#EATS YOU AND ABSORBS YOUR ART SKILLS

[tw1nkee28]

ueueueue than k you so much ue u e eue eue ueue i adored drawing your guy because i really wanted to draw him for a whileeeee so im SO HAPPY YOU LOVE IT! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! i can't tahnk u enough oh my g

also u're right i should've given him an absolute du- i mean

i will get to that benjamin drawing one day... uhhh... *checks watch* one day is in 58859273657273 years tho (/j/j/j i will draw him soon that is a Promise. 👁👁)

*me waiting patiently for my Benjamin drawings ⬆️*

EHEHHEHE I'm so very normal and am being so so so patient I swear. But I am very glad you enjoyed drawing him! I definitely enjoyed eating your art :3

GRGRGRG I will eat you if you call me Twinkle again tho 👁️👁️ And you absolutely should have given him that du-💥💥💥💥 *explodes into oblivion and continues taking 19653728 years to answer asks*

[koboldfactory]

Do you have any tips for drawing different body types? I find that mine end up looking too generic and androgynous

Sure I have a few pointers!

- Main thing is always look at references. Be that actual like anatomy models or whatever or just other people’s art with a wider range of body types. It’s important to absorb skills from folks doing the stuff you wanna draw! Not saying you’ve gotta like memorize all of the exact shapes and placements of muscle groups. Just look at things and compare them to what you draw now!

- another one that helped me was to just draw bodies bigger than you think because I had spent so long drawing pencil thin anime characters in highschool that even when I actually tried to draw muscles or fat it didn’t really make any noticeable difference. So I had to overcorrect to reach a new base point to allow me better access to a wider range of body types to draw. If that makes sense! Making arms wider in general was a big one for me initially.

Hope that helps!

Also!! For memorable silhouettes, making weird creatures with unconventional body types can help round out your cast of characters too! Like robots and monsters and stuff!!

(Also if anyone has that pdf or a link to that guide on drawing fat bodies feel free to reblog with it. I don’t remember what it’s called and I’m afk eating dinner rn)

[sucuretcannelle]

hi! i briefly remember you saying that you're into if's, so i was wondering what your favorites are

Sighs and shakes a red cup full of ice

Nobody thinks I'm a nerd till they hear the way I talk about interactive fiction...no one knows...

Anyway I started playing IF's in like December. Time flies

This is kind of in order? Of like enjoyment. HOWEVER take this with a grain of salt because I was sitting here trying to rearrange them (except the top 3) for 40 minutes. If it was mentioned, it's good 🙂‍↕️

1. The six that thrive by @the-six-that-thrive-if —

the way I was playing this bro. I wouldn't let myself sleep until I was done with the demo and not because it felt like I had to, but I knew I would be PISSED if I went to bed without absorbing all the content (Dante give me a chance PLEASE 🙏🙏🙏). Anyway the hierarchy system reminds me of the one that I have for the way I wrote hell and I was like 🫵 OMG THATS SO COOL.

Key factor that I appreciate: Dialogue, descriptions, and transitions. Dante is deadass so funny I'm not even playing bro. Buddy how do you write like that, lmk. Also the official art has me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure

2. College Tennis: Origin Story by @collegetennisoriginstory — I ACTUALLY HAVE A FUCKING PROBLEM BRO. LOOK. IN MY HEAD, I WAS IGNORING THAT THEY WERE PLAYING TENNIS SO I WAS VISUALIZING VOLLEYBALL. SO AT SOME POINT I READ THE WORD RACKET AND I WAS LIKE WHAT ARE WE PLAYING???

Key factor that I appreciate: Skill checks, attention to side characters, amazing use of character tropes. Idk how to describe it but the writing felt so CLEAN. Like so organized and orderly. Plus I wanna study all of the characters under a microscope

3. Superstition (omg first IF I ever played) by @13leaguestories — I played this while I was sick and that's literally all I did for 2 days besides eating and sleeping. Am I okay? Yeah cuz it happened in December but like I was OBSESSED. And ashamed. My friend told me i would be into Zillah and she was right. I haven't recovered. I promise I'm in therapy.

Key factor that I appreciate: The fact that there was always something going on. Literally at least 3 things were happening at the same time, all the time, and it kept my lil depressed ass stimulated. Who could ask for more

4. Infamous by @infamous-if — this game makes me scared of commitment cuz I can't have Orion and Griffin😐 I might be biased because. I sing! So I was just really connected to this story immediately. Either way, one of my favs cuz the writing is saurrrr good, makes ya feel

Key factor that I appreciate — Infamous is generally well rounded, so I don't feel like it's LACKING in anything. Me gusta.

5. Mind blind by @mindblindbard — I have a problem so I'm a stereotypical Rosie fan. But anyway I personally loved this one because of the world building, even tho I'm a character-focused girlie. Plus the game is so funny for no reason

Key factor that I appreciate— I actually really like the MC in general. Which is funny to say, because they're supposed to be you, but MC's are different from game to game, and I like this one

6. Soulmates Inc by @soulmatesinc-if — idk with some games, it's just the vibe. Like the vibe is right so I'll read it (which like...it's hard for me to find games where the vibe is what drags me along. Tis really good)

Key factor I appreciate — Wyatt. omg who said that...I also love this game's take on soulmates. It's simple, but original, and I fw it

7. Nine Blood Dances by @nineblooddances-if— I'm boutta cry, how did you end up here twice without me noticing bro. Idk this one and TSTT have like, vibes that are connected by a small string, and I did play this one first if that matters.

Key factor that I enjoyed: It felt very structured, and again, clean. I really don't know what this feeling is

8. When Twilight Strikes by @evertidings — I love ALL the characters because damn near all of them pissed me off once. That's actually impressive /pos. Anyway Rylan hit my line

Key factor that I enjoyed: watching my relationship descriptions change. Some left me devastated stop... Like sorry A you're driving me nuts...

