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FlamesVoices

Icon is by Sarilain! <3
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Hello, deviantArt!
It's been a LONG time since I've been super active here!

I'm not super active on here anymore, but you can still find me just about anywhere under the same name I use here!
Here are some links so you guys don't have to hunt! :D


It's been a spot over two years since I last updated a journal here!
I apologize for the unexpected hiatus, to those of you who are still actively on here and follow me!

I've honestly not been in a safe headspace to be posting often or interacting with others, which is no one's fault. I hope everyone has been well in the interim. <3 Here's a quick rundown on what all's been happening since I've been away!
There's a TL;DR at the bottom if you don't wanna read. ;)

============

I've been working for the last two years, juggling mental health, physical health, and overall just my state of wellbeing, with mixed results! <3 After Anthrocon and Furpocalypse 2017, I started experiencing some serious art block, and am still struggling with it, but was able to work up artwork for commissions, as well as present artwork for the first and only two years of Pine Fur Con, Maine's first Furry convention! <3
I traveled to Maine for Pine Fur Con twice during 2018 and 2019, attended TFF 2018 (currently my last TFF, as it stands. :C), ACFI 2017, 2018, and 2019, and am looking forward to attending my first ANE in a few weeks for anyone going to be there! <3

I attempted my first dance competitions at Pine Fur Con 2018, 2019, and ACFI 2019! I'm still wicked nervous about performing like this in general, but it always serves as a confidence boost for me personally, and I'm so grateful and honored to share the stage with such cool and talented individuals! I'm far from a great dancer, but I'd like to say it: If I can get onstage and wiggle my tail, I know you can too. <3

I've been doing some minor fursuit building, prop making, and so on in between all of this, and am excited to continue making progress in these fields! If anyone wants to talk shop, I'm always down to do so, there's just so much left for me to learn. <3

I took a hiatus from attending college in 2016, and honestly had severe issues wanting to attend again after 2017. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go, and so on, and have just been working the whole time due to the mental health reasons, among a few others that I won't really specify.

I recently attended some self-improvement and self-help workshops, and after some consideration, I'm excited to finally be able to say that I have a solid idea of what I would love to pursue as a career, and have been reapplying for my local community college to hopefully begin taking the correct steps to do so! <3

I've learned a few things while I've been away, and I figure I'd impart this knowledge on you since nobody really thought to do so for me! <3
  • Let it be known that there's no such thing as 'too late' on your journey, and don't critique yourself by comparing your progress to others'. 
  • Don't jump into something if you're unsure about it, have patience with yourself, and don't feel bad if you're not 'progressing' as quickly as others are. Some things work out differently for others, and at their own pace.
  • Go at your own pace, and do what feels right for you as an individual.
  • Take care of yourself; out of everything and everyone, you're gonna be stuck with yourself for the rest of your life. It's ok being you. <3
  • Sometimes showing that you care about someone is by accepting their help; it says you value their strength, you recognize their kindness, acknowledge their presence in your life, and appreciate them trying to care for you, too.
  • Fresh air is for corpses; lock your fucking doors+windows at night when you sleep.
Now that I've done my spiel and you've managed to stay with me all the way down for some reason, I've got one more thing!

If you're going to ANE 2020 (Anthro New England) in Boston, MA, in a couple weeks, let me know! I'd love to say hello to those of you attending, and if you're lucky, will be carrying my sketchbook with me so I can draw up a doodle for those of you I run into. <3

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Gonna just lay it out here so you guys have a TLDR too. :D

•I'm not dead! Check out my social media links if you wanna keep up with me. I miss you all!
•I've been at work, healing, and attending cons for the last two years! :O I did artwork for one of them too!
•I work on fursuits, costumes, props, and other stuff outside of drawing! Come yell with me about it!
•I'm going back to college after 2 years of playing a really good game of Hooky! :D
•Be kind and patient with yourself, progress at your own pace, accept help sometimes, and don't get murdered! <3
•If you're going to Anthro New England 2020, I'll be there, so come find me! Hope to see you there! <3

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It's been a bit since I last posted on here!

Please excuse me while I do a mass upload dump here on dA; it's been a bit and the artwork piles up over time! ><'

I should also admit that I'm more active on FurAffinity, Twitter, Instagram, and my Telegram channel if you're interested in seeing and hearing more from me~!

I am FlamesVoices on ALL accounts, as always.

