Quick Post About Cyber Monday!

Okay, well...I know I suck at updating this blog.
However...I will be having a small Cyber Monday sale on eBay (all day, Nov. 27th)...Prices will be "usual sale" prices- auctions for ACEOs will start at $5.35, BIN prices will be $8.35, and always free shipping! I may have some larger original painting listed, mostly 5" x 7" and 8" x 10" for around $15 and $35 auction prices (respectively). Here is my eBay link in case you don't have it bookmarked: Click here for Emily's art on eBay!

Additionally, while I am here, I should mention that because it is getting into the HOLIDAY SEASON, I will be drastically limiting my commission/custom art availability. If you need or want some special art for a gift or whatever, do feel free to email me or message me through here or eBay. I will say this in advance, though, I will most likely already be up to my eyeballs in extra work! I'd say for a yes, you may want to email me in like...the next week or so. Otherwise, I'll be shutting down all custom works (except for those already scheduled!) until after the holidays (think end of January).

Alright, apologies for no fun pictures, no art updates, and no moth photos :( But OMG I am tired and need a break, I've been working all day!

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
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Zazzle shop

Things That Happened in September

Oh, wow, I have been super busy!
Here's a quick run down of the past month or so...

On Sept 1, I had the disitinct pleasure of seeing Lady Gaga in concert at Fenway Park...Here's a video of her performing Poker Face (hopefully it will play lol):

Lady Gaga Poker Face LIVE at Fenway Park Sept 2017

I have sold a STACK of original ACEOs over the past month. I am in utter and complete shock, and have an immense amount of gratitude toward all of my customers. Without your support, I would still be making art, however...I would be doing it in between TWO day jobs (I know this because this is what I used to do!) and just the amount of extra energy I have only working ONE day job...Well, I put it into making art! But even more than the awesomeness of only working one job is the knowledge that my little drawings find good and loving homes with some really fabulous folks. So again, thank you thank you all <3

Ummm, some art news/updates: I am working on a new Monster High repaint...she is taking FOREVER because that is how I work on all my "big" projects. She's been sitting on my shelf for over a year, bald, naked, and faceless, waiting...Now she has new hair!





Basically, I learned that re-rooting doll hair is at once awful and extremely satisfying. I then hand colored her entire new do with varying shades of orange and yellow...It is 100% colored now, and I'm letting her sit until Sunday at least before I give her a decent shampoo. I am begging the art gods that her dye job holds after her bath :) More work in progress photos in future posts, I swear!

Also, I FINALLY got around to actually making a few pop-up/pull-tab aceo prototypes, and they work! :) :) :) I am so happy, and I honestly don't know why I put it off all summer...Oh, right, I was super busy making other art! Unfortunately, there are no pictures of them at the moment, but soon!!

Here is a photo of the Harvest Cupcakes my friend Julia and I made last weekend:


Vanilla Cupcakes with Maple Buttercreme Frosting

Plans for next month- HALLOWEEN EVERYTHING!!!! CANDYYY!!! AHAHAHAHA!!!! Also, hopefully website updates to the galleries and webshop, new merch in the Zazzle Shop, pop-up cards, and maybe a finished doll?

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

August Art Sale + some ramblings

Oh, hai!!
Just over here, buried in art and behind schedule, as usual!

Let's get right to the most exciting thing- SALE TIME!! Well, almost...From Friday, August 25-Sunday, August 27, I will be listing art at sale prices! Mostly ACEOs, some prints perhaps, maybe a painting or two...Starting bids will drop from $7.35 to $5.35 and Buy It Now prices will drop from $10.35 to $8.35. Any ACEO prints I list will be 99 cents for open edition, not sure what I will list any limited edition ACEOs at, but it wont be more than $2 for auction. You can see I've really thought this through, haha!

