This is one of the earliest German phrases I learned, and will always be one of my favorites. It translates into that classic line we've all heard before, "We've gotta' talk." This line tickles me, because someone always says it before giving you bad news. When I received a letter from the company that was teaching us German when we first moved here, this was the line the letter opened with. So, the words that stuck with me the most over these years, said by a company that exist to teach foreign languages, was to break up with me. As I already read back over this entire anecdote, I realize I've started out more dark, than amusing. But, the best title for this journal still stands. "We must talk."

I've been avoiding ripping this band-aid off sooner because it's just bad news. I won't be attending AC 2019. Interestingly enough, the reason is very much the same as it was last year -- which is a reason I can't really talk about. In a nut shell, some outside-the-norm stuff was causing my personal life, with regard to planning trips and stuff to be put on hold, until a point that passed where attending a convention was impossible. I don't have to tell all you con goers that there's a lot of booking that goes into AC. Advance notice of time and money, being the primary factors. I felt confident after this happened the last time, that I could promise I'd attend the following year, and here we are. I can say, confidently, I WANT to come back to AC and see you all again. But right now, it's not something I can commit too confidently.

This year, like the year before and the year before that was just filled with an obstacle after obstacle that I don't want to bore any of you with. What's important is that I am for the most part in good health, even though there seem to be increasingly more and more days in a week that can be a struggle. My day-to-day is secure, and -- as someone with an ever-optimistic outlook -- sunshine and rainbows, even when the car needs a new battery, when I need to get a hold of my landlord to get an electrician out to my flat, or a hold of the city to find out how long the water is suppose to be out... etc etc. What's most important to me for you all to know and take away from this journal, is that I am still, as ever motivated to be an artist, and that you can expect to continue seeing the illustrations I produce.

~***~

I want to also address those of you who I still owe commissions. I've never stop intending to give you your pieces. Moreover, there have been a couple months now that I've sat down at the drawing table and looked through my list that you, who have commissioned me, are still on. It's occurred to me though that as long as some of you have waited, there's a very good and justly deserved feeling that you may just prefer a refund rather than my art. I wouldn't judge any of you for feeling that way. So for the next few weeks, if you are one of my customers who would just feel better with a refund, please let me know. After that point, I will assume that you wish to still get your piece finished. And believe me when I say, there are ideas in my head for many of the pieces in my queue that I'm anxious to still see visualized on paper. I can assure you of that, if you can reassure me that your time and patience is still worth it. To be clear though, there will be no hard feelings to any of you who would simply ask for your money back. I whole-heartedly understand.

~***~

I've been dragging my feet on writing one of these journals because I hate the idea of disappointing so many of you that just want to see my art. I'm sorry to those of you who have already been disappointed. And I am forever grateful to those of you who are still fans; who are still eagerly awaiting my next upload. It WILL happen. I can promise you that above anything else. Immediately after I post this, I will be throwing back the curtains and sitting down at my drawing table.

Hey guys, and Happy New Year!

Hope 2019 is treating you all well, so far. I'm not missing 2018, myself. Wow did it end with a lot things that kept me away from the ol' drawing table. If I made New Years' Resolutions, topping the list would be, make more time for art, for sure. Kicking off that mentality, just finished uploading a freshly finished commission. Go check that out, if you haven't already... which if we're honest, most of you are more likely to do, than read this. I know I'm guilty of not being a journal reader, myself.

But for me, this is easier -- a nice blanket, I'm back to work. That's not to say I don't still have more Notes in my Inbox to go through and reply to many of you lovely people. I'll be doing so tomorrow, or this weekend... or early next week.

I'll level with you guys, I still live a busy life. And if I've said it before, I'll say it again: If I wake up, and don't have grocery shopping to do, a weeks' worth of lunches to make, dinner to get sorted. If I don't have to take the car in, or I don't have to keep an appointment with one of the many people you have to meet with when you're adulting properly. If I'm not fending off another sinus infection (seriously I had like three of them last year), or dealing with other health stuff that I don't like talking about, but I'm banking on no one is reading this deep anyway. If I absolutely, positively have nothing else pressing on my NEED-to-do list, and it's a choice of sitting down to draw or be vigilant on replying to e-mails and DM and Notes... I'm gonna draw.

That said, I also want to get better at the whole, having an online presence, thing, too. I legit get why that's a profession for some people. I'm still on the lookout for someone to do some live-modeling for me though. So that's the first box I need to check. After that, maybe I'll get someone to be the digital me. hah.

Anyway, we're right around the corner from the weekend! Hope you all have something fun planned. Oh me? Well tomorrow night I'll be attending a Ravnica Allegiance pre-release event at Midnight. I might actually get some sleep on Saturday, and then Sunday is a Dropkick Murphys concert I'm pretty stoked about. Busy busy busy, but should be fun. So with THAT, ta-ta for now!

I've been asked if I'm doing any Halloween YCH's. I'm not, but my good  Sugarsweet is. Go check 'em out. THIS one is MY favorite: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/28884817/ . But it's not the only one.

For realsies, go throw money at her.

