05/28/2026

As of 8AM today, I am 29 years old. I'd feel great were it not for these period cramps, dammit. My family decided we should have pizza for two days, one for my birthday and two for our usual pizza day (the best day of the week! /ly). I won't be doing anything else, I'm afraid. As I stated in a pervious entry, I'm not very interested in doing much and it can be pretty exhausting. I've been getting birthday wish messages all morningf and I'm already tuckered out. I'm not looking foward to work, however.

Addendum: I took the day off.

05/26/2026

Since my birthday is this week, my mom took me out for burgers which was pretty great. Shortly after that, we went to a store called Ebisu. There was a lot of gachapon stuff but not enough Chiikawa stuff there, pity. I got myself a melon soda. It was great. I do wish there was more Sweet Coron merch that isn't 300$...

05/23/2026

Every now and then, the fellow at my job who reminds me of Hachiware and I greet each other at the start of our workday. Earlier this month, we talked during our break. Having a break together at the same time was rare. We talked about work as we often do. He ended up asking me questions, which opened the floodgates concerning my interest in Toontown and art. Later, I texted him a link to my webcomic, as he requested. I was elated to hear that he seemed to enjoy it. He said that the style was pleasing (to paraphrase).

I have known this fellow for months. It seemed we were getting on well, as work acquaintances do, after we worked closely for the first time. He introduced himself, shook hands, and did it all with a kind smile on his face. I was, in a sense, captivated. I noted how outgoing, friendly, and unpretentious he is. He is the kind of person who has no trouble making friends. Basically, everything I’m not. It baffled me for weeks. Why did he ever speak to me at all? Nobody ever did. Did he perhaps have feelings for me? No, perish the thought. He was just being friendly, like he is to everyone at work. I hate to admit it, but I found myself attached to him, even if I knew that there was nothing more to all this. This feeling is nothing more than folly, and I should distance myself. I’m sure his friends or whoever his partner is are happy with him, and I wish him the best. How sappy of me.

05/12/2026

Today was quite a day, considering that I finally got my braces off and fitted for my retainer. And I'm going to finish an initial design sheet for this animation project.

05/11/2026

Things have been going smoothly. I have neglected to mention some interesting happenings as of late. Namely, my filmmaker friend from college had texted me out of the blue, talking to me about an animated project he wants to really work on. The project in question was one we have formulated over the years, bit by bit. It started as a screenwriting project on his part and over time, as we got close have tried to at least have a good idea on what we could do with it. Initially, I did thumbnails for the storyboards and character designs, which were admitdly lacking.

In the past week, we've been going back & forth via text over this. The have been some serious changes with this story my friend wants to tell, right from the premise to the characters. He had shared with me some files ehich were: screenplay for the first episode, series bible, and script for a possible kickstarter trailer. A few days ago, we went over my inital desgins of the main characters and I'm glad he agrees that these could use a new coat of paint. I d id some quick pen doodles in my sketchbook but I feel like the outfits need more color and variety to them. Their orignal outfits were quite dull, to be frank.

Now this thought may be absurd but I can't help but feel like I'll let him down. He has a lot of faith & trust in me it almost hurts. But then I remember how I seemed to have proven to him I'm the right person for this project. Maybe I should just buck up and go through it; give it my best shot. At least I can give him some insight when it come to animation.

05/08/2026

So I stood at the bus stop, waiting for a bus that would never come by, making it very late for me to even go to work. So I stayed in and used my PTO. The werid thing about all this is that there were now news about any delays from the bus tracker, no updates on delays or anything that could give some context. All and all, looks like I get the day off. My sister and I did our chores and went about our day like nothing happned.

05/02/2026

Today is a wonderful day to say death to all warmongers & to those who profit from human misery. We owe it to ourselves to leave the world better than we found it. After all, the world is big enough for all of us.

April

04/30/2026

yfory...


04/21/2026

The other day, my Dad, sister, and I were talking and somewhow our conversation pivioted into horror films. Which rememided me of my own feelings towards the genre overall. If you can guess, I don't care much for it and my thoughts/feelings towards it are similiar to my feelings on romance/rom com films: very boring, and even more boring and insufferable fans.

