The news about Dingo are really swingy, so it's hard to say. The past few days were really.... disastrous. He got other issues that we had to fight with. I've had so much of stress, that I thought... I don't know.  I've spent non-stop all days for him, running forth and back to pharmacy stores, getting all equipment, massaging him, taking care the hygienic part and then on other switch I had to take care of Arnaq who is on emotional peak lately. I've recently cancelled many personal plans, job related stuff and even my own art (but mostly due to stress I couldn't draw) for my dog. But... I feel that things will turn out positively in my heart, though I had a lot of upsetting thoughts aka "what to do when he will be gone...?" and emptiness.

Why your comments are so important?

And why I share this news with you guys? Normally I really don't post anything that are related about my life's issues, sad news and raw emotions. I'd faster plaster a short news that my dog has passed away and I feel super mega upset- and that's. But instead, I post a full story of it- like, I feel you guys are readers of this and feel that situation. And we, all feel and wonder how his destiny will turn out? Will he win or lose? You feel the pain about him. Feel blessed to hear that a dog after traumatic experience is feeling better and things are turning out better. How that's charming. When I was working as volunteer in animal rescues/foundations, I always enjoyed reading every story about dogs and seeing how things were going. If they were happy news, I felt so warm in my heart that there are good people in planed, like power of helping others, love etc. 

But really, the only point why I writting this is the therapeutic reason- and it did help me somewhat. I do it for self-therapy. This is something that therapist suggested me a while ago. If you perhaps noticed that some people after losing someone important for them, that is so traumatic experience or cannot cope with high stress- they write out this a lot in blogs to get out all that pain. To not have that chocking loneliness in their souls. That kind of loneliness when something bad happens or someone close dies is a very strange one. What was happening, for me it was very terrible stress that I could not cope. By writting, and reading your comments, hearing people's stories about their own pets or losing someone, feelings, been motivated with positiveness, getting advices from ones who experienced and.. I did read every comment. Don't worry that I didn't answer every one but every comment that has been marked I'm very thankful for- and even more, to hear people who are concerned about dog, feel sympathy and been following how things will turn. I can't describe how it works for me... but I think it somewhat influenced that made Dingo's situation better than what could be. Always a honest positive energy is a very little grain of stardust that comes and grants miracles, like how praying is working. Remember if you think about someone positively, the energy will return to you.

Perhaps that's something that I want to share as a human, that I have all range of feelings to the real world, not just a mere artist where I post only art stuff and live with automatic online lifestyle. I call it automatic because it's a general scheme that has been created: there is artist, posts artwork and everyone is all "awesome artwork", then commission info "i want buy/too expensive" etc. You get that idea. I love reading personal side stories about artists and their feelings (although I understand that many people feel just simply anxious to open their personal world and feelings online, and yes I'll admit I do feel anxious too due to that people can be very malicious and disrespectful) because I find... sort of connection. Understanding. Sympathy. That we can share something. Not like every human feels so... like an alien. Or maybe I am an alien amongst humans. I'll admit that sometimes I swear I must be the strange one!

As I'd love to continue his story (though right now news are unstable... but quite interesting, but we need to confirm first before posting) but I've been wondering... because I wouldn't want to constantly spam his story on my DA, perhaps I thought to make a Facebook Page about him? That'd be where I'd be openly sharing about him, writing how he does, my feelings and post photos how he is doing. What do you think...?

Again, I'm quite thankful for all warm words that I've received.

Lastly, I'd really like to gently ask for help of donations for Dingo's extended care, vet visits, clinic and a lot supplies for him as well possible full-size surgery if decision will be made by lead vet. We are doing our very best to fight for his life to live, as well to have a comfort to live- and he has chances for that. We are going to give for him the best!

Any amount of donations will be helpful. :3 If you'd like, feel free to send on Paypal: leonheart (at) onet.eu  

No, he is not ready to leave the world... he wants to live as it seems..!

It's the third day that he is with us. And the first day for me where I feel mentally a bit better and I'm eating properly.

He has really shocked everyone. His mentality, he is doing very well, happy, full of life and is fully responsive! How he was acting, managing and behaving in such that state of health- that was something really incredible. The vets gave him very difficult chances of recovery and worried about brain damage that occured him because the first days after accident (when he was at clinic) he was in very tragic condition with mentality. Despite that he was moving his head like a fine dog, he had absolutely no responses. Pretty much like zombie.

Now, thanks to all love, support and warm response he received from us, family, grandparents visited also and friends that came, spoke, took care and spent time with him he has returned to that kind of mental state like accident never happened. He has "recovred" from post traumatic mental issues. He is very happy acting. His facial expression was very clear that he wants to be with us. 

Healthwise with his physical body, we are still unsure how things are going. We have to visit clinic for checking/consultation with RTG tests to see if his joint has returned and grown up in pelvis. He is still absolutely unable to walk or move... but today he is walking by a very, very little! Crawing, with diffuculties but does improvement that is moving better, can move to his favourite spots in our house. Thus, I'm not sure if that's happy news that he is finally having real steps of healing.... or pretending, like that legs are still in bad condition/joint is not healing but he forces himself out. He is very good at hiding pain. I can't wait to visit clinic! The worst feeling is of unknown. Like you are not sure if things re better or worse and that leaves me being in anxiety. I have already so much of soothing and joy feeling seeing him doing better mentally. 

That was on Saturday. He was laying down 24h. He couldn't move. Besides lifting up his head and a bit paws. He had to lay down to let legs slowly recover. Those were the hardest times for us seeing him vulnerable.

Petting, scrubbing, touching and talking warm words for him were the best what we could do- and leave him in peaceful nap times. His response was improving quickly. Giving him favourite treats was most exciting thing to see because he was slowly responding nicely! Meantime I was giving him medicines regulary, treatments and massages to help. 

And that was yesterday on Sunday, where he has improved a lot into fully responsive, happy dog like before he was. Family has visited us and he was very happy. 

His favourite bone for chewing. He didn't want to give back!

Every day Dad and I are taking him on stretchers outside. He enjoyed being outside. Was very playful, was "wrestling" with stick with me!

Overally, that makes definitely a lot more difficult for me to make that final decision if I had to do. After visit at the vet clinic, more likely we will know what is next. But, if the health condition won't improve up to level of basic comfort, where would be better to make a final decision - at least he'd spend his last days on earth with us happily and full of love than having his head down, being consumed with pain... Honestly I feel really scared and nervous to hear what is going to be next for him...

Once again, thank you for everyone for all comments! They really were comforting. Trust me, I've readed every comment.Listening your stories about pets were really touching. Now I feel very happy to let know you guys small but  good news about him. Let's keep fingers crossed!

This is follow up from this journal: [link]

Why... Just why....?

A few past days, I've been dealing with quite traumatic moments with our family dog- battling for his life. 

That family dog, named Dingo, is a very special dog for us- that no other dog in whole universe can replace him for us, in meaning of loving another dog in a very special way how we did to him.  (Just to be clear, we have only two dogs: Arnaq as my own dog and Dingo as family dog.) I really regret that I never spoke much about him there but only Arnaq was center of attention.

He is our very first dog. We adopted him as a 5 month puppy when I was... 11 years old! I was a mere child and my brother was 9. I was raised with him for entire childhood until adulthood that where I am right now. All animals that are/were with us are treated with the best love and care from us. All are/were important, but Dingo was more than just a pet as family member. More than who Arnaq is for me. He was a big bro for me. His presence at my family house, seeing his golden in our yard was quite natural like presence of my parents there. He had everything that many dogs could dream of: a loving family, protection, safety, a lot of activities, time spent with nature, swimming in the sea every year and a lot of attention. As nearly 11 year old dog, senior, was very healthy, still kept doing activities as usually... well, besides Arnaq's jealous behaviour. But still, they had amazing time together.