Hey guys! Been on Radio Silence for a while with Offline life keeping me busy. On the pro's column, been knocking out a LOT of LATE late Spring Cleaning. Clearing out junk, re-arranging furniture and rooms. You know how you look around your home, and you just feel... stagnant? Well, my home is once again feeling like a home.

In the bad blah-blah-blah's category, highlights include, Heatwave impacting a lack of AC, stir in power outages knocking out power to a 4th of my flat, which includes my office area. Then season with broken glasses needing to be replaced, and let simmer for the last few weeks. There are some other assorted secret herbs and spices of personal stuff I don't really feel like sharing, and you get yourself a platter of "...Yeah, I'm not gonna be great about keeping up on my online presence."

On the ol' art front, I've got two pieces that're ready for final lines. I've also got weeks' worth of sketches to get back on Twitter and share. I may even put some of them here, since you lovely people are still the bulk of my audience. And I love your faces!

In art related updates... or constants?... I'm STILL on the lookout for a live model. Please refer to my last journal 'bout them deets. https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8748755/

Anyway, hope you guys all have somethin' fun goin on this weekend!

Do you guys ever use live models, or model yourselves for artists? I use photo references from time to time, and find them to be great resources. I think there are no shortages of online resources to find static images. However, there are times when I like to play with posing, and occasionally, as it turns out, come up with new ones. They're often, I'd wager inhuman. But just the same, it would be GREAT to find someone that I could get to pose for me, then be like, "Okay, now move your right leg over there," etc etc.

If anyone out there wants to refer me to someone, OR if you yourself fancy yourself flexible, preferably female (just because of the subject matter I tend to draw with playing with posing), adventurous with trying weird and interesting poses, please drop me a line!

To be clear, I'm not just lookin' to perv over anyone. That's what's Tumblr's for, amirite? I legit would just like someone to model for me. Sure nude would often be preferable, if not necessary, but I couldn't be more sincere in stating how it's purely for professional purposes.

My good friend  CelestialPriestess is offering great deals on character icon commissions, presently.

She's offering £5 for simple designs and £8 for more complex characters. Here are some examples of her icons: https://imgur.com/a/f4lChOG

Please hit her up!

Heyo Friendos,

Some potential life developments came and went. It's really not worth getting into, as after a lot of build-up, wait, and eventual passing, it was all for naught. It's nothing REALLY out there, like life-threatening illness, or pregnancy scare, etc... but all the same it was big enough that we had to put some things on pause, and as a bi-product, it put my art in somewhat of a holding pattern. It's done with, and like I've said, I'm back into arting and getting to those sweet sweet commissions. THAT said though, it meant that as so much time has passed, I ended up taking a pass on this years' AC. Let me tell you, I'm SUPER bummed about it, as this year has the Monsters theme, which -- right up there with robots -- is my jam. But I had to wait so long before looking into booking flights and rooms, and etc etc, that it's just kinda too late. What's key here is the following...

If you commissioned me at last years' AC and your piece is finished (as seen in posted to my gallery):
I will NOT be at AC to give you your physical commission in person. As I said at the con, I will not mail internationally, because I've had too many cases of the piece arriving damaged. I WILL be at AC 2019, with bells on, and will have all of your commissions on me. However, I am also planning to take a trip stateside in the early fall. IF you want to risk it, I can bring your commissions with and mail them out to you. If that's the case, please let me know, and I'll get some mailing info as I know when my dates for the trip are booked.

IF you commissioned me at last years' AC and because you know I won't be there this year to give you your commission in person:
I am totally willing to offer you guys a refund. I was very clear that I come to AC EVERY year and so your piece would be in tow. But I won't be there this year, and if you would just as well like your refund, please just drop me a note. There are a few of you who I have their commissions in sketch form, at the moment, but even considering that, if you'd like your refund now, I won't have hurt feelings. Please let me know very soon though, as otherwise...

If you don't fall under these things, I will consider you as falling under business as usual. It's Monday, I just finished posting a commission, and I plan to continue on at the ol' drawing table and finish the rest of your pieces.

Sorry to let anyone down who was looking forward to catching me at this years' AC. Believe me, it really bums me out too, as I look forward to seeing all you guys as well. Legit, it really brings a smile to my face to see you guys returning to my table as well as meeting new friendos along the way!

Again as stated above, if I haven't finished your commission yet, please contact me soon about a refund. Otherwise, I look forward to tackling your piece soon. I promise you haven't been forgotten ;)

PS, there is a 97.9% chance I'm going to Euroference in Berlin, this year. So, if you're in Europe, maybe come hunt me down then!

Hey guys! I'll cut to the chase so that I can get back to work.

Busy Start to the Year
January, I got the flu. And things that needed to get done just kept piling up. On top of that, I spent most of February with Artist Block that I could just NOT shake. This month has been considerably better. I just wrapped up a commish today, and feel a real momentum going that I look to ride in getting more of you your art.

Radio Silence
I was "offline" for a while. Like I said when I was out with the flu, I just didn't feel up to logging into pretty much anything to bitch and moan about being sick. And then coming back from THAT was slow going in playing catch up. As I said above, I've been gettin' my Art Mojo back, and the thought of POTENTIALLY posting more sketches just to share with you all that I haven't completely disappeared has crossed my mind. If there's enough interest in that, we'll see.

