deviantART: by:thecapturedspy

~thecapturedspy art trades anyone? (closed for now) http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16798760/ http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16798760/ Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:47:09 PST 01 Gallery - 02Favourites - 03Do's/Dont's - 04Contact - 05FAQ

Mood:

Listening to: Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come
Reading: Zero Dark Thirty, by Samuel Brantley
Eating: pizza
Drinking: Sprite (again)

Journal

I only have a couple obligations irl and owed art (working on your request, =Dreamgirll! I haven't forgotten >> ) and I've been in a sort of art-slump recently, so I thought I might as well open myself to art trades.

Just 4 slots for now. I'll be doing a halfbody painterly-style CG for each person (maybe more depending on the character

). Please don't apply if you're only going to be doing some 15-minute sketch.

EDIT: full for now! Sorry to those who didn't get in on time. Maybe next time? During my summer break I may open more slots.

1) ~Sandrachan [mine: -- // theirs: --]

2) =linwenhuang [mine: -- // theirs: --]

3) ~VladMastersWife [mine: -- // theirs: --]

4) ~dictatorofrandomosia [mine: -- // theirs: --]

I can't say when you'll get your half. It may be in a week, a month, don't really know. All this is really doing is ensuring that you will eventually get art from me. xD

For my half...You can draw any of my characters (human or not, it doesn't really matter. you can turn a human character into an animal one if you so desire). I'm not really picky, so choose whoever you find easier or the most interesting.

Please link me to a picture reference of whoever you want me to draw for you!

Tis all~

CS

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http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16709995/ Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:48:48 PST 01 Gallery - 02Favourites - 03Do's/Dont's - 04Contact - 05FAQ

Mood: Moody
Listening to: Urafaerie - Summoner's Pact
Reading: Robin McKinley
Eating: lasagna
Drinking: Sprite (again)

Journal

I was wondering if anyone had any questions, art-related or no, that I could maybe answer. Things like what programs I use for certain things, how I draw, or even just what my favorite series are. Or even WHY I draw. Because I wanted to make a FAQ but I didn't know what questions people wanted answered.

So go forth and ASK! (But I won't answer anything TOO personal. I'll leave that to your discretion).

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http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16617751/ Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:57:48 PST
Many cats I've seen are rather prim and proper when sleeping, keeping care to curl their tails up by their feet and resting their heads delicately on their paws.

Well, Sugar ain't no proper kitteh!!!
He's very undignified---when he sleeps.

Here's another picture of Sugey, looking a bit more refined but still ridiculous.

He's SHO CUTEEE ISN'T HE??
He's got a belly like a lion, too. It hangs and wags side to side when he walks, and it's got longer fur there.

Also, Sugar likes to lick our foreheads, attack our hapless Schnauzer at random intervals, run into walls or other stationary objects, and screech/coo/twitter like various birds (also at random intervals).

Those are the two best current ones--all the pictures my brother takes aren't really that funny.

[link]

[link]

]]> ~thecapturedspy no more secret santa? http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16579488/ http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16579488/ Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:28:05 PST 01Gallery - 02Favourites - 03Do's/Dont's - 04Contact

Mood: Meh.
Listening to: La Mer - coba
Reading: The Northern Light
Eating: cereal
Drinking: juice

Journal

Umm...I don't mean to sound pissy or selfish, so please don't take it that way.
I'm just a bit miffed that it's already been a month since Christmas Day (Dec. 25), almost 2 months since Secret Santa groups gave out assignments. (around Thanksgiving) But I've not gotten anything, along with at least 100 other people. I know that may sound selfish, but I'm not trying to be all "where's my present?

"
I'd be fine if I got a note from whoever was assigned to me, giving a reason for their delay. But I haven't even gotten one of those. So I suppose I do have a reason to be a little ticked.
Because I put a lot of work into my Secret Santa, and I know other people did too, but when those same people don't get anything in return because their Secret Santa just blew them off, that's just low. And it makes me angry.
Because when you sign up for that sort of thing, it's expected that you'll come through with your share. You make something for someone else and someone else makes something for you in return. It's expected and assumed that you will hold up your end of the bargain. It's perfectly fine if you're a little or more than a little late, as long as there's an understandable reason.

I guess like every human-made system, there's going to be flaws. But still, I haven't even gotten a note from anybody explaining anything. So I'm left to assume that I'm being blown off. *sigh* I don't want to accuse anybody, because I know that many people have much busier lives than I do, and real life is more important, but...at least note me? Really, I'm a patient and understanding person--when I have reason to be.

I think this year I'm not going to enter any Secret Santas. I'll just make giftart for my friends, because that's more fun and more meaningful.

Contest entry for *RavynCrescent

Wolverine request for =Dreamgirll

Sky tutorial.