Honorable mentions:

Apartment 502 by @apt502-if — I can't wait to see the future parts cuz like I like it but I cant analyze any of the characters yet. But trust me I'm ready 📝

The Kings Hound by @the-kingshound — Same typa situation was Apartment 502... I'm waiting...patiently 📝

[catastrophic-crisis]

It's the February Steam Next Fest, so here's some potential game demos to check out this weekend!

Hollowbody | Press Kit

It's a Shipper's biggest fear. You're grounded in the exclusion zone, twenty miles of death and decay sealed off by the towering, suffocating walls erected after the collapse.

Hollowbody offers early 2000s-style survival horror, citing titles like Silent Hill 2 and 3, Rule of Rose, and Kuon as inspiration. As you ascend the apartment building to try and make contact with outside of the exclusion zone, the demo makes use of a blend of dynamic and fixed camera angles. This approach extends to combat, which strikes a nice balance between a more classic style in which you must work with the camera angles, striking fear in you when you can't quite see what is in the room with you, just offscreen, and making movement and fighting feel natural.

If you were craving horror of a particular period, Hollowbody strives to capture that with its visual presentation, and with a particular update to the demo, Hollowbody now has the option for tank controls.

Rusty's Retirement | Press Kit

For a more casual player, Rusty's Retirement is an idle-farming simulator that lives at the bottom of your screen while you work, watch, chat, or play. Automate your farm with the help of robots, and produce biofuel for them with the plants you grow.

The game includes a cameo from Haiku the Robot, as the two games share a creator. Haiku can be found helping your automated farm :)

Crow Country | Website

The year is 1990. It’s been two years since the mysterious disappearance of Edward Crow and the abrupt closure of his theme park, Crow Country. But your arrival has broken the silence, Mara Forest. If you want answers, you’ll have to venture deep into the darkness of Crow Country to find them…

Another throwback third person survival horror game with an armed female protagonist, Crow Country establishes an atmosphere switching between "tension and tranquillity", trying to steady your aim at the head of a shivering, approaching enemy and the warm glow of the fire in a save room. The game places an increased emphasis on puzzles and riddles, and as you try and manage your resources and slip past enemies (the game emphasizes that you don't have to defeat every enemy you come across, which could bring trouble later) you'll be able to absorb the whimsy and detail of every region and room.

If the creatures around every corner frighten you, or you'd just like to be able to absorb every detail of the theme park uninterrupted, the game offers an "Exploration Mode" difficulty for you to enjoy.

Trash of the Titans | itch.io

What if your turn-based fantasy tactics had an urban mammal element and was very, very purple?

Enter this roguelite to fight a rat gang over dumpsters, upgrade your skills, and play trash-eating Tetris to get stronger. Learn your abilities and how to utilize the antics you can pull against the waves of rats (large rats, small rats, caster rats summoning demon rats).

Your party is a Badger Barbarian with a charge attack that increases damage the further away she is, a Raccoon Rogue that uses stealth to rack up kills and move across the map, a Skunk Wizard that casts more than just poison spells, and a Possum Ranger with a ricochet that will stack up the RAT CRUE kills.

Find surprises like the fact that your Possum Ranger's "turrets" in fact refer to possum babies, and their ability to retreat along a path back to her upon defeat can be used to your advantage.

Magical Delicacy | Press Kit

A wholesome pixel art platformer. Cook magical delicacies from a vast collection of ingredients in your own shop. Explore an unfamiliar town and deliver tasty treats to the townsfolk. Learn new ways to traverse, discover secrets, and experience a unique witchy world.

If you like cute titles where you cook and manage a shop but craved a little more verticality, Magical Delicacy offers you a platformer with witches and a dash of intrigue. The game offers cooking, gardening, shop management, and double jumping your way across a surprisingly formatted town.

Hey, you're a witch with a red bow going out for deliveries. Sounds familiar.

[maybetomoko]

Geto Suguru (q&a official fanbook) 

"We will finally put an end to the age of apes and build the paradise of sorcerers."

Age: 27 years old

Birthday: 3 February

Level: special level black sorcerer 

Enrolment modalities: scouting 

Technique: manipulation of cursed spirits 

Skills: extreme Vortex main technique (Maximum: Uzumaki); cursed spirit used: incarnation of Tamamo no Mae; rainbow dragon and others 

Hobbies/special skills: martial arts 

Favourite food: cold soba (zaru soba)*

Food he dislikes: none

Source of stress: ingestion of cursed spirits 

*probable pun on the fact that zaru sounds similar to saru (monkey) 

q&a about Geto 

Q: How did your character come about? 

A: I wanted to draw a guy with an extremist way of thinking. 

Q: What is the origin of his name? 

A: The ski resort of Geto Kogen. 

Q: What did you pay particular attention to when drawing the character of Geto? 

A: The tuft in front of him. 

Q: Can the technique of manipulating cursed spirits reassemble or unite them? 

A: It can, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to do so, because controlling the technique of powerful cursed spirits is more complicated, so it's better to focus on quantity rather than quality, such as in the extreme Vortex technique (Maximum: Uzumaki) which merges several spirits together to make a power attack. 

Q: Does Geto know Ijichi? 

A: Yes, but when Ijichi enrolled at the school Geto was already in the period when he felt exhausted, so I don't think they ever interacted. 

Q: Did he really go to eat crêpes with Mimiko and Nanako in Takeshita-dōri (Takeshita Street)?

A: He only ate a couple of bites that the girls offered him. After dropping out of high school, Geto did everything he could to get food, clothes and shelter without having anything to do with those without powers. However, he did not force the other members of his family to do the same. 

Q: Gojo is very popular among women, is Geto too? 

A: Geto is even more popular.

Q: Does he know the characteristics of every single curse he has ingested?

A: Yes. 

Q: How does he find powerful curses and vengeful spirits to use as pawns?

A: Kind of like on Suiyo Special*. 

Q: Is the fact that he calls those without powers "monkeys" due to Toji Fushiguro's statement "Did you lose to a monkey like me who doesn't know how to use sorcery?" 

A: Exactly! Only he was unconscious at the time, so let's say he absorbed the words in his sleep. 

Q: After Toji's death, what did the cursed spirit say that he can store objects? 

A: Probably "mother".