Everything has started from him. My passion to sled dogs, Greenland dogs, sportings, animal activities and canines came from him when I was a child. For entire almost eleven years we had passionate and beautiful story with our family dog.

 

Unfortunately, about a couple days ago he went through traumatic accident. He went to the clinic for couple days where we were battling for his life. 

Dingo is in tragic health condition: internal body damage. Hearing vet's essay of his condition after RTG and tests was very hearbreaking for us. Three major damages are: back spine damage (the least thing to worry), broken pelvis on right leg and his left leg joint has completely fell off from pelvis that caused both legs completely out of function. Basically, he is absolutely is unable to function, nor walk, use his biological needs, stand or even hardly to change position. His half of body is out of function, leaving him into huge pain.

Yesterday we were at very good clinic. There we had promising surgery where they had to fix his leg to joint back. At the first it went good, because the most important part was to fix his left leg and then on right leg pelvis could get recovered before he could use. And that could be the best scenario. Unfortunately his leg fell off just right after session... after few tests, vet had very upsetting expression that chances of saving his leg are very nigh. And that means his basic life needs and comfort would be absolutely gone. Also wheelchair becomes not good option due that he would have necessary few operations that are risky for his life in order to use it. After long discussing and seeking for every other options, there is possibility of serious surgeries but many of vets strongly do not recommend due to his old age that could be very risky and painful surgery. Even if could be successful, the rehabilitation process would be very, very difficult and another series of complications of post-surgerical health issues would pop up. That could set him into odyssey of suffering in order to live...

I and my family are ready to do everything for him, up to limits of his comfort. And we are doing the best as we can for him, amongst the best specialists around us. Unfortunately, as far as it seems, the situation for him is beyond the comfort limits at the moment.... Within next couple days it may lead us to final, yet the most painful decision for me and my family but could be really the best for him...

... is to give him a pair of wings.

I really never thought or imagined of not having him with us anymore. I knew that he would leave from our life at some point, maybe in next two years.... but not that soon..! We really could battle more for him, but again I have no heart to watch him in pain because we really have no idea what results will be. I'm very devastated to have him more but also devastated to watch him in pain. But a friend of mine, experienced musher from yukon told me something beautiful: "For a dog like Dingo's situation it will be better to let him to go, rather than making heroic efforts to keep him going which will just prolong his sufferings. You are already a hero for being able to grant for him all wonderful eleven years since the puppy until the seniority- where it becomes natural time for bodies to return to the earth and soul to high skies." 

Right now, he is with us at our family house... and that's the most important, I guess. We decided to comfort his mental pain to let him to be at our warm family house until Monday where next possible surgery/or final decision will be made. He has traumatic brain damage but I know that he certainly is doing mentally better being with us at home. Just now he reacted to my command to bark- as the first decent information received by brain :'). He has good appetite! I made him favourite meal. Though, on sadder news, so far his physical health is not getting better but actually worse... 

... I haven't slept for whole night, knowing that my dog is suffering and I feel that. My health issues and eating disorder due to huge stress went much worse. Every day is quite difficult for me...

All I'm asking is to please send prayers and warm thoughts for him and us

Thank you for being such wonderful dog

Firstly, many big thanks for all people who supported my flight back to home (and the biggest for ~PheonixxFoxx ) Perhaps the goal wasn't met at that amount.... but the rest was just the matter of luck that I were able to fly back :> Thank you again for purchasing my small works!!

Speaking of which.... the flight from FRA-WAW was really, really terrific. My mind for the entire day was "I'll never fly again!", "No more travels and I wil sit goddamn in safe house!" and so on, but knowing myself on the next day I'm all like wanting to get out somewhere.

For entire life I've flown for probably thousands of hours of flights and recently every year I'm on aircraft many times and even been on the steers of the aircraft. And even more, I'm aspiring pilot wanna be as my dream though I'm not able to become one due to health issues and that I'm transhuman- which pretty much crushed my real dreams. Anyway, I'd consider myself as sky person- combining my passion of flying, aircrafts, love to birds and the symbol of freedom with flying: that creates my favourite moment is to get damn boarding pass, get though gates and wait to get to my plane with excitement. Even the biggest turbulences grant no fear to me but enjoyment. Actually I enjoy them because makes less boring feel of flight...

Well, that flight back to home... has really terrified me. I had many moments of small accidents that I've been on that plane but this one... wasn't funny at all. The skies over Poland were covered with extremely thick, thunderstorm-y and basically- bad weather. My plane started to take down and land slowly. The landing was so damn long, whole view from window was covered with white mist. Nothing is able to seen. The fun starts, I think in my head. I like that kind of turbulences. Sharp rain was dingling my window. So, here we go.

I kept staring forth and back, trying to find any glimpse of land. Nothing. It kinda does make me think about Smolensk accident... what if the land is just there above? 

Then after some long while, I finally saw anything of land... and wooah, we are damn pretty close! The tall buildings are just right below our plane, that mist was extremely thick... then I felt very sharp turn. It felt like rocket taking off up to the skies. Our plane has shot upwards like, it was about to crash a tall building. It took very sharp upward rush to return to the skies. It nearly crashed a wrong spot. Passangers were panicking and very nervous. Luckily we had safe "escape" upward flight through stormy clouds and drifted for about half hour and re-took landing again. That for second attempt which was very sharp landing but successful. 

(view from window for second attempt landing, much better "view" than that first one)

For entire time when we returned to skies, it felt like time was going forever, I was scared, thinking about never going to planes and having mess in my mind- even "life threatening" process of thinking. I wasn't sure how to react or prepare in case if we fail though for the most time I remained physically calm and trying to beat my negativity with positive thinking to influence the situation with energy. It worked actually... But really, I were scared. I really thought it could be end. That would be very same as I could die on car crash or even 3 days ago I had accident on mushing that I hit my head on the ground on full speed and get brain injury... if not that Florida's natural soft grassy fields has saved my life (I'm ok, but just feel dizzy, my head is swollen but I'll be ok). Even now, my way of thinking about flights is fine and I'm looking forward to fly again, but actually might change from now.

Either way, bravo for Lufthansa pilots for their hard work.

After we landed, the lane on the airport was closed and afterwards many flights were cancelled.

Oh and Arnaq did fine. She totally doesn't mind that...

I'm back to Poland. I'm still on "travel shock" mental and physical state due to that suddenly I had to change the world, environment, my lifestyle, people which I care and just everything after living in states for many months. But now seeing Poland... it's truly beautiful country. I need to finally start writing more and posting photos and miracles of every country that I've traveled. But there is a thing I noticed about Poland that I wasn't aware, I used to call it "so boring" until I started to live outside of it- after travelling to many places, now I'm very aware how unique and unbroken with nature is Poland- and there I've came with idea (a while ago) with small project about Poland because very, very little people are aware about that country. I swear, you'll love it.

The reason why I came back to Europe were health issues that went very bad with me and soon I start rehabilitation ;/ But the most important for me is at the moment is to stay positive. Think positively and have good energy the best as I can.

So generally... I think it's funny that I think in way "I will never fly again!!one11!" then now I'm like all I want is to get on flight and go somewhere.

PS: Isn't awesome how that airport in Frankfurt serves very elegant choice of many types tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juices and milk? 

Then there we go... I drank too much of coffee tea during 5 h of layover. Drinking tea makes you want to use bathroom more often, which is a good thing that cleans your body. But going on flight with "too much of tea" was actually bad idea...

Ok! So there is the photo report after our successful devMEET! I decided that I won't be writing much but just let the photographs to express emotions what was going on.  I love photography so much and catching natural shots of people. Most of photos were caught by me and few by ~Arkelion and I'm still waiting from *Aktuell

Once again, a lot of success with devMeet that has happened I need to dedicate a huge thanks for =Ahkward, *Aktuell and ~Arkelion as well *Tatchit for the wonderful logo despite that she wasn't able to attend- and to everyone that attended there.

