And the WindDown after Conifur

[balaa]

First and foremost. I just ordered the Tablet for dolphiana. I had to wait for the money to transfer from my paypal to my bank before I could order it. So hopefully the transaction will go without a hiccup and she will get her tablet soon. Thank you all again who pitched in to help make this possible. I am humbled to be a part of a community that is so generous and willing to help out a fellow artist. I truly look forward to seeing what kind of beauty she will bring to the world with a tablet. Dolphy we all love ya girl!! Oh and apparantly all wacom had available for Germany are the Graphire 4's Classic..so thats what I ordered. It looks about the same as what I have, just a newer version or whatnot. I need to find a card to go along with it now so you know who all helped out :). *BIG HUGS*


Ok now on to Conifur. First I have to thank v_lockheart, wicked_sairah and xianjaguar(which I found out was pronounced Christian Jaguar..rofl I thought that was an awesome play on words when I heard it...*dork*). I will say this a million times over but it was soooooooo nice to meet you all. I was terrified when I was driving up there and zero sleep didn't help anything. But after the first day I already had no regrets. You welcomed me with open arms and made me feel so special I had to hold back tears at times *sappy violin music plays in the background*. I feel bad now that it took me so long to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again way before any cons.

It was also nice to meet other folks, people from deviant and live journal. I am sorry if I did not recognize ya guys immediately..I am sort of a very visual person who recognizes icons and charas before names. So sorry about that!

A big hug to goldenrod I can't believe how nice you were and as soon as I saw that pineapple shirt I knew it was you ;). I hope to have more time to chat and doodle with you next con...and I must make you a badge. I started one at the con but fleh I sketched it too big...and besides that I want to make it nicer.

Ok lets see what else? Ahh yes, out of 5 pieces I put in the art show, 4 sold and one went to live auction, which absolutely flabberghasted me. It was the ebon Sunset framed print and ended up fetching a pretty penny(much to my surprise). The fifth piece, that didn't sell, was My Snow Leopard Vixen. I have since found her a good home as a thank you to dark_jaguar01. He has always been so nice to me so I can't think of a better home for the picture than him. Of all the prints I brought, I sold all but 3, and those 3 I didn't expect to sell in the first place so it's all good. I sold quite a few sketch badges and sketchbook commissions and actually learned I can draw just about any animal out there :D. I was worried I wouldn't be able to draw anything outside of felines just because thats what I always draw for myself..but I ended up drawing foxes, wolves, gargoyles, otters, assorted kitties, ferrets, puppies, horsies and I forget what all else. So WOW!!!

At the end of the con I walked away with a LOOOT more than I expected to make..and a huge smile on my face. This has been one of the most wonderful experiences in my life. I could not even have dreamt of a better experience. SO I am already making plans to hit Further Confusion in January of '01 and hopefully be able to get my own dealer's table or at least a half table in the furry Marketplace :). I have the same hope for this upcoming con, just make back what I invested. Other than that my payment is meeting old friends in person and making new friends. What could be better than that??? Now I just need to sell some badges and icons to help save up for both myself and Jennifer to go :D.

That is all for now :D

Comments

[glddaisy.livejournal.com]

its christian jaguar! O=

I thought it was like...zian jaguar or something XD

I want to go to a con one day..Im thinking itll be a very strange experience but Id like to know what all the hullaballoo is about.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

YESSS you should definetly go..I think I was much like you...I didn't really understand what all the fuss was about and actually hadn't even heard of them until a few months ago when everyone was talking about anthrocon. I feel like such a moron XD. But I can tell you it was definetly worth it and your work would sell like you wouldn't believe! You are extremely talented and your style is easily recognizeable..you would be floooooded with work! And whats nice is you do get to meet a lot of talented artists and just make friends in general. The air is very open and friendly so it definetly makes things a lot easier the first time. AND if you ever do decide to attend one and I by some chance am going too..I would be happy to help you out. It can be very scary going the first time..I definetly know that! But knowing someone to meet with definetly makes it easier and a lot less nerve wracking.

And yeh I thought it was Zian too XD.

[lazalanti.livejournal.com]

I thought it was Shi-ahn like the chinese river, Xi'an. Jared said "christian Jaguar" when he called me at FC '04 and I was like, "I don't know a Christian Jaguar but I know a Shi'ahn Jaguar." o_o;

[dapplet.livejournal.com]

D:

I wish I could go to stuff like that and meet people!

