#you get to train in many medium and art styles and experiment

[arkiwii]

also while im at it, those who follow my main account probably heard me talking about an ARPG (art role play group) on Deviant Art im in, called Grimsby Grove, with a semi closed evoluting species, and sometimes i have fun making fake designs for arknights characters because the brainrot is just too strong and i get funny ideas with the mechanisms and stuff available in the group

currently the group is closed because of halloween event happening (which is why i am very busy art wise, i have so much on my plate), but the discord is still open and u can hang out there if u wanna, i will pass say hello

[shegoesbyjoy]

i've been thinking a lot about why Disco Elysium in particular has touched the core of my being in a way no other piece of media has and i think there are several factors at play here. this is half a review and half me dumping my various thoughts on this game ever since i finished it a couple months ago.

AS A VIDEO GAME ITSELF—i've been trying to identify what exactly it is about certain games that causes them to rise above all the rest that i've played, and i have come to the realization that in all of them, combat is usually one of the least consequential things on that list. i love Hades, have dumped 160+ hrs into it, but despite it being a very combat-heavy game with extremely tight controls that i do find truly satisfying, that is not what kept me playing. it's the characters, the art, the story, the world-building, the music...

similarly, while the combat in Horizon Zero Dawn is really quite fun, what really charmed me about it was its spunky, badass protagonist and fascinating mechanical creature designs, in addition to the story set in a world that captivated me from beginning to end. Night in the Woods took my breath away with its emotional & poignant writing told through a unique & delightful art style. i didn't even finish The Last of Us, but Ellie's moment with the giraffes is ingrained in my brain—and of course i went ahead and watched someone else play through to the end so i could enjoy the rest of the story without having to slog through zombie fights myself. so while i always appreciate well-executed combat in games (and have given up on games that do it too poorly), it's never what keeps my interest.

SO. what happens when you take combat out of a game entirely, and absolutely excel at everything else? you see where this is going.

THE CHOICE OF MEDIUM—the fact that DE's story was told through a video game (as opposed to a book, a show, a movie, etc.) is absolutely crucial, because of your active role in the consumption of said story. i think that's what gives some of its scenes such devastating emotional impact. watching this train wreck of a character that you happen to be playing blurt out the most unhinged responses despite your best attempt to salvage the situation, coming to terms with the awful reality of what's in front of you at the same time Harry does, seeing the immediate results of your choices as well as slowly realizing how your choices affect the story long-term as the pieces start coming together... all of this creates an immersive experience that is unparalleled. the game doesn't take self-insert so seriously that the protagonist ~can be anyone~ (Harry's characterization is, in fact, very strong and well-established) but there's absolutely no way a Disco Elysium book or show would have the same impact as me having to progress the story by fucking around and finding out.

GAME SPOILERS AHEAD—combining these two aspects of DE helps to explain what made the tribunal the MOST TENSE i've ever felt playing a video game. this is essentially as close to combat as you'll get in this game. you've just spent the last 20-30 hours becoming very familiar with the mechanics of the game with regards to the dice rolls. you become accustomed to the fact that most skill checks are white so you can come back to them, and that red checks are comparatively rare. enter the tribunal: suddenly you have several very high stakes red checks in a row. you can't leave. you can't try an individual check again if you fail. the story itself has been alluding to this very moment throughout the game. people are DYING, and the lives of those that remain, including your own, are on the line. your earlier decisions have come to a head.

it was 3 am when i got to this point in the game, and the reality of the situation i found myself in shook off every bit of sleepiness i'd been feeling up to this point—my eyes were wide open and my heart was pounding.

i know many people who play video games derive a lot of satisfaction from perfecting mechanics, learning patterns, or deducing the weaknesses of a difficult boss. for me, this satisfaction gets dwarfed by the frustration of having to spend far too long dealing with it in the first place. triggering a boss battle oddly takes me out of the story, because it feels like a very marked switch from "being the protagonist in the game's world" to "sitting on my couch playing a Video Game", where the same repetitive action of "killing the enemy" becomes my goal, no matter what the game is.

by contrast, the tribunal was very much a continuation of the story with each skill check having immediate results on how that story plays out. no other moment in the game was quite like it, and i had no idea how this sequence of events was going to go, so every action felt extremely fraught. i was on the edge of my seat in a way no other game has gotten me to feel, because the weight of this encounter felt monumental in DE. and of course, this is where you come across an iconic skill check where you find out exactly how much your previous choices matter...

i was so damn nervous during this check i probably would've cried if i failed it lmao

FUCK YOUR EXPECTATIONS—this leads me to the other thing that's got me smitten with this game: the subversion of expectations. dialogue options are never written so transparently as to have a "correct" answer, and trying to stay neutral with my answers got me a well-deserved smack in the head in the form of a brutal burn about the dangers of centrism. we have 3-dimensional characters that make you growl in frustration one moment and your heart swell in the next, descriptions that make you marvel at both the beauty and ugliness of humanity, situations where you feel crushed by sadness and dread then want to cry tears of happiness because despite all of it, there is still magic left in the world. it's also so goddamn funny. this game is fucking hilarious—and what is comedy, what is a punch line but the subversion of an audience's expectations established during the setup?

Disco Elysium is a game that far exceeds the sum of its parts. it excels in its storytelling, its voice acting brings incredible life to said phenomenal writing, its gorgeous painterly art style is visually compelling, its music is flawlessly incorporated to full effect, it's intellectually stimulating and fascinating philosophically, and as a murder mystery (oh yeah that's what this game's premise is, right?) it's just plain fun to reveal clue after clue while pondering theories as to what the heck is going on. these individual components come together to create a multi-dimensional piece of media that's deeply human, yet fantastical and absurd. it's uncomfortably relatable while inspiring empathy for even the most unfamiliar of experiences.

for instance, i have no personal experience with alcoholism or addiction, but boy do i sure know what it's like to have a compulsion to apologize at every opportunity for simply existing—to want to cease existing, period. i don't know what it's like to grow up and live in a post-soviet country yet the experience in-game felt as vivid as ever, inextricable from the story's identity. i felt a pang of pained recognition in Kim's complicated relationship with his race as diaspora, and found myself wishing i had the ability to respond even half as effectively as he did with the Racist Lorry Driver during my own past run-ins with racist assholes. this game has caused me to think more deeply about my own politics, my relationships, the world around me, the power of art, the role of capitalism, beauty, hope... even what it means to be alive.

A CHANGED PERSON—a realization i came to a while ago while talking to a friend was that almost all of the media i had enjoyed up to that point shared a theme of escapism in one way or another. there have been many moments in my life where i wished to be somewhere else. to be someone else. i immersed myself in stories where the fantasy of it seemed so much better than the reality of my own life. this game forced me to reckon with where i am, who i am. and not only that, it encouraged me to be accepting and loving of the here and now, despite every single flaw i seemed to be obsessed with pointing out. it made it abundantly clear that constantly running away was not a viable way of living, and that flaws were not a reason to give up. "something beautiful is going to happen"—i should very damn well let it.

it's not an exaggeration to say this game has changed me irrevocably, and the fact that this impossible piece of art even exists in this world feels like a miracle. i'm so grateful that i got to experience it.

[gotjacobian]

More thoughts on AI art discourse - there’s a claim I’ve seen pop up a few times that AI art models are tools for “democratizing creative expression’ because they enable people who can’t draw or paint well to make beautiful art about things they want to see. This claim is weird to me, in a way that’s had it rolling around in my head since I heard it. I have zero incentive to begrudge the use of technological tools to help create art - even those that embed strong priors in what that art output looks like that comes more from the technology than the user. That statement applies to many interesting and well-respected mediums, including those that act like AI art in other ways - remixing and resampling existing work is a legitimate way to express creativity. But like, you don’t make a collage of something and tell someone ‘I drew this’, right? Or you don’t say, “this is just like if I drew this”. Which is what I feel like this claim is saying. That making AI art of something will be as if you drew it yourself. 

That’s a claim that will elicit immediate backlash in the same way that traditional art theft (“I made this”) would. But I think it’s different than claiming the skills and work of another artist directly. Most people I’ve seen sharing AI art are honest about how the image was generated. The benefit they get isn’t the clout of having the skills to make the image - it’s just the clout of the image… existing, I guess? So I don’t think that’s my issue with the framing. I think, instead, the part of the original claim that stirs me up is this idea that people who use AI models to make art would not otherwise be able to creatively express themselves on as “high a level” without AI tools. And that’s weird to me! 

I think it’s common to think of the process of creating art as of translating some platonic ideal of what that piece could or should be from the artist’s brain into an actual artifact. The artist wants something to exist, and they bring it into existence, in a form that’s impacted by not just their self-expression and decisions, but also their physical abilities and the tools available to them. It’s not uncommon to metaphorically label these two parts of the process into something akin to “signal” and “noise” - to imagine that the ideal art in someone’s brain is corrupted by their lack of ability to realize it. In my experience, most people who don’t think of themselves as artists think that this is what making art is. You get better at art to reduce the ‘noise’ and make images that look more like you want to make. 

I’m not gonna claim that’s wholly untrue. I think it would be dishonest of me - god knows I prefer digital drawing over traditional because it gives me tools for making my art cleaner, clearer, and more deliberate. But also, the more art I’ve made, the more I’ve come to reject the “signal/noise” framing. Artists are not printers. It is much more common, in my experience, to ‘think on the page’. When you’re making art, you’re communicating with the world, your medium, your own abilities, at every step of the process. I don’t see those influents as noise - or rather, when and whether they are benefitting or hindering the art is extremely contextual to what you’re trying to do. The “democratization through AI art” claim comes in with some very specific ideas of what all artists are trying to do. It implicitly assumes the goal of art is to produce a very polished image in a specific and recognizable style, that features a desired subject or theme, and is appealing to look at. It then follows that people who have creative ideas but who aren’t able, currently, to bring them to fruition in that exact way, are deprived somehow of the experience of making art. 

