#This artists gallery has the works in progress for this piece

[artfromsaturn]

Collection of Free Art Tutorials

I don't usually make text post on this blog, but a nice artist I know was asking for tutorials a while back and I forgot to send some to them while in school. So here's a post on it since it's easiest to grab and go this way. :)

This list focuses on the basics. I'm focusing on the foundations of art, so medium is generally irrelevant and you can use physical or digital with these. You'll have to google more specific tutorials on things like character design and such.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give to you is strangely, introduce things to yourself one at a time. In art class, we took whole topics week by week. For high school, we did a few exercises then spent a week drawing/painting and doing your piece(s). For basic art 1 & 2 in college, we did 1-2 exercises and then did 1-2 drawings, followed by HW (which we turned in next week) and sketchbook practice (which she'd check at midpoints). For basic art lessons with a tutor, we did practice then our own art. You can see the pattern here - the point is don't be distressed if you don't get everything at once, or the lesson in 2 weeks, or the lesson in 3 years - we practice and do a lot over time, and you'll pick up on things you need to improve naturally and through help with others. Take time to be proud of your art in mini steps too, even if it's not the best! You tried and attempting to climb an obstacle over and over again before finally leapfrogging it is still progress to it.

Overall tutorials:

DrawABox.com is a site that's dedicated to art exercises and practicing when you can. They talk about the basics of art as well as how practice is important. It can get tough at times and it's ok to stop and do a balance of say those practices and doodles if you choose to try and do all of it's stuff - but you don't have to either. It's just a nice basic education done by some art nerds who like going hard.

Ethering Brothers - these guys are famous for their 40billion tutorials. If you need help on a specific idea, search their gallery and you'll likely find something.

Thundercluck's Art Fundamentals - She did a good huge ass tutorials on how things work, and it's the least overwhelming of the 3 I got in this section, so I suggest it as one of the first to look at for digital stuff.

Art Instructions Blog - Another good & simpler website that goes great into fundamentals. They focus more on traditional art but if you're digital, you can replicate most of the techniques - art fundamentals and subjects cover all mediums. Very important

Drawsh - Particularly notes on Construction: construction is the basics of building an illusion of a 3D image on a page. Figuring out how to build shape gives depth to your work, and learning how to see in 3D lets you be able to draw an item then move it around in your head (sometimes, when you're good enough, don't be afraid to pull out a reference or use live subjects). Construction is how to figure out the foundation of your drawing, and good planning = better picture! This link starts at the back, hit newer post to go forward.

There's a lot on anatomy and other nitty gritty details for when you want to practice those as well.

Griz and Norm's Assorted tips - Long time artist talk about various tips and tricks they use in art and how to avoid certain pitfalls. It's eclectic but great to look through.

James Gurney's Blog - He's got a lot of thoughts, a lot of tips, and a lot of adventures he catalogues. It's the least organized out of these but fortunately he has plenty of tags and most post have something neat going on. He's fantastic!🥰

BEFORE ALL OTHER BASICS….

How to Make Your Art Look Nice: Mindset

There's a lot of artist with different perspectives on how to approach art and your mindset while doing it, but the general consensus is that it's a process and sometimes you have to remind yourself to enjoy art!

Line

How to draw straight lines without a ruler. …but for the love of all that's good do NOT feel bad about using one! This talks about how to hold your pencil and how to do some good freehand stuff, some good practice.

5 grips for holding a Pencil for Drawing - This goes for pencil, pen, tablet, etc.. Get comfortable and figure out what's right for you and your pictures. I'd like to note that paintbrush holding will overlap, but some will differ.

A few line drawing exercises that help with line confidence.

Types of line drawings & what they are.

Contour Line & exercises with Mrs. Cook - Contour lines are one of the first art exercises I do in all the drawing classes I've taken. The good news is that they're surprisingly fun & look neat, even the blind contours!

Good deep thoughts on lines and how to use them.

Line Weight Tutorial

Lineart Weight Tips!

How to show variation in your line art: part 1 & part 2.

Some teacher's Drawing 1 & 2 lessons put online.

Light, Shadow, & Value

An introduction to tonal values.

Why values are important. The main reasons are that they give depth to a piece, and values literally shape our world.

Tonal Values: Everything you need to know

How does light work & the basics on Light

Light & Shadow in Art - much more in depth of the above! Highly recommended if you have time to spare.

Understanding grayscale/monochrome art. Great for shading & planning.

A guide to Cross Hatching (and hatching in general) - As a side note, crosshatching is one of the early things taught as it marries Line + Value into a nice neat package and helps add form with just a pen.

Crosshatching for Comics

Learn more about coloring by working in grayscale

How to Make Your Art Look Nice - Contrast!

Using lighting to make your art look nice.

Some light & shadow classifications.

Edges - notes on how they work in shading.

Color

A side note - color theory doesn't differ much, but color MIXING will change between mediums. If you're doing traditional colored pencil, you're overlapping 2 or more pigments on top of each other. If you're doing traditional paint, you're mixing & creating a solution/emulsion (depends on the pigment and binding) of pigments with the particles reflecting light in different ways. In digital, overlapping colors & blending colors depend on how the program you use calculates it if you're not just putting 2 color side by side. This just means you have to adjust your mixing when you switch between them. :)

Slawek Fedorczuk's Light & Color Tips - also shows how to guide through a scene.

The Color Tutorial Part 1 & 2 by Sashas - A personal favorite.

Color Studies 1-6 by Sheri Doty Amazingly nice breakdown on how color works in simple terms.

Sarah Culture's Tips on Color

The value of underpainting

A few notes on reflective light.

Experimental color techniques with Alai Ganuza: first post, second, & third.

Color zones of the face charts

Composition

Good Tips on Composition

Here's an example of how you can search the Etherington Brothers' stuff and get like 10 tutorials and tips on one subject. Composition & Cover Design, Shadow Composition, Two Line Composition - plus more.

How to make your art look nice: Thumbnailing!

And don't be afraid to make silly thumbnails or sketches.

Composition Examples - charts like these are great when you can't think of something yourself. There's no shame in using them.

Flow and Rhythm

Formulas for landscape composition.

Perspective

Perspective Drawing Tutorial by Julie Duell

Linear & Atmospheric Perspective Guide

One Point Perspective City Tut by Swingerzetta

Niso Explains Perspective - these are great for drawing figures in perspective!

Putting characters into scenes and drawing backgrounds

Backgrounds that make your character stand out!

Using background detail to guide the eye.

Odds and Ends

I shit you not, probably 1/3rd of my color, value, & structure knowledge comes from pixel art since I've done so much of it and it is all about challenging yourself to do the most you can with limitations. Check out lospec's tutorial database for fun and see how it compares to art techniques you're doing - even if you never try a medium, it's always interesting to see how it works. :D

How to Make Your Art Look Nice: Reference Images & Style, Pushing Proportions, and developing style.

Foervraengd talks about how he expanded his comfort zone with concept art & landscape drawing.

Luna Art talks about what they're thinking when doing concept art.

Repeating visual motifs in character design looks cool.

Eric's Thoughts on Drawing Backgrounds and Props.

Show vs. Tell: Why Visual is Not Optional in comics.

The Lost Vocabulary of Visual Story Telling Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, & Day 4.

Traditional Animation's 2 Digital Library books, The Know-How of Cartooning by Ken Hultgren & Advanced Animation by Preston Blair are two books from the golden age of animation they have up on their site for free viewing!

Animation resources dot org has a lot of cool stuff. Here's Nat Falk's How to Make Animated Cartoons (part 1). Their pages on Instruction & Theory are a good start.

Books

Good news: the internet archive has a TON of resources. Make sure to check around and toggle filters, it's a bit weird with organization. For example, a book can be under art or drawing - techniques, depending on who catalogues it.

Andrew Loomis is someone artist tend to die-hard reccomend. His work is collected here & here on the internet archive (one is Andrew Loomis, the other is Loomis, Andrew - thanks). I own Figure Drawing for All It's Worth and I recommend checking all of his stuff out, especially if you're having trouble with bodies and hands.

The Animator's Survival Guide by Richard Williams is mandatory in animation classes for good reason - it's fantastic!

Perspective for Comic Book Artist by David Chelsea is great for any type of artist. So is Extreme Perspective & Perspective in Action.

Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics, Reinventing Comics, & Making Comics. The first one is on the internet archive, the second two are likely avaliable at your library or at a bookstore as they're pretty popular.

Speaking of comics, Drawing Comics the Marvel Way has been a favorite of comic artist for years no matter what comic book companies and artist you like, it's a good introduction.

Anything by or endorsed by James Gurney, Color and Light: A Guide for the Realistic Painter is one of my favorites (this is his official page but you can get them elsewhere for cheaper too).

Art resource blogs with good tagging systems: @artist-refs , @help-me-draw , @helpfulharrie , @art-res , @drawingden , & @how-to-art

Lastly, I suggest if you find something you like online for free, SAVE IT! Whether it is through the Wayback Machine, screenshotting a whole webpage, reblogging/retweeting something, or putting it on pinterest, digital media is fickle and tends to go up in smoke when you least expect it. I have a partially organized Pinterest board that helped me find most of the stuff I wanted to keep. Figure out what works for you and save what you can.

[cool-fancier]

Possessed by Jealousy

Synopsis: You and Jennie's chance encounter at an art gallery blossoms into a deep, passionate relationship, fueled by shared interests and a possessive, all-consuming love.

Word count:2.6K

You and Jennie first crossed paths in a setting far removed from the glitz and glamour of Seoul’s nightlife. It was at an art gallery opening in a quaint neighborhood of the city, a stark contrast to the usual party scene you both frequented. The gallery was hosting an exhibition showcasing contemporary art from emerging local artists, and it had attracted a crowd of art enthusiasts, collectors, and those simply curious about the latest cultural trends.

You arrived at the gallery with a friend, eager to experience something different from the usual social gatherings. As you walked through the doors, you were greeted by the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet relaxed, with artworks displayed against pristine white walls, each piece sparking conversations among the attendees.

Jennie was there for a different reason. She had a genuine passion for art and had decided to attend the opening to support a friend of hers who was exhibiting their work. Dressed casually yet stylishly, Jennie blended in effortlessly with the crowd. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she moved from one piece to another, occasionally pausing to appreciate a particular artwork or engage in discussion with fellow art lovers.

You were drawn to a striking piece—a vibrant abstract painting that seemed to capture a whirlwind of emotions. As you stood in front of it, lost in thought, you felt a gentle tap on your shoulder. Turning around, you were met with Jennie’s warm smile. She had noticed your interest in the painting and was curious to hear your thoughts.

“I’ve always found this piece fascinating,” Jennie said, her voice soft but confident. “It’s like it’s trying to tell a story, but it leaves so much to the imagination.”

You were momentarily taken aback by her observation. It wasn’t often that someone so effortlessly connected with art in the way Jennie did. You smiled back, intrigued by the genuine interest she displayed. “I agree. It feels like there’s a lot of emotion and movement captured here. What do you think it’s trying to say?”

Jennie’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm as she engaged in a deeper discussion about the painting. The two of you quickly discovered a shared appreciation for the abstract and modern art, and the conversation flowed easily. As you discussed various interpretations of the artwork, you realized that Jennie had a keen insight into the subject, and her passion was infectious.

“Do you come to many of these openings?” you asked, genuinely interested in her response.

Jennie nodded, her smile growing. “I do, actually. I find that art can be such a powerful way to understand different perspectives and emotions. It’s like each piece has a story waiting to be discovered.”

You found yourself drawn to Jennie’s enthusiasm and her thoughtful approach to art. It was refreshing to meet someone who was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the world around her. The conversation continued, with Jennie guiding you through different sections of the gallery and sharing her insights on various pieces.

As the evening progressed, you and Jennie discovered more common interests. You both had a love for travel, a fascination with different cultures, and an appreciation for the finer details in life. The gallery’s atmosphere seemed to encourage deeper connections, and you felt an undeniable bond forming between you.

At one point, Jennie led you to a quieter corner of the gallery where a small sculpture was displayed. It was an elegant piece, and Jennie admired it with a thoughtful expression. “This one is by a local sculptor. They’ve managed to convey so much emotion with just a few simple lines.”

You nodded in agreement, captivated by the way Jennie described the sculpture. Her observations were insightful, and you could tell that her appreciation for art went beyond mere aesthetics. You both shared your interpretations of the piece, finding common ground in your perspectives.

As the night went on, you and Jennie continued to explore the gallery together. The initial spark of connection had blossomed into a genuine friendship, built on shared interests and meaningful conversations. By the end of the evening, you felt a sense of gratitude for the unexpected encounter.

Before you parted ways, Jennie suggested grabbing a coffee sometime to continue your conversation. “I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on art and travel,” she said, her smile warm and inviting. “How about we meet up next week?”

You agreed enthusiastically, exchanging contact information and making plans to continue your newfound friendship. The gallery opening had turned into something more than just an evening of art; it had become the beginning of a meaningful connection with someone who shared your passions and interests.

— — — — — —

In the weeks that followed, you and Jennie met up several times, each encounter deepening your bond. You explored different parts of the city, visited new art exhibits, and discussed everything from travel experiences to personal philosophies. Jennie’s presence in your life brought a new sense of joy and inspiration, and you found yourself looking forward to each meeting with excitement.

One particular day, you decided to visit a quaint café that had recently opened in a nearby neighborhood. The café had an artistic vibe, with colorful murals on the walls and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Jennie arrived, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the café’s unique decor.

“This place is adorable!” Jennie exclaimed as she looked around. “I love the creativity they’ve put into the design.”