(click to view it in bigger size)

First meeting Arnaq. Knowing nature of Inuits, I thought she would start a fight...

.. and then she turned into cutest fluffball on the earth.

We got absolutely perfect place to sit and draw under shade, close to bathroom, water spots and trees! And.. a grill. Next time ~Arkelion should bring his cooking supplies and cook a very nice food for everybody!

~Arkelion demonstrating his painting.

=Ahkward with original watercolor splatter paintings belonging to talented *Lucky978

I sense some supertrolling there...

My comrade keeps trolling me...

Personally I love that photo, expressing that artist will find any spot to draw!

Interesting idea to store concept art and ideas!

Afterwards we had a group photo shot and then interactive photosession with Arnaq: where it involved running with ger as a sled dog, petting her and giving her commands. ~Arkelion was instructor of that session along with =Ahkward 's held and I with my alaskan comrade *Aktuell were taking photos (and slightly trolling eachother lol). 

~Arkelion instructing fellow deviants about handling a sled dog.

(click thumbs to view large sized pictures!)

 

After every run, everyone had chance to interact with her by a bit, prizing her and giving commands.

~RattieLove prizing Arnaq under instructor's eye :>. It was very fun to watch people interacting with dog.

Unique high-five command between derpy faced Arnaq and :devBaneden:

Arnaq's signature couldn't be missed... but to what I've learned is that she is a very bad artist.

Let me know what do you think of devMEET!

Feel free to use my photos where you are at as a profile, your own ID, on your Facebook etc. No need to get permission!

Just tomorrow we are having a devMEET!
Are you excited for this meeting?


Let me to feature a thing what we will be doing….

*Aktuell with her first experience of canicross run with Arnaq!

For anyone who is interested *Aktuell and I will be offering photosessions with Arnaq, as experienced leader in sled dog sports! They will be something like this photo above, running sessions (canicross) with Arnaq where you can feel how it's like to run with a leader. Though that session will have limited spots due to that how Arnaq will feel to run in warm day. But, we will have unlimited photosessions of you and dog!
Just please let know *Aktuell and me if you are interested

And here are a few other photos of Arnaq, known as greenlandic Inuit dog. 

Onto less fortunate news is that health-wise I've been feeling unwell and I'm at clinic to recover. Thus, I'll be definitely on devMeet that I can get off there for a couple hours. I will do everything to be devMeet. I am extremely grateful and happy of the amount of people that will come on devMeet- and I feel like I've put so much of hear for our devMeet. Do not worry. There is possibility that I'll be a bit later than the original time of meeting, I might be around at 1pm. 
If I'm not there on the time since Arnaq is a "sign" of where to meet us- don't worry. Just wait there and I'm sure you all guys will find out eachother. I'm sure =Ahkward and *Aktuell (she looks like about on that photo with Arnaq above!) will take care of you guys!

Are you feeling excited for devMeet?

devMEET Informations!

[link]

devMeet Profiles! Check out who is attending to our devMEET! (if you are attending, yet have not signed up there- sign up now!) We may be expecting more people than listed on devProfiles.

[link]

Now it's time to wrap up all details and informations for our deviantMEET in Florida which we briefly announced it a couple weeks ago.  

As a team who initiated that idea of organizing a friendly devMEET, *Tatchit, =Ahkward, =Rawliett and I along with ~Arkelion help- we all would like to invite anyone for our chill-out friendly meeting! We will be there with... our special guest who is a Greenlandic Inuit dog coming from the North. 

When: 

Our meeting will be held on Saturday, May 18th starting between around 12pm-1pm.

Where: 

The location will be at Blue Jacket Park in Orlando, FL. 

Here is the official address for it. 

Blue Jacket Park

2501 General Rees Ave

Orlando, FL 32814

It has lots of wide open spaces, as well as lots of shade for us to hide under. The park has restrooms, drinking point, a lot of trees, dog friendly and so on. There is a very large fountain there, that is where we will all be meeting. 

To find us, will be easy... simply find us with a white husky/wolfdog looking a like dog with sepia three spots on body.

No car? No problem! If I'm correct then...

If you are getting up there without car, this park has easy access by public transportation. Buses with no. 313 and 13 are ones which are going to Blue Jacket Park from stations such like Orlando Downtown.

Here is a map how to get there from Orlando Downtown and Orlando International Airport for potential travelers which may come there via flight. Simply try to find out on your own how to get by public transportation from your location!

Who?

Anyone is invited! If you can get there, then you are totally welcome to come join us. Feel free to bring your friends too, even if they aren't on dA! Here are devMEET profiles I've created whom you'll be meeting: [link]  Though, it's expected that there will be more people than ones who are listed on devProfiles! If you are planning to attend to our devMEET and want to create a devProfile where you get featured under that my journal, please send me a note with your short brief who are you, three fav pieces and additional infos (we very highly recommend that if you have specific needs or fears i.e. "I am afraid of dogs" or "I am blind" etc. in that way we will try to remember and provide the best service).

Now onto MINI FAQ:

- Is there any age limit?

Of course not! It's open for any age. I've been to many official devMEETs and organized a few ones, there are many people with various ages, ranging from 14 years old to twentys. We all act like if we were all in one age

Though, make sure that your parents permit you to go on devMEET if you are underage! We take no responsibility for anything. 

- I'm scared to meet you guys… I'm not as good as you guys etc.

Being afraid because you're potentially meeting a few of "amazing artists" in real life isn't reason to be afraid! Faster, you'll see how we are just boring humans like everyone else. We aren't cool people, we are who we are. Because some of us are great artists and have professional reputation does nothing with our personalities or influence on our lives. :> The only I may be different because I'm from different culture, I guess :>

Just knock if off from your mind that we are "cool" or "celebs". It will make your life a lot easier.

- But, I am not artist....

Hey, devMEET is friendly to anyone! Sure, many of us will be artists and may have topics related to DA or about art but we will have mostly a friendly chill out there about nothing-and-everything. 

- I have social anxiety and I feel SO stressed about it….

That's why there will be petting dog-therapy session with Arnaq! Come to her and pet her, breathe and relax. Just chill out. Relax. Let us know what you feel and we will try our best! This is a friendly and very tolerant devMEET, not to act like a cool person. Be yourself!

- What should I bring there?

Anything! Obviously.... bringing deadly and harmful tools/weapons is strictly forbidden. Feel free to bring your sketchbook, art supplies, your favourite plush, candies, 3DS/DS/PSP/PSVita etc. Also I'd like to advise you guys to bring your own drink and food. Around that area there are no cafes or stores nearby (there is one cafe but that's about a while of walk), I'd like to advise to bring your own food if you'd like to snack something.

Also, if you want to bring your own pet, it's welcomed though, bear in mind that Arnaq is unfriendly dog to dogs (yellow ribbon). Unless if that's very submissive husky (prefered male) and they should go along well  

- I'm unable to attend on devMeet because I'm out of state…Will you organize in [my] state devMeet?

I'm sorry! To organize a devMEET is very difficult and not as easy as it sounds. It's not like I can come everywhere and shout up, hey let's meet here. There are so many factors that are involved within why I'm able to organize a devMEET in certain place and time… but if I could, I really would LOVE to have devMEETs organized in all 49 states

But! For those who are out of Florida, I want to let you know that you aren't out of options. You can take an inexpensive round-trip flight over there if you are financially on comfortable spot to spend money for a roundtrip flight and maybe have some small vacations in Florida Currently we have two potential people who are outside of FL state and are planning to come to our devMeet…. and I very appreciate that effort and I'll prepare special gifts for them. :> Always I can lend for a helping hand with finding available cheapest flight fares and planning flights. I'm such a sky person

- Tips and Reminders!

