Sayuri - Before and After

Almost 7 Years and 7 Months Later...

Left: Original drawn in early September 2009.
Right: New and improved version finished today, late March 2017.

I almost don't know what to say. Having finally finished redrawing my very first OC, Sayuri, I'm feeling pretty emotional. I'm not only happy to finally be done, but to see the improvement after all these years... it makes me want to cry (happy tears). Maybe other artists have shown more improvement in a shorter amount of time, but that doesn't concern me right now. It's just an amazing and rewarding experience to see my own progress after having been drawing on and off as a hobby for so long.

Of course I'll keep making art since it's something I love to do. Hopefully I'll continue to improve as time goes on. For anyone else following a similar path as an artist, I'm rooting for ya too!

Thanks first and foremost to God for giving me the opportunity to express my ideas and characters through art, as impressive or unimpressive as people may find my work. And thanks to anyone who's still following me here on deviantArt and supporting me despite my extended absences.

I'd like to give special shoutouts to these people who most recently have motivated me to continue drawing:


Winter, for reminding me just how much fun creating art can be and motivating me through his own improvement in the time I've known him.


Silent, who's artistic talents drove me to pursue digital painting in more depth. She is an amazing artist and person in general who hosts a very friendly and welcoming community. I may not be at her level yet, but I hope to improve my own style even further as time goes on.


Ardail, for teaching me a very useful technique that I had difficulty grasping in the past. His tutorial on hair showed me how effecting painting in layers from dark to light values can give an image a more vivid and realistic view, not only with hair, but many other areas in general. I'm sure my take on the technique could still use some work, but his advice is something I hope to never forget.

Again, thank you all! <3