#i love how the lines are wiggly and imperfect

[theelvishscribbler]

I'm inking traditionally again, and my friend lent me her copies of Hellboy. So the inevitable happened.

This is a study of Mike Mignola's art style and inking style (hellboy's pose is copied from comic cover art) and an attempt to apply what I learned from the study in the form of a turtle. I am having a great time :D

[danhoemei]

How do you compare art?

I see so many amazing artists anxious, dissatisfied, or even hating on their art and skills, while comparing themselves to others and putting themselves below them. And it frustrates me so much.

Art can’t be easily measured and put in an order of which one is better and which is not. One obvious reason would be because everyone’s tastes are different. But another important one is that the appeal can come from so many diverse aspects which often can’t be even compared. For example you put together

a very complex art with elaborate details which you could stare at for a long time,

a minimalistic symbolic art which brings out the emotions you felt in a certain scene and your heart squeezes painfully every time,

a meme which makes you burst out laughing no matter which time you see it,

an adorable colored sketch which puts a smile on your face.

You love all these pieces for completely different reasons, but you love them all wholeheartedly. And they are so different.

You can sometimes scroll past a beautiful image with perfect anatomy and the coloring which could blow your mind, but somehow it looks a bit boring and repetitive to you, as if you’ve seen it many times? Then you see a simple sketch with bare minimum of shading and wiggly silhouettes which still perfectly show people with all their unique traits, and you go wild about it.

If you put two images together and chose a specific aspect to compare them, e.g. anatomy, then yeah it could make sense to compare them. But also if the images were supposed to be anatomy compliant. They not always are. Sometimes it's exactly the point not to make something perfect anatomically because it would lose the appeal. Sometimes the style requires it or even is characteristic because of these overstretched sketchy silhouettes. Or it serves the scene which should not be perfectly realistic. 

And there is no one who is amazing at everything. Someone who makes amazing people might have never touched the background. Someone who makes detailed backgrounds may not be good at faces. For someone their soft blurry backgrounds are perfect to convey what they want and anything more detailed would only take away the attention from the forefront. For someone else the hands are not important and they draw them as a suggestion of a shape. For someone their simple colors are just enough and even better than too much coloring and shading, or they don’t color at all. So take any two people and they would always find at least one thing that makes them “worse”.

There are so many things which make art amazing. Every style is unique. Some pieces are loved by the softness, some for beautiful backgrounds, some for realism, some for symbols, some for the wild lines of a sketch, some for the stories they tell even in the most simplistic way, some for being hilarious. And how do you measure that. How do you just make a simple ranking.

All these artists’ skills lie in different areas. Maybe they haven’t reached their whole potential or would like to try out something different, but that's also the point. If you stop seeing that you can improve - you stop improving. So this realisation is as much of a blessing (because you can keep on working on those imperfections) as it's a curse (because at the same time you can feel really down that these imperfections are still there or new keep appearing).

You may not be at your best ability right now, and you may see such a long road ahead of you that it feels as if you’re never gonna get there. At the time time you see so many incredible people around with their amazing art. But remember this - they all walked a long road to get where they are now, and they often still feel anxious or down just like you. Because we tend to look ahead of us and what we could have instead of sometimes taking a break to look back how much we’ve already progressed.

So it’s good to focus on what you would like to pursue, but don’t lose the sight of what you already have and what you actually aspire to. You may compare yourself, but do so in a healthy way. Looking for inspiration, references, knowledge, not the affirmation that you’re never gonna get there. We are much harder on ourselves than we are on others, so when you have awful thoughts think what you would say if it was someone else.

We are all unique and this uniqueness seeps into everything we touch and create. And it’s beautiful how diverse and vast the sea of interests and skills is, how much content you can find on the same subject or just the same character.

Honestly people, believe in yourselves a bit. You are so incredible with your rare skills and burning passions, and you use it to bring joy to yourselves and people around. Even if it’s just a handful. Even if they are not vocal about it. Even if it’s going to take a while before you manage to reach out to a broader audience. But be your own cheerleader, as you would be for someone else.

What you do is truly inspiring and beautiful. So do remember that when you doubt yourself again, and know that there are people that get, or will get, truly happy when you give something out into this world.

