The MLP Arena

Creativity => Arts & Crafts Corral => Topic started by: BlackCurtains on July 28, 2023, 12:23:52 AM

Title: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on July 28, 2023, 12:23:52 AM
After I finish up the pony custom I'm doing, I want to focus on miniatures. I'm dying to make a mini cat tree. I bought the supplies for it a long time ago. I also want to make some mini food because I haven't done that in a long time, and as they say - if you don't use it you lose it!

I'm also interested in getting better at digital art. I have a new tablet since my old Bamboo Splash had dead areas. I've been working in Photoshop and learning how to use it properly.

One thing that's still on my to-do list is sculpting a horse from scratch. I have so many fantastic refs and I really love the idea of being able to make realistic horses. They're such beautiful animals.

What projects do have going on? :)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: NovelNerd on July 28, 2023, 05:15:40 PM
Right now my biggest one is getting this jacket at least semi ready for its first comic con in Sept. I do need to pick up some more craft supplies when I get paid again, so I’m kinda at a standstill till I get what I need.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on July 28, 2023, 05:36:47 PM
braiding  a rug made of socks and backing it to a pillowcase
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on July 29, 2023, 06:23:04 AM
MORE Pony jumpers!!! And blankets for them too!!! I'm knitting & crocheting away like a mad possessed yarn-demon!!! I keep seeing all this yarn & thinking "that would make great ones". Mostly G2 & G3 sizes (G3 in adult & baby, but mostly adult) of jumper as they're the ones who need them
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Shaiyeh on August 01, 2023, 05:54:52 AM
right now, I'm working on a card/painting for a wedding this weekend. (two of our best friends /hubby's brother) . Also working on the layout for their wedding program & menu leaflet.
I've also got a couple knitting projects on the go ^^
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Gator on August 01, 2023, 10:30:56 AM
I’m making a mommy unicorn for twins Rattles and Tattles
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on August 01, 2023, 02:06:47 PM
I have two birthday cards in the works, for my mom and my niece. (Both of their birthdays are on the same day, August 7) I will probably paint/draw a black cat for my mother (again) and a blue cat for my niece.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 01, 2023, 06:26:52 PM
I'm working on my patched jackets right now.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on August 04, 2023, 04:57:25 PM
I just finished the birthday card for my mother.  :joy: Next, one day I will start painting a card for my niece, I have already sketched the cat.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: thesugarpuppie on August 07, 2023, 08:32:12 PM
Everyone has such cool projects. I'm working on a bunch of character kits to sell old characters that I made an never used. Some are ponies. I'm also working on a new art coloring book and stckers and things for a shop.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on August 10, 2023, 01:25:40 PM
I also finished the card for my niece. (Pictures of both cards later in a different thread.) :)
What would I do next.. :think:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Moonbreeze on August 12, 2023, 04:16:25 AM
Working on 2 G2 art commissions. I hope to get started on a G1 piece next :)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 14, 2023, 01:58:36 PM
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The first of my jackets is finished. I'm happy with it. :satisfied:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on August 14, 2023, 02:02:09 PM
^  :cheer: Looks great! :cheer:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 14, 2023, 02:14:19 PM
Looks awesome! Love the unicorn.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 14, 2023, 04:14:12 PM
Thanks you two. Found the unicorn at Walmart.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Harmonie on August 20, 2023, 05:53:34 PM
I found some models of G1/G3 style ponies from the mobile MLP game and played around with converting them to The Sims 4 as toy objects. But not a lot of creativity goes into that process, what I'm sharing is me editing one a bit to make G3 Autumn Skye. It's not anywhere near perfect (I just used the base model of Majesty including her mane and tail - didn't play around with it a lot other than rigging it and rotating to give an (imperfect) Autumn Skye pose) , but it is my very first try at this. I look forward to playing around more with these models and creating more accurate ones. =)

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Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 20, 2023, 11:15:09 PM
That is so awesome!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 21, 2023, 08:49:39 AM
Autumn Skye!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Harmonie on August 27, 2023, 08:47:01 AM
WIP Moondancer:

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Moondancer is apparently missing from the mobile game (a glaring omission! but the G4 version is probably there, IDK), so I had to texture her from scratch like Autumn Skye.

