Author: Suzanna

Entry 27: Musical Scales

Hey Crew!

How are you guys? Sorry about earlier in the week. I am feeling a lot better. Some times you just have to feel your feelings. It is ok to cry, to scream, to break something, to feel empty; just don’t stay there. Staying in the darkness only brings more darkness and despair. Find the small flicker of light and move towards it. Even if you have to crawl, try to get there. Know that you are not the only one in the darkness, I get sent there a lot. So just reach out, I’ll help you get through it.

I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel all alone.

Robin Williams

Libra The Scales

Basic Facts about this Sign:

  • Birth dates: September 23 – October 22
  • Element: Air
  • Ruling Planet: Venus
  • Symbol: Scales
  • Flower: Rose
  • Libras have the balancing game on lock. They are romantics at heart. These Signs hate being alone. They are very intelligent and love music.

I think the most challenging part of this piece was figuring out how to depict wind. I am still not sure how I made the translucent wind trail. Magic I tell you! By the way, Venus looks so much like a pearl! So milky and creamy looking. I also forgot to add the stars in until I was about to start editing! I’m a dingus. And the original hiding place for the Scales didn’t actually show up and I just figured it out now… The struggle is real. You also might be wondering about all the texture on the canvas. I haven’t played with acrylics as much as I used to and totally forgot about gessoing the canvas. I was also under the impression that the canvas boards I got were pre-gessoed. Lies I tell you. And gessoing the canvas is an art form all in itself. I like having a textured canvas, so it doesn’t bother me. It makes the piece have a unique character. So I am not going to apologize for it or try to smooth out the gesso more in the future. I know naturally, my technique will get better, but I don’t want to loose the added depth to the piece.

What do you guys think? Do you have any critics for me? I promise I have thick skin for proper and helpful critics. Let me know, ok?

So I guess that wraps ups Libra for the Zodiac Series! I’m going to use this last week of July to get ahead with projects and planning. There are going to be some new things coming starting in August. I hope you guys are ready! Time to change my mind set. I hope to see you all on Monday with an update on a different project. And I don’t think you guys are ready for this. It is too cute! Next Saturday is August 1st. Then only a month until classes start. Things are looking up! Let’s keep this ship sailing with the wind!

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 26: Grey Scale

Hey Crew.

I’m sorry that I didn’t post anything yesterday. I just haven’t been feeling myself again. I am trying really hard to use the tools I have gained to dig me out of my darkness, but everything is still in grey-scale. I am having a hard time focusing on everything. I feel like a picked scab, like I was healing then got itchy and made it bleed again. I am feeling really raw.

It is hard to explain the pain. All I want to do is sleep. I know that is part of my escapism. I am trying my best to get over this hump. Hopefully it only lasts for a couple more days, but I can never put a timeline on my depression.

My thoughts are not making sense at the moment. I don’t know what else to say. So I guess this is it for today. Hopefully I will be seeing you on Saturday. Remember to stay safe and stay sane.

Until Next Time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 25: Long Live the Maiden

Hey Crew!

How is everyone doing? I can’t believe that it is already the middle of July. I feel like I am getting whip-lash with time, like time is either going by dead slow or lighting fast. The struggle is real. Anyways, back to the art!

Virgo the Maiden

Basic Facts about Virgo

  • Birth Dates: August 23 – September 22
  • Ruling Planet: Mercury
  • Element: Earth
  • Symbol: The Maiden
  • Virgos are the logical type. Always thinking and planning ahead. Loyal friends and great people to ask advice from.

So apparently, Mercury is really pretty! It is defiantly worth a second for a Google Image search. I wanted to have Mercury as the focal point. I am also really digging the texture that the sponge adds to the piece. What do you guys think?

Trees. Trees are the freaking worst. I have just accept it as fact. The struggle is real. But I think it came out OK. There are 2 more Earth signs to go after this. More trees or something else? You’ll just have to come back and find out for yourself.

I think I have solved the problem of the constellations. Do you agree? Have you spotted the hidden Maiden? I think I made it a bit trickier this time. 😉

I think that is all for today. I am going to go take a nap. Remember to take care of yourself. If your body is telling you you need a nap, take that nap. Remember to get of food and drink some water. If the weather is nice, head outside for some fresh air and sunshine! Even if it is just for ten minutes. Your mental and physical health comes first. Remember to stay safe and stay sane!