You agreed, and the two of you settled into a corner booth, sipping on coffee and chatting about your latest adventures. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and you couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment in Jennie’s company.

As you both continued to share your stories and ideas, you realized that your connection had evolved into something deeper. What had started as a chance encounter at an art gallery had blossomed into a meaningful relationship. Jennie’s presence had become an integral part of your life, and you cherished the moments you spent together.

One evening, as you were walking through the city’s streets, you came across a picturesque park. The park was adorned with twinkling lights and a serene atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for a heartfelt conversation. Jennie looked at you with a thoughtful expression, and you knew that she felt the same way about your connection.

“I’m really glad we met that night at the gallery,” Jennie said, her voice soft and sincere. “It feels like our paths were meant to cross.”

You smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and appreciation. “I couldn’t agree more. Meeting you has been one of the best things that’s happened to me.”

As the evening came to a close, you and Jennie walked hand in hand through the park, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and the company of each other. The connection that had begun with a shared love for art had grown into a deep and meaningful bond, one that you both cherished.

From that night on, your relationship with Jennie continued to flourish. You both supported each other’s passions, shared new experiences, and built a strong foundation of trust and understanding. The gallery opening had been the catalyst for something truly special, and you were grateful for the chance encounter that had brought Jennie into your life.

— — — — — —

The lights of the party shimmered in a rainbow of colors, casting vibrant hues across the crowded room. The music thrummed in the air, a pulsing beat that seemed to resonate in every bone of your body. You were at one of those parties, the kind where everyone knew everyone, and where friendships were formed and deepened through laughter, shared secrets, and sometimes, the inevitable drama.

You spotted Jennie across the room, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. She was talking to Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa, her closest friends. The four of them were practically inseparable, always having each other’s backs. Tonight, they all looked particularly stunning, dressed to impress in their chic outfits. Jennie’s eyes landed on you, and a soft smile played on her lips. Your heart fluttered, knowing that smile was meant for you.

You wandered around, chatting with a few friends and acquaintances. At some point, a girl named Sarah approached you. You’d met her a few times before – she was sweet, friendly, and a bit of a flirt. Tonight, she seemed particularly interested in talking to you, standing a little too close, her hand occasionally brushing against yours as she spoke.

Unbeknownst to you, Jennie had been watching. Her smile faded, replaced by a hard, unreadable expression. She muttered something to her friends, who all turned to look in your direction. Rosé laughed, nudging Jennie playfully.

"Looks like someone’s getting a bit too close to your girl, Jennie," Rosé teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Jennie’s jaw tightened. "She’s just being friendly," she replied, her voice cool, but her eyes betrayed her. There was a fire there, a possessive glint that made her friends chuckle.

"Friendly, huh? If you say so," Jisoo added, winking at Lisa, who grinned widely.

"Better go claim what’s yours before someone else does," Lisa quipped, her words laced with playful sarcasm.

Jennie took a deep breath, nodding. She excused herself from the group and made her way towards you. As she approached, Sarah was laughing at something you’d said, her hand lightly touching your arm. Jennie’s eyes narrowed, and she slipped her arm around your waist, pulling you close against her side.

"Hey, babe," she said, her voice dripping with casual possessiveness. "What’re you two talking about?"

You smiled, leaning into her touch. "Just catching up with Sarah. She was telling me about her trip to Paris."

"Sounds fun," Jennie replied, her tone polite but distant. She looked at Sarah, her gaze hardening slightly. "But I think it’s time we moved on. Lots of people to see tonight."

Sarah’s smile faltered a bit, but she nodded. "Of course. Nice seeing you, [Your Name]. Maybe we can catch up more later?"

"Sure," you replied, feeling Jennie’s grip tighten slightly around your waist. As Sarah walked away, Jennie turned you towards her, her eyes boring into yours.

"What was that about?" she asked, her voice low and demanding.

"Just talking, Jen. Nothing more," you assured her, placing a hand on her chest. "Why, are you jealous?"

Jennie’s eyes darkened, a slow smirk spreading across her lips. "You know I don’t like sharing, especially not with someone like her."

You couldn’t help but smile at her possessiveness. "You don’t have to worry about that. I’m yours, Jennie. Only yours."

Her eyes flickered with satisfaction. "Damn right, you are," she murmured, leaning in to press a firm, possessive kiss on your lips. You melted into her embrace, feeling the intensity of her emotions in that kiss.

— — — — — —

As the night wore on, Jennie’s friends continued to tease her, but it only seemed to fuel her possessiveness. She kept you close, her hands constantly on you, her eyes always watching. At one point, Rosé sidled up to you both, a cheeky grin on her face.

"You two are so good together," she said, winking at you. "But Jennie, you really need to learn to share."

Jennie scoffed. "Not a chance. Y/n is mine."

Lisa laughed, clinking her glass against Jisoo’s. "Cheers to that. Just don’t go scaring off all the other girls, Jennie. We need some fun too!"

Jennie rolled her eyes, but there was a playful smile on her lips. She turned back to you, her expression softening. "Come on, let’s get out of here."

You nodded, letting her lead you out of the party. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the stuffy, crowded room. Jennie pulled you close, her hands roaming possessively over your body as you walked.

"Where are we going?" you asked, your voice breathless with anticipation.

"Somewhere private," Jennie replied, her voice low and husky. "I need to remind you who you belong to."

— — — — — —

Your heart raced as she led you to her car. The drive was short, but filled with a charged silence, the tension between you almost palpable. When you arrived at Jennie’s apartment, she wasted no time, pulling you inside and pressing you against the door as soon as it closed.

Her lips were on yours in an instant, hungry and demanding. Her hands roamed your body, tugging at your clothes, her touch possessive and desperate. You moaned into her mouth, feeling the heat of her jealousy and need burning through you.

"Mine," she growled against your lips, her hands slipping under your shirt to touch your bare skin. "You’re mine, [Your Name]. No one else gets to touch you like this."

"Only yours," you whispered, your fingers tangling in her hair. "Always yours."

Jennie’s eyes blazed with desire as she kissed you again, her hands working quickly to remove your clothes. She pulled back for a moment, her gaze raking over your naked body, a satisfied smirk on her lips.

"Perfect," she murmured, her voice dripping with lust. "Absolutely perfect."

She led you to the bedroom, pushing you gently onto the bed. She stood at the foot of the bed, her eyes dark with desire as she slowly removed her own clothes, never breaking eye contact with you.

"You’re so beautiful," you whispered, your voice filled with awe and desire. "I love you, Jennie."

Her eyes softened for a moment, a tender smile playing on her lips. "I love you too, Y/n. More than anything."

Then, her expression shifted, the possessive hunger returning. She climbed onto the bed, her body pressing against yours as she kissed you deeply, her hands exploring every inch of your skin.

"You’re mine," she whispered against your lips, her voice a low, seductive growl. "And I’m going to make sure you never forget it."

Her hands moved with practiced skill, touching you in all the right places, driving you wild with desire. Her mouth followed, kissing and nibbling at your skin, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. You moaned her name, your body arching into her touch, completely at her mercy.

Jennie’s fingers found their way between your legs, teasing you with gentle, deliberate strokes. You gasped, your hips bucking against her hand, desperate for more.

"Tell me what you want," she murmured, her voice husky with desire. "Tell me how much you need me."

"I need you, Jennie," you moaned, your voice barely more than a whisper. "Please, don’t stop."

She smirked, her fingers moving faster, her touch sending waves of pleasure through your body. "Good girl," she whispered, her breath hot against your ear. "You’re mine, Y/n. Only mine."

You cried out as she pushed you closer and closer to the edge, her touch relentless and perfect. She kissed you deeply, swallowing your moans, her tongue dancing with yours in a passionate, possessive kiss.

When you finally came, it was with a shuddering gasp, your body trembling with the intensity of your release. Jennie held you close, her own body shaking with the force of her desire.

"Mine," she whispered again, her voice filled with satisfaction and love. "Always mine."

You nodded, too breathless to speak, but your eyes said everything she needed to know. You were hers, completely and utterly, and there was no one else you’d rather belong to.

As you lay in her arms, your bodies tangled together, the night seemed to stretch on forever, filled with whispered words of love and promises of forever. Jennie’s jealousy had only strengthened your bond, reminding you both of the fierce, unbreakable love you shared.

And as you drifted off to sleep, you knew that no matter what, you would always belong to each other.

[okiedokrie]

High Infidelity

Summary: There are many different ways that you could kill the one you love, the slowest way is never loving them enough. So what happens when you find someone who was all too willing to give you thee attention you craved, you said you'd only dip your toes into the idea, and yet, you find yourself already drowning. The novel you've been writing has been in progress for the better half of two years now, your writer's block beating you up, and your husband hasn't shown you any sympathy. Maybe a visit to the art exhibit from this new artist would jog your creativity, but what happens when this new artist offers you more than just relief from your writer's block?

Characters/Pairing(s): Xu Minghao (The8) x F!Reader

Genre: Smut, Angst, Fluff

AUs/Trope info: Non-idol!AU, Aged-Up!AU, Right Person (not) Too Late

Word Count: 10.6k

Warnings: Infidelity, very inappropriate conversations with a married woman, afab!reader, wears dresses, lmk if i miss something!! (Smut warnings under the cut)

Rating: 18+

A/N: banner and dividers by @daemour!! tysm!! This is also a rewrite/reupload of my own fic, "High Infidelity" on @pyeonghongrie, yes I reskinned my own fic.

A/N 2: Thanks to @nebulousbrainsoup, @kwanisms, @the-boy-meets-evil, @wooahaeproductions, and @gongiz for beta-reading!

Smut Warnings: tipsy sex (not drunk), vaginal sex, unprotected sex, creampie, nipple stimulation, masturbation, lmk if i missed anything!

The rain soaked into your skin—cold and icy—piercing you painfully. All your personal belongings were strewn all around you, and your soon-to-be ex-husband was angrily slamming the door shut, but you couldn't help but feel relieved.

After all, you were finally free.

"I'm right here, honey, I love you." He whispers into your skin, slowly unbuttoning your shirt, one button at a time. He kisses your skin every time new skin is revealed to both of you, he kisses your skin so delicately as if you'd break at the slightest touch-

"Y/N, you still haven't dealt with the dishes yet." Your husband, Haru, said monotonously just as you were starting to gain momentum in your writing.

You groan, the interruption making you lose focus and motivation to write. You stare at the last word on your document, gaze burning into each pixel as if hoping that this piece would write itself.

Unfortunately, life said, "Fuck you."

With another groan, you rub and pinch the bridge of your nose, a headache starting to settle in as your husband returns to work as if he didn't just cause you a serious inconvenience.

Standing from your comfortable computer chair, you take calm and even strides toward your kitchen, where only a handful of dishes are left in the sink.

And this little shit didn't even bother washing like, what? 8 dishes? He has to be kidding me, men.

You thought to yourself, your inner monologue only making you more irritated. But you wash them in silence, thinking of ways to calm down and clear your head so you have a clean slate to work with to get inspired again.

I think I should visit the gallery again, there's this new artist that I've been following. He's getting pretty popular, maybe I could draw inspiration from his work?

You think maybe this is the best idea you've had since you put bacon bits on mac & cheese.

Taking the time to visit this gorgeous gallery was the correct move.

Xu Minghao is a passionate man, you can see his dedication to his craft in all the pieces in this gallery. He was a mixed media artist, sometimes his work was pops of color on a canvas, others were sculptures made of clay, made with the most delicate of hands, and others were more niche, like the stained glass piece in another part of the gallery.

One thing about Minghao's work is that his subjects are also subjects of passion.

Paintings of a man's devotion to worshiping his lover's skin, a stained glass recreation of The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, and his latest masterpiece, simply titled "Passion", a sculpture of a woman in the throes of pleasure, with her lover holding her close to him, no gap between their skin, eternally locked in a passionate embrace.

As a romance writer, this is exactly what you need.

You take in this sculpture, the light of the gallery display emphasizing the delicate attention to detail this piece had, you know the man who made this takes pride in this, his work, skills, and dedication finally being realized.

You stare in awe at this piece for a little over 20 minutes, the more you look at it, the more entranced you become of the mastery of this craft.

You feel a presence beside you, a man around 5'11", slightly muscular build, in a turtleneck with glasses sitting delicately on his nose. He has a peculiar hairstyle, a mullet to be exact, and the most gorgeous face you've ever laid your eyes on.

"I see you like this piece in particular," He started, hands in his trouser pockets while smiling fondly at the piece, "'Passion' was a difficult piece for me to finish, ironically enough, I got bored of it quite easily." He continues, turning to face you.

"I'm Minghao, by the way, Xu Minghao. If you haven't already figured it out." He takes a hand out of his pocket, extending it towards you.

"Oh, I'm Y/N, Park Y/N. It's a pleasure to meet you, Minghao. Your exhibit is astounding, I love your dedication to your work." You take his hand to shake it,

He chuckles at the compliment, "Oh please, save your praise, I know that name from anywhere. I love your latest work, that book was what inspired this entire collection, to begin with."

You gawk at him, oh my god, he reads smut. My smut.

"Oh my, what an honor! I'm glad you also enjoy my work." You receive the compliment gracefully, "Although, I do want to hear more about why you got bored of this piece in particular, such a wonder to the arts community, surely you aren't downplaying your work?"

He smiles, perfect teeth on display, you swear you’ve never looked at a man like this in your life. You were down bad for his smile.

"I'm not saying I think it's bad, I just got bored of the creative process." He explains, "Although I do want to continue adding to this collection, perhaps we can go and get drinks together? Exchange ideas?" he offers.

You ponder on this for a bit. Going out to drinks with a budding friend wouldn't hurt, right?