If you have any need to reach me, please don't hesitate to reach out~! <3

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Tagged by this fabulous fluffy bean, Muramani! <3 


1) Their first design vs. current design:

Hmmmm

Definitely gonna go with Erie. :P

Original Design


vs

Current Design

.:Just Thinkin'...:. by FlamesVoices


2) Why are they your fursona?

I’ve always been a dragon person at heart; just bringing some fluff and stuff to the tough and ferocious persona that is the dragon makes it more relatable to me.


3) What's different between you and your fursona?

Erie is very assertive, sassy, and unrelenting. She knows what she wants and works hard and single-mindedly to achieve her goals, even when things become difficult, and can handle the difficulties that come with being alone.


4) Their theme song:

Hmmm… I think this one or Madeon’s “La Lune”. :)

Emancipator:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRgPIb…

Madeon:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg9ynb…


5) Give them a canon voice!

She… Has a canon voice? ;v;’a She squeaks, growls, and squawks, but ultimately, she has more of an elk or reindeer sound! <3

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEEbOb…


6) What does your fursona love and hate?

She loves the stars and everything to do with outer space, rocks, and flying/exploring the world.

She really heckin’ hates vegetables, but especially zucchini. That stuff is actually a nightmare for her.


7) Their body type vs. yours:

Erie’s body type is the slim but athletic type. Me, though? Personally, I’m a twig!!!! <3


8) How strong is your connection to your fursona?

Stronger than Super glue.

She’s the baby that’s been with me through everything, and is valued more highly than probably anything I own. Although she is not me directly, she’s such a big piece of me that I can’t imagine a day without her.


9) Is your fursona shipped with someone else's character? if so, who?

Not really; she’s shipped casually with some characters but she doesn’t actually have any exclusive ties to anyone.

She does, however, have more romantic ties to my SO’s character, Sudo. He’s on Foxtrek64 here on dA if you wanna see what the bab looks like. :) 


10) Who/what is your fursona based off of?

Erie was originally based off of a Jaegeron adoptable I made forever ago, and has since gone through several steps of development and evolution.

Her current appearance (antlers, white coat, black, and blue markings) is due to my love for reindeer, and their affinity with winter and the strength to withstand a harsh one.


11) Do you wish your fursona was real?

Yes and no! She’s gone through so much and tbh if she was real, that means bringing her headword to life with her and some things are better left to the imagination.


12) How much did you spend on art for them so far?

Hmmmm...

I’d like to say that it’s closer to $500+ for Erie, or possibly even more now, especially with a fursuit of her anticipating construction sometime soon. :)


13) Where would your fursona live if they were real?

She’d definitely inhabit the rolling hills of Italy, explore the small towns of Belgium, and graze the countrysides that Europe has to offer. She’s more fond of the wilderness than anything.


14) Have you ever sold/traded them before?

Never have, and never will.


15) Their favorite holiday?

Doesn’t really have one; Christmas is fun, but Halloween is definitely the best. She gets to hide out and dress up for it!


16) Pick a movie character they relate to most!

Definitely Iron Man or Doctor Strange~! They’re both proof that you can change, not just who you are, but also how you help in the world, and how much change for the better you can make if you apply yourself. <3


17) Pick another fictional character they relate to!

Definitely Peter Nureyev from the Penumbra Podcast. :)


18) When were they born (created)?

Erie was created sometime in early 2014, I believe her first attempt at existence was this one adoptable that never sold on March 3rd of that year. :)


19) Who is their best friend?

Don’t really have one; Erie’s grumpy and likes solitude. Keeps her mind clear. >v<


20) Did you create them?

Yes! <3

She was meant to be an adoptable in both her designs’ renditions, and that backfired tremendously. <3


21) Their favorite season?

Definitely Fall; she likes the smells and sights that come with it. Summer, Winter, and Spring follow, in that order. :)


22) Do you have a fursuit of them? if not, do you want one?

She’s getting one built this year! <3


23) How long have they been your fursona?

Erie has been around for 4+ years; and thus far, that will never change.


24) How many times have they been redesigned/altered?

Only her palette and a few minor details have been swapped and adjusted. :3 

Her species was also adjusted from Dutch Angel Dragon to Angelic Were-Dragon so she wasn’t breaking any violations, but… Aside from that….

She’s only ever changed in a major way once.


25) Their favorite restaurant:

Not really…?? I guess it’d be Lone Star Attitude, if she shared the same one as me. >v<


26) Do they have any phobias?

