Parents evening, pretty crazed critters, and an important announcement.
Added 2018-09-12 13:02:36 +0000 UTCI've been wanted to make this announcement since last week and originally planned to do it along with a Tuor/Idril lineart; since I haven't been up to that, and spent a weird hour last night drawing ever-weirder critters into my sketchbook during a parents evening at my son's school, I won't put it off any longer.
I'm forced to reduce my Patreon once again. My eyesight means that drawing can only happen in tiny instalments at the best of times; right now, it isn't even the best of times, and I spend my days with headaches and fatigue. School is batshit crazy right now - I have never had to deal with such absolutely barking people - but I have some hope that in a short while, there will be a tiny bit of art again, but I need to make absolutely sure that I have my head free.
Over the last few months, since this happened, I've gone though a lot of phases, with depression featuring more than once. Right now, just a bit of acceptance is starting to settle in. The ambitions I once had no longer hurt quite as much; I'm starting to see myself as less of a successful and prolific professional doing cons world-wide one day, and more as someone who'll do what she can and try to rediscover the simple joys of doing it.
My first thought was to cancel Patreon, I'll admit it. Then I talked to a few of you - especially some of the longtime, higher-tier supporters - and decided that I would make this a pure and simple "Pay What You Want" thing.
No rules. No promises. Just art as I can make it. And as much love as you care to give.
I *do* plan to partake in Inktober again this time; I plan to do all sorts of mythological figures, creatures, from all sorts of mythologies that I like. Since I'm not sure what medium they'll be, I'll call it Mythtober to cover all eventualities.
Comments
It is so wonderful to see you taking good care of yourself, and having a healthy outlook. I'll of course stick around to give you all the digital love I can! <3
Alexandra Rena
2018-09-26 18:11:39 +0000 UTCPlease do keep your patreon up. I've followed your art since... gosh, it's been something like ten years. I loved the Silmarillion and the Histories of Middle Earth when I was a kid, and your art gave those stories life. I like being able to give something back, even though I can't afford a whole lot. That being said, if it's too stressful, please do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Wishing you all the best.
Mari Pinson
2018-09-26 00:08:54 +0000 UTCPlease keep your patreon up! I want to keep supporting you for the work you've already done that's enriched my life so much, not just for what you may do in the future. That said, take care of yourself first-- if this is too stressful, get rid of it. We, all your fans, just want you to be happy. (P.S. Those little sketchy critters are adorable.)
Heather Hofshi
2018-09-17 05:36:27 +0000 UTCSorry to hear that, and I wish you all the best of luck things will look brighter eventually :(. On the positive side of things, these sketches are lovely.
Franziska Wenzel
2018-09-16 19:12:09 +0000 UTCSo sorry life is so difficult for you. Praying for healing and help, and a m with you.
Alan Taylor
2018-09-16 19:09:30 +0000 UTCDon't you give up, we won't give up!! Things are tight all over, and I understand the sadness that comes with it (I have anxiety/depression too); but, the moment your beautiful print arrived, you made my day which extended to over a week because I had to tell everyone you had a print for The Last Unicorn and I actually bought a print! You bring joy and beauty when people need it! All I have to do is come to your page and see the wonder of your work to feel close to what I love! I've proudly worn my t-shirt of your print too which gave me even more time to talk about you! It's a big deal for me to be able to feel like I am helping (in some small way) as a patreon because I believe in you! So do many of your fans! Lots of love and hugs and happy thoughts!!
Alexis A Heit
2018-09-14 18:35:57 +0000 UTCI'm glad you chose not to delete your account. I'm sorry to hear about your headache/eyesight problems. I suffer from migraines myself, and cannot imagine having problems like that all the time. I hope things will get better soon for you. Please don't stress yourself about putting up new art. Gute Besserung :)
LO
2018-09-13 18:05:29 +0000 UTCI am sorry to hear that you are frustrated and depressed. I wish I could make things better, but I can't, so I will just send you my love here. I am grateful you are not getting rid of your Patreon. Engaging with you in this setting has been such a positive experience, and I would be sad to lose this connection. Draw when you can, I'll cheer you on whatever it is.
Gwendolyn
2018-09-13 16:25:24 +0000 UTCIt's so, so good to know that, and to know that you're totally not alone in that!
Jenny Dolfen
2018-09-13 09:55:08 +0000 UTCI am very, very glad you chose not to shut down your Patreon. I appreciate knowing the change to its setup and I really feel for your struggles - as much as someone could without your experiences, anyway. But I've supported this patreon because I want to support *you* in creating art, no more, no less. Knowing the small amount I can spare regularly makes your life a little bit easier and getting to see all the gorgeous things you create (however often, however many that is) is all I wanted. I am grateful you've left me the choice of how much I want to contribute in return for that, even if I am a pretty low-tier patron. Thank you. Please do not let our patronage be a pressure on you to do more than you're happy with doing. We are here to support you, not demand from you.
Bobbie Deniker
2018-09-13 09:40:14 +0000 UTCDo what you feel is best for you and take care of yourself <3 we're here no matter what *sends all the good vibes*
Litsen
2018-09-13 06:23:30 +0000 UTC