Q: Did his personality change from when he was a student to the time of the Demonic Procession (Night Parade of Hundred Demons)?

A: Quite a bit. Ever since he dropped out of school, he has done nothing but repeat to himself, "I hate the without powers."

Q: During the Shibuya incident, the fake Geto's hand moved on its own. How much of Geto's will remains?

A: Not much. It's like when a dragonfly keeps moving after having its head ripped off. 

*Suiyo Spcial: famous television series aired from 1978 to 1988, each time featuring an expedition to little-explored places in search of mysterious creatures.

(little clarification: English is not my native language, so there may be some grammatical errors).

[rapidhighway]

I like to think I'm usually good spirited when it comes to admiring other artists' art but man i am jealous i am so jealous i would hunt down all of you and eat your alive if it meant i could absorb your skills

[syqamorsun]

Hello, my name is Syqamor. And I love literature, psychology, and visual art.

I don't know what my first post should be, so I'm just going to go on a little stream of consciousness boat ride.

Why don't you take a cup of tea and join me?

Writing is more important to me now than before, i think. Which may seem less true due to how infrequently I sit down and actually work on my projects. But as I've grown older, life has become so dreary, much more than I imagined in my youth.

In 2021, I wrote a poem, partially about the pandemic and partially about depression. There's this segment:

I sleep with my eyes wide open, Scrolling mindlessly and thinking endlessly. Burning my thumb on the phone screen, I wish For a light, yet cling to shade. And there, a lone bulb flickers, Over and over.

And I revisit it because I've noticed an interpretation that I didn't think of before. The lack of actual rest. I take a break from work by scrolling on my phone, or when I get home from work/school, I scroll for hours before finally losing the strength in my eyes. The action seems so effortless - just blink your eyes, absorb 1 million bits of terrible information, and move your thumb until the rhythm draws you into sleep madness.

I rarely feel rested. I don't feel calm very often, and I think that with the state of the world, it's only normal. There's so much to fix, so much to do, meals to figure out with the cans in your pantry, personal problems on top of congested societal problems. The noise never seems to settle.

And I think that's why returning to my stories, even though it's less frequent, feels like drops of cool refreshing water. Writing has always been there for me since the beginning.

I did lose my way for a little while, though. I did initially join Tumblr in 2016 with the intention of building a brand as a teen writer. Many people did. The online writing community was kind of blossoming, but also unfortunately turning into a capitalistic hellscape. We were all trying to become published teen writers, starting youtube channels, writing every day, writing every chance we got, writing more than eating or sleeping, stepping on each other's ideas to scramble to the top.

I think my entire friend group, save for like 3-4 people, completely left social media. Some of their pages are still up, frozen in time, their last writing update from 2018. The rest became... normal people, I suppose, a couple still writing, others writing less. And we became closer throughout all the madness.

Writing became less of a priority as the world around us became mad. But I noticed that each time I was able to return to the pen, my writing skills became so much more sharper. It was no longer about becoming 'successful', but about what writing meant to me originally - a way to escape.

And so now, more than ever, as rain pours outside my window, I can say that writing is more important to me.

And even if no one reads my blog, it's okay. My words have left my congested brain and landed in a little home that people may find if they are searching for.

That is enough for me, I think.

-Syqamor

[whatwouldmickeydo]

Tag game yay! 🩷✨ Thank you for tagging me my sweet toaster strudel @gardenerian 😘

Name: Leah

Location: On my bed

Astrological sign:

What's a TV show or movie you plan to re-watch this year?: The Princess Bride probably

Whats a book or fic you will probably re-read this year?: I think it might be time to do a reread of The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. For fics, I have no doubt I will be rereading Like Real People Do because I’m a sucker and a simp for that fic

What is a song you will likely continue to play on repeat?: idk, something from the Shrek soundtrack probably

What's a tasty treat you look forward to eating more of this year?: wedding cake 😋

What's a time sink that you will continue to sink time into this year?: hopefully art! I was doing pretty well with practicing my watercolor skills and I’d really like to actually get better at it

Did you pick up any habits in 2023 that you plan to continue?: would actually being somewhat politically active be a habit? Because I’d like to continue that

What's your toxic trait?: Ragingly bad negative self talk (yet somehow I can hype my friends up until I’m hoarse 🤷🏻‍♀️ …perhaps I can focus that inward this year 😅🤞🏼) also I hold grudges for too long probably 👯‍♀️

What is a coping mechanism you will continue to indulge in this year?: Perhaps start rather than continue? But I started writing in a journal on Jan 1st and I am really enjoying the act of adding to it and actually putting stuff in there, even if it’s just a sticker ☺️

Tell me something you like about how you look!: Hmm, I like my eyes. And I think I got some cute outfits sometimes 💃🏻👗

Give me at least three adjectives describing things you like about yourself: Adventurous, silly, supportive

Tagging a bunch of ducklings @heymrspatel @gallawitchxx @metalheadmickey @howlinchickhowl @whatthebodygraspsnot @creepkinginc @rereadanon @abundanceofnots @sluttymickey @sleepyfacetoughguy @thisdivorce @thisfeebleheart @7x10mickey @energievie @crossmydna @self-absorbed-pretty-boy

[taiyaki-translations]

Autumn Cafeteria - Prologue 1

Season: Autumn Characters: Shu, Tsumugi Translator: taiyaki-translations Proofreader: raspberrytls

Shu: —You there, waiter, may I get another cup of coffee?

(Whew… It’s nice to sit back and read every once in a while.)

(The library at Starmony Dorms isn’t terrible, but it sometimes gets so noisy that I find it difficult to relax.)

(With classical music gently playing in the background, this makes for a blissful experience, indeed.)

Tsumugi: Oh? Is that you, Shu-kun?

Shu: …If it isn’t Aoba.

Tsumugi: Sorry for suddenly calling out to you. Were you taking a nap?

Shu: No. I was simply closing my eyes and enjoying the music.

Tsumugi: Ahh. I’m familiar with this piano piece. It has a nice, melancholy feeling to it, doesn’t it~

Shu: This isn’t the place for you to stand around and talk, Aoba. Why don’t you take a seat for now?

