Influence Map

Anyway, here's what influences me(list left top to bottom right):

1. Pokemon - I think that is apparent in my nuzlocke runs. I grew up with the show and games. They are my childhood!! The unique design of each one fascinated me. I mean, give the people credit where it's due. You try make 700+ unique designs of make believe characters that all must be unique in some way or fashion. 

2. Doctor Who - If you listen to any of the livestreams I've been a part of, you know my love for this show. And I'll admit it now, this show is why I started Traveler. It's a beautiful story that has and can go on for a long time without getting dull!! And also, this show plays with your emotions!! If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about!! I mean, seriously, I cried over a triceratops because of this show!!

3. Chrono Crusade - Again, this influenced another story of mine. I haven't read the manga(which I've heard is way better than the show), but the show is awesome. I'm not impressed with the voice actors, but again, the story is killer! It may look cute and fun, but looks can be deceiving.

4. Full Metal Alchemist BROTHERHOOD cause screw the original. It sucked! - What about it does not influence me? I want to be able to draw the art style cause I love it! The story is amazing! Just...just amazing!! Seriously, who doesn't cry when they get to the Hughes' scene?

5. Art Nouveau - How can I put this? It's freakin' gorgeous!! The organic lines. The care and detail work they took to make this. This was before computers. Everything was carved into wood to be printed or painted!! And let me tell you, after doing a project with that process this year, (this one) it's not easy.

6. Postmodern design - This one is relatively new since now I know what to call it. I've always liked this kind of design. It's usually confrontational, out of the ordinary, and makes you think. We're talking design from 60's all the way to the 90's. The design culture of the punks and drug craze. Currently doing a project around this and I love the philosophy that they have. It almost serves as the catalyst of breaking down my art shyness and just making me see if I love doing this kind of stuff, I need to do it regardless of criticism or finances. By the way, artwork is James Victore. Look him up. He's a cool guy and cool designer. He actually tweeted me back on stuff and totally made my day.

7. Musicals - Ummm...confession time. This was my original passion. I love theater. I was in dance till I was 8; in some type of chorus since I was like 5; did theatre in high school. These are the tunes I listen to when I'm doing work and it works better than anything else. Most of them have beautiful stories. 

8. Depression - Weird, right? But it's true. Most of my stories best parts are created when I'm really depressed or just down about something. In all honesty, I think writing or drawing stopped me from going goth or emo at some points. Depression made me think that those things were stress relief. It may also explain why, if I'm frustrated with how I can't think of anything with one thing, I go to the next. It may just be because I prefer a darker story than a light-hearted one, but just because I said this is a good thing, do not go emo on me!!

9. Accidental art (as I like to call it) - The power of doodles....what started as a random dot or splatter suddenly turns into a sunset on a beach. I find it humorous to go through old notes and see all the small doodles I have made on the side. Also ruined blue jeans by accidently doodling or dropping paint on them....it added character.

10. Graphic tees - Oh the joys of sites such as TeeFury, Teeturtle, and Threadless. If I only had the money, I would surround myself with those designs...In all seriousness, I think this is why I wanted to be a graphic design major in the 1st place. Graphic tees have always been my thing (seriously, that is basically all I own. I don't have a blank shirt.) 

11. Alice in Wonderland - Ummm...basically, story of my life. Seriously, when friends of mine tried to label themselves as Disney movies, I was Alice and I'm okay with that. It's creative, spontaneous, bizarre, and ultimately fun with a hint of dark mystery and danger. That is what I like to put in my work and stories. When it can be both happy and sad, that is when it leaves a lasting impact.

12. Alice in the Country of Hearts/Clovers - Okay, either FMAB or this style I want to get to. I love the manga art style in it!! Also, the twist the author puts on Wonderland. The freakin' Mad Hatter is the leader of a mafia!! Everyone has a gun!! It's freakin' BA!! Plus, once you get into Clovers, let's just say...I'm a girl and I still want my sweet sentimental love story that makes me squel for 20 minutes.

13. Video games WITH A PLOT - I add with a plot because I don't support what the game industry is trying to do now with making games prettier at the sacrifice of a good story. I don't mind that they are trying to make it look stunning, but please, PLEASE, PLEASE give us a game that makes us care. I value substance over beauty. 

14. Teachers that push you to be great - Think about it. What teachers got you to where you are now? There has to be a few. When it comes to my art, I have to thank all my design teachers. I would not be as confident, as bold, and probably not an art major anymore if they didn't get behind me and support me. So hugs all around!!

15. To all the deviants!!!- Seriously, you guys are awesome!! I mean, wow, I knew it was an artist community site, but wow,...just, stay artsy, people...

16. Inuyasha - Ah yes, the anime that sparked the writing craze. The anime that sparked the character that eventually became my username. As much as I enjoy the art style, don't think it would work for my work, but I do love the story. Especially the Final Act!! Oh my gosh, so worth the wait!!

17. Nature - Before I started getting braver with drawing animals and humans, this is basically all my doodles were. Leaves, flowers, vines, etc. So, you can say they were...my roots. I'm so sorry I made that pun

18. Spirited Away - Okay, like I've said, this sparked my love of Japan and anime. As a young kid, this blew my mind!! Stunning, beautiful, touching,...just you gotta love your 1st taste of Miyazaki...you just gotta. 

19. Coffee - Similar to depression, being jazzed up on coffee spurs on the most spontaneous ideas that eventually do end up in my work. Just saying,...use your highs and your lows to your advantage.

20. Snoopy/Peanuts - I mainly focus on Snoopy cause he's my favorite character and I love his design more. The scribbly ears, the way he can speak without saying actual words(in the show). Plus, a lot of his thought bubbles are actually very wise and philosophical when you think about it. 

21. Imagination - The Spongebob episode did it right. There should be no limit to the imagination. A non-creative mind is a dull mind, I say. I plan to stay a child at heart because that's what makes life fun.

22. Books - READ!!! If you want to make an interesting character, you've got to read!!! And I don't mean just the books that you know you will like cause it's your favorite author or favorite genre...pick up a book that just seems interesting. Each writer has a different style of writing, so you need to sample each one to know what road to take your's down. In my opinion, I found myself leaning more towards characters that were very flawed, but still had a good heart as the main characters.

23. Garfield/Sunday Cartoons - I know, Peanuts are technically one too, but they had movies that gave more dynamic to them. (We won't talk about Garfield the movie) I also grew up with these as a kid and in fact, was actually a thing me and my grandfather did basically every day after church. They were funny and cute. They were also like the Animaniacs. As I grew up, I now understand the undertones that made them funny to adults.

24. Friends - Save the best influence for last. Seriously, friends make you or break you when it comes to art and writing. My first story(nekoni's story) was technically going to be a fan fic where all my high school friends eventually got their own character if they wanted in. I've also realized friends' personality tend to leak into supporting characters as well. Also, if your friends are artistic as well, it pushes you both to become greater. Friendly competition, am I right? 

Well, that's everything...*looks at how long this is* Ummm...I'm just going to walk away now ...yeah....