Mad's Sketch Pad

Since embarking on this endeavor, I am starting to feel redundant in what I post/share on the internet. So far I have been sharing everything on all my social platforms. I guess I feel like I need to share everything I've created thus far since I do not have a lot. I am hesitant to share any of my old work, even though there are some pieces I am proud of. A good portfolio displays only recent work, right? Right? Right. (?) So what is the point of having a presence on the internet? Well, I am not really sure since I don't have an idea of where I am taking my art. For now, it is a nice emotional outlet and I have been given a chance to pursue something I have dreamt about since middle school. Last year, when I resigned from teaching, I asked everyone I know who creates art for a living, part time or full time. Everyone said Instagram . Done. Tumblr was another one that was thrown at me quite a bit in the past. Sadly, using these social media platforms makes me feel, well, old....

One of my first commissions I recently got was with the local Kiwanis Club where I live. They are revamping their Pedestrian Safety course for kids and want a new activity book. I have enjoyed working with the non-profit, and the process has become faster now that I have a new drawing tablet! Here is the finished drawing for the cover page: The group wanted a new mascot - the owl - and a boy and a girl featured in the activity book. I have been drawing in a looser style with less details. Their printer mentioned to me that it would be better with thicker lines since it will be printed on newspaper like paper.  I am so happy I bought Clip Studio Paint! I am able to draw in layers. Up until this drawing, I would do a preliminary sketch of everything out with the pencil tool, and then add a new layer to outline with the ink tool. With this one, I did two sketch layers (see below). The purple sketch was a basic setup of body proportion and position. The green layer is a bit mor...

Whelp, here is the beginning of trying to keep track of every place and space I occupy on the interwebs. *shrugs* I will do my best... Hi world! If you don't know me, my name is Madalyn Kao. I like to say I am just a normal girl with nothing special to offer the world. But while I am here, I am going to make the best of it. I have many passions and hobbies. After graduating high school, it was difficult trying to figure out how to satisfy the my many interests. I earned my bachelor's degree in music education and taught middle school orchestra for five years, and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, after becoming a parent, my mental health took a major toll. As of last year, I am no longer in the classroom and have been enjoying my days at home with my son, Liam, who is now two and a half years old. Liam brings me so much joy and I love, love, LOVE being his mommy. :3 This little human has been my motivation to improving myself and I have to say I do not regret my decision to end...