Why you should shoot for that Fail!

   

     So here are some random words to inspire you and help push you to never give up. Sometimes its good to just randomly open up and unload. Just let your thoughts go and let your emotions out. Forget about the world, let your surroundings disappear as you drift into the darkness. Enter the open and free solace that lies deep within your mind. Explore this vastness where anything is possible.

    When i visit this place and i take a look in this mirror to face my most feared enemy, what do i see?
Do i see fear?
Do i see disappointment?
or do i see achievements?
Do i look down on myself?
Why is it that i seem to focus on  all of my  pitfalls and downfalls?
Why does that overpower my achievements?
Then i think and remember that i am only human. It is OK to feel down and it is alright to see my mistakes. Remember that every great in history has made more mistakes than most could even imagine. The key is the determination and the perseverance to push through. To keep your head up and to keep your eyes forward, your mind clear and your dreams soaring past the moon.

    The brightest minds in the past never gave up. can i stand up to that? Am i
willing to take the challenge and step up to the plate? Every morning i will wake up determined to try and prepared and ready to Fail. This is a choice that i can make and a choice that i have full control over.

How we live and react to what is given to us will determine the person we become. What will you do with the time you are given? and how will you react and accept failure?

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Feline Fatale collaboration piece with Ginger Jess

Why i do the things i do.

Why i create the characters i create.

I create to fuel and fulfill my own passions.

I create to inspire others.

I create to share that spark.

     Here is some new interesting artwork i came across. A creative by the name of Ginger Jess. She has a collection of bright and colorful artworks, pieces that not only stood out with a great setup, but also have an interesting concept and story line hidden within each piece of artwork. Little kittens or story pieces hidden deep within the grass and forest for those who are willing to look hard enough.

Here is a sample of some of her works that i really liked

Here was my favorite piece that stood out to me. The character, the idea behind the piece, everything was just amazing.

And here is what it inspired me to create.

And now back to why i create. It is for these moments that i cherish and keep pushing me forward!

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view more of Ginger Jess here

Professor X is SCREAMING at me Again!!!

     Oh my god, these voices are coming after me again! They keep yelling at me! Screaming inside my mind at all of my thoughts! Trying to tear me down.

     Professor X has become very angry and with his powers focused in on me I feel doomed. In a horrible position with a powerless feeling. A war of monsters has decided to adopt my brain as a battlefield for their new fight. Being beaten and trampled on as my own thoughts and ideas run in circles trying to find a way out, but every exit has been blocked.

What do i do? 

Can i find a way to stand up against this attack? 

I must fight back, but how?

     There it is! I have found it! My own little Magneto helmet. Now i have finally discovered my own little secret weapon that works for me. I stare the Professor in the eyes as i use all my strength and urge to pick up my headphones. Without blinking and keeping my eyes locked on his I slide them on.

Wow its amazing! The voices begin to disappear, like a wall wiping them away as i put them on.

Now I'm Free!

     Of course the tunes i put on also play a big role, but just the act of and feeling of the headphones does it for me. I have to use the big over the ear ones, but I love them. Putting them on feels like i am cutting out the entire world. I'm all alone in my own little world, free to move about as i please. No voices screaming at me and no distractions. My own little slice of heaven formed into a dream in a peaceful place all my own.

This is now my time. My time to execute my craft and dive into my passions.

Whats holding you back? 

What are your solutions for fighting back?

Thank you for reading and please leave a comment below letting me know your thoughts. Also please share this with anyone who is fighting their own battles. Every one of us is facing that being in the mirror and struggling to stay ahead of the game and staying on track with our dreams.

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 www.alter-ego-dezines.com

Follow your Dreams

What is your Passion?

Are you pursuing it?

Why do you do it? or Why are you not doing it?

Is it something that drives you or fulfills you?

Here is my thoughts on mine. Take a look and push yourself to enjoy every moment! Everyone is given a gift and put here to really be someone. Always remember that.