Tsumugi: You’re right. Since this is a rare opportunity, is it okay if I sit with you?

Shu: …Personally, I’d much rather you didn’t.

However, being spoken to from a distance is even more unpleasant. Do as you like.

Tsumugi: Thank you very much. …Ah, the waiter brought you more coffee.

May I order something too? I’ll have the same coffee, and five loaves of round bread to go, please.

Shu: Five? Do you like them that much?

Tsumugi: No, I’m giving them away. (1) The round bread here is well received no matter what kind of function I bring them to.

The dough is soft and chewy, and the sweetness comes out the more you bite into it, so you don’t need to add anything to it.

Shu: Oh? This is the first I’ve heard of it. I’ve been here several times but never paid it much mind.

Tsumugi: Really? Then please, give it a try ♪

Wai~ter, please bring him some round bread. You can put it on my tab—

Shu: There’s no need. Since I’ll be the one eating it, I’ll pay for it myself.

Tsumugi: Is that so? And here I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to…

Shu: Good opportunity for what?

Tsumugi: Ah, no, it’s nothing.

What kind of book are you reading? It’s paper-back-sized, so is it some kind of novel?

Shu: It’s a recently published book containing commentaries on Shakespeare’s works. It seems to be popular amongst literary scholars for its interesting interpretations, so I was curious to see what it was like.

Tsumugi: Oh, so Shu-kun reads books like that too~ But doesn’t it interfere with your artistic vision?

Shu: It depends on the content. The internet is a place where people can make vulgar posts that have as much value as stones on the side of a road. But books like this depict the sort of high quality views I wish to absorb.

They say art is an explosion, but an explosion requires a catalyst—the accumulation of one’s studies and the skills one has honed.

By combining them, they take on form. Ideally, one could create something out of nothingness. But alas, I am not some kind of god, after all.

Tsumugi: ……♪

Shu: …What’s with that face? It’s disturbing.

Tsumugi: Fufu. Normally you’re so distant with me, Shu-kun, that I’m just glad to have your company ♪ It’s been a while since I’ve been able to talk about trivial things like this with you~

Shu: I beg your pardon? Trivial? …Listen here, Aoba. I was in a good mood today, so I allowed you to sit with me.

But you are a spiteful traitor. I advise you not to try and get too familiar with me.

Tsumugi: How cold~ Even though we’re friends?

Shu: Non, do not get the wrong idea.

Tsumugi: Ah, the round bread’s arrived~ Here you go, please try it.

Shu: I’d rather you not rush me. Hm, so it’s served with fig jam?

Tsumugi: Why don’t you try it without the jam first?

Shu: I was just about to do that. Stop talking for a moment.

Munch munch…

…Oh? The buttery aroma is quite nice.

The sweetness of the sugar is also just right. This flavor would go well with any dish.

Tsumugi: Fufu, I’m glad to hear you say so ♪

Actually, I was looking forward to your reaction. You love croissants, so I figured you would like this too.

But I was surprised to hear you’ve never had it. Do you not eat any bread other than croissants?

Shu: It just never crossed my mind to try it. I actually happened upon this place while I was looking for stores that sold croissants.

While I didn’t find what I was looking for, I liked the atmosphere. I’ve been coming back ever since.

It’s a hidden gem that’s empty even on weekends or holidays. It’s the ideal place for when you are looking for some peace and quiet.

Tsumugi: I know what you mean. Just looking out the window with a cup of coffee is a nice change of pace.

So it's such a shame that this café is going to be closing~

Translation Notes: 1. Tsumugi is bringing the bread as 差し入れ (shashiire), refreshments you'd bring to work or activities as a way to encourage people or help them recharge after working.

Directory | Next

[smilingformoney]

Armed with six Outstanding NEWTs and an appetite for knowledge in a world without Voldemort, Severus Snape must look elsewhere to satisfy his curiosity about the Dark Arts.

AN: You may or may not remember, at the end of Soul of Ice, I promised a No Voldemort AU, and here it is. This isn't going to be a long-winded saga like I usually do - I have a 10-chapter plan, and the chapters will be shorter. And the chapters are all named after Taylor Swift songs because I want to.

Read Chapter 1 on Ao3 or below the cut:

In the gloomy walls of Number 1, Spinner’s End, Severus Snape had been pacing for approximately twenty minutes.

He looked down at the parchment in his hand again, as if he didn’t already have it memorised.

Dear Mr Snape, Thank you for your application to join the Ministry of Magic in our Department of Mysteries. I am pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed the first round of applications. After careful consideration of your academic results, your personal essay and your applicant test results, you are invited to interview for our Dark and Ancient Magicks Division. Please attend for your interview with Emmett Bitterwood at 12.30pm on Monday, 7th August.

There followed directions to the Department and the letter was signed off by the Principal Director.

Severus couldn’t believe his good fortune. The Department of Mysteries was notoriously picky for its recruits; hardly anyone who applied made it past the first round of testing, even if they managed to achieve the minimum five Outstanding NEWTs required. They would rather go years without recruiting than hire someone less than exactly what they were looking for.

With all the secrecy of the Department, Severus couldn’t even apply for a specific Division as the public knew nothing about what they did - he therefore had to demonstrate his skills in a personal essay without knowing exactly what job he was applying for.

Dark and Ancient Magicks Division. What a name. What a subject. It was perfect for him; he had always wanted to study Dark Magic. He had met a few Durmstrang students through his friend Lucius, and he was always envious that they were able to study Dark Magic. But at Hogwarts, it still had a sore reputation and all that was offered was Defence Against the Dark Arts, which was all well and good, but how could one defend against something one hadn’t taken the time to understand?

He glanced at the calendar on the wall. His interview was five days away. Plenty of time to revisit his favourite books on Dark Magic, ready to impress Emmett Bitterwood on Monday.

Severus was so focused on absorbing as much information as he could from the books that lined his shelves that the next five days flew by. Before he knew it, it was Monday morning, and he was anxiously picking at his breakfast. He didn’t often eat breakfast, but he had an important day ahead, and so he allowed himself a slice of toast.

