So now that I've been out of university long enough to start drawing again, I have realised what majoring in the sciences has done to my art.


It's turned it to shit.


Before I launch into an oh-my-art-sucks bawwfest, let me first say that I did minor in art, so it could be a lot worse, and I am happy with my choice to major in computer science because of one thing: I have a job. This also is the fastest/easiest to break into/highest paying track of the game industry, which is my ultimate career goal once I finish with graduate school. I also do enjoy studying the subject; it's very interesting if you like math.

However, my art is at a level that I feel I would be at in my first year out of high school had I been practising. There have been many times during my college career where I have said to myself "I wish I had gone to art school". I still draw animu and I'm starting to get really sick of it. I really wish I could draw on the order of a professional concept artist, which I am well aware takes years of intense study and dedication that I may never be able to invest due to my chosen profession.

This is not to say I'm not doing anything about it. I have mentioned that I am working on a Team Fortress 2 fancomic. This is true though, again, due to working in the sciences is VERY slow going. I have about 7 pages penciled and most of the plot written. However, it also takes me a long time to do the art for the comic because I am so out of practise. My grasp of anatomy, while improved from figure drawing classes, is still lacking and I still fall into old traps all the time. I'm terrible at facial expressions and I have COMPLETELY forgotten how to paint digitally. I haven't picked up a copic marker in 3 years. I'm hoping the sheer number of drawings I will have to do that require skill in these areas will force me to improve dramatically. We'll see what happens.

I have also resumed cosplaying after a 3 year rut. I'm hoping to have a new costume done by Otakon for the first time in about 4 years. It's not Louise, though I have made some progress on that clusterfuck of a costume. I'll finish that one eventually, even if it fucking kills me.