I've played around with the model a lot more for better or for worse. I'm trying to go for a mix between the original Moondancer toy look and the classic-style artwork of her. For example, I used her eyes from the artwork. I need to rig her now and also work some more on the details of the texture.

Sorry, don't want to take over this topic. I'll make my own if anyone is interested. =)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 28, 2023, 01:26:35 PM
Yes, feel free to make your own thread! They might get lost in here and they deserve to be seen!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on August 31, 2023, 03:01:12 PM
WIP Moondancer:

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Moondancer is apparently missing from the mobile game (a glaring omission! but the G4 version is probably there, IDK), so I had to texture her from scratch like Autumn Skye.

I've played around with the model a lot more for better or for worse. I'm trying to go for a mix between the original Moondancer toy look and the classic-style artwork of her. For example, I used her eyes from the artwork. I need to rig her now and also work some more on the details of the texture.

Sorry, don't want to take over this topic. I'll make my own if anyone is interested. =)

She's darling!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on September 02, 2023, 02:00:49 PM
No pony art here lately but I finally managed to sign some of the deco books on my desk. :frolic: (I've had zero inspiration for those this year... I keep track of the booklets I sign and I've only done some 30 this year so far... There have been times I've done as many in just one month!)

Oh, and I need to edit and post the September artist spotlight! Sorry for being late ^^;
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on September 05, 2023, 04:39:02 PM
Patched jackets, I've put on 3 new ones between August and today.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Crystal-Sushi on September 07, 2023, 10:26:20 PM
I'm trying to finally put together an animation portfolio - my hands hurt haha :drunk:

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Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Shaiyeh on September 11, 2023, 01:10:19 PM
Oooh, animation! Looking good, CrystalSushi!

Right now, I'm working on a pattern test for a cardigan (knitting), and I've started sketching out a rough draft for a painting I want to do. I'm thinking flutter ponies :> I have a tall, narrow canvas that's quite big, and a perfect space for it, and I'm feeling excited to paint xD 
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on September 17, 2023, 06:53:54 PM
I should make three cards, i.e. paint/draw them. I know what I'm doing, but I haven't been able to start yet.  :yawn:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Rainlove The Pegasus on September 17, 2023, 09:32:04 PM
Currently, in my bedroom, I am starting my summer to winter clothing switch. My room is chaotic this week.  :cry: It will get done in the next two to three weeks hopefully.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: dragglereeka on September 19, 2023, 01:13:13 PM
I'm working on lots of pony art and some Halloween themed pieces for an upcoming art stall event. Looking forward to posting some when done  :snail:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Annie on September 20, 2023, 11:57:49 PM
I always have too many ongoing art projects!  :shocked:

* Doing some 3D sculpting! Have about 3 different pony-models I'm tinkering with at the moment   ^.^
* Also have a lot of 3D printed models that I want to start to paint! Just got my paint for a coouple of them of them so I'll start this weekend! :heart:
* Have started sketching on a idea for a fun art challenge for myself that I want to try and do next year. We'll see how that goes.
* Want to make a pony drawing for halloween! Only lots of ideas in my head right now!
* Sticker making! Because it's fun!
* Finish all my unfinished watercolor pieces.
* Finish all my half done pieces in my digital art folder (can't even count them >_<)
* Crocheting an owl for my sisters new baby boy
* Continue crocheting my mochila bag (takes forever! :blink:)
* Organize myself so I can start selling my leftover prints and stickers
* Finish two ATC cards I'm doing for a trade

And actually loads more  :blush:
I'm a bit all over the place right now so I just do whatever I feel like and have time for since I don't have much of a dealine for anything  :cool:

Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on January 10, 2024, 03:27:43 PM
Patched jackets. I had 3 patches that came in the mail, 2 put on, and am waiting on my 4th to arrive.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Shaiyeh on January 11, 2024, 03:39:38 AM
ohhh, patch jackets are great :D

I'm working on recreating a H&M jumper (knitting). It's pink/black/grey stripes, and such a cute design, but I dont like the cut of the original. so I'm making my own version, and a video of it :)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on January 11, 2024, 08:37:05 AM
ohhh, patch jackets are great :D

I'm working on recreating a H&M jumper (knitting). It's pink/black/grey stripes, and such a cute design, but I dont like the cut of the original. so I'm making my own version, and a video of it :)

Looking forward to seeing it
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Shaiyeh on January 16, 2024, 06:22:14 AM
thank you! right now 'm stuck in waiting for yarn mail-limbo, so I'm instead making a bunch of granny squares inbetween drawing today. ^^
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on January 16, 2024, 09:48:08 AM
I need to catch up on your videos, Shai.