That's kind of it for "art news", unless you count the list of projects and prototypes I still have made no dent in this summer. I cannot tell you how many frickin cool ideas I have A DAY and cannot possibly get to them all. A lot of them come to me when I am at the day job, completely covered in food, and nowhere near a pen and paper to jot these brainfarts down. Sooo frustrating...But at least I am never bored!

Yeah, I *really really* wanted to get at least one doll repainted this summer- that is actually a HUGE project for me, but I just love designing everything from their hairdo to their makeup...to their new outfits! The last doll I repainted was a clown...and the next one will most likely be another clown (I have a problem, I know).

I also really wanted to get on the ball with my nifty pop-up and movable paper art ACEO ideas. I honestly do not have any excuse as to why I have not gotten farther than some blanks all folded to see how things fit, and a few sketches for actual pop-ups. I have a hard time sitting still at my desk in the summer. Usually, if there is drawing happening, it is done out on the porch. Sadly, tiny paper cuttings and bits and pieces are hard to keep track of when working outdoors. Probably why I haven't made more progress with that. OMG I am just sitting here typing. Please forgive my train of thought (choo choo!)

Okay, don't forget- eBay sale from Aug 25-Aug 27...I will try to post again before it happens.

Aaannnd....here is a picture of a moth:



xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

De-Tangle Mermaid ACEO WIPs

Well it's been awhile *sigh*
I wish I had more time to do all the thing I want, like post here more often...That's okay, though, I have time right now!! br>
Nothing too exciting happening in the studio lately, just a few ACEO illustrations, some wee moments of working on prototypes for new art (going slowly!) and general maintenance of projects.
Here is a series of work in progress photos of a new ACEO "De-Tangle":









She is all completed and up for sale on eBay- please click the link below the picture to see the auction!


"De-Tangle" mermaid ACEO auction

I have about as much hair as this poor mermaid, and it's curly too...I feel badly for her. I can hardly brush mine when it's dry, I'd never try it wet (that's how we get split ends lol).

In other news, I am really hoping to have time to get a bunch of ACEOs drawn up soon...because I really want to have a sale for all my wonderful customers!! I recently hit 1000+ feedback (and eBay gave me a red star, woo!), so it is certainly time to celebrate with all of you. Ideally, this sale would happen sometime in August- if I had my way, I'd start it this weekend. Alas, pre-planned events, day job, and monster care will take up most of my time for the near future. I will squeeze in art where I can, and I will be sure to LET YOU ALL KNOW in ADVANCE about my sale. :) :)

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

Accidental Movie Review- Cabin Fever 2016

I did something the other day that I have not done in a super long time...I took the afternoon OFF from doing anything remotely work related and watched a horror movie! Actually, I watched two of them, but...I am only going to write about one of them today.

Said movie watched was the 2016 remake of Cabin Fever. Wait...Let me just disclaimer you- in NO WAY is this me attempting to actually amaturely (not a word?) review a movie, I just wanted to ramble about something other than art...and horror is a hobby of mine.

Okay, back on topic...Cabin Fever remake 2016. It was not terrible. It was not great. I am not sad that I spent the time watching it, as I am never sad spending time watching horror movies. It was "meh" at its best points, which is NEVER something you want to feel about a horror movie, be it a remake, original, or sequel. I found the Marcy character's eyebrows far more attention grabbing than the dried up script, which was damn near word-for-word. Except they removed the humor. All of it.

Perhaps going the straight horror route was their purposeful style imprint- the 2002 version was marketed as comedy-horror, this one stands in the horror category alone. Fine. I accept that, but I just feel like there was something missing from the 2016 version. I had zero attachment to any character, including the dog, which left me with no sense of urgency or anxiety, no real reason to become emotionally involved (AKA scared in this instance). I dunno. All around bland, I'd say.

