Shiny Egg Farming

 For the past couple days I have bred and hatched over 300 Eggs for a Rockruff shiny, and I am still currently hatching eggs because I still have yet to find it. I am very annoyed but Rockruff made this personal now for not hatching as a shiny. I am determined more than ever to get the damn shiny of his in Pokemon Scarlet! I WILL GET YOU EVENTUALLY ROCKRUFF YOU BASTARD!!! lol And yes im doing the Masuda method with a Japanese Ditto and an English Rockruff/Lycanroc

I've farmed Eevee which didnt take too long with egg farming. And Ive tried using herba mystica to find a shiny rockruff in the overworld and failed doing so. 

Things I am working on in Video Games (Even though I want to be Drawing)

So I've been playing a ton of Pokémon Scarlet. I have almost 80hrs in it and I bought it on Nov 19th. I am currently almost done with my Pokédex (all I need is Scizor, Slowking, and Miraidon. All which I am planning getting from a friend/evolving through trade with a friend). Once I get the dex done, I'll be shiny hunting for some pokemon I want shiny versions of.

Here is the list of Shiny Pokemon I am going to hunt for:

• Rellor (won't evolve this one)
• Zorua/Zoroark
• Driftloon/Driftblim
• Klawf
• Sandy Shocks
• Toedscool/Toedscruel
• Varoom
• (maybe) Ditto

That's the current list. The first one I am gonna work on is Zorua unless there are Mass Outbreaks from Pokémon on this list. (Literally while making this post, I just got a Shiny (Female) Lechonk which is one I really wanted!)

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I've been working on farming different mounts as well in WoW (World of Warcraft) whenever I'm not drawing or playing Pokemon (or while playing pokemon, I multi-task lol)

The mounts I am working on trying to get are:

• Mimiron's Head (Ulduar Raid)
• Midnight (Karazhan Mythic Dungeon)
• Flametalon of Alysrazor/Smoldering Egg of Millagazor (Firelands Raid)
• Spawn of Horridon/ Clutch of Ji-Kun (Throne of Thunder Raid)
• Thundering Cobalt Cloud Serpent (Nalak World Boss)
• Son of Galleon (Galleon World Boss)
• Cobalt Primordial Direhorn (Oondasta World Boss)
• World Gorger World Boss in Revendreth
• Famu in Revendreth
• Warbringer Mal'Korak in Maldraxxus
• Malbog in Korthia
• Felhounds of Sargeras (Antorus Raid)
• Nerissa in Maldraxxus
• The Exalted Night Fae Mount (I need more rep and anima though)

I know it seems like a lot, but i try to do it at least one full list through on my main which is now an Horde Dracthyr Evoker but sometimes I also do it on my Alliance Monk and my Horde Warlock.

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I have been slacking so much on Drawing because I've been finishing the story in Pokémon and working on filling out the dex (and doing World of Warcraft things) I need to figure out a time frame or whatever for when to draw. Or like a time limit or something...I want to be drawing more but I'm having so much fun playing games, more so Pokémon than WoW.

Pokemon Scarlet: A Review by Me (Not Spoiler Free)

 I've been play a ton of Pokémon Scarlet on the Switch and I will say, after reading and watching reviews, some of the reviews and remarks make sense. I'm going to list some pros and cons and then give a small opinion summary. Will make a note that I haven't completed the game completely. I've beaten every gym, got everything for Titans, and I'm up to the last antagonist base.

THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS FOR SOME SO DON'T READ IF YOU DONT WANNA BE SPOILED

Pros:

•  New Pokémon to catch and learn about
• Doesn't have a linear story, has like 3 Story lines plus catching/collecting them all
• (Major Opinion) I normally choose water pokemon because they tend to have a better advantage throughout the game but I felt more inclinced to chose either Sprigatito or Fuecoco (the Grass and Fire type starters). I ended up getting Sprigatito and named it after my cat (and learning why my cat's name is banned in the game LMAO so I had to change it slightly).
• Through the Auto Battling System, the pokemon WON'T defeat a Shiny. Easier way to find shinies if you are hunting for them mindlessly (and yes you can see if they are shiny in the overworld)

Total Pros: 4

I am putting this opinion in the center as its a pro and con (in my opinion). The new Tera Forms and such are just like Gigantamax form except it changes the Pokémon's type depending on what Tera Form they have (like a Pikachu, and electric type, with a fighting tera form changes it to fighting.) It's a cool idea but at the same time its like meh... In all honesty, my favorite form changing thing was the Mega Evolutions with Mega Stones. Though I find this better than the Sun and Moon thing with the stone that gives a powered up move.