Maybe its my exposure to culture war bullshit, or just being a person who is honestly unimpressed by many things, but there's something about all that makes me not take it seriously. Its like when online cinephiles complain about superheroe movies (when they really mean the Marvel Cinematic Universe, lol). Now, donn't get me wrong, I'm NOT an MCU stan and I get why people don't like those movies, but I feel like people have the habit of overhating things.

And i'm not just talking thinly veiled military propaganda disguised as mainstream "capeshit" movies, I'm talking games, other movies, shows, and other media that the internet loves to crap on. I understand much of it is understandable criticism, but there's way too much of it being hating on something because its cool to hate on that thing. Pretty dumb way to pass the time on the internet, ngl. But I will admit, its funny to watch people desperately trying to justify why they dislike anything instead of just admiting that its not their cup of tea.

04/11/2026

So I just randomly remembered that Speed Racer is a thing (and the fact it technically is the very first anime I've ever seen), and I found that they have the entirety of the original Japanese dub on youtube. Guess what I'll be binging on next? ;)

04/07/2026

Finally got our taxes done. My family would've typically got it done much earlier, but my dad was waiting on some other document that we needed.

In other news, I've been feeling really stuck and I have idea what to do. What else is new...

04/05/2026

In the past few months I fell into a rabbit hole of youth lib material, which made me think about my family, and childhood. At this point in life, I have the words, terminology, and lived experiences to articulate what I could not back when I was younger. I've always thought that perhaps the way that we, as a society don't actually treat, or even care to really treat children like individuals, like people. As I entered adulthood, this has become more and more apparent. Maybe its my own preceptiveness, or the fact it still shocks me to know its not really that common for parents to be as attentive & caring as my own (this does NOT mean that my parents never did anything wrong ever), or that I've been hearing stories about kids from unhappy families and abuse victims for most of my youth, but I find myself able wrap my head around the fact that adults, whether it be parents or teachers, hold systemic power over children.

04/01/2026

April... it is April... It'll be my birthday real soon next month... God dang... I'm honestly overwhelmed, guhhhhhhhh.

Anyways, April fools is a neat idea so as long you don't do any mean pranks like pretending to ask someone out. Imgaine being that cruel to someone??

March

03/31/2026

...I didn't get my braces off. I don't know why, but my two front teeth can't help but want to split up.

03/29/2026

Within two days from now, I'll finally have my braces off! Its been a long, long two and a half years, but its finally time. I'll probably get fitted for a retainer as well after the removal, but nevertheless I couldn't be any more excited! I wish other things were just as sunny as this...

Earlier today, my dad asked me the inevitable question: "What do you want to do for your birthday?" I actually don't like when either of my parents ask me this because my answer is always the same: nothing. I don't want to do anything and it seems to bother them that's the attitude I seem to have. Truth is I'm not thinking about birthdays, vacations with family, going out to eat with family & friends, none of that. I just don't really care and it'd be an unhappy time for everyone involved. I wouldn't even try. I'm just too tired, overwhelmed, and probably withdrawn. I feel sorry for that nice guy who seems to want to talk to me at my job... He reminds me so much of Hachiware from Chiikawa...

03/23/2026

Today I went to a donut shop with my mom and sister. It was in the a mall my mom works at. I had a matcha latte and a regular glazed donut. Since the mall we went to was pretty far from home, we saw a lot of busy roads & patches of forest. It all felt like the perfect set up for a mystery story.

03/03/2026

This is going to be a different one this time, because I found something fun:

100 Questions for Artist

originally by Stupied

Questions

1.) Introduce yourself! What kind of art do you make?

I'm Gabby and I typically draw original characters! Since 2021, I have been active in the Toontown fandom and have made fan characters and I often update a fan webcomic revolving around my fan ocs and the stories I've cooked up for them.

2.) How long have you been making art?

Oof! I want to say... for as long as I can remember? I've been drawing and coming with ocs & stories for years, but I only started sharing my art online since I was 17 years old. I think I improved quite a bit since then.

3.) How many hours do you spend for each piece?

It honestly depends on: my mood and what's happening outside of making art. My job and sometimes personal issues can hinder that. When everything's fine, it can take up either a couple of hours or a few days, depending on what I'm doing exactly.

