ValiantPhoenix

Yes, there's still a future around these parts! After how long it's been, I'd like to just get right to it. I'll be dedicating this account to fanworks from now on, as I want to rediscover all sorts of things I used to love and maybe draw/write about them. I really should have said something sooner, but I haven't been as certain of this in months as I am now. See, I was dealing with a lot of emotional turmoil for the first half of this year due to a few life situations. Long story short, I want to be nicer to myself and expect less from my efforts to stay active as a creator. I've suffered enough just trying to live up to impossible standards because I thought that would make me happy. Now I want to actually BE happy instead of pretending to be, if that makes any sense. So, expect more posts about things I enjoy and/or care about in the near future. As of this writing, this does NOT include my original works, which will be moved to scraps and possibly archived. I have a relaunch in

Yes, I am still here. No, I didn't have much to say about the holiday season. For anyone who is still around, thank you! I'm aware that not much has been happening on this corner of the world (aside from contest entries about you-probably-know-who), which has weighed on my mind for months now: why AM I still here? For many years, DeviantArt has been my home. This is where it all began for my online presence and, despite my disagreement over what it became (thanks Eclipse), I'm still attached to it. I met so many people here, even ones I no longer see or know. It was a different time of my life and I've changed so much from who I used to be. I'll admit I've been struggling to stay active as an artist. I still see myself as one, even if my mistakes over the years have eroded my enthusiasm. Ambition nearly ruined my passion and I've had to let go of things I once promised, so I could focus on what little I can still achieve, such as contest entries and other simple things I can share.