Yo peeps,

Recently I found myself in a situation that left me really unsure of myself. From my last journal entry, you know that I've become enthralled with a particular amateur visual novel game, and was inspired to try and recreate a scene from one of the characters' paths. However, a couple weeks back I decided to check in on the project's self-contained image/fanart repository, only to find that concept had been usurped. Twice.

My visceral reaction was to jump up and silently spout profanities in a Dante Hicks-esque "I'm not even supposed to be here today!"-type rant. Later, it made me think a bit about the methods to my madness. The way I go about my art, lots of thought and planning before following through, seems to be a dying breed, especially with digital methods being so prevalent. It's not that I have a thing against art that comes about quickly and spontaneously; that shows a different facet of how the heart moves us. I'm especially envious of those with photography skills, such as my friend , who have the presence of mind to find unique beauty around them and the timing to capture it. But, where does that leave me? Once an idea is acted upon, who am I to take that idea up again, when it will be in direct comparison to those that have come before it? Will they feel like I'm stepping on their toes, like I'm doing this to show I'm "better?"

It's taken a little while, but I think I can continue on with the concept that I had in mind for that piece, as well as others. I hope to be able to bring those to you withing the coming weeks and months.