4.) Do you prefer taking your time or do you like to quickly move on to the next thing?

It depends how I feel about what I am currently working on. If I feel like I've made significant progress on a piece, I can easily work on something else in the meantime. I end up working on two pieces around the same time frame.

5.) When do you decide a piece is finished?

When it feels like I can't do anything else without overdoing it.

6.) What part of the creation process do you enjoy the most?

Everything about it, really. You know those art memes where a person dreads working on any part of the art-making progress (lineart, coloring, rendering, etc.)? I don't really get that, I happen to enjoy when I move on to the next step.

7.) What part of the creation process do you dislike the most?

I can't say I dislike any part of the progress.

8.) Do you have a designated workstation or do you just work wherever?

I often do digital art, so I work where desktop and tablet are.

9.) Do you monetize you work or is it purely a hobby?

Its a hobby at this point, but I'd like to do commissions one of these days.

10.) Where do you share your work? On social media or a personal websites? Do you keep to yourself and close friends?

I tend to share on my socials or on discord. Slowly but surely I'll get my art gallery on my website done and up... someday.

11.) What's an aspect of your art you enjoy?

The fact that I can create whole worlds and personalities that people ending up loving and caring about.

12.) What are things you would like to improve on?

Many things, to be honest. Anatomy, rendering, doing more backgrounds...

13.) Are you self-taught or had formal education?

I'm mainly self taught, but I went to art school.

14.) Do you research about old techniques or stick to newer ones?

I try to learn the basic principles of art and learn about whatever technique interests me.

15.) What do you value more, experimentation or mastery?

I think there's value to both mindsets. There's always room for improvement and for deviation.

16.) Do you practice drawing from the wrist? What other art techniques to you practice?

I do try to use my whole arm while drawing.

17.) How frequently do you do studies?

Not as often as I would like to.

18.) Do you understand color theory? How'd you learn or do you want to?

I like to think I have a basic understanding of it. I try to actively think about color and values when I work.

19.) Favorite color(s)?

Many colors but mainly shades of blue :D.

20.) Are there colors you avoid? Do you think ugly colors exists?

Nope. There's no such thing as ugly colors to me.

21.) Can you do perspective?

I can do prespective somewhat, but I could always do better. I luckily have a Dad who studied interior architecture, mastered perspective, and can help.

22.) Do you like doing lineart? How do you go about it?

I like doing lineart. I enjoy when a piece comes together. For me, it helps when the sketch feels complete and I can properly move on. Experimenting with line width can make all the difference.

23.) Do you have multiple unfinished projects? Will you ever get to finishing them?

I have an animated project that I halted on since I joined the Toontown fandom and working on my fan comic. I'm glad that I got the storyboard thumbnails and character designs done already.

24.) How do you start a new piece? Do you have a plan or just figure it along the way?

It depends on what I want to do.

25.) How do you handle art block?

I almost never have artblock, but when I do, I usually either do anything else OR just doodle anything without thought.

26.) Do you listen to music or watch something while working?

Indeed I do! I often listen to whatever music I want (it could litterally be anything.) I rarely listen to pocasts and all that.

27.) When are you most motivated to create? In the morning or evening? Rainy or sunny?

Whenever, at any time. I don't think there was ever a time where I DIDN'T want to create, even on my lazy days.

28.) Are your sketchbooks messy or aesthetically pleasing?

Thery're messy and full of pen scribbles that only I can make out.

29.) Do you like showing sketchbooks to others?

Not really. I struggle to explain what I'm doing to those who happen to glance at my sketchbook.

30.) Do you have any art friends? IRL or online?

I like to think that nearly every person I befriend in the Toontown fandom is an art friend.

31.) Do you collaborate frequently with your friends? Is there something you'd like to work on together?

Not often. I have worked on a zine, two different collabs, a secret santa gift, and a couple art trades at different points in time.

32.) Have you created art to gift to others? How do feel about parting away from your work?

It is my pleasure to give art away. That's why I joined artfight! Real fun stuff.

33.) Have you drawn for someone else? Like commissions or requests? Did you enjoy it?

