you positive about, Sammy?”

“It’s gonna kill you,” he finally breaths.

The doorbell rings again, and you hear Bobby. “You idjits gonna let me in or not?”

Sam shudders at the sound, and a solitary tear slips down his face. He gives you this terrified look that almost breaks your heart right there on the spot. “Don’t answer it,” he practically begs, “Don’t let it in this time.”

“This time?”

Sam nods. Every morning, I wake up here. Jody’s making breakfast, that god awful song comes on, that thing comes to the door…and it kills you.”

“Like the Mystery Spot?” you ask.

“Worse. I don’t always wake up as soon as it happens. Sometimes it’s the end of the day, or the next two days. Whenever I naturally fall asleep.

“Gabriel’s dead, the world isn’t ending, I’ve prayed to everything I can, and I’ve tried to make deals. Nothing changes it.”

“How many times have I…”

“Too many,” he says, looking down at you. “I can’t—don’t make me do this again,” he pleads.

“I have to,” you say, walking to the door. Your hand touches the knob and-

“Sammy!” Dean’s standing next to his bed in the bunker. Sam finally comes to in a cold sweat. As he calms down from the nightmare, he looks around the room and the only sign you were ever there is the photo on the bedside table. Reality sets in and Sam remembers that you died years ago.

“I still miss her too.” Dean says, reminiscing as he picks up the photo.

[magnoliamyrrh]

okay. got something like 40 gb freed up finally cleaned the desktop got shit which was broken working again got the video drivees updated and ill run a system cleanup later probably. i should uhhhh get dressed and go shopping but my knees hurt like a bitch and my head and eyes are fuzzy probably from switching earlier

[coolchulainn]

irregularly scheduled desktop sketch cleanup. i meant to polish these sometime but i switched art programs since then so its probably not happening

[vanillabat99]

Longpost Life Update!!

Queue is empty, haven't had much on the dash that I felt like putting in there lately!! It's probably time for a dash cleanup, unfollowing inactive blogs and such. That's something I will do on desktop soon!!

I've been spending my days sleeping and watching shows with my Beautiful Wife, sometimes playing games. Whenever I try to put my sleep schedule back to normal there's something I have to be up early for and it throws it all off again. Very frustrating. Things have been fairly uneventful otherwise! I'm still experiencing the heart thing, but as I have exhausted my healthcare possibilities and the conclusion was that it is psychological, I am simply dealing with it ._.

I have a meeting coming up to go over AISH paperwork before I submit anything, which is very exciting!! I will likely have to apply again since my social worker, doctor, and therapist have told me they almost always deny the first one. Medications and therapy are very expensive, and I'm still trying to find funding assistance for a proper wheelchair.

Monday I have an intake for community support groups/activities (I have to be up at 8AM which is hellish for me) and I hope to get into their art program!! I really want to spend more time making art, and I would love to meet some people and get out of the house more often.

I have lots of art projects in the works, and many of them require skills and materials I do not currently have, so I have plenty of work to do!! My current priority is finishing up a card for my Beautiful Wife and finally sending it to them!! My other projects are quite large and will require consulting with various people in my life on how to best approach and execute my visions :3

Choir starts up again in the fall and I am so excited to go back!! Weekly rehearsals gave me so much structure, and it's at night which works great for my sleep schedule!! We got a preview of our setlists at our director's dinner party last month. Most of them are good but there's a couple that are so bad they're funny and I really hope we can convince her to maybe put those ones back on the shelf >_<

I'm preparing to go on a trip in either December or May (depends on finances) to see my Beautiful Wife!! It will be my first time traveling on my own, so I have lots to sort out. My first hurdle is making a plan for the airport!! I have lots of people helping me, and I am so so so determined to make this happen!!!

Haven't been blogging much due to all of the above, but I am still here :3 A family friend is going through some mental health stuff right now, so my attention is primarily focused on that. Thanks for reading this wall of text, and for sticking around so long!! Hope you're all doing well 💕💕💕

[draconicdeityarts]

Hey there! I love you’re semi realistic, semi cartoonish art style bro! I hope you don’t mind me asking but what software/mediums do you use? I am trying to work on my lighting and shadows and textures but I have no clue how artists like you achieve such detail

First off- thank you so much! I truly appreciate it. And second- oh my goodness I am so sorry for how long this ask has sat in my inbox! I hope some of this can still help you :’D

As far as software goes, I’m almost exclusively working in procreate as of late. There’s plenty of great programs- if you need something free and desktop based, I highly recommend Krita. I have a few brushes from different packs that I often default to. You can see them all and links to said packs through this answer I gave to someone asking about my brushes earlier:

As far as detail in my work goes, that’s just through a loooot of practice and doodles and drawings. I’ve been drawing since I could pick up a pencil, so I’ve had a lot of time to figure out the way I like to do things- but even then I have so much to learn!

I do, however, work in many traditional forms of media as well! I haven’t done so as much lately since digital doesn’t require cleanup, but I honestly believe that working in traditional for my entire life up until 5 or so years ago has a hand in how I approach things digitally as well. I’ve done pen and marker illustration, pencil and colored pencil, acrylic painting, as well as 3D work. I’ve worked in a lot of media and I want to get around to trying as much as I can when I have the energy to! If you have questions specifically about what traditional media I use or work with let me know!

When it comes to improving on rendering, doing small studies of images you really like the lighting in helps a lot for me. Learning how to break light in a photo down to simple, blocky shapes helps to figure out getting an initial layer down to refine later when doing full pieces! When rendering a character, especially if drawing something that isn’t in a scene, I always recommend marking out the direction the light is coming from as well as color of the light before even starting, so that you can determine where highlights and shadows would be placed in an initial blockout. Keep in mind there’s different kinds of light in a piece- I would recommend looking into tutorials about direct light, indirect light, reflected light, etc to get a better feel for how it works- while I do my best, I don’t think I am quite skilled enough to explain those nuances.

When approaching most textures, especially unfamiliar ones, references are my best friend always. It might be a good idea to just do test sheets/practice making the textures that would be useful to you on occasion! And in the end, textures also tie into lighting as well, since a lot of what makes textures super distinct is how light hits them, especially when it comes to things like metal. It may be a bit of a hot take, but in a lot of cases I tend to avoid a lot of digital texture/object brushes, especially those meant to simulate natural textures like leaves, and I do those textures manually instead. I just personally like having more control over those shapes and feel it looks better when each texture is made intentionally by hand! Sometimes I do use texture brushes especially for backgrounds, abstract work or subtle layers, especially if I’m working on something very fast, but it’s not my first choice. However I do know there’s plenty of artists who use texture brushes in ways that look great, so that’s just personal preference. :)

I do apologize it took me so long to respond! But if you have any specific questions, my dms are open and I want to start replying to y’all more!