Welp, 2023 has wrapped up! This has been, without exaggeration, the biggest year yet for me and my work! Of course, alot happened in my personal life too, but i'd like to keep it focused on the art stuff here.
I would have done one of those cool "best piece of each month" recaps, but I don't really have enough paintings this time hehehe. Not because I drew less (far from it), but we'll get to that later. I did have time to put this lil painting together though!
The first highlight was definitely the TMG meet-up in Philly. I got to spend an insane week with my close friends that I'd met over the past couple years. I would have been satisfied with just getting to see my pals and doodling together, but seeing what that event exploded into was something to behold. I got to meet alot of cool folks out there (you know who you are <3), and I got to make some great memories! I'm not one to share photos, so here's the poster made by @CorTat-G and @Hibachi !
Next I'll touch on Newgrounds Summerfest! I remember when the first one was in the planning stages back in 2021 with @Stanpai and @LilSpook. It proved to be a cool evolution to end up asisting in running the event alongside @Kekiiro and @Anislug! I didn't do much in the way of hosting, but I was able to direct our opening animation! It was a wild month and a half, and I think the final animation came out beautifully. If you're reading this and you worked on it, let me extend one more thank you! I really don't know if I can say it enough lol. I'll link below to the OP animation, as well as the YT channel where you can watch all of the programming we had! It was a blast.
https://www.youtube.com/@NGFESTS
Lastly, I'm happy to say I released a comic this year! I've been working on Firewood since at least last spring. I'm really excited about it, which might be obvious since I've basically been plastering Polly and co. all over the damn place. Working on it has probably been the most fulfilling thing, art wise, that I've ever done, watching a story in my head materialize into what's now 3 chapters and counting! Needless to say, I'm raring to make more in the new year!
If you've read the story, it means so much that you'd take the time out of your day to do so! "Thank you" barely cuts it lol. If you haven't, give it a quick look! It's got a bit of the Sandlot, mixed with a bit of Bioshock and the like. If that sounds dope to you, here's the playlist! Look forward to more chapters in '24!
Here's to 2023! A year where I feel a lot things have culminated for me. Course, that doesn't mean the work is over hehe. Happy New Year, and cheers all!
-Slimy
