@Silmerion

Abbott Veldhuizen

Allow me to be self-indulgent for a bit. What do you think of my art, anyway? Please be honest. (www.amad-art.tumblr.com)

Amadeous4446’s Profile PhotoBenjamin Campbell
Ben, I don't know enough about art to give meaningful mechanical feedback. Here's how I feel about your art: I like what you draw well enough, but way more importantly than that, I like that you're pursuing something that matters to you and trying to put it in a context that you find meaning in. If that sounds like I'm avoiding the question, understand that I mean it sincerely - I care way more about seeing a person working hard toward a goal than I do any specific output. Looking back at your older posts, the effort shows - your quick sketches today look better than any of what you used to do. I firmly believe that if you don't drown in your own self-loathing, you'll go nowhere but up.
I see you worrying a lot on Twitter about the fact that you only draw Jam. I agree that long-term, that's going to be a problem for you if you decide to pursue art professionally, but the worst thing you can do is stress yourself out about it. Focus on how you can make yourself happy /today/ and let the Ben of tomorrow worry about that stuff - I've found that my best ideas and strongest motivation for self-improvement come when I'm most relaxed and comfortable with myself.

Latest answers from Abbott Veldhuizen

Get out Bart, I'm Drink?

Is this a Simpsons reference? I'll be honest, I never watched much of the Simpsons - parents wouldn't let me until I was about twelve, by which point all anyone did was talk about how much worse it had gotten. Never became attached.

Are you still watching CEOtaku since the anime fighters are over?

Well, it's CEO, not CEOtaku. (Though if you were tuning in having just found out about the event, I could understand - the big ads for CEOtaku probably misled you. I'm actually planning to attend CEOtaku in October!)
Nah, I'm out for a little bit, possibly for the night. I basically got what I wanted out of CEO yesterday with Guilty Gear top 8.

How do you feel about the new Persona?

I'm ridiculously excited. Seriously considering taking a day off work after it drops and playing the hell out of it. Persona games are such a good time, and Persona 5 in particular looks fantastic.

What kinds of video games do you wish you could spend more time with but for whatever reason you avoid and why?

Strategy games, both turn-based and real-time. I actually avoid the two subgenres for different reasons! RTSes feel overwhelming to me - like many first-person shooters, they represent a huge conglomeration of game mechanics I never really learned and that now intimidate me. On the other hand, turn-based strategy games are often games I wish I could get into but ultimately just can't be arsed to play. I wish I could enjoy Fire Emblem, but I just can't get into those games. Couldn't tell you exactly why.

What kinds of questions would you like us to ask?

You do whatever you gotta do, though I guess if I had my choice I'd prefer you keep them appropriate for someone who keeps his personal, named, pic'd Twitter account public.

Daddy, tell me the story of the first time you DP'd somebody. Also, tell me the story of the first time your dragon punched an opponent in a fighting game

Jesus, the first time I actually pulled off a shoryu in a real match? Man. Long time ago. I started playing 2D fighters when I was 15, I think? DP motions were hard back then. Nobody was willing to play against me because nobody in my tiny hometown played fighters. It was probably some random time I had someone over, forced them to play Accent Core with me, and caught them with Hachisubako.

Do you have a blog? I seem to recall you having a blog at some point.

Not currently, unfortunately! I still own the throwsare.cheap domain, but I let its content expire last October on accident. I plan to get it stood up again sometime this spring, after which I'm going to post my Top 16 Anime list there.

I've been looking to travel... Do you think the Uruk-Hai are out of New Zealand yet?

I've heard New Zealand is stunning at all times of the year. I'd love to go there someday, so my advice is you can't go wrong, and also yes, they're probably gone.

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