FAQ
Frequently asked questions
I get asked a fair amount of questions from various fans. These range from my art techniques, to tablet and program recommendations. As well as questions about how I manage my scheduling, how I come up with ideas, and find the motivation to bring those ideas to life. This page is a compilation of questions I get most often, answered to the best of my ability.
My last name is inherited from my grandfather and is hard to pronounce and remember. Jade Annabel was a fictional name I created for the writing competition 'nanowrimo' (national novel writing month), and the name stuck.
I have plenty of ideas I want to bring to life, and at the start of 2017 I decided I wanted to start doing so. I have plenty of redraws I want to complete, comics I'm eager to draw the next page to, and I'm always being influenced by the world around me.
It's said that after 30 days of doing something it's become a habit, I pushed myself to get stuff done for a month or so and now it feels strange not to draw something often.
I understand this isn't the best advice, but really, hard work and dedication can go a long way.
I steer towards a darker, horror-centric style, often taking up monthly challenges such as 'Goretober,' 'Whumpuary' and the '31 Angst Challenge.'
My main aesthetics are;
Creepy crawlies like spiders and snakes
Space
And (poisonous) plants
I post on youtube first, so I have the video url available to post elsewhere. But all my art does end up on Patreon, Tumblr, Deviantart, and Instagram. To see my finished pieces first, with or without watermarks, becoming a patron is your best bet.
Keep in mind all finished posts end up on Patreon for at least two weeks before being published publicly.
While I go through periods of offering 'canon requests', where I'll draw fanart requests. This is to help generate traffic to my social medias and grow an audience.
Otherwise, I tend to make it a rule to only give requests to people I've offered them to.
I've made it clear on multiple platforms that subscribers to my youtube, watchers on deviantart, and followers on tumblr, are eligible, but not guaranteed to make requests. However, commissions always take priority.
Of course!
My commission prices range from $15 to $200, more if you want extra details such as backgrounds and extra characters. You'll have priority over requests, and I'll be sending multiple updates to you to keep you informed of progress.
If all goes well, you'll have your piece within a week (Depending on complexity.)
I have a contact page readily available if you're interested in a commission, all you have to do is shoot me an email and we'll take it from there.
A Wacon Cintiq 13HD, however, I started with a basic 11" Bamboo Tablet, which is no longer on the market. There are many alternatives you can check out that are much cheaper, and I seriously suggest starting with something more basic before moving onto a cintiq (or alternative) to make sure you're prepared to learn how to draw digitally before such an investment.
I'd personally suggest learning with an Wacom Intuous pen tablet. They're fairly cheap and a great way to learn with. An Intuous Draw Small seems to be the cheapest option, just over $100.
However, feel free to look around for other options that may be cheaper, and be sure to check on reviews before making a purchase.
For art;
I use Paint Tool Sai, which costs $60 for a lifetime license. I can also reuse the key 3 times within the month in case I need to put it on my laptop or a friends computer. (As long as i remember the code needed.)
While confusing at first, once you learn it's really simple and fun to use. However the price might be a bit high for new artists.
For recording;
OBS / Open Broadcast Software. A free and very simple to use program.
For editing;
Videopad Editor. This also costs money ($60 normally, around $40 on sale.) Super simple and easy to use, I highly suggest it.
There are plenty of free options that are available that are both easy and fun to use.
For art;
- Costs nothing, but is a great option for both art and comics. I use it myself to make the necessary panels for comics I later use in sai. Simple layout and tutorials are relatively easy to find if you do get stuck.
- Free, I don't use it often but it's highly recommended. It's quite easy to use and offers plenty of tutorials.
For recording;
- Once again, Open Broadcast Software is super easy to use and free. I can't suggest it enough.
For editing; *
* I didn't really get into editing before getting videopad, so I can only suggest what I find free and accessible, I can offer no actual experience with it.
- Free to use and while not very friendly to beginners, there are plenty of tutorials online if you're seeking help.
- I've seen this suggested multiple times, which is why I'm bringing it up. Lightworks is a highly advanced program that's been used for multiple famous works such as 'The King's Speech', 'Pulp Fiction', and 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. You can get the free version or the pro version, which adds a few more features.
I'm posting on multiple platforms that require constant updates as well as producing and editing my own videos and art. If I haven't answered I've either missed it or haven't been able to get on that day.
However, if it's been a week with no response, feel free to send another email!
Commissions take time, I put a lot of work into each and every one of them because I'm being paid to satisfy a customer. If I have other commissions or priorities, it may take a little longer. But if you're concerned please feel free to email me and I'll let you know the progress on your commission.
I do try to remain very open with customers with the progres I'm making with their commission, and will send works in progress to make sure the product is to your liking.
None of my work is automated aside from queues, queues which I have to fill up manually. Sometimes real life happens and I fall behind, sometimes I'm too busy doing one project and don't get it complete on time.
Don't worry, the schedule will fix itself quickly.
No sorry, I can give you a cyber-hug if you want?
