I just realized that although I have a nice long weekend, I really didn’t do anything for Beautiful Addiction. I was going to make the calendar for it, but I think I got sidetracked and I still haven’t made the thumbnails for the screenshots. Maybe that’s just the magic of Labor Day weekend - being lazy and not working.

I did, on the other hand, manage to open up my graphic program. If not for site related activities, then for my own personal amusement. I found this nice little tutorial on creating moody pieces by a well established web designer, so I thought I’d see what I’d create.

It was fun to make and I’m quite pleased with the turnout. I used a lot of outside resources for the piece, but I’m hoping I won’t be so dependent anymore on those. I’m going to try to create my own brushes so I can become a better designer. I think it was my first time using the mask tool, but after a couple of trials, I managed to get the hang of using it. I still need to work on using the pen tool, since the two of us aren’t friends at all. It’s actually my mortal enemy.

During the weekend I purchased a new series, Vampire Knight. I’ve always admired Matsuri Hino’s artwork, so reading a more serious series from her was nice. The first two volumes are the only ones out in the U.S. by the Shojo Beat Manga section from VIZ, but they’re quite enjoyable. I think anyone who likes vampire anime/manga would really like this take on them. Though, be warned, unlike other vampire genres, this one takes place in a school and isn’t done in the cutesy manner like Karin. It’s just good wholesome vampire/human issues mixed with a healthy dose of romance and teenage angst. :D