1. Bring your sunscreen. We will try to stay in the shade, but you need to play it safe!

2. Always stay with a buddy! Yes we are in a park, in safe area but try to stay in a group or at least with one other person. Safety in numbers! 

3. Be careful driving around Orlando there are lots of tolls. The directions I gave you above avoid them, so stick to them if you can. If you are confused by them, you can use the address fro teh park (also above) to get your own directions. Often, you can set settings to avoid tolls on your GPS or maps searches online.

4. Since we will have `Exileden's dog with us, you must follow HER RULES. You NEVER run right up to a dog and pet them without asking. The basic rules with Arnaq are posted below. Many people have been around her and she is a great, agreeable dog, but still, use a common sense being around her. If you have doubts or questions about Arnaq ask: =Ahkward, =Rawliett, :devArkelion and `Exileden. 

5. For your own information: we take no responsibility for anyone. Everyone is responsible on their own. 

6. Behave politely and respect people. No harrasing, making fun of people and so on. Do not bring harmful items. Violent or harmful behaviour on devMEET will NOT be tolerated.

7. Lastly... Be yourself!

What?

So what are we gonna do once we get there! Well, there is no really a "schedule" with devMEET since it's a mere up to everybody, besides a group photo thing. We figured we could could start by all having lunch together so we can all sit down and get to know each other exchange names and etc. From there, we can hang out in the shade and draw together continue to hang out. Though, for sure, I'd like to do a Group Photo shot of us all and we will do once everyone or most people will show up there (about an hour after official time of devMEET).  We can do some in person trades and let people draw in my sketch books. Maybe we can take turns doing demos. We can walk around and explore the park and maybe play some games. If you want to bring a football or frisbee, feel free and we can possibly play a bit. Really, it is up to you.  So there is list of what we can do:

- Sit and draw. (obviously lol)

- Feel free to talk to many people, that's where you can make new friends.

- Mini petting dog therapy! 

- Have a few sessions with Arnaq. Depending how weather will be or how she will feel, I can host running sessions with Arnaq to feel how it's like to be with full time mushing dog (leader)! With my own professional photography equipment I can do individually a photosession of you and Arnaq! 

- A group photo shoot.

- We can always figure out something once we get there

Rules with a Greenland Inuit Dog. How to behave with a dog.

It's surely very exciting and interesting experience to meet such unique dog, I'm sure everyone will have brilliant time with her but, just in case, some people may have experienced with dogs, or even with dogs such like wolfdogs or have no idea about dogs at all. Though Arnaq is well raised and very behaved dog, she is unbroken dog from her own wild traits and share a lot of wild canidae behaviour. Being surrounded by many strangers, she feels a bit shy around. Once she will get used being around you guys, she will feel more open and excited. She is a SAFE dog, friendly around people but a common sense is that even safest dog is able to bite if they feel harmed. These are just in case safety instructions:

- Use a common sense when you are around her. Approach to her very gently and slowly. Don't be too sharp or run straightly up to her. Approach to her and show your hand, let her to sniff and observe you. Then you can pet her. Her favourite spots to get pet are back and belly. Once she will lay down on the ground like a submitted puppy, feel free rubbing her stomach! She LOVES that.

- She is very informative and vocal. Greenland dog's tail usually remains curled up but she may have her tail layed down that means she feels shy. With that position, approach to her gently and very friendly. Always use a calm tone voices.

- Do NOT provoke or growl at her. Do NOT spook her. She may do to you. Once she growls at you, take a step back. She never bites anyone straightly without giving a warn (growl).  Just don't approach your face to Arnaq's face too close.

- She must remain being leashed all the time. If you will notice her running freely or getting untied, please inform me ASAP! 

- For the most time she will be tied on tree/pole. Do not untie or take her for a walk without my/or ~Arkelion's permission.

- She is not friendly dog to other dogs (yellow ribbon) in defensive manners. Seeing other dog in close distance, she may be barking enegetically. Don't get spooked but I'd advise you to not approach to her when she is in "barking rampage" to defend her field, she may accidently bite you. To some dogs she may be friend and some not.

- Very unlikely, but if you happen to get biten by her- let us know ASAP. For your information she is fully vaccinated against rabies and other sickness.  Remember, she never bites anyone (humans) for no reason but if she do, then somewhere you made a mistake

- Once she will get around you guys, things will go smoother and more fun Just watch for her exciting run and playful poses... She may invite you for playing!

- if you are afraid of dogs: PLEASE LET US KNOW. 

That's all.... anything else?   Also, most importantly, I want everyone to have very good and enjoyable time. Be happy, think positively and respect others. Be yourself! Don't act like you want to impress someone, just be like who are you naturally. There is no race or any competitions. It's a friendly devMeet where I want everyone to feel like at home. If somebody is in a help need or something, let's support eachother! Lastly, I do NOT want to be treated like a boss, leader or anyone with higher position- but just like everyone else. Sure, I have initiated and leaded that idea but once we are there, it's just a chill-out meeting. 

Hey there!

Just giving a heads up about devMEET in Florida

As for location, we had very hard and lots of headaches with picking location. There were a lot of pros and cos with Jacksonville VS Orlando, but at the end, after listening out people.... the majority has chosed Orlando. Also another reason was we wanted to be more fair since Orlando is in middle of Florida where southern Floridian could have access to it. It's on fair location for everyone from Florida.

But as for exact location, yet we have to decide. Unfortunately I have no way to check locations personally due to that we live far from Orlando and I don't have the great knowledge with US cities, we are still working for peaceful park area where we can sit, friendly for dogs and have access to eat something.... and as well easy to get in without many stupid toll checkpoints! With my Orlandian friend I am still working on exact spot.

But! If you are well oriented with Orlando, please send to me your suggestions where would be the best place for us all!  

So far...

Date: 18th May. It's hammered officially.

Location: Orlando. 

Time: Probably 2pm. Still under planning.

We will try our best to work on more details as soon as possible! If you have questions, feel free to ask! :>

Meantime, please take a look at our devMeet Profiles whom you'll be meeting: [link]

Wolves 2014 Calendar

OH and, my friend, excellent photographer *Lupinicious is asking for a help on voting on his images for his Wolves 2014 Calendar.... [link] Check it out! It's really A LOT of fun to vote! I love his voting system. I had really hard time to choose photos which IMO deserve to be in it...

DevMEET Profiles!


I came with small idea to create "profiles" of us representing a short brief about us how you can expect on exciting devMEET. It's not only about us as organizers but also anyone of attendees on our devmeet can create a profile like that- and I will feature you there :3
If you are planning to attend on devMEET, simply write a few sentences about you, add special notes about you if there is any need, your nick how you want to be called and pick your three favourite pieces of your artwork. Send to me a note!


Here's whom you'll expect to meet on Florida devMeet….


=Ahkward

"I'm Kat, aka Ahkward. I am happy to talk to anyone about anything, art-wise. I'm originally from Colorado but I am studying Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.. I just finished my sophomore year and I look forward to seeing you all!"




*Tatchit

" I'm a short, very open and socially odd person who loves to chat about art, chickens, cereal (anything but the raisins), and how incredibly sour math is. I'm currently in college for a zoology based degree and enjoy a good conversation about the field from others with experience or interest. It's difficult to scare me off so don't be afraid to chat with me and ask questions! " Edit: She may not able to attend on devMEET due to having no available transportation to get down there.


   


`Exileden

"Pancakes.