"Could I give you my number? Let's set aside a day to chat. I have to get home to my husband before it gets too late."

A smirk came into his face, something dark about a seemingly insignificant change in his expression, “Of course, I look forward to our time together.”

The mug in your hands warmed your palms, and your focus was fixated on the man in front of you. He talked about another piece of his, titled “Longing”; it was heavily inspired by his desire to find someone who shares the same passion as him, the longing to hold someone in a way that nobody else could, intimacy in its purest form.

“It sounds a bit pathetic, I’m known for my work in the art of passion and, to put it simply, sex; but I haven’t been able to find the company of a lover myself. Perhaps that’s just the consequence of being a hopeless romantic. Then again, you wouldn’t know the feeling of being lonely, I assume.” He said calmly, a small chuckle ending his tangent.

“Oh I wouldn’t say that,” You look into the mug in your hands, your reflection swirling in the tea. Your face looks back at you, eyes sunken in and sad, “To put it nicely… my husband robs me of solitude, but fails to offer me company.” You shouldn’t be talking about Haru like this. Your husband works many hours, tirelessly providing you with the house and connections for you to pursue a career in writing. But that wasn’t the reason why your anxiety was swirling in your stomach.

Looking back up at Minghao, the same dark expression sits on his face, a minuscule smirk, barely there even if you squint, “Well, we’re friends now, aren’t we? I could keep you company.”

That. That was a quality of his that you noticed fairly early on. You can never read his true intentions, suggestive prose with just enough deniability to gracefully reject him without the conversation becoming inappropriate.

But your anxiety wasn’t caused by that, no, it was caused by the fact that you didn’t want to reject him.

“I’d like that, Maybe we could head to a bar and get drinks there too? My husband won’t be back for a few months because of a business trip in a few weeks. I could use the company.” You say, looking at him through your lashes; he knows his effect on you, and the mental gymnastics that both of you play over the table was just appropriate enough that to anyone listening, it’s just two friends agreeing to get drinks sometime in the future.

But to both of you, well, only the two of you know what’ll happen once the sun goes down.

“Of course, my schedule is free for the rest of the month. Be sure to think of me if you need company.” He offers you a soft smile, directly contrasting how intensely he’s making eye contact with you. The way he’s looking into your eyes makes you feel vulnerable like he’s directly using them as windows into your head. You’re half-convinced he could read your mind, if he could, he’s a master at hiding it.

You haven’t learned much about him, but from what you do know, you can never take his words at surface level, much less his actions. The way he’s leaning over the table, elbows on the surface, and his shoulders relaxed. His closing the distance, even if just by a hair, and the way his posture suggested the epitome of familiarity, shook you to your core.

His presence is almost suffocating, his dominance over your mind silencing whatever protest his suggestions may have created. You nod dumbly, “Of course, be warned though, I think of you a lot.” This causes his smile to relax into a smirk, the kind that could pass off as a smile if you don’t think too hard about it.

“I’m glad to hear that. I think about you a lot too.” He says picking up his cup of tea, “So much that a collection was born from the thought of you.” He takes a sip from the cup in his hands, eyes meeting yours over the rim of the cup, the way he holds eye contact with you always makes goosebumps litter your skin, the cup hiding the growing smirk on his face, silently enjoying his effect on you.

“Ah, speaking of the collection,” He started again, after setting the cup down, “Would you do me the honor of visiting my studio sometime? I’ll text you the address right now, you can come by at any time if you’re interested.” Taking his phone out from his pocket, feeling your phone vibrate in your pocket, you pick it up. The small device, usually light, feels like a heavy weight on your palm.

Opening your messages, you see that Minghao already sent the address, a building about 20 minutes from the cafe you’re in right now. “Lovely, could I trouble you to pick me up when I decide to visit?” You ask,

“Of course,” He replies, a gentle smile stretches across his face, “I’d love nothing more than to see you more often.”

The first time you entered Minghao’s studio, it felt like a dream. The studio wasn’t small by any means, the place was neat, neater than what you imagined any artist studio would look like. “Make yourself at home, I’ll brew some tea for us,” Minghao said as he took both your coats. Hanging the heavy fabrics on his coat rack, he gently guides you to the couches with a hand on your back, the light touch helping to ground you in this new environment.

He shoots you a quick smile before turning his back to you, setting his electric kettle to boil the water at the perfect temperature for tea. He rummages through his extensive tea set collection, settling on a simple white ceramic set with wooden handles. His eyes meet yours briefly, taking note of how you watch his every movement with care and curiosity, the way you were fascinated with the way his hand veins jumped every time he set a piece of the tea set down.

The kettle finishes boiling, he finally sets it down next to the tea set. “I want to introduce you to this teacake that my friend from home sent me,” He pulls out a teacake about the size of his head from the drawer under the table, wrapped in a slightly stained paper. He carefully unwraps it to show you the rich brown of the aged tea leaves, “This is a 15-year-old aged pu’er, I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, so I’d like to try this with you.”

“What an honor, I read from a recent interview that you were waiting for a good day to taste that right?” You ask, trying to gauge his reaction, if he’s surprised, he doesn’t show it,

“Of course, making a new friend is a special occasion, isn’t it? I’d consider that a good day.” He replies cooly, taking a tea knife and carving out a piece of tea to steep for a second, you watch as he delicately handles the porcelain set, the control in his movements reminding you of his mastery in sculpting, “You know, making tea is much like cultivating a new relationship,” he starts as he stands up to take the kettle off the stand.

“You carefully carve out your leaves, boil your water to the perfect temperature to bloom them, and steep the leaves a few seconds at a time.” You see him pour the water over the tea leaves, dried blades blooming like flowers under the delicate stream. “Each steep of tea is different, starting from the bloom until the flavor develops; and only then will you appreciate the true complexities of what tea has to offer.”

A small smile grows on your face as you watch him pour the first bloom onto his tea pets, “If my assessment is correct, you’re trying to correlate the developing flavors of tea with how our relationship is progressing?” He nods, confirming your hypothesis, “Then, I’ll ask you a question, which steep are we on?” you say with a cheeky smile.

Minhao grins at this, eyes almost disappearing with how wide his smile was, “Literally? The second steep.” He says as he pours more water over the leaves, you let out a chuckle at his little joke, “Figuratively? The fifth.”

You tilt your head a bit, “The fifth? I didn’t realize we were already at that stage.” you say as you accept his offer of a teacup.

He chuckles, “Well, I don’t just share my most expensive teas with anyone, so I might as well share it with one of the most brilliant minds I know.” he said while bringing the cup to his lips, sipping the drink carefully while making eye contact with you over the rim, winking playfully.

You raise your cup as well, the rising steam not being the only reason for your flushed face, you grin against the rim of your cup, savoring the rich and deep aroma of the high-quality tea.

After a while of banter and small talk, you finish your tea, setting down your cup gently on his expensive-feeling coffee table, he stands from his seat, “Could I show you something?” he said, holding his hand out to you. You place your palm on his, the warmth from his hand seeping into your skin. The touch was negligible, simple, even, but the contact with his skin sent electricity through you, like a violent jolt of excitement.

Minghao notices this and smirks, feeling pride swell up in his chest as he pulls you up from the couch, leading you to the other side of the room with a hand on the small of your back. He finally stops in front of a large canvas, laid across what looks like a bare-bones bed frame. You turn to him, curiosity growing on the expression of your face.

“What’s this? This looks fairly new, the paint on the frame still seems wet.” You ask, eyes raking over the splotches of color seemingly placed without much thought or care, it looked like the aftermath of a messy and angry paint spill.

“It is new,” Minghao starts, “I’m trying a new technique where I release frustrations by getting whatever paint catches my eye and throwing cups of it without much thought.” He shrugs, nothing particularly of note, but you do notice the amount of emotion that is in the piece.

“It’s not an elegant piece, but for a collection centered around passion I find it missing raw emotion.” He runs his hand through his face, frustration taking over his features, something you noticed early on was his emotions were closely tied to whatever art was around him, it seems as though the frustration in this one was affecting him at this moment.

“Yes, the human form and sex are great subjects, but pure, raw emotion is hard to capture.” He mumbled, eyebrows furrowing. “So, that’s why I invited you here. Tell me, as someone who’s written longing, despair, and everything in between. How does this make you feel?”

You pause and take in his words, turning back to the canvas and trying to soak in the colors, the shapes, and the emotion behind this piece. Yes, frustration is here. Yes, anger is here. But how does it make you feel?

“It makes me feel like I’m missing out on something.” You say simply, your stomach sinking just thinking about what that might entail. Minghao has a genuine look of shock for the first time since you’ve met him. His head tilted to give his attention to you fully.

“Really? Interesting. That’s the first time I heard that about this piece specifically.” He said with a lopsided grin, seemingly getting a new stroke of genius with your answer. He looks back at the canvas too, shoulders shaking from his restricted laughs. Your answer seemed to entertain him a lot. That much you can figure out, but you can never be sure what goes on in the mind of Xu Minghao.

Just then, your phone starts to ring, you only know one person who would call you at this hour—your Husband. You watch as the expression on Minghao’s face falls, face contorting into something short of a scowl for a split second before settling on his usual cool neutral expression. It was so quick that you barely missed the change, it happened so quickly that you decided it was all in your imagination as you ran to answer the phone.

You pick up the phone, “Hi honey-” You were cut off by your husband speaking,

“Get home, it’s getting late and you haven’t started dinner yet.” He said simply, before promptly dropping the call.

You stand there, the line going dead as you try to hold back tears. You take a deep breath, too afraid to show your face to Minghao in case tears were about to fall from your face. Grabbing your coat, you turn to face the door.

“Thank you for inviting me over, I have to get home now,” you said, your voice a little shaky, as you roughly opened the door.

You were out of his sight as Minghao stood alone in his studio, pondering. As silence took over the space, a dark smirk on his face.

'How long before you break?' he wonders.

The next time you and Minghao meet, you’re sitting on a park bench watching the autumn leaves dance to the silent song in the wind. You’re pulled out of your thoughts when you hear leaves crunch beside you, seeing the tail of Minghao’s long coat swaying in the wind.

He sees you, a smile spreading across his face, his long hair almost covering his face. His fast-paced walking makes the leaves crunch under his weight rhythmically. You think that he looks beautiful under the soft brightness of the autumn morning, only ever seeing him in the harsh rays of high noon or the constant humming of fluorescent lights.

You feel the heat radiating off his body through your and his coats as he sits next to you on the park bench. “Beautiful morning, the view is exquisite.” He says, looking directly at you. You giggle at this, he’s always been such a charmer ever since you met him. You peel the notebook from your lap, “I’m no artist, but the park is too gorgeous this time of year to not at least try to capture on paper.” you say as you open it to show him a relatively crude sketch of the scenery.

“Oh? This feels like a threat to my career.” He says with a chuckle, “But, genuinely, this is an amazing sketch. Are you sure you aren’t an artist?” You think you could get used to how relaxed you were around Minghao, conversations with him flowed so easily, it reminds you of the times your husband used to be invested in you as a person. Perhaps it was easier to compare the thrill of meeting a new person with feeling the start of a romantic spark, it was a dangerous game to play with him.

“No, I’m not, but I can appreciate a masterpiece when I see one.” You say, this time looking at him. He notices this and laughs at the fact that his joke is being used against him. He closes the notebook, handing it to you to put in your tote bag.

“The weather is perfect for a walk, care to join me?” He said, offering his hand for you to take. You accept the offer, the warmth of his palm being something to ground you on such a dreamy morning. Leaves crunch under both your weights in synch, your hand moves from his to hold onto his arm, and you try not to notice the lean muscle of it or the steady and secure way he guides you through the path.

You breathe in the autumn chill, enjoying the comfortable silence that followed the quiet whistle of the wind. “Your book,” Minghao said, his silky voice cutting through the silence effortlessly, “The one that inspired the collection, I’ve been following your publisher’s updates on the series, and I was wondering if you'd be able to share your progress on the second book?”

“Ah, about that.” You grimace, and you shake your head, quelling the urge to complain about your husband’s lack of sympathy for your predicament. “Maybe I’ll tell you another time, it’s not something I can talk about at the moment.”

He hums, luckily, Minghao was never the type to pry, “I get it, ever the tortured poet you are.” he said in a joking tone, you let out a chortle at this, agreeing that you may or may not be one.

Both of you are stopped by a flower vendor, “You both are a lovely pair,” The old man starts, as he turns to Minghao, he asks, “Could I interest you in some flowers? I’m sure your lady would appreciate them.” He smiles.

Before you can correct the old man, Minghao speaks up, “Of course, could I take three of these?” He said, pointing at the basket of Jonquils.

“Of course, you’re in luck too, these are the last off-season flowers I had in my greenhouse.” the old man said as his nimble fingers wrapped the flowers in some yellow tissue paper.

“I'm really lucky indeed.” He agreed while looking at you, your cheeks warming up at the implication. Minghao accepts the flowers and happily pays for them, gracefully handing the bundle to you.

Holding onto the stems, your fingertips graze over the delicate petals of the bright yellow flowers. “Thank you Minghao, they're beautiful.”

He smiles at the way you look at the flowers fondly, simply adoring the way your face lit up; literally, the yellow from the flowers reflected off your face and gave it a yellow hue.

“Shall we continue to walk?” He asks, offering his arm for you to hold again, you hold onto it, the flowers in your other hand. And you let the silence take over again.

Before you knew it, you've spent the entire day laughing and talking with Minghao, only stopping at several vendors for food and other trinkets, feeding the ducks berries, and watching the fish in the pond.

But the day has to end at some point.