As I stated already, I have done trades before. I haven't done requests, however. I did enjoy doing art trades.

34.) How's your posture?

Could be better.

35.) Have you ever been injured making art?

Surprisingly, no. I take breaks often.

36.) What's a medium of art you've wanted to try / currently attempting?

Watercolor.

37.) Do you prefer stylized or realistic art?

Stylized. Especially where there's lots of shapes.

38.) Do you like hyper-realistic art?

I can appreciate it, but I think too many non-artsy people hype it too much. I never see those people hype up Alex Ross' art, however. I guess its because his works are often about superheroes.

39.) Do you like abstract art?

I like it fine.

40.) How do you feel about fine art?

I'm alright with it. I appereciate it.

41.) How do you feel about outsider art? Do you think you fall in that category?

I don't think I'm familiar with that.

42.) Do you follow art trends?

Most of them tend to not interest me at all, so no.

43.) Do you think your art is influenced by what's currently popular?

No. A lot of my interests tend be niche within the people I surround with.

44.) Do you compare yourself with others? Does it affect you negatively?

No. I actively avoid doing this.

45.) Your controversial art take?

I... Don't know what would be considered a controversial art take.

46.) Art related pet peeves?

I can't say that I have any??

47.) Who or what are your inspirations?

Too many to count, if I have to be honest. A couple of things I can name is: superhero comics & cartoons, & retro cartoons.

48.) What's an art piece / artist you wished got more attention?

I think more people should look at Ann Telnaes' works. I don't see many political cartoons with an appealing art style. I think her formerly being an animator at Disney helps.

49.) Have you touch grass recently? Do you go out frequently or do you spend most of your time indoors?

Not reccently.

50.) Do you create art daily?

Sure, even if its a small, crude doodle.

51.) Do you take breaks from creating? How frequently?

I certainly do, especially when I have no ideas.

52.) Do you set deadline for your work?

Sometimes, yes. Especially for things like my webcomic.

53.) Do you archive your work? Do you keep old pieces?

I guess my art posted on tumblr and bluesky count as that... for now.

54.) Are you embarrassed of your old work? Or are you indifferent by it?

I don't really have an opinion on my older works. I certainly see the mistakes I've done and I try to improve upon that.

55.) Do you seek out for criticism? How do you handle feedback?

I don't seek it out, but I welcome it.

56.) Are you harsh on your own work? Or do you love your work despite all it's flaws?

I'd say I have a healthy view of my work. I know I could always do better. But for now, I look at my work fondly.

57.) Do you get compliments frequently? How do feel about them?

I do get compliments but not often. I quite enjoy it.

58.) How do feel about the rise of generative AI? Do you use it for getting ideas or references?

I don't like it. That's all. I don't use it because I have no use for it at all.

59.) How do feel about tracing? What about tracing 3d models to streamline art process?

I think tracing to an extent can be useful as a means of learning.

60.) Drop you art resources!

Don't have any :P

61.) Do you prefer making fanart or original content?

I used to exculsively do original art but I mainly do fanart and fan ocs these days. I like working on both.

62.) Do you think original content are more creative than fanart?

It doesn't really matter, to be honest. So long as you are happy with what you make.

63.) Do you strive for originality?

As long as it isn't a beat-by-beat copy of something.

64.) Do you draw from imagination or heavily rely on references?

A mix of both.

65.) Do you think using references is a crutch?

No.

66.) Do you like to make mood boards or scroll through Pinterest?

Sometimes.

67.) Does your work have a story behind them or do you just make things that you think look neat?

Absolutely! Especially I put in way too much effort with my ocs.

68.) Do you think art should have a purpose?

No... not really.

69.) Favorite aesthetic?

Midcentury sci-fi, classic marvel & DC comics, 2000's cartoons... just to name a few.

70.) Do you have a muse or a theme you fall back to?

Not necessarily.

71.) If you could eat you art, what would it taste like?

Coffee with coffee cake on the side?? Idk, man.

72.) If your work suddenly became sentient, would it adore or hate you?

Probably be wary of me.

73.) Based on previous question, can you win in a fist fight against it?

Depending on which of my characters I'm dealing with, I'd probably get my ass kicked.