LIKE YOU. *poke*

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

well one of these days you shall have to...and Im sure after this con I will probably be going to as many as I can so you are sure to find me :D

[autumn-sunrise.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you had a great time! I'd go to a heck of a lot more cons after I went to AC for the first time this past year, but money doesn't allow me to travel too far...:( Still, glad you had a great time! I knew you'd do well...:) Make sure you get yer furry behind out to Pittsburgh for AC! I wanna meet ya!! We'd have the craziest sketch party in our room, I swear...*laughs* Just ask Baggy. *rolls!*

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

I would looovvveee to go to AC..I'm just worried it will be too much travelling all in one year's time. I wonder if it would be wiser to ease into things slowly instead of all the cons all in one year...though to be honest I think I would love every minute. I'm just not sure how my brain would handle it XD. BUT Baggy has already waggled his finger at me to go and I want to drag Nanook to AC so she can see how awesome she is....so I may well have to find a way to make it O_O.

*TACKLEhugLEshluuurrrppppOFkittyyyyDOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

[lazalanti.livejournal.com]

Baggy said that if we went to FC he'd show up, too. His fluffy panther butt better be there then!

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

YUUH..I just payed for registration O_O...so NOW I have absolutely no excuse not to go...IF I can make a little this month I will try to pay for yours so you will have no choice either :P.

[lazalanti.livejournal.com]

Eep! o___o You don't have to do that for me. *laughs* That's one way to force me, though. I've been saying that I wouldn't go but everybody has been telling me that I need to be there. Michele Light said that Sairah should put me in their trunk if they have to.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

ROFL aawww isnt that nice...you can be my trunk buddy..hey no hogging MY air. I will see what I can do...I should be able to pull it off and then..then you shall be doomed to go to the horror of another con. At least you wont have to be a staff member..so it should make things a little better.

[lazalanti.livejournal.com]

Yay! Well at least I won't be lonely on the long ride down there in the trunk. Yeah, being on staff is kind of boring. x_x I prefered making money but I also like going off and doing my own thing.

[autumn-sunrise.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I can understand that...the travel thing I mean. Trust your judgment and do what you think is best. And hey, I know I'd love every minute too if I could go to every con!! I had the best time at AC, and I wish I could go to all these other cons all over the place...the people are just wonderful! And yeah, drag Nanook with you!!! That'd rock!!

And hey, you found out you could draw wolves? I knew you could do it...I simply MUST commish you sometime for an Autie piccy...because I know you'd make her look amazing. :D

You think a kitty slurp will do me in!? Compare it to the slobbery wolf kiss of horrorrrrr! *attackluff*

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

AYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE nooo anything but puppy droool...the ..horrrooooorrrr. *attempts to flee but is bogged down in a puddle of wolfie drool* NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO XD.

I'd love to meet yoouuuu and go to a zany sketchbook party of art dooooom :D. We will see, I know for AC you have to plan stuff early..so I will feel around and see if anyone has a dealers table I can share with or whatnot...my major concern is really just having the monetary funds to make it what with all the travelling I already have to do O_O.

[goldenrod.livejournal.com]

It was very nice meeting you. It was great getting a chance to chat with you a bit in the dealers room. i know you were pretty swamped with work at your table. But I'm not surprised at that... your sketches are simply amazing! I hope you can make it out to FC, though it's a much bigger con and a lot busier, maybe we can do a sketchbook trade or something. Hopefully I'll see you again in January. ;)

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

I just bought my registration soooo I have no excuse not to go now :P...I knew id better do it now before I start getting all nervous or something or found a way to squander what money I have in my bank..you know on pointless things like bills and such ;). And yes we will definetly have to do a sketchbook trade...I hope to refine my madagascarish style a bit more by then ;)...sooo hopefully I will do something fun for you :D.

[scullyiza.livejournal.com]

Hee! I know Dolphy is so sexcited <----HAHA ok, EXCITED and it is so nice what you all have done for her. I wish I had known in the beginning so I could have done icons too, but I know she is gonna love this. :) So nice of you to organize everything too; she is going to remember this forever. :) You're a great friend.

Yay! Didn't I tell you that you would shine like the brightest star? I knew you'd be awesome and you were! I'm glad you got to meet some online folks; I am looking forward to doing that at AC next summer. Or maybe I could go to another con, I am just not aware of all those things. XD HELP ME OMG But I am glad you had a great time and that you were successful-so proud of you. :)
::hugs::
-Scully

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*Tackle hugs scully* YESSSSS you deeeeddd tell me...I was so silly and afraid...but it all turned out so nice and I met so many wonderfluffle people..it was all just so worthwhile!