I disagree with that. I recognize that technical art skills and expressive capacity often grow together, but art that is made by a person without those technical skills is just as art-y as what they’d make with years of training. The quality of expression comes from the process of making the art, not the polish of the outcome. I know there’s an eternal, unresolvable discourse about how much certain tools erode the artistic process. Again, the use of new technology to create art in general doesn’t bug me. What does is equating what I see as processes on very different parts of a spectrum - saying they’re doing the same thing, and fulfill the same role for an artist, audience, or art as a whole. (Plus, there’s a whole other piece to be said about seeing the way that art is shared and distributed online currently, where art with certain polished visual styles is more likely to be produced and shared en-masse, and then thinking that the way to make that process more ‘democratic’ is to give everyone the ability to make art that looks exactly like that, rather than to consider and elevate the art that people are already making.)

Which brings me to my last point- I don’t actually think it’s bad in any way to want to have a polished piece in a specific style that you didn’t have to draw yourself. But that need isn’t met by better drawing tools - it’s met by art commissions. The claim that AI models make it easier to make art, rather than to bypass paying artists to make you art, is a spin that should have more eyebrows hitting the ceiling. 

[inherhouseshewaitsdreaming]

A Dream of 2023: Techo Kaigi

Journaling became a thing for me this year. After many years of trying to get bullet journaling to work for me it finally stuck. And with that came a whole rush of other things - notebooks, pens, washi tape, a whole online community of planners, tomoe river paper, and now, to finish, a techo kaigi which shows just how deeply I’ve fallen into this journaling hole.

How did 2022 go?

When the year started I was still in my (largely failing) Leuchtturm 1917s. I’d discovered the wonders of dotted pages (I’ve used grid pages for years - everything must line up in my brain). I had a few of them where I’d tried, got a few pages in, and then failed. In particular, I really struggled with setting up the daily page only on the day vs setting up pages in advance and not using them. Then I came across a video from Plant Based Bride called BuJo 101: The Rolling Weekly. And it clicked. This method just clicked. I’d tried similar things. I’d tried very different things. But for some reason it was this very specific layout that worked for me.

I started off trying it for a few weeks in one of the failed Leuchtturm’s with the idea that, if I could stick with it, I could get a fancy journal. And I did stick with it. So I got an A5 Archer & Olive. I’d wanted to start incorporating some art and my preferred medium is watercolour. I needed something that would survive and 160 GSM seemed a good bet.

In this first journal I used the rolling monthlies and wrote down everything I wanted to record. This was my all in one journal. I carried it everywhere. I filled it really quickly. So next time I decided to try a larger journal and started on a B5 Archer & Olive.

Is one journal enough?

At this time, I started to think - wouldn’t it be easier if my collections were in their own books so I could look reference them as a whole. Especially my notes on learning to write. Oh, and a media journal seems a good idea. And maybe I should have a journal for each of my writing projects. And then another journal to index everything. And so one book became many and about halfway through the book it stopped being an all in one. This is fairly common for me. I buy a lot of notebooks! But the core part of the journal was still working. I felt a bit bad about so many books, I’ll admit. Until …

Stationery Brew

Did you know there is a whole group of stationery and journaling people who stream their journaling on Twitch? Well there is! The amazing Stationery Brew stream team was something I came across, quite by accident. And then I found even more cool things. Toastytreat inspired me to get my fountain pens back out. Kittykatcollar showed me where to buy all the cool stationery. Jasminemarieplans made me want to try memory keeping and everyone inspired me to try personal journaling. Celerymin made me want to try copy writing books (which turned out to be really useful). I could carry on forever here - finding a group of people who share your interests has been an amazing experience.

There was one common journal in particular that heavily affected my decisions for 2023. By later in the year I was now using a B5 Notebook Therapy journal (which worked better with my chosen pens and inks). I’d started doing personal journaling in this too. But a lot of people were using planners by Hobonichi. And when I looked I realised that my layouts looked a lot like the ones in those planners. So I brought a Hobonichi. Or 4.

My 2023 planner line up

Daily carry: Hobonichi Weeks Mega

As the year went on I realised that one of the major issues with a 160 GSM B5 notebook is that its big and heavy! So after a little watching of the Youtube I realised I would find a daily carry useful - a small journal I can carry everywhere. A practical planner where I can add everything as I need to. The Weeks also has a lot of blank pages at the back, so I can use this for collections (in the Bullet Journaling style) that I wanted to have with me. I can write ideas for blog posts down on the train, or add a book that someone tells me about.

Bonus feature: in the My 100 page I have written, to replace goals, a set of Achievements (think MMO achievement logs) for the year covering all the areas of my life that I want to improve on - health, some home renovation, journaling, writing, art, blogging. A goal is something you can fail. An achievement is something you get eventually.

Creative and personal journaling: Hobonichi Cousin

As the B5 journals might suggest, I fill a lot of space. I don’t do short writing very well. And the Cousin is what inspired me to buy a Hobonichi. This is where I will do personal journaling, plan my creative activities and goals. I’ll use all the washi and stickers. I’ll write notes and ideas for creative projects. I’ll put some media journaling in there too, when its more about the enjoyment of the media and not learning from the media. This is my place to splurge all the things in my brain across the page.

I have a cover (Night Flamingo) and a cover on cover (Light in the Distance), but to protect the book a little more, I added a MD Codex clear cover to the book, mostly as a defense against cats walking across my journals. And sitting on my journals. While wet. Note - you need the Codex version of the clear cover to fit a Cousin.

Health journal: Hobonichi Weeks

I wanted to put a bit of extra focus on my health after a bad year, so I have a separate mini journal for that. I need to track quite a few things and wanted to be able to look back on the year and see how some of the things I was trying and how well they worked. I’ve been messing around with the format for this a little, but it seems to be working so far. At least as far as encouraging me to record my health. Its not encouraging me to eat better or do more exercise. But that’s a bit much to ask of a little book.

I have a got a cover on cover on order for this. For now it doesn’t leave my desk. I think I would like a cover that lets me put both Weeks inside it.

Commonplace book: Hobonichi Journal

While i was researching the ways that people used their journals I came across a video called how i use my notebooks | hobonichi avec, commonplace by Megan Rhiannon which showed a commonplace methodology that I really liked and I adapted that a little to be my commonplace book. I liked the idea of putting it in the same cover with the Cousin, so I grabbed a Hobonichi journal and just loved it. I use a lot of sheening inks and they look amazing on the tomoe river paper. I added an MD clear cover to this too. In fact, all of my journals have one apart from the Weeks (which has the Hobonichi cover on cover instead). I really don’t trust those cats.

Writing journal: Hobonichi Journal

NaNoWriMo hit and I made my third attempt at completing this. I decided to grab a Hobonichi journal for this too. Its light to carry, its a pleasure to write in. I need as few barriers as possible for NaNo success (I need to handwrite or I get lost editing). It worked. I won NaNo for the first time this year. So I’m going to stick with this. Instead of one per project, I’ll keep one just for writing.

The smooth paper that works so well with fountain pens is ideal for this. To write, I need to be able to write quickly. The tomoe river paper allows me to do this. Its smooth and gives little resistance. But it doesn’t have the excessively slick feel of other papers like Rhodia. As I am using two of these journals, I added stickers to each to let me tell them apart without having to open them.

Bullet Journal: MD Codex

I had been planning to have no bullet journal. But then I started watching Youtube videos from CoffeeMonsterzCo and saw her mini bullet journal. This made me realize that bullet journaling could still be useful. And it can help overcome the limitation of the Hobonichi - what to do if I want to write more than a page in a given day.

This is, therefore, my ‘overflow’ journal. I’ll only use it on days where I need more space. To break down tasks, create lists to complete, record things that don’t fit in elsewhere. Or to record little notes and things that don’t quite fit elsewhere.

I was already using the MD Codex to do creative planning, so I reformatted those planning notes into a bullet journal format. I need to find something colourful to put on the front as MD journals are incredibly boring.

Work journal: Hobonichi Original

I like to keep my work notes completely separate, so I got a different journal for this. At first I was going to use an MD, but I’ve decided I really don’t like MD paper. And it will save me time to have a journal that is pre-set rather than bullet journaling.

This is the riskiest journal here. I have all sorts of trouble finding a work journal that works for me. If this fails, I’ll repurpose it and go back to a Bullet Journal approach for work.

This is the Navy cover with the Light in the Distance Cover on Cover.

And thats it. I have a couple of Stalogy notebooks kicking around - I use the half size ones for making messy notes so I can keep all my journals clear of them. And I have nearly completed Tarot Journal in another Notebook Therapy B5 to finish this year. This is the only case of ‘one-notebook-per-project’ that worked out for me. I’ve collected insights from different place and use this book as my reference instead of all the other individual ones.