Call me pancake Kilaq or Exileden. I'm really quiet, odd, not talkative and a boring hobbit one who likes to lay down on grassfields. Always has a piece of straw in mouth instead cigarette. I'm photojournalist, freelance illustrator&CA, traveler with no homeland and an aircraft pilot wannabe.
Despite my quiet and wanderer nature, feel free to chat or ask for a free sketch lol"
ps: I'd like to request people to speak slowly and clearly to me in English since I'm not the best at hearing/vocal communication at that language. Also I speak in broken English with Nordic accent





=Rawliett

"Yo! My name is Kaly (kay-lee) but my friends call me Pepper (since I used to eat the pepper out of the shakers XD). I am a native Floridian, born and raised in Orlando. I am a photographer specializing in equine photography. I can be kind of quiet sometimes but also really crazy when I am around the right people. I also am part Dinosaur. You may see my "true" face (also called Dino-face) but don't be afraid! I am a friendly Dinosaur."

 (her new devART account will be updated)

~Arkelion

He's a cooking chef with a lion's heart, who has been travelling through europe and nature wastelands

 

Arnaq

She's an Inuit dog with her originating parents from Greenland who served Inuit tribe people.
She is a working sled dog and goes for races/expeditions every fall and winter time. Summer time is the lazy season for her.
She dislikes other dogs.
She loves being rub on stomach.
She's quite emotional, vocal and communicative.
She's obsessed with "coconut-thing" on palmtrees.
She is terrified of water creatures like fishes.

She has clear preference of which people she is going to like or not.

=GoldenDruid 

"Howdy, my names Hannah. I'm a full time Graphic Artist/Illustrator and a 5th generation Floridian. I will have tablet pen in hand ready to draw and will most certainly be ready to chat it up with all you lovely people. My interests include art, paintball, gardening, books, a good lol, and "back to basics" kind of living. I won't have much to say about movies, pop culture, video games, music (although I do enjoy these things). I love meeting new people and can't wait to see you all there!"

  

~dancinghobonamedbob

"I'm a younger deviant and am still developing my skills. I love and admire many artists on deviantArt (including those who will be coming) and try to learn from them. I can be very awkward and can be self conscious about my art. Try to keep K-pop away from if you wish to avoid ultra fan girl mode. I'm random and get along with most people. I also love potatoes."

~horseandGodzillaluvr

"Hello there! My name is Sadie, but you can call me Aoi c: I do art as a main hobby and for fun, I am not in college for art, but for pre-med. I love horses and meeting new people. Im very friendly and understanding, so its not hard to befriend me xD cant wait to meet new people at the devmeet!! im obsessed with model horses and hair dye <3"

 

~Broken-Arts

"Ummm sup people I'm devin or as few may know me as Breakingtime4no1. I am easily confused and very random but I think that's my best quality XD. As the majority may know we all love art . Hence why we on DA. I love meeting people and also warning if you talk about animes I love beware of the loud excited girly scream . See y'all there."

=animalartist16

"Hello, my name is Sarah, and I've lived in Florida all my life. While I may be quiet and nervous/awkward at first, if you talk to me and I start feeling more comfortable, you may have a hard time making me shut up. I love making new friends and talking about art and anything related to animals/nature."

~shadowhawk6776

"Hello all, my name is Halie but you can call me Shadowhawk or Hawky. I'm a native Floridian who is a bit shy and loves to draw, read, and listen to music. I also play flute in band and dabble a bit in writing. I watch Asian Dramas and anime, read manga, and listen to J-Pop and K-Pop among many others. Can't wait to see you all there."


~BaneEden

"Hi, my name is Daniella, or just call me Eden. I was born in Florida and I love to travel, draw, and write stories. I'm generally a happy, jolly person, and love to make new friends. Yet I can sometimes be shy. Listening to Rock music, especially the band Muse, and reading books is what I love to do. I'm usually by myself at home, making this a perfect time to draw random fantasy stuff with my pencil. And I love video games, werewolves, and nature."

P.S. did I every mention Muse is awesome?

~RattieLove

"Hey! My name is MAE. I am originally from Heidelberg, Germany. I am a competitive western rider and am enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. The DevMeet will be a day after my last day of high school, so that's pretty cool!! I've been wanting to go to a meet since I first joined dA as a young kid, so this is pretty much a dream come true! Looking forward to meeting all of the wonderful people behind the art. "

*Newsha-Ghasemi

 "Hello! My name is Newsha, and I just moved to Orlando a couple of months ago but originally from D.C. I also recently got into the industry as a concept illustrator for DeNA Studios and am excited to meet everyone there (: " 

~MidnightZone

" HI! My name is Tifany. I cant wait to meet other DA members. Im a sophmore at UCF. Im a studio art major with a focus in illustration "

~Dragon-Ed

"Hi, ya'll My name's Edward, but most people call me Ed or Eddie. Some people call me Dragon too because of my Dev name (which is also my video game alias) I was born and raised in Florida, I recently moved to Orlando about 2 years ago. I love to draw, take nature photographs. I'm a bit humbled about having a profile on here due to the amazing talent I'm seeing, but you learn as you go along or so I have found out. Look forward to meeting everyone else there "

 

*Lucky978   

"Hey! My name is Katy (or Lucky). I am currently attending Georgia State University in the fine arts program. I love surrealistic fantasy...and I love working with watercolors as well as pencils, acrylic, and marker. I am super excited to meet everyone!
I am traveling all the way from Atlanta, Georgia, but I figured this opportunity was too exciting to pass up! Yay for plane flights "

~HyperSonicFire15

"Hiya, I'm Jennie! Known here as HyperSonicFire15 (originally Jewel, then Storm/Storm Wendjule, then my real name) I am still in the beginning stages of drawing, slowly (very slowly, like a snail) learning human and animal anatomy and fleshing out my style of art. I'm normally pessimistic and quiet when engaged in a group activity or meeting lots of people, but knowing that I am going to be meeting fellow artists and creative minds gives me a mild sense of euphoria, will I finally find 'my place'? We shall see!
I love Sonic the Hedgehog, Pokemon, bats, the colours purple green and blue, cats, colours in general, reading, fuzzy socks, and animation of any kind. I can't wait to meet you! "

   

~GeekyTiffany

"Hello, my name is Tiffany, and I have a year left at the Art Institute of Jacksonville, and I am majoring in Media Arts and Animation. I look forward to meeting you all on Saturday. ^-^"

 

*Nytelyteable

"Hai! I'm Amber, or Nyte [Night]. Whatever you want to call me, I honestly 
respond to both.. thanks to my skype friends xP I do mostly sketches,
as I tend to not have the mind to go in and make everything look neat..
as well as I think my neat stuff looks worse than the sketch xP I've
lived in Florida all my life, in a really small town in the middle of nowhere.
I'm really friendly so don't be afraid to introduce yourself :3 I love talking about
the Legend of Zelda, and Pokemon. And I will probably have my pokemon
games with me xP For other art, I do dabble in photography and I do lots
of photomanips~"

*DarkHeartSeer

"'ello! I'm Brittany! I'm a high school student here in Orlando, and I'll be coming with my mom ~nirak1, as well as at least one of my sisters. ^-^ I've been drawing digitally for over 2 years now, and I'll probably bring my laptop along with me to the MEET. Can't wait to meet ya'll! :3"

"Heya! My name's Erin, but I commonly go by Foxx around the internet. I'm currently enrolled at UNF, going for a major in the Fine Arts, although I'm on the lookout for a school that offers animation in a cost-effective manner xD Most people around here know me by my fan comics, but I'm hoping to start my own set of graphic novel series one day."

~lonerangeltears09

"I am Adriana, a pleasure to meet everyone going! I am a junior (finally becoming a senior) in High School, and I love art. I'm not exactly quiet anymore, but I am a bit shy in the beginning. I'm not the best artist, but I'm working on it. I also take private lessons for singing, and I get payed to do church gigs on Sundays (I am the Alto section leader for my choir) and I play the flute for the wind ensemble and Jazz band at my school so music is also a pretty big influence in my life. However, I want to double major in computer science and animation in college. I was actually not born in Florida (Costa Rica), so I have a slight accent. Can't wait to see everyone!"


