You owe it to yourself to create something. (Also to share it)

[Akumatica]

A piece I finished last night that took 25 hours. Samus fighting Metroid Koi fish.
-The beads are morph balls.
-The Magatama is modeled after the 1st Metroid Prime logo.
-The graphic on her Happi is the Chozo artifacts.
Here's a gallery with more of my Metroid fan art- https://www.deviantart.com/neal-akuma/gallery/68808802/Metroid

 

[Loxley]

I've mentioned my business a couple of times in the past on Era but what the heck - I run a non-profit organization called "You Are the Hero". In a nutshell I illustrate superhero portraits for kids living chronic or severe illnesses. I ask the kids "If you could be any superhero, what would it be?" - from the costume, superpowers, and their superhero name, it all comes from their imaginations :) The finished illustration is provided to them and their families free of charge.

Website link: youarethehero.org
I post a new superhero every week on our Facebook page as well :)

The ultimate goal of these illustrations is to inspire and empower these kids. Well, I say "kids", but I create superheroes for teens and young adults as well. Over the last four years I've illustrated nearly 150 young folks, ages ranging from 20 years old to just a few months. And all with chronic conditions ranging from asthma and diabetes to cerebral palsy and various types of cancer.

Here are some heroes I've done in the past (you can see all of them on the website and Facebook pages):


Anne-Marie - diagnosed with Ataxia-pancytopenia syndrome with SAMD9L mutations, which is a genetic syndrome affecting the brain - causing balance issues and development delays. It also causes her bone marrow to stop working for weeks after she gets sick from a virus, which causes her to be dependent on blood transfusions.

Bryson - born with Spina Bifida, a rare birth defect that causes the spinal cord to develop improperly. This most often causes walking and mobility problems.

Tess - diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as well as Down syndrome.

Jayden - diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye) and had to have his right eye removed.

 

[Izzard]

I used to draw a lot. Loved it too. I'd draw anything for anyone. As I got older though, I stopped.

I still make things though. I like models, specifically Star Wars ones. Love to do the painting, I do. It's very therapeutic for me.

 

[TheCthultist]

Continuously being just floored by the quality of what I'm seeing in here. Out of curiosity to those posting, how did you discover your fondness for whatever medium it is you use? I've heard all sorts of reasons for people to get into art, music, or writing in the past, but I kind of want to hear how it went down for folks in here.

Also here's today's comic. Going to try to make this a daily exercise and see how long I can keep it going for.

 

[Ashlette]

Can someone please revert me back to my oblivious self, who drew a lot because they thought they were good at drawing?

Seriously though, I draw, I guess. Used to be far more active than now. But I no longer have the mental fortitude to spend 10+ hours on a picture. If a better artist can give me that brain juice that'd be great.

 

[WyLD iNk]

I did that once. Then someone ripped it all away from me. Never again.

 

[rjinaz]

I dug out a trail on a mountain and laid rocks. Took a week. Tons of people now use it. Feels good to contribute to something social like that.

 

[Fat4all]

 

[infinitebento]

I make edible things

 

[Drain You]

I've been building this model for forever. I also really want to take up photography.

 

[Fireblend]

I made garlic naans yesterday for the first time and I was super proud of myself but contrary to the spirit of this thread, I didn't share them. Zero regrets.

More seriously though, I enjoy coding things. Sometimes small games which I host on my website, sometimes web apps, sometimes scripts (like the one I built for this site's mafia community) and I also write about coding from time to time.

Oh, I've also taken up perler beads lately. Done some cool stuff :D it's a fun way to spend my time at least.

 

[cheese toast]

I've mentioned my business a couple of times in the past on Era but what the heck - I run a non-profit organization called "You Are the Hero". In a nutshell I illustrate superhero portraits for kids living chronic or severe illnesses. I ask the kids "If you could be any superhero, what would it be?" - from the costume, superpowers, and their superhero name, it all comes from their imaginations :) The finished illustration is provided to them and their families free of charge.

Website link: youarethehero.org
I post a new superhero every week on our Facebook page as well :)

The ultimate goal of these illustrations is to inspire and empower these kids. Well, I say "kids", but I create superheroes for teens and young adults as well. Over the last four years I've illustrated nearly 150 young folks, ages ranging from 20 years old to just a few months. And all with chronic conditions ranging from asthma and diabetes to cerebral palsy and various types of cancer.

Click to shrink...

What a fantastic thing you're doing. BRB, going out to buy a hat so I can put it on and take it off to you. Really great work.