Is my craft fulfilling to me?

yes i believe it is.
I get to create my own characters.
I get to share my expressions through my work.
I get to help and inspire others and i get to watch them light up.
I get to witness the miracle of that sparkle that waves across the faces of others. A light that captures the true beauty on their face that is very rarely seen. That true beauty beneath the skin, the hidden tucked away person that rarely comes to the surface.
I get to create a story that will inspire someone else's personal story.

I have been given a gift and i am giving myself permission to share it with the world around me. 

Please leave a comment below and let me know where your dreams and passions are taking you.


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www.alter-ego-dezines.com

Having the Chance to mentor a lost soul.

     Recently i feel i have been blessed to see a transformation that has touched me. Personally i feel i have always been that person that is willing to help out if possible. Especially when it is in my field of interest. Through my course of learning up to this point i have been fortunate for the opportunities to pick up tips from great people and artists around me. For this reason i have always been open and willing to share the tips and techniques i have acquired.

     I have had some artists tell me thanks! This worked for me or saved my piece! this helped me out so much! These responses always inspire me to keep sharing but mentoring someone and seeing a full transformation  that has only just begun is very new to me. Something that i can honestly look at and personally be inspired by. A close friend has been able to confide in me and made some major changes in her own life to better herself. Coming from a dark place and feeling the walls closing in to finding that 1 candle that was still lit to help guide her through the shadows. Realizing that her life is worth something to her and would be a wast to end it. Pushing forward i was able to help her re discover her passions. Passions for art, creativity, and a new material for self expression in sculpting.

    It all started as something fun. An interesting way to create some new characters and creatures. It started out with her favorite monsters until she was able to create her own designs. There was a little resistance and struggle at first, but diving into her emotions and using her life as a driving force she continued. She was able to take her hurts and struggles and translating them in clay became therapeutic for her. A way to wind down and get things off her chest.

     Now as she continues to grow i have taken a look at where she has come from compare to today and i cant help but be inspired. Not only is it gratifying to know that i was able to be a part of this, but seeing her strength she is able to contain in such a small being has pushed me to do better and be the best that i can be.

     I have witness and very pretty rose bud struggling to stand straight in the dirt, start to spread her roots and begin to blossom. A flower truly on her path to a full blossom. I will continue to be there to keep you on track, push you in the right direction and make sure you don't go off track or start to wilt.

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www.alter-ego-dezines.com

A Beautiful Day! 

We brought in the Christmas boxes, the decorations, and picked out a tree. Instead of a lot we decided to go out into the wild and we saw this tree we were captured. Amazed by something that we were not able to identify, I just knew that this has to be the tree.

This one had stronger roots but it was worth the work. Got it down and brought it home. Decorated with all of the lights and decorations and as we all stared and admired it there was something about it. Something was amazing about this particular tree but what was it. 

This tree was alive! We knew that, but very soon we would find out HOW ALIVE this tree really was.

This is a limited Edition piece i recently completed. He is nearly sold out so check out my webstore for more info or if your interested in adding him to your own personal collection.

http://alteregodezines.bigcartel.com/product/evil-tree-pre-order

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Don't be discouraged by your art

    Don't worry if you think your art isn't good enough

IT IS

    Its a sign that you are critiquing your own work and realizing you can do better.

     Remember when you were a kid and you thought every scribble was amazing and you would hang it on the fridge. When i was younger i thought i was awesome and could draw anything.

Its when you think its perfect and cant get any better that you should worry.

    Even the best artists look at their finished work and see something they could have done better. Now they don't stress over it or put themselves down, they strive to do better in their next piece. The use each one as a learning tool and pick up new techniques and knowledge with every piece of work they complete.

You do need to get started though.

 Sitting around and worrying or thinking wont change your results. Remember that it is through some of these mistakes or failures that you learn and grow.

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Visit my site for more stories and work www.alter-ego-dezines.com

Introducing a new inner demon, Meet Dilaniate

What happens when my most precious treasure is being torn? When my Heart is pulled in two separate directions? 1 side lies as a reminder of my past and the void of my true self, while the other flourishes.

Where does my heart follow?

Do i continue down this path of complacency?

Do i continue to walk this stale path of black and white?