Cons:

• Graphical Issues (shadows glitching, quality sometimes dip in, FPS issues, etc.)
• When in a Union Circle with a friend, I would have loved to see their Pokémon evolve, their battles, and such.
• Sometimes the sandwich making with friends glitches
• Another, slightly different, graphical issue is when you have friends in your game (or you're in a friends game) the Pokémon bike sometimes glitches when jumping down.
• This is a major opinion con but the fact that you dont get Ultra Balls in the Shop til much further in the game, as well as other balls like Dusk, Nest, Quick. (I might have not noticed the others sooner but it felt like forever until i could get them in the shop
• As of right now, you can't change/customize your clothes (you can only change your hat, glasses, gloves, backpack, socks, shoes, hairstyle, and facial features). [Previously in Sword and Shield you could do all that AND customize clothing/outfits. I am hoping it will be an update AND NOT SOME CASH GRAB DLC but it will probably be a DLC Cash Grab...]
•  I wish there was a better way to see if you battled an NPC 
• A graphical laziness is using floor patterns but not aligning them and hair that clips through the face
• The fact that if you wanna make a sandwich but are in a friends game, you have to open your own picnic, you can't use your friends unless your friend starts it
• Boxes (like where your Pokémon go when your party is full) takes a bit to load no matter how many Pokémon you have in the bank/boxes

Total Cons: 10

So as you can tell, there are more cons and pros. Even though there are more cons than pros, I am still having a decent time playing. I just try to avoid the areas that have major graphical issues, doing anything that can cause me to glitch through the world, and avoiding anything that would cause issues. I am not sure how many hours I have in game but it's a decent amount and most of the time I am enjoying it. Maybe its because, despite the issues, I like games that have character. For example, lots of people hated/disliked Mass Effect Andromeda. And I admit there were some graphical issues but they did eventually fixed them. And I actually really enjoyed that game.

HOWEVER, I will say they should have polished this game up before sending it to be released. Lots of games recently have been released even though they clearly weren't ready to be released into the world. Don't listen to the people that want games to be released now as they are. Like yea I want the next mass effect or dragon age game out now BUT im willing to wait however long it will take to get the game in pristine and non-buggy way.

So my rating for this game is: 7/10

Small Update 11/25/22

I got my first shiny the other day

It was a shiny Cyclizar

Inking a Drawing

 Whenever I draw on the [deleter] comic paper, I always wanna use the [deleter] manga ink but I revert to using the liners/Pigma Microns. Maybe it's because its easy to get started with. All you need to do is take off the cap and then you're ready to go while manga ink requires me to constantly dip the pen so the ink doesnt dry and wiping the nib while its wet with ink (or cleaning it in warm water first). Or Maybe it's because I'm scared of smudging the hard work from inking a page with manga ink. I have Deleter Manga Ink 4 which is waterproof and solid black but it is NOT quick-drying. (I think I said this in a previous/recent post but) I recently smudged a piece I inked and I was very annoyed and upset with myself for doing that and felt deterred from doing it. I'm not saying I wont do it ever again but I'm nervous of smudging again..

I am just glad I am still motivated to draw most of the time though I am sneaking in playing World of Warcraft or Reading.

Books on My Backlog

I have so many books in my backlog...And on my breaks from drawing, I dont read even though I should. Instead I watch YouTube mainly or I play games... Here is the list of books I own and are on my back log:

• Mass Effect Andromeda Books (I own all 3)
• Legends and Lattes
• How We Began//How We End
• Witcher Books (I own 7 of the books)
• Look Back Manga
• A Man & his Cat (Vol. 7) Manga
• Apple Black Manga
• Saint Young Men (vol. 2-4, as I've already read vol. 1) Manga
• Turns out My Online friend is My real-life Boss!
• Ask Iwata
• The Cat Proposed Manga
• Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Manga
• Law's of Attraction

And probably at least 4 other manga that I've put into my bookshelf and lost track if I've read them or not. Maybe because since its such a long list that I feel overwhelmed by it and just avoid it....I think if/when I do read books on my breaks, I shall start/finish Mass Effect Andromeda: Nexus Uprising as I'm already half way through the book or so. 

Writer's Block//Drawer's Inspiration

Though I have been on a roll with drawing and sketching, my creative side when it comes to writing has been very lacking. I am struggling to find the words and detail to add to my writing. I have been having more fun with drawing random things like Fursonas or Gifts for Xmas for friends/family or even sketching random things compared to drawing/sketching things out for my story. I'm not sure why. Like I really want to get my book/comic done at some point in my life, sooner rather than later but I cant seem to do anything for it anymore. And with the writing, I've only got 13pgs done. I wish I had more and more details in the stuff I've written so far. But my brain doesn't want to do anything for it while my heart and soul does.