An owl flew in through the open back door. Severus didn’t often open his doors or windows, as the house was too old to know how to keep heat in in winter, and besides, the fumes from the mill across the river were sometimes too pungent to bear allowing in. That day, however, was a swelteringly hot summer’s day and Severus needed a breeze to cool himself off.

He recognised the owl immediately. It was larger than average, with elegantly fluffed feathers and a haughty expression on its face, clearly showing its distaste for its current surroundings. Severus plucked the letter from the owl’s foot, and it took off as soon as it was free of the letter without even waiting for a reply.

Lacking a letter opener, Severus instead pried open the envelope with his butter knife, slicing through the wax seal emblazoned with an elegant M . Even the parchment was expensive, much weightier than the paper-thin parchment Severus usually used. He carefully unfolded the parchment and read:

Severus - Good luck at your interview today. I’d offer advice but even I know nothing of what they do down there, so all I offer is my warmest regards and a promise of a bottle of Ogden’s finest when you inevitably get the job. Yours, L

Severus smiled. Why Lucius had so much faith in him, he had no idea, but he was glad to know his friend was wishing him luck.

Later that day, even following the directions from the letter, Severus still found the Department of Mysteries a confusing series of twisted corridors. He was just beginning to wonder if he hadn’t passed the first round at all and the letter was some sick joke from Potter, still taunting him even after school, designed to have him caught wandering the corridors of the Ministry’s top-secret research department, when he finally saw another human being.

Well, less saw and more walked into. He rounded a corner, having double-backed on himself for the third time, and had his nose so intently in the parchment as he attempted to discern where he had gone wrong that he didn’t notice her until he literally walked into her.

“Oof!” Severus grunted as they collided, and he had to grab the wall to stop himself falling. In doing so, he dropped the parchment, which the other person picked up for him.

“Lost, are you?” said a vaguely familiar voice as the figure straightened up. She handed him the parchment and their eyes met. Severus was almost lost for words when he realised he’d bumped into Persephone Payne.

“Snape!” she said in surprise, apparently just as shocked to see him there as he was to see her. “What - did you - what are you doing here?”

It took Severus a few moments to register what she’d said. “Interview,” he said quickly. “Except I… I can’t seem to find where to go.” He held up the parchment between his fingers. “These directions aren’t very clear.”

“Let me see?” Payne offered. Severus showed her the parchment, and her eyes lit up. “Oh, hey! That’s my division!”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and these directions are way outdated. Come on, I’ll take you to Emmett’s office.”

She beckoned him to follow, and began leading him back down the way she’d come. Severus was suddenly even more eager to ace the interview. If he didn’t get the job, she would know he’d failed the interview, and he’d be mortified.

Persephone Payne. He could be working with Persephone Payne.

Every year at Hogwarts, the school hosted a ball on the last day before Christmas break for the sixth and seventh years. Severus hadn’t gone in his seventh year - he had far too much studying to do for his NEWTs - but in his sixth year, his classmate had asked him who he wanted to ask as his date. It took him some convincing to admit it, but eventually Severus confided that he wanted to ask Persephone Payne.

“Who?” Mulciber had asked.

Severus had thought he must have been going insane when each one of his friends shared a look of confusion and said they had never heard that name before. He was relieved the next day when he saw her in her usual spot in the library; he’d almost started to wonder if he’d made her up.

The fact that hardly anyone knew who she was astounded him. Sure, she was quiet and kept to herself, but how could they not notice her? She was the most beautiful girl in school, after all.

“You just don’t want to admit it’s Lily Evans,” Avery had said when they had disagreed on who was the best-looking girl in the school. All of his friends agreed it was Lily, even though they’d never date a muggle-born. Severus couldn’t deny Lily was beautiful, but she was nothing compared to Payne.

Severus knew he paled in comparison to his peers. He worked harder than them; most of them were rich and were able to ride their rich fathers’ coattails into whatever job they wanted, so they didn’t care as much as Severus did about NEWT results. He got better results than them due to his own hard work, but they still managed to land cushy jobs straight out of school. They’d all had girlfriends at some point or another, but Severus hadn’t. He knew he was poor and ugly; there was no point even trying to ask a girl out.

Especially not when the only girl he fancied was her. In his sixth year and her seventh, he’d finally managed to actually have a conversation with her. Through serving detentions together and a shared academic interest in Dark Magic, they had become… not quite friends, but something of acquaintances. She knew he existed, at least. Enough to recognise him and remember his name when he bumped into her two years after they’d last seen each other.

Payne stopped suddenly outside a nondescript door. “Here he is,” she announced.

“How can you tell?” Severus asked, looking around at the row of identical doors.

“You get used to it,” she replied vaguely, then checked her watch. “Right on time, you’ve got five minutes.” She faced him and then suddenly her hands were hovering over his clavicle. Severus winced, then realised she was adjusting his tie. “Good luck. He’s not an easy man to impress.”

“Any tips?” Severus asked hopefully.

Payne scrunched her nose as she thought. She released his tie, apparently happy with his presentation, then slipped her hands in her pockets. “He’s… well, he’s not nice . He’s not malicious, just… he doesn’t care for other people’s feelings. Don’t talk about how you feel about things, he doesn’t care about that. He was in Ravenclaw, so appeal to that. Facts, knowledge, information. You invented spells in school, right? Drop that in there. Oh, but don’t mention that you know me.”

“Why not?”

Payne grimaced. “He doesn’t like me much. Said I ask too many questions.”

“Surely that’s a good thing, if information is so important?”

She laughed then. “Yeah, questions are great. Just don’t question him.”

The door began to open behind them, and Payne’s expression suddenly turned cold. “Well, good luck,” she said with disinterest. “Try not to get lost again on your way out.”

She left quickly, and Severus was left alone with the man who had opened the door.

“Severus Snape? Come on in.”

One of the advantages of living alone was that Severus didn’t need to occlude or hide his emotions, because there was no one around to see them. So when he received a letter from the Ministry of Magic a few days after his interview, he allowed himself a celebratory punch in the air when he read the contents. He read the letter again, then practically ran to his study to write a letter of his own.