Do i continue to pretend i'm happy and bury my true colors deep within?

or do i form new senses of these new experiences?

Do i allow them to bring color into my life?

Do i accept this new side of the world that i never even knew existed?

Do i let the blood pump and my color explode out of me 

or

do i let the blood stop circulating and clot up as i fade into the background?

Everyone has tough decisions to make in their life.

Sometimes the easiest one ins't really the best.

Make your own choices but make sure you always make them for YOU!

---Ali Korruption

Newest Member of the Inner Demons series 

"Dilaniate"

When your inner feelings tear you apart in different directions and your not sure where to go or who to follow.

check out my facebook page for more updates and inspiration.

https://www.facebook.com/AliKorruption

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Visit my website for more work www.alter-ego-dezines.com

Hiding behind our masks

We all wear masks everyday. We put on a face for what we want others to see........but is it really the same face as underneath?

Are we just trying to fit in? Trying to join the masses? Leeching off of others hoping that their smiles, their laughter, their joy will somehow infect our souls and suddenly ...... Poof .... we're all better.

What happens when that true face is drenched in sorrow and drowning in sadness. Why is it that each of us feels we must just bottle it up and hide it in the shadows. Why are we so concerned of the outside world that we feel we are alone in this and must fight it on our own.

The world was created as a community. A group of people that helped each other, But in today's world we have all grown apart. Each of us is connected to everyone else on the planet through technology but yet still hiding in the corners away from each other on this playground of life.

This is something that i have struggled with and still feel i do at times so it is okay. Do i need to make an impression or try to win someone over? Do i feel that i am just not worthy or good enough? Do i have a deep dark secret that i have hidden and am punishing myself for? These could all be very valid points. Points to which i do have an answer for you.

One thing i do know now though is this. We are not alone in the world and if you are willing to open up and reach out you will find a community. A group that is willing to rally behind you. If you just start to remove your mask and let that kin in you show himself then you will be free.

Don't let the mask consume you!

Don't rely on a piece of plastic to solve your problems!

Don't base your identity on a simple object

Tell yourself this

Who care if i am judged by the world

I don't want to spend my precious moments on the thoughts of shallow people.

I will let myself free, step outside the box of conformity and i will shine!

Don't hide behind your mask

Be YOU!


The image above is from myself and my student Ali Korruption. The sweet tooth mask used was created by my friend Brandon at http://madsciencefxstudios.com/

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Visit my website for more work and inspiration www.alter-ego-dezines.com

Keeping a Notepad ready (re-post)

A small but important tip for today is something small, but will have a huge impact for everyone out there. Artists of all trades and mediums should be doing this one.

Keep a notepad or paper handy. Ideas come to us artists at all hours of the day and usually not at a time when we are ready for them. Think about when you have the best ideas, they come when your working, or driving, or in the shower, most likely when you are not ready for them. Most of these ideas will come in a split second and then disappear like the wind blowing past. If you are not ready to grab it as it comes you could lose it forever. What works for me is to keep a notepad and pen on me at all times when i'm out and i keep one within reach when i'm working. In the middle of sculpting or painting a piece is when my mind sparks out most of my ideas so i always have something within reach.

Digital media works as well such as a app on your tablet or phone, but i feel writing it down is so much faster and easier to deal with. Also helps when my hands are covered with clay so i don't get my phone dirty.

Here is a quick pic to share of the notes i had from last week during one of my warm-ups. A mix of ideas, things i had to get done as well as items i had to get. All this from 1 hr of warming up.

Hope this helps and inspires you to capture your ideas before they fly away.

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The importance of an honest critique - (re-post)

     One very important task that is constant during the sculpture process is critiquing your work. Be honest with yourself from early on in the process and dont be afraid to change things up or start over from scratch. If the piece you currently have in front of you doesn't have the correct structure or form it wont matter how long you take on the details and features, the piece wont be as strong. I have had a couple pieces that in the past i created life size busts but after 1-2 hrs in the shapes didn't seem right. It was easier for me to pull the clay and restart rather than try to figure out and fix the problem areas, and the pieces turned out better when i had a fresh new piece in front of me.