I'm still working on ponies, but it's been so humid I can't paint, it would never dry.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Shaiyeh on January 17, 2024, 03:04:46 AM
ahh, not the humidity D:

here are my squares. (and a pony, bc they kind of have the same vibe) ^^
I have 3 untouched skeins... so I'm going to have a lot of squares at the end of the project, I think x) yay!

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I'm keepign this as a wind-down project though, so it'll probably take a while to finish :)
My last ball of yarn arrived today, so I'll be finishing the jumper! Wooo!! :frolic:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on January 19, 2024, 03:05:37 PM
ahh, not the humidity D:

here are my squares. (and a pony, bc they kind of have the same vibe) ^^
I have 3 untouched skeins... so I'm going to have a lot of squares at the end of the project, I think x) yay!

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I'm keepign this as a wind-down project though, so it'll probably take a while to finish :)
My last ball of yarn arrived today, so I'll be finishing the jumper! Wooo!! :frolic:

Love the colors
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: SoSoftPony on January 19, 2024, 10:56:35 PM
I always have so many projects going on, it's hard to keep track! But I'm currently sewing a hoodie for my Barbie/Ken dolls (the pattern fits both), knitting "pony rugs" or little coats for my G1 Wedding Bells Confetti to wear from a self-drafted pattern, adjusting that pattern to fit my Baby Apple Delight--and, in addition to that, modding my Fallout: New Vegas to add new buildings and items I've ported from other games (I basically play it like The Sims, building things with the editor rather than actually playing it  :lol:), tinkering with a personal blog's HTML, and trying to find the time to write... all of that on top of house chores and  the like.

Never a dull moment around here!  :devious:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on January 29, 2024, 08:13:06 AM
I've made February the Month Of Art Goals. I want to finish up the three pony customs I've been working on. Two are a commission from last year and one is for the Halloween Swap that I am so very late on. Sculpting is finished on one of the commissions and the character is mostly white, so painting shouldn't take long. I need to sculpt a complicated outfit on the second still. I need to sculpt a couple more little things for the swap pony and make something else for it, then paint.

To be honest, I was so burnt out on ponies I took a couple weeks off working on them. I feel better now and will be able to get my head into it. I think I can accomplish finishing them in a month.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on February 17, 2024, 04:58:48 PM
Quick break in progress on current blanket as I got a new Pony!!! Jolly Lolly needed appropriate winter clothing so I knitted her a jumper, then crocheted the skirt part of her dress, so now she's all cosy!!!
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 (https://hqg1c.forumotion.com/gallery/Personal-album-of-Ponybookworm/jollylollywinterdress-pic_1253.htm)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Shaiyeh on February 20, 2024, 03:04:15 AM
PBW, that is SO cute!

I'm working on yet another silly video project ^^  This time it's Animal Crossing themed - I'm making a top from the game!
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Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on February 20, 2024, 03:02:50 PM
Shaiyeh cheers!!! I LOVE the bright colours of your new project!!!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: shockponie on March 29, 2024, 11:32:49 AM
You all are so talented! I picked up my crochet hook for the first time in… like a decade?  :lookround: I made a bow bag. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun.
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This is closer to the actual color since it’s hard to capture on photo (neon yellow).
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Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Rika_of_Thunder on April 03, 2024, 10:03:24 AM
workin on a 3d model of this lil dragon! still working on the texture, but i just finished the eyes and i'm pretty happy with them!

