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Nestly β€” 10 Years on DeviantArt - Progress Meme

#improvement #meme #nestly #progress
Published: 2016-02-05 04:29:16 +0000 UTC; Views: 1301; Favourites: 18; Downloads: 3
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Description Well it's been (over) 10 years since I started drawing and posting my art on Deviantart. (I know my profile says 12 but I didn't submit art right away)
My gallery has always been left "as is" and you can still dig up all my old shitty art from 10 years ago.
Learned a lot over the years, and although there's been waves of inactivity, I have never really ever stopped drawing for very long at all.

I am a bit disappointed that I am not farther along, especially seeing such successful artists here on DA that are much older than myself, but hey, everyone moves at their own page. Gotta grind that into my head sometimes. It's funny when I look back on some of these drawings and wish I still "drew like that" or "did more of that style". My style has always been all over the place, and these past two years have really been the first time I felt like I had sort of a "consistent" style for the most part. But I really do love trying all sorts of new styles and forms of art. I've done clay sculptures, plushies, acrylic paintings, pixel, photominips, realistic paintings, comics, perler beads, animations and so on. This past year I apparently uploaded more art on DA than any other year. Which is nice and all, but I do have some art related goals for this year...

1.) STOP BEING AFRAID TO DRAW DETAILED PIECES.
I have been so occupied with commissions lately that I've been focusing more on speed than anything else. I have gotten a LOT quicker at drawing certain styles, and that's great! But I almost feel myself afraid to experiment and really commit to bigger paintings and such.
2.) Study different styles, perspectives, and PLAY WITH COLORS MORE. (Stop using the eyedropper+multiply/screen layers)
3.) More character refs and character turn-arounds. Character development as well.
5.) Draw my fursona/persona more.
6.) DON'T FORGET ABOUT DRAGON SNAILS. (I still love it I promise)

I'm hoping this next year will be a bit better than last. Terrible relationship really brought me to my lowest low, so I'm saying FUCK dating and back to art and work for a while.
AKA guys suck, ugh.

Thank you all for sticking with me all these years, or even recently if you just found me!
Remember I am a social butterfly and love comments. I usually reply to every one so don't be shy if you want to say anything to me ever! :]



Update: January 1st, 2018!

Well the last 2 years really flew by didn't they? I've basically been 100% absorbed in Wyngro, so although I didn't venture far from drawing outside the group (aside from the last 5 months on my side account) I really did learn a lot about technique, composition, and am slowly starting to experiment more and follow more tutorials. It shows! I also practiced SPEED, which I found has been more important than I realized. It has really increased the quantity of art I produce. Especially during Inktober! Here's to discovering more about my art than ever before. And here's a new TO-DO list!

1.) Do a experimental, unrelated to anything piece once per month. (No Wyngro, fanart, etc. Just general, conceptual, interesting, unattached, unique art)
2.) Do more traditional sketching. Try to doodle once a day. (Anything, just loose sketches)
3.) Do more commissions for fun!Β 
4.) Follow at least one tutorial per month! A tutorial on a different style, shading, anything! Learn something new each month.Β 
5.) Start a new, cohesive comic for YOURSELF. Be motivated to draw for YOURSELF. (It;s hard, but you can do it)
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Comments: 36

cryptidkitten [2016-02-11 02:13:50 +0000 UTC]

seeing your old art makes me so happy and nostalgic, your neopets inspired me to start drawing! Β it's so amazing how much you've improved since then!

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Nestly In reply to cryptidkitten [2016-02-11 19:41:49 +0000 UTC]

Awwww, thanks for sticking around all these years!Β  :] Much appreciated!!

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Jemanite [2016-02-09 09:25:39 +0000 UTC]

wOAAAAH YOU'VE IMPROVED SO MUCH
I love looking at things like these they inspired me so much haha
AND ALSO WOAH THAT REALISM???

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Nestly In reply to Jemanite [2016-02-09 17:44:57 +0000 UTC]

Awww thanks! And do you mean the doggy realistic ones? haha. Yeah I don't do them hardly at all because they take like 10 hours, haha. But they do look nice when done!

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xerion567 [2016-02-09 08:29:50 +0000 UTC]

I know almost nothing about the technical side of art; I just enjoy it purely from an emotional side. When I look at the drawings above, I see the work of a truly gifted master artist who is passionate and dedicated. Your art gives me the feels! hehe It's almost always brimming with positive emotion, and that is exactly what I love the most about art.

