Journal of Goodbyes! ^-^
Hey all! It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
I know these breaks have probably become the norm for me, but I’m afraid this time is my last visit here for definite and I won’t lie, I’ve been putting this off for some time because I didn’t really want to say goodbye, but here it is!
I still love deviantART and I never thought I’d really be writing a letter of resignation so to speak, but times have changed a lot for me and I’ve very much fallen out of love with my own work
However, as I always did promise, I plan to compile the old scripts for the comics (at least as far as I wrote) and post them, so you know how they’d end! No cliff-hangers this time :'D
With that I want to add a disclaimer: I’ve come a long way in learning about cultural appropriation and systemic racism in media, and have noticed these things in my own work
To my knowledge nobody has ever pointed this out to me but I feel the need nonetheless to apologise for my ignorance and wish for everyone to bear in mind that I created most of the concepts for my comics when I was 13/14 years old (looking back now, a literal child) and never had the capacity to think about researching the topics I wanted to write about beyond some surface Googling
In World of Wolves there’s a lot of appropriation for indigenous living and Native American tribal markings (not all of it is explicitly mentioned, but it IS there). In the Pokemon comic I frequently use names from other cultures for white characters, which I don’t feel is appropriate at all any more Most of these just came from me Googling "names that mean [thing]" and thinking "That sounds nice", though I've mentioned before that Shivu, although his name is actually a Hindi name, was originally something I thought I invented (I didn't)
I’m also now aware of AAVE and other slang which I’ve used in the past which I now try to avoid out of respect for the African-American community
I’m sure there’s other things I’ve forgot to mention, but if you do find these and are offended I once again offer my apologies and the reassurance that I now do as much research as is possible before writing on these topics
I don’t know if they’re available (as dA automatically deletes older journals now) but there’s a lot of my old journals which are cringe-worthy homophobic, but as a man who is now in a homosexual relationship this is just laughable to me (take that, teenage Sooty) Apologies are hard to take seriously online, but I hope actions speak louder than words in RL and that anyone who knows me there will see that I really do strive to better myself nowadays and be respectful to everyone
We live in an astounding world with so many different cultures and people and I’m forever grateful that life’s given me the opportunity to learn about them all first-hand! I’m still not perfect, but I’m working towards being my best self nonetheless
I’ll put these disclaimers at the start of the scripts when I post them too, just to hopefully clear everything up
Now, I’d like to thank everyone for the support and general critique over the years. Thanks to the wonderful dA community I’ve moved on to written work and it’s some of the best I’ve ever done, I’m extremely proud and happy that I’ve come so far!
I still draw and my skills are coming on leaps and bounds which I also want to thank everyone for!
You’ve all been wonderful friends to me and I’m so sorry to have to say goodbye at long last but it truly is time for me to move on
Over the next few days (or whenever I have time) I’ll upload the scripts (which are on my old computer, which takes TIME to start up so I really need to free a whole morning for that) and some behind-the-scenes art that I still have stowed away for some reason These’ll be by phone photograph upload btw, our scanner takes forever and a day to actually start up >.>
I love you all and your art, and who knows maybe we’ll cross paths again someday! For now this truly is goodbye from this ol’ deviantART veteran and I wish everyone the best of luck in their own future travels <3 ~Sooty123
Intermittent art!
So! This is partly to clear out the old journal (I can't even remember what that consisted of honestly) and partly to bring some overdue news that I'm sure you've all noticed by now XD In between each comic page I've been uploaded art! It's mostly just things I've doodled months ago but I still think it's about time I started sharing art that isn't comic related anyway! It kind of came about because at the beginning of summer I met another artist in my job and I was like "Ah yes I'm also an artist!"
I went to show him some of my art aaaand couldn't get on deviantART because at the time my provider blocked it XD (that problem is fixed now) I Googled my username instead to bring up some of the pictures and a lot of them were just comic pages, with the only art being from nearly 5 years ago I was like "Hot dang, I knew I did a lot of comic art but SURELY--???" Even on Tumblr literally all of my art is either of human Shivu, my other OCs, or generic Pokemon art
Despite the fact that I obviously love Pokemon a lot unless I'm meeting another Pokemon or furry artist I don't like to show that off; before anyone gets upset like 'No but you can share whatever you like!' or 'Who cares what people think?' I completely agree! It SHOULDN'T stop anyone who loves to do it, but me personally I don't like making that my main portfolio, especially to older coworkers who don't know what Pokemon is (ergo, this man)
In the end I decided 'Yeah I really need to start uploading art again'
Back when I had way more time to draw I used to upload almost daily which gave me a lot to show people! That schedule is impossible to meet now, partly because of my own life taking over (I'm what they call an 'adult' now, which means I frequently have to partake in boring life stuff) and partly because I actually put a decent amount of effort into my art now (or at least, that's what I tell myself; it takes more time, anyway)
So yes, fascinating I know! But that's why I want to search for at least one drawing I can post inbetween pages- so the schedule now is basically 'Counting Stars page, World of Wolves page, random art piece', rinse and repeat! I'm sure you've all noticed this pattern by now, it's been going on for like 4 months now? Before I start college again I'm going to make an effort to mass-produce the sketches for the comic pages so hopefully I just need to finish them in my spare time! I kind of did that over the academic year last year and it worked quite well (I actually just drew comic pages when I could then uploaded them in parts throughout the summer, since none of them had been scanned; which also meant World of Wolves wasn't coloured or anything!) Anyway useless update ahoy! See y'all later, stay fun!