[bloggingproject]

Kill Bill Movie Review

By Nahla White

I remember once hearing someone compare Quinten Tarantino films to Frank Ocean songs, and while that comparison might not ring as significant to the average person, when I first heard it, I immediately understood. Both Tarantino and Frank have a way of storytelling that is gripping and engaging, but also hard to pull off; they give information in small bits at a time, only filling in the blanks when it’s necessary for the audience to know something in order to convey a bigger picture. I kept this in the back of my mind as I watched the “Kill Bill” series for the millionth time and realized that the statement still held up. Tarantino’s style of directing and writing (which is arguably its most distinguished in the two films) is sporadic in a way that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat –  always eager to get to the next chapter of the story. Not only that, but the dramatic script, creative fight choreography, and amazing performances by the cast all come together to create one of the most iconic viewing experiences of the century thus far. Because the series comprises two films, I’ll be reviewing them as one just for the sake of time, even though both films have their own distinct qualities and characteristics. 

The story of “Kill Bill” follows a young woman who formerly belonged to a deadly assassination squad as she travels across the world seeking revenge for the murder of her family and friends at the hands of her former comrades. The Bride, played by Uma Thurman, slowly makes her way through each of the other five members of her former group before she ends up facing off with the titular Bill character, played by David Carradine. 

Starting off with the script, while the premise itself isn’t all that creative, the execution is what makes it stand out the most from other action films of the early 2000s. The films borrow many tropes and plot points that are reminiscent of both old kung fu flicks and westerns, and I’d say the way in which the script stands out the most is how characters drop one-liners reminiscent of said older films. There are so many banger lines in these films I can’t even begin to count them all. A personal favorite of mine comes from the first film where Hattori Hanzo (played by Sonny Chiba) is presenting a blade to Beatrix and proclaims, “If on your journey, you should encounter God, God will be cut,”  obviously in reference to the blade being his best work. The films are filled with lines such as these, and while they’re very over the top and dramatic, within the context of the film coupled with Tarentino’s directing style, they fit perfectly. 

Not only that, but as I stated before, many of the scenes and characters' backstories also pull from very common tropes seen in kung fu, western, and anime films. A prime example of this would be the entire training montage between Beatrix and her master Pai Mei, played by Gordon Liu. In said montage, Beatrix is shown perfecting multiple different styles of kung-fu as well as undergoing training exercises commonly featured in older kung-fu movies such as carrying buckets of water up and down flights stairs. It’s also important to note that Gordon Liu is also a famous martial arts actor in his own right, having starred in iconic films such as The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Shaolin and Wu Tang.

I think another great example of Tarantino implementing an anime style of storytelling into his works is the entire chapter of the film dedicated to O-ren Ishii’s backstory. O-ren, played by Lucy Liu, is a fan favorite, and I think this is in no small part to the extensive amount of time Tarantino spends on building her up as the main antagonist of the first film. O-ren’s backstory is told through the medium of animation, which is fitting given her Japanese heritage, and in said backstory, her parents are brutally murdered at the hands of a yakuza boss. She eventually seeks her revenge, which sends her down the path of becoming an assassin and a crime boss of her own making as well. It's a classic villain origin story. One that is very common in many anime both past and present. Despite this section being the only animated part of the movie, and O-ren being the only villain Tarantino decides to spend such an extensive amount of time focusing on, it never feels out of place and only serves to make the film even more distinctly unique than it already was. 

Now, taking a bit of a step away from me glazing Quinten Tarantino, I’d like to draw a bit of attention to the choice of licensed music and the soundtrack. The choice to use Nancy Sinatra’s Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) as a sort of theme for the film is excellent. It’s the first song that plays and perfectly foreshadows the premise of the movie when the audience has little information about the film. A few other favorite songs of mine featured in the film are The Lonely Shepherd, composed by Gheorghe Zamfir and James Last, and The Flower of Carnage by Meiko Kaji. Each song perfectly fits the tone of the scene it’s featured in, which is a skill that not many directors can easily pull off in this day and age storytelling. I also think it’s very interesting that they brought on RZA to do most of the production for the two films. Considering how Wu-Tang Clan based a good majority of its act on the same kung-fu films that Tarantino was trying to emulate, the choice to bring him on was a spectacular one. 

And finally, with the acting, I can confidently say that there isn’t a single bad performance in the movies. Even though I did say that I think the dramatic ass script works because it’s coupled with such a sporadic style of directing, what really pulls it together is the delivery from the cast of characters, both major and minor. Focusing on Uma Thurman, she’s able to portray Beatrix Kiddo in a way that makes her seem like a far cry from the stereotypical, “badass” action woman that we’re familiar with seeing nowadays. Don’t get it twisted, she’s still badass, but the way she’s so easily able to portray moments of vulnerability, fear, sorrow, and even joy and snarkiness gives the character so much personality. It makes the film much more enjoyable to watch, and makes Beatrix a much more likable protagonist. One of my personal favorite scenes is the moment when she finally kills Bill at the end of the second film and has a breakdown in a motel bathroom while her daughter is sitting in the other room. It’s unclear whether or not she’s crying out of relief or sorrow, but the fact that the scene is up to much interpretation without leaving the audience completely in the dark is a testament to how well Uma Thurman played the character. 

And finally, the directing itself. As I mentioned earlier, Quinten Tarantino has a style of directing that fills in the blanks rather uniquely. Instead of telling the story chronologically, he starts the film in medias res and places backstories and random bits of information wherever he deems fit. While that sounds like a recipe for disaster, it doesn’t seem to take the audience out of the experience, not one bit. If anything, I think it prevents the story from becoming one note and stale. One thing I also think he does well is setting up ideas and having them pay off well in later scenes. Probably one of my favorite payoffs in the film comes from the flashback of Bill talking to Beatrix about Pai Mei. He tells her the story about how Pai Mei killed a monk by using a move called the Five-Point-Palm Exploding-Heart Technique. It is the same move that Beatrix uses later on in the film to actually kill Bill. 

There isn’t enough time in the world to truly go in depth about how amazing these films are and how intricate the storytelling is. I think I am a bit biased because on top of me loving so many qualities about these films, I remember my dad introducing me to these movies and while watching them, I could only think about him. But, even outside of my own personal bias, there’s no doubt that all the qualities I listed above are what helped it become one of the iconic action series of all time. It’s inspired so many films and TV shows since then and will undoubtedly continue to remain relevant in the eye of pop culture for many years to come. 

Works Cited:

Kill Bill Vol. 1, Dir. Quinten Tarantino, Miramax, 2003.

Kill Bill Vol. 2, Quinten Tarantino, Miramax, 2004.

[mi5019tomberry]

Video Ideas

With the coffee video above as a point of reference for this project, I scribbled out a couple of visual ideas about this project. Then to get a better understanding of what I liked about the coffee visuals, I briefly analysed the progression of the video some the stylisation to each drawing which acts as visual entertainment and symbolic/literal representations of what is being discussed. I need my own symbols to be a little more abstract as that is the nature of this module, I want to experiment and explore shape and iconography and play around with repetition, shapes and transitions to get a short punchy video about AI. I need to keep things simple with enough room to play around until I can find a happy medium between practicality and creativity so that I end up with a finished product that I like.

Kurzgesagt is another channel with engaging colourful visuals and I will draw inspiration from the harmony between the bright animation and the calm curious voice-over. I don't have access to voice-overs myself so I could try it myself, find a friend or use AI, I haven't decided yet as whatever I decide upon can play into the tone of the video - silly VS serious or both.

Some more ideas I was playing around with, I was taking a bit too many notes and started leaning into narrative too much and which takes away from the abstract visuals that are the core premise of this project. I need to find fun trippy methods to transition between each visual subject guided by the narration and sound effects to explore the topic of AI either from my own perspective or that of the artist or an average Joe.

I am aiming for a light-hearted somewhat informative style of video so I want to replicate in some ways the TV static and old fashioned radio voice in training videos from decades ago. The video above is a satire of the same style of video focused around surviving in the apocalypse with a little character guided by a narrator. Again, I don't want a character to be the focus and instead want to maintain a fluidity of motion all of which is guided by sound and music.

For the projection side of things, I need to figure out a way to give it that vintage educational video aesthetic so once I have animated a clean version of the video, I will need to rough it up with TV static, grain etc... I want to go for an old cathode ray tube style or as if it was made using film to give it a more interesting visual aesthetic. I may use some of the tutorials above but I have not looked deeply into this side of things yet however I do know that I will need to try and build my own old fashioned TV out of cardboard or find an old cheap TV that I could play it on.

For this project I am aiming to make something that incorporates stylistic elements from similar videos to the one above and also the motion graphics feel of the coffee video.

I started thinking about the limitations of the project because that is where I have messed up in the past; there is only a small window of time for me to make this animation and the duration cuts short any detailed expansion. Topics need to be covered in brief aided by visuals fast paced dialogue and visuals. Just to get a judgement of the depth of my dialogue, I counted the words in the coffee video which came to 109 words in 34 seconds; concise narration is crucial if I am adding narration.

There's a lot of similarity between these shapes for simple transitions of key topics of this video:

Robotics = Cog

AI = OpenAI logo

Earth & Humanity = Globe

Digital Humanity = Digital Globe

Whilst searching for that iconography I found out about The Noun Project which has 5,000,000 icons for different topics which could be essential building blocks that I can expand upon when trying to represent complex themes with simple geometry.

[amandi-mga2024mi5015]

Artist Research - Ana Mendieta

1948 - 1985

Cuban - born in Havana

Died in New York, USA 

Was a pioneer of the earth art/land art movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s that rose in response to the growing commercialisation of art.

She did work in photography, film, video, drawing, sculpture, and site-specific installations. 

The major themes in her work are exile, displacement, and a return to the landscape.

“My art is the way I reestablish the bonds that unite me to the Universe. It is a return to the maternal source.”

