Plans

I initially thought up this plan a few weeks ago when I still expected the Jill animation to be complete in August. This doesn't change things much. Mostly, it messes with what I'm going to do specifically for the rest of this month, and it has also slightly changed the priority on some things.

There's basically three separate categories I'd like to break everything down into. First, I'd like to get back into modelling work. Second, I'd like to do at least one short loop every month. Third, commissions.

Modelling

The first part is about modelling. Initially, I thought about wanting to prepare for the Morrigan movie. Her model is in basic shape, but could use improvements for a longer project. Particularly, she needs shape keys for facial expressions. Based on current patreon earnings... it seems unlikely that the movie would be anytime soon. Nonetheless, I think I'd still like to do stuff with her because Morrigan is great. 

Alternatively, I've thought about head hacking some other models too. Mainly, other Dragon Age characters. I haven't worked on Morrigan in months, and perhaps it might be a better warmup to work on another model at a more basic level. For posters and short loops, they won't need as much work. I've thought about Dragon Age a lot lately, so that's why it's at the top of the list. It's one of my favorite franchises next to Mass Effect, but often neglected with rule 34. I think it gives me a chance for some more unique stuff. Of course, there are still plenty of other options, but it has been the primary one on my mind.

With the Jill animation, I've had some renewed confidence with modelling work. Although it is mostly simple, stuff like adding shape keys for model correction, fixing outfits, and some weight painting, it has helped relieve the stress that has made me avoid modelling work. I think I am in a better frame of mind for this kind of thing, and it can also help break up the monotony of animation.

Animation

This part is much simpler. I want to put out at least one short loop a month. This should be easily achievable. I can think of how much I've improved at animating, how much visuals have improved from Blender, but the one thing I haven't improved at is consistency. I've only released an animation about every other month this year. There's usually been posters mixed between. It seems clear that animations are more popular. I need a steadier stream of content.

Commissions

I've thought about this since the end of last year. I've not done many commissions and basically none outside of the patreon tier. Especially since "The Promotion" had a rather disappointing release, commissions have been on my mind. I continue to get requests now and then.

It seems clear that patreon monthly earnings just won't cut it. For all my improvement, no matter how much followers or "likes" build, patron support remains low. If I can get paid directly for work, that would soften the blow, and it could even mean getting more content out.

A few weeks ago, this was going to be priority number three. Now that the Jill animation is out, I can't help but think this should be priority number one. In one day, it has managed more likes on twitter than "The Promotion" has had all year... I've gained two new patrons from it, temporarily. It's only been two days, but I've been through this before. The rift between "popularity" versus actual support is the only thing that's getting bigger.

I'm not particularly disappointed, only because I've been expecting this for weeks. It surpassed the amount of twitter likes I expected, but managed to do basically nothing for patron support. This is basically par for the course. 

I'm not sure how exactly I will do more commissions. I haven't done any in Blender so far. I probably need a system in place for it. I'm not sure what the workload will look like. But I'm probably going to pick up a few to test the waters.

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To sum it up, I want to pick up commissions, go back to doing some modelling work, and at least consistently put out some short loops. I think at least one head hack for modelling, one short animation, and one commission a month is entirely doable.

I drafted up this plan weeks ago wanting to start it for September, but it's late enough in the month that I'm not sure what I'll manage to do for the next couple weeks. I feel like I could use a break after the Jill animation, as it was basically half a short movie of work, but as far as gaining support goes, it feels like I'm afforded no break at all.