*SNOOOGLLESS* Hope you are well sweetie...poke me again sometime..tomorrow and thurs I am probably gonna be hit or miss but fri I will be around most definetly. Much luffitz to you >:D<. and Ill have to find some time to do a nice badge for you to take to ac ^___^ *shlurpies*

[xianjaguar.livejournal.com]

It was great seeing you too!! =D
I am glad you had fun at Conifur! I had a lot of fun hanging out too. Ok, the driving was a bit stressful, but other than that, it was great. =)

Thank you so much for all the great art! I SO owe you!! Will be drawing stuffs for you when I get home. =D

I'll see you at FC, and take care, and see ya on LJ in the meantime!

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

psshhhaaawww no drawing of stuffs for me. I really enjoyed drawing your chara..must do more...and then..more. You were a sweetheart, thats what makes giving art a pleasure and not in the least bit and obligatory burden...it comes natural for nice folks...ya know?

You take4 care as well and have tons of fun in seattle in the meantime! Take many pics and post em in lj when you get back, I look forward to seeing them.

Cool to meet yas!

[sandboa.livejournal.com]

I would just like to say that the con was a blast and it was fun to get to met you too and all my other friends that I had only known on line to that point. I waish I were an artist myself they seem tio have a bit more fun than the average con goer. They tend to stick together like glue and all that because they have the artistic talents in common. Well you have a na excellent evening friend. (**Pouts because he would like to be able to go to more cons but can not afford it because job and money will not allow it!**)

Re: Cool to meet yas!

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

Now who could you be? hmmmuummmmm*murmerPONDER* Just kidding :P. I don't think ya should feel left out of the group, artist or not you were a pleasant person to be around and that in the end is worthwhile in and of itself. I truly look forward to talking to you more at the next con or just frivelously pestering you for no other reason but that I can XD. So beware because I know what you look like now :P. *goes to add you to friend's list*

Conifur

[odious.livejournal.com]

It was so great to meet you! I'll send you money and a character sheet once I finish them. Er, I should probably ask what your going rate is and what form of remote payment you accept.

Re: Conifur

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

No hurry AT ALLLLL, just take your time, I know chara sheets take time...mine took me a while and it isn't even done O_O. As far as price, still really unsure what to charge for different sorts of badges. I will probably be offering digital badges in my 'shiny' style since people seem to really like those...but aside from those also do color pencil, acrylic(like wicked_sairah's), and the pencil sort...but I will make you a better price since you were so nice to me :). As far as payment, most people just go with paypal but pretty much anything that is most comfortable for you is good with me.

Re: Conifur

[odious.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the character sheets are a huge undertaking since they're anthros and I really don't draw all that well as far as traditional media is concerned. Most of what I can work with and turn out quickly and well is more related to graphic arts like logos and tattoos and that sort of thing. My digital media is where most of my skills are at but I really can't sketch shade and color well with it. The character sheets are going to take me just a lot of time. If I hammer on them long enough eventually I can force them to come out the way I want them to. Sketch first then scan digital ink and color. Will be the first time I've gone through the whole process, I expect to invest a few hours a day for a week or so on each one. (for the otter I can cheat though and send you screenshots from secondlife and a character description to accompany it =O)

I haven't actually seen too much of your work, I just know that wicked_sairah and lj_anderson recommended you to me though I'd trust your judgment on what media you think would work better for my characters. Digital may be the way to go I really like your Balaa userpic which I assume was done in that fashion and it's really beautiful work. There's time for that especially since the con is still upcoming. That would really wow people, I take it you print glossy, laminate and send them in the mail? Paypal would be just fine. I'm going to enjoy sending traffic your way when they ask me where I got the cool badge at.

Thank you so much for the wonderful complements, it was really nice meeting you I just wished I lived a little closer. I miss the Seattle area so much or moreso I miss the people. There's really not a lot of artists down my way which makes it hard, a lot of what got me going was being abe to bounce ideas and techniques off of other people.

Re: Conifur

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

I havent really hung around Seattle itself very much but I would like to live closer to both Sarah and Jennifer. They are just wonderful people and my art is always improved when I hang with just plain good people(if that makes sense). As far as medium, I am open to pretty much anything, always willing to give things a go. I love Xian's marker badges,she has a very clean style with markers...unfortunately I can't afford to buy my own set for a while. So for now it will be digital, colored pencil, pencil or acrylic(which I havent yet had time to experiment with). I worked up an example badge the other day from a sketch badge of Balaa I did.