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~thecapturedspy character meme http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16511935/ http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16511935/ Mon, 21 Jan 2008 19:27:44 PST

Journal

Just wanted to get that unpleasant stuff off my front page.
Er, so, I may not be getting an iPod soon...unless our credit card company supports buyer protection. T__T

I was gone this weekend at church camp in Williams (Lost Canyon) with ~saphiremomo and a couple other really spiffy peeps. Tons o' fun, but since I'm a natural homebody, I really am glad to be back. ;D

Anyways. Character meme--this one I haven't done before. At least I think I haven't.
Got it from =Pirate-Cashoo

RULES
1. Choose a few of your own characters. Five at the most.
2. Make them answer the following questions.
3. Tag three other people.

I chose:
Calypso
Skye
Raven

How old are you?
Calypso: 17...ish.
Skye: Youth is a state of mind! ;3 But seriously I'm 23.
Raven: 19

What's your height?
Calypso: 5'8"
Skye: 5'5"
Raven: 6'3"

Do you have any bad habits?
Calypso: ...I suppose I'm too apathetic...
Skye: Hmm, no, I'm pretty darn perfect if I do say so myself. C:
Raven: People tell me I don't act my age.

Are you a virgin?
Calypso: YES. And I plan on keeping that status.
Skye: Yes, I haven't met a lady who tickles my fancy~
Raven: Yesss

Who's your mate/spouse?
Calypso: I wouldn't answer that question even if I did have a spouse.
Skye: I don't feel like settling down with anyone, so no spouse for me.
Raven: *blushes* Welllll...I'd really like to marry Calypso...*twiddles fingers*

Do you have any kids?
Calypso: For heaven's sakes, NO. Enough with these personal questions already!
Skye: Nope~ I'm too much like a child myself ;D
Raven: I'd like to have about 7, maybe 9 kids.

What's your favourite food?
Calypso: I guess I'll go with cinnamon bread.
Skye: I particularly enjoy spiced apple hot cocoa <3
Raven: MEATTT

Um, yeah. Meattt

What's your favourite ice cream flavor?
Calypso: Mint chocolate.
Skye: French vanilla. Mmm :3
Raven: Fudge swirl with chocolate chunks, YEAH!

Have you killed anyone?
Calypso: Not any human beings, no.
Skye: Not intentionally...but the consequences of my actions have brought death to countless innocents...
Raven: No, of course not! I'm no murderer!

Do you hate anyone?
Calypso: Hate is a strong word...I don't dislike anyone that much to wish such a dark fate on them.
Skye: Well, there are tons of people I can't stand, but I'm sure the feeling's mutual. ;D I can't say I hate anybody, though.
Raven: I don't know...

Have any secrets?
Calypso: You could say that.
Skye: Why yes, I do. Doesn't everyone? ;3
Raven: I...guess I do *blushes*

Do you love anyone?
Calypso: I love my younger brother to death...but other than him, I do not love anyone.
Skye: Love is such a difficult topic~
Raven: UMMM *blushes again* You could say that...

What is your job?
Calypso: I've assumed the position of warrior, but I don't have an official title.
Skye: Well, I've had many jobs...I don't feel like telling you about them. ^__^
Raven: I was a former servant, now I'm just well, an average joe.

Boy or girl?
Calypso: Isn't it obvious? *rolls eyes* Female, thank you.
Skye: I'm a male.

Raven: DUUDE I'm a MAN

What do you do to relax?
Calypso: What is this relaxation you speak of? Oh...well, I do enjoy reading.
Skye: Pondering the great mysteries of the world

Haha, not really, that's overrated. I love traveling.
Raven: Watching the clouds...and watching people

What song do you think would best describe yourself?
Calypso: Quite a few, actually.
Â Another World - Yatsunori Mitsuda (from Chrono Trigger)
Â My Immortal - Evanescance
Â Swallow the Knife - Story of the Year

Skye: I love music~
Â Turkish Delight - David Crowder Band
Â Time's Scar - Yatsunori Mitsuda
Â Such Great Heights - Death Cab for Cutie

Raven: Yes, yes I do!
Â Radical Dreamer - Yatsunori... ]]> ~thecapturedspy aarrghhh http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16419841/ http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16419841/ Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:44:14 PST 01Gallery - 02Favourites - 03Do's/Dont's - 04Contact

Mood: Frustrated
Listening to: Iris - The Goo Goo Dolls
Reading: Zero Dark Thirty - Samuel Brantley
Eating: Candy cane
Drinking: agua

Journal

it's that time of the month again
you know, THAT time. uhuh, I'm PMSing yet again and of course, something frustrating has to happen that just about sends me over the edge. also has me cursing my own stupidity and the low morals and stupidity of other people.
I don't usually rant on DA, there's too much drama here already so why add to it? But this is something that's really been bothering me (for a whole 24 hours) and I might as well write it down. You can skim it, most of it's just backstory.