Throughout her career, Mendieta’s explorations of representation were grounded in an intersectional conception of identity where race, gender, age, and class operated simultaneously. “As non-white women, our struggles are two-fold,” Mendieta wrote in a curatorial statement for an exhibition of women artists of colour. “This exhibition points not necessarily to the injustice or incapacity of a society that has not been willing to include us, but more towards a personal will to continue being ‘other.’”

She also explored multiple layers of meaning ascribed to blood—from death to rebirth. This is seen from her Body Tracks series as well as her elegant drawings of abstracted outlines of paleolithic goddesses, repeatedly inscribed on a variety of surfaces, from modern paper to an actual leaf to an ancient style of bark cloth.  

Biography:

She was born in Cuba in 1948 — the time of the Cuban revolution.

She belonged to a wealthy aristocratic family. Her father, Ignacio Mendieta, had worked closely with Fidel Castro until the late 1950s, when Cuba became riddled with conflict, and Castro confirmed his communist ideologies. Ignacio parted ways with Castro, and aligned himself with counterrevolutionary activity.

Mendieta moved to an orphanage in Iowa, USA, at age 12 with her sister as part of a US government asylum program for adolescents after the Cuban revolution (Operation Pedro Pan), due to her parents being targeted by Castro’s new regime.  

The understanding was that the parents would be reunited with their children in about a year or two, but Mendieta would not be able to return to Cuba until 20 years later. 

The new environment, combined with the racial climate of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, heightened Ana Mendieta’s awareness of racialised misogyny. as both girls would experience targeted gendered discrimination from their high school classmates in the form of derogatory ethnic terms and sexualization. Mendieta remembers being told, ‘Go back to Cuba, you whore.”

Mendieta eventually enrolled at the University of Iowa and, upon completing her undergraduate degree, began her graduate studies in art. After training as a painter, Mendieta quickly grew dissatisfied with the medium and transitioned to the university’s new MFA in Intermedia program, where she began to develop her interdisciplinary work.

On a class trip to Mexico in 1973, Mendieta visited several pre-Hispanic sites and became interested in Indigenous Central American and Caribbean rituals. This manifested in her work through her exploration of the concept of a goddess figure into her work

 Ana met artist Carl Andre through mutual friends in 1979, dating for many years before marrying in January of 1985. Andre was born and raised American. He grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts, attended school at Phillips Academy, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army all before moving to New York City in 1956. Andre would come to make a name for himself in the art world as one of the pioneers of American minimalism sculpture.

In autumn of 1985, less than a year after getting married, Ana fell to her death from their 34th floor apartment window after a night of drinking and arguing, Andre was arrested and charged with second degree murder.

The trial wouldn’t take place until 1988. Unsurprisingly many of those who maintained his innocence were prominent white male artists, gallerists, and collectors who favored protecting patriarchy over bringing light to the injustices and erasure of Ana Mendieta

[digitalorix]

Content Repurposing: Maximizing the Value of Your Content

Creating high-quality content is a cornerstone of successful digital marketing and web design. However, many businesses and web designers underutilize their content by not exploring its full potential. Content repurposing is a strategy that allows you to breathe new life into your existing content, extending its reach and value. At Digital Orix, the leading web design course in Jaipur, we recognize the significance of optimizing your content for maximum impact. In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of content repurposing and how it can enhance your web design career. Additionally, we'll show you how our course can empower you with the skills to excel in web design while making the most of your content.

Why Content Repurposing Matters

Content repurposing offers several advantages:

Efficient Use of Resources: Repurposing content allows you to get more mileage out of the time and effort invested in creating it.

Extended Reach: Different formats and platforms attract diverse audiences, broadening your content's reach.

Improved SEO: Repurposed content can target different keywords, potentially boosting your search engine rankings.

Enhanced Engagement: Varied content formats cater to different learning styles and preferences, engaging a wider audience.

Strategies for Content Repurposing

Here are some effective strategies for repurposing your content:

1. Transform Blog Posts into Visual Content

Turn informative blog posts into engaging infographics or slideshows. Visual content is highly shareable and can captivate your audience.

2. Create Video Tutorials

Repackage written tutorials or how-to guides into video tutorials. Videos are a preferred medium for learning and can enhance your content's accessibility.

3. Compile Ebooks or Guides

Gather related blog posts or articles to create comprehensive ebooks or downloadable guides. This adds value for your audience.

4. Generate Social Media Posts

Extract key points from longer content and create bite-sized social media posts. Use attention-grabbing visuals and quotes to entice engagement.

5. Podcast Episodes

Transcribe your podcasts or webinars into written content. This makes your audio content accessible to a broader audience and improves SEO.

6. Update and Republish

Revise and update older content to ensure its relevance. Republish it with fresh insights and data.

Digital Orix: Your Path to Web Design Excellence

To excel in web design and maximize the impact of your content, enroll in Digital Orix's web design course in Jaipur. Our course provides comprehensive training in web design, empowering you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the digital marketing landscape.

What You'll Learn:

Web design principles and best practices

Creating visually stunning and effective websites

Harnessing the power of content repurposing

Practical experience with web design projects

Personalized mentorship and guidance

Why Choose Digital Orix?

Industry-experienced instructors with expertise in web design and content strategy

Hands-on, practical web design projects

Personalized mentorship and guidance

Access to industry-standard web design tools

Career support and placement assistance

Don't let your valuable content go to waste. Contact us today and join Digital Orix's web design course in Jaipur,   to gain the skills and knowledge to excel in web design while making the most of your content through effective repurposing.

In conclusion, content repurposing is a valuable strategy for extending the life and impact of your content. With Digital Orix as your guide, you can master this technique to enhance your web design career.

[blackadukd]

Copywriting Training London: Unlocking the Secrets of Professional Writing

Copywriting training in London refers to educational programs, courses, workshops, or seminarsspecifically designed to teach individuals the skills and techniques of effective copywriting. 

Copywriting training in London, like what professional firms like Blackad 

offers, are tailored programs which aim to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to create persuasive and compelling written content for various mediums, such as advertisements, websites, social media, marketing materials, and more.

Is Copywriting Training In London An Effective Way To Learn Copywriting?

Training programs centred on copywriting typically follow a structured curriculum designed to teach you the fundamental principles and techniques of copywriting. Theyprovide a systematic approach to learning, starting from the basics and progressing to more advanced concepts. 

Many copywriting training programs include practical exercises and assignments that allow you to apply the concepts and techniques you learn. These hands-on activities allow you to practice your skills, receive feedback, and improve your copywriting abilities. 

By working on real-world scenarios, you can gain practical experience and develop a portfolio of work.

Participating in copywriting training programs allows you to connect with individuals also learning the art of copywriting. This peer learning environment can foster collaboration, idea sharing, and constructive feedback. 

Does London Copywriting Training Pay Off?

The worth of copywriting training and courses in London, or any other location, depends on your specific goals, background, and level of commitment. Dedicated training can be valuable if you're looking to pursue a career in copywriting or improve your writing abilities.

Attending training programs and courses can provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, industry professionals, and potential clients. Building a network within the copywriting community can lead to collaborations, referrals, and new opportunities.

Reputable training providers usually have experienced instructors who can offer valuable guidance, feedback, and industry insights. Learning from professionals with practical experience in copywriting can accelerate your learning process and provide valuable insights.

Some training programs may include assignments or projects that allow you to build a portfolio of work. A portfolio is essential for demonstrating your skills and attracting potential clients or employers.

Consider the cost of the training program and compare it to the potential benefits it offers. Evaluate whether the skills and knowledge you gain from the training can lead to career advancement or increased income.

What Should You Avoid When Doing Copywriting Training In London?

When undergoing copywriting training in the capital of the UK, it's important to be aware of certain pitfalls and avoid them to ensure you get the most out of your learning experience.

Inadequate Research

Copywriting requires a solid understanding of your target audience, product or service, and the competitive landscape. Avoid rushing through the research phase or relying on assumptions. Take the time to gather accurate and comprehensive information to inform your copywriting efforts.

Lack of Practice

Copywriting is a skill that requires practice to master.It’s ideal not to let the temptation of solely relying on theory or putting your knowledge into practice. Engage in writing exercises, work on real-world projects, and seek feedback to continually refine your copywriting abilities.

Neglecting Feedback

Constructive feedback is invaluable in copywriting training. Avoid dismissing or disregarding feedback from instructors or peers. Embracing feedback is important as its an opportunity for growth and improvement. 

Limited Variety of Sources

Copywriting is a diverse field with different styles, industries, and target audiences. It’s important not to confine yourself to a single source or approach. Seek out diverse examples, case studies, and industry insights to broaden your perspective and develop versatility in your copywriting.

By being mindful of and avoiding these pitfalls, you can make the most of your copywriting training in London and maximise your learning outcomes. Remember, copywriting is a skill that requirespractice, ongoing learning, and a commitment to improvement.

Final Thoughts

Copywriting training in London can be delivered through various formats, and it's important to research and chooses reputable training providers that offer comprehensive and industry-relevant content. 

With copywriting programs in London, like Blackad, you can build a network within the community that can lead to collaborations, referrals, and new opportunities over time.

Source URL By :  https://bit.ly/3X8qh1j

[saryuun]

Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) course at the Institute of Technology and Management (ITM) is a four-year undergraduate program aimed at providing students with a comprehensive education in the field of fine arts. The course is designed to develop the artistic and creative skills of students while also equipping them with practical knowledge and technical expertise.

The BFA course at ITM covers a wide range of subjects related to fine arts, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, graphic design, and multimedia. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of art, as well as an understanding of the historical and cultural context of art.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore their own creative potential and develop their own artistic style. They are also given the opportunity to work on real-world projects and collaborate with other artists and designers.

