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I really needed a fresh journal entry (last one was from over two months ago) and I have no interesting news to talk about right now, so uh...

Like my Facebook page! You get a cookie if you do. Plus, news about my solo show (opens June 7th at Bottleneck Gallery in NYC!!) will most likely be posted there first. Hey... I guess that's interesting news! ;)

Seen any good movies lately, guys?

/wanders away
  • Mood: Zeal
  • Watching: The West Wing
  • Eating: Haagen Daaz sorbet!


Hi guys! My t-shirt design "All of Time and Space" (pictured above) is now available to buy HERE on Threadless.com! I would hurry though - it's only been up for two days and is already in danger of being sold out! The shirt is available as a men's regular tee and two girly style tees (regular and boat-neck) and is currently retailing at $20 USD. BUT, enter the code DECEMBER40 for 40% off your purchase! There's also free shipping for US orders over $49, if you feel like adding a few more shirts to your cart.

I want to thank EVERYONE who voted for this design. It got the highest score ever on Threadless and I'm super happy that it came out right around the Christmas season. Happy Holidays everyone!
  • Mood: Jolly
  • Watching: Waiting for the Dr Who Xmas Special!
I wish I had time to individually thank all of you so please take this collective hug from me... :glomp: everyone who left kind comments and sent notes...! Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.

I don't always update my dA as much as I should. You should follow my Tumblr artblog [link] if you'd like to see doodles more frequently!

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN :la:
  • Mood: Adoration
  • Watching: Supernatural
[link]

Haven't done a stream in awhile, already have the sketch down so come watch if you're interested in seeing some painting process. Will be working on something for a potential client.

There won't be sound or music during my stream because it doesn't work on my comp for some reason, and I will also not really be talking or answering questions (need to FOCUS!), sorry! But I appreciate any viewers and ya'll will help me not be distracted by the internets. :)


Eight hours later stream is finally over! Thanks for coming guys. I have to go eat.
  • Mood: Hungry
Hi everyone! I'm back to being a `senior member. Today my term as the mod of the Digital Art galleries has officially ended. It's been a great year serving as a dA Community Volunteer and I have been able to feature so many wonderful pieces as Daily Deviations. Thank you every one of you who sent me fantastic suggestions!

Speaking of DD suggestions... the end of my term obviously signals that I am no longer accepting any. My unread inbox note count right now is 1,789, the majority of which are DD suggestions, far more than I could ever hope to feature even in 2 years... I simply got too many!! I apologize if I did not get to consider your suggestion while I was still a CV, but please let it be known that I will be doing my best in the next few weeks to reclaim my inbox, and I will forward any suggestions that I think are particularly remarkable to the new Digital Art CVs. (As of this post, `Hyazintha is still on, so send suggestions to her!)

Thank you again everyone.
  • Mood: Hungry
Want to get rid of the absolutely horrendous recent dA update of ugly, massive, unorganized, unprofessional thumbnails that I turned off beta to escape from but IT SOMEHOW STILL FOUND ME???

Just install this amazing new browser script written by `rotane, which not only shrinks the thumbnails back to a reasonable size, but also gets rid of the awkward light-background problem for wide deviations.

[link]

THANKS `rotane!!!! Please +fave and spread it around if you like it!

[link] LOOK HOW EVEN WORSE DEVIANTART.COM MAIN PAGE LOOKS ON A NON-PREMIUM
  • Mood: Irritated
Yo I figured I should (pointlessly) update my journal since it's been the same thing forever!

So... I'm just going to say that you should follow my Tumblr artblog alicexz.tumblr.com because I tend to update there more often nowadays! Although, recently I am trying to keep my dA up to date too.

I'm still working through the endless mire that is my commissions list.

Oh and...

DID I MENTION THAT I MET BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH??? Yes. Sherlock! It was awhile ago but I don't think I made a post about it here! And he liked my artwork! Some pictures - [link]

:la:
  • Mood: Hungry
  • Listening to: Brave soundtrack
Woooow! Thank you to everyone on deviantART who left me notes and comments letting me know that Lea Michele  of Glee posted the painting I did of her on her Facebook account! Here's the link to the post, which as of this moment has well over 23,000 likes on it! Crazy!