You're an amazing person who shares great beauty with the world with everything you've made over all these years. You're also a great community leader who takes the time to encourage others to get in to art. I for one am most grateful for your beautiful gifts, and will continue to offer my support and let you know how your art makes me feel.

I'm really sorry your relationship didn't work. I want to believe that a loving relationship is about beingΒ supportive andΒ caring for a partner. From what I understand you were just abandoned, and that is just not right and not what you deserve. I really hope to find that special someone in my life before it's too late, and I hope that you may someday find someone who really loves you as well.

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Nestly In reply to xerion567 [2016-02-09 17:50:57 +0000 UTC]

jcvbnxkcbnmcvkhn thank you again?! ;A;
Support as always, is much appreciated. I'm glad you like my art so much. :']

And pffft yeah well it sure fucking felt like I was abandoned. But it was more than that. Being led on to think there was still a relationship when there was clearly not because someone is too much of a fucking pussy to communicate that to me. <__< (I shit you not, he did not even "break up" with me. I had to ASK over the phone once he had already been moved for a month.) I just don't get it. I put my all into relationships and I guess maybe that just scares people off?? I don't understand being selfish because I'm naturally a thoughtful person. It really hurts me to my core to know that someone I loved more than myself didn't really care about me at all. It just sucks man.

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xerion567 In reply to Nestly [2016-02-11 19:05:03 +0000 UTC]

You're so very welcome. ^^

That's really awful what happened to you, I'm so sorry. ;v; It is truly admirable and honest of you to commit yourself fully to a relationship like that though. Maybe it is hard to find someone who is committal because so many are insecure in their own lives right now. You sound like you had some truly strong feelings for your partner regardless, and I think that is wonderful. <3

Now your trust is betrayed, and you are hurting. You deserved so much better treatment than that. I wish he had taken you with him on an adventure to SF instead of just abandoning you. I think I know why he did those things and then didn't communicate with you, but that doesn't make it right at all. Not everyone is like that, but some are, unfortunately. You'll need time before you can trust like that again; don't give up, there's someone out there for you!

I just hope that when the time comes I can show the girl I care about that she means everything to me, without fear or hesitation.

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Nestly In reply to xerion567 [2016-02-11 19:41:19 +0000 UTC]

Pfffft I'm the most trusting, forgiving person in the world, seriously. If he would actually turn around and TRY to be a good friend I would forgive him, but he's a selfish dickhead that only cares about himself, (hasn't messaged me since he was in town for Christmas, and don't get me started on the shit he pulled when he was in town. What a lame excuse for a friend)

I'm getting better at not putting up with his shit, though. I just don't understand what is so hard about a relationship. Why would you wanna be in one if you don't even wanna be with that person half the time? Lol. I'm sorry I'm just a very clingy person I guess. It's nice to have a buddy to be with all the time. I fucking hate being single but I don't really get out to meet people enough. I don't drink or party so.. you know. THE LIFE OF A GAMER NERD WHAT TO DO.
Oh well.

Sorry for venting, I've just gotten so bitter about this stuff and I'm afraid it'll effect future relationships sometimes. πŸ‘: 0 ⏩: 1

xerion567 In reply to Nestly [2016-02-12 18:45:21 +0000 UTC]

Aww, you really deserve someone who can be just as trusting as you, and who will be together with you all the time. I don't know where you find such a person.

I don't drink or party, either. Someone at work recently said something along the lines of "Hey lets go out drinking and get laid this weekend!" and I gave him this look like he just suggested we try breathing water. That mentality is just so...wrong/disgusting/alien to me, but I think I'm in the minority here, especially among males. I'm not even a gamer nerd anymore, I'm just plain nerd. My prospects aren't looking too good. LOL!

I think I can explain the wanting to be apart thing...maybe.Β I still want to spend time and be with someone whom I love, just not *all* the time.Β Maybe it's an introvert thing, but I really enjoy independent time where I pursue my own interests. Everyone is different in regards to this though. You sound like the type who would like to be side-by-side, sharing every single moment of your life with someone, being energized by their presence. That sounds so cute and romantic , but it's not for everyone.

