I'm getting frustrated with myself. I need to get off my but and start drawing more again. How much I've drawn in the last two years depresses me. Granted I work more (which is at a computer which makes me want to AVOID said computer sigh) and have a boy-friend turned fiance but I know I can make myself find time. I'm being too lazy.

So I still have dozens and dozens of sketches for original artwork on the burner, but I also have the con season in mind and thought some fanart might help jump start me.

Any ideas of what you'd like to see from me would be welcome right now If fanart, I'd prefer you list a few of your top choices of series or characters you'd like to see in my art style and if you're more interested in regular style or Chibis.

I'll still probably try to tackle more original art as well.  And I'll continue to try to update my facebook page with sketches and such (hint: you may be able to influence me which ones I'll actually color ^^). Facebook page is [link]

Just a heads up that I'll be at Holiday Matsuri in the Artist Alley. I'm looking forward to a convention during the holiday season! Aside from my normal wares, I have a lot of holiday postcards for sale, a few Christmas Cards, and a very few rare miscellaneous items with my art. Either way, if anyone's going, please stop and say hi! I'll also be doing caricatures and small chibi commissions.


... SO I went and saw A Christmas Story: The Musical on stage with my fiance this December and was impressed! Though I'll admit the movie is a classic it wasn't quite my favorite Christmas movie. I was really impressed with the beautiful sets they had, so many talented kids, and the songs gave it a special flair.

I don't care how old I am. I still get giddy and happy around Christmas. The only difference is the days go by so quick now. I love the decorations, baking cookies, wrapping gifts, listening to Christmas gift and watching Christmas movies. I also enjoy brushing off a DVD I burned of favorite Holiday AMVs. More than the presents and Christmas day itself, the whole season has always felt special to me. So from me to you, I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Figured since I finally posted another artwork that I haven't chatted in the journal much.

So happy fall is here! The weather keeps teasing us in Florida but it's nice to at least start being able to open up windows and my mother has about a years worth of firewood ready for when it finally gets chilly. What are anyone's favorite Halloween traditions to do every year?

Candy Apples, spooky funny movies, and sometimes a few Japanese Horror movies with friends have been my tradition the last few years. Tempted to paint a small pumpkin but we'll see. I'm still a little depressed that the CatBus pumpkin I carved last year lasted only a few days before the mold got bad... think I should stick to fake pumpkins that last or painting.

Started having Miyazaki marathon movie nights with Midnite and a friend who had never seen them ~ I think I'm only missing two or three movies from my collection.

And musical obsessed me finally got to see my first live musical show! For my birthday last year I finally just went and bought two season tickets. Took my fiance to see the Addams family and was ecstatic (even if we are super high and far away being the cheapest), even he laughed a lot. Wednesday Addams has grown up and wants to marry a "normal" guy and the two of them have their families meet for dinner. I found out more about the broadway vs. the touring version and am happy to say I loved all the changes/enhancements to the plot and dialogue. I went and bought the album online the very next day (gasp one I didn't already own or hear before!). I'll be taking Midnite to go see Peter Pan in November with Cathy Rigby. This so beats going to the movies -- I think I'll be spoiled and addicted this year and will need to get season tickets again

Quick rant because it's needed: Why must it be SO expensive and difficult for a young couple to get married and move out on their own!!?? T_T *sighs*

As for con updates ~ I wasn't able to get a table for Shadocon but have on reserved for Holiday Matsuricon in Orlando. I'm excited having a convention during the Holidays!

Just an update, since life and work has been side-tracking me - I WILL be in the Artist Alley at Anime Festival Orlando. I know I haven't been done a lot of new art this past year (I know, shame on me) but I have worked on two new fanart prints  (which I haven't been posted yet) and will be replenishing what I can of everything else. So.. if any one here is going this weekend, come by and see me! I'm really not sure what other cons I'll be able to make it to this year due to work. Also I submitted two AMVs for the contest (assuming upload worked), so wish me luck! I finished the last one only just in time.