If ya care to see this is it


But my style varies to cater to pretty much anything anyone would want *shrugs* I just can't stick to one style and always lovvvveee trying new techniques in my work.

if ya care to see more examples: my dev gallery has a lot of variety: http://balaa.deviantart.com/gallery/ and if you have something in mind you don't see feel free to say the word :). As far as living far from folks, I do know the feeling..my best friend lives on the east coast so we dont see each other but once a year. We still manage to share ideas via the net but obviously its just not the same as in person.

Re: Conifur

[odious.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you're talking about! Back when I used to do art it helped immensly to be around other creative people they help me with seeing things. sometimes all I need is that little nudge in the right direction when I'm stuck. I get stuck frequently. Now that I live in Portland I really miss being able to just go and hang out at Sairah's or Fire's and do art. There's not a lot of artists around my area like there are up there or at least I haven't found them yet.

I love XJ's marker badges but that looks really hard to do, every time I've used markers I have problems where the strokes overlap they create a darker area. It could also be my technique but to improve that I'd really have to just sit and observe someone like XJ do their work. I'm told that better quality media would help but they're very expensive so I haven't tried it yet besides, I have to improve my composition before I can even begin to consider inking and coloring seriously. I would really like to learn how to do digital work since I already have those tools at my disposal I just don't know how to use them in that way.

I don't really think you have much to worry about though, everything in your gallery is absolutely beautiful. I'll just send you a character sheet and let you take over. Use whatever you feel would produce the most stunningly beautiful badge for the character.

I really like your more realistic stuff though, I have no idea how you do that. In any case, investing in some quality media is probably worth the price for you since your composition is strong.

Re: Conifur

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

HAHA! everyone loves my realism stuff more. Sometimes I do too and I can see how people would enjoy it so...but sometimes I hate it. The reason is simple, the work can be quite overbearing sometimes..just gets to be literally painful to do (ie my wrist and back will hurt for daaayyyyssssss). But in the end more often than not it is worthwhile. I love bringing characters to life, even if it is for that one brief glimpse of a moment...I just like letting people see into my soul through the character's eyes (I know that sounds super corny). I love toony stuff more sometimes because its more relaxing for me, not nearly as stressful or involved...and there is room to deviate in the middle of a project..unlike in realism where you are wise to choose your light source, mood, atmosphere, and colors right from the get go and just stick to them throughout the piece.

Actually come to think of it I dont think I know any furry artists from Portland myself either O_o....that does make things challenging. Then again before I met Sarah and Jennifer I didn't know any furry artists from washington or the northwest ppperrioood. I knew many many many from California but none from around here. Must admit, its opened up a new world for me knowing them and hey now you as well! I would love to share my techniques with you and show ya how I work, digital or real media :).

The way I look at art is if you have the will the skill will come in time...simple as that. I don't believe in second rate artists or any such thing(and Ive faced many many people who introduce themselves in just that fashion!!), if you have the passion and the drive the rest will follow.

Re: Conifur

[odious.livejournal.com]

Ouch, the realism does look rather involved, I'm sure it really does make you ache. On the other hand, I don't really think the full realism look would work for my characters because they're somewhat in the middle of the toony/realism spectrum being that they're mostly realistic but too cute for their own good. Something with a softer feel but definately with good fur details would probably work well for them though they've been cartooned well also. Once again I'll let you be the judge of it.

If you're looking to meet more furry artists up in Washington I can definately give you some names, there's no shortage of them up there (Seattle). Sairah and LJ are definately some of the more skilled ones but there's a lot of other very talented artists up there. On the other hand it might be possible to have you come visit down here and hang out and do art even if mine is really terrible about now. I'm just so out of practice, my sketching used to be decent but currently it's so off that I can't really get my lines where they should be so coloring them wouldn't help. I need more practice.

Motivation is sometimes an issue for me. I do have passion and drive but sometimes I run out of ideas, and a lot of times I have a hard time making myself do it because right now it's definately not as much fun as it used to be. I could get back to where I was if I practiced but I mostly do that when other people around me are doing the same thing. It kinda gives me the ideas I need and also kinda kicks me in the tail. I'm not the lock myself in a room by myself kind of artist.

Re: Conifur

[wicked-sairah.livejournal.com]

Hey, can I pay you for a colored badge of Roscoe?