You don't need to be sorry for venting. I've been trying to get you to open up a little and talk about your feelings for a while.

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Nestly In reply to xerion567 [2016-02-13 03:54:00 +0000 UTC]

Lol me neither. Let me know if you find out. Most people I meet are either idiots or assholes, it seems. Dx

Lol yeah I guess I can at least understand the drinking mentality-- at least you get out and meet people easily and can have fun/relax. I just hate alcohol. Oh well. xD
And yeah I'm a major extrovert, to the extreme. All my friends are introverts so like, I GET it. Needing a break from people. I'm just not like that. And I don't EXPECT most people to want to be around me 24/7 or anything, just... want to feel like I'm included in their lives is all. My last boyfriend spent more time with me when we were friends than when we were dating it seems. So my expectations were you know... THAT. Just bleh. It's like both my relationships got sick of me as soon as "dating" happened. Fuck you guys, pffft.

Pffffft "open up" as if I ever shut up and don't tell people how I feel at every given moment. x'D

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xerion567 In reply to Nestly [2016-02-17 18:57:18 +0000 UTC]

Heheh, welllll...the best people I know are right here on DeviantArt. I love my friends here, and I even have a crush on someone (which she tolerates, for now XD). The drawback is that everyone is just so far away! ;v; This artistic community just seems friendlier, smarter, and sweeter.Β It probably has a lot to do with the type of art I like. Β Then again, maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about.

I know next to nothing about relationships, but your expectations don't sound unreasonable at all. You want a life partner that you have something in common with, who gives you affection and support, and who spends time with you every day and makes you feel loved. Am I wrong?

Maybe drinking would have more drawbacks than the obvious. If I have to drink to relate to someone, how well could I be with them when I'm not drinking? IDK, even if I weren't afraid of what alcohol would do to my body, I'm afraid of what alcohol would do to my mind. Let's face it, I'm a chicken.

Well, I'm not in on your Facebook stuff, so I don't know what you're going through for the most part. I want to at least listen to what you say and understand your feelings. I'll admit, sometimes I offer rubbish advice, but it's only because I really want to help.

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RabidWuff [2016-02-06 10:26:23 +0000 UTC]

I can really see that you've improved a lot over the years Nestly! And I really admire the fact that you are really passionate in this field; from Character development, to drawing and loving your work in general! It's like your very own baby <3 I also really admire how you experiment a lot! I don't know you THAT well yet but from how much I know, I'm sure you'll be able to achieve your goals this year and upcoming years. We'll be rooting for you!

And I can really really relate with that terrible relationship thing... It's what's gotten me down recently, and I'm still having a hard time getting over it, really. I don't want to hate on people or guys... 'cause hey, I know I've had my faults in it too but eh... .____.);; Don't let something like that affect you terribly... Just like how I'm letting it affect me. And yes... Some guys do suck... x'D

Stay awesome and beautiful~ <3

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Nestly In reply to RabidWuff [2016-02-07 17:03:59 +0000 UTC]

Haha, my art is my baby I guess!! XD It's always been a big part of my life! And thank you for your kind words. >w< As always.

Man I'm so sorry to hear that... relationships are just such bullshit and I'm sick of always feeling like I'm doing something WRONG. My only two relationships were just really unhealthy and made me self-conscious of myself because both guys were selfish as fuck. I need to just be around more thoughtful people that make me feel wanted. I really do enjoy being in a relationship but I can't handle myself when they go astray-- it's just too much pressure. XP MYEH!

Aww haha thanks you to! ;D

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PalaceOfChairs [2016-02-06 03:10:11 +0000 UTC]

Hidden by Commenter

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Nestly In reply to PalaceOfChairs [2016-02-07 16:58:23 +0000 UTC]

Bwahaha, I remember someone actually used that Venonat photo for their creepy pasta once. xD It was fun to make!

Aww man, haha. That's not easy to do, but I will try, thank you. :]
Yep, my philosophy is "never stop drawing" as well. XD

Thank you so much for sticking around so long to support me!! <33

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lordmetaknight [2016-02-05 10:26:29 +0000 UTC]

It's so cool seeing your evolution! I found you on Neopets aged 12 and I was such a huge fan of your art - I still am, and your skills have only got better!