You regretfully leave Minghao at the train station, waving goodbye through the glass of the train doors as you watch his figure get smaller and smaller.

Arriving home, you try to find a vase to put your flowers in, setting it down on the kitchen counter, your husband walks in and sees them.

“They're ugly, don't put them anywhere where I could see them.”

He said coldly, you try your best not to scoff at him, still searching for a vacant vase.

Finally finding one, you decide to place the flower vase on the windowsill of your office, the bright flowers contrasting everything else in the room, the dark and neutral furniture your husband got for you.

You jolt, realizing you're comparing your husband to another man.

You expected guilt to eat you up at the realization, but really, you couldn't find a reason to keep defending Haru.

“Could you come over to the studio later tonight? I don't think I should be alone.”

This text from Minghao worried you a bit, you've been spending a lot of time with him recently, you met him 6 more times after he got you flowers at the park, and you never noticed that he could deal with something so sinister.

Of course, you agree to come, your closest confidant in your adult life needs you right now. You wait for your husband to fall asleep in his office, again, before you leave the house, walking to the end of the block before calling a cab.

Arriving at his studio, you already knew the code, punching in the numbers 150526 on the smart lock, the studio opens with a click.

You take cautious steps into the studio, seeing the silhouette of a man on the couch, his back towards the door, nursing what you assume is a wine glass in his hand.

He turns his head to face the door, “You came.” He said, with relief in his voice, a little slurred from the alcohol you assume.

“You called.” You replied. Shrugging off your coat to hang, you join him on the couch. He looked a lot more disheveled compared to the usual clean and put-together Minghao that you know.

His hair is slicked back, some pieces of hair falling onto his face, his tie loosened, his shirt unbuttoned to reveal his collarbones and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. And glasses resting lowly on his nose.

You look at his face, and you notice dark circles around his eyes.

“Drink, and stay with me. Please.” He asks, no, almost begs you. You don't have the heart to decline. He pours you your glass and you both toast your glasses together.

You take the normal sip and he downs the rest of his, taking in a deep breath as if to steady himself. “Y/N, there's something I need to tell you.”

Your stomach drops at this, anxiety filling the pit of it as you nervously wait for the rest of what he has to say.

“I think I'm in love with-” he pauses, “someone I shouldn't be in love with.” He finishes, leaning forward to pour himself another glass of wine.

Your face falls only slightly, a minuscule change in expression that neither you nor Minghao catch. You cross your hands over your lap as soon as you realize your silence.

“Why can't you be in love with them?” You ask. Your head tilts as you take another sip of your wine. He hums, a smile graces his lips, but it doesn't seem to reach his eyes.

“They refuse to be vulnerable with me, opening up throughout our time together then closing back in the next time I see them.” He says with some fondness, “Also, they're married to someone else.”

“You probably should've led with that.” You mumble lowly, “I see, I know that all too well, wanting someone you can't have, someone so close yet so far. It's suffocating, especially when you haven't felt like yourself in so long, and then this person comes around and gives color back to your sad, gray, life. It's cruel, actually.”

You realize you've been rambling, turning to meet Minghao's eyes, you notice an emotion swirling behind them, something bittersweet, a realization that may change the course of your relationship.

“Anyway, how did you end up falling for them in the first place?” You ask in an attempt to bring the conversation back to him,

“Well, at first it was just a cure for boredom, I saw how receptive they were to my advances and I thought their marriage served as a fun, harmless challenge for me. But I got to know them, spend time with them, I got to witness the color come back into their face and I couldn't help but find it beautiful. That fact that I did that, bring color back into their face, slowly becoming someone again. The moment I saw their face light up with a simple gift I knew I was down, down bad.”

You hum, thinking the person Minghao was talking about is one of the luckiest people in the world right now. To be loved by him was like witnessing Orpheus’ choiceless grief that drove him to save his lover from the underworld, it was like feeling the devotee's dread-filled need to turn around, it was like experiencing the immediate forgiveness of Eurydice.

You wanted to be loved by him.

You both continue to chat and drink, and it isn't long before the two of you finish your second bottle of wine, Minghao offers to pay for your cab home, and he decides he's going to sleep in his studio.

You reflect on the events of that night as you slip into the cold covers of your marital bed, your husband’s side tidy as it was for the past month.

You run your hand over the pristine and cold sheet, imagining someone else filling its space on your bed, as he does your heart.

Minghao added a new piece to his collection, his gallery is still a work in progress and you walk through familiar doors. The very same statue you were entranced by still sits by the entrance, and you see a very familiar figure standing in front of it.

“I feel like this already happened before.” You said cheekily, he snorts at this, handing you a paper bag with tissue paper peeking from the top.

“Maybe this happened before in a dream, maybe we were destined to meet under the judgemental fluorescent lights.” He jokes as you feel the weight of the bag on your fingers.

“What's in the bag, Hao?” You ask cautiously, mischief flashing on his face before he fully turns his body to you, giving you his full attention.

“It's something you might like, maybe.” He said, his confidence faltering toward the end of his sentence. Tucking his hands into his trouser pockets, he eagerly waits for you to open the semi-heavy bag.

You carefully move the paper to the side of the bag, seeing white porcelain peaking back at you, you whip your head with with your face showing an expression of surprise. Minghao smiles, enjoying your reaction to his gift.

“You got me a tea set? That's so thoughtful, thank you.” You say with a smile, inspecting the frog patterns in the glaze.

“You mentioned your husband is leaving for a business trip soon, so I figured you'd like a set so we can have tea at your place. I'll even bring you a teacake to keep.” He said as he pulled a hand out of his trousers, fixing a stray hair that fell from your up-do.

“It's perfect, thank you.” You said, looking up at him, a smile still on your face.

“Do you want to walk around the gallery with me? I added a few pieces since then, and I'd like to talk about them.” he said, offering his arm. You wrap another hand around him, the familiarity of his arm under your palm giving you a sense of calm.

You spent the rest of the day walking around the gallery and chatting, other gallery-goers openly gawked at Minghao. It was obvious, really, the artist is here in the flesh, and he's gorgeous.

Minghao stopped to entertain other guests too, seeing him in his element made pride swell in your chest. His work, and by extension him, is finally being recognized by more people in the community. His hard work and dedication paid off handsomely.

Stopping in front of a mural, you noticed it was a replica of a really old painting. A painting of Ares and Aphrodite getting caught by Hephestus.

“Oof, poor bastards.” You joke, Minghao found this funny too, chuckling with you.

“It’s almost comical how this painting compelled me. I don't know what drove me to recreate the thing as a whole mural, but we both know I'm a little crazy.” He says with a playful groan, you try to hold back a loud laugh by giggling into your palm.

“Well, dear Xu Minghao, everyone knows crazy people are geniuses.” squeezing his arm, you check out the side of his face. His side profile was so sharp and soft at the same time, the dichotomy of his features was an easy subject to study. He's a gorgeous man, too gorgeous for his own good you think.

You both sat down on the bench in front of the mural to chat, and before you knew it, enough time has passed that the gallery was about to close.

Minghao calls a cab for you, and you arrive home in-tact, but not safe.

“Y/n, where have you been running off to these past few weeks?” Your husband questioned you as soon as you entered your home. Your mood instantly dropped, feeling the weight of your actions all at once.

“I'm hanging out with a friend, and it's really not that deep. It's not like I've neglected house work at all. So you should have a reason to care.” You snap back, a little too much for such a simple query. Your husband rises from his seat, cupping your face with a gentle hand for the first time in a long time.

“You’re my wife, of course it's my concern.” He said, just as he was about to make you fall for him again, he said, “We haven't been intimate in a long time, I'm leaving in a few days, so I want to make love to you before I go.”

Ah, there it was. He only ever shows affection for you when he's asking for sex nowadays.

You nod, what followed was unfulfilling and unsatisfying sex. Missionary, a few pumps just to get him off, and he didn't even kiss you.

And obviously, he didn't make you cum.

Your husband is fast asleep in your bed for the first time in months, and yet you can't find it in yourself to be happy about it.

You take out your trusty friend, egg.

The jolts to life with steady vibrations as you press the toy to your clit, relaxing into the sheets as you imagine a pair of calloused hands roaming the plane of your skin.

Controlled pressure and technique only a sculptor could have, his hair falling over his face, and his eyes holding you gaze as if you gave him everything he could ever want by simply existing.

He looks at you like you hung each star in the sky just for him, just so he could watch your skin bathed in moonlight, twinkling like the most precious diamond he could ever have.

This man isn't your husband, It was Minghao.

Your orgasm came unexpectedly, the realization that you were fantasizing about him snapped you back into reality so violently that you ruined your own orgasm.

You huff as you tuck the toy back into its drawer, pulling up the covers to try and sleep off the guilt.

Your husband left for his business trip a few days ago, and you made preparations for your first guest in a while. You finally set up the tea set when you heard a knock at your door, springing up, you head towards the door to look through the peephole, you see Minghao dressed a little more casually, a cap on his head and a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

You swiftly unlock the door for him, he smiles upon seeing you, tipping his cap, he says, “Good evening, it's a pleasure to finally be invited into your home.” You greet him back, stepping to the side to let him enter. As he does, he takes his cap off to let his hair fall onto his face again.

He offers you the flowers and you take them, “I'll go find a vase for these, make yourself at home, dinner is still cooking in the oven.” You said as you turned back to find another vase.

After finding one and setting the flowers in your office again, you find Minghao setting a record on your turntable, a slow tune plays through the air, instantly making the room feel calmer and homey.

“I didn't pin you as the type to have such an extensive vinyl collection, you have good taste too.” He said, swaying to the music by shifting his weight from one leg to another.

“I didn't feel the need to mention it considering I haven't touched those in a while. My husband hates them.” You say solemnly.

“Well, he isn't here now. Let's enjoy the music,” he said, holding his hand out for you to take, “Dance with me?”

You smile as you take his hand, he suddenly pulls you towards him and you land on his chest, his arms wrapping around you securely as you sway to the calm of the music.

You think to yourself, This is nice, this is safe. I wonder if this is what it feels like to be married to Minghao instead.

You turn your head and press your ear to his chest, hear him breathe slowly, his heart beating rhythmically. This is the first time you were ever this close to him, practically holding him in a loving embrace.

His woody cologne almost distracts you, so seductive and masculine and you almost reach up to cup his face, to kiss him. Before you realize that he isn't your husband.

You're both snapped out of your little bubble when the oven dings, signaling that dinner is ready. You break away from him, already missing his warmth as you set the dining table, one that hasn't been used in a while.

You eat dinner with him, talking about your days and how work has been. It's a welcome change of pace from your husband’s tolerance of your presence. You didn't have to beg Minghao for footnotes on his life, you didn't feel like you're taking up too much of his space or time.

It's safe, secure. It feels like you're being celebrated for existing.

You dwell on this feeling long after Minghao heads home, your stomach and heart full. As you slip into the covers you wonder what it'll feel like to hold him under them, for him to kiss the crown of your head and whisper the three words you desperately wanted to hear again.

You fall asleep with the fantasy that when you wake up, he'll be right next to you.

Minghao invited you downtown this time, various pop-up stores of luxury brands recently opened and he just secured a sale of a really expensive painting; so of course, what better way to spend that money than taking a shopping trip with his closest friend.

“This would look amazing on you.” He said while taking out a dress, it's a color that compliments your hair and skin wonderfully. Minghao always knew how to dress.

“Oh, I'm inclined to agree, but I'm not willing to look at the price tag for that one.” You joke, shrugging as you follow him around the store.

“Nonsense, I'm offering to pay.” He said, turning his nose up. “I'm getting this for you, I'll ask the salesperson for more sizes so you can try them on.” He said, turning to the salesperson doing just that.

The salesperson nods enthusiastically, bringing the dresses to the dressing rooms and ushering you in despite your protests. Minghao only smiles in amusement as the curtain hides your figure, he sits on the bench near the dressing rooms in silence, scrolling through Instagram on his phone.

He hears the curtains roll open, it only takes a moment of him looking at you in the dress to take his breath away. It fits you perfectly, hugging your body deliciously. Minghao almost drops his phone onto his lap, his grip loosening, star-struck by your beauty.

“How does it look?” You ask, awkwardly fiddling with the expensive fabric of the dress, feeling a little too expensive to be on your body.

Minghao wordlessly stands from the bench, looking a little dazed, he turns to the salesperson and tells them, “We're getting the dress.” As he walks toward the cashier almost in a trance.

You're a little taken aback by his reaction, but nonetheless you change back into your regular clothes. As soon as you walk out of the dressing room Minghao Pushes you back in with more dresses.

“Please try these on.” He says, not having the strength to look you in the eyes. You comply.

It took you hours of trying on dresses and accessories to the point that you almost bought the store out. Minghao couldn't get enough of the mini-fashion show you were putting on for him, and it's not like the salespeople are complaining either.

You walk out of the first store with multiple bags in hand, you thought that was enough shopping for the whole year maybe, but no, Minghao pulls you into another store, and another, and another, all leaving with bags (multiple) of clothes.

It got so bad to the point that Minghao had to leave your bags in his car so you could free up your hands to buy more stuff.

You stopped trying to fathom the amount of money Minghao was spending on you, yes, he did buy items for himself too, but he looked much more satisfied to provide for you rather than procuring items for himself.

The car ride back home was filled with way too many ‘are you sure's and ‘you really didn't have to's. But Minghao was insistent on you keeping all the items he got for you.

“I'm being serious, you're a gorgeous woman, you deserve to be spoiled like a queen.” he said, turning to you while waiting at a red light, “You need to visit my studio in the clothes I got you, you'll fit right in with my paintings.” He smiles.

