Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The realities of life as an artist

A while back, I indicated how I would be forced to look for a new job. I actually was thinking that in the timeframe that I will be unemployed, I could used that time to write the next novel. However, that does not appear to be happening as I have other housework to deal with and I still need to search for a job. I am pursuing publishing Shining, but that process is actually not in my hands at the moment. There is someone who sounded interested in doing the cover art I requested but I'm also waiting to hear back from the editor in which it has been taking time just to get a quote. So things take time and even when all is done, there is most likely no chance for any income gain.

Art is good and it is beneficial for humanity, but it's difficult to survive off that. There are so many aspiring artists which creates this difficult situation where you cannot survive being solely an artist. That was actually my reasoning when I went to college and picked my degree. I still hold it as good advice to take as it helped me earn enough to take this risk with Shining. So if you want to get into the arts, try to find a stable source of income first so that you can fuel your passion.

J. D. Nyle

Friday, March 4, 2016

Seeking Cover Artist and Concept Art

I'm thinking more seriously about publishing Neostriker: Shining as a paperback novel. However, to do that, I need to make a nice cover for it. Is there anyone who is interested in drawing a fantasy, Romantic era illustration for the cover? I would also like a few extra illustrations for the inside of the novel. While I could possibly try my hand at the illustrations, I have been out of practice and I have trouble drawing from my imagination.

Now since I haven't really shared any updates about Neostriker lately, I figure I can at least do the favor of sharing a piece of concept art. This is the concept art for the Rising Armor that is used toward the end of the novel. The interesting thing is that this will likely be the default armor for the hero of the next novel due to its setting and how this armor design fits the best.

J. D. Nyle