Japes Art In 2025

I’d have to say I really struggled artistically in 2024. I think it was an animation piece that I spent tons of time on (and never came to fruition) that really broke me, but it’s not really a good sign when every month you think about going on hiatus, but don’t, because you worry you might not come back from it. I think I was reinvigorated somewhat by doing the “Japes-ified X-Men,” and seeing some cool stuff that others are doing, and some rest from animation. I’ve also spent some time honestly reflecting on what keeps me going, where my strengths are, and where I can realistically expect to improve. I think that’s a good exercise for anyone, but it’s been very helpful for me.

So, what did I learn? Well, in 2024, I learned about “aphantasia,” or more specifically, I learned there’s a word for what I have because most people DON’T have it, and lots of other people can do this wondrous thing that sounds AMAZING which is to see pictures, in their imagination, with their eyes closed. Whereas, I, lifelong artist, cannot so much as hold an image of my wife or children, or an apple, in my head for more than a millisecond. I’ve managed pretty well without, I’d say, but it very much explains why I’ve always found it very difficult to start a picture, but LOVE refining it till it’s just right. I imagine that my unconscious brain CAN make pictures, but has decided to not to share them with my conscious brain, instead barking, “up,” “a little to the left,” and “more of a curve there” until it “looks right,” and I can move on.

So, maybe because of this, or maybe because I have a very demanding non-art main career, I don’t ever think I’m going to be a top-tier artist. I will improve, and have so already (thank you) but I have neither the time nor the imagination to ever catch up to my heroes. Not to mention AI art, which I know we’re all supposed to hate, but I look at and go, “fuck. It sure can draw a prettier fan art pinup than me.” But I am really ok with that, because I really don’t think ANYBODY currently working in NSFW art does a better job at combining art AND writing than me, and AI ain’t ever gonna come close. I feel like I’m giving my audience interesting characters, sharp and funny dialogue, and a plot that’s (slowly) going somewhere, and so in 2025, I’m going to be emphasizing Jackanapes more, because it kicks ass. So, expect some more pages, some more Jackanapes animation, and some remastering of previous pages to bring the art up to par with the writing (or at least up to my brain letting me move on). Like the pic above. I’ll be modifying tiers and rewards some, trying to figure out what works for everybody (like, why don’t the highest tiers ever vote when their vote carries so much weight?!?) but anyway— expect more and better Jackanapes. Oh, and more remasters/redraws of other old pieces because, well, new starts are hard for me, but some old ideas would do well with a revisit from an artist with improved skills.

What else? Well, an animation broke me, but I love doing it, and I love that I’m one of the few who’s trying to put expression and character into lewd animations, so expect some animations again this year. But, I’ve learned— if I’m gonna spend hours drawing very slightly different pictures of the same thing, I’d better be 1) REALLY interested in it and 2) not rushing, trying to meet a self-imposed deadline for “content.” So, I will be creating animations again this year, but animation subjects will not be voted on, and expect not to expect when you’ll see progress on them. But after X-Men.

What else else? Well, I know I don’t do as much “behind the scenes” stuff as other Patreon artists. And that’s due to that aforementioned “day job” which puts a premium on my privacy and time. BUT, I’m gonna try and see how I can get you guys some more peeks behind the curtain while still protecting what I need to.

I think that’s it for now, but congrats if you made it this far! More soon, but I’d love to hear from you all!