January Art Blog

Project Status: Pre-Production, Scriptwriting and World Development

What I’m Reading: The Dark Crystal Bestiary

What I’m Watching: The Woman Vanishes (1937)

Happy 2025 to those who celebrate! I have to say, I have a very good feeling about this year, as far as my project goes. I’m truly in the swing of things. Of course, I am still not as efficient as I could be, but routines become easier with repetition! My resolution is to become very quick at making art content, so that I have more time and energy for my series!

Writing the script is going much slower than I anticipated, not because it takes a long time, or because I don’t know what I want to write, but because the world seems to be expanding infinitely before me. As contexts become clearer, the script requires more touches, to truly insert the audience and make them understand this living world. If there is something that will become important later, it must be expressed, even slightly, in the beginning, because it is true of the world whether it is central to the story or not.

An example is the Cloud Queendom’s international policy. In the past, affinity fairies, while not outright subjugated, were often taken advantage of. Since they find meaning and purpose in developing their affinity, other races realized that it is a good idea to find and employ one with an affinity they find useful. Over time, it became that affinity fairies were seen as something to collect rather than complex individuals. Therefore, in the present day they keep the other races at arm’s length, something the other courts accept and understand. They are still willing to carry alliances (and Queen Arabella is quite progressive in this way), but outsiders are not invited into the domain of the affinity fairies, and ambassadors are considered rather brave for venturing out without the safety of numbers.

All of this history must then be distilled artfully into a line or two of script. Goodness knows so many animated series are criticized for being either heavy-handed in their worldbuilding, or completely lacking in consistency. I try to learn from the failings of others, and it creates an understanding that for others to love my world as much as I do, I must express it in a lovely and honest way. I do hope I manage it! It’s such a wonderful world and I want people to feel invited into it. ^^

My Advice: Do everything in the world to learn from others and take utmost care of your hands and shoulders. I can think of few forms of artistry that do not take use of one’s body, and I implore you to treat yourself as an athlete, who must train, strengthen, and take care of whatever part of you that you use to create.