     The picture above is some of my mini-busts i have set aside that i like. In this case i do studies everyday to get warmed up and work on my techniques in this smaller scale. The ones i like i will work on further, but with me doing new pieces every week i have to judge each piece to make sure it makes the cut and is strong enough for me to spend my time and money on to complete the sculpt and make the mold.

So always remember to critique your own work with an open and honest mind. If the piece your working on doesn't give you a chill of excitement down your spine then somethings wrong. 

Figure out what it is and fix it or start fresh.

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All the Darkness in the World cannot put out a single candle

Have you ever read or heard a quote that was an instant hit? 

A quote that just spoke to you instantly? 

This here is a quote that spoke to us the moment we read it, both Alikorruption and myself.

"All the Darkness in the World Cannot put out a Single Candle"

Take a moment and read that quote! 

Let the words sink in and think about what it means to you.

Inside each of us there is a single candle that burns. Be it our passions, our dreams, our hearts, our spirit or essence. Describe it as you will but we all have it. At times it will be a small wick flickering and trying to stay alive. Other times it is like a torch that could light an entire city, so strong it even ignites the fire in others. It is a fire that we need to nurture and protect in order to survive.

All the Pain and Evil in the world will try to test you. How will you answer?

Now each of us goes through a certain set of obstacles and encounters blind spots through our life. The key to remember is to focus and rely on ourselves first to keep our fires burning. The world around us will try to test us, and sway our feelings, but we all have the strength to stand tall and decide how we will let it effect us. In every situation we will be given a choice of how we choose to react. Will you lash out or calmly decide on a plan of action. I wont tell you a right or wrong for any situation, just think about the person you are and what your decision will share about you. Also how will the outcome and consequences affect your flame.

Don't let the darkness in others INFECT You

 People will try to put you down because they don't have that passion you have. Others will not understand your flame or have not fed their own flame enough. Then there will be those that had the flame long ago and miss it so they will try to leech off of yours. Think of it this way the next time someone or something tries to get you down.

Shadows and darkness are just empty spaces that have not been lit or have burned out!

Keep your head up and your passions strong. 

Protect your own personal flame, feed it so much that it ignites those around you. 

Then take on this world and live the life you were meant to.

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 Visit my site - www.alter-ego-dezines.com

Idea of the Day (re-post)

     Everyone gets ideas, but have you gotten that 1 idea that made you think? That idea that gets you SO excited and interested that you just have to start it right NOW? Me Too, those are great but be very careful with what you do with them and how you handle those ideas. Treat them as expensive wines in cheap bottles. Let them settle and marinate so they can grow and become so much better. If you jump too soon you may drop it and that amazing idea could shatter all over the floor and ruined forever.

Here are some things to think about, some do's and don'ts

1. Do write it, but dont act until you have a fresh clear mind.
2. Dont jump in now, it could take you away from the project on hand and get you distracted
3. Do think it over, jumping in too early you may realize that can't complete the project or follow through
4. Do evaluate its importance, you might change your mind or loose interest the next day or week
5. Do let it marinate, if it is truly important it will be just as strong or stronger tomorrow or next week

Hopefully these ideas help you when you get that next big idea.
Thank you for reading and if you would like to see more of my work check back often or follow me here http://www.facebook.com/alteregodezines

Be proud of your True Colors

"True Colors" by Brian and Alikorruption from Alter-Ego-Dezines

     Never be afraid or ashamed to show your true colors! 

We all go through struggles and tough times in our lives, myself included. One thing to remember is that we are not alone in this world and we were not created to survive alone. We are all special pieces of a massive puzzle of mechanics that work together in unison. However we must be careful and locate the correct people that match our edges and fit our direction to surround ourselves with.

I recently had some personal issues to go through that kind of built up under the surface and i had to deal with in my mind. I am blessed to have one of my best friends there and willing to listen to me rant. Sometimes we just need to reach out and open up to others every once in a while. I was reminded of who i truly am and about how much of myself i am hiding and locked in a cage.

