How I've Been Doing...

Hey, everyone!

So, a lot of things have been happening in my life recently, and it has been ages since I last made a DA journal. So...thought I might let you guys know how I've been since I haven't said anything prior. I've been active throughout the year, of course, but...I'm guessing you may have noticed I've been way more silent around here than normal.

Anyway, to begin, I'm at that stage in my life where I'm applying to universities. I've applied to five, which is the maximum amount I can apply for on the application we use in the UK to do so. So, I've been a little stressed and depressed about this, mostly because I'm just...unsure of what I want to do with my life once I turn 18. I feel like the common path for people is going to universities, and schools often push this pathway into our faces the most, and as someone who isn't ultimately sure I find it rather aggravating to even think about.

But...nonetheless, I've applied, and I'm applying to do an Animation degree for each one. Since it's an art subject, I've had to submit and make portfolios to present to the unis. I ended up making only two different ones; the main one is the one I take with me physically, and also have a digital PDF version of. The other one was really a completely separate thing one of the unis wanted me to do through their own system, where I had to upload only ten pieces of my work and write a description for each one.

I have struggled with this portfolio. I honestly have.

Thing is, as my DeviantArt gallery shows, I have perhaps too much of an emphasis on fanart for a portfolio. However, I do of course have my own helping of original content which I used in the portfolio instead. See, I've been reading around trying to look for some advice on how to make a good portfolio and most places say not to include fanart, even referring to a "kiss of death". So I've made an effort to avoid this and express myself through my own works as much as possible. It probably helped that I had been drawing animals and hands on the side prior to all of this that I could add in.

On a side-note about original content, I suppose I'm a little upset that my more original stuff around here doesn't get as much attention around here as I wish it did. I'm not mad or bitter or anything because I DO enjoy drawing fanart, but...I also enjoy drawing my own things, if not more so. But I still draw my own stuff because it's something I do for me and I want to express myself, even if it's not regarded as much as everything else; I'm really just grateful for any attention they get as it is. Hopefully, my original stuff gets more feedback or something in the future though. That'd be nice...

Anyway, back on track, I ended up getting a conditional offer from one of my unis; they offered me a placement with an additional foundation year (meaning I'll have to do 4 years of uni instead of 3), but I'm still happy with the offer! The requirements are also more than do-able so I'm sure that if I were to take up this offer this practically guarantees a placement!

This coming week, I've also got two interviews for two of the other unis; I'll have to bring in the physical copy of my portfolio for them to go through with me in the interviews. I am a little nervous because I'm not exactly...confident. Plus, being autistic I do find it rather hard to express actual passion for things. That is, I can find it difficult to explain myself and why I do things. I mean, as far as I'm aware I just do stuff cuz I wanted to do it. (i.e. I drew [insert piece name] because I simply felt like drawing a/an [insert main subject in piece]") Might be a drawback, so I'll have to think of things to say. I also try explaining my processes in my portfolio a little bit, so...yeah.

And yeah, if you want to see another side of me (my writer's side), then check out my AO3 and read some of my fics! I've been working on a few here and there as well! And for the record, I'm also on SBM quite a lot now, so you can also find me on there if you wanna talk or whatever. Or just send a PM here or leave a comment below. I ain't fussed.

Thanks for reading!
K. Sal
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