I did Lea's portrait as a gift to $Heidi a couple months ago. :) It's so flattering that Lea herself likes it. I'm thrilled! GREAT SUCCESS!!!
  • Mood: Triumph
  • Playing: Heroes of Newerth
LIVESTREAM ONLINE or starting very soon. Livestream over! Thanks for watching everyone! The recording is here if you missed: [link] and [link]

Here: www.livestream.com/alicexz

Follow sketchblog:
alicexz.tumblr.com
Thank you so much to $techgnotic and $marioluevanos for designing a beautiful article. [link] I am so grateful they requested an interview and I worked hard on responding thoroughly; I hope the answers were useful to some people.

I appreciate all your feedback very very much, be it positive or critical, and I'm sorry I can't reply to all of you; it's quite overwhelming. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me. I'll keep working hard to expand my techniques, styles, and subjects in the future. Cheers!

Follow me at Twitter: @alicexz
Like on Facebook: fb.com/alicexz.art
Sketchblog: alicexz.tumblr.com
  • Mood: Thanks
  • Listening to: Jónsi
  • Watching: Archer
Hi everyone! I noticed that today I was featured at ArtistADay.com, which is a cool website that, well, features an artist a day. xD

Here's the link - [link]

It's really quite a cool website, ya'll should register and check it out - there's a HUGE archive of artists, as well as a rating system (rate an artist a day!) and it's generally an excellent resource to find pile of cool art - everything ranging from paintings to design to sculpture. I was very happy to be selected!

I'm still very actively answering questions on my Facebook >> [link]
Working through my commissions and FAQ too!
  • Mood: Happy
  • Listening to: Jónsi
  • Watching: Archer

New DD Suggestion rule

Wed Jan 11, 2012, 5:17 AM
I'm sorry to say that I must start enforcing a new rule for my DD Suggestions - please, please, if you want to send me a suggestion, PLEASE send thumbnails, not URL links or even worse, just text. Some of you are very good about sending me thumbs and of course this doesn't apply to you guys! But I get more and more suggestions everyday (currently have about 200 unread notes in my inbox) which is really wonderful, but also means I absolutely NEED to be able to glance through the suggestions quickly just to keep up. Seeing a thumbnail is really helpful because not only can I tell a lot from a thumbnail, but it will also help me filter out deviations that have already been suggested and/or chosen.

All deviantART members, paid and unpaid, can send at least one thumbnail in notes. The thumbnail code looks like this :thumbxxxxxxxx: and is located on the right column of any deviation, under the header Details (Thumb), above Statistics. Simply paste that code into the note you want to send me. You can also just directly note me the deviation (which you can do under the header Share, the little yellow note icon), which will automatically send me the thumbnail.

I will try my very best to look at every note still, but I can no longer guarantee I will see your suggestion if you do not use thumbnail(s). The rest of my DD guidelines can be found here: [link]

Thank you so much everyone! Oh, and I hope everyone had a great New Year's. :) If you're wondering why I haven't been updating with art as much lately... it's because I'm lazy, but I haven't been unproductive - all my most recent sketches and paintings are on my Tumblr artblog, so go there if you're interested!

  • Mood: Content
  • Watching: Sherlock
  • Drinking: Coffee
My deviantWatch seems to be kinda screwed up right now and not updating to everyone, or at least it's only showing a deleted deviation, so I'm posting my latest piece here! Please take a look and hopefully ya'll enjoy! :)



And as always, you can follow my sketchblog on Tumblr for doodles and WIP shots!
  • Mood: Tired
Hi everyone, here to let you guys know about big Cyber Monday sale at Threadless right now! My HP design House Brawl is restocked on hoodies, boat neck tees, and regular tees, on sale for only $10! Sale ends IN ONE HOUR THOUGH!



Lot of my other designs are back in stock too!



Wooo.....  click here for the sale!! [link] Hurry, things are selling out!
  • Mood: Hungry
Thank you SO much for the flood of comments so far! I really, really appreciate it guys!

Follow me on Twitter if you'd like to chat or whatnot!

THANKS AGAIN :heart:
  • Mood: Joy
  • Watching: Downton Abbey

Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!

Wed Oct 26, 2011, 11:09 AM
Tweet tweet tweet! @alicexz

Tumble tumble tumblin' around! alicexz.tumblr.com

:la::la::la:

  • Mood: Joy

Commissions

Sun Oct 16, 2011, 9:29 AM

General Information

  • I reserve the right to display commissioned works in my online portfolio. I also reserve the right to decline a commission request for any reason and the right to adjust the price of a commission (before you pay, of course) based on any factor if I deem it necessary.

  • If for any reason I cannot complete your commission after you've paid, you will receive a full refund, regardless of how much work I've already done.

  • I prefer to be paid by Paypal. I can also potentially take credit card payments through my website if we discuss it beforehand. There may be a small amount added to the invoice to help cover any transaction fees.

