Commissions!

So, for the first time since I started with the crazy business of taking artwork commissions, I've got a backlog of projects! Whee! It's exciting and stressful at the same time, because I don't like to spread myself too thin and work on eighty things at once. I spend all of my energy focused on one thing until it's done, then methodically move onto the next. I feel like I'm such a jerk when I have to explain that to an interested "customer," but so far all the people I've worked for have been really awesome and understanding. I've only had one bad experience in the 2 + years I've been doing this, so I can't complain about that! Granted, I'm not some amazing pro who has work all the time. It's just recently that I've gotten a few all at once. Up until this point, I wasn't working on much of anything. I think part of it was the bad experience I mentioned above (basically finishing some illustrations and not getting paid for them) and how stressed I am all the time at work. (Can't really get into that!)
The only negatives in my life right now are my job. I work 40 hours a week, and usually until 7 PM, and when I come home I'm so tired and sore from carrying this baby around that all I do is laze around on the couch watching Jeopardy. :( If I had even two or three days off in a row, I could get so much done!! I'm hoping Fiona isn't a fussy baby and likes to sleep so maybe I can take commissions while I'm on maternity leave. ;)
I'll post some links to the newest commissions I just finished as soon as I get the OK to publish them on my website.

Hey ya'll, if you've got a few extra bucks and love comics as much as I do, please read this! The local comic book store I go to, Apparitions Comics in Grand Rapids MI, was robbed last Friday and the owner, a super nice guy named Dave, got shot in the process. Now I'm sure you can imagine the dude doesn't have any health insurance (which he doesn't) given the nature of the business, and he's going to be struggling hardcore as soon as he's released from the hospital.

Check out this website here if you are at all interested in helping Dave out.:
Donations for Dave!

I want to get the word out as much as possible! Even if you live near Grand Rapids, maybe stop by the store and pick up a few comics to help, ANYTHING! Here's a handy link to Google maps for directions to the store:
Apparitions Comics

Thanks guys for any help you can give! Spread the word!!

New Stuff

So I FINALLY got my scanner hooked up here in the new house. I'm lazy; just ask mi madre. Anyways, check out the new artworks I posted over on my website:

http://www.mandapandarawks.com/laraie.html

A picture for my lovely WoW friend Laraie's birthday. Granted, it was a little late, but when he told me what he wanted me to draw, the inspiration hit and I was all like BAM, it is done.

http://www.mandapandarawks.com/annie.html

http://www.mandapandarawks.com/tyler.html

http://www.mandapandarawks.com/revin.html

Some concept sketches from a webcomic I'm sorta working on as I get the time. My favorite by far is Revin; his costume was fun to design.

http://www.mandapandarawks.com/sixswords.html

http://www.mandapandarawks.com/eightcups.html

http://www.mandapandarawks.com/knightcups.html

A few more unfinished Tarot cards I inked a while ago. I'm almost done with the sketches; only nine more to go! Then I have a ton to ink and THEN color before I can even think of formatting them into actual cards. It's quite a lengthy project but I'm gonna finish it! I wonder if anyone would actually buy them ...?

So that concludes the art updates. Other than that, I'm still depressed about not having an art job. That is a constant in my life. I wonder whether or not I have the ability to even do that for a living, or if I will be relegated to keeping it as a hobby. That would certainly suck balls, but it's a distinct possibility. I really need to branch out, use different media, draw things OTHER than fantasy-themed people. Le sigh; I do so hate to do that sorta stuff, though. I had a weird sorta moment at work the other day, like this huge restlessness that told me I need to kick my ass into gear and get some shit done. For instance, I want to possibly plan on going to some conventions, printing off nice copies of my best work and shoving them into art peoples' faces so maybe someone will take notice. I've had enough of being a bank teller.

So, other, not so depressing news: Halloween! I'm going to be Yuna from Final Fantasy X-2. Here's a pic if you don't know what the hell I'm talking about:

http://www.ffcompendium.com/art/x2-yuna-a.jpg

OBVIOUSLY I don't have the body to pull off the skankiness of some of the elements of her outfit, but I think I can manage making it look halfway decent. I ordered the costume from eBay; now I just gotta get me some of those ass-kickin boots and a necklace and I'll be good to go!

I'm having a LAN party at my house Nov.3-4; it outta be interesting! A few of my guildies I play WoW with are coming from out of state, so I really gotta get my house in some semblance of decent shape so they won't think Rory and I are weirdos.

Birth of a Blog

So, I have no idea if this thing's gonna actually work, but we'll see! I figured it would be cool to put up a blog on my website so peeps can leave comments about my artwork. It'll prolly end up being all spam or all negative feedback, hah! Such is life.
Anyways, here's where I'll post mundane BS about life and my struggles in becoming a real artist. One year + after graduating college and still no art jobs ... it's what I expected, really. I can't complain too much; at least I have a job. That in itself here in Michigan is cause for celebration.
After a three month or so hiatus from drawing, I'm back in the biz, baby. Went back to my uber-project Tarot card set, but since my scanner and printer aren't hooked up yet, it'll be a bit longer before I can post anything here or on the website. My Mom's been telling me about etsy.com and how I should set up a store there, but the only thing I'm really good at is drawing; how the heck does one advertise that? And who wants fantasy illustrations anyways? I suppose it couldn't hurt to try. I've gotta get crackin on making a banner for there and stuff.

www.mandapandarawks.com