[b][Moving Forward/b]
As always, thank you all for your patience, and I'm sorry I haven't posted ANYTHING in months. Believe me, no one feels worse about it than I do. So I'm sorry to my customers and everyone else who just enjoys seeing my art. Again, if there's enough interest in seeing sketches and WiPs, maybe I can start doing more of that.

I'll be getting to my notes here shortly, but like I said -- right now, I'm gonna go get back to work! Love you all in the FACE! and hope all is well in the world on all your ends!

Reading that out loud, what a real downer journal title, right?

Anyway, I'm sorry for the long silence. A big blanket one-word reason for it all: Life.

I really do try to be better about giving updates and low-downs, etc etc, but I spent pretty much the entire month of October with artist block. And it only made me feel worse about the whole thing to come on here with the intent of giving updates on various of you lovely-peoples' commission statuses. To say, "no update" isn't really an update, but you guys still deserve to know that I haven't just vanished on you. And I can assure you, that I haven't. This month has still been busy busy, but I DO intend to get a piece finished and uploaded this week. I just got back from a week in Scotland on Sunday, and just around the corner, we'll be looking at another week of travel. But I can say that my artist block has cleared and it should, more or less, be back to business as usual.

I still intend to write everyone who noted me, back, but please know in advance, that I'm sorry for the silence more than anything else.

IF anyone is still reading this, and are curious, I'll elaborate on some of those Life Happenings:

Hugest surprise, probably was that we found a group on Fetlife that we've made some really great friends out of. We've had dinner parties, game nights, and a few other things with, all while maintaining and strengthening our (My wife and my) relationship, and getting that sense of community we sought to find to begin with. Among the group members, were plenty of their own Fetlife horror stories, but we were actually very lucky to find that diamond in the rough, in social groups. Those budding friendships and activities have pulled me away from the drawing table and online activities. So, y'know, there's that.

We were looking at buying a new, long-distance purposed vehicle. Which for EVERYONE who's shopped for a car... taxing, amirite? Whole thing kinda' fell through anyway, but uh... took up a good number of days.

We have been, and will continue doing a fair amount of traveling for the rest of the year. The wife's job makes her travel a lot, and as we are no longer pet owners, I have taken to traveling with her. I typically bring supplies to art on-the-go. But not gonna lie, like I said, October was the month of art-block for me. So there were a couple of trips -- most recently, Scotland -- that I didn't bother bringing things. I will, however, on the next trip, be packing everything, and hopefully continue arting while we're in... wherever we're going. I honestly forget offhand.

I've recently begun mentoring a budding artist. I'll say that was a huge factor that pulled me outta' my funk. Seeing a child's passion for art really got my artistic juices flowing again, and made me eager to get back to work on my own projects and all of your commissions... proof reading all that; I hope it didn't come off as creepy as I always assume everything I ever say involving kids comes off as. /shrug.

I'm sure I'm forgetting some other stuff, but such is my busy life. In summation it is the farthest thing from my intentions to make any of you lovely people feel unimportant. Quite the contrary, each and every one of you who have commissioned me have made me grow and develop my craft as an artist, and I will forever be in your debt. It is because of this that I stand by my policy of making sure that any pencil to paper is never done half-assed. I do however, AGAIN, apologize that I've neglected anything in the way of updates.

OKAY! Now that I've sufficiently recovered from jet lag, let's break this down, properly...

Back from AC, and once again, I was happy I went. All you lovely people were oh so nice, welcoming, and made the work I do feel appreciated. It was awesome to see some familiar faces, as well as meet bunches more of you guys, who make me proud to be an addition to your Watch List. I got to meet up with my near and dear family and friendos to eat drink and be merry.

Special shout-outs go to:
 Midnightdraven for once again being my Partner in Crime at the ol' Artist Alley. If you haven't ALREADY checked out her work, please go give her some love.

 renamon1983 and  Minarabbit for coming to see me in the Alley, and joining us for dinner Saturday night. Even though the night got cut shorter than intended, it was, as it is always, a pleasure.

Many of my fellow Artists from the Alley.  rudethefox is always fun to converse with and see that sweet sweet art up close and personal. Very cool person. Likewise, I found  suryaasura who you all should go give some love to. They draw some really wicked monsters, that made me rubber-neck as I was going for a stroll around the Alley. AND, I think I found a kindred spirit in  ryoku7. Now, you'll have to search through the gallery of big, muscled, beasties (Not that there's anything wrong with that. Stone throwing in glass houses, and all that), but there is some of the best machine work I've ever seen, to be found. It's worth the search. And also, just another cool dude.

As stated above, the Artist Alley was very good to me, this year. If any of you got me talking long enough, you know I live in Germany, and coming out to Anthrocon, what with the international flight and hotel stay, means making a profit is still out of view of my horizons. But, I do the Alley out of the joy of doing the art, and making face time with you guys. I mean, don't get me wrong, the money helps, and is WELL appreciated. The commissions you bought this year put the down payment on me returning next year. hah! Regardless though, I can't thank you all enough for the interest you all took in my art, even if it was just to LOOK at it. And to like it enough to purchase a commission is sweet, sweet icing on the cake. I look forward to taking on each and every one of your characters (illustratively speaking, eh heh heh) and hope to do them all justice!