Any sort of writing I try to do, story/fanfiction wise, doesn't work out. Which again isn't a bad thing considering I'm drawing up a storm but at the same time, I wish I could write things in a story manner.

I am happy though that I've been on a drawing kick. For a while there, I wasn't drawing at all and my brain and creative side wouldn't allow it. That's probably due to my depression being at its darkest.

Deleter Comic Paper, Legends & Lattes, and Gift Giving (for Christmas)

 I (re)discovered that Deleter Comic/Manga Paper is very nice to draw (and obviously ink) on. I had forgotten for a good amount of time about how good it was and how I ordered 200 Pages of it (technically a size a big bigger than I wanted but its still good). I've been using I recently on a couple of drawings and re-drawings though I cannot share them due to NSFW style drawing. The comic paper I have has the markers for the outlines/borders/frame marks. If I use this on the manga I am creating then I will know where the gutter is and the cut off on pages are and other such things.

I recently also tried to ink with Pen Nibs and completely ruined it because it wasn't dry yet. I was so discouraged but now I know to wait a long(er) time before erasing than before. I will say I was really sad when that happened and no amount of whiteout or white ink could fix it.

Oh and I found (and bought) a book called Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. From what I read on the back, it sounds very similar to the original manga I was going to do. I'm glad I changed my story up now. I hope to read the book while on my drawing/writing/note-taking breaks. Its 296 pages. There is a Barnes and Noble Exclusive if you can find it (which is the one I have) but I attached a link to the Amazon one because it's cheaper on Kindle. it's been getting good reviews and ratings all around and Barnes & Nobles says its on of the Best Books of 2022. I was lucky as it was the last copy at my store which made me feel a sense of happiness and joy (I also have two mangas I want to read so I'll probably do a mix between manga and novel).

I've done Christmas Shopping for most people in my life. I still need to figure out what to do/get for some family members. I have about 3-4 members I need to do/get something for. I know it seems a bit early but its better to get it done now while things are still in stock rather when its closer to Christmas and things are out of stock. I might have also bought a controller holder for my PC/Xbox Controller but I hope my favorite (and a bit expensive) mechanical pencil will sit properly on it haha. Consider it an early gift to myself.

[Long Post] I've Already Decided on A New Year's Resolution (or whatever)

 

It's very similar to my resolution of this year but let's call it the 2.0 updated version of the resolution.

Since I've been drawing tons more, due to inspiration, motivations, and medication (prescribed by my psychologist), I decided to continue from mid/late October of this year (2022) into the next year.

I am taking just the same amount of time, if not more time, to focus my mind/heart/and soul to do anything relating to learning about drawing or doing more drawing.

From learning more about anatomy to practicing inking with either liners or pen nibs and ink to watching videos of drawing tips and trick (and taking notes along the way) to just sketching or drawing ideas and/or original characters.

Some Youtubers I recommend for Artists/Manga Artist-wannabes

Whyt Manga

Drawing Like A Sir

Marc Brunet (here's a vid where he recommends other artist)

DD Markk

(There are so many others though, some that I don't even know, but these are the ones I mainly watch.)

I shall also try to continue drawing a character from Oct 29th 2022 (when I started) to Feb 3rd 2022 or so, until I get 100 different types of characters, not limited to just human (hopefully).

I want to also try to sketch then draw then ink (with pen nibs) manga panels from either manga I own or manga panels I find on the internet as a learning experience of manga paneling and practice with pen nibs.

While doing all of this, over time of course, I am going to try time how long it takes me to draw or limit myself to a specific time for drawing.

I know I am doing most of this for the rest of 2022 but I want to continue the momentum for next year and further if possible.

I need to make use of my Wacom One (desktop/computer) tablet and maybe a little less of my iPad. Procreate has so many pre-installed brushes though lol. I say this mainly because I eventually want to validate an upgrade to my desktop/computer tablet once I get money somehow. 

I also need to invest some money in Bristol Paper as it is recommended for use of Copic Markers, which I also want to practice.

I recently, like today, found some sketchbooks that are about 6" x 8". I need to use those too, work on smaller drawings rather than bigger drawings.

Things I need to work on:

• Different Clothing Styles and Clothing Creases
• Backgrounds in General (buildings, forestry, etc.)
• Different Body Types
• Different Hairstyles than I'm used to
• Facial and Body Expression (like a aggressive or arrogant character) + adding more feeling in the poses (like hugging)
• Hands and Hand Poses/Positions
• Figure Posing
• Bare Feet
• Different Types of Eyes
• Perspective
• Variety in Character Creation
• And Probably some other things.