Thanks for anyone who stopped by my booth at AFO! I'm officially sold out of Sailor Moon, Princess Ai, and Kingdom Hearts mousepad and close to it for the Twins and Howl. I still have a few Death Note, Death Note Chibis, and Corpse Bride MP. It probably won't be until next year or later till I'll restock since I need to get them in bulk. Anyone who can't see me at a con, check out my online store linked to the side. I'll try to keep it updated with leftover con merchandise and anything not listed you can note be about.

I am going to try to make it to EXPcon in October if I can manage to get off work those days.

I submitted two AMVs to the contest, just finishing the Miyazaki one a day before the deadline. XD Sadly the guy hosting decided to simplify things and only give one, Best in Show award, instead of various categories. I posted them on Youtube and AMV.org for anyone who wants to check them out ~

Les Enfants de Miyazaki [link]
"Les Miz Medley" by the Broadway Kids
Miyazaki Films: Castle in the Sky, Kiki, Spirited Away, Totoro, Ponyo

Journey of a Witch [link]
"Alice" by Avril Lavigne
Anime: Tweeny Witches

First, thanks everyone for the Happy Birthday! 25 years... wow. Time really flies. Had a great, relaxing Birthday weekend. And best of all... my fiance split with my parents to buy me a kindle! (*cough* I was researching and talking about it for a whole month prior)

I have been glued to this thing all week. It's much easier than trying to read ebooks manipulated onto my iPod. Started throwing some ebooks from my computer on it, plus downloaded a whole bunch of great classics for free. And found some scrabble/word games for free which I love. Best of all, I only had to charge it again today, just over a week later. I'm a very happy bookworm. Currently reading "Fire," the sequal to Graceling.

I'm sorry for my lack of active-ness on DA. I'm still around! Haven't had a lot of new art aside from caricatures, sketches, and some Munnys (which I will post when I clean the photos up.)

Slowly but surely I'm still looking through comments <3 Even if my thanks is late I always appreciate the time for someone to comment. Hopefully I'm not the only one who feels faint seeing over 12,000 messages in their inbox? Luckly I've always priortized comments so that section isn't THAT bad.

I started a new job beginning of this week as an assitant graphic designer to a lady who has a home invitation business. So far I really love the job, think its been working out well, and pray it will last a good while! It was no fun being broke... If you're curious, check out [link] or [link] Lots of cute and neat invitations customized for birthdays or any special event.

StarInMyPocket Store - [link]

COMMISSIONS - I'd like to put commissions on hold for a bit, unless caricatures and maybe chibi art. Hopefully I'll manage to find time around work, fiance, and friends (and my new kindle) to do some new artwork. XD

EXP con is right around the corner! I'm excited about visiting another new con. I will still do caricatures and small commissions as per usual. 8x10 and 4x6 Prints, Mousepads, bookmarks, stickers, and about the keychains...

I'm sad to say that I am LOW on keychains for this con. I forgot that I only had about 15 or so left from AFO. Thought I had a brilliant idea to order them, pay $25 for 2-day shipping and have it shipped to the hotel... just found out that it wouldn't get there until Monday. Gah! Why does next-day have to cost $68 dollars? So I just have a few keychains to sell (if I can't find any of the same locally). If you're gonna be there and want a keychain, I suggest you get one quickly. I can swap the art to the keychain you want no matter which ones are left or double-side one for $6.

StarInMyPocket Store - [link]

Finally thought that the store is set up enough to promote. I came across the site ecrater, which is very similar to etsy, but listings are free and the shop is more easily personalized and organized. I have still to upload the mousepads and prints section, but otherwise it is fairly complete. If there is something I do not have listed, feel free to ask or make a request. I will give discounts for combined shipping.

Also there is an easy listing for a custom caricature art or prismacolor chibi commission. Both can be something special and fun gift with the holidays around the corner.

BTW, I have a table for Shadowcon in Tampa!

The ring on my finger is starting to feel normal. Starting to feel like a starving artist... Harry Potter World was AWESOME. Butterbeer was tasty. The cooler weather makes me sigh with happiness randomly throughout the day.

StarInMyPocket at Facebook!

[ Journal face lift! ] So I'm excited. Myself, Midnite, and two other friends will be going to Jacksonville tomorrow for ACC this weekend. We've never been to a convention other than the ones in Orlando or Tampa so I'm hoping it'll be fun. Midnite and I will have a full table in the Dealers Room. She's making a bunch of really nice lolita accessories.