The BFA course at ITM is taught by experienced faculty members who are themselves practicing artists and designers. They provide students with individual attention and guidance, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Upon completion of the BFA course at ITM, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in a wide range of careers in the arts, including as fine artists,illustrators, graphic designers, photographers, art directors, and more. They may also choose to pursue further education in the field of fine arts by enrolling in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program.

Why You Should Pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts Course

There are many compelling reasons to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. Here are just a few:

Develop your artistic skills: A BFA program will provide you with intensive training in your chosen artistic discipline. Whether you're interested in painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, or any other medium, you'll have the opportunity to hone your skills and become a master of your craft.

Gain a deep understanding of art history and theory: A BFA program will also provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the history and theory of your chosen artistic discipline. You'll learn about the great artists of the past and how their work has influenced contemporary art. You'll also learn about the different artistic movements and styles that have emerged over the years.

Build a strong portfolio: A BFA program will give you the opportunity to create a portfolio of your best work. This portfolio can be used to showcase your talent to potential employers or graduate schools.

Network with other artists: A BFA program will also give you the opportunity to network with other artists and industry professionals. This can be invaluable when it comes to finding job opportunities, collaborating on projects, or getting feedback on your work.

Prepare for a career in the arts: Finally, a BFA degree can prepare you for a career in the arts. Whether you're interested in becoming a professional artist, a graphic designer, an art teacher, or something else entirely, a BFA degree will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Overall, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree can be a great way to develop your artistic skills, gain a deep understanding of art history and theory, build a strong portfolio, network with other artists, and prepare for a career in the arts.

Career Scope and Job Profiles

The career scope for graduates with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is diverse and can vary depending on the specific discipline studied. Here are some examples of job profiles in different areas of fine arts:

Visual Artist: A visual artist creates original works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and installations. They can work in a variety of settings, such as art galleries, museums, or as independent artists.

Graphic Designer: A graphic designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They work with a variety of mediums, including digital media, print, and advertising.

Art Director: An art director is responsible for creating the visual style of a product or project. They work with designers, photographers, and other creative professionals to ensure that the project meets its objectives.

Animator: An animator creates visual effects and animations for films, television shows, video games, and other media. They use a variety of techniques, including 2D and 3D animation, to bring characters and scenes to life.

Photographer: A photographer captures images using cameras and other photographic equipment. They can specialize in a particular type of photography, such as portraiture, landscape, or commercial photography.

Art Teacher: An art teacher teaches students of all ages about different art forms and techniques. They work in schools, community centers, and other educational settings.

Museum Curator: A museum curator manages collections of art and artifacts in museums and other cultural institutions. They are responsible for acquiring new pieces, preserving existing works, and developing exhibits.

These are just a few examples of the many job profiles available to graduates with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Other career paths include art therapy, fashion design, interior design, and many more. The key is to identify your interests and strengths and find a career path that aligns with them.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Course Required Skillset

To succeed in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, students should possess a range of skills and qualities. Here are some of the essential skills and qualities required for a BFA course:

Creativity: This is perhaps the most important quality for any student pursuing a BFA degree. Creativity is the ability to come up with original ideas and to think outside the box.

Artistic ability: BFA students should have a natural talent and passion for the arts, as well as a strong desire to develop their skills in a specific artistic discipline.

Attention to detail: In fine arts, even small details can make a big difference in the overall impact of a work of art. Therefore, BFA students should have a keen eye for detail and be able to pay close attention to every aspect of their work.

Time management: BFA programs can be intensive, with many projects and assignments to complete. Therefore, students should be able to manage their time effectively and meet deadlines.

Communication skills: Many artistic disciplines require collaboration and communication with other artists, clients, or industry professionals. Therefore, students should have strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Problem-solving skills: BFA students should be able to think creatively and come up with solutions to challenges they encounter in their work.

Computer skills: In today's digital age, many artistic disciplines require proficiency in digital tools and software. Therefore, BFA students should have a basic understanding of computer applications and digital technology.

Openness to critique: BFA students should be open to receiving feedback on their work, as this is an essential part of the learning process in fine arts.

Overall, students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree should have a combination of natural talent, creativity, and technical skills, as well as a strong work ethic and dedication to their craft.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Course Specialisations

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is an undergraduate degree program that is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the visual and performing arts. BFA course specializations may vary depending on the university, but some of the common specializations are:

Painting: This specialization focuses on the study of various painting techniques and mediums such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media.

Sculpture: This specialization involves the study of various sculpting techniques and materials such as clay, metal, wood, and stone.

Printmaking: This specialization focuses on the study of printmaking techniques such as etching, lithography, screen printing, and relief printing.

Photography: This specialization involves the study of digital and traditional photography techniques, including lighting, composition, and image editing.

Graphic Design: This specialization focuses on the study of graphic design principles and software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Illustration: This specialization involves the study of various illustration techniques and mediums, including digital and traditional drawing.

Film and Video: This specialization focuses on the study of film and video production techniques, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing.

Performing Arts: This specialization includes theater, dance, and music, and focuses on the study of various techniques and styles within each discipline.

It's important to note that the availability of these specializations may vary depending on the university, and some universities may offer additional or different specializations.

[penkraft123]

The Beauty of Coffee Painting: A Guide to Unlocking Your Creative Potential

Coffee painting is quickly becoming a popular new art form. It is an easy and enjoyable way to explore your creative side and produce beautiful, unique painting. By using coffee grounds mixed with paint and a variety of tools, you can create unique pieces of art. The beauty of coffee painting is that it is accessible to almost anyone.

Coffee painting is a unique art form that has recently gained popularity. This type of art allows you to use coffee as a medium for creating beautiful works of art.It has been around for centuries and is still enjoyed by millions of people today. The beauty of this unique form of art lies in its ability to truly unlock your creative potential. Whether you are an experienced artist or a novice, coffee painting can help you explore a variety of techniques and bring to life the pieces you create. It is also a great way to practice and hone your craft, as it is a much simpler and more affordable medium than traditional paints. The beauty of this painting is that it is easy to learn and allows you to explore an array of artistic possibilities, since all you need is some paint, a canvas, and some coffee!

One of the best aspects of coffee painting is that it is relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a variety of coffee products, such as grounds and pods, at any local grocery store, and create a myriad of works with them. Additionally, coffee offers unique tones and shades, which can be used to create interesting and engaging compositions. With coffee painting, the possibilities are endless.When making coffee paintings, it is important to pay close attention to light and shadow. This will allow you to create realistic and detailed works, as the light and shadows can convey mood and emotion in the artwork. Additionally, one should also use techniques such as gradients, blending, and different textures to add depth and character to their paintings.

To begin, select a painting surface such as canvas, watercolor paper, or any other type of material that is suited to your medium. Many coffee painters will use a damp sponge to evenly spread the paint across their surface. This helps to create an even layer of paint that will be easier to control. Next, choose your paint, which can be anything from espresso to mocha. The choice of shade and strength of the coffee will ultimately depend on the effect you are looking to achieve.Once the surface is prepared and the coffee is selected, it is time to begin. Start off by sketching out your artwork. Consider the composition and plan out how you want to lay out the design. This will be especially useful if it is your first foray into coffee painting. Once the sketch is in place, it is time to use the paint. To get the most out of your painting experience, it is important to practice the various brush strokes and techniques. Using the tip of the brush, create small, circular motions to produce rich, dark shades. Use large, sweeping strokes for a softer, more subtle look. Experiment with various techniques in order to find the right one for your project.

With coffee painting, you can produce works of art that are full of texture and life. The art is unique, since no two paintings will ever be the same. You can also experiment with different colors, textures, and shapes in your artwork. One of the best thing is it is a great way to express your creative side. You can create artwork that is meaningful and special to you. You can also use it to try out new techniques and styles. Plus, it’s a great way to relax and unwind, as you can create your artwork while enjoying a hot cup of coffee! So why not give coffee painting a try? With a few supplies and some practice, you can unlock your creative potential and create beautiful pieces of artwork.

Penkraft conducts classes, course, online courses, live courses, workshops, teachers’ training & online teachers’ training in Handwriting Improvement, Calligraphy, Abacus Maths, Vedic Maths, Phonics and various Craft & Artforms – Madhubani, Mandala, Warli, Gond, Lippan Art, Kalighat, Kalamkari, Pichwai, Cheriyal, Kerala Mural, Pattachitra, Tanjore Painting, One Stroke Painting, Decoupage, Image Transfer, Resin Art, Fluid Art, Alcohol Ink Art, Pop Art, Knife Painting, Scandinavian Art, Water Colors, Coffee Painting, Pencil Shading, Resin Art Advanced etc. at pan-India locations. With our mission to inspire, educate, empower & uplift people through our endeavours, we have trained & operationally supported (and continue to support) 1500+ home-makers to become Penkraft Certified Teachers? in various disciplines.

Gifts by Penkraft is sure to bring smile on your face for every occasion. We offer wide range of hand- painted , personalized and elegant gifts from birthdays to anniversaries, and for every special moment in between. Browse our collection today and find the perfect gift to make your loved ones happy!

[rafaelclark707]

Wilson 4 Ultra Racquets Revealed

How Wilson 4 ultra-racquets will change men’s tennis

The power comes from the weight of the racket and the spinning strings. Safer body and more control. I used an oversized frame and went 6-0 6-0 with a Wilson T-2000 and won 6-0 6-0 in doubles. I have played various designs in competitions.

There's nothing more reliable than Zyex's heavy-duty, nimble mid-sized ball speed. Medium-sized rackets become noticeable in the right places after playing with big and small heads (for heavier topspin racquets, medium-sized rackets - so around 95).