~ChiibixC

"I'm Crystal (or CC) and I'm about to be heading off to high school for the next school year! I draw with pencil/pen behind the scenes but I like to do digital art a lot. I was born here and been living in Florida for all my life. IRL I'm kinda shy and fidgety looking but I look forward to meeting you all!"

 

Hey hey guys!

Since some time ago I've been thinking to organize a devMeet in states, then after some few talkings with wonderful friends we came with idea that we could organize a very friendly devMeet in Florida since I'm living there recently so.... *Tatchit, =Ahkward, ~Arkelion, me as `Exileden and my dog Arnaq we would like to invite anyone who is willing to come and spend a time pleasantly with us at small devMeet in Florida on 18/19th May. 

Thus, we have not decided for place of devMeet because we would like to hear where majority of people would prefer to show up. But there is choice where we can hold a devMeet: Orlando or Jacksonville. 

You can also vote for which location here in Poll: [link]

We, personally would prefer to hold that meeting for Jacksonville due to Tatchit's location at North Florida, as well Arkelion and I live in St. Augustine which is still on North... but we wouldn't mind to drive to Orlando . We'll let to decide where most of you guys can show up, whether it's going to be Orlando or Jacksonville.

As for devMeet schedule.... I'll say, just simply have fun hanging out with us!  I'll bring my sketchbook, we can draw all together, Tat, Arkelion, Kat and I are very willing to share our art advices and so on. You can even make a lot of new friends. Since it will be a very first devmeet with a Greenlandic Inuit Dog, I'm sure all of you guys will have tons of interactive fun with Arnaq! You can run with her, to feel how it feels like to run with a sled dog, play with her (she is very vocal and rich with "wolf language" when you interact with her) and... anyone who feels social anxious or shy, dog-therapy with Arnaq will be helpful!

So... it's not yet final and official devMeet announcement, just please let me know/inquire your interest to attend for our devMeet, pick location which would you prefer to show up and any other ideas. :3

I know it's been a couple weeks after my birthday, but I really wanted to thank everyone for the birthday wishes  

I wish I could thank everyone individually... but my birthday was very unfortunate and stress made me really busy. I'm in fear of my anniversary day of birth where I came to the earth because every year I seems having a vast of bad luck/happenings there in the row. I don't really ask much for birthday, I'm not a party type person or wanting many people around me, lots of happeh and fancy events or anything, even I don't get any presents because material items are really never important for me- but all I ask is the peace on that day for myself and from lovely people which I really care. It's a day where I wanted to feel self happiness and peace since I'm still recovering.

But having every year some unfortunate events, is like some kind of dark omen.  At the end of my day where I tried to enjoy by getting out for hiking with my dog, the sun was bloodly red on the skies.... (photo doesn't do justice, it never catches the real color of sun...it was pure crimson red)

again, thank you

Recently I am offering a few rare slots for any kind of traditional pencil commissions (+with possibility to receive the original). Due to move to a new place for temporary time and most of furnitures were gone from old area, I need to get basic furnitures, art desk and update with my art materials to be able to continue working on major works.

- These pencil sketched illustrations will be drawn on 8x12 cartige.

- feel free to request for emotional mood or action for sketch: such like anger, sorrow or action: I'll experiment by adding poses in motion, perspective or slight background such like smokes or lightnings. I offer also couple themed sketches.

- fanart themes is allowed if is desired. fanart related stuff such like pkmn or ff characters or so on are usually discounted off from the normal price.

- with those I am offering service to receive original artwork if anyone is interested. For handling&shipping is 10$. Though it will be registered shipping in safe envelope, I take no responsibility for lost or damaged artwork during third party's handling (post office, during shipping). 

standard fine sketch of one character - 35$ (example like above). pencil on a cartige.

- additional character is extra 20$

detailed fine sketch of one character - 50$. pencil on high quality smooth paper for finest detail, tonation and shadows.

- additional character is extra 30$

Please send to me a note or email leonheart@onet.eu if you're interested or for further questions. Paypal or Western Union payments are accepted.

thank you for your interest!  

The starry roads which shaped entire Anchorage city were slowly disappearing into dark pitch. It's always depressing to farewell a place where you felt so great.

It's now behind my back. It's in the Past. In my memories. As well my family hometown which I've left.

Often I sit down under a fully bloomed fresh trees and palms surrounding me- and swim within memories of the Northern snow, mountains, it's air and christmas trees around me... I miss Alaska so much. 

Spiritually I'm feeling that I belong to the North. Born with my half of Nordic ancestry, as a child I always loved winter and mountains for the most. Used to live in Finland when I was a child for short while and I memorize well crazy cold winters in Poland where I was raised there during my childhood. Lived in High Mountains in past year. Whether I hear something about Greenland, my hair on skin stands and I get into shivers. Out of excitement and the feeling of belonging to the Arctic. Now I'm dreaming to do a journey to North Pole... maybe someday... /end of self babbling.

Alaska, was an old dream of mine. I somehow already expected how it would like to be. I somehow knew it would be a great state... no, I'd even call a country because it's a tad different than lower 48 states. Because how Alaska was so unreachable for me that I've stopped dreaming much about it.

But finally it became a reality for me, that certainly has changed my experience. It's far superior than what I imagined, thought or expected. 

I've been in many states and lived in some- so far Alaska is the best state I've experienced so far. I can already tell that is far superior than most of them... because of that fact the typical "west civilization" of USA hasn't harmed Alaska too much. And that part I loved for the most. What caught my heart for the most was a faraway village of Unalakleet and Shaktoolik. The more from Anchorage and it's typical, americanized places, it's better. At least for me. Please don't take what I write is a truth to yourself but rather a truth of my world which I want to share with you guys. For me, I'll never believe or take as a real truth what is spoken or written from another person (in words/symbols) but what I've experienced as my own truth and it should go for everyone else. There is no such one, real truth but there are may parallel truths for every individual person. Like, for this person is a truth that eggs are awesome but for me not. But the real truth is one- our existence. That we exist. The rest is only parallel truth, experiences and opinions.

Edit: I've removed part about how I'm not pleased with food in USA after many years of my own experience and living in couple different states which I wrote very shortly because I'd rather to stay away from huge discussions since people take journals too seriously- and that leaded to a few misunderstandings. At least not under this journal. I'm sorry!

So.... I'm very looking forward to visit lovely Alaska again. 

Now, it's the time to get back and stress out to usual lifestyle... and get an art desk since at new, rural place we don't have any furnitures set up pretty much. 

I've been wanting to get on and write a major journal update while I were in Europe. Though I had some health complications, been on ketanol almost every day where I shouldn't due to surgery where my mouth was full of stitches and had a huge stress level. All of that was happening before my grand travel which I've been planning for a while, worked on it very hardly, stressed out so much till tears and did a lot despite some difficulties which I had. I am very grateful for my beloved ones who supported me a lot mentally. Despite that, it wasn't easy.  I never had a chance to write a Journal update and now I'm on the road to Alaska.
To the place which is existing about 10 hours in the past from Europe.

That day where I left my hometown, was another where I had to leave everything behind my back and head for a new life which is waiting for me. It will be a long term travel where I don't know how it will turn out like. It will be a road to the unknown for me.  I'll admit that I feel somewhat upset and sad.


I'm thinking to return writing journals about my travel experiences and life in general, sharing the experience of travelling (which many of them weren't nice but valuable experiences. Heck, most of my travels usually are rough, not sparkly, I'm telling you that. Travels are about the skill to manage with situations which are not dependent to us than blaming how we are unlucky.) and it's values.