My friend Alikorruption originally created this piece as an idea and a symbol. A sign for a free pass to let your freak flag fly and to be who you truly are, not to hold yourself back for anyone and to connect with yourself and to be that person you should be. That vision your inner child dreamed of.

I understood her concept originally, but then hearing her story when she shared it with the world and the energy she put into it, i found new meaning or maybe saw it in a new light. And now after going through a mental snap i have started to find my feet again and will constantly strive to better myself.

Thank you for your Support Ali and i hope that everyone reading this can let themselves go and be who they truly are deep down and to stop hiding under the cloak society has put over us.

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https://www.facebook.com/AliKorruption

You can see more of "True Colors" here and collect your very own.

Bringing out the best in your character - (re-post)

When you first start your concept or sketch just have fun, enjoy sculpting and don't over think things. Try to just relax and let your subconscious take over, doing this may release some ideas you didn't even know you had. Good and bad ideas are good to come out, the good ones can turn into masterpieces and once the bad ideas are out you wont have them holding your imagination back. Once you come up with a piece that you are happy with and enjoyed creating it is now your job to really bring it to life. The best design out there is still plain and boring without emotion, a great expression and sense of character can bring interest to a plain design so when you combine your cool new idea with a sense of character that can connect with the viewer it will take it over the top. Try to move your character around, feel what he feels, and think how he thinks to truly understand his being. Now you will have the best chance at bringing the inner sense out and connecting on a deeper level with you and everyone who views the piece.

Here is a new piece i am working on. 

First up is my concept, i did a warm-up sketch starting from nothing and not knowing what i was going to do

Then i liked the concept so i continued to work on him and his body language. This character is suppose to be the first invader or visitor, i wanted him to be a larger creature looking down with a stronger menacing look. Then for the base i continued with this idea and created a stony style base with ancient writings, all of them made up but with reference and similarities to Chinese, cuneiform, symbols and even an are with crop circle geometric symbols.

Make sure your character makes sense and gives you a certain feeling when you look at them. If you don't get excited and anxious then something is wrong. Figure out what it is and fix it, or let it die and start fresh.

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The Endless Possibilites of a Blank Canvas

How will you Express YourSelf?

What i have created here is a starting point. A blank canvas for you to take and run with. A blank canvas for you to take to the next level and reach into your own creativity. 

Everyone who paints or creates does so in their own unique way that cannot be replicated or copied

Everyone who paints or creates does so in their own way. Whether it be their mental tools and knowledge or the techniques they use. Everyone out there has their own personal views on style and feel that is uniquely their own. Something that can never be duplicated or mass produced. We are all unique in our own special ways, however not all of us are willing to tap into that.

But Why?

• Some people have trouble finding and searching for it.
• Some are afraid to share their true self and worry about the thoughts of others
• Some are too busy trying to duplicate someone else

Be Yourself

Find your own Voice

Be an Original

Everyone else is already taken, 

be the person you were born to be.

Below is a bust i created and here you can see the the changes the paintwork makes.

Take a look on my site and webstore at the blanks i have created. I would love to see what you can create.

www.alter-ego-dezines.com

alteregodezines.bigcartel.com

Thank you for reading and following me on my journey. Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also tell me more about what you would like to see in the future.

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The Importance of a Mentor and what i have learned

The Importance of having a Mentor and what it has done for me. 

 
 Having someone to look up to and guide me has been an integral part of my learning curve, especially recently. When your growing up you look towards your parent as well as your friends. You learn right and wrong along with how you should act. In school you look towards your teachers to grow as a person. Why does that change or stop after we become "adults." Regardless of our age, each one of us will constantly be in a state of learning.

Once that learning stops the brain shuts down and You STOP living, You STOP growing and You STOP expanding.