The week before a con is always so hectic! Trying to get everything together and done. I somehow lost my portfolio binder so I had to make a new one. I think I've been making my dad just as busy as he tends to help me print and cut things. This time he's also helping me build one of those frame displays out of PVC pipes that will clamp on to the table.

My mousepads arrived today! Just in time so I'm very happy. They turned out great! I've already switched my old one out and gave one to my dad. The following are the available designs. Most of them are 1/4 thick but I have a few of the slim 1/8 thick for Howl, Death Note, and the Twins due to the printers mistake. The thicker ones will be $12 and the slim versions $10. I should have plenty left over if anyone wants to order one online.

StarInMyPocket at Facebook!

So I took the plunge and set up an artist facebook page for myself. I think it'd be a fun base to connect with anyone who likes my work, share updates, random sketches or WIP. So here is my shout out to all of you on facebookers who would like to connect with me there! It's still in the development stages, but I hope to try and keep it active (even when I seem like I'm being unactive...)

Gah I promise new art will be on the way.  

So convention season is approaching. I will be attending Metrocon but WON'T be in the artist alley. For a first, Midnite and I plan to go to Ancient City Con in Jacksonville! I'm excited to check out a new con and I will be selling my artwork there. I will also be at the artist alley for AFO (Anime Festival Orlando).

Saw this meme some time ago and finally getting around to posting it.

. So, you can read! Congrats!
Are you reading a book right now? How far are you into it and what do you think so far? If you're not, what was the last book you read and how did you feel about it?

Just finished reading the Never Ending Story and then Graceling by Kristin Cashore. The Never Ending story was a very interesting read, especially if you enjoyed the old 80's movie there's so much more to it. Loved Graceling and will probably read the second very soon. I like the concept of people "graced" with extraordinary abilities outside of normal means and the concept of how this world deals with them as they are set apart by their different colored eyes. Strong characters, good romance, intrigue, and adventure. I will most likely be getting the second book to read very soon. I have now started on The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain Book )- the series the Black Chauldron was based off of. So happy to read the series! The characters are charming (who wouldn't love Gurgi, no matter what kind of creature he is? crunchies and munchies anyone?) and plenty of adventure.

. Do you have a favorite book? Do you have... a book you really liked, at least?

Too many by far. Howl's Moving Castle, House of Many Ways, and the The Chronicles of Chrestomanci series by Diana Wynne Jones. Harry Potter and the Artemis Fowl Series. Crown Duel. Daughter of the Forest and Wildwood Dancing by Julliet Marillier.  Ella Enchanted. Brave Story. The Twelve Kingdoms. The Looking Glass Wars. Peter and the Starcatchers.

. What would you say is your favorite genre to read? What do you tend to steer away from?

A little magic goes a long way. Now a girl in my twenties, I still haven't grown out of my love for a good fantasy novel (or fairytale) to take me to another place or to tickle my imagination. Romance and action are good as well, but appeal to my senses all the more wrapped in an adventure, fairytale, or around some fantastical scenario or a world not quite our own.

. Have you read any terrible books? Something you'd recommend staying away from?

If I'm not interested in a book, I usually won't finish reading it...

. Do you reread books, or is once enough? Any exceptions so far?

If I loved the book, once will never be enough. Sometimes I can't wait to read a book again but I put it on the shelf to wait awhile and the mood will hit me to pick it up again. I tend to multi-read... I'll have a couple books started at the same time (usually on or two of them are being reread). I've read most of my favorites at least twice or more but I do try to put of rereading sometimes in lieu of new material...

. What were some of your favorite books as a child?

Old compilations of fairy tales! Especially the ones with beautiful pictures I unfortunately scribbled on because I wanted to draw like that too..

. Do you usually pick books from the kids, teen, young adult, or adult books? How old are you, if you don't mind?

I'm now 24 and most of the books I buy are still young adult books or children books. I find they usually cater to my tastes more. Adult fantasy often seems over detailed to me and I typically like and connect better with the characters in children or young adult books. I'll probably always be a kid at heart.

. Do you buy books much or mostly just borrow?