 

[PyroPaperPlanes]

I have some piano arrangements of video game songs. They're unfortunately stuck on Audiomack.com as my SSD partition became corrupt and my family's backup drive didn't seem to backup my computer for some reason. If you'd like to check them out, you can find them here:

https://audiomack.com/album/chrisfoss/christopher-foss-piano-works

Song List:

Tomb Raider
Metroid Prime - Phendrana Drifts [I'm really proud of this one]
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Windmill Hills
Jet Force Gemini - Water Ruin
Silent Hill 2 - Theme of Laura (Reprise)

I genuinely think they're pretty good. I even contemplating uploading these to music sites such as Spotify and iTunes Music. However, I'd either have to upload them as lossy MP3 files (downloaded via a browser extension), figure out how to recover the corrupt partition, or start the projects from scratch. It would mean a lot if someone here gives them a listen though.

 

[Hark]

Ty for this thread. I was feeling pretty demotivated after the last small vid I made two weeks ago didn't turn out the way I wanted it (I didn't share it anywhere, just self-critical). After seeing so many people posting great things in here I thought I'd get back into it.

Filmed this on Sunday as part of further camera tests and stitched it together tonight. Just a fun little music vid detailing our cooking experience.

 

[Pixel Grotto]

Since 2013, I've been blogging about videogames and tabletop stuff. Also run a lot of D&D campaigns, some of which I've recorded and put on my mostly empty YouTube channel!

I run a pretty successful Batman fan account on Instagram in my spare time.

Also been working on a book for roughly the last five years. The main draft is done, I just gotta read through it and publish!

 

[AcridMeat]

So much awesome stuff in here, keep it up everyone (and anyone seeing this now feeling motivated).

I've got the perennial issue of taking up hobbies and dropping them. Did photography for years, but haven't felt the itch to get back into it ever since I didn't have easy access to a development lab. Did podcasting for a while, and love editing, but that fell away. Did radio DJing for a bit in college, but work life doesn't allow that schedule anymore.

Next up I really want to learn the bass, and potentially keys/piano. Also dive into finally making electronic music.

 

[pixelation]

Cool thread, will cook something up.

 

[pixelation]

Quick try.

 

[Deleted member 48813]

I'm not really an artist, but I did this drawing the other day (literally took all day to make) as a college assignment that I'm rather proud of. I study game design, but there were some drawing classes we had to do, so I had no choice but to learn how to draw somewhat decently:

She accidentally ended up looking too much like Jade from Beyond Good and Evil though =P

 

[TheCthultist]

I've been building this model for forever. I also really want to take up photography.

Click to shrink...

Seeing this just reminded me I have a half-finished Metal Gear Ray sitting on a tray in my basement that's been waiting to have it's added on for the better part of three years now... might have to get around to that later this summer at some point.

In the meantime, here's today's attempt:

 

[Ovaryactor]

I used to draw a lot. Loved it too. I'd draw anything for anyone. As I got older though, I stopped.

Click to shrink...

That's mind blowing. Please continue to draw!

 

[Izzard]

That's mind blowing. Please continue to draw!

Click to shrink...

I wish I could, but my eyesight is terrible nowadays. Thanks though.

 

[denx]

Behold

 

[Ovaryactor]

I wish I could, but my eyesight is terrible nowadays. Thanks though.

Click to shrink...

Mm, same thing is happening to my SO, who is also an amazing artist, but at the very least your level of fastidious detail carries over to the modeling too.

 

[Izzard]

Mm, same thing is happening to my SO, who is also an amazing artist, but at the very least your level of fastidious detail carries over to the modeling too.

Click to shrink...

I do the modelling now and then to save my eyes. Hopefully your SO doesn't suffer to badly in future.

 

[Hawkster]

Last year, I finished writing three scifi original short stories:

Ranger

Strange Acquaintance

A Daring Rescue

They're not the most sophisticated in terms of writing, but I wrote them in hopes to lay out the foundations of the setting I'm trying to establish

 

[Buddy1103]

seeing all these great works from people makes me happy. i wish i could create the story i have in my head but unfortunate circumstances are preventing me. keep up the good work everyone!

 

[dragonchild]

Shit, man, never mind. I know it's not a competition but the stuff I'm doing compared to all this, I might as well take up thumb-twiddling as a serious hobby.

 

[Coricus]

Shit, man, never mind. I know it's not a competition but the stuff I'm doing compared to all this, I might as well take up thumb-twiddling as a serious hobby.

Click to shrink...

I know seeing all the countless people that are better at art or whatever else than we'll ever be, it's kind of inadvertently crushing in it's own way. There's always that overpowering feeling of "If everyone else is THIS good, then why should I ever share anything I do? I'll just embarrass myself." People working for charity to cheer up ill children and creating freaking photorealism, how can anyone feel like they're worth anything after that?