Thanks to those who have noted me thus far about your commission. It really helps me keep organized and ready to hit the ground running when I get to your piece. If you bought a commission from me, please, at your leisure, drop me a note with some references, and any additional details we didn't discuss already. The few of you who had references on hand to give me, are good to go. But, y'know, if you wanted to drop me a note to play it safe, all the same, that's cool, too.

Three Cheers for a successful Anthrocon! And I look forward to seeing each and every single one of you, next year!

Hello friendos!

I'm back from Anthrocon, and boy what a fun time, once again!

I just got home yesterday, but only just now, kinda' sorta' woke up. I feel like I've slept forever, and at the same time, not at all. So please bare with me on replying to notes, messages, etc etc.

I plan (sometime today or tomorrow) to do a full con breakdown with more info and insights to follow!

Ohai friendos!

So I have my confirmation for all three days in the Artist Alley. Come find me, and say "hi" if nothing else!

Also, I mentioned it briefly at the end of the AC Meme, but I do all my illustrations on A4 paper. So whether you're picking up your commission from me, from last year, or commissioning me on site, please keep that in mind for transportation of the piece.

Anyway, see you guys next week!

*Where are you staying?
Doubletree, as per the usual. Great staff, especially at the bar.

*What day are you getting there?
Monday? Sommat.

*How are you traveling?
By air!

*Who will you be rooming with?
My brother  carandaenor and his man.

*Who will you be hanging with?
My usual Artist Alley PiC  Midnightdraven and my GOOD friend  exturkconner. There are a few other people I'm counting on seeing, as well.

*How is the best way to find you?
Artist Alley, as per the usual.

*Are there any panels you might be attending?
Nope. Always open to recommendations, but Con-time is srs bsns time for me.

*What do you look like?
Bearded, mohawked(undecided on the colour for now), glasses, and likely wearing a college baseball shirt, as per the theme.

*Will you be suiting?
Nope. Just wearing shirts to support some of my favorite NCAA teams.

*Do you do free art?
Sorry no. Business trip and all. While the International flight and hotel costs mean I won't be making a profit, I DO still count on the monies I make at the con to keep my belly full of hot wings and beer.

*Do you do trades?
Doubtful. That feels more like an online thing.

*Do you do badges?
Time got away from me this year. So no.

*What is your gender?
Male

*How tall are you?
5'10"

*Can I talk to you?
By all means.

*Can I touch you?
...We're getting to that section in this meme that gets a little weird. I am open to a hearty highfive. I mean, I feel like I shouldn't have to say that random pokes or sommat just wouldn't be appreciated.

*Can I visit your room?
If invited, which isn't impossible. Had  renamon1983 and  minarabbit up last year for pizza and Cannibal the musical. It was delightful. We haven't locked in our feature for this year. I'd vote for The Devil's Carnival. But we'll still have to decide amongst ourselves.

*Can I buy you drinks?
This has YET to happen. Please, please, PLEASE, don't be shy. By me a drink.

*Can I give you stuff?
I cautiously say 'suuuuure.' But uh, let's not get weird with it.

*Can I hug or snuggle with you?
This is the question, right here. Who's genuinely asking this? Or wondering it? I don't know, I guess there are plenty of you lovelies out there that can get the admirers/creepers. This one just is not applicable to me. I will say, one year, after receiving their sketch commish, a customer asked if they could hug me. I AM a hugger and I was happy to oblige. So, for the hug, I reckon ask first. Snuggles are off the table though -- amazing at them, though I am.

*Are you nice?
I am ALWAYS professional, if not a total sweet heart. Again, going up to the "can I talk to you" question, please do! I LOVE and continue going to AC for that good ol' face time with you lovely people.

*How long are you going?
For the entirety of the con. So, whichever days those are.

*Do you have an artist table?
Technically, AC hasn't announced who got a table in the Artist Alley, yet. I believe that's the 16th? But uh, I pre-reg'd, and signed up for all three days. So... yes?

*Will you be going to parties?
I'm done with my 20s. My ability to party THEN, was legendary, I can assure you. Now, I look forward to spending the night in my nice hotel room, throwing a few back, eating a pizza, and watching some movies. IF something chill like that is going on in your room, and you'd like to give me an invite? Yeah, totes. But uh, beyond that? Not planning on it.

*Will you be performing?
Oh, this one reminds me, every year, I hear that karaoke happens somewhere. Okay, this might be my one "partying" exception. I MIGHT be down to do a little Karaoke'ing.

*If I see you, how should I get your attention?
If you shout (or say at a respectable, inside volume, within ear-shot) "Ferv!" "Daddyfox!" or "Fox!" I will answer to it, and likely direct my attention to the outcry. I can promise you though, I WILL be at Artist Alley. You can find me there, and just give me a good ol' "sup?" I really miss that here. "Sup" just doesn't translate. /sadface

*Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
Ooooh, I never said "spoiler alert" previously. But uh... cat's outta' the bag. I will be in the Artist Alley.