I *did* really like Deputy Winston as a female switch, though. There was something very sinister about her, not like the male character in the 2002 version, who came across as a dimwitted backwoods too young hillbilly type. The female version just seemed more menacing somehow. I could just be misreading the super dry humor- I am not good at dry humor, often it just pisses me off. Like, be funny or don't, don't fucking take the hoity-toity road WTF NOBODY THINKS THAT SHIT IS FUNNY. Slapstick, fart jokes, genitals, dark humor, and pranks where no one gets seriously injured are funny. Poop...poop is funny. But "I just made a joke and I'm the only one who thinks it's funny because I'm cooler than you hehehe" is not funny. Crack a smile, wink, or something...Sorry, not sorry.

*ahem* ANYWAAAAYYYY that's my stupid ramble. I hope I've made you laugh at least. This is purely bathroom reading material, I admit. So, overall, Cabin Fever 2002 version- I recommend if you are into horror and comedy. Cabin Fever 2016, I'd skip it, unless you like too-big eyebrows.

xo!
Em

PS- Here is a photo of a moth on my porch

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"Pale Star" Cartoon Dragon ACEO work in progress

I feel like it's been awhile since I've posted any art, so here are a quick few work in progress pics of a baby dragon ACEO I drew today...From start to finish!


inking the pencil lines in microns


Shading in areas with a gray prismacolor marker


Adding some color (more prismacolor and one copic lol)

Anddd...the finished ACEO:



"Pale Star" is available- up for auction on eBay HERE!

Hope you enjoyed this little post.

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

Toy + Doll Collecting pt 2

Okee, part 2 of my toy collecting hobby ramble!

Random notes- I am not a hardcore collector. I am not a completist. I buy what I like in a price range I can afford. I have focuses, rules, and a budget. It's all very scientific. Part of the fun, for me, is finding a doll or toy on my "list" that is A GOOD DEAL. This could mean less than retail price for a new doll, or a decent deal on a vintage item, specialty/limited edition toys, etc. I honestly believe that I get more of a thrill from doing the research behind the toy, and then hunting for a GOOD DEAL in the "wild", than the act of purchasing the toy.

I love the rush I get from discovering a new toy, doll, or brand that speaks to me (I am fairly particular, for space/budget/sanity reasons). I love finding out that the most beloved of my childhood playthings are often harder to find than their counterparts- and often more sought after. This gives me some kind of sick satisfaction at knowing I have good taste in something lol. It ain't movies, or fashion, or food, even, but I sure as heck can pick out the most valuable toy. What a superpower, shit.
Needless to say, I do find toy collecting to be a good exercise in intuition. Plus, I end up with some VERY COOL TOYS!

An example- when I was a wee lass, I had this one doofy bird girl thing that I carried around with me everywhere. She was "dressed" in a molded on bird feather gown, which was shimmery peach at the top and faded to blue at her tail. Her hair was also peach, and she had a sweet little smile on her face. I believe she originally came with a "baby" bird child thing, though I do not recall having that around as a kid.

My research shows that she was part of the Kenner Sea Wees offshoot line Shimmers, little fantasy girl creatures. There was a butterfly, a centaur, a fancy mermaid, a bird girl, and possibly one other I am forgetting. So cute! Here is the one I am speaking of, "Sunstreak"


Kenner Sea Wees Shimmers Sunstreak doll circa 1986

Of the Shimmers, Sunstreak is harder to find. Perhaps because ALL the little girls had one, and they all got played to death in the late 80s, or that those left are favored by collectors (they are gorgeous and so sweet). It is rare that I see one in decent shape with an affordable price tag. I have never seen one listed NIB (New In Box), though I have seen other Shimmers NIB. Why, Sunstreak? What makes you more elusive? These are the things I spend my time pondering. But, yay, go little Emily for having some toy picking skills!

Dang it, this is getting long again...I see a part 3 is in order...sorry, not sorry!

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

Toy + Doll Collecting pt 1

Hello!
Alright, I'm gonna talk about one of my hobbies today...Do not be alarmed...I collect toys and dolls. Mostly dolls. Go ahead and laugh, IDGAF.

My collection is small, and is made up of mostly Monster High Dolls at the moment. I do have an eye for the (now vintage!) toys I had as a child, though some of those are rather pricey, so they are on my Wish List.

