Land of Mist and Melodies

So I’m in a bit of a pickle. I’m kind of broke, and with my sister moving out, I’ve got some stuff to figure out, and the internet contract is ending (which I can’t even afford to continue anyway). So! I’m in the process of either getting a new job, or a raise that will allow me to live not quite comfortably, but at least I can pay the bills! This will take a little time though, so what I’m saying is that I’m going to be dropping off the radar for a bit. Maybe a week, maybe more. I dunno. If you need to get in touch with me with something really important, you probably have my number. Aaaaanywho, see you guys later! (hopefully)

So I’m in a bit of a pickle. I’m kind of broke, and with my sister moving out, I’ve got some stuff to figure out, and the internet contract is ending (which I can’t even afford to continue anyway). So! I’m in the process of either getting a new job, or a raise that will allow me to live not quite comfortably, but at least I can pay the bills! This will take a little time though, so what I’m saying is that I’m going to be dropping off the radar for a bit. Maybe a week, maybe more. I dunno. If you need to get in touch with me with something really important, you probably have my number. Aaaaanywho, see you guys later! (hopefully)

for the self-conscious beginner: No one makes great things until the world intimately knows their mediocrity. Don’t think of your writing as terrible; think of it as preparing to contribute something great.

for the self-conscious late bloomer: Look at old writing as how far you’ve come. You can’t get to where you are today without covering all that past ground. For that, be proud.

for the perfectionist: Think about how much you complain about things you love—the mistakes and retcons in all your favorite series—and how you still love them anyway. Give yourself that same space.

for the realist: There will be people who hate your story even if it’s considered a classic. But there will be people who love your story, even if it strange and unpopular.

for the fanfic writer: Your work is not lesser for not following canon. When you write, you’ve created a new work on its own. It can be, but does not have to be, limited by the source material. Canon is not the end-all, be-all. 

for the writer’s blocked: It doesn’t need to be perfect. Sometimes you have to move on and commit a few writing sins if it means you can create better things out of it.

Thoughts. Long-ish thoughts. 

Grace Kraft’s “Everybody loves Amethyst” SDCC 2016 exclusive zine.

(me at the end of every zine: Rose was everyone’s mom) 

beach babes

XERNEAS, YVELTAL AND ZYGARDE FROM GENERATION 6

Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde are based around Yggdrasil of Norse mythology. Xerneas is Eikþyrnir who lives under the life tree, Yveltal is Hraesvelgr who represents death, and Zygarde is the underground Nidhogg. Xerneas shares its life, Yveltal takes the lives of others to replenish its own, and Zygarde works to maintain the natural balance of the life-death cycle.

 RESHIRAM, ZEKROM, AND KYUREM FROM GENERATION 5 

Reshiram and Zekrom represent Truth vs Ideals, and the Tao philosophy of Yin/Yang. While Kyurem is the grey area in morality, a hollow shell left behind by the singular Dragon these three once used to be before humans tried using it for what they perceived to be “right”, when in reality it was just differing perspectives. 

 PALKIA, DIALGA, GIRATINA, AND ARCEUS FROM GENERATION 4 

Dialga and Palkia are the Shinto legend inspired, godlike entities responsible for guarding and creating space and time. They come from a more scientific approach to how the universe works/was created, whereas Arceus and Giratina are more spiritual as they are designed with inspirations from various versions of “God” and “Satan” in dozens of different religions around the world.  

GROUDON, KYOGRE, AND RAYQUAZA FROM GENERATION 3 

Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza are modelled after the biblical beasts; The Behemoth, Leviathan, and Ziz. Groudon created the land, Kyogre rules the seas, and Rayquaza guards the skies. Groudon and Kyogre helped shape the world (Alpha) and often nearly end the world in conflict with each other (Omega). Rayquaza acts as a neutralizing force to aid the world and its people. 

 HO-OH AND LUGIA FROM GENERATION 2 

Ho-Oh has clear inspirations from various fire-birds in different legends from various cultures like the Phoenix, Fenghuang, and the Huma Bird, as it is associated with the power to revive itself and others from ashes, bring eternal happiness, and rainbow iconography. Lugia could be considered similar to the sea-dwelling dragon, Ryujin of Shinto myth, and he has subtle elements that seem similar to a beluga whale. 

 MOLTRES, ARTICUNO, AND ZAPDOS FROM GENERATION 1 

This is my student film, Bleuet Fraise (it means Blueberry Strawberry in french)! I created this as a final project in my animation course at Cegep du Vieux-Montreal. It took a little over a year to make, including all the pre-production stuff like designing the characters, painting backgrounds, planning the shots and everything. The animation itself took about 4-5 months of full-time work. I know it’s a little short compared to all of those amazing student shorts you can find online, but please give it a chance…. I had to make everything myself! It was a huge challenge and I’m really proud of having completed it! I really hope you like it!!