Erie extremely dislikes water. She won’t lose her mind if confronted with it, but she actively avoids submersion when she can help it. That’s about as close to a phobia as it can get, though!


27) Name one thing people forget when drawing them:

Her snout stripes, her chest chevron, and the tail feathers only on ONE side, rreeeEEEEE——

They’re very important details to me, even if they’re minor. ;v;


28) Favorite art piece of them:

Definitely this one, but that’s because I’m a Marvel fan and a huge dork. >v>’

Erie--Doctor Strange Cloak by FlamesVoices


29) Do they represent you or a part of you?

Erie represents parts of me; she represents parts of what I am, the things I’m not proud of as far as my past goes, and some of the things I wish for myself in her.


30) Tell me one fun fact of them!

•Erie’s not fond of humans, but she’s still extremely compassionate and will provide protection, comfort, and even sustenance if needed.

•A soft breeze rushing through her fur and feathers while surrounded by nature is her ideal for paradise or a beautiful moment.


Tag People:

Hmmm, definitely tagging Foxtrek64. :P

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Yo guys!
I'm so sorry for the absence. I'll leave this update here as well as a TL;DR in case you just want a quick summary. :)

  1. I was at Anthrocon in Captain's fullsuit~!
  2. I don't take requests unless it's from friends! Please don't ask, my friends know who they are!!!
  3. It's easier to get a hold of me via Telegram, Facebook, or FA. :) I'm FlamesVoices on all of those!
  4. If I owe you art/stuff, please note me. You're more than welcome to change the subjects of the commission/trade if you'd like, as I know it's been awhile. Just let me know what the OG deal was first so I know to change it~
  5. My uncle passed away not even a week after I got back from AC. He was very close to me and my family, so we're all still quite upset. I might not be posting/doing a whole lot as we grieve and try to recover. 


===============================================================

1. Anthrocon+More Conventions
So yes! I was in Pittsburgh for Anthrocon 2017 this year, and I had a blast! There are some things about it that I wish I could've changed or done, but others that I think were perfect even in their imperfections.
My buddies from UNT (One of em being FreckledAndSpeckled! <3) were kind enough to put up with my furry butt on this trip and were able to attend this year as well! I was able to meet my bro CCS-Mascots, Dusk, RogueOfAmegakure, and several other amazing peoples there, so it was truly a boon for this year. <3
As for future cons, I will be for sure at TFF 2018, ACFI 2017, and maybe a few local meets if I can find the time~! I'll be attempting to attend Furpocalypse 2017, Pine Fur Con 2018, and Anthrocon 2018, if you want the whole con schedule. ;)
Pine Fur Con is a new furry con up in Maine, and is the first one in their state. C: I'm helping with con artwork so you have a 100% chance of seeing artwork there that I contributed! If you guys get the chance to attend, please do, and I hope to see you there! <3


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2. Requests and Trades.
I know I haven't been on here much lately, so, here I am.
To my newest Watchers, hello! I am FlamesVoices, you can call me Flamey, Erie, Captain, or whichever you know me by. <3 If you haven't guessed, I'm a fursuit maker and a digital artist. You might have noticed me wearing Captain's fursuit around at a few cons, and yes, you found me!
For my seasoned Watchers, Yes, I am still active and kicking!

Now, for the quick point of this bullet: I've noticed a few questions in my inbox and just wanna reiterate some things. <3
I do not take requests.
I will not draw or design your Dragon/Wolf/Bear/Dutchie/Manokit/Penguin-Centaur Hybrid/Frog/etc. on request! Sorry!
Additionally:
I do not do trades with people I don't know unless I offer first.
In both of these situations, I have been taken advantage of a while back by a few individuals who I believed I could trust, and thus don't take requests/trades of any kind unless they are with a friend. My friends talk to me every day and know who they are, so please don't ask!


===============================================================

3. Social Media/Contacts?
I'm actually garbage at keeping up with deviantArt these days. I mostly operate out of Facebook/FurAffinity/Instagram these days, so if you're wanting to see this derp's newest materials and submissions, those are the best places to look for me via FlamesVoices!
If you need to contact me, I check my notes once a week at minimum regularly, but if it's urgent or if you just want to chat, feel free to poke me on Telegram via FlamesVoices as well.
Please let me know who you are/where you got my @ from, though, as I have dealt with trolls on there and block users I don't know.
I'd hate to block someone friendly by accident!!!