Until Next Time,

Suzanna 🌙

BLM Special: Flower Power

Hey Crew!

Welcome to a Special Post for #BlackoutFridays! Today we are going to be dissecting all the symbolism in my latest #BLM illustration. Before we begin I have a little bit of a disclaimer to give you. I purposely chose everything in this piece. There are some religious context in here for a reason. If you don’t like it, too bad. I am here to push the boundaries and make you feel something. You have been warned. 😘

Here is a little history lesson for you all. Flower Power was coin in the late 1960s and early 1970s during the Vietnam protests. People would be offering flowers to the police and military personal as a peace offering. They refereed the protesters as Flower Children. So I think it is time to bring back #FlowerPower.

Please read up on the history:

My original idea for this illustration was a little bit darker and more centered around death. I guess my mind is in a dark place and I can’t really fault it for that. Every time I look at any of my social media platforms or on TV there is something horrible being uncovered every day. And the feeling of not knowing when the next hit will happen or even when this is all over is driving me into the ground. So, I scratched that idea.

I have been looking at doing more symbolic illustrations lately. I want to make people think and to search for answers. And I thought that the best hidden language is flowers. So here is the deal, I am going to give you the meaning to each flower that is in this piece, but I want you to tell me why I included it in the illustration and how it connects to the #BLM movement. You ready?

Meanings behind the Flowers:

  • Water Lily: (background flower) Purity, rebirth and enlightenment.
  • Lily: Humility, devotion, and restored innocence after death.
  • King Protea: Courage, daring, and transformation.
  • Black-Eyed Susan: Justice, encouragement, and motivation.
  • Balloon Flower: Wiccan Pentagram (protection).
  • Anemone: Protection against evil or ill wishes.

So the Red Crown has 2 meanings. One is it is a spider web collecting rain drops. A spider web is made of the strongest material made (based in size and creature), but it is delicate enough to catch rain drops. The human connection can be the strongest of bonds and delicate enough to heal the wounds. The other meaning to the Crown is connected to The Crown of Christ he wore during his Crucifixion. Unfortunately #POC are being essentially being Crucified. Don’t forget Jesus was a brown, middle eastern Hebrew. I dare you to fight me on that.

As for the blue drip, I am kind of obessed with that effect. Also you can see it as tears.

As for the purple in the lip and in the lashes;

“The color purple is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. Purple also represents meanings of wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom, dignity, grandeur, devotion, peace, pride, mystery, independence, and magic.”

https://www.bourncreative.com/meaning-of-the-color-purple/#:~:text=The%20color%20purple%20is%20often,mystery%2C%20independence%2C%20and%20magic.

Purple also seems to be a running color for me with my #BLM posts. It just really fits with the movement.

So what do you see? How does it make you feel? If I have been able to invoke some sort of response, then I have done my job. And if you want to use this illustration or any of my #BLM illustrations please message me. I’d like to know where and why you are going to use it for. Please also Like, Comment, Share, and Follow for more illustrations and info for the #BLM movement.

Until Next Time,

Suzanna 🌙🌙

PS: Check out my IG for a news update for the #BLM movement.

Entry 24: Commissions are Live!

Hey Crew!

How are you all doing? I hope that things are, sort of, falling in place. I think this is, whatever it is, the new normal. The struggle is real. Anyways, how are you liking the Zodiac Series? I am having a blast with them. Each one has it’s own sets of challenges and pushes me to think outside the box. Which Sign are you most excited to see?

I know you are here for something completely new. I’m excited to announce that COMMISSIONS ARE LIVE! Head over to my Shop to see what is available. I am starting small to help with me trying to figure all of this out. I have never taking formal commissions before so I am mostly nervous about pricing and contracts and all that mumbo-jumbo. This was not covered in my undergraduate studies, so we are learning together. Please stick with me as we traverse these rough waters. I promise it will be worth it.

Here are the basic steps for Commissions:

  • First pick out which type of work you’d like from me
    • Simple
    • Abstract
    • Full Illustration
  • When you go to buy the slot from me (assuming I did it right) we will start the contract process.
    • I’ll email you asking you what it is you are seeking.
    • Then I’ll send you a contract so we both have a piece of mind.
    • According to the timeline we agree upon, we will start the next steps.
      • Roughs
      • Color comps
      • Final
    • Then we will discuss how you would like the piece delivered.
      • Snail Mail
      • Email
Shop

So be warned now, we are going to have a lot of email/video calls to make sure there is strong communication and nothing is lost. It might seem annoying at first, but it is for the best. I am not a mind reader, so I want to make sure that I can see the vision that you are seeing.