74.) Is your art style consistent? Do you prefer making a wide variety of art?

I try to be. I like to think I'm consistent.

75.) Do you revisit old concepts or sketches? Do you touch em up or leave them as is?

I've been meaning to revist original story ocs, or redraw old toontown drawing I did a couple years ago.

76.) Do you believe in talent or is it all skill?

It's definitely all skill

77.) What's your favorite thing to draw / make? Do you prefer making living things or still life?

I enjoy drawing dynamic poses, scenes, character interaction and whatnot.

78.) Do you create your art with a specific audience in mind? Who?

I create for myself but the positive reception I get inspires me to continue to make art and to make others happy.

79.) How do you feel about people taking inspiration from work? Do you think art style theft is real?

I don't think artstyle theft is a thing in the way most people think. It's fine to to try to emulate certain styles you like so a long you aren't straight up copying art and passing it off as your own.

80.) Do you participate in art conventions? Do you sell your work or support everyone else?

Maybe I could one day. I never really thought about it.

81.) Are your art materials expensive? Do you hoard any tools?

I guess my drawing tablet is expensive.

82.) Do you organize you supplies and tools systematically?

Since I do digital art, I try to store my resources in a neat way.

83.) Do you clean up after a project? Or do you just leave everything lying around till you need the space?

I often remove resources I no longer need (with some exceptions).

84.) Do you have a ritual before you start creating? Do you have a drink or some snacks?

No. Unless I have other tasks I need to be done.

85.) How do you feel about censorship in art? Where do you draw the line for inappropriate art?

I can't say for sure. People have their own ideas of what constitutes as "inappropriate art" and it isn't right to impose that onto others. It never goes well. The only thing is that you are mindful of what you share, especially in private servers.

86.) Do you censor your own art? Do you feel like you leave out details for it be socially accepted?

I don't think I ever had to do that.

87.) Do you feel intimated with starting a new projects?

I can't say that I had.

88.) Are you scared of your art regressing? Do you think it's even possible to get worst at art?

Honestly yes. In my case, my art tends to suffer when in distress or if it begins to feel like a chore.

89.) Do you frequently make compromises for your work? Does your art come out the way you envision them?

I don't think too hard about that.

90.) How well do you manage your mistakes? Do you stress about them?

I try to do my best and deal things with a sense of calm.

91.) Do you make lists of things you'd like to make? Do you actual commit to them?

Nope. I honestly don't need a list.

92.) What is your ultimate goal of your work? Like, is to tell a story, connect with others, or just to enjoy the process?

To tell stories, mainly. If someone gets enjoyment from the things I make, then I have accomplished my goal.

93.) What's something you've recently worked on that you're really proud of?

My toontown webcomic.

94.) Do you have any dream projects? Have you started on them?

Since I studied animation, I've had the idea to perhaps work on a web series starring my original story ocs. For now, I'm content with comics.

95.) Would you prefer unlimited money or unlimited time to make your projects?

If I were to undertake on my animation ideas, money. If I were to continue working on my comics, time.

96.) Why do you create art?

Beacuse I can and I like what can do with that.

97.) Are you happy with what you create?

Yes.

98.) Do you think everyone should make art?

Absolutely.

99.) What's advice you'd give to newer artist?

Don't worry about being prefect. Paying attention to how much you gain traction via social media is the ultimate motivation killer, just as much as comparing yourself to others. It is never too late to start making art.

100.) When did you finish this? How'd you feel?

On 3/22/2025. I feel a bit numb but happy.

February

02/16/2026

It's been two days since Valentine's Day, and it's Aromantic Awareness Week. I originally wanted to talk about those ON Valentine's Day, but I decided to wait a bit. For those who know me well enough, I definitely have thoughts on what Valentine's day means to the internet, the real world, and myself. I've seen people on social media bemoan that somehow they are condemned for caring about love and Valentine's Day, etc. But I can't help but chuckle at that. I also chuckle at the idea that people who despise the holiday, or don't care, are somehow miserable because those people don't have anyone, as if somehow you need to be in a relationship, romantic or not, to be happy. I resent the idea that Valentine's Day can also be about other kinds of love when many advertisements and media portray Valentine's Day in the context of romance. I just don't buy that.