     Having someone to look up to that i can trust and share with is like having a coach. Someone i have respect for as a person as well as an artist for his view of life and his time management ethics. I have had numerous teachers and instructors as well as friends and fellow artists and i have learned a lot and have taken in a lot. However i have had the most help and insight in the last year with the Mentor ship from Noah. Noah and Terry from Noah University have been coaches that i look up to and respect for who they are. Noah has  an inspiring look on life, strong time management ethics, as well as amazing abilities in his craft. Terry has had some great ideas and the communication and management of Noah U has been amazing.
    At this moment i have been in this mentor ship for 11 months and it has been crucial in my learning curve. Noah has a way of teaching and inspiring creatives that digs into a  deeper purpose for creating and living. He has helped me dig into my childhood and learning where my sparks come from. What it is that gets me fired up. He has also helped me with my time management and facing my fears.

Standing face to face with my inner demons without flinching!

I have learned to keep moving forward and never stop.

A good mentor is a person you can look up to and be inspired from. They are also someone who will be honest with you and will not only compliment your strength but will also point out your flaws and challenge you to do your best. Not only in your art and creativity but in your life as well.

Look towards those around you and learn as much as you possibly can.

Don't forget to Dream!  _ Noah Elias

Thank you Noah and Terry for your support!

The images above are Noah's "Grab your crash Helmet" along with my fan art sketch.


For more art and information check out the links below

http://noahfineart.com/

http://noahuniversity.com/

http://terryweaver.com/

www.alter-ego-dezines.com

Thank you for reading and following me on my journey. Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

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A day where Procrastination Sneaks In

     Recently i sort of had one of those days. A day where my procrastination kicks in more than usual teaming up with my analysis paralysis and another personal demon which i still cant name or even picture. I had one of those days where you have plans but you seem to think about them all day. Not necessarily excited and giddy but just keeping them on your mind and making you watch the clock. I had somewhere i needed to be around 6 pm but yet it weighed on me all day and i got nothing done. Now i can usually fill in the gaps and do other things, but every so often i get caught in that struggle that pulls me down. I get stuck in a state where i constantly think about the time and the time i have left. My mind gets filled with "OK i have to leave in 5 hours, OK i have 4 hours left until i have to go."
     My mind seems to get so overwhelmed i cant even focus on anything else. When i try to take my mind off of it my mind just goes blank. Then later on i get a little upset and frustrated because i wasn't able to accomplish the things i wanted to.
     A constant struggle as i face my demons, but here are a few tips i try to keep in mind and put to use.

• Find that thing that you are crazy passionate about and just dive in and do it. For me when i get into the groove and start concepting i can drift away and live in my own peaceful little world.
• set a schedule or a time limit. Some of the big things that need to get done just set a  timer and work on them for 30 minutes to 1 hour

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Purpose of a Maquette (re-post)

Why would you sculpt a maquette. For us sculptors a maquette or clay sketch is a 3 dimensional representation to guide us when we work on our full size piece. Working solely from a drawing can produce some issues during the progress of the piece. Some 2D artwork doesn't transfer as easily to 3 dimensions so this is where a maquette comes in handy to save time making a smaller piece.

Maquettes also have many of uses and are only limited to your imagination. They can help with concepts, character  expression, pose, structure, etc.

When i worked on my Monster Squad Gillman piece i created a maquette for all of those reasons listed above. I made a 1:3 sculpture to show fans what i was planning on creating. I also used it learn how i would build up the creature, the structure of the character, the expression i was going to use (i tried out a couple emotions), the pose, and how he would look in 3 dimensions making sure he was interesting from all angles.

Here is the clay sketch i did for the Gillman. I tilted the head and shoulders to produce 2 looks.

Here is the final piece.

Thanks for reading and i hope this helps fellow artists out there. Please feel free to comment below or contact me with questions or future topic requests.

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A vicious mind cycle

   

     Have you ever had that problem where your mind just seems to run away from you. Like its running in circles thinking about a million and one things and you can't for the life of you grasp onto what your actually thinking about. Then as a result you automatically try harder to figure it out. Now your in a state of thinking hard trying to figure out what your thinking about and it gets you frustrated and upset that you cant figure it out. Its like reaching into a power ball machine and trying to grab a specific number blind folded.

This is a vicious cycle that unleashes in my mind and is a constant demon that i must face.