Lucius - When do you take lunch on work days? I’ll try to schedule mine with yours. - Severus

No, that wouldn’t do. He screwed the letter up and threw it in the fireplace, then tried again with a fresh piece of parchment.

Lucius - I hope you have that bottle of Ogden’s ready. - Severus

Yes, that was better. After sending the letter off with the owl that lived in his back garden, Severus let out a deep breath.

He, Severus Snape, had what it took to work in the most exclusive department of the Ministry. He was going to study Dark Magic. He was going to earn a generous wage, maybe enough to move out one day. And he was going to work with Persephone Payne.

On his first day, he presented himself at Emmett Bitterwood’s office as instructed in his offer letter. Director Bitterwood sat him down and explained exactly what he was going to be doing as an Unspeakable. Severus was disappointed but not surprised to learn he wouldn’t be doing a lot straight away. He was to shadow a current agent who would show him the ropes and train him up to eventually go out on his own. He was to do everything his trainer asked of him, no matter how menial the task may be. When his training was complete, he was told, he'd be given his own assignments.

Just as Director Bitterwood was explaining this, there came a knock on the door.

“Ah, there she is now,” said the older man. He waved his wand to open the door, and Severus stood to greet his assigned trainer.

It was her. Of course it was her.

“I believe you already know Agent Payne,” Emmett said with mild disinterest. “You are to shadow her, train with her, do everything she says. She’ll show you the ropes.”

“A pleasure to see you again, Snape,” Payne said, strangely formally. “Or I suppose I should say Agent Snape now.”

Agent Snape. How strange that sounded to him.

“Come on, then. Let me give you the tour.”

[u3pxx]

4,5,8,22 for art asks!

4. favorite thing to draw

apollo justice i think it might be clothes! i loveee drawing clothes i love thinking about them i love drawing wrinkles on fabric i love showing how flowy fabric can be i loveeee drawin em <333

5. least favorite thing to draw

answered this in a previous ask! it's hands pftt

8. what's the most fun and the least fun parts about your process

right now, the least fun for me is sketching bc it feel like i am just trying to grasp blindly in the dark. i want to see the sketch i'm doing already be polished which is impossible so it's my least favorite part rn bc i'm impatient lmao

and the most fun (and also the least fun pftt) is inking! i enjoy inking so much but if it takes so long i get so "god somebody just kill me" over it SDFGDH i also really enjoy putting on flat colors bc it's like seeing my stuff really come to life!

22. what inspires you

oh girl i'm not sure DFGHDJ rn i'm inspired to keep on drawing bc i wanna improve i wanna draw so GOOD i wanna draw so well and i wanna draw art that personally makes ME insane with technical and creative skill to match, you get me?

but for like specific artists, rn i need to absorb ryoko kui's, author of dungeon meshi, skill because JESUS CHRIST.

she's so good in variety whether that be people, animals, or environments! god!!! i need . to be like THATTTT

also falls to the ground , the across the spiderverse movie ..... eated my brain chemistry im so insane normal craxy very fine about it DFGDDFGD

[icthyarch]

Hi! I'm wanting to get into patch making and I was curious if you make your own patches? If so then do you have any tips? Thank you!

Ps. You have some really cool patches and an amazing battle jacket (also great taste in music)

Hi Hey Hello!! Thank you thank you - i've been putting off patching again since a big move; going out of your way to say something is a huge ego booster!! have not made any of the patches u've seen on here- yet!! But happy to talk about what done so far.

linocut stamps in one of my posts are the first prints i've cut with linoleum blocks. went to a nearby local crafts store and got a starting kit that will link below. no particular reason the brand, just familiar with them and it was cheap but okay quality.

relied on a lot of previous experiences with miniatures crafting in terms of carving, and did the fish first - when starting out think it's important practice and consider fundamental skills, like "make straight line" or "carve hole in larger shape". (Disclaimer: Cutting Tools Sharp!!! if not used to using xacto's or razors, wear some kind of hand or finger protection. the scars i have look cool but the nerve damage is not.) ultimately, if u can trace a mirrored image, u can outline ur print!! whatever u cut won't be inked, whatever u leave will! play around with negative space before u get cutting to get ur brain in the right place. starter kit only one block of linoleum - personally, i wanted room to make mistakes so cut mine in half for a more focused working space while just practicing.

now second half of "making a patch" that also still exploring is the "Using Print-Quality Ink On Proper Materials" thing. Otherwise, printed ink on patch will start flaking with a little wear or will fade as as too-absorbant-fibres eat the colour.

Experimenting with different fabrics, colours, and brands is even further in the future than personally working right now, but can be certain that will upload more patch-printing stuff as it happens!!

and thas it!!!! If u take nothing else away from this know that I, Personally, Want You to Make Bad Art - because it is secretly very good art, and i will be proud of u for it.

Water-Based Block Printing Kit -> x

p.s. I am not in any way experienced or certified to educate on linoleum block printing or patch making, but I sure as fuck love to craft stuff and love to share!

[vulturevanity]

The thing is even if you learn an artistic skill through mimicking your favourite guys, you still end up absorbing some of the fundamentals in the process without meaning to, because your favourite guys use them. You learn a little visual composition and posing when you draw characters in the "imagine your faves" memes, you learn a teeny bit of colour theory when you colour pick from that painting that made you eat gravel with how good it is. You learn something of harmonic relations when you learn to play your favourite rock tunes on the guitar. You literally learn how to write by reading.

What the fundamentals are good for is organizing these lessons. Giving you a vocabulary for naming the things you like or want to do well, or to pinpoint why something you're trying does or doesn't feel right. It's really frustrating when you're feeling your way through an original piece and get stuck because it's off, you know it's off, but you don't know how to fix it. And the best part about having bruteforced your way into being kinda good at art is that the fundamentals are going to be SO MUCH EASIER to absorb now that you have the muscle memory for it. And you will feel yourself getting better faster when you actually study. And of course being your own teacher might have given you one or two bad habits, but those take much less effort to unlearn.