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Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: shockponie on April 03, 2024, 05:19:59 PM
Oh my gosh, Rika! So cute.  ^.^
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on April 20, 2024, 06:41:08 AM
See Slice Of Life
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on April 27, 2024, 05:22:25 PM
I started making a cat-themed Mother's Day card for my mom.  :) (In Finland, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 12) The card is mostly blue (blue background and one of the cats) in color because it is her favorite. I tried some "tricks" with the salt. I'll see tomorrow if I managed to make any patterns on the card with it. :wonder:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Rainlove The Pegasus on April 28, 2024, 05:56:39 PM
For me, I am working on my MLP collection. I still have to get a binder and tabs for separating the ponies and merch. I have not gone to the store yet, but I keep wanting to. It is a big project.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: CowboyRaccoons on April 29, 2024, 05:53:16 AM
Since I've been sick for the past week, I decided to start a new crochet project. I ended up finishing most of it, since it was the only thing I could do to not go crazy :blink:
Last night I started on the mane. The pattern I used wanted me to make cords for the mane, but I just went with regular yarn strands.
Once I finish that, I will try to decide how to do the eyes. The head is long, so I'm not sure if I want to do the g4 eyes or just freehand it...
She is looking good so far. I'm feeling a little better this week so hopefully I'm on the mend.

ETA: It's the pegasus in my sig!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on April 29, 2024, 07:00:36 AM
After a break of some three months, I finally found my inspiration for papercrafting and have been doing some decos (decorative friendship books) again. Just in time for the happy mail swap! (see Swap talk for more info). I'm looking forward to that one, I haven't done any pony art since the Valentine's ATC swap.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Kitcatepic on April 30, 2024, 08:52:02 AM
a random collection of fruit/desert themed animal characters I'm using to test a new art style
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Moonbreeze on May 01, 2024, 11:01:20 AM
I've finally been drawing some bits again, mostly with my ballpoint pens. Last couple of months have been terribly stressfull and I had to move houses really fast D: I got something though! So hopefully soon I'll have more time for drawing and maybe some MerMay stuff too!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on May 06, 2024, 07:54:09 PM
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Patched jacket.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: CowboyRaccoons on May 07, 2024, 05:44:41 AM
Since I've been sick for the past week, I decided to start a new crochet project. I ended up finishing most of it, since it was the only thing I could do to not go crazy :blink:
Last night I started on the mane. The pattern I used wanted me to make cords for the mane, but I just went with regular yarn strands.
Once I finish that, I will try to decide how to do the eyes. The head is long, so I'm not sure if I want to do the g4 eyes or just freehand it...
She is looking good so far. I'm feeling a little better this week so hopefully I'm on the mend.

ETA: It's the pegasus in my sig!

Finished up the mane, and the eyes. Now I just need to attach the eyes to my pony. She doesn't have a cutie mark, so that was a bit easier.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on May 09, 2024, 06:11:49 AM
I'm doing a lot of digital art recently. I've improved a lot :D

Also working on ponies again.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on May 09, 2024, 09:13:16 AM
I cleaned out my no-tech aquarium yesterday. It's in a huge green glass demijohn with plants and rocks. I see a lot of my plant stuff as art or craft but can understand if that doesn't make any sense!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on May 14, 2024, 09:15:09 AM
I cleaned out my no-tech aquarium yesterday. It's in a huge green glass demijohn with plants and rocks. I see a lot of my plant stuff as art or craft but can understand if that doesn't make any sense!

Can we see please?

I've got 2 patches coming in the mail. This jacket is nearly finished! Just 2 more patches to go and with any luck, maybe I'll have it done in time for winter?
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on May 15, 2024, 02:56:30 AM
I cleaned out my no-tech aquarium yesterday. It's in a huge green glass demijohn with plants and rocks. I see a lot of my plant stuff as art or craft but can understand if that doesn't make any sense!

Can we see please?

I've got 2 patches coming in the mail. This jacket is nearly finished! Just 2 more patches to go and with any luck, maybe I'll have it done in time for winter?

Sure! Love your patches and I love pink and teal together too. I just scanned my blog for some images, there are some flower arrangements here: https://florencemeade.com/2022/04/30/2021/ (https://florencemeade.com/2022/04/30/2021/) and here: https://florencemeade.com/2018/12/21/bauble-terrariums/ (https://florencemeade.com/2018/12/21/bauble-terrariums/) but I don't have a pic of the no-tech tank handy right now. Is that what you particularly wanted to see?
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on May 15, 2024, 05:53:01 AM
I cleaned out my no-tech aquarium yesterday. It's in a huge green glass demijohn with plants and rocks. I see a lot of my plant stuff as art or craft but can understand if that doesn't make any sense!

Can we see please?

I've got 2 patches coming in the mail. This jacket is nearly finished! Just 2 more patches to go and with any luck, maybe I'll have it done in time for winter?