Almost always buy them... $_$ But I wait for coupons! Or I read e-books I find and the ones I especially liked I go out to buy. I stay away from libraries... I'll just end up buying the book anyway. At least once or so a year around special holidays I'll treat myself to an amazon spree of at least 10-15 books. But I research reviews, read excerpts, and judge carefully which ones I'd love best. When I get my own house, I'll need room for a library...

. Have you read any books after seeing them in movie form? Which did you enjoy more?

I try to wait until after the movie or at least give some space before seeing the movie.  If it's fresh in my mind, it's easier to nitpick and compare so I try to avoid that. There are many instances where I'll see a movie I loved and then become interested in the book.. the first three Harry Potter movies, Howl's Moving Castle, the Princess Bride, and the Never Ending Story among others. These movies I all really enjoyed and have read and loved the books afterward.

. What about reading the book before there was a movie? How did you feel about the movie? Did you even bother seeing it?

Ella Enchanted was completely ruined for me since I loved the book so much and it was completely different - I think they should still keep the essence the same not just the premise or concept... it felt like I was watching Shrek instead of one of my favorite fantasy stories. ='(

. Do you read any other forms of literature aside from novels? Such as graphic novels, comics, (fan fiction???) etc.?

I was a Sailor Moon Fanfiction addict at least from ages 12-18 - free reading! Then I started working and could go out and buy books so this diminished... I'll pick up a fanfic now only if its very good quality and it's something I'm in the mood for. I actively read and buy manga. I think I own over 150 manga (which I'm running out of room for) and keep up with others by reading online. Probably 80% shoujo (Skip Beat, Host Club, Beauty Pop, High School Debut, Vampire Knight, Wild Ones, etc) and 30% shounen (D.gray-men, Fairy Tail, Naruto, Hikaru no Go, Death Note etc). Occasionally I'll read informative books such as how to speak Japanese or religious or devotional books...

. What is a book you want to read, but haven't yet? What intrigues you about it?

I have at least 8 books from last few book sprees still to read. For a long time I've wanted to read all the Chronicles of Narnia books since I grew up on the old movies. I'm excited about the Book of Heroes, by the same Japanese author of Brave Story. I'm waiting for the paper back for the sequel to Out of the Wild - it was such a charming and interesting tale of the fairy tale creatures having escaped the Wild to lead normal lives in the modern world. Also the third and final in the Looking Glass Wars, the third and fourth books after Peter and the Star Catchers, and I would also like to read more classics like the works of Jane Austen which I have.

. If you could rewrite the end of one book (or any other part, I suppose), which would you choose?

Definitely The Magician's Guild! I loved almost the entire thing - the characters, settings, the plot. This trilogy would have been among my top favorites and the ending killed it. I will probably still read the books again, but seriously my first thought at the end was that I wanted to rewrite it. It felt like a forced twist to wrap things up to avoid a happy ending and then become a cliche of its own - I mean come on... the love interest dies and then surprise she's pregnant? -_- It was an epic fantasy story until those last 10 pages. WHY?

If you can think of one, name a book that made you:

cry: I try to stay away from anything depressing but I can get emotional and teary eyed... near the end of the Host strangely enough is one of them.

laugh: Hmmn.. the Ninja handbook?

think, in a deeper sense than the obvious: The Bible. Any other literature by C.S. Lewis.

feel pure happiness: Most books by Diana Wynne Jones. They always make me happy!  Especially Chronicles of Chrestomanci and Howl's Moving Castle and sequels. Pure magical adventures and fun without the angst.

become so addicted you put off everything in order to finish it: This has happened on many occasions but I will not list all of them. Harry Potter. The Hallow trilogy was the few notable times I stayed up reading till 6 in the morning. I finished the first one around 2 but picking up the next in the series was too tempting. Another was Forbidden game by LJ Smith.

die of boredom: Usually won't read it if I find it that dull... unless it was a school assignment.

learn something new: I think I learned the most from manga lol. Hikaru no Go taught me a lot about the game of Go enough that I started to want to learn and play it. =3 Same with Tennis and other sport related manga.

squirm with squickiness: I stay away from those books. Maybe Battle Royal if I end up reading it.

squirm with glee:

very embarrassed to be reading it: Regency-era romances... picked up because of my grandmother who passed away and 25 cent books at thrift stores ^^

angry: The last book of Twilight? J/k I've never been angry with a book. Maybe frustrated or disappointed but not angry.