But that exact feeling is why the OP made this thread, why OP keeps sharing. It's why I've pushed myself to keep making and enjoying making art despite feeling like I'm the scum of the earth for just not being good enough. Because that feeling isn't fair, not to ourselves, and definitely not to other freaking people.

So just punt whatever you can at the wall and see what sticks. And by the wall I mean this thread, or if not here then at least some online community you feel more comfortable around. Don't worry about the people making stuff that puts the Louvre to shame, just share you. And if anyone looks down on you for that, then well, they're kind of an asshole.

Behold

Click to shrink...

Look at the Mudkip. The Mudkip is rooting for you.

 

[Gifmaker]

I make GIFs.

And bows.

Figured that Bowmaker wouldn't be a username too fitting for around here, though.

 

[dragonchild]

Figured that Bowmaker wouldn't be a username too fitting for around here, though.

Click to shrink...

/ This admittedly makes assumptions about your gender

 

[zyvorg]

So I did photography for a few years but ultimately gave up because I would spend hours editing a single picture for it to have 3 views in Flickr, there is too much stuff out there, the bar is so high.

I think maybe I should get more into actually printing them so at least I can see them around the house.

 

[MrCow]

i do some digital drawing (mostly at my lunch break at work)

Click to shrink...

i also learned to create 3D renders in blender

Click to shrink...

and most of my free time at home is spend on Dreams (PS4 Game) now...



i'm currently working on a snowball fighting game where you fight waves of evil christmas creatures. in dreams you can really do anything sculpting, lighting, animation, level design, sounds etc. it's a great creative output that makes me so happy somehow! everything in this video was made by me.

 

[zulux21]

seeing all these great works from people makes me happy. i wish i could create the story i have in my head but unfortunate circumstances are preventing me. keep up the good work everyone!

Click to shrink...

I don't know what your circumstances are but at the very least you found the time to write this.
if you take take a minute each day jotting down your thoughts, eventually writing a scene one sentence a day it will eventually get done.

Shit, man, never mind. I know it's not a competition but the stuff I'm doing compared to all this, I might as well take up thumb-twiddling as a serious hobby.

Click to shrink...

you have to keep in mind with a thread like this you are looking at finished products people are willing to share.
for every really good one you see that person likely has thousands if not millions of things they created over the years that helped pave the way to being able to create the finish product you see.

especially if that something is writing, as most good stories are born from multiple drafts and editing over and over and over and over again.

 

[AcridMeat]

I did recently take this picture on a trip, very relevant here.

 

[TheCthultist]

Shit, man, never mind. I know it's not a competition but the stuff I'm doing compared to all this, I might as well take up thumb-twiddling as a serious hobby.

Click to shrink...

Ah, no, come on. That totally defeats the purpose of this. The whole idea is that, regardless of how far along you are with a thing or how compelling you may or may not think it is, to just put it out there and let people see what you like making. Hell, my stuff's on par with something a third grader could come up with (which I can say from expereince as I've worked with a bunch of them who have made things of this quality and higher). Give it a shot!

Also to add on to this, the medium makes less difference than anything else. Writing, drawing, painting, scripting, modeling, making music, whatever. Hell, some of my favorite creations are the things I make in character creators. Soul Calibur has been my canvas of choice for quite a while now, and 5 gave me a chance to really show off some of them online.

We had an entire thread of them for a while after launch, but that's basically dead now. Here are some of my favorites:

Spoiler

Monika from Doki Doki Literature Club


Bleden Mark from Tyranny


Magnus the Red


And The Bullet from Enter the Gungeon

 

[Buddy1103]

I don't know what your circumstances are but at the very least you found the time to write this.
if you take take a minute each day jotting down your thoughts, eventually writing a scene one sentence a day it will eventually get done.

Click to shrink...

it's health issues. I'm definitely not a writer but i wanted to tell a story through illustrations with few words. maybe someday. in the meantime i like seeing what people create because of how personal it can be.

 

[TheCthultist]

it's health issues. I'm definitely not a writer but i wanted to tell a story through illustrations with few words. maybe someday. in the meantime i like seeing what people create because of how personal it can be.

Click to shrink...

Sorry to hear that, but really glad you're enjoying everything people are posting here at least. Seriously consider the whole writing a sentence or two each day idea. That or recording yourself just riffing some ideas at the wall. It helps to have it all saved somewhere, either written down or in audio form, to come back to later.

We had an entire thread of them for a while after launch, but that's basically dead now. Here are some of my favorites:

Spoiler

Monika from Doki Doki Literature Club

Click to shrink...

This one goes along with the Monika one from the previous post...