Alaska.... another of my dreams are coming true. I never thought that one of my dreams of faraway place would come true and be a witness of the Last Great Race on the Earth, and even more, to be a media press of that race known as Iditarod where I'll pass that event in form of photographs to European media.
And actually I didn't know that was... easy. Easy in way that it wasn't impossible but required to move lazy ass, do good planning, organizing and... will. If you really want something, you gotta move your ass and do something. Many people only want it but dont do what the want, like they are waiting for it. Unfortunately it happens to every one of us, even with small aspects of life. It's all about having ability to be able to set priorities in our lives.



Sending a warm greetings for you guys from Minneapolis! Six hours of waiting on the airport. I think I won't make of having 10h backlogged jet lag!




Any recommendations to keep me awake…. but no cafeine pls. Water makes me more drowsy unfortunately.


Photo by Jeff Schultz


PS: Is there anyone who is from Alaska?
Or will be on that Iditarod race?

Firstly, as always I'd like to express my honest gratitude for all the comments I've received and as well, very important to know for me were about school/courses informations. I don't care if you read this or not but- thank you very much!


I would like to state how community flow is really important for me. No, not only for me but to many people. Just many people aren't aware of this.

I think the interactions between the artist and watchers - and whole community relationships thing - is one of the most vital parts that our creations exist. Writers have fans, travelers, artists, illustrators, companies, fashion bloggers etc. and so on. You may call it as a "fanbase", thus I prefer to not call because "fans" and "fanbase" has a lot of negative stereotypes and image about blindly screaming "minors". I'd prefer to name differently, because I do not view them as minors. Absolutely. I view them as an every worthy human on equal worth as the creator and that's a fact. They are just guests to creator.
My creations, artwork and deviantART page (or everywhere else, such like blog, Facebook Page, my own FB, twitter, instagram, website etc.) is a home of my world and I'm the master of my world. You are just entering to my world. You are my respectable guest. Not a loyal minor but a guest where I hope you'll enjoy.  And "Loyal fans" aren't servers for me.... but actually we create a team. Thanks to you guys we can do more. When I say "loyal fans" I'm not talking about fan who will protect me to death with childlish devART dramas (that is a common image of them) but people who admire my art but want to approach closer, such like very interactive people, giving me wonderful advices, share ideas, critiques, supportive (and not only they help me but other people too)... just simply, let's name them friends perhaps.
That's right, you are a valuable guest, not a minor. If you are acting exactly as a minor, is that what you do on your own wish and not what I'm doing to you. If you are a negative influencing (a troller, or have negative/drama purposes) is a problem of yours, not mine.
And I hope I'll be a good owner of my land.
But again, a small difference to actual hosts... I'll be one who I am. Not pretending a supernice and welcoming host- I am who I am and I'll be naturally by myself. I may not be the right person for everyone, the best you can do is to leave my land to not waste your wonderful energy and time if I don't influence you positively. You are responsible for yourself, not for others nor what they will do to you.  I like to travel, be positive thinking, be inspired and inspire others and share with my art there. You don't have to match with my likes, anyway.

My favourite hosts are mushers and people from faraway places. I've been travelling to many places. Most of hosts who invited me to their land/houses/world are very cultural, too nice and just... ugh fake pretendy to be nice, well serving me and so on. I had uncomfortable feelings of highest manners because... whole fakeness rubbed me out in wrong way. I'm a person who lives with the truth, not pretending or fakeness. But mushers which I used to visit and local places... they were just straight. Welcome to my land. Absolute no pretending with like "would you like a tea?". Feel free to explore.

Then how I felt so comfortably, I asked if I could help with dogs for them.
They liked my cooperation. And then we became friends and I became a part of team.
I, as a guest, became very vital part of their future plans with mushing teams.

What I am meaning, there was no huge gap between of "better" human (host, leader, owner, president, artist etc.) and "minor" human (guest, fan, watcher etc.)


Comments, interactions, suggesting ideas, exchanging with ideas, collaborating, supporting, helping (no, not only to the artist but other way too.) each other, critiques, opinions... and even friendships. I'll tell ya guys that I found a few of very best friends.... via deviantART (and not only DA but you get my point). Many wonderful, brilliant people I've met through there and we are pretty much amazing irl friends. Those people are very sweet, brilliant and worthy friends.... and they were just "fans" of my work simply. I'm looking now how it's amazing to think how many years ago they were just neutral fans and buyers of my artwork... now we are in totally different place. How I'm so grateful for that. Of course in the past when I was younger, I made many mistakes with community as well. But we are humans after all and mostly ones who raised in our west civilizations filled with negativity... that's how it's.


That's why, since lately I've been studying Lean Thinking…. my most favourite lesson is about (deeply down I knew this… but I was unaware. Our civilization has taught us to be strong, cool and better than other. Absolutely no glimpse of humility, only buddhism shown me this a long time ago..)….. humility.

A good leader is one who teaches people to be a leader.
A good leader is a humble person and does have sense of humility.

A fake (bad) leader is one who creates anxiety to people around him and treats others like minors with his sense of feeling of being high/powerful. A fake leader does not teach people to be a leader because of the will to protect it's high position and power.

A lot of groups, teams and companies has fallen because of fake leaders. What makes team strong is the potential of all people in team who are working/creating on the product/result, not the product/result by itself. With a good leader- who is open minded, does not create anxiety with people, but helps to all people to reveal every person's inner power and potential. A bad leader is one who pushes away people's potential. Anxiety is the reason where people hide in themselves.

Shortly to say, a good leader makes teammates and people to feel worthy.

True leader is a mentor for people, not a ruler or guru to be followed.


td;lr, if anyone is bored... then:



I should get back to drawing, too!

At the moment I won't write a full journal about it, with details, but I'm really looking forward for useful comments, suggestions and perhaps help. Yes, this time I'll be asking for you all guys for helpful advices- all of it will be about schools/colleges and education in general in USA- as potentially important step for my future. I never been to any school in states despite being a full USA citizen and it will be my first time- especially what my life has shown to me.
Which I've been planning for many years and I've lost chance due to my illness.

But for now, we'll start from this....


Has anyone been/experienced or even heard about Gnomon School of Visual Effects?

That's where I'm planning to attend, for one year Entertaiment design (pshh, yes secrectly i do a lot of digital art... just saying that I'm not absolute traditional.) and it's scheduled for 8th July.
However that doesn't mean I'll go on 100% for sure (the final decision of booking will come in springtime) but perhaps I'm still looking for other schools, other recommendations in that type.  etc.

But with that I'll come later.

But before going to school, I'm looking for 1-2 month courses (non-online). Something like this: [link] for Spring time.

I was about to plan to come to my trusted friend but unfortunately is not going to happen since he's out, and due to many reasons I'm unable to provide fully by myself (but still trying to see for options) and financially I'd need to be short to afford due to many validate reasons. (please don't ask me why under this journal on public, it's a private reason which involves my private life situation and my serious health issues.)

But I'm given with two possible options.

Does anyone know/can recommend for any good courses provided in art school/college in New York City?

Does anyone know/can recommend for any good courses provided in art school/college in Chicago?

Eventually.... Does anyone know/can recommend for any good courses provided in art school/college in Colorado Springs or Denver?

I'd prefer to hear suggestions from real people or if anyone knows/experienced it.

I'm in general looking for art related courses in Illustration/Industry/Concept/Entertaiment art direction. Eventuuually, a suggestion of photography course would be welcomed

I may have possible accomondation at trusted people in these places.

Or perhaps... does anyone is planning to go to Gnomon's school course and perhaps could potentially to rent with me?

PS: Don't worry asking me about being as an international student, I'm legally full USA citizen.