*What/where will you be eating?
Okay, so there's this Thai place, right? It's like, this little hole-in-the-wall place. I've had it the last two years now, and hope, beyond hope that it never closes (The times we went, it was almost empty). So... I don't want to jinx it, but I will LOSE my $#!% if we don't enjoy some of the best Thai food I've EVER had.

...Seriously, like... okay for instance, I don't even like Icedtea, and they have this Thai Iced Tea? Oh man, it rocks my socks CLEAN off! Oh, and  midnightdraven is a REAL WeichesEi with heat. So it's a real treat seeing her eat something even a little hot. Anyway...

*Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If invited, yes, which for that Thai place? Isn't hard to do. I try spreading the word big-time around the alley that this Thai place is legit.

*Can I take your picture?
Sure

*What's your goal(s) for the con this year?
This is a business trip to me, to be blunt. However, I do it because I enjoy making actual face-to-face time with people, and not just through the internet. And while during con hours, I'm all business, I'm getting better about making off-hours more fun. So, in general, I'm just lookin' at having a good time, just as with previous years.

*****

This concluded the meme, but while I've got you guys here, I would like to put it out there that the paper format I use for commissions, both illustrations and sketches, is A4. Please be sure that your folder or whatever you transport art in is A4 format. Sorry to be a bother, but European measurements, what can you do?

Please be aware that the FCC wants to give YOUR ISP the power to control what you search, watch and generally enjoy on the internet. It is unacceptable to me that some company can pay another company to make it more difficult for me to use the utility that is the Internet.

I honestly don't know what this online protest is about on July 12th or how it can help. And if you don't take part, it's whatever. BUT please inform yourself about what's going on.

https://www.battleforthenet.com/july12/

Do any of my fine, lovely friends here venture onto this site? Kinda' like when I first made a FB page, then forgot about it for a few years... same thing with Fetlife. Dusting it off now, looking to broaden my horizons. Lookin' for tips about what's worth checking out on the site, group/event-wise. Also, I'm posting some of my favorite adult art I've done, on my page. I mean, it's all here, already. But easier to find there, I suppose.

Anyway, my username is MisterFerv there.

Heyo friendos!

Some of you know I start my drawing days with a warmup sketch. Often, I find delays in trying to think about what I want to draw. SO, I'm just putting this here as by no means a guarantee, or whether I will or will not post any of said sketches. BUT, what harm could there be in putting a wee little request for something fanart related you'd be interested in see me doodle?

Just wanted to drop a quick note to the masses, as I don't like to open up often. So if I can cover as many bases as possible with it, things are easier. I say this as it relates to another delay in the flow of art from me. Recently, there was a death in the family, and it's probably hit me more in the motivation department than I'd like to admit. That paired with the hassle of chronic pain management, there are reasons that something new hasn't been posted in a couple weeks, now. Anyway, I've got another commish that should get finished this week. And if you're just supes starved for DF artwork, follow me on Twitter where I post sketches regularly. Or, on Instagram where I post my artsy photography.

Hope you all had a fun Easter. I know I'm enjoying the increased volume of bunny art. I sketched up a little something myself that maybe I'll polish and upload sometime.

Hey friendos! Hope you're having a great week. Whether you are or aren't, TGIF, amirite?

So, if you've kept up on my journals, or something similar, you've known of my computer woes for a while. Well over a years' worth. Well, I've had enough of them. Yesterday, while attempting to scan in my latest, finished commission, my scanner software was just completely gone. THIS was on top of constantly battling some elusive trojan that keeps trying to infect my computer, but bogging down my Anti-virus so severely, that it effects my rig's performance, thus, kinda' doing its job as a virus. I've tried to just plug in my old HD to roll back my system. But wouldn't you know it, something is defective with the motherboard, and more times than not, if I swap over SATA cables between HD's, it won't even be recognized. That I'm on the computer now, writing this, is nothing short of miraculous.

Aaaanyway, I've taken off my rose-tinted glasses. I love that my rig is something I built with my own two hands. But it hasn't stopped there. Sure, when the computer is running as it normally should, it's great! It's awesome! However, too many days have been spent trouble-shooting, repairing, re-installing, etc etc etc. I've learned SO much more in doing all this. And yeah, I'm probably closer to that guy now that if your computer is busted I can be all like, 'Well sure, I can take a look at it.' But for the day to day? I just want a computer that works. I want to plug and play. I want, that if there's a faulty part on the rig, I just send it back and worry not for the hassle. And so, I've bought a new computer. It is an upgrade in both chip and video-card. And when I Frankstein the pieces from my current rig to it, I will come real close to doubling the value.

It will take at least a week from now for the rig to arrive. Then there will be at least a day of re-installing, backing up, blah blah blah. One of those re-installs will be my scanner software, naturally. As such, I called this journal "Delays" because while I am not stopping my work on your commishes, I will be unable to post them for about a week/week and a half. At least where gittin' that work done is concerned, I'm optimistic in that I'm not going to be spending entire days dorkin' around on my broken rig, instead of working at the ol' drawing table.