Your face flushes at his compliments, a bright and happy smile stretching across your face. You couldn't remember the last time you were this happy with someone. To find joy in the company of another felt liberating, you felt like you deserved this.

Minghao drops you off at your place with your new clothes, helping you get them into your living room like a true gentleman.

“I'll see you next time, Y/n.” He said stopping at your doorstep, annd leaning down to press a kiss on the crown of your head, he took note of what your shampoo smelled like and left. Leaving you awestruck in your doorway as you watch his car drive off.

This studio has become so familiar to you, like a second home almost. Punching in the code was muscle memory at this point, the smell of drying paint and clay becoming a calming scent.

You smooth over the front of your dress, one that Minghao got you, as you enter his studio again. Shrugging off your heavier coat, the beginning of winter creeps closer as the trees lose the last of their leaves.

Minghao just got out of the bathroom, wiping his hands on his paint-stained shirt and apron. He looks at you, the dress, the way it fits on you. And he smiles widely.

“Hey there gorgeous, what are you doing all the way there? You should be over there with the rest of the art.” He says cheekily.

You giggle as you enter the space more, stopping in front of him taking his extended hand and following it, giving him a twirl.

He simply adores the way the fabric flows and shapes around your curves and contours, your skin practically glowing with life.

He fights the urge to kiss you, succeeding for now.

He guides you onto the couch, a turntable sitting next to his stone tea tray on the coffee table. ”Oh? This is new.” You said when you noticed it.

“Oh that? I got it for when you come over. I got a few records too, if you'd like to make yourself comfortable while I brew us some tea.” He said, untying his apron to hang on an easel, turning his back to you and he started preparing tea like before.

His movements and practiced, you'd guess this tea ceremony is second nature to him, considering he always talks about it. This scene is safe, familiar, it's comfortable.

He does this whole song and dance again, you've seen him do this over and over again but you can't seem to get sick of it. It's like you're giving yourself excuses just to keep seeing him.

But they don't feel like excuses, not at all, they're just more reasons why you feel deeply, and so quickly for Minghao.

Again, the both of you talk about everything and anything under the sun, him walking you through all his latest pieces, him plans for new ones creativity vibrating through ever cell in his body.

You imagine him talking so passionately about the future, maybe even a future with you.

Before you could realize what you were doing, you’re holding onto Minghao’s shoulders for support,

and you lean up to kiss him.

Minghao fights the urge to kiss back, he fails.

His hands come up to cup the back of your head tilting his head to deepen the kiss, pouring all his emotions into the simple, gesture of affection.

Your head was spinning, dizzy from his cologne and the wind getting knocked from your lungs as soon as your lips met his. It was electrifying, finally feeling the warmth of his body pressed so close, yet so far from yours.

Oh, you wanted him, so, so badly.

He pulls away first, heaving from the intensity of the kiss, eyes in a daze. Meeting your eyes again, he couldn’t help but lean in for another kiss.

This time he's really pressing into you seemingly drunk off of the feeling of his lips meeting yours. He's just a man at the end of the day, a weak, weak man in the face of paradise.

He came back to his senses once he felt the cool metal of your wedding ring on his neck. Jolting back, he pushed your shoulders back, creating a significant distance between the two of you.

“I, I think you should leave.” He said turning to hide in his studio bathroom to collect his thoughts.

You stood there puzzled, did he not feel the same way you did? But why did he kiss you, twice? Something isn't adding up.

But moreover, you can't ignore the painful sting this rejection gave you. You wanted him, did he not want you? What was the point of trying so hard to make you fall for him when he just decided to back down when he finally had you?

You gather your belongings and leave the studio, the door clicking to lock behind you. The ride back was suffocating, it felt like you left a part of yourself in that studio with Minghao. And you fear that this may be the last time you see him.

You haven’t spoken to Minghao in the weeks following the kiss, your nerves on fire every time you remember how his pillow lips felt so right on yours.

You're standing in front of the mural. The one where Hephestus caught Aphrodite, his wife, and Ares, her lover, having an affair and having sex on their marital bed.

It's funny, looking at this mural. You spent your last weeks wandering his gallery, searching for his shadow, but he always seems to evade you so easily. He's marked you like a bloodstain on a pristine white dress, lingering like fog on a cold autumn day.

Winter is still young, yet you feel cold. So, so cold.

As if your most desperate prayers were heard, Minghao practically materializes next to you.

“Hi. I'm sorry I wasn't able to speak to you for the past few weeks. I'm a coward, a fool to run from you.” He said, both of you looking at the mural and not at each other.

Silence follows, you couldn't look at him, you couldn't speak to him. “Y/n I-”

“This isn't the place to talk about this.” You said coldly.

Minghao flinches a bit, not used to how icy your voice was. It usually greets him so warmly, so lovingly.

“Let's go out to drink, there's a bar that's walking distance from here, if you'd like go go with me. I have too many things to say to you, too many thoughts left unsaid. You deserve to hear them, at least.” He said, remorseful.

You really couldn't find it in yourself to stay mad at him. So you agree to walk with him.

The walk to the bar is silent, unlike your previous walks. You're so far from him, you even refused to hold onto his arm like you usually do.

It's early winter yet Minghao is sweating bullets, he's almost vibrating at a frequency that could shatter glass. His nerves are all over the place, he's acting so out of character, nothing like the calm, cool, collected Minghao you've come to know over the past few months.

He takes a deep breathe before you both enter the bar.

A few drinks in and you’re already tipsy, “You know- hic- my husband is being a dick to me.” You drunkenly slurred, “This novel I’ve been writing for over two years now is fucking me in the ass- I- I want to finish it so desperately but all he does is sucks the soul out of me. He’s a giant pain in the ass-!”

Minghao snorts at this, loudly talking over the music of the bar, “Your husband is a fucking dick! Your work is amazing. If I were him, I would do anything to help you get rid of that writer’s block, you know, inspire you.” He tucks a stray strand of hair behind your ear.

“You’d do that?” You ask, clinging onto his arm, “Thank youuuu hao bear~ you’re the best-!” You giggle into his arm, your weight pressing against his side. You’ve only known him for three months at this point, but his ideas and influence on your work improved your writing and motivation drastically.

“Hao bear? That’s new, you’ve only known me for- what? 3 months? You’re already calling me nicknames!” He holds the back of your head gently, pressing his forehead onto yours, “I should give you a nickname too… Starlight, how does that sound?” At this point, you tune out every other sound other than the sound of his voice and the pounding of your heart.

This man had you in a chokehold the moment you met him, you were fucking doomed from the start.

“Starlight? Yeah, I like it more than a little bit.” You say softly, your words almost getting lost in the noise of the bar.

“Let’s move to somewhere quieter, yeah? Tell me more about your work. We can head to my place to settle down for a bit.” There it is, the same dark, barely there smirk that plagues your stomach with butterflies.

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

Arriving at Minghao’s place, you take a quick look around his apartment. Everywhere you look is a pop of color, bold splotches of vibrant hues making the place look like it was pulled straight out of the 80s, “Hao, your place is amazing, the furniture brings me so much joy~” You giggle a bit, sitting down at the plush red velvet couch shaped like a seashell.

“Thanks! Most of the furniture is thrifted from retro thrift stores, I like this style more. It brings so much personality to the space.” He passionately talks about them, “Do you want anything to drink? I have water, juice, and beer here.” He says, rummaging through his fridge.

“Oh, just water, please.” You say you have a feeling that you need to at least sober up for whatever the night brings.

He takes two glasses of water and places them down on the coffee table. It’s the only piece in the entire house that is a neutral color, a fine hardwood. You couldn’t tell what it was at a glance, not that it was important anyway.

“So, let’s talk about this book that you’ve been struggling to write now. Could you tell me what it’s about?” He asks, taking a swig of his water, you stare at his side profile while he does, sharp yet delicate features, his Adam’s apple bobbing from his drink.

Bro’s so majestic.

“Well, it’s about an artist who’s losing passion for his work, told from the perspective of his lover. It’s a spicy romance, with, in my opinion, a correct amount of sex scenes-”

“Give me a percentage of how much of it is smut.” Minghao interrupts you,

“Like… 75 percent?” He snorts at this, “Anyway, I’ve been stuck on the last spicy scene of the book, the climax, pun not intended,” You take a swig of your water, “I mean, it’s not like I don’t have experience writing that sort of thing, or lack experience in sex either, but my sex life’s been such a drag with my husband being gone for long periods and-”

Minghao interrupts you again, “And he doesn’t fuck you right, does he?”

The forwardness of his words made you freeze, you contemplated whether to reject him here, to tell him it wasn’t appropriate to talk about this with you, especially about your husband. You know how Minghao looks at you. It wasn’t a secret to anyone that he wanted you, but he never acted in any inappropriate way. He never makes you uncomfortable.

This was no exception. The swirling in your stomach wasn’t because of unease, no, this was because of arousal.

“No, no he doesn’t.”

He leans in, kissing you. This time he's not rushing, no more pushing and pulling, no more things left unsaid. He wants you, he'll have you. That was a promise.

He lifts you from the couch, lips never parting as he carries you to his bedroom, peeling each other's clothes, bumping into walls and furniture. But you couldn't care less, you were lost in each other's embrace and you can't think of another place you'd rather be.

Half-naked on Minghao’s bed, who, need you be reminded, was not your husband.

His hands roamed your sides, the heat from his palms warming your skin, causing it to flush, his soft, plump lips pressing feather-light kisses to your neck. You could feel his breath behind your ear, his hair tickling your cheek.

“How would your husband feel if he knew what you were doing with me right now?” He asks, clearly getting off on the fact that you were in his bed, getting ready to fuck him, a man who wasn’t your husband.

“I hope he’d be disappointed, but at this point, I think he forgot about me.” You say with a chuckle at the end, trying not to ruin the mood.

Minghao gently pulls away from you from that, “What?” he asks quietly, the word almost getting drowned out by the hum of the air conditioning, “Sorry, I know this was supposed to be a taboo, forbidden relationship thing but… I’m angry at him.” He says, avoiding your eyes.

“I know I’ve only known you for a few months, but I never felt this way before. It fucking kills me to think that a woman like you would be forgotten, for what exactly? Work?” He said anger gradually filling his voice. His hand reaches for your face when your eyes meet, thumbs pressing down on your cheekbone. The controlled and purposeful movement reminds you just how pliable you are under his touch. He sculpted you into what he wanted you to be; beautiful, strong, unashamed.

You gently cup his face, still hovering above you, “Kiss me, Minghao.”

And he did.

His lips met yours in a searing embrace, just the force of his passion against yours was dizzying, fiery desire clashing to make fireworks behind the eyelids that fluttered close. You never felt this type of longing from your husband, never felt his devotion being kissed through your lips like Minghao’s tongue was exploring it.

At that moment, you knew you were gone.

Minghao pulled away from you, hazy eyes meeting yours as the string of saliva that connected your mouths broke. At that moment, Minghao was stuck in a trance, his lips coming to meet yours over and over like he couldn’t stop tasting your lips even if he tried. A sweet ambrosia, too saccharine to stop. He’s become addicted to your lips molding onto his like sickly sweet honey sticking to his lips.

Out of breath, he grabs hold of your waist, rolling over to get you on top of him. He reaches behind you, unclasping the hooks of your bra and letting your breasts fall free from it. He cups both of them while you sit up, grinding on his hardening cock through his boxers, he groans at this, reflexively squeezing your boobs.

Placing both of your hands on his pecs, you also give them a gentle squeeze. Minghao notices this and his gaze darkens, passing his thumbs over your hardening nipples. Your pussy clenches onto nothing at this, a soft gasp leaves you as you started to grind harder against Minghao.

His nails started to dig into your hips, his own desperately grinding up against you for more friction. Soft moans leave him as he throws his head back against the pillows, eyes fluttering close just so he could focus on the sensations of your clothed cunt grinding against his cock through his boxers.

“God, get off of me before I cum in my underwear like a teenager.” He says with a playful groan, lifting your hips off from his crotch.

“Right, you still need to cum inside of me.” You say back playfully, his eyes darkened at this.

“Fuck, you make me want to keep you forever,” taking one of your hands and placing a kiss on your palm.

He lifts his hips only enough to get his boxers off, shimmying them off to somewhere on the floor near his bed. You also take this time to take your underwear off, secretly hiding it under his pillow when you lean down to kiss him again.

When you both pulled away, another string of saliva connected you two. You took two fingers to swipe at the liquid, bringing it down to rub your clit while you lowered yourself down to grind on his bare cock now.

Minghao hisses, “Fuck, I can feel how wet and warm you are, sweet christ.” he breathes out a shaky breath as you grind your bare wetness on his cock, lubricating the shaft for later. You moan at the contact, body slightly shaking from the friction of the tip of his cock hitting your clit occasionally.

“God, Minghao, fuck I need you inside me.” You desperately whine out. You lifted your hips up to finally hold his hard cock to align it with your pussy, slowly sinking on the thick girth. You throw your head back at the satisfying stretch his dick was making you feel.

“Fuck, you feel so good, so tight and warm,” He moans, he’s not shy about letting you know how good it feels with how vocal he’s being, he takes your right hand and holds it tightly, pressing it against his chest. You could feel his racing heartbeat under his skin, “Let me keep you forever, please, don’t make me beg, run away with me.”

You openly gape at him from this, You’d be a fool to accept this, especially since you’ve only known him for a fraction of the time you knew your husband, but god dammit.

“Take me with you, anywhere you want to go. I’m yours, please take me.” You say desperately. You’ve never been wanted this badly before, and god, you wanted more, for the rest of time.

