Well, that was unexpected...
Today I logged in at dA for the first time in a while, and I was shocked to see how long it had been! It was never my intention to take such a drastic break, but I guess art-block and RL took a hold of me 🙈
As some of you know, I've been struggling with my art-style for a while now. On top of this, some mental health issues and the stress of living up to 'social media expectations' was really getting to me. I didn't decide to take a break, but I guess that at a certain point, enough is enough.
So, what's the situation now? I didn't sit completely still! I did a lot of sketching and thumbnailing and art-related reading, and have tried to figure out what I like to see in art. What would I love to hang on my wall? That's what I want to create! And then I've compared that to what I've been creating until now, my current skill-level, my plans for the future, etc. And I came to the conclusion the score actually isn't too bad 😊 With some additional practice, time, and a lot of patience, I think I can do this! And I'm actually REALLY looking forward to sharing this journey with you all, and to share the fruits of all that hard work.
But then... We decided to make an offer on a house... Which means I also have to sell my current house... Which means doing all the jobs I've been putting off since I bough the house and we finished the main renovations... So......... TIME is a bit lacking now, haha. But, that too shall pass, and I see a bright future ahead, with LOADS of art on the horizon 😁 Plus pictures of all the pets we will finally be able to house if this sale goes through.
So, long story short:
Thank you SO much for sticking around 
I will be (semi-)absent for a little while longer while this house-business is happening, but I am absolutely confident that I will be back brushes-a-blazing 🤠
Happy Birthday to me! Another year older
(Edit: it's not my birthday anymore, but that doesn't mean the party has to end! Feel free to keep commenting and interacting )
It's the perfect time for an ARTSHARE PARTY
I know Artshares are a Twitter thing, but I see no reason why we can't do them on DeviantArt 
So, how to join in?
🎂 Share your (or someone else's) art in the comments. Max 6 thumbs please!
🎂All mediums are welcome! But no NFTs, and nsfw only if it's marked appropriately.
🎂Please like and/or share for exposure (it's not mandatory to do both, but it's much appreciated, and it helps everyone in the artshare!).
🎂Free free to tag your friends and invite them to the party!
🎂 Don't 'drop and run', but interact! Leave comments, fave, suggest to groups, whatever you can think of. Let's make this a real community party! 🎉
Let's see if we can blow this thing up
I want to see what the dA community is capable of! If you like, consider it a birthday present, haha.
Let the sharing fun begin!
INPRNT is currently holding a sale, with FREE SHIPPING worldwide, on all orders over 30 USD! It's definitely worth checking out
I decided this was a good time to also open my own INPRNT shop! To celebrate the opening, you can get an ADDITIONAL 10% DISCOUNT for the next 7 days whith the code OEGJK2Y.
Check out my store here: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/idunahaya/
The following works are available as Art Prints, Art Cards, and Phone Cases
It's been years since I did an art raffle! Since I missed my dA birthday and my RL birthday is coming up, I thought this would be a good time to celebrate with some free art
The main event is the raffle, but if I see any characters I really like and I have the time, I will draw them as well as a request <3
Edit: The Raffle is now CLOSED. And the winner is........ Ticket #1!
I didn't believe it myself at first haha, but here it is!
To everyone who didn't win: There's still a chance to be picked for a request! This will take time, as I currently have several commissions and now the raffle prize to complete. But I'll refer back to this journal if I'm looking for other peoples characters to draw as practice, for CM examples, or just for fun
How to join the RAFFLE
You must be a Watcher! New Watchers are welcome, but only Watch if you actually like my art please, not just for the chance at free art
Comment "I'd like to join!" (or something like that) AND Fave the journal = 1 ticket. IMPORTANT: Also add a reference image for the character you'd like me to draw, or else you definitely can't be picked as a request!!
For extra tickets:
+1: Share this journal and/or some of my art in a NEW Journal or Status update of your own. Please link me to the post in your comment!
+1: Become (or be) a follower on my Twitter or Instagram (bonus appreciation points if you retweet or share some of my stuff there, I'm having no luck on either platform at all at all XD). Make sure to add your username in your comment, so I can tell it's you!
+1: Tag your friends! Please only tag people you know and whom you think might be interested to join
Some rules
I can only really draw Humanoids! So please only join with humanoid characters
No nagging or begging for free art in comments or notes, thank you very much (:
The Raffle ends on the 9th of April (my birthday). Depending on how busy I am at that time I may need a little while to draw the prize. Requests may be picked and drawn before and after the raffle closes.
My usual commission Terms Of Use apply (Personal use of the image only. I won't use it for prints unless you give explicit permission, but it may be used as part of my portfolio or CM examples and will be shared on my socials)
So what's the PRIZE???
There will be ONE raffle winner. This person will receive a full-body colored and shaded work like this (maybe with a simple environment/background added) (1 character only, no very specific pose requests please).
Any characters I pick to draw as requests will be drawn in a style depending on the character, what I feel like, and the time available Some more examples of my art:
[closed] 1 month Core giveaway!
I have a stack of Fragments I have no idea what to do with. I don't really care about the badges, BUT the Diamond badge comes with a 1 month Core membership for deviants who don't already have Core.
So it's time for the third giveaway!
HOW TO JOIN
Fave AND Comment 'I'd like to join!' on this journal (mandatory, gives you 1 ticket).
Note: Sharing this journal is not mandatory and doesn't give you a ticket, but it is greatly appreciated!
RULES
Watchers only! New Watchers are always welcome, but please only Watch and join because you actually like my work
Don't be rude / ask for free stuff / etc
You can only join with 1 account, that must be at least 2 weeks old
NOTE: This only works if you don't already have Core!!! However, if you want to join just for fun while you already have Core (or don't want it), you can give the prize to someone else of your choice if you win