2014

So this is the first official update for the artist project (for those who are new, I have decided to document my journey to become a self promoted artist using only media sites like Youtube, Deviant Art and the like). When I first launched, surprisingly I got some visitors right away. I knew that it would take time to make this (my page) pick up, but I did not expect to get some feedback right away. I feel that showcasing on sites like Youtube and Deviant Art are really good at making this happen, but it does start slow. From what I read from other users and artists that have been doing it for a while, one has to be constant in uploading material. This is something I did not take heed from when I first created my Youtube and Darkcloud XERO account. I tended to update sporadically, which in turn had my followers and viewers lose interest over time. Now that I have decided to follow this path seriously though, updates and material will be done on a weekly basis. Though I have some people who have been watching me for a while, I will really be starting almost from zero. I will have to work my way up again and see if my work will reach the original audience for one, and then reach out to more.

Views on the first Youtube video of this project have been slow, last I checked it was at 12 views. That’s definitely better than 0 but I will see if my views will climb any higher as time goes by. Views on Deviant Art are not too bad, I believe I have at most 46 views on the new material I uploaded last week. As I keep updating, lets see if those views go up. Oh and on that note, I have decided to add a watermark to material I upload from here on out, hoping that decision adds incentive to buy my art. Will talk more about this in future posts if it has some effects.

One last thing, aside from becoming an artist for a living, I was also spending a lot of time coming up with ideas on a story I wanted to write and make illustrations for. I spent about two years documenting interesting subjects, ideas, people and locations. I have an idea of the whole story now, how it starts, the middle and the end. I have even thought of some ideas for a prequel. I will use this space for any updates on how this plays out.

Till next time,

-XERO

January 31, 2014 0

Darkcloud Xero Drawing – Asuka Shikinami Langley

This is the first drawing video of 2014, and to commemorate the new season of videos, I have created a new title and image. Drawing videos will now be called “Darkcloud XERO Drawing”. One of the new features for these videos is the availability to buy a print of the featured drawing (can be purchased in darkcloudxero.com ).

Back when I was first getting into anime (I was probably 11-12), I saw a preview of this really amazing series that contained one of the most incredible songs (“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” which really fit) I have ever heard. I used to rewind the cassette just to rehear the song over and over again. I eventually learned that the public library had the series but it was in dvd, something I did not have at the time. It took me a couple of years to accumulate the money to buy a PS2 so that I could finally watch them.

Though much of the content was for a mature audience, I got really hooked and watched it till the end. I felt conflicted. I loved it yet I hated it? It had a lot of things that I enjoyed watching and exploring, but it also contained themes and characters (Shinji and Gendo) that I really disliked. I feel that this combination is what made it so memorable though. Something that surprised me was the amount of symbolism I was able to pick up despite my age. Most people will either love or hate it, but I will say this, watch it at least once.

While watching the trailer (before actually watching the series) I was captivated by Rei Ayanami. After watching the series though, that focus shifted to Asuka, who was both the strongest and the weakest character in the series. Despite her problematic past and trauma, she made sure to push forward hoping to forge a new path for her future (only to be demolished by Shinji in the “End of Evangelion”). Another reason that made me really dislike Evangelion.

After a couple of years I heard word of the new Evangelion movies, strangely enough I didn’t see them till just last year (all three of them). I really liked the changes they made to Asuka as a character (though I still dislike the fact that she has affection for Shinji again). And yes I know that I lot of people dislike the changes they made (to Asuka and the series), but I think this is for the best since it gives it a totally different spin on the original, which I greatly enjoyed. In this series, Asuka seems to have more of a future, the chance to totally change her and the remaining humans lives. Still, I’m sure that Gendo is acting the way he does for a reason. The problem is that we will not know completely till the final film.

January 27, 2014 0

RE-Initializing Weekly Videos

I got really busy getting all the preparations for the Online Store and for my debut as a pro artist, so I had to sacrifice a lot of things. Among them was the production of my drawing videos. Luckily though, now that I have taken care of most of my plans and obligations, I can finally begin recording again. I plan to make two definite posts every week (unless there is an inconvenience or a situation that does not allow me), Monday will feature a new video (I have already made a short timeline of the people/characters/themes I am going to cover). On Friday I will put a status on the Artist Project I started last Friday. Sometimes I will talk about other things, but it will be mainly focusing on the Artist Project.

