Final entry? I've moved to Facebook and Storenvy.

Facebook page: fb.com/freebirdceleste
Online store: freebirdceleste.storenv…

Hi everyone!

It's been more than half a year since my last journal entry and *gasp* 10 years since I joined DA! It also means that I've been going to conventions as a booth owner for 10 years. I can still remember clearly the day of my first convention. I was so excited I couldn't sleep the night before! XD I got up early to make sure my outfit was ok, my hair was ok, my merchandise stocks are counted, food and water are packed, etc. Hahaha I can't help but laugh now when I look back. And since then I've been going to practically every single convention there were in Singapore (and the biggest one in Malaysia), few as they may be. Being able to share my passion with fellow anime fans, the happy faces I see when people found something they like at my booth, and the satisfaction when they buy them, are what kept me going all these years.

Although there are many more artists at events now compared to when I first started, in a way more "competition", there is one principle I always stick to: I will only draw characters that I like. A certain series may be very popular, artists who draw that series may be selling their merchandise like hot cakes, but if I don't watch/not interested in that series, I will not draw. Do you know that I've never watched Naruto and never drew a single pic of it? Even if I did, it will not turn out the way I want, because there's no love in it. Yeah, a bit cheesy, but you know what I mean. Before I draw any character, I'll make sure I have a certain level of understanding of him/her so that I can bring out his/her personality correctly. Art reflects an artist's heart, and people can tell whether you like what you draw. Yes it's tempting sometimes to draw something which can boost your sales. In fact I did gave in once. I did some simple chibis of Hetalia back when it was extremely popular (even though I only watched the first episode and was not interested at all). And...I regretted it. People bought them, but I wasn't happy. From then on I avoid doing that at all costs.

On the other hand, if a series is not popular but I like it, I'll still draw it and sell at events. I wonder how many other booths sold merchandise from Shounen Onmyouji, Amatsuki, Tegamibachi, Kamisama Hajimemashita and such? It's pretty interesting to see girls go "Oh look! It's *insert character name here*!!" when they spot a character they didn't expect to see. They're happy, I'm happy, and that's good enough. Of course I'm not saying that sales is not important. I believe there should be a portion of merchandise from popular series as well. Good thing is that series that I like always include popular ones so that's not really a problem for me. But at the end of the day, you must enjoy what you're doing.

Ah sorry for the long talk. I guess 10 years do bring thoughts and reflections. I hope my experience will help budding artists or artists planning to sell their artworks at conventions in some way.

Now to the main point of this journal entry. XD Firstly, I'm now using the new pen name "CELESTE". I'm not a premium member so I can't change my username. Secondly, I've finally opened a facebook page! It'll be the main place where I post my art, sketches and event updates. Thirdly, I've opened an online store at Storenvy. You can now buy my merchandise anytime, anywhere! As for this DA account, I leave it open so that my watchers will know where to find me.

Thank you for your support on DA for the past 10 years. I hope you'll continue to support me on facebook and Storenvy.

Facebook page: fb.com/freebirdceleste
Online store: freebirdceleste.storenv…