Note: That it is easier to make the racket heavier than to make it lighter. So don't buy the RF97 right now even if you feel like the Hulk, you can always use the lead strap, but that's another blog post for another day.

Wilson 4 ultra-racquets – the next level for men’s tennis

"Ultra v4 can help players of all skill levels take their game to the next level by harnessing beauty and power," said Hans-Martin Reh, global general manager of Wilson Racquet Sports.

"We are delighted to be launching this racket alongside some of the most impressive tennis players in the world during one of the sport's greatest moments."

"I've played and trained with Wilson rackets for many years and look forward to using the new Ultra v4 on the largest tennis arena at the US Open," said Saccari, a member of Wilson's advisory team.

"Wilson consistently delivers the power I need, but also the style and lightness that complements my game."

"Ultra v4 combines beauty and power to help players of all skill levels take their game to the next level," said Hans-Martin Reh, global general manager of Wilson Racquet Sports.

"We are delighted to be launching this racket alongside some of the most impressive tennis players in the world during one of the sport's greatest moments."

Wilson 4 ultra-racquets: design, features, and specifications

"As we toured courts around the world to discuss with adult players what kind of rackets they want, our Wilson Lab team quickly realized that versatility, strength, and lightness were key," said Hans Wilson, general manager of Racket Sports at Wilson - said Martin Ray.

"To develop this experience, we took inspiration from our best designs to create a modern racket with unique frame geometry and state-of-the-art materials and construction.

The result is an easy-to-use racket for our athletes A racket that feels easy on every hit and is very, very powerful."

Wilson's proprietary carbon fiber construction, FORTYFIVE°, increases the stability of the Ultra v4 for improved energy return and performance.

The racket also features sleeker geometry and a revolutionary color-changing design that changes from a sea blue to a purple haze as you move.

Sound too good to be true? Yes. But my friend and tennis nerd Henrik Wallensten has been testing the Ultra, which as far as I can tell is his current favorite power racket (he's testing everything). I hope to get test samples from Tennis Warehouse Europe soon.

[molebelief3]

How to Draw Anime Characters

Drawing anime characters requires many diverse capabilities, and this is one of the most widespread ones. Anime is recognized for its colorful patterns and vibrant colours, so finding out how to draw anime characters will help you create these skills. You will also require to know how to apply shading to your drawings, which is an crucial portion of anime drawing. One particular helpful tip for shading is to be aware of light power, course, and angle. Different varieties of light will cast diverse shadows, so be sure to experiment with your shading! The initial step is to choose a design. There are a lot of diverse styles of manga, and you need to select a single that fits your story. A very good manga drawing tutorial will show you how to apply six diverse manga variations. When you have decided on a design, you can start training! To find out how to draw anime characters, try following the following measures: When drawing anime characters, you may require to know the standard human physique shapes. Anime human bodies are very slim and cartoonish, so learning human anatomy is important. In addition, anime female bodies are drawn exaggeratedly to emphasize their femininity. To draw anime characters appropriately, you will need to have to understand some fundamental anatomy and drawing guidelines. By the end of the approach, you will have an adorable drawing of an anime character! You can also review other manga and anime to discover how to draw them. Many anime creators offer step-by-stage guidelines on how to draw a certain character. AnimeOutline is one particular of the greatest assets for manga style drawing tutorials. You are going to locate phase-by-phase guides on their web site as well as other valuable suggestions. So, if you'd like to learn how to draw anime, it really is time to get began! Producing the encounter is the following phase in learning how to draw anime characters. Although there are many methods to draw anime characters, the standard methods are the same no matter what medium you use. As with drawing any other variety of artwork, anime drawing is not a rigid design - you can use any medium and draw as numerous characters as you want. There are many techniques to draw anime characters, and there is no reason you can't make your own art! You can also consider drawing a nose or a skull. These are each fantastic subjects for drawing anime characters. There are a good deal of diverse approaches to draw a nose, so experiment with distinct types. Anime drawings can even have a diverse fashion than standard cartoon characters. No matter whether you want to make your drawing far more sensible or whimsical, you may discover a great anime drawing lesson in this post. When ชีวิตใหม่ไม่ธรรมดาของราชาปีศาจขี้เหงา master this approach, you may be ready to draw something. Anime drawings are frequently characterized by their eyes. To draw an anime-type eye, sketch the upper eyelid and make a brief line by means of the outer corner of the eye. Up coming, draw a circle in the middle of the eye for the pupil. The pupil should be a smaller circle than the iris. Finally, add a number of shading details on the eyes to give them that wide-eyed search. In the long run, your drawing will appear like the eye of your favored anime character.

[greattattooschool]

Tattoo Art Training Programs

If you are interested in tattoo art and want to become a professional artist, you should consider completing a training program. There are many different options, from formal art school to apprenticeships. Tattoo training should include everything from learning the history of the art form to learning the most common techniques. In addition, you should have a good understanding of the ethical and legal issues related to tattoos. Listed below are some of the best programs in tattoo art. You can get more info here.

While a tattoo art training program can help you learn how to tattoo people, it does not teach you how to draw. Tattoos have been used for centuries by cultures from around the world. During your training, you'll learn about the history of tattooing as well as important changes in the industry. You'll also study the various tattoo styles, each representing different values, time periods, and cultures. You'll then have practice drawing your own tattoo style on paper before you try it on a human body. Learn more about tattoo school, browse this website here.

Throughout your training, you'll be expected to work closely with a mentor and complete a contract with them. A contract will outline the responsibilities of both parties and protect you from legal issues should you not meet your contractual obligations. It should state how long you'll be apprenticed, how much you'll be paid, what you'll be expected to learn from your mentor, and how long you'll work as a tattoo artist once your apprenticeship is over. Regardless of your level of experience, a good apprenticeship will provide you with a variety of opportunities for career advancement.

In addition to a quality training program, you should also make sure that you're confident in your abilities. In particular, tattoo art training programs should include CPR certification and Bloodborne Pathogen certification. You'll also need to learn about sanitation and cross-contamination, as well as skin biology. It's important to learn about these topics, since skin is the medium in which you work. If you're serious about learning how to tattoo, you should take the time to get the training you need.

Lastly, you can take classes at a community college or an art university. Although they're not as comprehensive as a tattoo training program, they can give you a solid foundation of the principles of graphic design. In this way, you'll understand how to translate designs from the computer screen to human skin. These classes can also help you get mentors and an apprenticeship in a tattoo shop. There are many ways to obtain the knowledge you need to create great tattoos. Take a look at this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo for more information.

In addition to taking classes, you should build a tattoo portfolio. A portfolio shows customers and mentors your best work. A portfolio also helps clients decide on your style and level of expertise. The portfolio should include a minimum of 25 drawings, and preferably a few hundred. Include black and grey work in your portfolio. Black and grey artwork shows your artistry best. Don't place photoshops of tattoos in your portfolio. When you're applying for apprenticeships, you should include examples of your black and grey work.

[misssimreno]

Fine Line Legacy Challenge

Sims 4 x Harry Styles 💓 Welcome to a legacy challenge inspired by various Harry Styles songs! This challenge was created by myself and my friend Amy because who doesn’t want to see this kind of crossover? This is a 10 generation legacy challenge with a threaded storyline inspired by songs off of Harry’s self-titled album “Harry Styles (2017)” and “Fine Line (2019)”.

Basic Rules:

You can select who will be the heir for the next generation. There are no restrictions on how many children each heir can have!

Unless exclusively outlined in a generation’s rules, you can marry or divorce whomever and do so as often as you’d like.

No money cheats can be used except for when you move in your very first heir in Generation One (freerealestate on).

You MUST complete all aspects for each generation before moving to the next one.

It is up to you whether or not you want aging on or what lifespan you wish to play on (playing on the normal lifespan could be an added challenge!).

There is an optional aspiration to complete for each generation.

If you choose to play this legacy challenge, post using the hashtag #finelinelegacy for us to see! 💓

Gen 1. "Carolina"

You left your small hometown for the big city of San Myshuno. Having grown up under your grandmother's roof with few simoleons to go around, you are pining for excitement, adventure, and a chance to make it big and become a star. As a Young Adult, you packed your bags and rented a "needs TLC" apartment in the Arts District.

Traits: Ambitious, Bookworm, Creative Aspiration: World Famous Celebrity Career: Musical Genius

Rules:

Reach Level 10 of the Entertainer Career (Musician Branch)

Complete the World Famous Celebrity

Reach Level 10 of the Guitar and Piano skills

Reach Level 5 of the Singing skill

Must start in a needs TLC apartment in San MyShuno

OPTIONAL: Complete the City Native Aspiration

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Gen 2. "Kiwi"

You grew up around fame and fortune, but it has left you feeling a bit empty and unfulfilled. Determined to make a name for yourself and step out from your parent's shadow, you've decided to pursue a different craft - acting. You really love cacti and the color black.

Traits: Non-Committal, Hot-Headed, Self-Absorbed Aspiration: Master Actress/Actor Career: Actor

Rules:

Reach Level 10 of the Actor Career

Complete the Master Actress/Actor Aspiration

Reach Level 10 of the Charisma and Acting skills

Reach Level 5 of the Baking skill

Have at least ONE (1) child out of wedlock

OPTIONAL: Complete the Party Animal Aspiration

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Gen 3. "Sweet Creature"

After having been in the public eye your whole life, surrounded by scandal, you seek simplicity, tranquility, and a way to plant new roots for your family. Speaking of family, you feel quite distant from your parents and hope to foster a strong bond with your own children. You always put family first, though your marriage may suffer some strain.