Sure! Love your patches and I love pink and teal together too. I just scanned my blog for some images, there are some flower arrangements here: https://florencemeade.com/2022/04/30/2021/ (https://florencemeade.com/2022/04/30/2021/) and here: https://florencemeade.com/2018/12/21/bauble-terrariums/ (https://florencemeade.com/2018/12/21/bauble-terrariums/) but I don't have a pic of the no-tech tank handy right now. Is that what you particularly wanted to see?

I love those! So pretty! Thank you for sharing. :lovey:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on May 17, 2024, 01:07:40 PM
Those are beautiful, Artie!

A custom pony contest has started on another site. I want to enter it but I have prior customs to finish. I'm almost done with two out of three. The third I am having difficulties with. He has very complicated and detailed clothing. I've never really sculpted clothing like this. But I'm hoping to finish the two soon so I can start on a pony for the contest.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on May 22, 2024, 01:12:49 PM
Thank you very muchly. Most of what I'm doing now is taken up by food growing and cooking. I do have quite a few flowers photos though from the last year or two, I will post when I get around to uploading them. Everything outside is just coming into full bloom right now, once I pick it up after the rain!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on May 22, 2024, 03:46:53 PM
Those are beautiful, Artie!

A custom pony contest has started on another site. I want to enter it but I have prior customs to finish. I'm almost done with two out of three. The third I am having difficulties with. He has very complicated and detailed clothing. I've never really sculpted clothing like this. But I'm hoping to finish the two soon so I can start on a pony for the contest.

Will you show off some photos? Good luck in the contest.    :newpony:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on May 22, 2024, 04:26:35 PM
I will when they're finished :) Thank you!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on July 01, 2024, 03:35:37 PM
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Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on July 01, 2024, 11:53:36 PM
Ooh, that's neat, LAW! Brings back memories :)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on July 02, 2024, 12:14:55 PM
Ooh, that's neat, LAW! Brings back memories :)

Thanks,  unfortunately the right patch was sewn on slightly lopsided.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on July 15, 2024, 07:29:51 AM
Gardening mostly, but I also have a children's story to write up. A friend has offered to read it for me, she illustrates children's books.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on August 22, 2024, 01:48:06 AM
I've been pretty active with my deco swapping hobby lately (i.e. since my last post) but that's about it for crafts. No customs, no ponies. I haven't drawn any ponies in ages :(  Maybe I'll try to motivate myself to do a quick sketch today.

I've also been thinking about reviving a big project that I started some ten years ago, lol - it's a triptych of mixed media paintings for our living room. I found the pencil sketch recently...
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 22, 2024, 02:46:19 AM
I've been so depressed and unmotivated. I haven't worked on anything. My mom roped me into making a custom for her favorite nurses' daughter. An eight year old "girly girl" who loves pink. Because those are the types of customs I make...  -_-
I told my mom I wasn't in an artsy mood and she just said 'oh, you can do it!'

My mom has some of my customs and other art in her room and people ask about them sometimes.

I really don't want to make this :(  I still have to finish those other three.


Also, and this is just me musing, I've been thinking a lot lately of taking my art more seriously. Like, I've been drawing since I could hold a pencil and sculpting since I was old enough to use Playdough. I was always in art classes in school and every year had something in the art show that won. But all my life I've never done anything with it.

I've gone years at a stretch without doing any art. I feel like I've lost a lot of what I learned. Even now, it's easy to forget how to do things if I don't keep it up. I've also been all over the place with artsy hobbies and crafts.

I've followed artsts from when they first started out, and see how they've become so successful. Morgan's Mutations, Hontor, Danny Quirk, to name a few. Knew them before they ever took a commission. Look at them now, I can't afford a thing they make. I know it's bad to compare yourself to others, but I just think that if I had the same discipline and work ethic, I could be selling my art to celebrities too.

Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on August 23, 2024, 05:15:50 AM
I JUST finished Bakana's new summer jumper!!! She needed one so I can wash her cardigan & swap between the items. People saw her in it today & liked it

ETA piccie linkie
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 (https://www.hqg1c.net/gallery/Personal-album-of-Ponybookworm/lightweightjumper-pic_1262.htm)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on August 23, 2024, 07:21:48 AM
PBW that's really cute, those pastel colours are perfect for summer!