I'm so not kidding, by the way.

[growing-rose.livejournal.com]

Oh man. That was one of the major letdowns of being unable to attend Anthrocon this year, missing out on all the friends!

*hugs* Glad you had fun and ended up with your first con going experience a good one!

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*hugs right back* That is unfortunate but at least you know there is always next year *smiles* and never know I may just be there too so you will be another person for meh to pester :P.

[growing-rose.livejournal.com]

*laughs* That would be awesome. Expect many nibbles if we both go! ;3

[dark-jaguar01.livejournal.com]

I am so glad that Dolphy has a tablet coming to her and that I could help be appart of helping someone get a dream gift. ^_^ That makes it all worth it to know she will be touched and joyful with tears.

I am so glad you had a great time at the con. :D You deserved a good time once and a while. It is so much better to meet people in person than online if you are not as shy as me. lol But I am so going to make some one drag me in chains to the FC here so I can meet you. To me meeting a friend I care about means the whole world to me. So you will see me there, yes. X3

Aww, and thanks so much for the gift. I really really do not know what to say. This is my first real media art ever and I am so happy that it be from a friend too. <333 *snugglesquishies*

[lazalanti.livejournal.com]

It's really pretty in person and matted in the middle of the artshow by me. Hee hee. ^_^; It's matted and mounted with all acid free products so all you have to do is put it in a frame so it'll last. *is a framing geek*

[dark-jaguar01.livejournal.com]

I was already just blown away from the drawing itself. X3 That sounds so awesome. I can not wait to see it in person, never seen one in person. So this is a very special and big treat for me to get my first real media. ^_^ I can not thank Balaa enough for this and thank you so much for matting it. <3

[lazalanti.livejournal.com]

Oh my! Your first real media? Well, it sounds like you deserve it and I know you'll love it lots! It's special being able to own an original piece of artwork.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

*tackle Hugs Jennifer* Yes if it wasn't for this sweet lady here it wouldn't have a matte at all..and it truly does make the difference of night and day in anyyyy piece. So I owe my entire gratitude to her! I will get you back *rattles head nodding* YES!!!

[lazalanti.livejournal.com]

I just wished I had the time to put a double (or triple!) mat on it to make it look super fancy. ^^;; I think the mat I found looked super nice with it, though.

[dolphiana.livejournal.com]

Weeee, my tablet!!! *jumps at ya and hugs ya like crazy* I`m so looking for forward to it!And once again I wanna thank EVERYBODY who helped Balaa getting the money for it!I can`t describe how grateful I am. *group hug* ^_____^

I`m glad you had fun at the Conifur! :)

[fer-lomarcan.livejournal.com]

*looks sheepish*
I didn't know your from my neck of the woods. When I saw you in the dealers den at Conifur I kinda thought you were the same balaa from sheezy art, but I wasn't sure so I only said Hi.
It was nice meeting you. I'm glad you were able to be there this year and it turned out so well for you.

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

YES I am the same Balaa from sheezy..though I havent bothered with the place much since its started having so many issues. I just stick with deviant now as I havent had too many problems there.

MERF I am so bad with names...I'm sure I would recognize you if I saw you though ^___^.

Hope ya don't mind if I added you to my friends list so I can randomly ennoy you :D *grin*

[fer-lomarcan.livejournal.com]

I kinda gave up on Sheezy too. Maybe when I get some time I'll bother updating it. For now just trying to keep up on my LJ is hard enough.

No biggie, I have a terrible time with names as well. :-)

Feel free to annoy me anytime! I'm always open to making new friends. ^.^

[drewthewolf.livejournal.com]

Aw your so sweet :D That was awefully nice I wish I could have given some money but I have non but maybe for something else. :3

[dark-natasha.livejournal.com]

It was nice meeting you and wish I had more time to chat, hopefully at FC or something. :) Fantastic work!

[xxbalaaxx.livejournal.com]

I'm only sorry I was so...shy around you! I was just amazed to see such an extroardinarily talented person be down to earth (as many big names as I have seen be quite the opposite). You are just such a pleasant person and even being around you was a brilliant experience for me. I look forward to being more of a pest at FC ;)...as I reallyyy must learn how you do such incredible work on such a tiny scale. I stood there for a good while in the art show and gawked at your originals. People must have thought I was insane as much as I turned my head this way and that, looking all bug eyed XD, just trying to take it all in! I feel blessed to finally have seen your work in person :).