I like pandas.

I only drink when I’m in a good mood.

I hadn’t worked on anything since that Halloween collab, so here’s a quick Applejack. This is pretty much how I feel right now, though not for the reasons everyone probably suspects.

Just been a rough week in general, on top of the generally rough past couple of months. Been hard to get a decent night’s rest now, for several reasons. Seems to be going around…

When I’m tired like this, it makes me introspective. You know, “why am I doing this again?” At least I can say with certainty that I draw because I love drawing. I love creating. I love art, and telling stories with my art.

And not just drawing, but cooking, acting, singing; creating makes me happy, especially when others enjoy it too. Nothing makes me happier than using my talent to make others happy. But when you have to use your talent just to survive, it sucks the joy out of it. There’s a difference between doing something you love for a living, and doing something you love to stay alive. I’m not sure where the line is, though I reckon it has to do with not worrying about where your next meal is coming from.

I’m always open for commissions, because I enjoy doing them. Not because of the money they bring me, but because they allow me to grow as an artist. And also because someone out there likes what I do enough to actually want to compensate me for my time and skill. That’s a really awesome feeling. But when I literally have to do them just to be able to buy groceries, or keep my lights on, or pay for medication, it saps all my motivation. I’m not sure what the solution is.

I see other artists going through rough patches, and I want to be able to say something encouraging, but frankly I’m having a hard time coming up with something that doesn’t sound like bull to myself. This isn’t depression speaking, just to clarify, just frustration. It stings a bit when you’ve been turned down by even retail and fast food. Though I suppose I could count that as a blessing, I’m too damn old to work behind a register. :P And it’s still a bit too quiet without Suzy around. At least I finally have reliable transportation again, so there’s that. (Can’t thank my family enough.) 

Anyway, I think I’ll end this prattle here. To the 3 or 4 people that actually read this far, thanks for listening. I’ll try to sort my shit out.

flutterluv:

What if the Mane 6 wore costumes that you would never expect them to wear on Nightmare Night?

Princess Applejack

It’s not THAT far of a leap from Peach to Apple, right?

ncmares:

I’ve never worn a scarf but I am told that they are fine articles of clothing. Things are finally cooling down over here, and the evenings especially are just beautiful. :)

‘tis the season, y’all.

It’s that time of year again: Equestria Daily’s Artist Training Grounds!

Today’s subject was ponies standing/chilling. So here’s the best pony of all, taking a much deserved apple break. 

Last year was the first I’d ever heard of this event, and since I’d just started drawing horse a few months prior, I was nowhere NEAR confident enough to even think about participating. In hindsight, I almost wish I had, but fear and low self esteem are a helluva combination, especially when you see all the other amazing artwork that gets posted. I completely disregarded the fact that it was meant to be practice, that I’m simply one of thousands of artists out there striving to be better. I am by no means a professional artist, but I’d like to think I’ve reached a point where I can provide guidance to other aspiring talents (even if it’s just ponies). It’s the least I can do to repay the kindness and generosity of this awesome community.

Huh. I promise I’ll try not to be so wordy with these in the future. Onward!

ncmares:

Yup. Totally nailed it.

Dangit.

fluttershythekind:

Apple Ropin’ Gone Awry Animation

Poor Applejack, you really must get some more practice with that rope ^_^ but don’t get discouraged, I’m sure you’ll perfect it with time ^^… if anything you’ll at least nab that apple.

This is my first MLP animation done completely in ToonBoom. It really helps speed the process along, and this was a little bit of a test run to see just how a personal project done completely without Adobe Flash would work out…and I think its gone pretty well ^^;

I hope you’re all having a super lovely day, and that you all enjoyed your nice summer weekend <3

Love you all,

~FtK

Strive for the apple. Become the apple.

I’d love to animate one day. Maybe when I’m a little more confident in my art.