BC I can relate, on both accounts... when you have certain skills people keep asking for stuff, and it's very difficult to say no and explain to those people that doing these small favours can be too much when you're already overwhelmed, even if I'd love to help and often they are not big things. Forcing anything creative when you're feeling unmotivated or have an artist's block is just the worst. :(

As for professional art... I feel the struggle. The idea is something I've been toying with throughout my life, and especially in moments like this - being between jobs and not really keen on any of the more realistic alternatives I have. But I always come back to the reasons I already figured out when making career plans in my teens: making a living through art is extremely difficult and calls for much more than just artistic skills, mostly skills in marketing and staying on top of fads like social media channels, sometimes even just luck (or rather, hitting the right time and place). Secondly, and even more importantly, I know that there would be times I'd struggle with motivation and could not enjoy what I do. Deadlines, worrying about the quality of my work and the customers' happiness, balancing between my own preferences and what sells, financial struggles... It would be awful to lose my passion for creativity because of these. Yes, I know many artists successfully navigate these issues, but I'm not sure I have what it takes. Besides, I have the same struggle as you: my interests are too varied! I like too many mediums and styles and types of craft, but for things like social media (algorithms), or even more traditional channels like galleries and such, having a consistent style would be essential. So maybe instead of feeling bad for the potential direction we never pursued professionally, we could focus on enjoying the freedom of experimenting, switching between passions, and having the space to fail and to abandon it all when we don't feel like it anymore? :lol:  On a positive note, I guess when it comes to art, you are never too old to start if it's something you truly wish to pursue.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on August 24, 2024, 07:41:51 AM
yes my husband has started really focusing on improving his art  so he can be a better artist for 3d modeling, and he's 50 :) 
the shark jumper is ADORABLE!

I am working on a huge stack of mending.  also my child wants all their leggings to be turned into shorts, so that's another project.  And I have a bag of clothes I need to unpick all the seams in, so I have scrap fabric.  and I am making a rug again, but this one is in a totally different style than braiding it.  and then I can get back to making more doll clothes! 
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: ChocolateStarfire on August 24, 2024, 09:31:11 PM
BC--aww yeah being in an art slump is the worst. :( I've had a lot of times when I struggled to create--especially when I was very stressed with my personal life.

It's okay to say no to requests for your art at any time, for any reason. <3 Your muse is made for you, not for other people. I know how you feel--it's disappointing to not be able to follow through with art for other people. I'm learning to put myself first--and that's what you need to do, too, right now.

I've also considered going back to school for art, but I want to focus on graphic and instructional design, so that my 'work work' is education based, and my free time artwork is separate from that source of energy. I think Griffin is right in keeping your creative outlet a hobby/passion vs a job, because yeah...my dad took his hobby of photography and tried turning it into a viable business. It failed in the end and it was hard for him to get back into photography for fun for years afterward. I know firsthand that you really do need to have marketing, business savvy skills and it's a constant rat race with putting your stuff out into the world and selling it. It's hard to make an income with art, especially when the economy tanks. :/

But if you can dream it, you can do it...with the right support and knowledge, help and care. <3 I think no matter what if making art makes you happy, doing it just for you is where you need to begin. :)

Anyway, on topic: I've been making comic characters/comics again, just for me. :) It reminds me of my time in Australia, which makes me happy.

Here come the grannies! https://ko-fi.com/i/IY8Y712C4F8 (https://ko-fi.com/i/IY8Y712C4F8)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 25, 2024, 04:49:18 AM
PBW, that is so cute :D

Griffin, yes, I've had the same thoughts. I guess I'm comparing doing art as a job to having an actual job job. Of the two I'd rather do art. I need to come up with a way to make more money, and soon. I'm going to make myself work through September and get those 3 finished, make the one my mom wants and make some to hopefully sell for Halloween. I won't be taking commissions because all they do is stress me out. When I get tired of customs I can move on to minis or wool. I'll sell on eBay since I already have that set up. I feel it's worth a try.

LBS, sounds fun! I've always been interested in rug making and I wish I knew how to sew.

CS, yes, all good points. Love your comics!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on August 25, 2024, 12:00:56 PM
Great points, CS!

BC that sounds like a good plan ^.^ Best of luck with your work, I hope your muse returns :hug:

I managed to do a quick pony/unicorn sketch (not really MLP style) yesterday, but I wasn't too happy with it and didn't feel like drawing more. I did manage to sign 5 decos, which for me is a lot for one day! So that was something.