 

[Boddy]

Better not, I'm pretty Talentless and trying to create something just frustrates me.

 

[MegaBeefBowl]

Why can't I pull in Imgur links? It's just giving me an error. Raaahhh!

 

[Kitsunelaine]

Attention resteera! I've got something really cool to share!

*Ahem*

Now that I've got your attention, I'm working on a new EP right now. Have a sneek peak at an incomplete(!) track: https://picosong.com/wN2am/

Well, okay. These are the first TWO tracks of my next EP, but they're meant to meld together so it didn't feel right just to show you all just the second one.

These are UNMASTERED, so turn your headphones up(!!!!!!)

For fans of... I guess, rock and symphonic metal?

 

[Loona]

I'm old enough to have dealt with VHS to try and record Saturday morning cartoons to watch later, and back then I liked this silly exercise of, when the recording covered commercials, aiming to pause it at a moment, like something being thrown, which I could resume at a different moment of another commercial, like when something fell down or hit something else.

I guess that a bit of an early taste of the charm of video editing, but it's something I only managed to start dabbling with more in recent years, but I want to do more of it.

I also have the tendency to make these kind detailed replies about things I care about in other people's threads online, but I guess that way fewer people see them - on one hand I'm not always that comfortable brining attention to myself even online, so this kinda suits me, but sometimes I'm kinda proud of those writings and wonder if I should make standalone works from them, and see what comes of it - while folks here have mentioned their plans for stories and whatnot, I guess I have more of a leaning toward "insight porn" about existing works.

I'm trying to take some baby steps toward merging both the video editing and writing tendencies into video essay projects - recently I published an unscripted video of me talking about a game I care about, if nothing else to break some inertia and maybe help me get over issues of putting my voice out there, and some responses were positive, so perhaps that's a blade worth sharpening further...

 

[Tennis]

That first post really resonated with me. Although I work as a graphic designer I've always been really shy about publishing my own work and drawings online. I used to draw a lot wen I was in my early 20s but then something happened and I simply stopped. For the last ten or so years I've actively avoided drawing and publishing my own personal work but recently decided that this needs to change.

I'm also really drawn into these short 3-to-4 panel comics, mainly because they are fairly quick to draw but also easy to consume when you're scrolling through your twitter or instagram feed. I really hope and think I can commit to publishing one these little comics every week even though I have a full-time job.

I had completely forgotten how much more happy and inspired I feel when I draw. However, I have no clue on how would people find my art. I'm sure hashtags work wonders and posting on this thread is a start I guess. Do any of you have any tips on self-publishing your art/comics online?

Anyways, here's a first for me, I really would appreciate any feedback!

edit: Published another one to get things rolling. There's also a link to my twitter for those interested.

 

[Buddy1103]

Sorry to hear that, but really glad you're enjoying everything people are posting here at least. Seriously consider the whole writing a sentence or two each day idea. That or recording yourself just riffing some ideas at the wall. It helps to have it all saved somewhere, either written down or in audio form, to come back to later.

Click to shrink...

this sounds good i'll definitely try that thanks.

 

[Ashlette]

That first post really resonated with me. Although I work as a graphic designer I've always been really shy about publishing my own work and drawings online. I used to draw a lot wen I was in my early 20s but then something happened and I simply stopped. For the last ten or so years I've actively avoided drawing and publishing my own personal work but recently decided that this needs to change.

I'm also really drawn into these short 3-to-4 panel comics, mainly because they are fairly quick to draw but also easy to consume when you're scrolling through your twitter or instagram feed. I really hope and think I can commit to publishing one these little comics every week even though I have a full-time job.

I had completely forgotten how much more happy and inspired I feel when I draw. However, I have no clue on how would people find my art. I'm sure hashtags work wonders and posting on this thread is a start I guess. Do any of you have any tips on self-publishing your art/comics online?

Anyways, here's a first for me, I really would appreciate any feedback!

edit: Published another one to get things rolling. There's also a link to my twitter for those interested.

Click to shrink...

Not sure if you intended to follow the 4koma format, but the structure of one goes like this:

• Ki (起): The first panel forms the basis of the story; it sets the scene.
• Shō (承): The second panel develops upon the foundation of the story laid down in the first panel.
• Ten (転): The third panel is the climax, in which an unforeseen development occurs.
• Ketsu (結): The fourth panel is the conclusion, in which the effects of the third panel are seen.

(source: Wikipedia)

The first panel is missing key elements that are needed to set up the joke. Currently it's just an apple standing in place, with nothing to hint that something could go wrong. This can be fixed by having it say "I'm glad to be alone" or something similar. Always frame a comic such that readers anticipate a joke from the very first pic.