Lots to do for the rest of the year and next year and I am already making some progress. Slow and Steady wins the race and Practice makes Perfect (or at least better)

I know it might seem like a SHIT TON of things to do or work on but this is what I want to do and improve on. Drawing is how I escape from reality and distract myself from my depression, anxiety, paranoia, and stress. It's also fun despite it looking like a lot of work to do. 

And Don't worry, I am making sure I take breaks for meals and my hand/wrist. I am doing things to stretch and relieve tension/minor pain in my wrist and hand. And I have a bandage on my middle finger to try and help get less of an artist's/writer's callous. I also take breaks to play games (either solo or with friends) like Overwatch 2, ESO, or Assassin's Creed Valhalla. I don't want to take too long of a break because that might mess with my flow that I have currently.

Meet the Artist//Art Schedule//Water-Coloring

 

I decided to make an updated "Meet the Artist" image. I used Procreate on my tablet. 

I have designated days for different aspects of my art I want to work on.

Here is the Schedule (though it's not super strick):

Monday: Clothing Styles

Tuesday: Timed Drawings, Note-Taking, and Typing my Story

Wednesday: Backgrounds (building, forestry, indoors, etc.)

Thursday: Body Types + Hairstyles

Friday: Facial Expressions

Saturday and Sunday (and Some of Friday) I try to relax and play videogames but I do draw still because often I feel like I should be working on my drawing skills. Or my writing skills in someway. 

I also want to do some more water-coloring drawings. I did one, and only one, so far. And I really enjoyed it. And the piece I did looked like this

So I've been drawing... Like a lot (Long Post)

 

Drawn Nov 1, 2022 via Procreate.

I've been drawing lots and lots since like mid-October. Maybe it's due to my new meds or maybe because I am feeling inspired. I have drawn 22 drawings, probably more, since mid-October. 

I have also "set off on a quest" to draw 100 different characters that aren't related to the story I am currently working on nor characters I've already created. I started that "adventure" on Oct 29th and have done 6 Characters so far (did 2 in one day). I'm tryin to get one character per day. Target date to finish is 100 days from Oct 29th, which is Feb 6th 2023. But if I can finish earlier the better. I am also trying to time myself while drawing so I dont spend too much time on a single drawing though it really depends on what kind of drawing. Sometimes though I wont time myself because either A. I want to spend a good amount of time on the piece or B. I completely forgot to time myself.

I recently read The Shounen Jump Guide to Making Manga. It was very helpful with different aspects of creating manga (and if you hit a wall during the process) and gave me some insight into the popular mangaka's mind and workday. I highly recommend reading it if you are interested in the manga making process or if you want to become a mangaka (manga artist). Just dont feel overwhelmed when you read about all the different mangaka's processes and skills.

I'm trying to use my tablet more when drawing though I will often go to my pencil and sketchbook because I am used to pencil and paper more. But the only way I am going to get better with digital art is to use my tablet. I was very surprised to all the different "brushes" on the Procreate app on iPad. There are so many. I find it fun to try different effect brushes like the flare or the snow.

Even though I've been drawing much more I do try to play games on my break(s). Like I've been playing tons of Overwatch 2 [even though the store is way overpriced and the reward for credits for Weekly quests is abysmal). It can be a mix of fun or disappointing. I also still play ESO or I play Assassin's Creed: Valhalla on Console. I also make sure I have Lunch and Dinner, Breakfast varies from just Coffee to Coffee and a Bagel with Cream Cheese. 

I also have a sketchbook where I am jotting down things I like/enjoy/or find interesting. Its actually been quite fun drawing things like that. I've already got 15 pages (more or less) filled with such drawings. I have to wrap the pages with printer paper or lined writing pad paper so the pages dont bleed onto the next one while I draw on either side. Like I kept having to erase pencil marks that would in sense bleed onto the other page.

I actually had to purchase more sketchbooks via Amazon because the last four I had were designated for

1. Regular Sketches

2. 100 Characters

3. Two Page Manga Sketches (with or without Prompts)

4. Redrawing Manga Panels (to analyze later, though I haven't started in this sketchbook yet).

So I bought 4 more, hopefully for sketching in general. I also bought a stand for my iPad which e r g o j o s h on YouTube suggests in this video (which starts at the point where he mentions the stand I got.

I've also cleaned up my desk and side area. It might not seem organized but for me, its organized lol.

And that's what I've been up to.

Hope anyone who reads this has a great day!