Minghao abruptly thrusts up into you from this, tightly clenching your hand in his, still pressing on top of his racing heart under the skin. You cry out in pleasure, somehow the sensation of his heart under your palm elevates your pleasure, making you go dizzy at the thought that you’re doing this to him, and only you.

You come close to your climax embarrassingly quick, the sensation of his cock rubbing your velvet walls so perfectly made your head spin. Your ears are ringing so loudly that it almost drowns out your sounds of pleasure, and the sound of skin slapping against skin.

Minghao isn’t far from you either, the same dizzying effect taking hold of his mind too. He’s so close to finishing that he could almost taste it, his moans and whines of your name leaving his lips like a mantra, a prayer, even.

“Minghao I’m gonna cum-!” you say frantically, pressing your forehead onto his as he meets your lips with his for the nth time. You swallow the moans he spills into your mouth as you both climax at the same time. His heart still beating frantically under your palm.

“Did you mean that?” You ask breathlessly, “When you said you wanted me forever, did you mean it?” you couldn’t look him in the eyes.

“Exactly, I meant it word for word. Let me replace the ring on your finger with mine.” He smiles at you.

In the end, he did replace the ring on your finger with his, much more extravagant, and elaborate. Your husband wasn’t surprised at your sudden request for a divorce, since your marriage was already failing before you met Minghao.

Still, time was the ultimate truthteller.

Your husband found out about your High Infidelity around the middle of your divorce proceedings, and in a rage, he threw you and all your belongings out onto the driveway. In the middle of winter rain.

The rain soaked into your skin, cold and icy piercing you painfully. All your personal belongings were strewn all around you, and your soon-to-be ex-husband was angrily slamming the door shut, but you couldn't help but feel relieved.

After all, you were finally free.

You finished your book, it received critical acclaim and it was a New York Times Best-Seller.

And you got to marry Minghao, the love of your life. Who you were happily married to until the both of you grew old.

FIN.

[mightbebobbie]

i wanna make my own one piece oc/sona... imagining an artist roaming the seas collecting other artists to search for and study art and the history behind it,,, they're pirates bc the marines lock away a lot of it and monitor what's to be put on display publicly etc etc... their ship is called the artisan and its covered in drawings made by the people they meet around the world... they would all be sillies and probably not too strong but they're working on it... the captains dream is to return all art to their rightful owners and to open a public gallery where people can come and display their art.... the captain has the power of the draw-draw fruit (paint-paint? illu-illu aka illustration? Its a work in progress also im only on chapter 591 when writinf this so idk what fruits actually exist yet and I don't want to know either), which grants them the power to draw inanimate objects into existence... but they're an amateur so their crew is made up of professionals who can teach them the secrets of making art...

[thecoffeelorian]

Fandom Friday: Crossing The Fandom Streams!

06/07/2024

Hello again, everyone…and welcome back to another Fandom Friday.

The purpose of these entries, if you have not yet heard it, is to bring more visibility to art and stories that might otherwise go unnoticed on the Tumblr timeline, as well as to help the creators of such fanworks achieve more followers in the process.

Today is also the day where, so that I don't stray too far from the Star Wars fandom, I start bringing in some Crossovers material in order to keep things interesting.

And third, since "The Acolyte" has just become available for streaming as of 2 days ago, this will now become a sub-category for future fanworks, as I've already found a few nice pieces so far in the fanart section, and am looking forward to discovering a lot more as time progresses.

Therefore, with these thoughts in mind, I now bring you my picks of the week!

GENERAL STAR WARS

Star Wars Fanart--By @thora-sniper:

THE ACOLYTE

The Acolyte Fanart--By @hermesdoesthings:

THE PREQUELS

The Prequels Moodboard--By @redroses07:

THE CLONE WARS

The Clone Wars Fanart--By @chiliger:

TUKK TALES

Tukk Tales Fanart--By @nevermindigotthis:

THE BAD BATCH

The Bad Batch Fanart--By @locitapurplepink:

TBB Arts And Crafts--By @dreamingfoxproductions:

THE MANDALORIAN

The Mandalorian Fanart--By @tameowzerzz:

CROSSING THE FANDOM STREAMS

Call Of Duty/Star Wars Fanart--By @journen:

Star Wars Rebels/Warrior Cats Fanart--By @spacefinch:

In conclusion, as part of my mission to poke around the Star Wars fandom and, on Friday every week, highlight those artists and writers who might otherwise go unnoticed…I hope you will check out the links I have included for yourselves and like, comment on, and reblog them, as well as also giving the artists and writers a few more followers to their Tumblr pages.

Please also like and reblog this latest installment so that these links can be spread around to as many other fans as possible, just in case not all of them can tune in at the same time.

An additional thank you goes to @djarrex for making the divider I used earlier in this post, but still want to give credit for.

And finally, so that I do not forget…thank you to my friends, thank you to this fandom, good morning, and good luck.

The No Pressure Tag List: @musicalselaw @gun-roswell @callsign-denmark @melymigo @saphiranishimurashan

@theosb0rnway @hastalavistabyebye @vaderkin-is-a-lightning-rod @vincili @tlmtwelve

@bbtechsimp @thatflatfrog @algo-o-nada @ankossss @tazmbc1

@yeehawgeek @tech-aficionado @exquisitesarcasm @korribanarchive @msknight10

@sharpasanaro @that-gay-jedi @badbatchposts @quietgingerfangirl @sunshinechildskywalker

@universitysunflowers @littlefeatherr @riverside-of-neverland @pastasmoothie @cyberscorch

@ilovemedia @cinnamonsugar-pretzel @brownielocks69 @here-comes-the-moose @skellymom

@lilithastar @maxims-multifandom-corner @serinzatravel-blog @rott1ngbra1n @snap-my-kneecaps and anybody else who might be on the lookout for new and interesting works around the fandom.

[misquitz]

Commission Prices

I can only accept payments through PayPal and CashApp

I do also make Twitch reactives starting at $45

Terms of Service under the cut!

Basic ToS:

Payments are taken upfront before i begin on the artwork

Commissioner can re-upload the image with credits given to myself.

Artwork cannot be used commercially, or claimed as your own

Refunds given based on how much work is done. Read below for clarification.

(IMAGE COPYRIGHT)

I, the artist, retain full and exclusive rights to the original artwork. The client may not claim it as their own or use it for anything other than personal use.

All commissioned artwork is for noncommercial purpose only. Redistribution of my artwork for use in printed merchandise or as promotion of goods, services or social media pages is prohibited.

(Conditions for Reposting:)

The client has my permission to repost the artwork wherever they would like, as long as proper credit is given and my watermark/signature remains intact and unaltered.

(Prohibited Actions)

Altering my artwork in any way without asking for permission before hand, with the exception of cropping/resizing the image for an icon or other use.

Use my artwork as references for your own, whether tracing or re-purposing parts of the image.

Claiming the artwork as your own.

Altering or removing my watermark

If these terms are broken, you will be privately blacklisted from commissioning me and reported.

(PAYMENT INFORMATION)

I accept payment in USD. All payments will be taken via Paypal and CashApp.

It is the commissioner's responsibility to tell me when the payment has been sent.

(Refund Policy)

If the commission is cancelled (by me or the client) before work has started, then the client will receive a full refund.

If the client cancels the commission during progress, the amount refunded will be on a case-by-case basis and up to the artist’s discretion. I do have a rough basis for refunds:

Sketch: 90%

Line: 50%

Line and Color: 0%

No refunds will be given for completed or nearly completed commissions.

The artist reserves the right to cancel a commission at anytime, for any reason, and without explanation.

If I cancel the commission due to my inability to complete it at any state, a full refund will be given.

(CONTACT AND COMMUNICATION)

Discussion of commissions can be conducted via Instagram DM, Tumblr DM, email, or through Discord (misquitz # 7652 )

(Visual Reference Guidelines:)

Client must provide at least one clear and concise visual reference; please supplement the visual reference with any important information I may need to know to correctly draw the character.

If you link to a gallery of your character’s artwork, I cannot promise your design will be done with 100% accuracy. Design interpretations may be inconsistent between images and lessen my ability to accurately draw your character. Shading on potential pieces will also play a part in this.

I will not accept a description OC, meaning I will not work with no visual

(WILL/WON'T DRAW)

Please keep my art style in mind when ordering; I specialize in humans and chibi. Things outside my comfort zone might not be as high of quality as something I am used to doing (i.e. furries, animals, centaurs, backgrounds)

Will Do:

- Humans

- Furries

- MLP

- Chibi

- Couples

- Slight Gore

- Most NSFW

Won't Do:

- Mecha

- Full suits of Armor

- Religious Pieces

- Any sort of hateful content, such as racism, transphobia, homophobia, and characters with Nazi/Soviet/etc. imagery or paraphernalia.

(PROGRESS)

Completion of most commissions are generally estimated to finish around a few hours to a few days depending on my IRL schedule.

Works in Progress (WIPS): Certain commission types may or may not include a sketch approval stage. I will send any wips to the commissioner via DM or Discord Chat. Progress will be paused until the sketch is confirmed.

Revisions and edits:

If the commission type includes a sketch approval stage, any major changes or revisions must be made at this stage; this includes any significant changes to a character’s pose or body shape, or redrawing parts of the image.

After the sketch has been approved, no major edits or changes will be made. If the commissioner requests additional edits after the approved sketch, a price for the edits may be discussed.

If I, the artist, make any errors in the character design, accessories, or any other visual elements specified in the provided visual references, I will make these edits at no additional cost. (Max of 3 minor edits)

If you do not want me to post your commission online, you must tell me when you order.

If you want constant updates on the piece, please keep in mind that I have ADHD and tend to forget to take WIPs while I'm working.

[sculkapologist]

well obviously now that I've finished one single painting, I had to make: AN ART GALLERY! I'm very excited about it and thrilled with how it's come out; i've been wanting to try some kinda tuscany-inspired thing for a while.

On the inside, the trapdoors are hiding barrels in the floor; I've put copies of the map pieces for my custom painting there, so that other players can come by for a print if they want to hang custom paintings in their own home!

Some planning under the cut:

this one actually has a LOT of planning to make it all work, aND HONESTLY IT PROBABLY COULDVE STILL USED MORE, but here's a few pages of me figuring out the basic look, figuring out how big it needed to be to house a bunch of paintings just in case i make a bunch of paintings (originally I was trying to figure out a way to start small and slowly introduce more space, but then i realised I could just fill it out with the official paintings and thus never have a big sad gallery filled with one (1) painting lmao), and figuring out how to make the skylights work. It's kinda fun that, due to the skylights being a significant source of light, the gallery does get darker at night. GALLERY CLOSED, EVERYONE GO HOME

That room at the top is the artist's room:

A tiny little cramped/cozy room for whoever runs this place (me) to sleep. I wanted the lectern to basically be an 'easel' of sorts, with the latest painting-in-progress visible on it -- it's linked to a map on the site, so as I work, the painting on the easel will update!!

if you wanna see us run around this space, Boo showed off the gallery in this stream, which should have the VOD available for a couple more days. And if you wanna see screenshots of stuff as I'm working on it before it all gets collected here, my patreon discord has a place for me to share minecraft screenshots and planning photos now! Nothing too fancy, but if you wanna throw a dollar at me, feel free to take a peek!

[sxii-mafu]

Unexpected encounter // Fu Hua

In the heart of the bustling city, a chill wind blew through the narrow streets. Y/N walked briskly, pulling her coat tighter around her, the collar of her scarf rising to shield her from the cold. She'd never been a fan of winter, but work called, and she was determined to make the most of it.

Y/N was a freelance journalist, always in search of a unique story. Today, she had an interview with a famous painter who had recently emerged from seclusion. Her curiosity had led her to this point, walking the same streets that the artist once did.

Turning into an art gallery, Y/N scanned the room for any sign of her interviewee. Her eyes fell upon a striking woman in a long, elegant coat. Fu Hua, the elusive artist herself, stood before one of her masterpieces. Her long, ebony hair framed a face that held an air of mystery and intensity.

Y/N approached Fu Hua, her heart racing. "Excuse me, are you Fu Hua?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The artist turned to face Y/N with piercing, stormy eyes that seemed to see right through her. "Yes, I am. And you are?"

Y/N extended her hand. "I'm Y/N, a journalist. I'm here to interview you."

Fu Hua's gaze softened as she shook Y/N's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Y/N. I've been expecting you."

As the interview progressed, Y/N was captivated not only by Fu Hua's art but also by her intellect and the way she spoke about her work. The artist's passion and eloquence drew Y/N in like a moth to a flame.

"Your art is truly incredible, Fu Hua," Y/N said, her eyes filled with admiration. "It's as if each piece has a story to tell."

Fu Hua smiled, a rare sight, and Y/N felt her heart flutter at the sight of it. "Art is a reflection of the soul, and I believe it should speak to the heart of the viewer. I'm glad you think so, Y/N."

Their conversation continued, touching on subjects beyond art. They discovered common interests, shared dreams, and a connection that transcended mere interviewee and interviewer. The gallery closed, and the two found themselves reluctant to part ways.

"Would you like to grab a cup of coffee, Y/N?" Fu Hua asked, her eyes holding a spark of anticipation.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "I'd love to."

And so, in a quiet coffee shop just around the corner, their story began. Two women, from different worlds, brought together by a shared passion for art and the unexplainable feeling of fate weaving its intricate threads around their hearts.

As the evening unfolded, and their laughter and conversation filled the small café, it became clear that Y/N and Fu Hua's connection was anything but ordinary. The beginning of a bond that would change their lives forever.