So yeah I am in favour of "how to draw anime" tutorials because they genuinely help while being fun. I am all for using tabs to learn guitar solos. I'm for writing crossover fanfic that is just adding a self-insert to the canon and not changing anything else. These are all ways in which you absorb information and exercise those skills in low stakes environments. It's a much lower entry barrier than practicing anatomy for two hours every day, or studying language theory and structure in 19th century prose, or whatever the hell music theory is about. And if your skill grows beyond what those things can help you with, formal knowledge is within reach and you will have developed a sense for things, so it will feel less dense.

Learn in whatever way you feel suits you best. And then keep learning.

[desultory-suggestions]

hey! so, uhm, sorry if answering this makes you uncomfy, or, i understand if you don't want to answer this.

tw!

i recently relapsed, after 4 years clean. could, i have a lil positivity, and tips on how to avoid it? i know i can google search tips, but they all seem so topical and cold. i need to know that someone cares, even if it's just a stranger on the internet (but a very kind stranger).

-they/he

Hello dear!

Thank you so much for reaching out to me. I know it is not easy, but seeking support is a sign of great strength. I am so sorry to hear you’re struggling with a relapse. I think this is referring to self harm, but if you are referring to an eating disorder, substance use, or something else please let me know and I can reply with an adjusted response!

First I want to remind you that you have done nothing wrong. This does not erase or diminish the years of progress you have made. Everyone has the chance of relapse, and many of us do. I myself have absolutely done so, and it’s important to forgive ourselves. You did the best you could in that moment and I know that. All that matters now is helping you return to a safe and solid ground for healing.

Of course is physical safety is important. Keeping any wounds new or old clean and cared for is very important. I know this can be a mental struggle, so turning on a video or something silly can help. Disinfect fresh or relatively fresh wounds, and if you can apply a cream such as Neosporin to reduce risk of infection or damage. Do not bandage over the Neosporin, let it absorb and the area dry. Change bandages frequently and avoid irritants on the area. If the scars do trigger you, you can start applying lotions and skin care such as rosehip oil as soon as they fully heal and scabs are gone.

Avoiding relapse is hard, but it is definitely possible. Many nights are sitting and fighting with yourself until you fall asleep, and that’s unfortunate but true. It’s important to have a Safety Plan made for when you have these difficult times. We can’t think clearly under intense stress, so when you have a clear mind take the opportunity to write out a plan. Here is a good template.

Removing triggers is very important, as is developing coping skills for when you have triggers that are inevitable come up. Rid yourself of any and all objects for self harm. Yes even the ones with other purposes if possible. Keep dull scissors and maybe a safety cutter for kiddos. It has been found repeatedly that simply not having access to a method of self harm vastly effects the likelihood of a person doing so! So keep them away!

Some people need to focus on the feelings, and some need a distraction until the subside. Neither is better than the other!

To process you can journal, talk to yourself out loud about your feelings, pretend you’re comforting a friend and respond to your feelings in that way. Draw about your feelings, create art even if it’s not “good” or pretty. Try making something with your negative feelings and then changing it by adding more positive thoughts and affirmations.

To distract or comfort, a good method is to pile up all of your comfiest things, pick a show, game, book, music, etc. and put it on. Music you find comforting (not music that make you sad!!!) here’s mine! Lay down and give yourself the time to rest. It’s ok to sleep or stay awake, to tune in and out. But just breathe. Let yourself be comfortable. Consider repeating some affirming phrases out loud or in your head:

- I do not deserve pain or harm no matter what

- Harming myself will not make me feel better or fix the things I’m struggling with

- I am going to be okay, it’s okay that I don’t feel good right now

- This will not last forever.

- I am a being of love and I am loved by those around me

If you feel that you cannot sit still and must do something, going for a walk may be helpful. You can also do a workout video, yoga, dance, or choose a task like organizing your space.

If you are struggling with feeling that you need the sensation of self harming, you can try several options. Fidgets are a good start, then you could try snapping a rubber band or hair tie, holding ice on your skin or in your hand, drawing with pen on your skin, or other safe temporary discomforts.

After getting through the worst of it, getting out of that hole is important. Go outside even if you just sit still. Call a friend or text them. Play a game, read at a coffee shop, just move. Try to talk to someone close to you as soon as possible, and if possible contact a therapist for an appointment. Don’t tell yourself it isn’t important, it is! You have been struggling, and while we may think we’re out of the dark and don’t need help, it’s always worth seeking support so you can avoid that darkness in the future.

Remember when in crisis you can always text HOME to 741741 to receive support from a crisis counselor. I can attest this line is very helpful.

Sorry this is a bit messy, it had to be written from my phone! I can tell you that you have my full support, and I know you can do this. Thank you for reaching out, I am always here if you need some comfort or advice! Much love ❤️

-Evan

[moldspace]

10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 29, & 30

10. Favorite piece of clothing to draw

i'm terribly neglectful of my clothing drawing skills. it's something ive been meaning to practice but i just don't get around to it. i love the IDEA of drawing silly long medieval-style hoods on creatures. i rarely do them justice though. i really just want to get good at drawing silly historically accurate medieval clothes to be honest with you.

11. Do you listen to anything while drawing? If so, what

ok i just answered this but ill expose myself and go into detail RE: tunes. lately it's been a lot of fish in a birdcage and crane waves, for whatever reason. i also have been kinda getting into oingo boingo and bjork... dabbling in them really, both are hit or miss for me. but as always when i need to get pumped up slayyyter or kim petras (turn off the light... album of all time tbh)(and stupid boy is the SONG OF ALL TIME!!! IMO). and cosmo sheldrake (especially his instrumental stuff) if i need a more chill background noise. (my music taste is. all over the place.)