     A small section works with my analysis paralysis issues that reside in my mind. Teaming up for more strength to hold their ground! So key is really to try to pinpoint what is setting you off and what is the last brick that tipped you over the edge. (At least that's what everyone tells you right?) Well just think about the problem and take it one baby step at a time.

"HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING! I have been trying to figure that out for the last 3 hrs."

     I'm sorry but at this moment i still don't have an answer, so if anyone else is struggling with similar demons all i can say is your not alone. For me the best way to combat this evil within is to work on your passion. Use your strongest inner ally and stand him toe to toe with your fiercest demon. Find what it is that you are truly passionate about and just unleash it. For me that's sculpting. I will have to do something fresh and create a new character expressive character. A lot of moving the clay and discovering new monsters helps me to overcome my battles and release my mind.

Thanks for listening to my rant and please leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Also let me know if there are any topics you would like to see covered or my opinions on.

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Finding the Value in every situation

Do your best to find that one small jewel in the pile of dirt or locate that one untouched piece of wood from a massive fire. It makes the whole event and time spent worth it.

     A few years back i attended a convention that wasn't "amazing". It had a nice look and decorations but the location wasn't fit for the show and the advertising was slim. Overall it wasn't looking good, with the table cost, an expensive hotel, more tolls tallied up (both too and from), plus the greatest part was only a few guests actually knew about it and showed up. It was one of those times when everything seems to be going down and the outlook isn't pretty.

It's in these times that we must focus more on that sliver of light when your locked in a dark basement.

     For me at this show, it was making some new friends. Jason and Alanna along with the Monster Dolls troupe made the show for me. They are an amazing dance troupe from Ohio led by Alanna with there masks and makeup by Jason at Killer Design. They were there to perform at the show and were having their own set of troubles because of the setup and schedule of the venue. Being in their masks and ready to go on time and then not going on stage until almost an hour later. Despite all of this we still had a good time and made the best of the situation. We were not going to let a bad show give us a horrible weekend.

Make sure to find these nuggets. The situation wont get better from complaining and  self pity

    Then take this into the future and it was from this meeting that i also spawned my line of Alter-Ego Portraits and have learned so much from doing them. Thanks to starting with Frankie Doll and creating a bust i was able to learn a few faults i have in my own work. My eyes were originally too large for a likeness piece as i normally have more of a cute and creepy style to my work. Frankie Doll also allowed to step away from the idea of "This is a Likeness" and allowed me to trick my mind into thinking "This is just another Monster."

A slight shift in my thinking and i was now allowed to cool down and let go of the stress of a LIKENESS

Then to take it a step further it gave me a base and a blank canvas to jump into other new and exciting ideas. So please take a moment and think about this the next time you are in a situation you are not completely happy with and instead of getting yourself down search for the beauty in the mud.

Thank you for reading,

More work and images are available on my site

http://www.alter-ego-dezines.com

My Monster Dolls are available here

http://alteregodezines.bigcartel.com/product/monster-dolls-series-1

More info on the Monster Dolls dance Troupe

http://monsterdolls.us/

More info on Killer Design

https://www.facebook.com/KillerDesign13/

For more updates please like my Facebook page and sign up for email newsletters here https://www.facebook.com/alteregodezines

Haters - Don't worry about the opinions of others - (re-post)

Why worry More about the opinions of others over your own? Is their reaction more important then how you feel when you look and create your art?
You are creating because it is your passion, you LOVE to do it. Create what you want and how you want it. If they love it great, if not it's ok. Keep doing your thing.

• what others think of you is none of your business
• If you let them determine and affect your thoughts whose life will you be living? Yours or Theirs?

I have personally learned over the years that there will be two types of people and each will have their yes or no mentality
There are non qualified viewers

• Their yes you should appreciate and take it as a fan who appreciates your work.
• Their no usually comes with a negative vibe. They don't appreciate what you can do and they will try to bring you down. These people are toxic, make sure to wear your protective gear around and don't get infected.

Then there are qualified viewers.