Well my job situation is err "on hold" for the time being, but allows me fee time this Christmas to reopen my commissions! There's a special holiday sale on all chibi artwork till December 19th, so be sure to check it out if you are interested! Treat yourself or surprise a friend for Christmas

You can also check out my Esty shop for any gift goodies. I may add something special for any December orders too... Something you want that's not on there? Let me know!

I'll be at my aunt's for a few days so I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

[link]

Finally set up and started posting in a blog. Maybe it will live? Hopefully I'll have a few people interested enough to check it out. I have a livejournal (same username) but find it has a lot less features and things I like from blogger and wordpress. Wordpress I like the category feature and its easier to search other topics I think. So we'll see how it goes.

I think I'm more likely to post there about anime, random interests of mine, perhaps post AMVs or cool things I find, and random life musings. It's not to replace posting here, but add to it.

Feel free to drop by and say hi.

Urban Fantasy 6-Artist Auction!

A few months ago I got involved with the plans for a joint art auction on Gaia... it's finally set up! So if you're on Gaia and interested in bidding or just for a place to chat, please stop by! We have an awesome group of artists I'm so happy to be a part of! Here's their DAs...








Ends this Sunday! Any last minute entries more than welcome...




Yes I have a twitter now... I have a love/hate relationship with it. Here's a hilarious twitter parody whether you like twitter or not [link] . Well it's easy to update with random stuff. It's on my DA now, but you can go directly to my twitter page at [link]






Yes I know everyone is aware of the Princess and the Frog coming out but I just discovered Disney is going to do Repunzel! I'm looking forward to it... I always thought Disney shouldn't have given up on fairytales. A little disappointed that it will be 3D, but they are going for a more subtle, painterly look and the concept art looks amazing! It will be a musical as well.

I was a little crushed when I found out Kristen Chenoweth (the broadway actress who was the original Galinda in Wicked) was originally going to be the voice of Repunzel--due to scheduling conflicts, it's now Mandy Moore.

Concept Art for Repunzel [link]
Repunzel Blog & Info [link]

What do you guys think?

Well, most of you have been informed by now about my new job. I thought a few of you might be interested in a new DA account I created under the nickname/alias June. After one boring week of blogging I seemed to get the go ahead from my boss to do some environmental friendly / go-green art and graphics and possibly help promote some interest in geothermal energy for [link] . It's kind of interesting--I never knew anything about it before and now my parents are curious about it.

~JuneEggComfort
If you feel weird calling me June on there you can just call me Sarah ^.^ Feel free to ignore it or check it out.

Here's an example of some of the things I've done so far!





I've also taken the chance to favorite and look at a lot of very beautiful nature photography ans pieces that I don't normally add. So the account is multi-functional




Busy! Just trying to get into the feel of having a full time job. Currently watching a couple anime with friends in the evenings or on weekends (Soul Eater, Nodame Cantobile, Higashi no Eden, and Sugar Sugar Rune.) Also almost done watching Avatar with my dad and got both my parents into watching Moribito.

Sadly I think I will be closing for commissions for a very long time (though my Etsy store might stay up for awhile. I still have a few freelance projects I have to work on on the side which is trying. Hopefully when those are over I would like to work more on my personal artwork so I can submit many more things for you guys to enjoy!

[link]

It took me a long time to get around to this but I finally set up my own Etsy store. Please check it out! I've uploaded most of my keychains and some of my original art prints. If there is anything you would like to see up, simply let me know.

Just a reminder, I'll be at Anime Festival Orlando this weekend! I have my table all set to go and hope to see some of you there. I should be adding stickers and keychains for Draco and Snape chibis.

I just got a new job! I'm very excited. Of course this means I will no longer be at Busch Gardens and the full time position may or may not allow me time to take on more commissions. I'll see how things go. It's for an entry-level web designer though I'll mostly be doing blogging and data entry the first few months.

Well for it's last year, I think Jacon was a lot of fun. It helped that almost all my friends were rooming with me or had their own rooms. After debating whether to go the easy route and not cosplay, I revived the Temari costume I wore last Metrocon. And I actually posted a photo for you guys to see I'm sure I'll cosplay her again. That costume and wig was expensive. And I like my fan.

