Inspiration

I've been rereading Saiyuki lately, and I have to say, I LOVE that manga. Everything about it just dazzles me. Every time I read it, I get completely and totally inspired to draw stuff. It's just so fantastic and amazing and breathtaking that I'm just like, "I want to draw something like that, too!" I catch myself just staring at pages and panels for minutes sometimes, trying to figure out exactly what about that particular panel makes it so awe-inspiring. I love love love it.

On the other hand, I'm actually secretly very afraid of doing Saiyuki fanart, because I worry that nothing I draw can possibly compare to Kazuya Minekura's phenomenal work. It's like, I feel like I'm not doing justice to the story and the characters and the artist.

But! I'm doing it anyway. I've actually got five pictures in the works, which just goes to show how inspirational that manga truly is. I've got one just typical color pinup group shot thing, and then a series of four potentially black and white illustrations, one for each character. I haven't decided if I'm going to do those in color or black and white, but I haven't done a lot of black and white lately, which is a shame cause I absolutely love it.

Unnnnfortunately, there isn't going to be anything from me for a few days at least. It's sooo frustrating, cause I'm halfway done with the color picture, and I want to finish it SO BAD, and I can't! And I'll tell you why I can't. I don't know what exactly I did, but my wrist and forearm and hand have been hurting all day today. Me and my mom both think it could be carpal tunnel, or at least like leading into it or something. So I've got to lay off my hand and wrist for a few days so it doesn't get worse and destroy the Money Hand. I probably shouldn't even be typing this much right now, but it's hard to stay completely away from my computer and deviantART and everything.

The whole wrist/hand/arm thing is a little worrying, really. I mean, this isn't the first time I've had inexplicable pains in my hand and arm, and it's always gone away shortly thereafter, but anything even remotely suggesting that I might not be able to use that hand for drawing much anymore is a scary thought.

Of course, with my lifestyle, it's really only to be expected that I'd get something like carpal tunnel eventually. The moment I decided I was going to be a computer junkie and an artist was like signing a contract that said I am willingly putting myself at that risk, and in no way blame the universe for what I'm doing to myself. I guess I'd just sort of hoped I'd hold out longer. Wait until I'm all old and junk before going all CTS on myself. Rar. Shame on you, Sarah. You're such a pansy.

My mom says I should probably get a wrist brace to use when I'm not working, because stabilizing the wrist is supposed to keep it from getting worse or whatever. I already use a stylus and tablet for most of my computer needs, which I hear is much easier on your hands and wrist than using a mouse is. I think I've got a fairly ergonomic computer station setup or whatever. If anyone else has any other suggestions, I am more than open to them.

Hopefully in a few days, I'll be good as new, and I'll be able to finish all these new pretty pictures I've been working on.

[EDIT] I got fanart! Check it out! [/EDIT]



Links and Stuff

Important Links
Kastle Comics
Atlanta Comic Creators
Post Secret
Engadget

Webcomics I Read
Count Your Sheep
Devil's Panties
Dominic Deegan
Girls With Slingshots
Looking for Group
Misfile
Red String
Wasted Talent



Stuff by my Favorite People