When I became a Character Sprite Artist

Hi there!

I've been pretty much pre-occupied with a certain sideline.

Another wish come true!

A couple of weeks ago, Adrian offered me a part-time job. The jobs are ALWAYS art related.
He offered me to illustrate the character sprites and Event CGs of a Visual Novel/Life-Simulation Game he's going to program.
Because I had dabbled in creating Visual Novels as a teenager, I immediately said yes!

To be honest, I have never used photoshop nor my graphic tablet for the last 2 years. I was worried that my work would reflect those years of neglect. :(

But I'm happy to say that it wasn't the case!

I can still draw! I can still color! I can still memorize the photsoshop shortcut key commands!

God, how I've missed this feeling! :D

Side Projects are Important

The other week, I had an amazing epiphany.

Last  week, I was given an opportunity to use my creative talents.--- The visual arts.
To be more specific: making sprites for Visual Novels.

Then the conversation strangely flowed to programming renpy.

If i took renpy seriously 4 years ago, i could have added another skillset to my tool box.
which brings me to my next point.

Side Projects and Hobbies are important,

I am quoting Austin Kleon's Steal Like an Artist.

As a teenager, I spent my days tinkering with photoshop. roaming forums. lurking in deviantart and admiring artists. I scrutinized and assimilated some of their works. I spent majority of my working hours in front of a computer screen, holding a wacom graphire tab and teaching myself photoshop.

I acquired skills: how to draw, how to use photoshop, how to program, I developed personal techniques, i taught myself how to create comics, and basic html.

I never mastered them, but I believe the years I spent equipped me with a certain skill set that other people could benefit.

Of course, when the offer came, my childhood and teenage years flashed in front of me.  There was regret, yes. Regret that I did not master those skills.

 But another thought also flashed in front of me. The belief that side project and hobbies DO matter.

It will pave way for opportunities. Opportunities yours for the taking