WHOMST
Back at it!
During the holidays a good friend of mine returns from his studies abroad so we're always sure to go out loads when he's home, I also made 3 new friends at the annual summer con who like to go out a lot more than my other group of friends (I'm certainly not complaining!)- on top of that September saw the beginning of a French course for me (I'm finally properly learning this beautiful language!) and lastly recently I got a new job! 0w0
I'm still in a cafe, but this time I'm getting paid
I'm not complaining, I love all the new stuff that's been brought in but it HAS eaten up a lot of my time! I only got Pokemon Ultra Sun opened on Saturday night after getting it on Friday (it is SO hard to avoid spoilers omg) and I haven't had a chance to touch it since ;w;
I wanted to formally thank
again for gifting me this amazing piece of art for my birthday and again say sorry for only seeing it now (I feel so bad ahh)
It's BEAUTIFUL 8DDD Go check her out if you haven't already! ^w^
Hopefully I can get back into the swing of comics now I've gotta avoid Tumblr (because of spoilers!)
STOLEN POKEMON MEME
We all started our Pokémon journey at some point... The real question is, how did it go?
RULES: Use a Random Number Generator to select your answers. Tag your rivals. Have fun during your adventure!You started your Pokémon journey:
1) At age 10.
2) At age 15.
3) After finishing high school.
4) After finishing college.
5) As far back as you can remember; You grew up in the wilds with Pokémon.
6) No idea; You suffered an accident that erased your previous memory.
Typical Shivu; it was about time all those accidents would catch up to you c:
The weather was:
1) Sunny.
2) Sunny with some clouds.
3) Cloudy.
4) Rainy.
5) Snowy.
6) A natural disaster.
NO PLEASE, I DON'T NEED ANY MORE SUNBURN ON MY NECK PLEEASSEE
You started your journey because:
1) You want to be the very best.
2) You want to catch ‘em all.
3) You want to be a master coordinator.
4) You want to meet many people.
5) You want to discover new Pokémon.
6) You want to explore lost places.
Sounds accurate, actually c:
Your starter Pokémon is:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
Well, could have been worse
In the beginning, your starter:
1) Was practically your twin.
2) Became your friend immediately.
3) Liked you.
4) Was wary of you.
5) Disliked you greatly.
6) Tried to kill you.
SOUNDS RIGHT- REMEMBER OSHAWOTT? LIL DOUCHE
The first great obstacle of your journey was:
1) A rival battle.
2) A treacherous route.
3) A wild Pokémon attack.
4) A Pokémon gym.
5) A battle with a criminal team member.
6) A sapling.
Right...? Right.
At this obstacle, the two of you:
1) Triumphed with little resistance.
2) Achieved victory, though it was tough.
3) Won, but just barely.
4) Tied with the opposition.
5) Lost, though you put up a good fight.
6) Failed miserably.
Sweet. Where's my second Pokemon then?
...
WHERE?!
The second Pokémon you caught is:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
Oh there it is. A shiny Spritzee? Sweet!
Your starter and second Pokémon:
1) Love each other dearly.
2) Are good friends.
3) Get along well enough.
4) Don’t seem to like each other.
5) Ignore each other.
6) Are constantly at each other’s throats.
Guys please PLEASE I'M TRYING AS HARD AS I CAN AND MY JOURNEY IS CRAP SO FAR
WHERE ARE BETHY AND LEN, THINGS ARE MORE FUN WITH THEM
When the sun begins to set, you:
1) Set up camp immediately.
2) Make a fire. You need nothing else.
3) Only stop to sleep when it becomes too dark to continue.
4) Keep walking. A lack of sun makes no difference to you.
5) Break into a run, hoping to find shelter before nightfall.
6) Pick up camp. You only travel at night.
Just keep walking, just keep walking, just keep walking, walking, walking- what do we do? We get mugged, mugged You pass through civilization:
1) Often enough to keep your electronics charged.
2) At least once a week.
3) If it happens to be on your way.
4) Occasionally, but only for supplies.
5) Rarely, and only on the outskirts.
6) Never.
*hisses at people* YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING FOR ME, SO I SHALL STAY AWAY
Your third Pokémon is:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
OH GREAT, THANK YOU
YOU'D BETTER BE CLOSE TO EVOLVING, BUDDY
The three Pokémon on your team:
1) Work together flawlessly.
2) Cooperate well, but could use some work.
3) Have moments of synergy, though not often.
4) Try their best, yet are on completely different beats.
5) Constantly work against each other.
6) Blame you for their horrible collaboration.
We're close, guys, so close to having a happy family
When the going gets tough:
1) Your team pulls through every time.
2) Your starter carries the weight.
3) You come up with a brilliant solution.
4) You win by hax.
5) You win by dumb luck.