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Nestly In reply to lordmetaknight [2016-02-06 01:30:48 +0000 UTC]

Awww I know!! Thank you so much for sticking by me for so long! WOW! <3 Much appreciated!

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lordmetaknight In reply to Nestly [2016-02-06 10:56:21 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome <3 I love your work, so I can't wait to see what you do in the future!

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Nestly In reply to lordmetaknight [2016-02-06 13:29:15 +0000 UTC]

Awww thanks so much again!! <3

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zetina [2016-02-05 09:02:39 +0000 UTC]

feeling like not being as far along as should be - i get that feel so much. that just teaches us not to compare ourselves to others since most people feel like that due to there always being someone better ovq one time i got that feeling so much i got mad when i saw a 14yo draw way better than me. i had to take a moment to chill and remember that i had only recently started drawing seriously at that age etc etc haha

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Nestly In reply to zetina [2016-02-06 01:30:20 +0000 UTC]

Yeah I know-- it's such a hard feeling to overcome some times. Just gotta remember to always enjoy art and not make it a chore I believe.

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TopazOwl [2016-02-05 08:24:21 +0000 UTC]

woo so much improvement!!!

I really need to experiment with my art more too, and my poor characters are in need of more attention

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Nestly In reply to TopazOwl [2016-02-06 01:29:36 +0000 UTC]

Hahaha, it's always hard to consolidate the time to characters equally. xD

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TopazOwl In reply to Nestly [2016-02-06 05:30:09 +0000 UTC]

especially since i have so many (80 something) but i can't bring myself to give any away either

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Nestly In reply to TopazOwl [2016-02-06 13:28:57 +0000 UTC]

Oh man yeah, haha. 80 would be a bit too much for me!!

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TopazOwl In reply to Nestly [2016-02-07 03:38:51 +0000 UTC]

i love them all though, but I hardly draw alot of them ;w; and I can't stop getting more cause I love other designs too :'''''3

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Nestly In reply to TopazOwl [2016-02-07 04:46:35 +0000 UTC]

Haha it's a sickness. XD I would just pick out some you've really liked to revamp and just go from there!

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TopazOwl In reply to Nestly [2016-02-07 07:14:41 +0000 UTC]

I have an addiction!!

yeah, I do need to revamp some of my old ones >w<

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Cherries [2016-02-05 06:18:28 +0000 UTC]

Oh my gosh, 2005 feels like so long ago! I was 12 and you were my art senpai. Not much has changed in that regard. xDΒ 

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Nestly In reply to Cherries [2016-02-06 01:28:58 +0000 UTC]

AWWW. You're always the nicest watcher seriously. ;____; Thank you SO much for always taking the time to comment and just be overall sweet.

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Cherries In reply to Nestly [2016-02-06 01:58:10 +0000 UTC]

No need to thank me! ;v; You're super awesome! Β 

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Lurockia [2016-02-05 05:30:17 +0000 UTC]

It's definitely been a long ride, I found you back in 2003 on Neopets back when I was only 12 years old. You were definitely an idol of sorts for me at that age and would read the comics you made about Sparkalar almost religiously. Can't believe it's been 13 years since! Now I'm almost 25 and progressing along in my own art career.

Never stopped following your art though. I may lurk in the shadows but I still click on the new pieces you post. It was nice seeing this progress meme, time certainly flies.

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Nestly In reply to Lurockia [2016-02-06 01:27:38 +0000 UTC]

Awww of course I know you. I remember you used to do really good human poses so I would often take inspiration from you too actually! (The human Spark and Ahkamoe pictures were so good!)

I appreciate your continued support a ton, really. <3

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Ascynd [2016-02-05 05:24:50 +0000 UTC]

Dang I can definitely see the improvement. This makes me want to think about what I should work on more, but it's tough to pick a few things... I always feel like everything about my art needs work. Heh

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Nestly In reply to Ascynd [2016-02-06 01:26:13 +0000 UTC]

Aww thanks a bunch.
I would honestly just work on one thing at a time. Decide what you think your art lacks in, and try to focus on improving that one thing!

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Innocent-Darkside [2016-02-05 05:19:43 +0000 UTC]

....

\nostalgiagasm intensifies.

Yikes, where has the time gone, mang. o3o

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Nestly In reply to Innocent-Darkside [2016-02-06 01:25:23 +0000 UTC]

Hahaha I have no idea.

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