Yes, people who dislike that genre of post can simply ignore it but so can they. Outside the internet, there's already a wide acceptance of valentine's day and the idea of having a holiday for celebrating love in general (even if there's an emphasis on romantic love). Now please understand I have no issue with valentine's day or romantic love (I just think its one of the morr boring holidays in the year). But I resent the idea that must be miserable if I don't enjoy that in any way. I'd say this mindset is amatonormativity but that word includes more than just romantic relationships, amatonormativity includes cisheteronormative & prioritizes monogamous relationships. Amatonormativity also assumes that certain actions like kissing and cuddling, to be romantic and that you are expected to enter into that sort of relationship to recieve affection. But that's not really the subject of this entry.

Instead, I'd raise to you the idea that having a holiday exculsively for showing love to those you care about is absurd, just like how saying that christmas is the time for giving when you can do that any day of the year. What's stopping you from giving your friends, family, and partner(s) flowers and chocolates? What's stopping you from celebrating that love (whatever that may mean to you) at anytime?

I hope all this didn't come off as whiny or resentful but I've want to talk about this for a very long time now and I'm glad I finally did. And apologize for this entry being longer than usual.

02/12/2026

I don't know how I did this, but by some miracle, I did it. I completed two pages of my comic within a month and I don't see signs of stopping (I'm currently working on part 4 of this story). So far this month feels... oddly slow? I've reccieved my proper tax documents and the weather's been warming up a bit, things feel like they're smoothing out, but it is never-ending...

02/03/2026

Yesterday morning, I updated my toontown webcomic and I'm already halfway done with the next one. I basically tweaked the thumbnails for this new page I'm working on and in turn, it broke off into two pages. Looking at a piece of art you've done previously after a long period of time can give you an all perspective and ideas on what you could do instead. I had a handful of those thumbnails already done since 2024(earlier than that, maybe?)

I'm happy with how my comic is progressing, even if I end up updating every month (ocassionally taking months long breaks). It might be asking for a lot, but I wish I could get this stuff done faster but life gets in the way and considering what's been going on this past month (Minneapolis), I have no idea what will happen next... I hope people will come to their senses but that's asking for way too much. People have already proven to me how selfish and heartless they really are...

In other news, I've heard reccently about Adobe discontinuing Adobe Animate which is huge deal for many people I know (who have animated) and industry professionals alike. I can't say much about the program (I use Toonboom Harmony for animation), but I've heard it's easy to learn how to use and just getting rid of a tool or software can really fuck up workflow for many people. Some have suggested that Animate should just become open source since Adobe doesn't want to have anything to do with it anymore. I do think that's a good idea, since there's already Opentoonz which is readily used by hobbyists and professionals alike.

Addendum: It looks Adobe Animate is NOT being discontinued, but rather, they are no longer adding new features and will continue to be available to new and existing customers.

January

01/17/2026

I've had this realization for a while now: that many people seem to want an excuse to bully others. Acceptable targets and all that. I've begun to not trust most people when it comes to that. I also noticed that people fall for the whole "There is a special sort of person is just inherently bad and must condemn themselves and others like them constantly or else they should get brutally punished. If you diagree with me on this, you're either just as bad or one of them. I'm very smart." mindset and it sucks.

Idk what else to add but I don't think this behavior helps anyone at all. I can't help but not listen to anyone who acts like that regardless of what point they're making. That may not be fair and all, but neither is that. I think people overall need to actively stop themselves from falling for that track of thought and/or call it out. I've been avoiding and stopping myself from falling for that for years now.

01/04/2026

A few days ago, I properly introduced my father to the Aquabats. I brought my copy of Finally! to his car's CD player. I'm guessing he hadn't a clue what the Aquabats sounded like but I had a feeling he'd like it. He has a habit of complimenting my taste in music. This means that I managed to get both my parents into the Aquabats!

01/01/2026

Happy new year! Its funny how time passes so fast. Everything moves on so quickly that you can easily get left behind. There doesn't seem to be time for slowing down & taking a breather. Oh well, might as well keep moving foward (because I have no other choice), here's to hoping I do more artwork than ever before. Animation too!