I did really well at the artist alley and in the art show, so thank you to everyone who bought a print, keychain, etc or commissioned me to do a caricature or chibi! I still have two Princess Ai mousepads left, keychains, prints, stickers or such if anyone would like to buy something and have it mailed. I don't usually venture outside of the Florida Orlando/Tampa cons.

I bought a whole set of mini figurines of the Soul Eater characters. They are so adorable! Came home with lots of Ramune. I'm on the hunt for a new anime bag but they've drastically changed the styles and they seem either too small or not enough pockets I thought the Anime Bazaar was an awesome idea. Face it, a lot of us are anime packrats. There's always something we wonder why we bought or don't really want anymore. And I love finding great deals. I got almost the entire series of Kare Kano manga and 12 of Hana Kimi. Seriously, I think more cons should do this.



So apparently I won a ticket to go to AFO from the art contest, so what I was previously debating is now definite. I will be at AFO! It will only be the second time I've gone but I'm really looking forward to it. Anyone else plan to be there? I still remember the last time I went I got all four FMA voice actors to sign my Sailor Alchemists print ^^ Oh and I'm also on the lookout for a friend/fellow artist who would like to share a small corner of my table so let me know if you might be interested.

If you have any requests for things you would like to see as keychains, bookmarks, or stickers (whether existing art or something new), let me know. I don't gaurentee anything but I'll definitely keep it in mind.

Just a heads up that I will be at Jacon this weekend in Orlando. Anyone else going to be there? If so, try and find me in the artist alley! I also did a little chibi artwork that should be inside the con guide somewhere. I am so sad it will be the last Jacon! It was the very first convention my best friend and I went to maybe 8 years ago and ever since, it has remained the one convention of choice that our anime club attends. It was also the only convention I've had artwork on the badges and on the con guide and the first con I ever set up in the artist alley for. Lots of memories!

The following are what I will be selling in the artist alley:

Keychains: (main fanart, a few new original, plus Zorro and Allen added)
Mini-keychains: A few smaller, double-sided keychains this year
Bookmarks: Sailor Moon, Death Note Chibis, the Twins from HC, Corpse Bride, Princess Ai, Allen from D.gray-man added this year, and two original art.
Stickers

PRINTS: 8x10, a few 5x7, and 4x6 prints
Original Fanart: Matted to 16x20 (Naruto Shippuden, Full Metal Alchemist, Sailor Moon, One Piece) Framed Sora and Riku which I plan to put in the art show if there's room.
Mousepads: I wasn't able to make new ones, but I still have 2
Princess Ai, 1 Sailor Moon, and one Host Club Twins mousepads left.

Commissions: I will be accepting commission for my marker chibis as well as doing caricature art!

I ended up seeing Dragonball Evolution last night... which was not so great but still managed to be entertaining. We kept giggling and laughing at stuff. I'm sure it could have been worse.

So how is everyone's Easter so far? I went to an Easter sunrise service with my parents and expected to fall back asleep afterwards but instead starting uploading and editing photos.

So my mom came home with 6 baby chicks on Friday... I took pics of them yesterday, and just today my dog Kakashi (he's a husky/malamute) managed to collapse their cage and kill all of them when we weren't around. T_T They were so short lived but so precious and cute. So these are in memory of my chicks. The two honey-colored ones with markings were the friendliest of the bunch. I have a feeling my mom's going to get more chicks... and make sure Kakashi stays away.

And I'll smile if I want to... smile if I want to... ♫


Well, I know some of you are on Gaia so I thought I'd announce here as well. I'm hosting the third Midnite and Star art contest! It's been a year or two since the last and I'm so excited since each one seems to get better. Even if you can't enter, you're welcome to come and chat.

If you watch me, you should probably be familiar with Midnite and Star by now. I have a link to the side under misc. for detailed info about the characters and some of my favorite artwork I've collected of them. In my gallery, all the Midnite-Star artwork I've done are in their own folder. So all fellow Gaians are welcome to visit my contest! And if you're not on Gaia but are inspired to draw the characters, feel free to do so!