So for the first drawing (of this new segment and of the year I believe), I will be drawing Asuka Shikinami Langley from the new Evangelion movies.

Hope you look forward to it

-XERO

January 26, 2014 0

“How does one become an artist?” Project

I have decided to become a professional artist. But really, how does that happen. Does one have to go to school for that? Or do they have to be titled one by other “professionals”? Neither of those things are something I can rely upon. I am self taught and take pride in that. As for the “Professionals”, I don’t really agree with them on what “they” consider “great art”. So I have come to this conclusion, I will try and find another way to do that. One that a lot of people are already doing worldwide, self promotion using the internet as the main tool. The journey will be longer, and in many cases it will cause a lot of hardships that will make me question my decision/s from this point forward. Having that in mind, I will not shy away from that and continue onward. Hoping that my struggles are not in vain. While doing that, I will be documenting the process every Friday from here on out. Pointing out what strategies work and which don’t, so that other artists out there have something to help them in their own journey.

January 24, 2014 0

Darkcloud XERO Online Shop is now completely open

Just as the title implies, I have started my own little shop through my website. This is something I have been wanting to do for quite some time, it took me while to have it ready. But it is finally done and ready for action.

The website space will be divided into three sections. The main section will be the Drawing, Paintings Etc. section where I will post drawings. Some of the original drawings will be for sale, while others will only have the option to order a print (signed poster). They will all be marked accordingly. I am also taking commissions, so if you have an idea of what you want, allow me to make it a reality. If you want to make an order the prices will be in the Prices tab.

The second section will be for purchasing my handmade original Bracelets. Here you can purchase one of a kind bracelets in 6 original styles.

And lastly, the third and final section is for my Replica Woodwork/Craftwork. Here I take orders for replicas. You have a certain item from a game, movie, anime you want crafted? This is the place to do so.

Just enter into any of the galleries that are under the Browse Gallery tab and see if there is anything you like.

If you wish to order anything, go to the Prices tab, there is a form one must fill out and e-mail me in order to make the transaction. Free shipping world wide. Do not pay before contacting me.

-XERO

January 20, 2014 0

Almost completely done

I am about 90% done with the website. Just a couple of more touches, but it should be done by today.

January 20, 2014 0

The site will be under construction

I will be changing some things around for a couple of days. This will affect my services as well. I will be adding some new content while also taking some down. Please bear with me. It will be completely up and running by (hopefully) January 20.

-XERO

January 17, 2014 0

New Changes Coming To This Space

I have been absent for a couple of weeks now (no, more like months). But that was all because I was working on some new projects that I hoped I would be able to implement to this website. Back in high school I didn’t really have much of a plan of what I really wanted to do. That of course created a lot of worry within me. I knew what I liked to do, I knew what I was really good at. But in the end I felt it might have been best to try and follow the steps of the many people around me. I seriously believed I had to be like everyone else to be successful. Thinking back, I wonder what had come over me. I was never one to be a follower, I always followed what I liked or believed was right. In the end though, it seems I lost sight of all of that with all the stress that accumulated at that time. I remember being asked if I would pursue a career using my artistic abilities, at that time I just thought it would be nothing but a dream. Something I could only wish for, but nothing more than that. I seriously did not believe I could survive in this world by doing what I loved. I was wrong.

After struggling in a job I did not enjoy for a couple of years and trying out others, I realized that what I wanted most was not impossible. I would have to struggle even more, I would go through many downfalls, I would feel lost a lot of the time, but it would all be worth it once I began creating things with my hand. It would be worth the struggle as long as there was a chance to accomplish my dreams of using my skills to go through life instead of crawling through it miserably. Though this path has a lot of hardships, this is something well worth doing. If I fail at least I gave it a shot and would not be tormented with what if’s. And if I persevere and accomplish my goals, I will be the happiest me possible. And for that reason I will forge ahead as long as possible.

I hope you guys can help make that possible.

-XERO

January 17, 2014 0