Traits: Family-Oriented, Loner, Cheerful Aspiration: Big Happy Family Career: Education (Professor Branch)

Rules:

Reach Level 10 of the Education Career (Professor Branch)

Complete the Big Happy Family Aspiration

Reach Level 10 of the Research & Debate and Charisma skills

Reach Level 5 of the Logic and Gardening skills

Sustain a garden of at least five (5) unique plants of Great quality

OPTIONAL: Complete the Soulmate Aspiration

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Gen 4. "Golden"

You always knew you were destined for greatness. Your intellect has opened many doors for you, but led you to a very strange place...Strangerville. Material things mean very little to you and you love the idea of being a bit more "off the grid," and self-sufficient.

Traits: Genius, Clumsy, Maker Aspiration: Outdoor Enthusiast Career: Detective

Rules

Reach Level 10 of the Detective Career

Complete the Outdoor Enthusiast Aspiration

Complete the Strangerville Mystery story-line

Reach Level 10 of the Fitness and Fishing skills

Reach Level 5 of the Herbalism skill

OPTIONAL: Complete the Angling Ace Aspiration

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Gen 5. "Sign of the Times"

After your parents' encounter in Strangerville, you became fascinated by aliens, space, and everything science-y. You know there is more to find out there. but first you need to learn everything you can about the unknown. A bit of an oxymoron, isn't it? When you're not fixated on the stars, you love to dance, tinker, and spend time with your many friends.

Traits: Geek, Dance Machine, Perfectionist Aspiration: Friend of the World Career: Engineer (Mechanical Engineer Branch)

Rules

Reach Level 10 of the Engineer Career (Mechanical Engineer Branch)

Complete the Friend of the World Aspiration.

Reach Level 10 of the Rocket Science, Programming, and Robotics skills

Reach Level 8 of the Handiness skill

Travel to Sixam at least one (1) time using a rocket you constructed

OPTIONAL: Complete the Renaissance Sim Aspiration

--------------------------------------------------------

Gen 6. "Two Ghosts"

Ever since you were a child, you knew you were different. You had numerous paranormal experiences, which has led you to dedicate your life to the paranormal altogether. You purchased a haunted house to try and get closer to the "other side," however this has left you feeling a bit emotionally burdened and isolated from those around you. You're reasonably covered in tattoos and are known to always wear a simple, white shirt. You hope to one day form a "Seance" club.

Traits: Adventurous, Gloomy, Good Aspiration: Bestselling Author Career: Freelancer (Paranormal Investigator Branch)

Rules

Complete 10 "Expert Paranormal Investigation" events in the Freelancer Career (Paranormal Investigator Branch)

Complete the Bestselling Author Aspiration

Reach Level 10 of the Writing and Medium skills.

Befriend both Guidry and Temperance

OPTIONAL: Complete the Leader of the Pack Aspiration

--------------------------------------------------------

Gen 7. "Watermelon Sugar"

You are a very health-conscious sim. Due to your love of animals, you have embraced a vegetarian lifestyle. Protecting the earth and nature is your number one goal in life, aside from ensuring justice is upheld in the courtroom and you are a top tier parent. You favorite fruit is watermelon and you farm your very own watermelons!

Traits: Vegetarian, Green Fiend, Dog Lover Aspiration: Friend of the Animals Career: Law (Judge Branch)

Rules

Reach Level 10 of the Law Career (Judge Branch)

Complete the Friend of the Animals Aspiration

Reach Level 10 of the Pet Training and Juice Fizzing skills

Reach Level 5 of the Parenting skill

Make your neighborhood's Eco Footprint Green for an entire sim year (4 seasons)

OPTIONAL: Complete the Super Parent Aspiration

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Gen 8. "Sunflower, Vol. 6"

Zen. That is what you embody. Where do you feel most zen? At the beach. This is why you live off the grid in Sulani. You practice yoga daily and find a great deal of joy in cooking homemade meals. In your spare time, you dabble in photography and painting. You love sunflowers and have them growing all around your home.

Traits: Foodie, Child of the Ocean, Art Lover Aspiration: Eco Innovator Career: Civil Designer (Green Technician Branch)

Rules

Reach Level 10 of the Civil Designer Career (Green Technician Branch)

Complete the Eco Innovator Aspiration

Reach Level 10 of the Gourmet Cooking and Wellness Skills

Reach Level 5 of the Photography and Fabrication skills

Marry a mermaid!

OPTIONAL: Complete the Painter Extraordinaire Aspiration

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Gen 9. "Canyon Moon"

Having grown up in Sulani, you're not sure how you ended up in quintessential suburbia outside a large city with a corporate job. Life is comfortable, but it lacks the excitement it once had. You want to travel, see the world, and learn about difficult cultures! You love to document your travels and share them online. Sometimes, you can be a bit neglectful of your responsibilities.

Traits: Kleptomaniac, Childish, Self-Assured Aspiration: Archaeology Scholar Career: Business (Investor Branch)

Rules

Reach Level 10 of the Business Career (Investor Branch)

Complete the Archaeology Scholar Aspiration

Reach Level 10 of the Selvadoradian Culture and Mixology skills

Reach Level 5 of the Media Production skill

Vacation at least once in each world!

OPTIONAL: Complete the Jungle Explorer Aspiration OR Mt. Komorebi Sightseer Aspiration

--------------------------------------------------------

Gen 10. "Fine Line"

You were definitely the class clown whilst in school. It was a way to cope with your insecurities, which you haven't been able to shake into adulthood. Nevertheless, your charm and strategic-timing have served you well in your "work," whatever that may be. You know there is always a fine line between life and death, you really live life on the edge.

Traits: Jealous, Goofball, Paranoid Aspiration: Public Enemy Career: Criminal Career (Boss Branch)

Rules

Reach Level 10 of the Criminal Career (Boss Branch)

Complete the Public Enemy Aspiration

Reach Level 10 of the Programming and Comedy skills

Reach Level 5 of the Rock Climbing skill

Graft a Death Flower to cheat death!

OPTIONAL: Complete the Fabulously Wealthy Aspiration

[writings-of-a-hufflepuff]

A Piece of My Soul

Fandom: The Mentalist or rather the Marcus Pike fandom

Collection/Series: N/A

Pairing: Marcus Pike x GN! Artist Reader

Writer: @writings-of-a-hufflepuff aka @hufflepuffing-all-day-long

Rating: G

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Lots of fluff, but there’s that undercurrent of angst as the reader has been hurt before and made to feel less than important so if that’s too much right now that’s okay!

Summary: Marcus has always known that you protect your art, that it is a reflection of your soul and something you guard after being hurt one too many times. He never expects you to share your sketchbooks with him, assumes he will never have the honour and he’s okay with that because he’s happy to just have you. Until, one day, you show him just how much you trust him.

Notes: For me, I always feel like when I share my art with people they’re very meh about it or they are backhanded or even mean. I’ve not had the best experiences when sharing my sketchbooks or my work with people in my life and the idea of someone being so wholly awestruck just by the trust and openness of sharing something like that gets me. So here we go back on the Marcus Pike train because if I could ever explain what I want in a husband, he’s the man.

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Marcus had known of your love of drawing from the first date. You had been a little shy when he’d asked about your hobbies and interests, when you’d quietly and cautiously told him you liked to draw. When he asked for more detail, the mediums you used, the style you preferred, it had opened you up just a little more, his interest making you preen a little. Although still cautious, gauging his reaction to your answers. It had been like seeing a part of your soul that you kept hidden from people, it had made him simultaneously proud and angry. 

Proud because you trusted him, from that first moment, to take you seriously, to listen to your interests and passions and not dismiss them. Angry because at some point, at some time, it was clear someone had dismissed you, made you feel like you weren’t worth listening to, weren’t worth investing time in. It was maddening to think that anyone could make you feel like that, like anyone couldn’t see your worth. 

It was baffling because he found you captivating in all your passions and quirks. The way you ranted and rambled on for minutes, sometimes even hours, about something you were passionate about, never failed to draw him to you like a moth to the proverbial flame. The way you managed to trip over anything and everything, clumsy to a fault, was as endearing as it was concerning and he found himself eager to compensate, to pre-empt you going flying because of a step or a crack in the floor. He found the small things, not just the large things enthralling and enamouring, the concept that anyone might think different was just unfathomable. 

So he worked to cultivate that trust, to show you that he was interested in you and all the things that made you up. He listened when you talked, never told you he was bored or showed a shred of disinterest. He remembered things you mentioned or were interested in, brought you books on the subject or sent you a link to an article he’d seen. 

Watching the way that trust bloomed, the way you opened your heart and soul up to him in little pieces was nothing short of amazing. Still, he knew your art was precious to you, a piece of your soul. Your interests, desires, thoughts, opinions, and preferences are all laid out in pages and pages of thick white paper and red pencil marks. He never pushed it, never asked to see what you were working on or to show him your art, not because he wasn’t interested but because he respected the intimacy of it. You were not some famous painter who put their work on display for the world to see and scrutinise. You were just you, just someone who used art as a form of stress relief and self-expression, someone who guarded their work like they guarded their heart. 

So the little trickles of your soul that you shared with him were enough, it didn’t matter if you showed him it all or only select pieces, anything was enough to tell him you cared, that you trusted him, that you wanted his approval. Not because you needed him to give it, not because he was that fundamental or important, but because recognition from him made you smile, made you feel important. You were important whether he liked your work or not. 

