Chicory_Fox
patreon
Important Update Regarding Future Work
🕑 Added 2021-11-10 18:00:06 +0000 UTCSo this is a post that I wasnt ever thinking that I would have to make, and I have been putting it off simply out of hesitation, but being that I have had a few people contacting me, it is about time I make this important update.
This will end up being a long update but I will do my best to keep it straight forward and to the point as much as I can.
The TL;DR: Arm hurt, seeking treatment, moving away from commissions (but not entirely!) looking to move in a different direction with ChicoryFox.
Long version:
Health
So as I mentioned, for some time now I have been in a lot of pain in the past few months. I thought that I could just ignore it as I always have and it would go away but it got to a point where I couldnt any longer. It's my entire left arm that seems to be in almost constant pain or discomfort. This has made drawing (and for the most part even being at my computer) quite frustrating. I feel disconnected from my art, I am uncomfortable in many ways when im trying to work, and over all its just downright miserable.
Now on the good side of this I have gone to a doctor, and while they think that carpel tunnel is mostly to blame for my problems, we still dont know about my shoulder and upper arm. I have been prescribed some meds and told to wear a brace at night. This is...taking the edge off of it, at the very the least, but anything more than an hour while im working its all flares back up again. This is also taking a mental strain on me as well. I have invested in a screen tablet monitor to hopefully be less straining on my hands but I wont really know until I get to try it out.
That being said, I know I had said that I would be taking on the remainder of the forms that I had during my last opening. Well.. I can no longer do that, and for that, I am very sorry. I really thought that I would have been able to, but I physically and mentally cant.
Commissions and Work
As I mentioned in the TLDR, I have been finding myself wanting to move more and more away from commissions- but I dont want to give up on them entirely (at least not now). I do enjoy them, and I get many good ideas, but I am going to have to stick to only taking 5-6 at a time. These large batches that I keep taking are running me ragged and I hate it. I feel like I am having to rush to try to finish one, so I can move onto the next one to get through my list, and thats not fair to anyone. I want to give you my best, not something rushed.
As far as what I offer will also be changing. Mostly I will be getting rid of things that dont or havent sold well, upping my prices, may look into adding things like sketches, or even completely new items, and most importantly, I am going to be revamping how my reference sheets are done.
While I have prided myself on how thorough and detailed I have made past references, I can no longer do that, and instead will be moving to a format that is more straightforward. These will still be personalized/custom per commissioner, but I will be more ridged about what all will go on these refs to keep a nicer and cleaner look.
As far as work goes, I want to look into doing more pin-ups, as I have found that those are quite enjoyable for me to do. This wont just be my OCs, as I would like to offer my Patreons a chance to get their character (or a character of their choosing) as a pin up. Another idea ive had is to offer special commissions that are only available to Patreons. Perhaps (semi?)monthly YCHs, things of that nature..
I admit that I do not have a full idea of what all I want to do here, as everything right now is still up in the air and with so much going on its been hard to know exactly what it is I want to do.
In closing
This really wasnt easy to write more or less admit that I cant keep doing this, but for my health, I know that its important to do this. I am already expecting many Patreons to leave, because I know many of you are here for my commissions, and I understand that. I do hope for those that do wish to stay, will still enjoy what it is I provide. But to all of you, thank you so much for your understanding and patience, as I still am trying to figure out how to do all of this 'Art Business' thing, haha!
I believe that is all of the main things that I wanted to cover. As always, if there are any questions, concerns, or even suggestions, you are welcome to message me.
Thank you for reading! π¦βπ
Comments
FlanSupports
I'm sorry for being late to this, but I am sorry to hear about your arm. I am happy you are taking a break/slowing down so you can heal, and I hope your arm feels better soon!
Dalken Starbyne
I'm very glad you're taking steps to heal and take care of yourself and recover properly. You are injured, and it does not do well to take that lightly! I would hate to hear that you pushed yourself too hard and hurt yourself to the point of being unable to do something you love as a result. As for me, commissions are great, and I am certainly hoping I'll still get a chance to get some in the future, but I first showed up just because I wanted to support your art in general, and as long as you keep making art at all, I'll be here, excited to see the results, commissions or no (though I want to add that the pinup and YCH ideas sound very cool!). TL;DR: Don't think you can get rid of me that easily. π