[claypigeonpottery]

Heyyyyy~ I'm just... So in love with all the work you do, they're all so precious and beautiful I'm in tears. Thank you so for what you do, can't wait to buy something you made soon :D

If it's okei, can you please tell the story of how you got into this and how did you progress from being babie artist to now growing artist and how long you've been doing this for? What's your top 3 fav works you've done? Did you eat good food today, if not please dooo. Thenks

thank you! that's very sweet x3 I'm excited to get more stuff fired and up on Etsy, hopefully before the end of June

.

choose three favourites of my work? oh, that is a difficult question.

one thing I really didn't like about my art when I was younger was that it was all very static. it was people sitting or standing, it was still life paintings. one of the things I'm really proud of in my work now is the sense of capturing a moment instead of someone posing, and/or giving a sense of movement

these two are just the opposite of static and I love them for that

and then there's this mug. the design is great, the details are great and I had so much fun carving it. it was honestly just delightful and I wish I'd kept it. I don't say that very often.

all sold

.

I'm putting the rest of this under a cut because I'm going to ramble

I started drawing because I was making silly comics about me and my friends in grade school and through high school (I assigned them all fursonas because I was a really cool 15 year old lol)

I got a little more serious about art in high school, but I never thought it'd be something I'd make money at.

when I was... in my early twenties? maybe 19 still? ah, memory issues, I went through a nine month art program, the 'Urban Canvas' project run by SCYAP (saskatoon community youth arts programming). the program is meant to support young artists, especially those with mental health or addiction issues. and it meant I got paid to draw and paint and create weird shit for 40 hours a week, for nine months. and then some (seven? eight?) years later I got to go through the program again which... honestly I'm so grateful I got to do that. (and SCYAP still supports me, they give me a table at their craft show every year and helped me with my first solo gallery show)

these are some of the pieces I made during my time at SCYAP:

and two very rare pictures of me, posing with two of my master studies. the left from when I was 20ish, and the right when I was... 27ish? (man I'm still proud of that Gentileschi copy)

.

it was after SCYAP when I started thinking that I could actually make money as an artist. so I painted more than a dozen murals, drew a 20-some page full colour comic, painted pet portraits, and sold my own paintings. commissions were more reliable than selling my own work for a long time lol

as for how I got into pottery, my mental health uh... haha. it took a nosedive about six years ago and during some of the worst of it, I was severely agoraphobic. my mom, who has always supported my art, offered to take me to pottery classes with her, in an attempt to get me leaving the house at least once a week. it did help (along with a lot of other things) and once I started exploring the surface decoration side of pottery, things really clicked for me

.

tangent: one of the things that really drove me to progress as an artist was having something driving my work. whether it was preparing for a gallery show or making a bunch of holiday cards or making piles of fan art because I was obsessed. every time I made something, anything, I improved. so when I had a goal that made me create more, I improved faster.

my unsolicited advice: make that weird fan art. it's good for your art. (I was really into tf2 lol)

.

I've tried tons of different mediums and I think it was a great way to help my style evolve.

when you're making art with a new medium, it might take awhile before you're making your own personal work. I, at least, find that I usually have to do some studies of other peoples' art and just try some basic creations before I do anything more personal. but once I'm ready to do MY stuff, I have a new repertoire to pull from. I wouldn't be the potter I am if I didn't have the experiences I got from other mediums

like acrylics (I did a lot of self portraits >.>)

paper flower making

watercolour

collage

cake decorating

(also oil paints, pastels, 3D wire art, crochet, linocut, stone carving, sewing, set painting and quilting. also my spouse and I like to make crafts together, like cutting-construction-paper, gluing-pompoms-and-googly-eyes crafts, because it's just fun to make stuff together)

I'm sure pottery isn't the last medium I'm gonna try. I'll probably get obsessed with carving tiny wooden figurines or making wax sculptures at some point. who knows!

.

and now I'm in my mid-thirties, making art pretty much every day. I've been doing this since I was a teenager, so almost twenty years now.

I never imagined I'd be satisfied with my own art, that I could look at most of my pieces and not see how I could have done it better, but hey, here I am.

.

wow that was rambly. the ADHD really comes out when I'm writing lol. and I did eat real food today! before having some freezies

thanks so much for your ask, hopefully I satisfied your curiosity

[calico-heart]

Creativite Growth Discord

I have set up a little discord for folks who want to set daily/weekly/monthly goals to create and improve their skills in different arts! :3

It's for artists, writers, 3D modeling, knitting, really any art endeavor! Human, fantasy, furry, fanart, it all goes!

The idea is to both help break down the impulse to only post "complete" or "good" content (which is often a barrier to creating at all), and provide a space where there's a sense of "accountability" by setting a clear, specific goal and having a community gallery to share and celebrate each bit of progress in (though no one will yell at you for missing a goal, this is still ultimately self-paced)

This is a pretty small server right now, with channels specifically focused on creative discussion/tutorials/prompts/etc. Depending on how big it gets, chats might be further added or divided, but it's not my intention to have a bunch of random unrelated chats included, in order to keep the focus of the server clear!

I will also probably cap it if it starts to get too big to manage or moderate effectively so it will never be one of those places with 1000s of members LOL

🔞 While not our focus, we allow explicit and dark content as long as it is appropriately spoilered/tagged, so this server is 18+ ONLY and should also not be joined if the existence of explicit sex, whump, BDSM, gore, etc makes you violently angry. 🔞

Discord Join Link

RULES PREVIEW UNDER THE CUT

Transcript:

Welcome to the Daily Do! The best way to build skills in anything artistic is to practice, and that's what this server is for! To encourage us to create and buddy system our way into improvement and better habits. You can decide for yourself how often and how much you want to set a goal for, and post in our gallery as you complete each one! We can celebrate each success along the way! Once you've complete a Daily Do, post it in #⁠2024!

You can make a single topic to store all of yours together, or post a new topic for each piece individually, it's up to you!

RULES

Group is LGBTQA+ friendly.

Server is 18+, we do not allow underage users. Circumventing this rule is grounds for permanent removal and ban.

Be polite and respectful. Maintain healthy boundaries.

No real life politics, religion, or social justice issues; no callouts posts or promoting drama.

Human-made art, writing, knitting, sculpting, 3D modelling, sewing, etc etc is all allowed.

No AI art or writing, these are not in the spirit of building personal creative skills and habits.

Tag and spoiler work that contains graphic, dark, heavy, or nsfw themes, so people can choose what to engage with.

Explicit real-life or (hyper-realistic content that cannot easily be identified as fake) is not allowed (i.e. Pornhub videos, lewd photography.) This is mainly to prevent any inadvertent violations of Discord's ToS.

If work appears to be created in bad faith, i.e. to be deliberately inflammatory or target other users, it will be removed.

Everyone has a different social battery, but as this is a 'buddy system' type group, please try to also acknowledge other people's contributions, even if just with an emoji reaction! Don't just post your own work and completely ignore everyone else.

Rules may be added or changed as necessary.

You set your own goals based on your own situation, we're just here to encourage and offer a kind of "accountability" to it by having a place to organize and post each Do!

If your goal isn't working for you, you can change it!

✅ Good - Simple, direct action to take and time frame to do it:

Draw x amount of time per day

Write at least x words a week

Sketch something in Photoshop with a different brush every Tuesday

❌ Bad - Vague overarching goal, no accountability or specific steps to take:

Get better at art

Do more writing

Learn to use photoshop

[kiellustrations]

CW: Wilbur Soot 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️ Support Shelby & other victims above anything else

I just wanted to orphan these works.

My heart cries out and wholeheartedly supports Shelby through this time and I honestly hope she knows just how much her speaking out has impacted everyone; I’ve seen stories of other women coming out of their abusive relationships, noticing the signs, and just in general taking Shelby’s words and warnings to heart. I am so incredibly proud of her and genuinely want to apologise. Even if I “couldn’t have known” or “couldn’t have seen the signs”, I feel like I should’ve, and I’m sorry.

I’m still proud of the progress I made as an artist but knowing the person he is, absolutely disgusts me and I feel guilty for even dedicating 4 years of my life to making art for him and his band. I’m just posting these pieces here as I’ll be purging all my works from procreate and my image gallery so I wanted to have something, somewhere online, not for him but for my younger self who worked hard to make art he’s proud of. Call this a burial ground of sorts, for my piece of mind and so I can move on and make art of people I’d be happy to support.

Art graveyard 🪦 gfy

If he ever thinks about making a comeback it will be on sight. 💥💥

To all other creatives who likewise spent so much time on this useless man; know that all that time, you spent improving YOUR craft, you can now go on an create even greater and better things for fandoms and people that deserve it more than he ever did. Do not let him take away your skill. I wish you all a very I hope you’re okay.

To Shelby, I wish you a very you deserve all the love and support in the world, you did not deserve what happened to you and you are so brave for speaking up.

To Wilbur, I wish you a very I hope you fall in a ditch.

Anvil Card border credit: @//FrostedHex on twitter

[box-of-pirates]

The Closet: Queer Photography, 1932-2007

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled to find myself in popular culture. Whether it be on television, in the theater, or in the pages of the books I read. Even in museums, with their vast collections of art, it always felt next to impossible to find people like me. In any instance romance was mentioned, any time there was a happy ending, it was always between a man and a woman. I never saw myself in those. Like many other sapphic women, I found myself desperate for any actual representation I could find. Eventually, I figured, “Why not just make that representation myself?” 

In the last 30 years, a lot of effort has been made to change the way things were. Shows, books and art featuring queer people began to appear more and more. The year my little sister was born, same-sex marriage was legalized. It slowly became more and more common for queer people to appear out and proud in the public eye. Despite this progress, a significant number of queer artists have remained largely unknown. I think about it a lot. How would the world be different if queer art had a space to thrive and be seen sooner? Especially if it had been known as queer? I intend to give that art a space to exist now, and I want to demonstrate (in this exhibit through photography) that queerness is not a new thing. We’ve been here for ages. Some of the only places that queer people like me have been truly visible in the past has been in the comfort of our own homes. I wanted to reflect a bit of that history in my choice of exhibition space, choosing to exhibit these pieces in a beautiful old townhome turned art gallery in Lisbon. While not intentional, all of the pieces featured in this exhibit are black and white photos, spanning a number of years from 1932 up until 2007. 

Queer people exist, and we always have. So here I am… Curating an exhibit featuring queer people and the work they’ve created. 

-- Adi Firestone

Pieces Featured: Apinda Mpako and Ayanda Mugudulele, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2007 - Zanele Muholi (gelatin silver print, 34.1 x 34.1 in) The Prom Queen, 1991 - Nancy Andrews (gelatin silver print, 20 3/4 x 18 in) Kady and Page in their Cabin, Monticello, NY (1978) - Joan E. Biren (injet print, 8 3/4 x 11 in) Jean Harlow, Drag Queen Ball, Long Beach, 1971 - Anthony Friedkin (gelatin silver print, 9 3/8 x 6 1/4 in) Young Lesbian at Monocle (1932) - Brassaï ( gelatin silver print, 11.4 x 8.3 in)

This was made as an assignment for ARTS 104, in Fall of 2024

[thatweirdfandom]

i think something i’ve noticed post lockdown is how hard it is for artists to just be artists. don’t get me wrong theres been a massive influx of art and content because resources are easier to access at a younger age and we have a wider area of social media to look through.

my issues comes when people start a chain of witch hunt or have the wrong idea about art and methods of making it.

i’ve seen people start witch hunts over someone using a same pose as them, someone using the same color pallet as them, heck even someone having a similar monster/creature design (to clairfy i’m talking about closed races)

i get it, the anxiety of integrity, the thought of being the one that was “first” to make something, that you are owed the right to feeling like you have created something no one else has. we are told that we will suffer if we choose to create.

the hard pill to swallow:

nothing you ever do will be something that hasn’t been done before. we are limited by what we consume, what we know, what we see and what we have around us. AND THAT IS OK. creating is a act of expression it should be a wonderful experience it should be for yourself and if you share that then thank you, because someone will see it and love it dearly

art is to be referenced, to be torn apart and put together again, to be studied to be learned.

i’m just, i’m really tired of putting the thought of “you stole xyz, your style stealing, you are plagiarizing me” i don’t care if you are 40 years old nor if you are 16. it effects all of us, and it makes people just not want to make art, to not share their art. and with that to not grow with their art.

yeah at some point you might not need a million references for a idea, or even maybe you have physical limitations to things.

i know animators and storyboarders that still make mood boards and references shots from films to just make a single animatic. i know one that does this because they have physical limitations and still want to create so they have a plan of references from 12 movies and “scrapbook” a story together then make it their own.

i know illustrators that have art galleries for their work that trace a picture of their body because it’s just faster sometimes to get the base down then spend the next 48 hours painting

i know designers that color drop pallets from anything they can find.

these are resources, this is being resourceful. you are growing your own creative journey you are allowed to do this, and you shouldn’t be shamed for it.

tdlr:

you do not own a pose, a pallet of colors, a style of art, what you do OWN is your own art, your own creativity and process that ends you up there. Sometimes someone has the same idea, sometimes someone already made that idea, this dates back centuries, not just the last few years. If someone isn’t claiming to own a piece of work that is yours, that they altered a piece slightly that they use AI i don’t want to hear it. We as creatives should be uplifting, and encouraging the progress and growth.

We all start and end somewhere and sometimes we end up on the line between. To create is to destroy, to bring life, to change, to find new paths and rebuild.

[okiedokrie]

High Infidelity (TEASER)

Summary: There are many different ways that you could kill the one you love, the slowest way is never loving them enough. So what happens when you find someone who was all too willing to give you thee attention you craved, you said you'd only dip your toes into the idea, and yet, you find yourself already drowning. The novel you've been writing has been in progress for the better half of two years now, your writer's block beating you up, and your husband hasn't shown you any sympathy. Maybe a visit to the art exhibit from this new artist would jog your creativity, but what happens when this new artist offers you more than just relief from your writer's block?