He still remembers the excitement you exuded, happiness blinding and bright and so brilliant, when you’d finished a new painting and bounded to show him. You’d bundled it up safe and made the drive to his house, rushing up the steps so quick, he’d heard you trip before he heard you knock.

You’d been bouncing on the balls of your feet, painting kept within a folder, nondescript, the sort you kept your certificates in. The wide grin on your face, the shine of your teeth, and crinkles at your eyes had him smiling the moment he opened the door to you, leaning a shoulder against the door frame to watch you adoringly. 

“I finished it! It only took me 20 hours but I finally finished it!” You’d rushed inside, pulling him by the arm so fast he had to laugh as he nearly tripped over his own rug. You’d been so excited and so proud as you’d sat him on his couch and carefully pulled the A4 piece of watercolour paper from the folder, plain back to him. 

He’d been patient, watching you with the softest of smiles as your eyes flicked back and forth between him, sat with hands clasped between his thighs, elbows on his knees, and your painting. As you grappled with the gravity of showing him a piece of your soul and not knowing how he’d respond, how he’d behave. Patience was the least he could think to give you, and it had brought the best sort of ache to his chest when you’d shyly turned the painting around to show him. 

20 hours of work and you looked away, eyes focusing on a plant he had in the corner of his living room rather than on his expression or what he might think. You’d been so nervous to show him and he’d taken the time to truly look at your painting. The colours, the composition, the subject, it didn’t ultimately matter to him whether he truly liked it or not, although he did, because he’d love it anyway. He’d love it anyway because you’d chosen to share it with him, when you were oh so private and careful with your art. 

“Sweetheart…” You’d been prepared for rejection, to face the fact that your boyfriend didn’t like your painting, your art, that it was something you just shouldn’t share with him in the future. “It’s amazing! 20 hours? Can I?” He’d gestured to take it, to hold it and get a better look and you’d let him, a little stunned, but overjoyed that he liked it, that he wanted to look at it.

That had been the starting point for you sharing more little bits of your soul with him. You’d bring him finished paintings to look at, occasionally the odd doodle here or there that you completed at work. Not everything, and never your sketchbooks. Those were off limits, something he’d respected because he knew they were more than just a tiny piece of who you were, but quite a large one. Pages and pages of you sat for perusal and to have that rejected would hurt more than anything. So Marcus had been grateful for what little pieces of your art you did choose to share with him. 

He’d always made it a point to show how much he liked your art, to shower you in praise and to make you feel listened to, seen, important. Your art was amazing to him. He was an art history major, he loved art, hence his job, but he wasn’t an artist. He’d never had the patience to sit and develop the skill set and so he focused on the work of others, yours was quickly becoming his favourite. You had your own unique style, something he found hard to describe or explain, but that he’d know if he saw your work. He’s almost certain he’d know if someone tried to pass a fake off as your own and if anyone asked who his favourite artist was he’d probably change his answer to you. 

Still, he had hoped that one day you’d share that last bit of yourself with him. He hadn’t expected to actually happen, just a hope, a little dream, something he thought about at night before falling asleep. 

Certainly not something he expects on date night. 

He’s cooking dinner for the two of you, your favourite main and dessert, because he hasn’t had the chance to see you in a good week due to a hectic case, when he hears the tell tell sound of keys in the front door. He’d long since given you your own, letting you come and go as you please, with the excuse that when he was away on a case it meant you could keep an eye on the place and make sure he didn’t get robbed. In truth he liked having you around, liked that you came over just because you wanted to, that you felt welcome and at home and if he wasn’t so dead set on not scaring you off, he might have already asked you to move in. But, he wanted to take his time, not rush it. 

“Marcus?”

“In the kitchen, honey!” He’s wiping down the side quickly, hiding the fact he’s a messy cook, when you walk in a heavy looking tote bag over one shoulder. It peaks his interest and from the little laugh you let out you can see it on his face. 

“Are you busy?”

“No, it needs a good half hour before I have to check it again, why?” You watch him wipe his hands with a towel and brush at a small stain on his white t-shirt, the one that clings to his arms just right. 

You're nervous, you know he can tell from the way your hands grip the bag straps tight over one shoulder to how you bite your bottom lip. He’s always been able to tell. One of the beautiful things about Marcus was the attention he gave to people, not just people he cared about, but people in general. He learnt everything he could about them, stored it away in his mind, and used it to show them how much he cared, how much he knew them, really knew them. 

“I...I want to show you something.” 

You grab him by the hand, the same way you always do whenever you want to share something, and begin pulling him towards his living room. It’s cosy in here at this time of night, warm light from a couple of lamps, soft blankets thrown over his couch, the ones he’d brought after realising how much you loved a good blanket. It’s a calming thing, to be in here, with him, somewhere you associate with home. 

It often seems so silly to you, just how nervous you get about sharing something with Marcus, but you know it’s not. Know it’s not his fault either. Marcus has never given you any reason to doubt him, but other people have, so you push past the nerves because you do really want to show him and watch his face light up like it always does. 

You sit him down in his seat, and curl up next to him, kicking your shoes off and placing the bag on the ground. He’s so warm and for a moment you just lean into his side, enjoying the warmth of his body and the way he nuzzles a kiss into your temple, nose tracing little lines gently for a moment. He brings you peace and it is that, that gives you resolve and has you reaching down for the items in the bag. 

It doesn’t go unnoticed by you that Marcus places his hands at your waist, worried you might take a tumble off the couch, something you’re prone to. It warms you inside, that he cares so much, that he’s so casual with his affection and so concerned with you and your safety. Even something as simple as making sure he can catch you if you start to fall. 

You come back up with a couple of books in hand, plastered with stickers over the front and a little dogeared at the corners. Marcus doesn’t remove his hands from your waist, just pulls you firmly back against his side and watches as you anxiously smooth your hands over the cover of one of them. 

“I..I wanted to show you my sketchbooks, or well...the two most recent ones anyway. I...I don’t really show people them...but I want you to see them.” Your eyes are so wide and earnest when you look up at him, that he can’t help but cup your cheek in his hand and rub his thumb across the apple of it. God, he never thought...he never thought you would. Always thought you’d keep this little part of yourself private, separate, guarding it like a dragon guards a horde of gold. But, here you are, so earnest, so nervous, so open, telling him that you want to share this piece of your soul with him and he can’t stop himself from pressing his forehead against yours. Can’t stop himself from the gentle nudge of his nose with yours or the slow press of his lips against your own. 

It’s a surprising reaction from Marcus, the way his nose presses into your cheek as he presses a firm but still tender kiss to your lips, the way his hand slides down to cup underneath your jaw, thumb pressing into the hollow there. It’s so surprising that it distracts you for more than a moment, to the point your eyelids take a little bit of time to flutter open after he breaks away, you leaning further into him. 

“What...what was that for?” 

“For trusting me.” He’s so warm and earnest, but still, he’s patient. He doesn’t grab for the books or open them himself, instead he waits for you to pull back and pick one up, settling it between the two of you. 

He waits as you find the courage to open the cover and turn to the first page and every breath leaves him at what he finds there. It is a sketchbook and so it is messy, that’s the nature of it, it is practice and experimentation and you enjoying yourself, and it’s so clear, as each page turns, that this is you in book form. 

Each page is either a confirmation of a fact he already knew about you or a new discovery. It tells him little things like how you prefer to draw certain subjects and the colours you lean towards when you reach for markers or coloured pencils. He’s reverent in the way his fingertips brush the paper and trace over the lines, in awe of the way your hands have worked in tune with your mind to put these things to paper and he can’t actually help the tears that start to well up in his eyes. Because you trust him so much, you’re opening the last part of your soul up to him with only a hope that he will not crush it or throw it back at you, that he will not abuse it. 

“Baby, why are you crying?” You’re so concerned for him, hands pawing at his cheeks, brushing the rivulets away and cupping his jaw to make him look at you. Brown eyes watery but so happy, so in love and he hopes that you can see that, see how desperately he loves you. “Are you okay? Did...did I do something wrong?”

It hurts him so much to know you assume that you’re at fault. That his tears are bad or that they are a product of you doing something wrong, when they’re a result of just how much he loves you and just how happy he is at the trust and faith you have in him, the love you have for him, that you’ll bare your soul. It’s those moments that make him angry at the people before him. Family, friends, lovers, people who took your trust and crushed it, bent it out of shape and tossed it back malformed and damaged. 

“Nooo, no, no, honey. Sweetheart, I'm crying cause I'm happy,” He covers your hands with his own, pulls you impossibly closer, “I’m happy because you trust me enough to show me this and I...I never thought I'd earn that.” 

“Oh...well, I love you.”

“I love you too.” It’s said with a laugh, but not at you, the sort of laugh that’s just a bit of a huff of happiness, that comes from being overwhelmingly happy. It’s enough for him that you come to his house, that you share little bits of yourself with him and that you love him enough to do that at all. 

While dinner cooks, you keep an eye on the time more than Marcus, he continues to flick through the pages. He comments, sweet little things. How something looks cool or how he likes the colours on a page. Each comment thrills you, fills you to the brim with pride and joy, to the point your cheeks ache from smiling. Perhaps to some people it seems understated, boring, the sort of date night that some would hate, but to the two of you it’s more than just date night. It’s a bonding experience, a sharing one. He feels impossibly lucky to look at your work, to have you there leaning on his shoulder, pressing kisses to his neck, impossibly lucky to have a piece of your soul right there in front of him. 

It’s that moment that he knows; you’re it for him. He’s certain. You’re the person he’s going to grow old with, with your sketchbooks in a dedicated bookshelf and he’ll die saying his favourite artist is you. 

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