Hey friendos, would anyone be interested if in the near future I did some adoptables? Each adoptable would be of my original lines and the tasty colours od  sugarsweet .

Also, would you like to see some creatures of a mechanical nature, or maybe a new generation of Superbeasts? Lookin' for that sweet sweet input.

I've been putting off writing this journal for a while, because it felt like a chore and it felt like a list of excuses, which I never like to feel like I'm making. However, sitting here, really looking at this function as a "journal," I'm going to use it. You can read it, you can ignore it. I don't care. I'm not looking for replies or comments or even when it comes to it, pity. I'm just going to write this and get back to work. I'm also not going to proof-read anything. I want to get this off my chest, and move on. So please excuse the many spelling/grammar errors that are sure to follow, if you're a journal reading sort.

I've let many of you guys down, last month. I fully intended to have more commissions done by now, and even that YCH Costume party piece finished in time for Halloween. Full disclosure, a handful of you knew I was even working on a little side project for Halloween -- one that I could work on, on the go. I needed something to work on my Surface for, because late-ish-October, one of my wife's oldest friends came out to Germany, specifically to visit us, and explore Europe. I was not going to leave it solely on my wife to play tour guide, and so, went along for the week-long Eurotrip. It was nice, all things considered. Finally made it to Berlin (beautiful city). Went to a few other places, and all the while, I was still on target to get my side project done in time for Halloween. Wouldn't you know it though, I got sick. A really bad cold, made worse by being out of the comfort of my own bed, and doing my best to pill-up and go out exploring. There were a few days that I just couldn't do it, and stayed in the hotel. But anyway, I came back home with the cold in tow, and missed my self-appointed deadline for the YCH Costume pic. THAT will still get finished within the next couple weeks (hopefully, we're talking 5-7 business days), but the other project will just be tabled for a year. Don't worry though, if you guys saw some of the personal art I just stop working on and file away into obscurity, those who are really into my art would be real bummed out. I didn't even celebrate Halloween as I'd like to -- hard as it is to, here in Germany. At the very least, I like to bust out a double feature of Rob Zombie's Halloweens, and maybe some other holiday themed shows and/or movies... Batman vs Dracula comes to mind. The whole month was suppose to feel like my birthday celebration, and it just didn't, more and more... or less and less.

Anyway...

I come home from the last leg of our Europe trip -- Brussels -- still sick, and turn everything back on. What should happen? my computer dies on me. I really don't feel like going into too much detail on that, as I've gone over a few times with friends either on Skype, or FB. Basically, I don't know what kinda' viruses people still make for PC as Windows Updates already do a great job of crippling computers. Luckily, I keep backup HDs docked in my tower. I say "luckily," but we're still talking roughly 72 hours of diagnostic, repair, etc etc to my tower. Ultimately, I booted up the old drive, allowed it to update (because I never turned that automatic function off before moving to an SSD drive), and then rewrote my alpha drive with the info on the old one. So, I'm no longer sick, my computer is no longer sick... the cat gets sick. I'll get into that a little later.

Friday of that week (Not last Friday, but the week before), we get notified of something that required immediate legal advice. Even though I'm writing this journal for me, I still don't feel inclined to go into all the details. Suffice it to say, it meant stress going into the weekend (as was the notification's intent), getting that legal advice, spending too much time scanning documents and e-mailing them appropriately, etc, etc, blah blah. ALL before the Tuesday that followed (last week, now), going with the wife out of town to the UK,on one of her work trips. She travels a lot for work, and I don't often go with her. But I do try to squeeze it in when I can. Do I feel guilty that it takes me away from my own work? sure. Am I sorry? no. It often puts her at ease to have me with her. And as she is the most important anything and everything in my life, I won't ever make apologies for putting her happiness above anything else. SO, Tuesday, of last week, we go to Brighton, in England. It is a fun, coastal city. I took some photos that I'll put on my Instagram soon ( mrferv ). Also, gave me another excuse to get all gussied up in my kilt for a some dinner and dancing one night. The weekend was spent purely for vacation-esque reasons. A bit of exploring, eating too much, and just generally recharging. All things considered, I felt great coming back home after our stay in Brighton.

