Hello everyone!

I hope you've all been enjoying your Holiday season. I know it can be tough for quite a few of us, as the holidays tend to bring out the best and worst in the people around us, ourselves included! But, I am, unfortunately, a very hopeful person, so I try and see the good in the world regardless. But, this isn't a journal about my feelings regarding the world!

I personally just wanted to thank everyone, old and new, who've enjoyed my work this year. Since graduating with my Bachelors of Creative Arts last year, i've done a lot of soul searching for my own style and art direction. I've started a little later in life than i'd have hoped to, but I don't regret the path i've taken in life. Yes, Generative AI threatens every aspect of my career, but, there's one thing Gen AI can't take away from me, and that's MY thoughts and feelings.

With those thoughts and feelings in mind, I wanted to share my next years (rough) plans!

After finishing up Songbird for the year, i've decided to leave that story where it ends now, and write something new. I've been spending the last few years writing up an absolute storm, and it's been so validating to my inner child, who always wanted to be a creative in some way. I remember as a kid doing nothing but engaging in books, or drawing and painting. I guess i've always known I would be an artist, I just didn't believe I had anything worth bringing to the world.

Boy, was I wrong. And I'm glad I was.

I have never felt so vindicated and justified in what I do than right now. I spent a long time denying who I really was due to what other people's opinions of me would do. It quite literally bent me out of shape and almost killed me. But, I recovered, both physically and mentally, and now I never want to look back. This story i'm writing encapsulates all of these feelings, or at least I hope it does.

Anyways, sorry for the long ramble. This is, unfortunately (for some), how I think. I love the way I think. That's all that matters to me.

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your holidays, i'll see you all after my birthday (January 10th)

With Love,
Dusk the Bear