[eleanorjoneslife]

Lizan Freijsen

Lizan Freijsen is a Dutch painter, Lizan Freijsen is fascinated by fungi and our attempt to ban mould and moisture spots from our everyday environment. In the project ‘Decay on demand’ photos of leakages were transformed into wallpapers and installed primarily in new houses in order to give them a history. Changing something ugly into products of value is Freijsen’s way of recycling what is already present. Traces of decay find their way back inside also as interior objects, in order to remind us of what we tend not to see. For the production of these unique, hand made carpets and blankets for floors and walls, Freijsen collaborates over 7 years with Hester Onijs & Karen Zeedijk of the Textile Museum in Tilburg. By turning moisture stains into textiles, Lizan Freijsen focuses on these blind spots and visualizes their beauty. Embracing imperfection is in fact a respond to the overcontrolled society in which we live. Witnessing the beauty of slow growing processes and being surrounded by urban nature connects inner time with a sense of home.

Her designs are really unusual but effective, she used vibrant colours with intense patterns. The carpets draw attention to the audiences eye, and make them wonder how its been created and what the inspiration has been from. I love how she uses various shades of one colour to create gradients, the colour will be darker and stronger in the middle and them get lighter as the carpet moves outwards. the shapes and patterns that are created in the designs remind you of spillages and stains because they do not form in a structured way. her work links to the project because she gets her inspiration from fungi and mould which are both natural forms, mould is a really unusual thing to look and get inspiration from as not a lot of people study this. I am going to use her work as inspiration for my yarn patterns as I can replicate some of the shape ideas that she has create wiggly and random lines. Her work is really effective on transforming things that have been ‘ruined’ and turning it into artwork that can be used again. 

[thoughtsfromparis]

Allison and D.J. Fix Your Stupid Problems About Your Look

Everyone wants to love what they see staring back in the mirror. And, I’m not referring to that inner-beauty nonsense that isn’t real. Well, inner beauty can be real, I guess. But your outer beauty is always being evaluated. Mostly by you. And I’d bet, if you’re like near everyone else on the planet, that you focus on the imperfections. When we check out our crooked nose or thinning hairline, it’s a reminder that not only are we imperfect, but we’re imperfect and aging. Those are two very heavy trips, dig? So, we asked for your questions about how to cope with said imperfections. Allison Arnone and I did our best to lighten your load. Read on, where we help you co-exist with your warts and all. (Oliver Cromwell reference, sucka!)

I hate the bump on my nose and wish I didn’t have “white girl butt.” Should I get them fixed or just deal?” – Jen

Allison – When I was in Jr. High, I decided I hated my nose.  It’s a ‘family’ nose; I come from a long line of folks on my mom’s side who don’t exactly have cute little pug snouts and instead have pretty substantial schnozes.  I never wanted a Sweet 16 party (believe it or not I don’t like that kind of attention) (no, seriously) so I half-jokingly asked my parents for a nose job instead.  They always laughed it off, and guess what?  I got older, and I stopped caring.  My nose is fine.  It’s fine!  It’s not adorable or cute or little and it’s certainly not perfect but when I see my other family members rocking similar honkers, I’m glad I didn’t fix mine.

So, yeah. I’m willing to bet that bump on your nose is more of a tiny speed bump that only you notice and no one else – so I say leave it.

As for the butt?  Yeah, I have that problem, too.  I don’t know, guess you could do squats?  Wear butt pads?  Get that surgery that all the Kardashians have but deny having?

D.J. – Hi Jen. Here’s the thing about certain body parts – you literally never see them. I believe it’s the reason why so many women have horrible back tattoos. I’ve dated 27 women with horrible back tattoos and I always go, “That’s a horrible back tattoo.” And they go, “Yeah, I know. I should get it fixed or lasered off.” But they never do. Why? Because they never see it. Out of sight, out of mind.

But you have to stare at your nose bump for the rest of your life, every morning while applying foundation. You can’t escape it. And it’s going to piss you off every morning. Life is hard enough. Get the bump fixed, but not for vanity or sexiness – but because it makes you feel crappy and feeling crappy is not a great way to start the day.

As for your butt being “white girl” I’m assuming you wish it were bigger. Let me quell your fear. I have never heard a man say, “Ugh, my old lady’s fanny’s too small!” Not once. But (pardon the pun) we do complain if it’s too big. Less is more.