I could lie and tell you "It all started 2 years ago when I discovered repainted dolls" but it really all started back in 1986 or 87. There was this My Little Pony. She was yellow- something that truly excited me, because even as a small girl, I was not very fond of the color pink. ALL THE GIRL TOYS IN THE 80s ARE PINK. But, this pony...OMG, you guys. YOU GUYS. I was not the type of kid to throw tantrums, really, at least not for material possessions. Maybe I'd freak if I was tired or hungry, but I have two younger sisters, and was taught to set a good example. So, not a tantrum thrower overall. Yet this yellow hunk of vinyl with gaudy butterflies painted all over it seemed to change me.

I NEED HER. When I discover that one of my neighbor friends has acquired this pony, I NEED HER EVEN MORE. I ask. I beg. I pleade, promise, pray for her. We are not the kind of family to spend frivolously on stupid crap, and we have enough toys, FFS. This rationale does not stop me. I hound my parents for this pony. Weeks go by. I continue pestering.

Finally, my mother gives in. She takes me, sisters in tow, to the local KB Toys in the mall. THERE IS THE PONY, in all her yellow glory, she's almost miiiiiine!!!! Mom looks at the price tag, and insists I look for another pony that is cheaper. There are lots of other ponies On Sale, Em, look at this one, she is red!

I stand in the girl's toy aisle, and I feel faint. Suddenly, a great wail comes from me, and I am throwing myself to the carpeted cement floor, pounding my fists and crying like a banshee. Drool and snots are all over my face, in my hair. I have rug burn. I do not care. Nothing matters, I can't have the PONY OMGGGG life as I know it is OVER.

I don't remember the rest, but I did get that pony. I'm not proud of it, in retrospect. I was also like 4, gimme a break lol.

So, that's the story of how I started toy collecting! I recently re-added her to my collection, though she is not in my possession at this very moment. Here is a picture, for those of you who may be curious as to 4-year-old Emily's style choices:


My Little Pony Twice as Fancy Dancing Butterflies Pegasus circa 1986-87 (G1, year 5)

I did not realize this post would be so long! I will have to do a sequel, I think...Draw out my boring hobby talk over more than one entry? Sure!

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

Levitation Fox Painting

Hiiiiiiiii!
Apologies for skipping a post last week- I was lacking blog material and exhausted from a weekend of wedding/family/too many drinks.

I was reading over my eBay feedback this morning- something I don't do often, maybe once a month or so- and OMG YOU GUYS!!! My customers are just *so sweet*, like *The Best People*. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that. Thank you <3

So, onto some new art! I have completed the fox painting "Levitation" (finally!!). This piece is currently up for auction on eBay, please visit the link below to view the auction!


"Levitation" 8" x 10" Fox Painting on eBay

There is a slew of new ACEOs ready to be listed as well- I do not have any sneak peek photos of them...but here is a photo of my beautiful #1 favorite person in the whole world:


Meow meows

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

Little Fox Painting + sneak peek at new ACEOs!

Oh, man...new art to show you all today! Also, I my new printer arrived on Friday, and guess friggin what? My laptop is TOO OLD TO RUN IT! So, I've been using it in conjunction with my roommate's computer for now...@%#$&!*
Thankfully, it does work nicely, so there is a nice clear scan of this little 5x7" fox painting "A Safe Seat":


"A Safe Seat" 5" x 7" Cartoon Fox Painting, up on eBay!

I also have a few more ACEOs finished up, here's a peek at some of them before I list them over the next week:




There is also a handful of limited edition hand embellished ACEOs that I will also have up on ebay soon...they are each 1/1, meaning only one print! However I did not label them as such, and now they are laminated so it is too late! But they'll be standard ACEO print price:




Okee, thats all for this round, I have a wicked full week of day job and a weekend wedding to attend...thinking I will take a nice hot shower and go to bed!!

