August Letter

Ack! I've missed the last couple of months—time for a recap. In May, I learned a lot about Moho Animation's particle system and using smartbones and actions. I prepared a few shots for animation. Most of my time, however, has shifted to the Pretty Prism Tarot. I'm helping with the website and adding motion to the cards for social media. Because this is a 78-card tarot deck, there's always a new card to work on.

Depending on the card, I used a combination of Moho's particle system and rigging, or After Effects effects. I keep trying to get away from After Effects, but I keep getting pulled back to it! I didn't realize how much time Pretty Prism Tarot would take. I doubt I'll be able to finish the Elusive Green Elephant this year while I still have a full-time job.

Mid-year Review

Looking back at my goals for 2025: Finish Elusive Green Elephant, make this newsletter, post more on social media, and make an art shop. I'm not doing well at them. This newsletter is doing the best, even considering that I missed the last two months. I have an art shop. Right now it's on Ko-fi, but I'd like to move it to my own hosted website. Social media is not going well. I've learned to accept that I don't like posting. Planning, prepping, and making art every day don't make posting easier or more enjoyable. I'll do my best not to disappear fully, but social media is a chore for me. And I've already mentioned that the Elusive Green Elephant likely won't be completed this year. 2 of 4 isn't too bad, I suppose. In any case, the year isn't over, and the Elusive Green Elephant is still making progress, which is my priority among all the goals.

Animation Spotlight: Enceladus V (Pilot)

What it’s about: Enceladus V is a Sci-fi short-form vertical animated series told through the lens of your average TikTok user. For more information, check out the kickstart page. The campaign is over (I backed it!) but it still has a good summary and shows you the vision.

Why I like it: I really like the vertical format! With video media being consumed more and more on phones, it great to see animators get in on the format. Here are more links if you’re interested in following the project.

Artist Spotlight: Christa Alyse Carr

Art Tutorial I Like: Webinar – Taking advantage of Moho’s powerful particle system with Víctor Paredes

This is Moho Animation’s official webinar. I learned so much and was able to animate different effects. I primarily used it to make water!-

Webinar – Taking advantage of Moho’s powerful particle system with Víctor Paredes

Kofi! Any support is appreciated. If I can get 10,000 people to donate $1 each I’ll be able to focus on these projects and still take care of my family. Having said that, if I have my way, I’ll have finished building the official store on the Sleepy Gallows website.