#figmented asks

Thanks for your wonderful message  @valkyrieofberk!!!

You sure can!! Bi-Pride colors are fab!!! And so are you!!

Thanks ‘Nonymous!!!!

Hi there, ‘Nonymous, honestly this is one of the best messages an artist can get. Especially one who has dealt with her own feelings of loneliness and not feeling good enough.  But you are not alone, you fit, and I’m rooting for you!!

I’m wishing good things for all of you!! So have a good cry, wipe your face, then stand up and take up your space!!

Thanks ‘Nonymous!!

Messages like these put a smile on my face!!

You’re Welcome!!

Hey ‘Nonymous!

This is a good question!! I do use a scanner for my pictures. Nothing super special. It’s and HP printer/scanner combo. They usually come in the $50-$70 range.  Which can be a bit expensive, but, for me it is definitely a worthy investment! I draw small and the scanner picks up detail that the camera just doesn’t.

Now if you are using a camera there are a few things you can do to make your pictures come out better/ less blurry:

First, I’d recommend using a higher quality digital camera than your phone camera.

The pic below is taken with my cell camera.

And this next one is taken with my Fujifilm Digital camera, which is old(from 2007 when I graduated HS) and pretty basic but still takes better pics than my cell phone.

Second, there are a few things that can help make your photos better. 

Try to take your photos with natural light.  

If you can tape your work up on a wall so you can hold your camera upright while you take your pic. Or if you use a sketchbook like me, use your fingers to pull the paper flat. 

When taking your the pics take a deep breath in as you press the shutter. This will help the camera stay still as you take your photograph. 

And don’t be afraid to take a bunch of photos. You can always delete the blurry ones.

Third, don’t be afraid to edit your photo once you put it on your computer/ tablet/ phone. Most computers have have basic editing software. Crop your photo. Straighten it. Play with the contrast, brightness, and color.  I always edit my drawings before uploading. The pic below is my edited digital camera photo.

It’s not perfect but definitely an upgrade from the unedited photo. 

Of course, the scanner picks up detail that a camera just doesn’t.

But even my scanned images get edited!!

So even after the initial drawing, there is still a process to posting my photos on here. Which is why it sometimes doesn’t happen in the most timely manner. :)

I hope that helps, “Nonymous!!  And I hope the rest of you enjoyed the insight into my process! 

And folks, I hope you share the art you make!! Even if it doesn’t come out perfect in photographs!!!

Thanks for the shoutout!! 

Air plants are generally cool! Also plants that chill in water! And plants that chill in the dirt!