_{Okay, so I got an iPod for Christmas. totally unexpected, very much LOVED and appreciated. It's a new-gen nano, and I even got this real spiffy skin for it, with pixie fractal designs all over it...and at least a gig of music already.

Me being extremely paranoid and cautious about these things, I never brought it to school after break (except one or two days to show friends, and even then I never took it out to listen to music). Most people always have their mp3players/iPods out, but I always fear that mine will get stolen. So I just don't bring it.

But yesterday I had the gall to bring it to my art class because my art teacher allows us to listen to our own music players during class. Basically I brought it to school, which was risky in and of itself.

After that I go to Aerobics class. We all receive one lock, yet we have two lockers...and for some reason, everyone including me always locks up our clothes (not that important) instead of securing our backpacks which usually contain items such as cellphones, wallets--with permits, IDs, debit cards, $$$--,graphing calculators, and IPODS (all very important !!!). But for some reason I took for granted the fact that most people in the locker room seemed nice and for some reason decided to rely on the girls' P.E. staff's 'security measures' (which are nonexistent. I mean, the locker room isn't even locked when no teachers are in the office, and usually no teachers are IN the office, they're with classes in the gym or weight room. Also, there are no cameras anywhere in the building.)

I come back and notice something about my locker (the unlocked one). My jacket's been moved, my backpack's been opened, and my iPod is now missing. Turns out at least 6 other people have also had things stolen, generally cellphones, ipods or graphing calculators (ouch). Turns out that some girls (I'm not giving their race here; I'm not trying to sound racist) decided to ditch racquet sports and stay in the locker room and raid lockers. And then leave.}
My money was stolen but I don't even care about that. It was less than $10. I thought my TI-84 was stolen too, but I later found it buried under my binder. And they didn't take my cellphone, which I found odd because it was right next to my wallet and I know for sure they went through my wallet. Luckily my housekeys, debit card, permit and school ID are all still accounted for. Unfortunatley my iPod was stolen.

All this basically showed me I can't take anything for granted in the girls' locker room. or anywhere, basically. I knew this, yet I still didn't...think. I really got angry at myself yesterday. Reality dumped a bucket of cold water on me, I guess. I just wish I hadn't taken my iPod to school.

Just my luck, I take it to school for actual use ONCE and it gets stolen. Just my timing.

But what REALLY ticks me off? I have a pretty good guess on what the stolen items will be used for. Mountain View is notorious for being full of student drug-dealers. they're everywhere, just not obviously. It's something the school is kind of embarrassed about, because we're all supposed to be such bright, scholarly, athletic star-students. So I can almost guarantee that my iPod will be used to get money for these girls so they can go buy drugs (illegally of course, because that's just how it's done here at MVT). That's what pisses me off. I'd be somewhat content if they stole it because they needed to support their family because they're going through hard times or something. I get that. But stealing just so you can go get high or something? That just pisses me off so fri... ]]> ~thecapturedspy NOW FEATURING (4 SLOTS STILL LEFT) http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16360868/ http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16360868/ Sat, 12 Jan 2008 21:09:21 PST 01Gallery - 02Favourites - 03Do's/Dont's - 04Contact - 05Freewebs Site(WIP)

Mood:

Listening to: Suspension - Mae
Reading: The Tenth Power - Kate Constable
Eating: taco salad
Drinking: Sierra Mist

Journal

Hellooo you loverly peopless
I am once again doing features!
Because it's much better when you have a subscription.

So, you know, I can put in actual thumbnails and stuff. Mmhmm.

And =IllegalTruffles is doing it too. xD Besides, I've not done it on this account, so why not?
I'm not gonna make you all do this in your journals, either...this is just for fun.

I'll feature 10, count 'em, 10 people. But you have to comment saying that you want to be featured. And you must have at least 5 deviations up in your gallery. I will then peruse your gallery and select 3 of my favorite pieces of yours and put them up here, as well as comment with what I like about your gallery. Kapeesh?
Kapeesh! Alrighty then!

1.

You must all visit Trufflessss

Her art is very pretty and unique and she's an awesome person, too! I really like the way she colors hair, and the way she colors in general. :3

2.

Of course I'm happy to be featuring ~ShratehAwesome, whom I know better on Gaia as the Kraken. She really is an awesome person.

She has some very spiffy photos in her gallery, check 'em out!

3.

http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16245793/ Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:08:42 PST Thecapturedspy (CJ)'s List of (Or Not So) Frequently Asked Questions

STILL TAKING QUESTIONS!
Because there really aren't that many on here. ;D

Much of the latter questions came from =yumix's FAQ.