Like I said earlier, I am still trying to figure all this stuff out. If you have any tips or tricks, or even a good source of information for me to research, please share. Knowledge is power. Thank you in advanced. Plus I’d like to know if you guys want me to put my original artwork for sale? Would you also like prints to be available? Let me know what you guys want to buy. Things can only go up from here.

So let’s get this show on the road! Things are moving forward faster than I originally thought. This is all crazy! Thank you. You have no idea how much this all means to me. Please stop by on Saturday and meet the next member of the Zodiac family! This Sign is logical based and knows how to use their wings. Here’s to the next adventure!

Until Next Time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 23: The Leader has Arrived

Hey Crew!

Welcome back everyone! How are things? I still can’t believe that it is July. I feel like I have lost 10 years of my life and have no idea where it went. Why did humans have to invent time? Like why did we need to start recording daylight passing and such? I feel like we would be better off not knowing. The dream. Having an existential crisis? Check!

Leo the Lion

Basic Facts about Leo:

  • Birth dates: July 23 – August 22
  • Element: Fire
  • Ruling Planet: The Sun
  • Symbol: The Lion
  • Leos are natural born leaders. They are confident and passionate in their life. They are warmhearted, in love with life, and always up for a good time.

I thought that it would be fun to make the focal point of the piece to be the Sun. I also thought it would be cool to make it look like the actual Sun and how it is on fire. It was a lot of fun working with the make-up sponge. It gave the piece movement and life. It literally looks like it is pulsating. I am still trying to figure out the placement and treatment of the constellation. When I do my roughs it always looks good and well formatted. I am not sure what is going wrong in that respect. I was also having fun with this color shifting paint. As you can see in the video, when I move the piece it has shiny bit sand just adds another level. I love how this turned out!

When I brought the final picture into Photoshop, I normally just make sure it is cropped right and that the colors of the piece shine through like it does in real life, but I kind of got distracted with editing. And I definitely like it better this way. What do you guys think? Did you find the little Lion that is hiding?

This series is so much fun! I’m glad you are with me on this journey. Be sure to come back on Monday for a big announcement! I hope you remember what I said last Monday. Is there a Sign that you guys want to see next week in particular? Or should we stick to the order I have chosen? Let me know what you think! As always, remember to stay safe and to stay sane! See you soon!

Until Next Time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 22: Fun in the Sun

Hey Crew!

Happy Monday! Still living in a weird and chaotic time. Just a healthy reminder, keep up the good fight. Whether it is for the Pandemic or for the #BLM movement or just change in our whole system, keep fighting. Do what you can but don’t stop. We will get through this together and for the betterment of everyone.

Anyway, lets get back to why we are here. I have some updates that you guys should be on the look out for.

Commissions will be up and running by July 13th! I’m super excited! Let’s get pumped!

Your Captain is looking into signing up for some Freelancer sites. So far I am liking Upwork.com and Fiverr.com. Do you guys have a favorite or suggestions to look into?

I am slowly trying to add more projects and other activities on to my plate. I know once school starts in September I am going to be thrown to the wolves if I don’t learn how to schedule my time appropriately. Practice and self motivation is key. I would love it if you guys could help me and keep me in check. Sometime I get sucked down rabbit holes and forget I have stuff to do and then stress about crunch time. Thank you in advance!

I am also working on some other projects. Currently I am working on some character designs as fan art for one of my favorite brands, Tokidoki. I am not contracted nor affiliated with Tokidoki. This project is purely for fun. It has also been helping me build my skills with Adobe Illustration. I love simple vector graphics and style, but I have a hard time trying to created a simple piece of work myself. My brain thinks more detailed the better it is. I’ll be posting more of my designs as I get through them.

This might be some TMI, but I am currently looking for a part time job. I know once I get more commissions and paid projects I might not need one. Don’t worry, your Captain is totally fine. I realized that my last job was just not for me. I am ready to take a chance on my artwork. Let me know if you guys have any suggestions on how to promote myself and get the word out there. Anything helps!

Well, July is looking pretty packed. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. On Saturday, get ready for a new Zodiac painting! I’ll give you a small hint; this Sign is a Natural Leader. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane. If you are bored check out Pirate Games, there is a new challenge every day (if I don’t forget lol). Also check out my IG to see little projects and doodles that don’t make it to my site.