  • My commissions are DIGITAL PAINTINGS unless specifically noted otherwise. This means you'll receive a high-resolution (300 DPI) .PNG file via e-mail or Dropbox when I'm done, NOT a hard copy or a print in any form. Please don't labor under the delusion that I am doing a traditional piece for you or sending you a print unless I specifically say so.

  • Typically, I will NOT do art of a series or fandom that I dislike or am completely unfamiliar with. This is because I have learned from previous commission experience that it is very difficult for me to create art for a series I don't know, because I can't connect with the subject. I do make exceptions and I don't mind doing some research for your commission, just keep it in mind.

  • Reference images, especially for portraits, are required, unless it is art for characters that I am already familiar with and you don't mind me choosing my own. There is a surcharge if I am to be working only from description, because I will have to spend extra time designing your character.

  • Commissions that I take here are usually for personal use only unless otherwise negotiated. Please discuss with me if you need your commission for commercial reasons.


Current Examples and Pricing


  • I. Standard Portrait – $200 – CLOSED


    This is my standard flat-fee portrait category. Full color (unless otherwise preferred), headshot/bust format only, simple background; typically portrait or square layout and done in a semi-realistic style. Examples:



    I do not allow additional characters in the same piece for this type of commission - this is meant to be a focused, single portrait. I am completely open to doing "sets" of similar/themed portraits, though.

  • II. Stylized Portrait – $350 & up – CLOSED


    This is my more flexible and detailed portrait category and prices vary accordingly. Full color (unless otherwise preferred), headshot/bust or waist-up; simple or abstracted background; any layout (landscape, portrait, or square); additional detailing, stylization and motifs can be incorporated. Up to two-three characters. Examples:




    You may specify a preferred "style" here, based on my previous works - for example, if you want that particular "geometric" look; etc. Extra fees may apply depending on number of characters.

  • III. Scene – $500 & up – CLOSED


    My general illustration category. This includes concept art and all portrait commissions that involve more complex background elements. Any layout; full color, waist-up/full-body, multiple characters/interactions, etc. Price varies on complexity. Examples:




If you would like to commission a piece that doesn't quite fit into any of these categories, e-mail me explaining it and I will consider it. I am usually willing to draw anything if reference images are provided (your pet, your house, a landscape, an album cover.) However, I'm by and large a portrait artist, and it goes without saying that my artistic strength and preference lies in painting people and faces. So, keep this in mind before you request concept art of a robot dinosaur.


How to Order

  • When you're ready, send me a deviantART note or e-mail me (alicexz@gmail.com) with this form filled out:

    YOUR NAME & E-MAIL:  
    PAYPAL ADDRESS:  
    COMMISSION TYPE:
    (I, II, or III)
    CHARACTER(S):  
    REFERENCE IMAGE(S):
    (provide links or attach images to e-mail)  
    ADDITIONAL INFO:  

  • Example of a properly filled out form:

    YOUR NAME & E-MAIL: Melanie, melanie@whatever.com
    PAYPAL ADDRESS: melanie@whatever.com
    COMMISSION TYPE: I want Type II - Stylized Portrait
    CHARACTER(S): The Doctor as played by Matt Smith
    REFERENCE IMAGE(S): i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01215/matt_smith_doctor__1215943c.jpg
    ADDITIONAL INFO: Doctor Who fandom. I want Matt Smith in a bowtie, with a starry background, preferably a blue color scheme, in a geometric style

  • I will invoice your Paypal address with the total amount, after confirming your request. Please let me know if you need to pay some other way. Your commission slot is will be reserved as soon as you contact me, but forfeited if you cannot pay within a week. I accept 50% deposits to secure slots for larger commissions. Again, if for any reason I can't finish your commission but you've already paid, you WILL receive a full refund.