Before asking me anything, please be sure to check here in case your question has already been answered before.

1) Why did you start drawing in the first place?
It wasn't until about 6th grade--Junior High school that I started brainstorming ideas for my own stories and coming up with characters along with my friends. Writing out ideas wasn't good enough, being a visual person I wanted some way for me to picture my characters, so I took up drawing as an actual hobby. Today the main reason I still draw is for me to get on paper how things look in my head. But I really enjoy making art for other people, too, so that's another reason why I draw.

2)What are your sources of inspiration?
Music plays a HUGE part in inspiring me, even though I am not and never have been a musician/played an instrument. I always listen to music while drawing.
Other artists that inspire me (here on DA) are =lone-momo (I love her uber-detailed pencil works), *NorthernBanshee (her style in general no matter what she does is just pure win), ^budgie (her style is very sohphisticated; simple and detailed at the same time, and gorgeous to look at), ~gorachi (I ADORE her painterly style and the way she uses colors), =syncaidia (her style is so fluid and very pretty and detailed) and ~peachysticks (I just love looking through her gallery and oogling at her realisms).

3)What tools do you use that aren't digital?
If I'm not using a tablet or Photoshop/GIMP, then I use regular white computer paper or sketch paper and colored pencils. I'm not picky on brand names for colored pencils, as long as it's not Rosart.

I love sketching mostly, and for that I use typical mechanical pencils (.5 or .7 mm lead).

4)What would you suggest for someone just starting out (drawing)?
I'm an art student so I am still learning, myself. But I can tell you the same things my art teachers have told me: draw from life. Practice every day, even just simple things like objects on your desk or fruit (fruit is fun). Gesture and thumbnail sketches are good too, for getting the feel and movement of a certain pose. Anatomy books help a lot.
DA also has a myriad of very helpful tutorials, I recommend checking those out!

5)Do you have any career goals?
Well, I'm currently attending the Art Institute of Phoenix, majoring in Media Arts & Animation. I'd really like to do something along the lines of concept art/character design.
I have a non-art related interest too: psychology. I've always been interested in the internal processes of the brain and how the mind works in different ways, how everyone's mind works in different ways...you know those personality quizzes? Well, those are right up my alley. x3

6) What tablet do you use to cg?
I use my (still unnamed) Wacom Graphire4 6x8.

7) How long does it take you to finish each picture?
It really depends on what media I'm using and the layout of the picture. I rarely have time to sit down and do a picture in one sitting; most pictures span over the course of a week to a month. Smaller ones take a few hours.

8)How long have you been cging?
Not that long, actually--since 2007. (I didn't learn very much about CGing until Summer 07, when my style changed a lot and I learned tons of new techniques).

9)What programs do you usually work with?
I use Photoshop 7 for my CG work. :3

10)Do you use any reference if you wanna draw this or that?
Yes, of course! I have such trouble transferring the ideas from... ]]> ~thecapturedspy 2008 Plans//Tales fans, look here! http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16179676/ http://thecapturedspy.deviantart.com/journal/16179676/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:53:04 PST Just found this out: A new 'Tales of' game by Namco/Bandai (same peeps who made Tales of the Abyss). It's called Tales of Vesperia, and you can watch the trailer here: [link] (<--)
Everything looks so beautiful! The land, the people, the attacks + magical stuff...
I hope to God it's on PS2 (or GameCube) because I can't afford a PS3.

Today (for a few of us anyways) is the last day of 2007--a year which went by oh-so-quickly. I'm looking forward to the new year cause I have a big plan to continue on my 'quest for (art) improvement'.

I think I improved so much last summer alone and I'm excited to learn more in my new art class and just by tinkering around myself.
I plan on doing a bit more illustrative works, stuff that actually has emotion and atmosphere.

Oh! Today my brother and I are actually getting our own bank accounts. This means that I may be able to get a PayPal account as well, which means I may be able to take RL commission! I've talked with my mother about it and she's okay with it, so the future looks bright.

So do you all have any plans/resolutions for New Year's?

edit:// In other news, I've come down with a UTI. For those of you who know what that is...it SUCKS, doesn't it? For those of you who don't know what it is or have never had a UTI...consider yourselves fortunate!

See ya'll in 2008!

I've narrowed down my art to-do list to more important stuff than last time:

Joe of the Jonas Brothers for Haru. And maybe somethin' extra. 8D
~~New Year's picture.~~
~~Eyes tutorial.~~

Wolverine request for =Dreamgirll (will have to wait until after Dec. 25)

Sky tutorial.

~Featuring~
The amazing =Pirate-Cashoo

She has a beautiful style, with sharp, detailed lineart and fluid coloring. One of my favorite styles.

Be sure to check her gallery out!

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]]> ~thecapturedspy