But now our cat is still sick. To be clear, when I say sick, what it really boils down to, is she's old, and getting older. We moved to Germany with 3 already elderly animals -- two dogs, Sugar and Celtic, and a cat, Panther. The two dogs have since passed; Celtic, just this year. And now Panther is right around the corner. She has a smaller appetite, but at least will eat that gross, smelly, wet food. She's skeletal and can't really walk straight. Worse of all, she's having bladder issues. Obviously there's the gross factor, as arguably nothing stinks in a home more than cat pee. Not that I need to set your mind at ease, but so far, I've gotten to all the spots in time. Her new room is now the bathroom, where there are tile floors, and I keep training pads on her bed, which have already paid off, as she's made use of them, opting to pee in her bed over going to her litter box, just a foot away. ALL that said, what makes it the worst part, is that, for any of my FB friends already know, Panther and I have a pretty close bond. When I first moved in with my now wife, Panther was the animal I connected with most (Even though, before that, I woulda' considered myself a dog person). She really helped me feel like I was home with my adopted family of her and her two dog sisters. I wouldn't change a thing, but it was a rough first month or two, or three. If I'm being really, truly, TOO honest, it was a big change for me, as my wife was my first ever roommate. I had, until then, even I was paying them rent, lived at home. And before just moving in together, we were only dating long-distance-like. It was a huge risk to just redefine what my life was. Again, I am so lucky, and blessed that I took the chance. But that reassurance came immediately from Panther. Sure, the dogs accepted me as their Alpha, and obeyed and were sweet and loving to me, as dogs should be. But Panther and I really became friends. We'd play and cuddle, and have those stupid, nonsensical conversations all day. My point is... if there even is a point here... -- Well there is, but I didn't need to write all this explanation before getting to it..... My point is, I'm sitting here, typing this, and my best-four-legged-friend is shut up in a bathroom (heated, I should point out), on a stupid training pad covered, pet bed, instead of curled up on me. Purring. Stretching her paws out ontop of my hands or keyboard making it difficult to even type this. She has everything she needs in the bathroom. Someplace soft and warm to lay down, plenty of training pads down so that she needn't worry about making a mess. Fresh water, gross smelling, but apparently to her, tasty food. She is comfortable, and will always be as long as she's still alive. But I'm just sitting here, cold, writing to myself, and Pantherless...

This is dumb. I'm gonna stop now.

ANYWAY, if nothing else can be taken away from this journal, I guess the point I NEED to get across here in all this rambling, is that I'll be getting back to work. I promise. If you read this, you probably shouldn't have wasted your time with all this blah blah blah. If FA gave out achievements, I'd say you all woulda' just been awarded one. I won't ever make a habit of being this open in my journals. But again, I think I needed to write this more for me than anything else. So... until next time. Have a great rest of the week, friendos.

My beloved friendos,

I wanted to write a little something about my new YCH auction, posted only moments ago. IF you're not one for the blah blah blah, you can find the auction to see for yourself and maybe drop a little bid, here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/213.....#cid:112710498

Those still with me, I first have to say I'm doing this for completely selfish reasons, and there's no bones about it. If I can be honest with you all, I love love LOVE getting art for my birthday. However, I don't mind when it's art I've done myself. I never want aaaanyone to feel any teensy tiny obligation to art it up for me... I mean, I won't stop you, but you don't HAVE to! ...anyway... I would be pretty good about drawing myself a little something to indulge in on my birthday. However, for the past few years I've been neglecting that. And it's kinda' a bummer. I'm not gonna lie. SO, rather than just going full on into self-indulgence mode, I decided I wanted to invite you guys over, artistically speaking, and join my mascot, the Daddyfox, for a a wee little costume party themed piece.

Starting bids on every slot is only $10, but you'll be bidding on your character getting fully illustrated into the finished piece, in a fun costume of my choosing. It will likely be something among my favorite things: horror, video games, comics, etc. No pressure, but please treat yourself to a bid, or help a Superbeast out with a little signal boost.

Thank you, and goodnight!

Hello hello friendos! Just wanted to drop a lil' somethin' as it's been a couple weeks now, and I haven't posted anything.

Delays: In a nutshell, I love my wife. Some of you know, as I've mentioned it before, she travels a lot for work. Most recently, she was out of town for about two weeks and I had planned on going to visit her for a weekend, in between. She rented a car, and we drove to the beach; had a lot of fun, ate a lot of great seafood, and snapped some super sweet pics. Check out my Instagram (Mrferv) as that is where I will be posting all of my "artsy" pics. Anyway, what was suppose to just be a weekend, went on to be almost a week. I kept putting off my return trip day, after day... after day. I brought some work with me, of course. But as always, nothing is a substitute for sitting at my home base drawing table.

Birthdays: BirthDAY, really. Mine, to be exact. Three? of you know this (It's on Tuesday, the 4th). It sneaks up on me, as I always think in September, 'I'd like to whip up a little something for myself for my birthday.' And next thing I know, it's October, and my Birthday is just a few days after. I don't know, I may still do a little YCH birthday party thing, if that sounds like something that anyone would be interested in. I would probably make the slots super cheap, in the spirit of it being a gift, dealy. Maybe costume-party themed? Some ideas pop into my head. Also, feel free to signal boost a YCH you know of someone else doing. I may be willing to treat myself to a bid for a gift to myself. We'll see.

In any case, the biggest reason I mention my Birthday, is to make it known that I will be celebrating my Birthday this weekend, and likely a bit into the following week (What with my birthday being on Tuesday, and all). I DO have a commission completely finished, presently, still to be posted. However, it's a piece that I will also be doing a coloured version of (Colours from ME!? Yeah, I know, right?). I would LIKE to post them both relatively together. But my digital colours are still a sloooow road of personal learning. I'm still locking in what I would call a "technique" to it, as I have with traditional colours. It's getting there. It's all coming along. I'm even happy with how things are turning out! But, I'll probably post the illustration version supes soon. Keep your eyes peeled!

SO! There's my quick note to you all. Have a great weekend, and don't forget to check out my growing photo gallery on Instagram, @ Mrferv !