Commission Slots and Status (updated 05/08/13)

  • Type I: Digital Standard Portrait – CLOSED
    1. *MaeDreaM – PAID – SKETCHING
    2. *MaeDreaM – PAID – 0%
    3. ~cwkitten – PAID – 100% FINISHED 05/31
    4. Shawna – PAID – 100% FINISHED 03/20
    5. Brian – PAID – 100% FINISHED 12/20
    6. *KittytheSheGeek – PAID – 100% FINISHED 08/11
    7. Alexa – PAID – 100% FINISHED 11/08 [link]
    8. ~seesoccer – PAID – 100% FINISHED 01/26
    9. ~Fire-Chan9490 – PAID – 100% FINISHED 02/15
    10. *Cassi-Walsh – PAID – 80% IN PROGRESS
    11. ~seesoccer – PAID – 100% FINISHED 03/19
    12. Arturo – PAID – 100% FINISHED 06/23

  • Type II: Digital Stylized Portrait – CLOSED
    1. ~latiass – PAID (2 char bust) – 100% FINISHED 10/20 [link]
    2. ~KLCx – PAID (1 char bust) – 100% FINISHED 03/24
    3. ~DefineLove – PAID (2 char waist-up) – SKETCHING
    4. Sarah – PAID – 100% FINISHED 01/07
    5. Stephie – PAID (1 char) – 100% FINISHED 02/10 [link]
    6. =WrenTree – PAID (1 char waist-up) – 100% FINISHED 03/31
    7. James – PAID –100% FINISHED 05/10
    8. Previsha – PAID (2 char) – 100% FINISHED 10/17
    9. CK – PAID –100% FINISHED 05/17
    10. Chayla – PAID (1 char) – 100% FINISHED
    11. Deirdre – reserved (1 char) – 0%
    12. Jessica – PAID – 100% FINISHED 02/27

  • Type III: Digital Scene – CLOSED
    1. ~AstridJane – refunded (5 char scene)
    2. Sam – refunded (1 char scene)
    3. ~AnderLouis – refunded (1 char scene)
    4. Espedito – DEPOSIT PAID (1 char scene)
    5. Alex – reserved (1 char scene x2)
    6. Rasmus – DEPOSIT PAID (1 char) – 0%
    7. Mary Jo – DEPOSIT PAID (1 char) – 0%

  • Type IV: Traditional – CLOSED

  • Type V: Misc – N/A
    1. ~NightTattooWolf – PAID (2 char scene) – PAINTING 50%
    2. ~nzz1 – PAID (1 char bust) – PAINTING 25%
    3. ~gracie-is-a-pie – SPECIAL (1 char bust) – 0%
    4. ~WingsofSmoke – SPECIAL  (1 char scene) – 100% FINISHED 10/25 [link]
    5. *Raziely8 – SPECIAL (1 char scene) – SKETCHING
    6. ~stephastated – SPECIAL (2 char scene) – 0%
    7. !Niimurakorin-kun – SPECIAL (2 char waist-up)
    8. ~spattergroits – SPECIAL (1 char bust) – SKETCHING
    9. ~Akaiyuue – SPECIAL (2 char scene) – 0%
    10. JonCozart – reserved (2 char scene)
    11. Cham – SPECIAL (1 char)
    12. ~reapersun – SPECIAL (1 char)
    13. *megatruh – SPECIAL (1 char) – 100% FINISHED 02/06
    14. ~Katherdante – SPECIAL (1 char) – 0%
    15. *euclase – SPECIAL (1 char) – 0%
    16. Xue – SPECIAL (1 char) – 0%
    17. =LexyEevee – SPECIAL (1 char) – 0%


Steven Paul Jobs, co-founder, chairman and former chief executive of Apple Inc., has passed away today. [link]

"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."






Rest In Peace. 

I'm ^alicexz now! + DD Guidelines

Wed Sep 28, 2011, 5:17 PM
Hi everyone! As of today I've been made one of the new Community Volunteers by $Moonbeam13 and I'll be looking after the Digital Art gallery, along with `Hyazintha! Woo! Very exciting and I am definitely going to have a great time this year. My job will be to do some general moderating around the community; organizing deviations and miscategorizations, posting news and features and offering general support! Hopefully I can even get some contests going in the future! I'll be painting and posting art and carrying on in all my usual deviant things, so that won't change - I'll just be busier! :la:

Oh, and of course I can also now feature Daily Deviations, so suggest away! I've typed up some rules which I'll be putting in my profile shortly, but here's a copy for this journal, please read it though!


Suggesting a Daily Deviation – Guidelines

  • Note your DD suggestion(s) to me, `alicexz, using the :thumbxxxxxxxx: thumbnail format. Use of the thumbnail code is REQUIRED - there is a good chance I will miss your suggestion if you don't send me a thumbnail. Instructions on how to use thumb codes here: [link]

  • Do make sure the art you suggest is from one of the following Digital Art categories:
    • Digital Art > Paintings & Airbrushing
      Digital Art > Drawings
      Digital Art > Miscellaneous
      Digital Art > Mixed Media

  • A deviant can't receive a DD if they've already gotten one in the past 3 months 6 MONTHS, new rule - like they really, actually can't, I can't set the feature, the DD system will not allow it. Thus, it would save all of us a lot of time if you go to [artist].deviantart.com/dds and look at the date of their last DD before you suggest a piece!