Characters/Pairing(s): Xu Minghao (The8) x F!Reader

Genre: Smut, Angst, Fluff

AUs/Trope info: Non-idol!AU, Aged-Up!AU, Right Person (not) Too Late

Word Count: 882 for this teaser (estimated 8-10k final fic)

Warnings: Infidelity, very inappropriate conversations with a married woman, tipsy sex (not drunk), minghao smokes, smut warnings in actual fic

Rating: 18+

A/N: banner and dividers by @daesukiii!! tysm!! This is also a rewrite/reupload of my own fic, "High Infidelity" on @pyeonghongrie, yes I reskinned my own fic.

FULL FIC HERE

The rain soaked into your skin, cold and icy piercing you painfully. All your personal belongings were strewn all around you, your soon ex-husband angrily slamming the door shut, but you can't feel but be relieved.

After all, you were finally free.

"I'm right here, honey, I love you." He whispers into your skin, slowly unbuttoning your shirt, one button at a time. He kisses your skin every time new skin is revealed to both of you, he kisses your skin so delicately as if you'd break at the slightest touch-

"Y/N, you still haven't dealt with the dishes yet." Your husband, Haru, said monotonously just as you were starting to gain momentum in your writing.

You groan, the interruption making you lose focus and motivation to write. You stare at the last word on your document, gaze burning into each pixel as if hoping that this piece would write itself. 

Unfortunately, life said, "Fuck you."

With another groan, you rub and pinch the bridge of your nose, a headache starting to settle in as your husband returns to work as if he didn't just cause you a serious inconvenience.

Standing from your comfortable computer chair, you take calm and even strides toward your kitchen, where only a handful of dishes are left in the sink.

And this little shit didn't even bother washing like, what? 8 dishes? he has to be kidding me, men.

You thought to yourself, your inner monologue only making yourself more irritated. But you wash them in silence, thinking of ways to calm down and clear your head so you have a clean slate to work with to get inspired again.

I think I should visit the gallery again, there's this new artist that I've been following. He's getting pretty popular, maybe I could draw inspiration from his work?

You think maybe this is the best idea you've had since you put bacon bits on mac & cheese. 

Taking the time to visit this gorgeous gallery was the correct move. 

Xu Minghao is a passionate man, you can see his dedication to his craft in all the pieces in this gallery. He was a mixed media artist, sometimes his work was pops of color on a canvas, others were sculptures made of clay, made with the most delicate of hands, and others were more niche, like the stained glass piece in another part of the gallery.

One thing about Minghao's work is that his subjects are also subjects of passion.

Paintings of a man's devotion to worshiping his lover's skin, a stained glass recreation of The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, and his latest masterpiece, simply titled "Passion", a sculpture of a woman in the throws of pleasure, with her lover holding her close to him, no gap between their skin, eternally locked in a passionate embrace.

As a romance writer, this is exactly what you need.

You take in this sculpture, the light of the gallery display emphasizing the delicate attention to detail this piece had, you know the man who made this takes pride in this, his work, skills, and dedication finally being realized.

You stare in awe at this piece for a little over 20 minutes, the more you look at it, the more entranced you become of the mastery of this craft.

You feel a presence beside you, a man around 5'11", slightly muscular build, in a turtleneck with glasses sitting delicately on his nose. He has a peculiar hairstyle, a mullet to be exact, and the most gorgeous face you've ever laid your eyes on.

"I see you like this piece in particular," He started, hands in his trouser pockets while smiling fondly at the piece, "'Passion' was a difficult piece for me to finish, ironically enough, I got bored of it quite easily." He continues, turning to face you.

"I'm Minghao, by the way, Xu Minghao. If you haven't already figured it out." He takes a hand out of his pocket, extending it towards you.

"Oh, I'm Y/N, Park Y/N. It's a pleasure to meet you, Minghao. Your exhibit is astounding, I love your dedication to your work." You take his hand to shake it,

He chuckles at the compliment, "Oh please, save your praise, I know that name from anywhere. I love your latest work, that book was what inspired this entire collection, to begin with."

You gawk at him, oh my god, he reads smut. My smut.

"Oh my, what an honor! I'm glad you also enjoy my work." You receive the compliment gracefully, "Although, I do want to hear more about why you got bored of this piece in particular, such a wonder to the arts community, surely you aren't downplaying your work?"

He smiles, perfect teeth on display, you swear you never looked at a man like this in your life. You were down bad for his smile.

"I'm not saying I think it's bad, I just got bored of the creative process." He explains, "Although I do want to continue adding to this collection, perhaps we can go and get drinks together? Exchange ideas?" he offers.

You ponder on this for a bit. Going out to drinks with a budding friend wouldn't hurt, right?

"Could I give you my number? Let's set aside a day to chat. I have to get home to my husband before it gets too late."

A smirk came into his face, something dark about a seemingly insignificant change in his expression, “Of course, I look forward to our time together.”

Taglist: None yet! Send an ask, reply, or reblog to be added!

[sleepingdeath-light]

relationship hcs ; butter pretzel cookie

requested by ; anonymous (09/08/23)

fandom(s) ; cookie run

fandom masterlist(s) ; hub | specific

character(s) ; butter pretzel cookie

outline ; “UCS- Could you do Buttered Pretzel Cookie dating headcanons?”

warning(s) ; none, just fluff!

for as busy as she tends to be with her career as an artist, butter pretzel cookie always tries her best to carve out some time for the two of you to spend together — whether it’s something like a proper date night or a more casual thing like you coming in to her studio for her to paint an abstracted version of you for an exhibition (you are her muse after all)

in terms of pet names she leans towards things like ‘sweetheart’ and ‘angel’ when she’s more focused on her work, and your name when she’s talking to you directly — it’s not a negative thing she just thinks it’s more personal and respectful to use your actual name with you than any affectionate title

most of her warm up sketches consist of you: hundreds of expressions, hundreds of outfits, hundreds of poses, hundreds of moments captured in dozens of sketchbooks — some from before you two were a thing, from when she was admiring you from afar, and most from your time together

for all of her paintings she’s made of you — still life, abstract, silhouetted, themed, multi medium — she could fill several exhibitions, but instead she keeps most to herself to be admired in private in your share home (of course a few have gone off to galleries but those are the few she’s felt comfortable letting go, the vast majority are made to keep)

she has fallen asleep in her studio more times than she could possibly count, but it always puts a smile on her face when she wakes up with a soft blanket laid carefully over her shoulders — she loves that you take care of her in your own way without pushing her away from her art

you’re the person she goes to whenever she’s working on a new piece, looking for a fresh perspective and a new pair of eyes that she trusts to see each work in progress — the only person she’s not afraid to show her imperfect pieces to

she takes you to every exhibition and gallery and auction that’s held for her work or that she’s otherwise invited to, you’re her go-to date and all of her repeat clients adore you and refer to you as ‘her muse’ that she’s ‘always talking about’ (which makes her huffy, even if she knows it’s true)

she’s an early riser when she’s working on a project but she feels bad about waking you up because she tends to be louder than she realises in the morning — so she makes it up to you as best she can with breakfast in bed and by running you a bubble bath whilst you’re eating (she does enjoy spoiling you sometimes, even if she’d never admit it)

[beach-illustrations]

Would love to hear your review of Artfol once you've settled in a bit! (Probably wouldn't hurt for me to have a more presentable art archive somewhere either, so I'm curious about the alternatives)

of course!! after using artfol for about a week, i do like it! it's still very new, so i wasn't expecting too much off rip from it but it definitely has some good potential if it gets successful!

putting this under a read more because, as per usual, this got long.

to start: the good stuff! good, robust organization thus far for artists. all the art you post gets automatically put in its own separate tab on your profile called gallery in chronological order and any other art and text posts that you share as well as your own art and text posts get put into another tab called feed. the feed is in chronological order from newest to oldest and it's suuuuper nice being able to have an easy place that contains all your original work people can go to without the hassle of punching in specific tags in a search bar (or inputting them into the website url) and hoping for the best. the feed can then be further organized between posts and art, art submitted to challenges, art submitted to submissions and reshares of other peoples stuff.

you can also make collections for your own gallery, so you can have all your fan art in one collection, ocs in another, etc. this isn't just for personal organization either; your separate collections are displayed under the about section on your profile or, if you've got them, links section! i honestly like this a lot. most of my experience of running an art blog comes from tumblr and getting separate pages set up on your blog, while not horribly difficult, does require a bit of knowledge regarding html and manually inputting website urls where you want the links to go. having all of this steam lined is much better. all of this is relatively easy to figure out as long as you're open to just clicking buttons on the website to see what they do, as far as i could find there's no official tutorial available. you can only have a limited number of these without a premium subscription but i haven't a clue as to what that limit even is.

you can also effectively pin certain art pieces that you're proud of to the top of your gallery by putting them in a featured selection. no idea how to do this yet but i do think this in of itself is neat.

customization is light but they cover the basics well. they've got a nice bio and announcement/secondary heading type feature under your username that you can customize, as well as a nice big space for an icon and a big ol' banner you can put your art in. other than that, you can choose a 'theme color' as artfol calls it but it just determines the color of the bar under your banner as far as i can tell on the website version. they also have a separate area for links that automatically turn into the websites icon you're linking back to.

custom warning tags!!! these fully blur the image and you can put as many words to warn others about the content of the art as you want to clarify what someone's getting into if they click show. at first i was worried i could only put one custom warning on an image but nope, it lets you write multiple warnings on the censored image if the NSFW and Gore filters aren't cutting it for the art.

speaking of which; artfol allows NSFW! in places where online spaces have been getting progressively sanitized because big corporations and google ad sense are the ones who can pay the bills of hosting thousands of images and videos on servers, it's nice to see that.

the challenges! other artists can issue challenges to others to either draw their characters in certain outfits, as certain creatures, drawing a piece of art in your style, etc. think some of the various art memes floating around on twitter, except this time they have their own dedicated category! i haven't done any challenges yet but this seems like a great way to socialize with other artists on artfol, as well as stretch your own art skills.

AI art is explicitly banned.

there is an algorithm however it prioritizes art made recently, so artists of all skill level and mediums get a shot at being seen on the front page which is nice! as far as i can tell, your home feed (which is very similar to tumblr's) is in chronological order and doesn't put in any suggested or recommended posts in the middle of the posts of the people you've chosen to follow. the like and share options are easily accessible and when you share someone else's art, it notifies them by telling them that you've pinged them which is... odd to me, but the website doesn't seem to auto credit them any other way in reshares (in contrast, tumblr keeps the OP's username and icon at the top of their own original post when it gets reblogged). i'm also something of a tumblr hermit so this could be a common reshare (reblog?) format else where for all i know and i'm just griping about nothing.

there is a premium subscription you can sign up for as i mentioned earlier. you get stuff like no ads (which you also get if you've got an adblocker on your browser), more collections can be made, you can upload cover art (icons, i think?) for your collections and the art you post, you can have custom profile theme colors (i guess they let you use the color wheel or a hex code instead of the pre seleced colors they already have?) you get more layouts for your featured art on your profile and you don't have to wait 60 days to change your username. oh, and you can make groups that people can join based around one particular thing, however i haven't touched any groups yet because none of them are all that appealing to me.

honestly, a lot of the premium subscription perks are very inconsequential to the core functionality of artfol which is a huuuuge bonus to the devs in my eyes. they easily could have paywalled commission pages or collections all together and them just giving you some extra customization perks instead shows me that the devs are actually focused on making an artist friendly website and app.

over all, artfol is relatively easy to navigate and upload your art to! the base features are solid however the website does have some downsides.

the bad:

the most egregious thing is that I haven't been able to and currently can't access the content guidelines or privacy policy pages. when I first signed up, artfol gave me a link to what the website claimed was the content guidelines however it just linked me to the news page and that really didn't sit well with me.

because the artfol website is so new, I am going to give them a chance and interpret this in the best faith possible and assume that it seems like this is just an issue of certain pages crashing, seeing as I used to be able to access the News page on artfol and now it's just gone like the other pages. on top of that, it seems like every link except for their twitter, android and apple download links, instagram and discord links at the bottom of the artfol website page is broken in the same way. out of all pages eating themselves the content guidelines and privacy policy ones feel like the worse ones to lose. I haven't been able to access the guidelines from the jump and it's been really frustrating. I just got done sending an e-mail to their contact e-mail, so hopefully something good comes from that. in the mean time i've also downloaded the app to try to see if i can find the guidelines and privacy policy on there. I've noticed people complaining about crashing pages in the mobile app reviews so hopefully this is just a case of a website page accidentally eating itself and it's just very unfortunate coincidence that it happens to be some very important pages affected by the crashes.

other than that, the other downsides are that the website takes like a minute and a half to load, clicking on a censored image to view it on your home feed takes you to the individual post and has you un-censor it there rather than directly from your home feed and some features are currently only available to mobile accounts such as commissions tabs, however i'm sure that will eventually be made available to the website version as well in due time. also, while uploading art, not including the custom censor tag or NSFW or gore filters, you can only put 5 tags on your art. these are all only minor annoyances and i'm sure they'll eventually be fixed in upcoming patches.

over all: asides from some concerning hiccups with missing pages, artfol seems very promising for a relatively new, bare bones website! the developers have very much taken a mobile app first, website later approach which at least to me isn't the end of the world, seeing how the website is already doing okay all things considered. the community seems nice and i'm planning on trying out some challenges soon to get more experience using it!