• These yes's will show that they appreciate your work and they will be able to tell you Why they like it.
• There no's will either be - its not their preference or style or there is something off. Again they will be able to tell you why or what they don't like about it. Listen to their tips then filter it for the meaning of the piece and work on it or keep it in mind for future work. 
• These kind of people will be open and honest and be able to point out specific issues. Also you will notice that most of them will have a motivation of helping you out, not putting you down and telling you your work is garbage.

In the end learn to identify these viewers and learn how to handle their views. You can't decide how the world will work, but you have total control over how you will react and let it affect you. Bottom line your art is about YOU. Do it for You and your cause.

Thank you for reading and if you would like to see more of my work check back often or follow me here http://www.facebook.com/alteregodezines

13 Days of Jason

Its time to get creative!

     Wasn't 100% ready for this one but the calendar has chosen. Next month is a month with Friday the 13th which also happens to be my birthday. So i will be taken on this new challenge before i get another year older.

     Jason is one of those icons that i was introduced to at a young age and instantly connected. Something about this guy in a hockey mask that was a result of being born different and being bullied to the point of death. A character that has somehow has so many different looks throughout the different films but yet still holds a very strong sense of continuity and character.

     Next Month i will be taking on this challenge and doing a new sketch everyday! 

I also invite everyone one of you creatives out there to join me. 

I will be on instagram, facebook, and twitter as well as a finishing video on Youtube. So let me see your creative juices and share them with the world using the hashtag #13daysofjason

Stay on the lookout for this wild slasher and stay tuned for my next one that will be following Jason. Little hint: He is Jason's adversary and has searched for and located him to spread fear.

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Who ever said water clay wasn't re-usable? - (re-post)

Who ever said you couldn't re-use water clay! It just depends on if you have the understanding and know how to work with it.

One of the biggest things i remember when i started out and was learning about different clay's for making masks i remember everywhere telling me that water clay was a one time use and the plus with oil based clay's was that they could be used over and over again. Well i started out with what i could afford and fell in love with water clay and how i can work with it. Oil based clay's do have their place, but my own personal preference is water clay.

When working with water clay

• make sure to keep your clay covered when your not working on it
• try to get all the air out when covering it with a bag, if you do a light mist on the sculpture before you cover it the plastic bag will cling to the sculpt and keep the air out
• If you work on it for over the course of a few months make sure to uncover it and spray it a few times to keep it soft
• If your piece does start to dry out put a wet towel over it and cover with the bag, leaving it to sit over night or a couple nights will make soft again. 

I have a video here on you tube with some more tips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD-zfyWY2Kk

Now for recycling used water clay. They do have machines and equipment that can help and are suppose to do it for you, but this is my trick. It takes a little bit of time but i am able to get the consistency that i like.

 Start with a gallon sized Zip Loc bag and some water at the bottom

Next i tear the clay into smaller pieces to fill up the bag.

After the bag is full seal the top getting out most of the air and let the water soak in. Flip the bag a couple times

After the clay softens up you can smash the clay together and have a fresh bag of clay

I put 3-4 bags together to create a block, depending on how much water you add you may have to let it sit out for a little while to dry out a little. 

There you have it, I have used the same clay for at least a couple years. I have bought a new box for when i have a larger project or i let a piece dry out to save, but the same clay has done well for me. 

Hope this helps, feel free to comment if you have any questions.

Thanks for reading.

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Painting in Layers - (re-post)

See the difference just 1 layer of paint can achieve!

When trying to bring a creature to life take your time, go light and working in layers. Now this all depends on your style and what effect you are going for, but whether a realistic paint scheme or a stylistic one will have a certain formula.

When i create my ideas i always start on paper. I like to know where i am going instead of making it up as i go along. Start with your lighter tones and go deeper and darker as you progress with the paint work. Doing subtle mottling as well as splatter will help you create depth and build highlights. Then as you move on to another color pre plan and think about what this next layer will do? How will this color react to the previous? Painting in layers will be like mixing paint on your bust or project. Layers will give your piece natural depth as well as a variety of colors that will mimic nature and give your work more of a believable and organic essence.

Below is a link to my video of painting Vespertilio
Painting in Layers

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment and let me know what you think?
also what would you like to see in the future?
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