Whoa, it's been a while, hasn't it! It appears that I have hit 2,000 page-views, which is a lovely round number. I like those. It also means that I amassed 1,000 page-views in about a month and a half, which is pretty cool (I keep track). I assume DA popularity is a bit of a viral thing - it takes a bit of time to get started, but then thanks to the wonders of networking you get more and more people coming to the page. Hopefully it doesn't do that thing that viruses (and fads) do where after they reach their peak - BOOM - they die and fade into oblivion. For my DA gallery, that would be sad

So what's been going on since the last update? Well, my attempts to change my drawing style are going well - I'm no longer defaulting to anime. Er...with the exception of my lovely Dollfie, Hana, who's finally finished! Though I'm sure you've noticed that, as I've been spamming my gallery with photographs of her. (My front page looks like a freaking Hana infestation...)

At least through all of this it seems my photography skills are improving a bit...which is good, because I've never taken a photography class and have reeeeally shaky hands. I finally got a camera that takes quality pictures (Yay Canon!) so I've been playing with that as well as paying more attention to lighting.

In other non-art related news, I've submitted my application for Study Abroad. The program I chose isn't very popular, and I have a killer strong application, so I should get in no problem. What does this mean? Well...it means that from the end of August, 2008 to the end of July, 2009, I'll be living and studying at Meiji Gakuin in Yokohama, Japan I'm sooo excited!! I've been looking forward to the junior year abroad since I got serious about studying Japanese in middle school

But before that, I have to finish the semester. Then I'll work at camp again Yes, I'm re-hired - hooray! Unfortunately I can't do the intensive TEFL certificate program between camp and Japan, but I am looking into doing some volunteer work with an environmental awareness organization. I submitted an application a few weeks ago, but I have yet to hear from them...I think an e-mail may be in order.

I know I featured her last time, too, but I just have to say that has been doing some pretty cool stuff lately. Seriously, this woman's watercolors are breathtaking. She also made a pretty snazzy tutorial for painting hair! Her gallery is definitely worth a visit She just keeps on going, changing, and improving...it's really inspiring

Other artists who have been busy lately include: Definitely Check them out when you get a chance!