No, I'm not doing it, now. BUT, if you have an interest in seeing me do so, please read, and give me some honest input.

I WOULD like to start streaming from time to time, as I have a workload that means, at present, every day I have something to draw. My routine is always a warm-up sketch. And for those that follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter ( @ Misterferv), Every Wednesday, I do a Sketch -- usually fanart related -- in my personal sketchbook. Then of course, there are plenty of commissions in my queue to keep me busy. Who knows, as I am a mood-based artist, maybe you could influence what I draw that day.

There would be a bit of an obstacle as I am still 97.5% a traditional artist. A stream from me would involve a cam mounted to my drawing table. The logistics of which, are manageable. I've already tested it out with a cheapo webcam I bought while on last weeks Workacation. I could position the cam where I'd need it, and where you'd want it, but as it was a cheap buy (falsely advertising its capabilities, at that), I returned it, and decided I'd need to spend a little bit of extra coin on a better cam. To be clear, I don't mind doing that. But I'd want to make sure it was going to a worthy cause.

Also, some of you already know, my home connection is a data-based service. Sure, my net is fast, but not unlimited. And as we ALL know, video streaming noms on data like no other. I can buy additional data every month, and that's the key word here, "buy;" another cost on my end. To give you a little idea of that, once I go past my monthly allowance of data, it's 15euros for each additional 10gigs. In this day and age, most of us can eat up 10gigs in the span of an afternoon. An hour, really, when we set our minds to it, amirite? With that in mind, I would most likely push some sort of tipping system (which I believe most streamers do anyway). And you could be sure that your money is entirely going to keep me online, not just filling my fridge with beer. Also, I'd probably do one of them "Artist for a day" or whatever auctions, from time to time. Y'know, where I basically sell my time to someone. I've always thought that idea seemd pretty fun.

Anyway, food for thought there. I would really REALLY appreciate your guys' thoughts on this. Don't be afraid to even just tell me, "Don't stream." On the other hand, I would like to know what are the better streaming sites to use for art. Especially streaming traditional media. Also, with regard to specifically needing to stream detailed linework, are there any webcams you guys can recommend to me? Also, just to give me some ideas, what are some of the things you'd like to see me streaming? Sketching? Full-on illustrating? Maybe even some tutorial action? Let me know!

A week or so ago, I reached that 1k Watchers mark. I want it well known that I am SO appreciative to all my Watchers -- be they new or you guys that have been here with me for what, over 10 years now! So many people, these days are anti-thank-shouting, which is totally cool. But it makes me no longer go to everyone's individual page and thanking them personally. Please know though, that I do thank you all, and your support of Watches, Favs, Comments, and overall good vibes means a lot to me.

So again, thanks! And here's to a thousand more!

Hello hello friendos! I meant to get around to writing this on Monday. But as per the usual, I get back from my vacation and stuff happened. I'll get to to that. I'll break up this journal with headers to allow you to skip whatever you don't want to read...

Family Vacation
Had a GREAT visit with my family immediately after AC. Been about a year since I saw them last, what with me living in Germany, and them living in San Antonio, Tx. It was really nice though, playing games with my little brother, checking off terrible foods from my must-eat list (Mmmm, poptarts, pizza rolls, panda express... etc), and I even went to my first rave. Yeah... THAT was a thing. Not really my scene, but at least the bartender kept me well-hydrated. Had a decent buzz going for about an hour or so? I don'know, my alcohol tolerance has gotten annoyingly high. Europe living, amirite? Aaanyway, got some swag shopping done. Even bought some utility kilts that some of you may've noticed many of the staff at AC wearing. Bought kilts for me and both my dad and brother. We looked pretty tough, I don't mind telling you. Both the flights from PIT to SAT and then back home to Germany were un-eventful. Although there were delays off the flights. What can you do though right? Made it home eventually, and shook off the jet lag pretty well.

Sucker-punched by Life
So I get home, and in the span of those first couple days, I drop my Surface, thus cracking the screen, and our bed broke. Still, had an otherwise nice weekend with the wife. Monday and Tuesday though, had been spent hitting up the hardware store for materials to fix my bed. Researching online, and eventually paying to have my surface sent in to Microsoft. WHICH, long-story-short there, meant driving two towns over, because I had to send it via UPS, and the only drop-spot in my town was closed for summer hours. And I wasn't going to make the drive into town for nothing! Anyway, pepper in a few other things here and there, and yeah... life!

Back to Work
I've gotten my notes organized from AC, receipts and what have you. Many of you have already contacted me with references for your illustrations, and that's super helpful. I have 12 illustrations from AC to add into my queue. As I hopefully made clear at the con, I'm less of a first-come-first-serve and more of a mood-stricken artist. Example being, if you wanted me to draw a robot, and on a day I'm not in a mood to draw robots, I'm not gonna tackle that piece. Bottom line, all of you deserve the very best of me. And I'm not gonna ever half-ass a piece. So it's all for your own benefit. There's your blanket statement for how I do pieces in general. Before/as I tackle your specific piece, if I haven't touched base with you, in some way, yet, I will.

Conclusion
Rested and recharged. Need to stop breaking stuff. I'll be drawing now. Excelsior!