===============================================================

4. If I owe you stuff?
My queue is severely out of date now, and I would really appreciate it if those who I owe artwork either by trade/commission would shoot me a note!
Because it's been an extremely long time since I accepted these, please know that you are more than welcome to change the subject you want drawn! Just let me know what it was that I owed you first so I can remember it and write it down in the new queue.

I am sincerely sorry for the delay on these owed pieces and do apologize as genuinely as I can convey over text on the internet. If refunds are what you are interested in, I am more than willing to offer that return, so long as I have the funds to resend you in the moment. If not, please be patient and I will return them to you as soon as physically possible. <3

Thank you guys for your understanding and your overwhelmingly amazing patience.
Once again, I do sincerely apologize for the huge delay and hope to hear from you soon so I can make any amends possible.


===============================================================

5. A Sad Goodbye.
Lastly, here's the saddest news of all. If you don't want to read something tragic or sad, please know I won't be upset if you choose to close the journal now. This portion is more for those who want to know more about me, my family, who we are, and where we stand.

Sadly, every time I do something fun or brand new, I seem to have the worst luck and tend to return to the worst news, but this trip was particularly tragic for me and my family at home.
It took us 2 days to get to Anthrocon because we were driving, and then 2 days back. I returned home in TX on Thursday evening, and on Friday was informed that my uncle was not doing well.
He'd gone in for open heart surgery the week before I left for Anthrocon, and my mom+siblings left early for California to help him during recovery, and would be back the same week I returned.
My mom and sisters ended up staying in California instead. I can't tell you how hard it was seeing my father break into tears as he tried to explain the situation. He's a tough dude who never displays much emotion unless it's devastating. We took care of the house and left early for California the very next morning, landing before noon and immediately heading to the hospital.
My Uncle had an infection that had spread throughout his organs, followed by pneumonia. We waited for essentially a miracle, and although none of my family are particularly religious, we'd never prayed so hard as we did then. The last time I'd spoken to him was months ago, and as it turned out, that would be the last time. 
He passed away a few days after we got there. We left for home two days after we were given the news, and returned a week later, when his services would be. They were beautiful, and the place he's resting now is equally pretty, and peaceful, surrounded by nature.

Quick Story Time: When I was a toddler who couldn't speak particularly well, I named everyone, see. Mom and Dad, obviously, but because half my family is Korean, and the other half is Mexican, it complicates things and who to call what. I can tell who was there for me in my babyhood and who wasn't just by what I called them; my maternal grandma got dubbed "Maca" (Don't ask. Idek how I got that from Abuelita), while my Aunt and Uncle were dubbed, appropriately, "Tita" and "Tito", even though it's supposed to be Tia/Tio. My maternal grandfather didn't have a 'name' until high school.

Now, given all of that, my Tito was like a second father to my sisters and I, and a brother to my mom and dad, even if he wasn't related to us by blood. Anybody who knew him, even for a brief time, said that he was a ball of sunshine inside a human being. He was able to make anyone laugh without trying, and when he smiled it lit up a room because it was contagious. As many artists are, I'm kind of weird compared to my family, and sometimes they forget that. But he never let me feel lonely when he was around, and he never had a single negative thing to say, or ever left me feeling like the weird kiddo I am. Whenever we got to California from TX, he was always one of the first people we'd call and see, and go to the beach with. He chased after my aunt even after they broke up, and loved her till the day he died.
He was in my life since literally day one, loved seeing my artwork, even if it wasn't anything fancy, and was extremely dedicated to his family and worked his ass off for them until his hair turned gray. He had two daughters who still adore him, and work damn hard to make sure they're people he'll be proud of. 
Given all this info, and all the memories, you can probably guess that nobody in my family is doing well right now. I can't count the number of mental breakdowns I've had between that day in July to today, because I still can't fathom the fact that he's been gone for a month, let alone a single day.
Even though I'm struggling with a great deal of heartbreak, I'm pressing on and trying to produce more artwork, because I know he was always curious to see what else I'd created, and for his memory, and for my cousins, I'm not gonna stop.