6) You get going the opposite direction.
Damn right you little shit, that's what you get for trying to kill me. In Northern Ireland, HUMANS kill BUGS!
Two evolutions have occurred by this point:
1) Starter and 2 evolve.
2) 2 and 3 evolve.
3) 3 and starter evolve.
4) Starter evolves twice
5) 2 evolves twice.
6) 3 evolves twice.
FUCK YEAH, NOW WE'RE TALKING
Fight me, Scizor can evolve
Over time, you find you work best with and mostly train:
1) Grass, Bug, and Poison types.
2) Water, Ice, and Flying types.
3) Fire, Electric, and Fighting types.
4) Ground, Rock, and Steel types.
5) Dark, Ghost, and Psychic types.
6) Normal, Dragon, and Fairy types.
You know, the three types I don't have? I work good with those.
Your fourth Pokémon (type #1) is:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
SWEET
Your fifth Pokémon (type #2) is:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
HOLY SHIT
Calm Mamoswine for Ice
Uhh... I keep the name Tyrone (lol)
Your sixth Pokémon (type #3) is:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
I'M GETTING SOME GOOD SHIT NOW
You are offered a trade, and it’s up to you to take it or leave it:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
Nah, I'm good I'VE GOT A FUCKING ZEKROM- DON'T NEED YOU NO MORE SCRAFTY
Another evolution occurs:
1) Starter evolves.
2) 2 evolves.
3) 3 evolves.
4) 4 evolves.
5) 5 evolves.
6) 6 evolves.
GOOD- ARCANINE, GOOD. WELL COME ON ZEKROM, CHOP CHOP GET EVOLVING
Your team:
1) Is your family.
2) Gets jealous whenever you interact with other trainers.
3) Would protect you from anything.
4) Is loyal to you, but mostly aloof.
5) At least tolerates each of their differences by this point.
6) Is a pretty much a big, chaotic mess.
Finally, my journey got it's shit back on track
You travel mostly by:
1) Well-worn footpath.
2) Overgrown trail.
3) Water.
4) Air.
5) Cave.
6) Wilderness.
With my... What water-type exactly?? I CAN'T SWIM THAT WELL
Another evolution occurs:
1) Starter evolves.
2) 2 evolves.
3) 3 evolves.
4) 4 evolves.
5) 5 evolves.
6) 6 evolves.
PLEASE NO MORE, NOBODY ELSE CAN EVOLVE
Your journey takes you:
1) Not far from home.
2) Across the region.
3) To another region.
4) Across many regions.
5) Around the world.
6) To places unknown.
*stares across ocean* I must go now, the next region needs me... *swims slowly off into ocean*
*body washes up some time later*
The strongest Pokémon you faced in battle on your journey was:
1) SHINY BONUS (use Random Pokémon Generator)
2-6) (use Random Pokémon Generator)
Oh well that makes sense-- wait is THAT MY STARTER
WHAAAAAAAAAAAT
Another evolution occurs:
1) Starter evolves.
2) 2 evolves.
3) 3 evolves.
4) 4 evolves.
5) 5 evolves.
6) 6 evolves.
PLEEEAAAAASEEEE
The event with the greatest impact on you was:
1) Becoming a Pokémon Champion.
2) The grand evolution of a team member in a dire moment.
3) Finding a hidden landmark of great beauty.
4) Encountering a legendary Pokémon.
5) Having an out-of-body experience in a haunted building.
6) Discovering you’re a child of Mew.
!!!
*looks at self*
Finally my memory has come back...
I...
I'm a Gary-Stu...
*sniffs* finally I know about my past, my present my FUUUUTUURE
The hardest trial you ever faced was:
1) Fighting your rival to become Champion.
2) Realizing just how much you have to walk and still sticking out this whole journey thing.
3) Being lost for weeks.
4) Assisting in taking down a criminal organization.
5) Losing a Pokémon.
6) Realizing there are way too many Pokémon to ever catch ‘em all.
Bye-bye Butterfree
Your starter:
1) Is your strongest Pokémon and best friend.
2) Is your good friend, but far from the strongest.
3) Is your strongest Pokémon, but emotionally distant.
4) Is about the same as the rest of your team.
5) Stayed behind some point during your journey.
6) Is deceased.
Maybe it's all those times I beat it? It finally loves me c':
And you are now:
1) Gambling all the money you’ve earned in the Celadon Game Corner.
2) Hidden away at the top of Mt. Silver for an indefinite amount of time.
3) Exploring the many islands littered in the oceans surrounding Hoenn.
4) Lost in the Distortion World after a mishap in the ruins at Mt. Coronet.
5) Trolling inexperienced trainers in the Driftveil World Tournament.
6) Reflecting on past decisions beside the monument of Geosenge Town.
OH WAIT WHAT
!!!
*looks at self*
Finally my memory has come back...
I...
I'm... AZ?? I GUESS?? WHAT DO YOU KNOW
The team that saw you to your journey’s end:
EVERYTHING INCLUDING MY SERIOUSLY TINY VIRIZON AND SLIGHTLY UNDERSIZED ARCANINE
I TAG ANYONE GO GO GO