"Just One More Delivery And Then We're Done For The Day, Promise!"

"Just one more delivery and then we're done for the day, promise!"

Xel worked as a courier sometimes in her pre-Warrior of Light days. Her chocobo, Ghost, is pretty young here -- hence his small size! They're best budssss

My art summary for 2023! ✨

(Template by @/sumlevibes on twitter)

This year I really wanted to focus on things I've been lacking, namely strong values, lighting and colour. I watched a bunch of online courses/seminars and studied the way other artists work. Slowly, I think I'm making improvements!

This year has been a weird one for being an artist. With everything happening, I don't get the same joy I used to from posting art. But I'm determined to maintain the joy in MAKING it, and I'm very lucky that I get to do so in shared art sessions with friends and supporters.

The vast majority of work I've made this year that I'm proud of was suggested by my patrons and Ko-fi supporters, who always give me fun, challenging or downright silly things to draw. I feel fortunate they're willing to gather for 2 hrs a week to watch me fumble around a drawing!

I also got to create art for two books (cover art) and a TTRPG (spot illustrations) this year, and feel very honoured to have been given the chance! Book illustration has always been my dream and I only hope to get more opportunities in the new year.

OH and I also did my first con in four years and got to give my Thancred art to Peter Bramhill, who then visited my table when I chose the WORST moment to go to the bathroom 😆 Who can forget that It's been a good year, and I'm very grateful for everyone's support!! 💜

art is about spending an embarrassing amount of time trying to get something to look right giving up and then moving on to do it slightly better next time. at some point if you're an exhibitionist you then post it for internet strangers to look at.

Happy holidays everyone! And a happy Starlight to all my FFXIV friends! 💫🎄

Let go or be dragged 🥀

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A little love letter to one of my favorite expansions! Shadowbringers is such a tumultuous time for Xel'ia, and it's when she's at her most vulnerable and most volatile. The light poisoning certainly doesn't help.

I wanted this piece to capture that. The presence of both Emet's and the Exarch's hands on Xel'ia feel oppressive and overwhelming. But where Emet's seem to be focused on pulling Xel'ia down, the Exarch's are trying to lift her up -- and if you look closely, you can see that he's trying to also keep Emet's leylines from tightening around her neck.

Xel's attitude towards the Exarch was not the greatest towards the beginning of the expansion, but I love that he was trying *so hard* to do the right thing -- she just couldn't see it at the time. Thankfully, she softens up over time towards him, seeing the necessity and good intentions of his actions, even when misguided.

Swordplay. ⚔️