My husband and I have a great/healthy relationship, but he always “jokes” about how I should get breast implants. I’ve had a relatively flat chest my whole life and clearly it wasn’t a deal breaker for him, but should I consider surprising him and getting them?? -A-Cup

Allison – Do YOU want breast implants?  Feminist rant time: we’re currently living in a world where a bunch of men are trying to make decisions about women’s bodies.  Cool!  Personally, I have this crazy little rule where I only do things as it relates to my own body/mind if *I* want to.  You want to go from a 32A to a 34DD?  Go right ahead!  But do it because you want to join the Big Titty Commitee and not because your hubs “jokingly” pressured you to.  Also, have you “jokingly” let him know about all the penile enlargement procedures that are out these days?  Haha, what fun jokes!

D.J. –  Your husband sounds like a true delight. Joking about a woman’s breast size is a universal no-no. It would reduce even the most confident feminist to a pile of tears. I’ve dated As to DDs. Real and fake. And you know what? None of it really matters. If you’d feel better with giant bombs, go ahead. Or just tell your husband that joking about your cans isn’t cool. I’d suggest you make fun of his physique but I’m sure he’s already got six pack abs and a massive wang.

I look too much like my parents, who are toxic and whom I’ve recently cut out of my life. – Tits McGee

Allison – Yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiikes.  I’m sorry you have a bad relationship with your parents, but hopefully it’s not to the point where you want to full-on alter your appearance.  But if you DO, I suggest using whatever surgeon the Kardashian family uses, since they all did a good job of obtaining brand new faces that don’t even remotely resemble the ones they were born with.  (I’m aware I’ve mentioned the Kardashian family twice already, but… #relevant)

D.J. –  Okay, but Ms. McGee, were your parents attractive? Because if Brad and Angelina’s oldest emancipated, that kid would still look like Brad and Angelina. Which is not the worst lot in life. Now, if your parents had unfortunate jawlines and asymmetrical eye heights, then you should probably get on that face transplant list. You usually have to be attacked by a rabid monkey to qualify, but if you’re ugly enough, you might already look like that. Get a new face is what I’m saying.

I want (need) to lose weight, but I don’t want to diet. Or exercise. HALP -Dee

Allison – Girl, same.

D.J. –  Easy – cut out sugar and grain. The weight will peel off within days. And let’s face it, you’ve eaten enough bread and Skittles for a lifetime. Oh, and you should sell your car and run everywhere. Now, I know you said no exercise. But if you don’t have a car, running seven miles to the Piggly Wiggly is just called “getting groceries.” It’s a brain trick, yo!

I have always been overweight and I think it makes me look hideous -Monica

Allison- This makes me sad.  If you’re truly unhappy, make some changes.  I wrote a blog post about this (click HERE if you want to read) where I talked about changing the things in your life that you actually DO have control over, since there are so many things we actually can’t control.  One of those things?  If you’re truly unhappy with your body, you can eat better and exercise.  I certainly don’t think it’s easy – in fact I know it can be very hard – but it is doable, especially when you’re ready, willing and motivated.  Good luck!  And don’t be so hard on yourself!

D.J. –  Chicks have it tough with their bodies. Us guys can lose weight easily just by cutting calories and hitting the gym. You birds have all sorts of hormones that screw with water retention, fat storage, and metabolism. So, at the end of the day, there’s probably not a ton (pun INTENDED) you can do about your weight. Might just be genetics. Now, here’s the good news – your mind really only cares about effort. If you bust your ass in the gym six days of seven and say no to the office danishes, you’re going to feel awesome. Because you did something hard. Just keep doing hard things, and let the physical chips fall where they may. You’ll be happy regardless.

I have a cowlick just to the left of center at my hairline. It has been tormenting me my entire life. It is a wild, untamed beast. IT MUST BE STOPPED. What would you do? – Alyssa

Allison – I, too, have a cowlick right where I part my hair on the left.  I once cut bangs and it was glaringly obvious that I had rogue hairs that would NEVER be tamed and go where I wanted them to go, so I quickly grew the bangs out.  Now?  I just kind of deal with it because these are very scary times we’re currently living in and cowlicks should be the least of our problems.  Also, whenever I picture an actual cow licking someone’s face I laugh because that’s kind of adorable.

