Wow, so it's been a while. The last few months I've actually been spending all my creative time doing something *other* than anime art. Wowzers! Didn't know I had it in me. Fifteen percent of the time I've been playing with my new oil paints, and the rest of the time I've been practicing the noble art of graphic design. (Yes I know, but as far as a real, practical job goes, it's what I've finally decided I want to do). I've even gotten a few small freelance jobs through my hubby's work (he's exec assistant at a direct mailing company). And right now I've been commissioned to put together a website for a lady in socal who raises alpacas. A referral from another website I did, actually. So that's nice. I consider these all great experiences to learn stuff (and the fact that I'm getting paid a little something is nice too). I might go back to school next fall and study graphic/web design for reals, but I'm going to see how much I can learn on my own first. (I hate school.) I've got a few books already, which have been incredibly helpful. I was also pleased to find that much of the very basic design theory, I already knew or could easily understand. Now I just have to whip those adobe bitches into submission, and I'll be set. Next on my list? A good Photoshop CS3 book. Holla if you know of one.