12. Easiest part of body to draw

ooh possibly insane to say but i think my fav/most comfortable thing to draw lately has been faces! i'm not sure about EASIEST, i feel like that always depends on pose and stylization. if we want to get technical i think probably the torso is the easiest thing to draw. just kind of stylize it into a tube. that's definitely not what this question was asking though. ANWAY!

already answered 13 and 14~

15. *Where* do you draw (don't drop your ip address this just means do you doodle at a park or smth)

most of my sketchbooking is done at my kitchen table or sometimes in class. my digital art setup is a big gaming laptop + a screened tablet so she stays at my desk, not very portable at all. the sculpture painting situation is EVEN LESS portable so that's pretty much exclusive to ~My Basement~

16. Something you are good at but don't really have fun doing

ohh inchresting question. i feel like the things i'm good at i've gotten good at because they're enjoyable, and i don't do the unenjoyable things enough to know if i'm good at them or not? honestly though, i don't like underglazing very much. i like the results i can get with it, but it's pretty tedious. glazing on the other hand i dislike and am also bad at maybe picking color schemes as well. people say i'm good at colors and it's true but the amount of trial and error that goes into it is such a pain!

17. Do you eat/drink when drawing? if so, what

usually i'm too absorbed with what i'm doing to. and when i'm working on sculpture it's hard to eat or drink anything without getting clay dust/paper mache glue/paint on and in my food! although when i really need a push to work on something i'll make myself a cup of earl gray to keep me company. 50% chance if it gets drank or if it gets cold tho.

29. Media you love, but doesn't inspire you artistically

this is hard because i think everything i like sneaks into my art one way or another! maybe the uncanny/spookier art i like. it's not strictly MEDIA, but i have some niche macabre interests like historical burial customs and ancient mummies (natural and man-made), anatomy and physiology, taxidermy, pathology, etc. that i don't think pop up that much in my work.

and i answered 30 already!

[polkadotpatterson]

Hand holding, 14 and/or 42, they're kind of the same. Also, Eugenia and Greer?

finally getting around to the asks from this prompt list! have some early s3 Eugenia still working on being a person, especially the Making Friends aspect of being a person :)

14 + 42: grabbing hand to show them something + dragging the other with them, holding their hand

There’s something oozing under the door of the storage closet.

Half-eaten blaseball in hand, Greer watches it seep closer, wondering if she should move all the other blaseballs out of oozing range or if the gunk might add some flavour. Before she can decide, it gathers itself up and forms into something vaguely person-shaped, looking at Greer with an unmistakable smile.

“Eugenia,” Greer says flatly. “What the hell.”

“Greer Lott!” Eugenia gurgles, undeterred by this greeting. “Found you!”

“Yeah, what's your point? You playing hide-and-seek or something? Because I'm not. I'm just sitting here in this closet minding my own business.” Greer points the half-eaten blaseball at her threateningly. “You’d better not be planning on ratting me out for eating the blaseballs. There's like a million in here, and nobody’s using them for anything. Can't let them go to waste.”

Eugenia shakes her head emphatically, which makes her entire body jiggle. “Won't tell.”

“What do you want, then?”

She wiggles with excitement, reaching out two armlike appendages. One shoves the door open, and the other wraps itself around Greer’s hand, shifting into something almost handlike itself. It's sticky and squishy and strangely warm, and Greer's first instinct is to pull away, but Eugenia pulls first.

“Come,” she says, tugging on Greer’s hand, leading her out into the rest of the Gleek. 

Greer stumbles through the soggy halls; Eugenia moves surprisingly fast for an amalgamation of garbage. “How many times do I have to tell you, I’m not joining your stupid nightmare arts and crafts club for babies!”

Eugenia shakes her head again, the jiggles traveling all the way down her arm and making Greer’s hand tingle. “Just showing you.”

“Showing me what?” Greer shoves the last of the blaseball in her mouth and chews it impatiently.

“This!” Eugenia gestures to the open door of the art room with a flourish.

It looks the same as always. Scattered art supplies on the tables, drawings tacked up on the walls. Greer belatedly realizes Eugenia has a few markers sticking out of her goop as she tugs Greer forward to a piece of paper that's been left on the table.

“For you,” she says proudly.

Greer squints at the drawing. It depicts two figures on a blaseball field, standing next to each other on what seems to be the pitcher’s mound, a pile of blaseballs beside them. One is a blob with a big smile, winding up to throw a pitch. The other is a taller stick figure with an unusually sharp toothy grin and a half-eaten blaseball in their hand.

She recognizes this scene. She’d started giving Eugenia pitching lessons, annoyed at how Hobbs kept bragging that he’d taught the garbage how to bat. Any loser can wave a stick around, but throwing the ball to the losers in the right way takes skill, and anyway, Eugenia had seemed more than happy to learn. She'd accidentally absorbed a few blaseballs before she got the hang of throwing them, but hey, those things are tasty, Greer can't blame her.

“Thank you for teaching me,” Eugenia enunciates slowly and carefully. “I drew it!’

“It's. Uh. It looks good. Nice job on the teeth. Thanks.” Greer is starting to feel weird, all soft and goopy inside, like Eugenia’s sludge that's still wrapped around her hand. Maybe she ate too many blaseballs?

Eugenia somehow manages to beam brighter than the smile she gave herself in the picture. “You're welcome!” Greer tries to put it back down, but Eugenia shakes her head, dislodging one of the markers. “Keep it! It's yours.”

“What am I supposed to do with it?”

She shrugs, finally ungooping herself from Greer's hand. “Look at it.”

Looking at it makes her feel things she's not used to, so Greer rolls it up and sticks it in her pocket, then swipes the marker off the floor and bites it in half, soaking in the juice. Mmmm, red. The best flavour.

“Wait a minute,” Greer says suspiciously just before Eugenia can turn to go. “Why’d you have to drag me all the way here? You could’ve just brought me the picture. It's like you wanted to hold hands with me or something.”

Eugenia blinks at her, but Greer knows all kinds of plots and schemes lurk beneath that innocent front. “Friends!”

“Friends?” Greer snorts. “We're not friends. I don't have those.” 

Infuriatingly, Eugenia just smiles and oozes away rather than argue about it. Greer mutters a stream of curses under her breath and gnaws away at the marker as she pulls the drawing out again. She tries to ignore the goopy feeling in her chest, tries to pretend it doesn't feel nice.  Friends, with Eugenia? Ridiculous.