Until Next Time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 21: Look to the Stars

Hey Crew!

How are you guys doing? It feels like every day I wake up and there is more chaos in the world. We are finally in July, but it feels like it has been years. The struggle of 2020. Anyways, it is finally summer! What are you guys looking forward to do this summer? I know most things have been canceled for this summer, so that is a bummer. One of my goals for the summer is to go to the Drive-Ins. I think this is a good time to research your town/city and see what kind of things that is going on. I know living in one place for so long you think you know everything about the place, but trust me you will be surprised. I recommend contacting your local parks and rec offices, they can give you a list of hiking trails, water activities, and local events that are still going on. Also contact your local library, they are a good source of workshops and other activities. Take a drive to a new part of town that you haven’t been to and see what is around. Just some suggestions. Take this time to unplug more and enjoy nature. I also have made a new page called “Pirate Games”. I’ll be posting new activities and things to do together. I am also always open to suggestions as well. Let’s take back the rest of 2020 and kick butt!

A New Series is Here!

I am so excited for this new series! Welcome the Zodiacs into the Crew! Each week I’ll be presenting you a different Sign. The mediums are all going to be acrylic on canvas board. This is going to be a bit of a challenge for me because I tend to work in watercolor or markers. I hope you are ready!

We are starting off strong with Cancer. Little known fact, your Captain falls under the Cancer Sign.

Here are some basic facts about Cancer:

  • Birth dates for Cancer: June 21 – July 21
  • Element: Water
  • Ruling Planet: The Moon
  • Symbol: The Crab
  • Just like the crab, a Cancer has a tough exterior, but is super soft on the inside. This Sign is the “mothering and nurturing” Sign. Just like the tides, your mood rises and falls with the Moon. But these are just basic traits for Cancer. There is always more than meets the eye.

When I was starting this piece I was a little nervous it wasn’t going to come out the way that I wanted. I haven’t played with acrylic for a while and kind of forgot how things worked. At the same time it was freeing not knowing how things were going to work out. As you could see I was using a make-up sponge wedge to add some texture and dimension. I just ripped up the flat end of the sponge to give it some depth and texture. It gave it some unpredictability and a really nice surprise.

One thing that is going to change in the future pieces is the Constellation. I think making it more subtle and smaller will help with the balance of the composition. I am excited to see how the other Signs are going to turn out! I hope you are too. By the way, I hid a Crab within the painting, did you find it?

What are your thoughts on the new series? I hope this gives you something to look forward to for the next 12 weeks. I know this is helping me to stay in the present day. I hope you stop by on Monday for a chat about what things are going to looking like for us in July. I promise it’ll be better than it sounds like right now. This is our time, let’s make it count!

Until Next Time,

Captain Suzanna 🌙

Entry 20: Where to Next Captain?

Hey Crew!

How’s you all doing? We have made it to the end of June 2020. Well, barely for some of us. And so far, July is just going to be another steal toed boat to the groan. So, let’s take a collective deep breathe. Something is going to give, but we don’t know what/when it is going to do/happen. One step at a time. Just one step at a time.

How did you guys like the Quarantine Challenge Project series? Which piece was your favorite? Just in case you missed it, I put all the QCP pieces together in one place. I know I have grown so much just because of this self imposed challenge. I hope that you have enjoyed the progress and process too.

QCP Gallery

Update about Present Day Life

Things are still in limbo for me right now. I’m still furloughed from my job at the dental office for who knows how long. They sure the hell don’t know. Plus I am scared to go back there honestly. The dental field has the highest chance of exposure to COVID-19. I know I can’t afford to get the virus. I know I’d survive it cause I am young and don’t have any underlying illnesses, but I can’t got into $500,000 medical debt. So I have been debating whether or not I should go and get a new job.

ProsCons
Less of a chance to get COVID-19Wasted 7 months worth of training and time
Get a part time job so more time for schoolPossible chance of loosing newly made friends
Don’t have to stress about effecting someone’s health
Can start going back to work sooner
Able to travel more freely
Able to manage time better

On paper, it seems to be a no brainer. Guilt is an unforgivable vixen. I feel so bad just for thinking about it. But maybe it isn’t something for me. I don’t know what to thing anymore. What would you do?

