Saturday Update! (Patreon)

It's that time of the week again!

My tasks were very simple over the week- I've exclusively been working on Celia sprites. Celia now has 10 normal fullbody sprite expressions, 2 fullbody special sprites [ sprites where I redraw the whole body ], and 5 side-sprite expressions. She's beaten derek for fullbody sprites already and I have a feeling she may beat him on side-sprites very soon. She will remain the champion of sprite numbers as well since Mason simply doesn't show up or talk as much. [ his path is more... environmental? ]

My favourite new sprite that I made last week is Celia's laughing sprite. I'm bringing back the 'dignity laugh' in 2020 because no one can stop me.

I also learned this week that I've really been sleeping on the value of lips when I draw expressions.

I'm having a REALLY enjoyable time experimenting with lips and teeth to combine notes in expressions. This is one of my favourite kinds of experimenting!

I feel like I can get so much extra out of an expression just by shaping the lips.

Plus, getting the right expression makes my writing seem better XD So it's very rewarding to be getting these sprites out.

As for the mental health side of things, I can report a sort of 'patchy' recovery pattern. I've had parts of days in the last week where I feel much better, more comfortable, and more able to work happily. Unfortunately, I've had a few spikes of stress/anxiety come up as well.

I'm continuing to use my day planner pages and daily yoga to help manage the stress. Yoga seems to be helping a lot! It clears my head for an hour or two and the breathing techniques are helping me manage stress spikes.

As for the mystery behind my 'weeks of adrenaline surges' 'anxiety' 'stress' 'every damn summer' I think I may finally have a convincing lead! 

Check this bad boy out:

All that shit sounds REAALLLY FAMILIAR to me x'D I mean I've had so much trouble eating that I've lost a visibly obvious amount of weight [ I don't own a scale tho x'D ], and I'm absolutely having 'manic episodes' and insomnia. 

The good news is that if this is my problem, then it will naturally go away soon ^o^ and I can take steps to help it go better next summer >:]

I hope you guys are all taking things a little easier on yourselves as well. Remember: even just getting through the day is a gold star. ESPECIALLY now. 

Stay safe! and as always, thank you so much for your support!