My dad made a promise to my Tito 12 years ago, just before his first heart surgery, that he would take care of his girls if something went wrong, and still feels bound to that promise. Therefore, my parents decided they will go back and forth from here to California more often to ensure that my cousins are doing well (They are a few years younger than I am, and can't be independent yet). I'm learning to drive so I am able to get my butt to work, home, and other places as needed so I can lessen the burden and help with my siblings as well. Things are getting more difficult, and right now, I'm not sure how well things will go for me in the meantime, but I'm keeping my head up and striving to make it to Anthrocon 2018 to have fun and see all the friends I've made and treasure again. <3


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Thanks for reading!
Yo, if you made it this far... Congrats. Thank you for reading/listening. It helps me feel a little better to share with the world just how awesome of a man my Tito was, even if it's my tiny corner of the internet, because someone that bright deserves to be remembered.
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AM I LATE OR WHAT


Anthrocon 2017 Meme: Captain


Where are you staying?-
Hampton. c:

What day are you getting there?-
Thursday the 29th! More in the evening though, so rip. :’3

How are you traveling?-

Driving all the way from Dallas. 83 if I'm tired, don't be surprised. I get bitey!

Who will you be rooming with?-
Remix+sibling, Keke, and 2 friends from UNT.

Who will you be hanging out with?
Lol, probably Remix+Pitch, Samsam, and Charlie the whole time. XD I'll be hanging out with Tag, Novar, and a few others here and there as well!! 

How is the best way to find you?-
Ping me via Telegram or Twitter or something if you wanna meet!! :D I'll be around. c:

Are there any panels you might be attending?-
Quite a few!!! :P Going with my buddy Pitch to quite a few, and am going to the CCS Mascots photoshoot for sure!

What do you look like?-
I'm a human in a hoodie when I'm not in suit. I'm only bringing Captain this year. :')

Are you a fursuiter?-
Yup! Keep an eye out for Captain!!

What is your gender?-
Technically non-binary, but lady-ish pronouns work.
Just know that I try to be gentlemanly!!!

Relationship Status?-
Single pringle. Nothing really official.

How tall are you?-
5'3"

Are you an Artist?-
I puke up arts on any and all paper that comes towards me. :P
I also built Captain’s Bodysuit, so that’s a thing I do too. >w>

Do you have a sketchbook?-
MAYBE. <3

Can you draw in my sketchbook?-
MAYBE. Depends on what’s going on at the time~!!
And only if you draw in mine or something. >w>

Attending parties?-
mAYbe??? Depends on if I get invited! :P

Can I talk to you?-
Yes, but be warned--I'm awkward and have the worst memory ever. 

Can I touch you?-
I'm not super tactile, so please let me see you before you try anything like a hug. I get bitey. X'3

Can I visit your room?-
No, sorry! ;-; Some of my roommates are sensitive about their space. You can come hang out with me and friend in The Zoo though!

Can I buy you drinks?-
UH YEAH, I LOVE ANYTHING SWEET
(Pls note: I won’t take alcoholic beverages, or anything with a broken seal from anyone for safety reasons, sorry! I’m under age 21 by 3 months. Let’s not do that!)

Can I give you stuff?-
Yes, but I'll probs cry if you do. I did at TFF!! <3333

Can I hug or snuggle with you?-
Hugs are ok, just ask first!
No snugs though; I'm not super cuddly and I'll probs catch fire in suit, honestly. X'3

Are you nice?-
I am unless you piss me off~! Luckily, it's hard to do that.
Just don't be a dick to me/my friends, and I'll be nice the whole time. :3c


How long are you going?-
I'll be leaving Monday in the AM~!

Will you be going to parties?-
Probably not. I'm gonna be hanging out wiff mah buddies!!! :D

Will you be performing?-
As Captain! Yes!!

If I see you, how should I get your attention?-
Call for Captain, Erie, or yell the word Joker. You'll have my attention in seconds. ;P

Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?- 
No idea! *sparkles* 
Possibly the Zoo, or screaming in the headless lounge because I'm a wimp.

What/where will you be eating?
A whole ton of fried deliciousness, probably. XP

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?-
Ask first, but I don't mind. Making new friends at cons is the best. :P

Can I take your picture?-
Only if I'm in-suit! I get a little camera-shy, but Cap is verrrry outgoing, and extremely photogenic in comparison.

Do you do free art?-
Hahahahahaha
Not usually, unless I know you or have a gift for you~!

Do you do trades?-
Nahhhh, no new ones right now. XP Too much to do!

Do you do commissions?- 
I do! But not taking any new ones on right now. :'3

What's your goal(s) for the con this year?-
Enjoy my first AC and meet up with a few peeps I've been wanting to say hello to forever!!!!
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