New Plans in the Works

YouTube Channel:

I am still going to be filming my pieces and working on expanding my content. My plan is to get 100 subscribers and then start doing voice overs. Maybe by then my shyness won’t get the better of me. Hahaha… I am still learning editing and film making techniques. It is defiantly a learning curve. Every one makes it seem so easy. The struggles.

Patreon:

Once I get around 100 followers I plan on opening a Patreon. I still need to do some research about everything that is involved with this platform.

Opening Commissions:

I have to come up with some guidelines for what I will do, how much it’ll cost, how to get the finish product to the client, and how many I can do at once. So it is going to be a touch and go once it gets launched. Thank you for your understanding and patient before hand. I have to figure it out how to create a system for commissions on my website. However, I should be able to get it up and running in like the next 2 weeks. So keep an eye out for it.

Online Store:

Yes, I am going to be opening a online store here. I still have a lot to learn about how it all works, but it will be coming. But I need to get some equipment to do what I need so I can do everything myself. I am a bit of a control freak, so I am not sure if I want to outsource any where. Maybe once I get like people asking for simple merch that I can’t produce myself, I’ll look into working with a merch company. But only if I get tons of requests for it. I am hoping to have a store up and running by the end of the year, or sooner. So get ready for things to get real.

Things are really picking up, aren’t they? So many new plans are in the works! I honestly never thought I would get to this point, so thank you. We can only go up from here! On Saturday you are in for a surprise! The first piece of a 12 piece series will be up. I am super pumped for this! This has been a series that I have been meaning to do for a long time. It is time to start looking at the stars.

Until Next Time,

Captain Suzanna🌙

Entry 19: A Little Bit of Fairy Dust

Hey Crew!

A new day starts a new path. How is everyone doing since we last talked? I know my last post was heavier than what I normally write, but I hope I was able to connect more with you guys. If there are any lingering questions, please ask. I wish I was a mind-reader, but alas I am not. I hope that you guys are remembering to take care of your self as well. July is upon us and things feel like they are just getting started for 2020. I don’t know about you, but I think crying in a corner sounds like the perfect activity for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, life must go on. We can do this. We can get through this together. I’m not going anywhere and I have a lot of things planned to give all of us little eyes of the storms. So stick around, things are just getting started.

The Final Chapter of Quarantine Challenge Projects

So this is it, this is the final piece in this series. I honestly never thought that I’d have all 14 projects done so soon. Although, my original idea was to do a project a day, you know, things happen. Hahaha… And I thought we could end this series on a high note.

Meet Tinkerbell. I drew this piece back in 2010 while I was still in high school. That was 10 years ago. Why did humans have to start keeping track of time? Probably one of the worse inventions ever. Anyways, I was super proud of this piece. I thought I rocked the expression, the proportions, and the shading. I am at a loss for words about how naive I was. The struggle is real. So I realized that I needed to just start over.

I thought I would keep the position Tink is in somewhat. I also really wanted to be sneaky and throw in some fun symbolism. So the flower that I choose is a Crocus. Crocus is linked with cheerfulness, youth, and hope after darkness. Tink is and of herself is a symbol of childlike innocence. And I wanted to make it look like she is enjoying the night with her PJs and bedhead hair. I also wanted to play around with my dip-pen and ink. I used to love inking my pieces with my dip-pen, but after I was introduced to high-quality markers, I kind of forgot all about it.

Mistakes were Made

I am not sure what happened when I started my final piece. As you could see in my video, something went horribly wrong in the head area. Then I just thought that it might be OK if I just push through and finish it everything would turn out OK. Boy was I wrong. I wanted to keep this in the final cut of the video to humble myself. Things were going so smoothly I thought it was only up for now on. But even the greatest people make simple mistakes. #FailureisOK2

I started over. And I am so glad that I did. It came out so much better than I thought it would. I know there are some ink smudges, but they don’t bother me anymore. I hope I made you smile even just a little with this piece. I know I had a lot of fun with it. I can’t wait for the next adventure with you!

And that my friends is the end of this series. I hope you guys enjoyed this journey as much as I did! It is kind of bittersweet, don’t you think? I am so glad that I found myself again. Thank you for following me. This is not the end. I have so many more ideas and things in the works that you shouldn’t go anywhere. On Monday, we will be talking more in-depth about the future and what is going to come. Are you ready to take it to the next level? ‘Cause I am! Remember to take care of yourself. Stay safe and stay sane.

Until Next Time,

Captain Suzanna 🌙⭐