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
eBay
Zazzle shop

Betrayal of the Machines

Been having a rough few weeks with the technology part of life. Last week, my trusty Samsung S4 finally kicked the bucket, so now I am the new owner of an S8 and still learning all the tricks. Also, will be paying this baby off for AWHILE, but I justify that by using it to sell art.

About 3 days ago, I was diligently scanning in some new art to post...and my printer stopped working. This is not an uncommon occurance, as I am sure those of you who own a printer know all too well. Basically, the inkwell cover had come off and the printer would do nothing until I could get it back in place. I tried. I tried again. I took a small break, and tried one more time. Then I cried a little bit. Then I tried AGAIN. No dice. So...instead of putting it aside until my frustration had abated, I just picked it up and slammed it into the floor. I was also trying to be quiet because my roommate was asleep. The one chance I get to go Office Space on a printer and I'm trying to rage smash it quietly lol. Also, I *just* ordered printer ink for it...so hopefully I can return those (omg please!)
The next morning, I panic-bought a new printer, much to the shagrin of my bank account.

The next afternoon, I went to vacuum. By now, you can probably guess where this is going...at least I got the living room and kitchen floors done before it crapped out on me. To be fair, that was a free (but very wonderful and efficient) vacuum. However, I do have a (giant long hair) cat, so a new vacuum is on the emergency buy next list.

Speaking of cat... the mountain bike fell over onto him today, my poor baby!! :'( He does seem fine, I told him he could sleep on my bed today (not a usual allowance) and he is much more docile than usual. Hopefully he is not bleeding internally and suffering in silence!

So...thats what's going on lately, lol! I've been working on art stuff, too, of course! Lots of new things up on eBay if you'd like to take a peek! :)
Xo!
Em

Ps- sorry no pics this week, I'm on mobile and I can't get the app to cooperate with the photos :(

Works in Progress- Fox Paintings + ACEOs...And Summer Art Plans

Hellooo!
Well, as promised, I have a few work in progress pictures to show! First up, some fox paintings! These two have been in the works for a few weeks now- I keep getting busy and have not had any time to add layers to them in so long. These are both based on smaller AEO illustrations I drew awhile back, and I just loved them so much I had to paint them bigger! Eventually, they will be complete, but for now, here are the progress pics-





I also have some pencil sketches of a few ACEOs I will be working on in the next few weeks-



So, once I get through the commissions I currently have (perhaps another week or so), I will hopefully have time to get these puppies painted, inked, colored, etc and up for sale on eBay! I also have some crazy summer art plans revolving around movable paper art (think pop-up books/cards). I'm really excited about this, as I love collaging, and I just love playing with paper and glue and scissors. Often I am only coloring/inking...and there is not that "mess" factor that I somemtimes crave.

I also *REALLY* want to get back into repainting dolls...We will go into that more in another (probably more than one lol) post.

xo!
Em
zombietoes.com
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Zazzle shop

First post in a long while

First post back from not posting in...jeeze, over a year? Well, I dropped the ball on that one!
Originally, this blog was for my Dorkling comic only. I have decided to start posting all sorts of random things here, mainly art, but some other things as well :) as for the comic... I put it on pause, as I was not feeling particularly hilarious or inspired. Perhaps I will come back to it one day...
I really haven't planned out this post at all, just wanted to say hi, I'm blogging again, I'll try to post once a week!
At this stage in my studio, I am doing some belated spring cleaning and a mini inventory on which prints and originals I have available. Updates to the website- gallery, news, and shop, will be forthcoming...and I am sketching up a bunch of new ACEOs and a few paintings to put out over these next few weeks. :)

There should be a sneak peek shot or two of art and a little rundown of the projects I have planned for summer in a near-future post!
I also do want to say thank you to the bunch of you who have inquired as to my online social presence- it has motivated me to start blogging again! I'm not currently active on Facebook (cuz I just can't deal with it) so this is a more comfortable option. You can always leave questions or comments in the comment section here, and you can always email me!
Xo!
Em