D.J. –  Since I only made it through two years of Harvard Medical School, and I never got to the cowlick lecture, I’m not wildly qualified to answer this question. But, from Catholic high school I learned that God can fix just about anything with miracles. But he never did much with hairlines, from what I read. Moses, however, did part the seas for the Jews. And all he did was ask God for a little help. So, I’m guessing God can part your hair correctly. So throw your hands high to the heavens and ask that HE answers your prayer. Report back. Bonus tip – God responds well to flattery so maybe start with a compliment about his booming voice and how it’s really sexy sounding.

In the new year, I am trying to (surprise, surprise) lose weight. I also am trying to date more. That is where the problem lies! How can you be healthy while dating? So far, I told one guy on a first date and he did everything to sabotage me and I couldn’t lay the law down because I am trying to be nice… TRYING… Lol. That didn’t last. I definitely don’t want to be a cliche “I’m on a diet girl” when dating… Help! -F

Allison – Ugh.  Men want us to be all cute and skinny but they ALSO want us to gorge on chicken wings and pizza with them.  MAKE UP YOUR MIND, BOYS!  I think there’s a happy medium here.  Go on a first date and get a couple of drinks (nothing too sugary or high in calories) and if you DO get food, don’t completely go batshit and eat something terrible.  You don’t have to eat a plate of kale but you also don’t have to split sky-high nachos, either. Keep in mind there’s also something called “living a little” and “cheat days” so don’t go too nuts if you’re putting in work the rest of the week.  Good luck!  (with both the dieting and the dating, cause they both suck.)

D.J. –  Am I the only guy that loves it when you take a date to the best steakhouse in town and she only nibbles at her petite filet? You know why that’s sexy? Because I know she wants to wolf it down like a pig, but she’s showing restraint. That’s attractive. Ooh, but here’s the pitfall of that strategy – don’t leave 95% of the steak for the busboys. Tell the date, “I’m eating this tomorrow” and get a take-home bag. Nothing pisses us off more than when I woman orders a $75 ribeye and then leaves it. So, as long as you’re willing to walk around the rest of the night with a smelly piece of rotting steak in your Kate Spade clutch, you’ll have an awesome breakfast the next day.

Do guys really notice small things like eyebrows and nails?? -Fran

Allison – I’m not a guy so I’ll let D.J.  take this one.  But if I had to answer I’d say, “who gives a shit?”

D.J. – Not only do I not notice such things, I don’t even notice eye color. I’m not kidding. I’ve had many long term relationships and I’m not confident which of them had brown eyes or green. In fact I just had to double check my own. They’re blue.

Nails? I’ve never once thought of a woman’s nails. Neither has any man. Just don’t get too weird with it where you’re painting each one with a stenciled design and when you look at them all together it spells your name or something.

What is the best way to make sure I don’t have resting double chin face while in public? -Double Chin City

Allison – Hope you have an Amazon Prime account cause this bad boy is designed to take that double chin and transform it to the single variety.  And it’s not weird looking at all.

D.J. –  I have a far more simple solution. You know how photographers always shoot you from above your head facing downward to eliminate double chins in pictures? Simply make sure that all the people you hang with are taller than you. Sure, it might mean getting a new set of friends, but hey, the current batch probably weren’t all that great to begin with. What was their solution to your double chin? Probably nothing! Ditch ‘em and find better, taller people.. Your new friends will never even see your chins!

How do I make myself look more like the “Wendy” from the Wendy’s logo, and not like my dad, Dave Thomas, in a wig? -Wendy Thomas

Allison – Just so I’m clear, you want to be a young freckle-faced redheaded girl with pigtails?  I’m sure that can be arranged, but I personally think Dave Thomas is a stud. (RIP)

Ooh, I like the way you work that spatula, Mr. Thomas.

D.J. – I’m hoping that you’re not more that seven years old, Wendy. If you’re an adult I’m sending the men with the white coats to come pay you a visit. It’s for your own good.

What is the best way to hide my wobbly bits during sex? – Anonymous

Allison – Two words: lights. off.  Always.

D.J. – Reverse cowgirl, duh.

https://thoughtsfromparis.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-thomas-wendys.jpg