slr2moons | Still here, working, and plotting for the future...

I went and pulled a vanishing act again, didn't I? Sorry, everyone. Especially the two new people on my flist. *apologetic bow*

I'm fine, just tired. For a good reason, though! I'll spare you the details and just say I'm reversing my steady Portland weight gain. Down 5 pounds already. Yay, me! This means I'm usually tired these days. Thankfully work is letting be be tired without having to suffer much.

Claymore 19 is in the can! I should have a couple months before we start 20.

I did two short lettering jobs for Naruto, the second of which was a real challenge. I don't know if this particular book has been announced as licensed and I keep forgetting to ask Naruto Editor. Mum's the word until I find it officially listed or NE says I can talk about it. :B

Natsume 10 is temporarily on hiatus. Shoujo Editor 2 sent me script for the first 80 pages, and I finished them over a week ago. Now I'm waiting for the rest of the book's translation, which SE2 can't give me until the translator gives it to her.

Saiunkoku 5 script hasn't arrived yet. Pattern indicates it will hit at the end of May. There's really no telling with this title, though. *shrug*

Skip 26 is chugging along nicely. I'm about halfway through. This volume starts an amusing story arc that has been hinted at in the teen volumes. I already have my copy of Japanese 27, and I must say: oh my! I do hope we can see what happens to two supporting characters, who are dealing with their own unusual tasks, separate from Kyoko. Particularly Moko's situation. XD Please, Nakamura-sensei??

I decided to sign up for my first fandom Big Bang. I didn't know what that was until a few weeks ago, so let me explain: someone decides to arrange a massive fanfiction writing and fanart producing party, centered around a theme. The theme might be a specific pairing, or series, or what have you. In the case of the BB I joined, it's het. Every writer will scribe one 25,000 word minimum fic about a hetero couple from any fandom, and every artist will produce two pieces for whichever fic they claim.

Yes, it's odd that me, such a huge fan of (well-written) BL and slash, is participating in a het Big Bang. That's because I'd never heard about them before learning of this particular one, and the opportunity presented itself. :D

If anyone else is interested, the BB still need artists! Here's the sign-up page: http://het-bigbang.livejournal.com/1256.html You don't have to draw an old-school pic, you can make a fanvid or write a song or probably even sew dolls if you want. ^^

This wasn't a spur of the moment decision on my part. Fanart is very popular, and it's a great way to earn watchers on Deviant Art and spread your name. To sum up: I joined for the advertising potential. XD I'll be claiming two fics for art purposes: first, my friend stariceling's Princess Tutu fic (because I promised and she followed me into the BB after I told her I was participating) and then someone else's fic. I don't know whose yet, but I'm going to aim for something very popular.

Of course, the key element for this scheme to work having something of my own for the people who like my fanart to see. And that means...

I'm back to working on my original manga again. I've been painting that first page for the past week, and as I expected, it's driving me nuts. My digital coloring skills are not up to matching the image I see in my head. :B The only solution is to just practice, read some tutorials, practice, study the art of those whose work you admire, and practice. And did I mention practice? Because yeah. Practice. *headdesk*

I've pulled out my beautiful imported copy of the Loveless artbook "Your Eyes Only" because I loooove the way Kouga Yun-sensei colors. Maybe if I stare at it long enough, I'll figure out how she does it. :B You know, aside from the obvious: practice.