I also checked the state of my big art project and realised I will really have to pause and think before I proceed. My plan involves mixing acrylic painting and paper collage, using old books and all kinds of ephemera. I realised that it will probably be pretty 3D so how to go about securing everything and making sure it will withstand dust etc.? :ponder: For the look I'm going for, glass is not an option. I also cannot be sure that all the materials I'll be using are acid free. Any scrapbooking papers and such are usually marked, but the recycled materials... no idea! Well, I'm making this for myself and it's not really meant to last for 100+ years, haha. So maybe it's not that serious.

Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 27, 2024, 02:39:08 AM
You said no glass, but have you thought of a shadow box? Or, maybe make a floating frame around it?

Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on August 27, 2024, 03:28:29 AM
You said no glass, but have you thought of a shadow box? Or, maybe make a floating frame around it?

Hmm, I'm not sure if that would work either! Maybe very simple frames, if at all? I'm using those pre-mounted canvases, and each piece is 50 x 70 cm (roughly 20 x 27.5 inches). I did a quick google search and found this guide (https://sarakabariti.com/heart-notes/how-to-varnish-mixed-media-paintings) for varnishing mixed media pieces that might be helpful. This one (https://justpaint.org/varnishing-mixed-media-paintings/) also discusses paper. I've used acrylic gel medium on top of all kinds of papers in my mail art and haven't really had issues, sometimes the paper can warp from the moisture though.

I suppose it's always an alternative to simply leave it unvarnished and hope for the best, haha.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 27, 2024, 07:07:56 AM
I'm so interested in what your project is! :D

I made my mom a mixed media wall hanging with paper roses some years ago. I had intended to put it in a shadow box but it ended up bigger than the one I had bought. So I just left it as is. Canned air is great for blowing dust off things :lol:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on August 27, 2024, 08:28:48 AM
Well I think I'll mostly figure it out as I go :P But it involves a painted stag, lots of yellow / autumn colours, and recycled book covers and pages. I'm still undecided whether to add some actual 3D embellishments or if I'm going with paper collage and acrylic paint only. Our living room walls are mostly blank (we only have one art piece up, a cross-stitch horse made by my grandma, she loved doing cross-stitch!) so this will be a huge statement piece that will change the look of the whole room. If I ever get it done, that is. XD

Ooh the mixed media piece with paper roses sounds great! My wedding bouquet was made with paper flowers, I commissioned it and have been wanting to display it but I'd need a glass cabinet for that or the chew-it-all kitty will destroy it. Currently it's just buried somewhere in the closet... :(
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on August 27, 2024, 01:13:03 PM
Cheers folks xxx
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on August 28, 2024, 11:19:20 AM
Griffin, ooh, that sounds so lovely!

Sorry you can't display your bouquet. Naughty kitty.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: ChocolateStarfire on August 30, 2024, 09:07:03 PM
CS, yes, all good points. Love your comics!

Thank you so much! <3

I've finally made a digital piece of art...the logo for my comic...it's been...84 years :lol:

I think I want to make the cover similar, with digital colors/background, and the rest will be a combo of digital/traditional media. :)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on August 31, 2024, 08:51:48 AM
sewing sewing mending mending and more fabric acquisition
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on September 05, 2024, 11:04:51 AM
My plan to get working this month is off to a great start *said sarcastically* I had one day where I felt good but spent it cleaning. Since then I've been unwell again. Didn't even get out of bed yesterday.

I have been thinking up custom ideas for Halloween though but that's the easy part.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on September 06, 2024, 08:11:51 PM
I am almost done hemming shorts; I am on the last pair, of 7 or 8.  I bought a ton of leggings for my child that were on clearance, I cut them into shorts, and I have been finishing the hems.  They pretty much wear shorts year-round, even in winter... well, eventually when it gets to be -20, -30, they will want full leggings but they are very hot-blooded and are hardly ever cold. 
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Koudoawaia on September 10, 2024, 05:24:49 AM
Nothing at the moment but I have plans to finally make stickers/emotes of my Discord server's new mascot today.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: CowboyRaccoons on September 13, 2024, 11:13:53 AM
I'm working on a fursuit! I need to wait for the color I need to restock, though.  -_-
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Moonbreeze on September 15, 2024, 12:36:13 PM
I'm working on my first resin figure. I picked the G2 dragon to copy. I've been wanting to do that for a long time now.
I need to add more dragons to my herd. I might do the even tinier one too :lovey: So I hope this works out

I still have to wait for a night before I can get it out of the mold. Fingers crossed

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Eta. I had to do a recast. The first one had some obnoxious airbubbles.
Now... I splurged:

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Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on September 28, 2024, 12:28:43 PM
They're adorable & I hope you sell some...
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Moonbreeze on September 29, 2024, 01:33:37 PM
They're adorable & I hope you sell some...

