Fairies in British traditions, and many others, are often compared to butterflies, moths and other small winged insects. This is my rendition of a fairy that is inspired by butterflies. There is no specific species in mind, I just used the shapes of butterfly wings in general to create this character. I also really love the free butterfly stamp I found online for Procreate!
Happy 2023, and welcome back to another semester of Industrious Illustrating! While I’ve been busy with a lot of things these past few weeks that hit me one after the other, I did at least find the time to cobble together a 2022 art summary showing off some of my favorite works from last year by month. In 2023 I’m hoping to further strengthen and diversify my illustrative skills, while also putting more work into projects such as “Flamechaser” and tabling at more conventions.
In terms of what I’ve been drawing lately, I’ve been trying to get back into the flow of freely sketching, as I haven’t been working in my sketchbook as much as I used to. Here’s a few sketches I made recently from life and from photographs I took in Portugal:
See all of you again next week, hopefully when I have more to show for artistic output!
First post of the Winter Semester everyone! Here’s Tove, she’s a side character in my story. She starts off as an office worker before becoming an employee in a magical casino. This is mostly her casino outfit. I tried to make her vest fancy, but also easy to draw. I liked how I gave her black bell bottoms because it made her silhouette interesting. I tried to pose her in ways that showed her cheeky personality.
Here’s an earlier Tove piece I did under the readmore.
Royal sobriquets are a particular difficulty to translate from Zheren, the language of Tokavsk. This is because affixes are used in place of adjectives. Some Zheren affixes have the same function as do adjectives in that they describe a noun; however, they become part of the noun itself when used. For instance, the nickname of the current King of Tokavsk is commonly translated as “iron-blooded.” This is an approximation. In Zheren, it is written as Astergyevektarany—literally, “King/Leader named Stergye whose blood has the quality of iron.” Here, the affix “a” denotes a leadership position, in this case the King. “Vek” means blood; it acts as an affix, though the addition of “tarany” complicates its function. Because “taran,” iron, has its own affix of “y,” the word functions as an adjective. (“Y” at the end of nouns means “having the quality of,” which converts them into adjectives.) Furthermore, the placement of “vek” immediately before indicates that the blood is being described.
The reason for including such a lengthy explanation is to illustrate the intricacy of Tokavskan titles and sobriquets. It is worth noting that such lengthy results are uncommon. Affixes can multiply rapidly, hence the inclusion of adjectives in Zheren grammar. Typically, only one or two affixes are needed to get the point across. Royal sobriquets are an exception. It seems to be that because kings are held in such high regard, their sobriquets tend to be long.
However, even Tokavskan sobriquets have exceptions—exceptions to exceptions, if you will. In the letter previous, “Short May He Reign” was written out in full. The author made a pun on a phrase imported from regions to the south. As it was recently brought into the Zheren lexicon, it is not subjected to the affix system.
January
The five of cups advises to let go of disappointments from the previous year. They are still felt tickling the bottoms of feet like dirt one can’t wait to wash off. The year won’t be truly new unless those regrets are washed off.
February
The nine of pentacles suggests that by now there is comfort in the new year. One may feel accomplished for pushing through and they find a reason to reward themselves. Perhaps some dining dollar funds have reset and there is a need to indulge. Just be weary not to overindulge.
March
The six of cups. 2 months passed since many may have been at home. Luckily spring break approaches to appease nostalgia. Soon love may be re-shared with close ones.
April
The day almost ends above the queen of swords’ head, much like the end of the semester approaches. Ready to toil for finals, or maybe prepare for a new life ahead.
May
The five of swords. Were there defeats in the past semester? Did plans fall apart? One may be trapped in a pre-summer prison wondering where everything went wrong.
June
For those with new jobs, the king of swords suggests that they fortitude themselves with a clearer conscience. Now is the time to find clarity and wield newly earned intellect.
July
The four of wands. Either one has grown accustomed to their new life or has taken comfort within their old one. Either way, they are content with the progression of the year.
August
Five of wands. Do tensions rise in the August heat? Those still in school must return to it, and they may find themselves in a new sphere. But what good will this new community bring?
September
The hanged man suggests uncertainty. At any time the rope may snap and one may plummet. Or there may be someone nice enough to pull them up. Treat September like a fun gamble.
October
The nine of wands demonstrate persistence. The days are getting darker, but they should not be upset. One must use the tools around them to their benefit.
November
The Hermit advises wisdom while approaching the end. Do not be rash so as not to close on a bad note.
December
Strength is needed in the chaos of the conclusion. Do not get lost in a storm. Now is the time to put an end to any demons. This time, walk into the new year with clean feet, scarce of dirt.
Obviously, these cards have no sway over the future, but it is still nice to imagine and guess the lessons we can take from them into each month.
Happy new year!
Lyrics from “Lessons” by Mxmtoon. These panels were inspired by my drive back to campus at the end of winter break. Excited to start this next semester!