Panel two should not have the unforeseen development (a currently "unknown" entity carving a hole out of the apple). Instead it should build upon the first one. Maybe have the apple comment about the lack of fruits nearby.

The third panel is fine. It says everything that needs to be said. But it's so well fitting that it makes the second panel redundant and thus unnecessary.

Last panel is also fine. But it's currently too samey compared to the other panels. This can be fixed by drawing the apple in a different perspective.

Hope this helps.

 

[Tennis]

Not sure if you intended to follow the 4koma format, but the structure of one goes like this:

• Ki (起): The first panel forms the basis of the story; it sets the scene.
• Shō (承): The second panel develops upon the foundation of the story laid down in the first panel.
• Ten (転): The third panel is the climax, in which an unforeseen development occurs.
• Ketsu (結): The fourth panel is the conclusion, in which the effects of the third panel are seen.

(source: Wikipedia)

The first panel is missing key elements that are needed to set up the joke. Currently it's just an apple standing in place, with nothing to hint that something could go wrong. This can be fixed by having it say "I'm glad to be alone" or something similar. Always frame a comic such that readers anticipate a joke from the very first pic.

Panel two should not have the unforeseen development (a currently "unknown" entity carving a hole out of the apple). Instead it should build upon the first one. Maybe have the apple comment about the lack of fruits nearby.

The third panel is fine. It says everything that needs to be said. But it's so well fitting that it makes the second panel redundant and thus unnecessary.

Last panel is also fine. But it's currently too samey compared to the other panels. This can be fixed by drawing the apple in a different perspective.

Hope this helps.

Click to shrink...

Thanks for the feedback. I was not aware of 4koma format, I will read that wikipedia article later today. I do agree that the first panel would be better with a speech bubble similar to what you suggested. I tried to use the title of the comic as a substitute set-up but I guess it doesn't quite work the same way. What I drew is a really minimalist comic that serves maybe more as a style exercise for the future rather a fully realised product.

I also drew this recently. I guess it's closer to that 4koma structure.

 

[weemadarthur]

while folks here have mentioned their plans for stories and whatnot, I guess I have more of a leaning toward "insight porn" about existing works.

Click to shrink...

Anyone whose works are on the critique side are also very welcome in the creative writing challenges. Reading the submitted stories and submitting feedback is one of the harder parts for regular writers there, after they put a bunch of time into writing in the first place! Jump in if you like.

 

[TheCthultist]

Attention resteera! I've got something really cool to share!

*Ahem*

Now that I've got your attention, I'm working on a new EP right now. Have a sneek peak at an incomplete(!) track: https://picosong.com/wN2am/

Well, okay. These are the first TWO tracks of my next EP, but they're meant to meld together so it didn't feel right just to show you all just the second one.

These are UNMASTERED, so turn your headphones up(!!!!!!)

For fans of... I guess, rock and symphonic metal?

Click to shrink...

That came out really well as a single song, even if it was meant to be two. How many are you looking to make in all?

 

[Kitsunelaine]

That came out really well as a single song, even if it was meant to be two. How many are you looking to make in all?

Click to shrink...

I have 7 other demos I'm toying around with!

 

[ODD]

I've mentioned my business a couple of times in the past on Era but what the heck - I run a non-profit organization called "You Are the Hero". In a nutshell I illustrate superhero portraits for kids living chronic or severe illnesses. I ask the kids "If you could be any superhero, what would it be?" - from the costume, superpowers, and their superhero name, it all comes from their imaginations :) The finished illustration is provided to them and their families free of charge.

Website link: youarethehero.org
I post a new superhero every week on our Facebook page as well :)

The ultimate goal of these illustrations is to inspire and empower these kids. Well, I say "kids", but I create superheroes for teens and young adults as well. Over the last four years I've illustrated nearly 150 young folks, ages ranging from 20 years old to just a few months. And all with chronic conditions ranging from asthma and diabetes to cerebral palsy and various types of cancer.

Here are some heroes I've done in the past (you can see all of them on the website and Facebook pages):


Anne-Marie - diagnosed with Ataxia-pancytopenia syndrome with SAMD9L mutations, which is a genetic syndrome affecting the brain - causing balance issues and development delays. It also causes her bone marrow to stop working for weeks after she gets sick from a virus, which causes her to be dependent on blood transfusions.

Bryson - born with Spina Bifida, a rare birth defect that causes the spinal cord to develop improperly. This most often causes walking and mobility problems.

Tess - diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as well as Down syndrome.

Jayden - diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye) and had to have his right eye removed.

Click to shrink...

YOU'RE breathtaking!