For sure :) They aren't perfect and quite tricky to cast (this is my first time trying this).
I want to spread the G2 dragon love and do some customizing myself :)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on October 07, 2024, 03:09:35 PM
I'm working on my first resin figure. I picked the G2 dragon to copy. I've been wanting to do that for a long time now.
I need to add more dragons to my herd. I might do the even tinier one too :lovey: So I hope this works out

I still have to wait for a night before I can get it out of the mold. Fingers crossed

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


Eta. I had to do a recast. The first one had some obnoxious airbubbles.
Now... I splurged:

visitors can't see pics , please register or login


 :lovey:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on October 16, 2024, 02:46:46 PM
Those dragons are super cute!

Well. I've backed out of those pony commissions. It's been over a year and I have not gotten much done on them. I couldn't pay back what they were bought for (it was a special slot on a game) but the person was very understanding. Honestly, it's a huge relief not to have those hanging over my head anymore.

Griffin, I will still finish the one for you and I have one to do as a gift for HoM, which I want to finish too. I'm still unwell and can't sit at my desk for long, so it will be a while still.

I feel bad I didn't do anything for my mom's birthday back in August. I have a couple of projects I wanted to do for her. I need to pick one and do it.
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Griffin on October 17, 2024, 05:20:22 AM
Griffin, I will still finish the one for you and I have one to do as a gift for HoM, which I want to finish too. I'm still unwell and can't sit at my desk for long, so it will be a while still.

:hug: :hug: Take your time!
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on October 21, 2024, 05:30:10 PM
I noticed that I have been mentioned.  :lookround: :biggrin:

BC, you do it when you can, no rush. :hug: :heart: :hug:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on October 27, 2024, 07:25:51 PM
Well I finished Bakana's costume for the sharky server contest (waiting til it's over before sharing, plus not sure what image site to trust...)
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on October 28, 2024, 06:16:03 PM
^ Then when you can share the photo, it's nice to be able to see Bakana's costume!  :) Good luck to the contest!

---

November 10th is Father's Day here in Finland.. and I'm thinking about the topic of the card again. :rolleyes: What would I draw this time.. :shrug:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on November 03, 2024, 09:08:57 AM
Full body:
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 (https://www.hqg1c.net/gallery/Personal-album-of-Ponybookworm/bigsealcostume-pic_1264.htm)
Head:
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 (https://www.hqg1c.net/gallery/Personal-album-of-Ponybookworm/bigsealhead-pic_1265.htm)
Soon I'll turn it into a big plush by adding a patch on where her face is
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: lovesbabysquirmy on November 03, 2024, 11:25:18 AM
So cute! 

Not sure I can embed Instagram on the Arena so here's the link to the GIR poncho:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DByullBv7Ip/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: BlackCurtains on November 03, 2024, 01:05:13 PM
PBW - WOW! You made that?! That's so incredible! She's a seal, right?

LBS - So cute! You guys that sew just blow my mind :lol:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Heart Of Midnight on November 03, 2024, 04:46:27 PM
Ponybookworm, Wow! That seal costume is really amazing! :frolic: :heart:

lovesbabysquirmy, Wow, that's a great costume!  :) :heart:

You guys are talented!  :enthralled:
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Ponybookworm on November 05, 2024, 01:24:52 PM
Squirmy that is adorable!!!
Yep, it's a seal costume, & I'm now turning it into a plush seal. I need to knit a patch to go where Bakana's face shows through, then sew everything & stuff
Title: Re: What are you working on?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on November 07, 2024, 11:51:19 AM
https://www.deviantart.com/littlekunai/art/Band-Jacket-1118370259

I finished one of my band jackets a few days ago.

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