Just reminding you guys that now there are only TWO DAYS left of discounted (20-50%) originals sale! Grab now, otherwise they'll return to normal prices and I don't plan any original sales in nearest future


[link]

And yes, you can reserve picture but only: 1) I can only hold reservations up to 5 days (but we can negotiate though so feel free to ask! ) 2) and if that you're absolutely certain that you're willing to purchase it.

I'll be doing a major cleaning in my gallery- will probably get rid off 30-50% of my works there.
I'd rather to not hear people complaints why *xxx* artwork is gone - I'd like to recommend to save the pictures which you like on your hard disk for personal use only where you can always come back and take a look ever without worrying when artist's account will be shut- but obviously, never repost it anywhere on the internet ever - and, I am asking you: can you have them only for yourself instead bragging out to other people?


Now, secondly, onto auctions online on dA. Since self auctioning of DA (or on other sites) without using eBay or such of these accounts, became more popular - I thought to post rules. Because I feel, since those are private auctions and devART has many non-serious people with the price of art, many people may not take it seriously and rules are in general a must when the money and value of item are involved. Here are few basic rules with clean explaination:

- Only Serious Bids!

When I have a certain item for sale, I am asking for real, serious buyers who are able/and obligated to pay for this item by using real money. It's not auction done for fun and no, absolutely no points.

- When you place your bid offer- be absolutely serious and 100% sure that you are able to pay the price which you offered if you will eventually win.

Exactly. When the highest price is 50$, and you are offering 80$- that means, 80$ is the highest price bid. If auction will end and if you will win- you are obligated to pay what you have offered.
Always pay attention to your price offer- take that your offer is the price which you will pay.

If you are uncertain, don't bid.


- No taking back your bid offers/changing your mind.

That rule has to be absolute. This must remain an absolute, with no exceptions to friends or begging person.

When you offered a bid (even if they are on lead) and then request me to cancel it, I will not cancel your bid no matter what due to many certain reasons. All what is left is for you to hope that someone will outbid you
But if you win, you're obligated to pay.

Why? Because if we keep people to slip out, cancel bid or change their minds, even if we let only one person to do that, it may ruin whole market with auctions. Once one person will see the unstability with auctions, they will not take it seriously and more people will bid enormous offers then be all "hey I've changed my mind" and disappear what that could ruin whole market with auctions.

Or, let's see. I've put item on auction and for four days I had to take care (yes it takes my time to control it) bids there, then I finally close it and that person changes mind and does not may the price. In result I'd have to completely re-do auction. And yes, I really would rather to not dirt out my account with non art stuff that too much (In general  I do auctions  very rarely) where the process of restarting would be not on the hand for auctioner.

Just simply let's keep one clear rule: the bid is absolute. No quitting or changing mind. Simple but that keeps a balance
I also really deeply recomment to other auctioners to be absolute with that rule for good sake for everyone.


- I will not tolerate situations like: I can't pay because…

If you are winner of auction or even with your highest bid offer as leader (when you have the highest bid offer, always take this option that you'll buy this, than "maybe") and then you come out with a text "I can't pay because.. (because I bought a present for my friend) (because I had to pay bills)etc."

I really happen to have many Clients from dA who kept telling me that they want to commission me or buy certain originals where nearly when they were decided, they kept changing their minds where their common saying that they bought something else already while our conversation about purchasing art from me was earlier than that decision with item. I'm just telling situations like these above, with Auctions- will NOT be tolerated.
Be absolutely sure and have a common sense of prediction in future (aka. if in a week auction will end, that you will have funds to pay for item in next week, i.e. if your phone bills arent on your way where will take away your funds). Be responsible with your finances, okay?


- Blacklist.

All people who broke rules above: which means changed their mind, disappeared or never paid for item while were obligated to do- will be posted on black list under there and are not welcomed to purchase anything from me.


- Paypal only.

Yes, I accept only Paypal payments. I prefer immediate payments as soon as auction ends, but I may accept requests that you'd rather to pay [up to 5-7 days] on certain date. But please let me know before, okay?

- Shipping.

The price for shipping not included. You may reqest me for shipping price quote at any time during auction.
The winner of auction after payment should send via Note (not Paypal) confirmed full address where should I send. I'll send the item as soon as I can and I will let know to the buyer.  After the packed item is handled from me on postmen hands, I am absolutely not responsible what will happen during shipping while it's third party's responsibility.

Let's keep it  simple: once you place your own bid offer, you declare that you are absolutely certain and obligated to pay for the item for the price which you offered.

And of course, I, as a seller, am obligated to sell and ship the item to the winner once the payments are finalized

Heya guys,

Due to my leaving, I'm doing a rare opportunity of discounted original (20-50% off) artworks for sale. This offer is available till the end of this month.
I'd be very happy of my originals would find new, good homes!

Please take a look:
[link]

For buyers who buy more than 3 items, I add some small gifts!

Some of you may aware of the newest released feature by deviantART- that very long awaited widget/module/space for commission on your personal page.

Here is my thought about it, no, actually a serious concern where I posted there- please read it first: [link]


To add more: in my opinion I am quite disappointed with that new commission module which have quite childlish feeling (devART, IMHO, represents art as entertaiment which is pushing far away from art as a serious profession in our real world /where in effect many people don't take us, full time working artists seriously etc./ besides of Portfolio release where they did a good job. But when money is involved...) and that's pretty much fast-food commission for quick take and out (points, quick modul and price limit).
That addition of the price limit (which is very low) which may suggest to many young people about fixed general idea of price with art into mentality (art has SUBJECTIVE price, never fixed- and that's a very important point) and may bring in consequences the idea of art with low value.
I'm person with strong awarness about art's value and I can treat that module as fast-to-do-small-commissions (such like very small icon commissions) and treat it as fast-food thing to take out but many people aren't. They will think that professional commissions are leaded by like that (since it's called COMMISSIONS. Hey how commissions look like? DevArt shows THIS, is commissions. You charge art no more than 50 bucks and do with points), omgpoints and art should cost no more than 50$ /like a big painting with full background/.
Bear in mind, a limit set, 50$ may get stuck in many young, aspiring artists and not only as a fixed price limit of value of art in their subconsciousness!!

for example. if you all guys weren't living with art on internet but lived and explored art in real life, you'd probably learn a lot (I'm not talking about old masters but common artists from our times!) that art range value is counted in hundred dollars. As a young teenage that price will shock you but very fastly, being raised seeing with your eyes a number and two zeros or more will be coded in your subcosciousness that art has real value- and prices would be a common thing. But once we subconsciously see art with very low numbers (and devART is GRAND ART SITE!) and seeing a LIMIT (LIMIT= existence of FIXED price) may bring destructive consequences for many starting out and even professional freelance artists.


I have, as well many people, expected to have a professional commission widget.
When money, earnings and business what can make money is involved- should be treated professionaly and has to be taken seriously - not as take-out-fast-food version with stupid points as price and price limit /and devART doesn't deserve to name it "commissions" where art is charged with points and HAVE fixed price limit, it should be named mini-commissions. Think about how it will influence to subconsciousness to many learning artists here/.
Personally I don't have much problem with 20% profit for DA /thats different discussion/, IF commission module could be professional, with real tools, flexiblity for working artists (amateur/hobby-ist still can use it but they will learn a lot better about art business having real tools to work with than childlish ones) where artists decide since it's an open business, granted by devART team, that would be a really great thing and I think maybe devARt would deserve their profit for granting something like this- and especially idea of browsing artists is really great. But what now dA has released is a thing what can potentially ruin the market of art.


I'd really love to hear your thoughts and opinions, maybe there is something that I don't know- but that's for the best interest for us all, artists and career as an artist. Let's discuss friendly about it.


Here is bunch of links (important lectures) about the value of art in case if anyone isn't aware:

[link]
[link]
[link]
[link]

[I believe there are much more but atm I can't dig up them]