  • Adding a description as to why you think the deviation/artist should be featured is much appreciated, but not necessary. I will write a caption for every DD I feature.

  • I always look at the entire gallery of any artist suggested to me. Thus, please remember I may choose to feature a different work (by the same artist) than the one you suggest. You will still be listed as the suggester though!

  • I am open to self-suggestions, but please suggest yourself at your own risk - don't get offended if I decide not to feature your deviation. Remember, as $aunjuli famously said: "...try and suggest artwork to me that you would share with 10 million people. I know it sounds obvious... but. Well, think about it."

  • It's always wonderful to be able to feature a new or underappreciated artist with no previous DDs, but that does NOT at all mean I won't feature "popular" artists. It is an honor for me to showcase excellent work, no matter who the artist or how much attention they do or do not already have.

  • I'm sorry, but due to the volume of notes I receive I cannot reply to everyone, and please remember it may take awhile for your suggestion to be featured even if I do accept it, since DDs can be scheduled weeks in advance. There is also a chance that I might forget to add you as a suggestor - this is because I get so many notes that there are bound to be duplicates, and multiple DD suggestors have to be added by me manually (it's a clunky system.) If you see a DD that you'd like credit for also suggesting, just let me know.

  • It is also simply not possible for me to feature everyone's suggestions, despite how good they may be; so please be patient and don't get discouraged if your suggestion is not accepted right away. I do look at and appreciate each and every one of them!

FAQ #61: What is a Daily Deviation?
FAQ #18: Who selects Daily Deviations and how are they chosen?
FAQ #873: What do I do when I disapprove of a Daily Deviation feature?

Thank you everyone! This is a big honor and I look forward to serving dA this year!



  • Mood: Thanks
  • Watching: Sherlock BBC

My Youtube channel

Journal Entry: Fri Sep 16, 2011, 2:20 PM
Hi everyone! Just a little plug for my relatively new Youtube channel [link] where I'll be posting painting process videos and such. I'd really appreciate any subscribers and visitors! :heart:

Here!! [link]

And here's a process video for my Sherlock violin painting! [link]
Sorry to Germany... I don't know what's up with the audio that makes in unplayable in your country :( I will find time to upload it somewhere else eventually.

  • Watching: Sherlock BBC ALWAYS AND FOREVER
  • Eating: Chipotle, mmmm

It's January 1st. How long does it take you to write the correct year in dates (instead of instinctively writing last year) on your documents? 

40%
1,794 deviants said Takes me a few days to get it right.
28%
1,258 deviants said Few weeks...
15%
672 deviants said Few months..... .. ......
12%
532 deviants said I write the correct year right away. I'm not an IDIOT!
5%
212 deviants said I get it wrong until the next New Year's. Then I'm wrong for another year, and another year...
2%
70 deviants said I don't write things manually anymore. My computer corrects it automatically for me, noobs.

Journal History

Shoutbox

~Creativeness:iconcreativeness:
:wave:
Fri Mar 30, 2012, 5:50 PM
*SoulPortrait:iconsoulportrait:
Do you have a pack of the brushes you use? If not could we seen a screen shot? or bundle PLEASE!!!
Sun Feb 19, 2012, 10:50 PM
~becky127:iconbecky127:
i love your art!! :D :love:
Wed Oct 26, 2011, 11:54 AM
*amour-interdit:iconamour-interdit:
Congratulations and hope things don't get too busy for you :)
Wed Sep 28, 2011, 8:47 PM
~1-2-3-Jump:icon1-2-3-jump:
awesome artwoooooooooooooooork!
Wed Aug 24, 2011, 4:02 PM
~Startua:iconstartua:
SHOUT <3
Fri Aug 19, 2011, 1:23 PM
~emerald0888:iconemerald0888:
I love your art.....I hope you do a live stream soon!
Thu Jun 30, 2011, 12:55 PM
~maddielikespie:iconmaddielikespie:
Congratulations!! :)
Thu Jun 16, 2011, 12:50 PM
~Born2beAhippo:iconborn2beahippo:
Weeee first freakin' shout on DA evaaar xD (L)
Sat Jun 11, 2011, 12:19 PM
~ladytronsragdoll:iconladytronsragdoll:
FRICKING SCHWEET. <3
Fri May 27, 2011, 10:20 PM
Nobody