Sterki Herz's Blog

Yet again, another old collab, lol!

Another old Illustration for a comic collab!

An old drawing I did for a comic collab! Features old designs but oh well. I still Like the way it looks, haha

hannahdoesvo:

🦋 ROLE ANNOUNCEMENT 🌷

I’m excited to announce that I provided the voice for Faelyn in the Miracle Wish comic by @sterkiherz! You can hear her now on her character description page, which I’ll link below! Thank you so much to Sterki for having me!

Character Profile

literaryvein-reblogs:

ALT

• Magic - change wrought through unnatural means
• Most fantasy can be placed along a spectrum where there are 3 main points: soft magic at one end, hard magic at the other, and a middle ground between the two.

Soft Magic

• Magic that is not well-defined for the reader.
• Generally, we don’t understand where the magic comes from, who can use it, or what its limitations are.
• Readers can see this type of magic being used.
• But they can never anticipate when magic will be used in the plot because they can’t begin to guess how it works.
• You can’t break a rule if the rules don’t exist!
• Most stories that feature this system will have the magic users be secondary characters, allowing them to avoid explaining exactly how the magic works.
• It’s also argued that without knowing everything about the magic, it tends to hold more wonder and excitement for readers.

Hard Magic

• Has very rigid boundaries.
• Readers know where the magic comes from, how it’s used, who uses it, and what its boundaries and limitations are.
• We know the limitations of the characters and can understand why they can’t simply magic themselves out of any particular challenge.
• Stories with hard magic systems do not need to avoid the main character being a magic-wielder, as they have the capacity to explain to the reader what is going on.
• A lot of writers this system because it gives them very explicit guidelines to follow in their plot and creates some more satisfying pay-offs for readers.

The Middle Ground

• The meeting point between the soft and hard systems.
• We might understand a bit about the way the magic works, but not all our questions are answered.
• While most of the content adheres to rules, these rules aren’t fully explored.
• This system relies on the reader’s suspension of disbelief.
• The main character can be a magic-wielder or not, and it’s up to the writer to determine when magic will be used in terms of plot.

How to Choose a System

You can and should use these guiding principles to build your magic system. Remember that you don’t have to choose one or the other. Your system can draw from aspects of both. Just stay aware of the weaknesses of the path you choose, and ensure you utilize its strengths.

Use a hard magic system if:

1. You are going to use magic to solve problems
2. Your audience is accustomed to the tropes of hard magic
3. You are okay with jumping through hoops to expand your system
4. Your magic doesn’t convey a theme

Use a soft magic system if:

1. You want to convey a theme through magic
2. You want to create a sense of wonder
3. You want the ability to expand easily
4. You want to be accessible to a broader audience
5. Your magic won’t regularly be used to solve problems

Branches of Magic

Like most writing processes, there isn’t really a correct place to begin designing a magic system. A common, and efficient, place to start, however, is by choosing what type of magic system(s) you wish to employ, such as:

1. Nature-based magic: water, earth, fire, air, and everything in between
2. Divination magic: see beyond sight and peer through time and space
3. Conjuring magic: move objects through space over any distance
4. Psychic magic: master the world of the mind
5. Life and death magic: tap into the very forces of life, death, and un-death with this surprisingly versatile collection
6. Animal- or creature-exclusive magic: some creatures just do it better
7. Magitech systems: the blurring lines of sorcery and science give magic a next-gen, high-tech flair
8. Eclectic magic: it doesn’t have to be “real” magic to have a real effect
9. Uncommon magic systems: the unsung heroes of fantasy magic

AALC Method

How to create your own magic system using the AALC (Appearance, Abilities, Limits & Cost) Method

Keep reading

literaryvein-reblogs:

ALT

Worksheets & Templates Antagonist; Villain; Fighting

ANTAGONIST

• Treat your antagonist as a real person. Their sole reason for existing should not be to act as a foil to your protagonist.
• It is the framework of your story that sets the antagonist in opposition. What happens when the antagonist becomes the protagonist?
• Have you imbued your antagonist with some of your own good & bad characteristics?
• Use a real-life antagonist for inspiration, and give them some love too.

1. My antagonist wants:
2. Why they want it:
3. They will sacrifice these to get what they want:
4. Others judge them too harshly because:
5. But they act like this because:
6. I can sympathise with my antagonist because:
7. They could change if:
8. They can’t change because:
9. They are good at:
10. They are bad at:
11. Who else loves/loved your antagonist?
12. Why do/did they love your antagonist?

• Antagonist - works against the goals.
• Villain - a “bad guy” in the story, often working for evil purposes to destroy a heroic protagonist ⚜Writing Notes: Villains
• While there can be villainous protagonists, villains are antagonists when they’re not the main character of the story, but instead the main source of conflict for the main characters.

VILLAIN

1. Defining characteristics:
2. General mood/disposition/outlook:
3. Motivation/s:
4. Do they consider themselves a villain?
5. Do they feel mistreated?
6. Who or what do they blame?
7. What is their aim?
8. How do they plan to achieve it?
9. How does this cause conflict with the protagonist?
10. Why does the protagonist dislike them?
11. Why do they dislike the protagonist?
12. What advantages do they have?
13. Are they isolated?
14. Do they have henchmen?
15. Do they change? Do they succeed?

How do they…

1. Treat their subordinates?
2. Unnerve others?
3. Try to manipulate others?
4. Try to hurt others?
5. Try to antagonise others?
6. Pursue their victims or wait for them?
7. Create a contrast with the protagonist?
8. Change the course of the story?
9. Create drama and suspense?

What made them a villain? Was it…

1. An event?
2. A person?
3. A belief or world view?
4. Their environment?
5. Something else?

FIGHTING

1. Who gets involved in the fight?
2. Why do they start fighting? Who starts?
3. What is at stake for each party?
4. What is the aim of the fight for each party?
5. Do all parties fight fair?
6. Why couldn’t the problem be solved without fighting?
7. Are there any onlookers or arbiters?
8. Is the fight pre-planned or spontaneous?
9. Does anyone try to flee? Why or why not?
10. How does the fight end? Is there a clear winner?
11. What do they do after the fight? How do they feel?
12. Does the fight end the conflict between them?

Physical Elements

1. Do they have weapons?
2. How does the method or choice of weapon influence the fight?
3. Is the fight part of a ritual or rite of passage?
4. Where do they fight?
5. Does the fighting ground play a role in the outcome?
6. Is anyone injured or killed?
7. Are they evenly matched in skill? In strength and stamina? In resources?
8. Do any other factors come into play?
9. How does the fight play out?

Sources:12 ⚜ More: Worksheets & Templates ⚜ Writing Exercises: Antagonist
Fight Scene⚜Hate⚜Word List: Fighting ⚜ Morally Grey Characters

literaryvein-reblogs:

ALT

MAGICThe People

1. What are people called who practice it?
2. Is everyone born with it?
3. Through ritual or training?
4. Is it considered “normal”?
5. Is everyone born with an equal share of it?
6. How long does it take to acquire?
7. Is there a magical elite?
8. Does it manifest from birth?
9. Why do people wish to acquire it?

Does it change in any way depending on…

1. Age?
2. Race?
3. Or gender?

Mechanics

1. How is it summoned?
2. Does it require additional resources?
3. Are there limits to its use?
4. Why is it necessary to the world?
5. What is its source?
6. What are the consequences of using it?
7. Is there a limited amount of it in the world?
8. Are there dangers to using it?
9. Does it change according to location?
10. What is it called?
11. What does it make easier?
12. What does it make more difficult?

The World

1. Has it always been in the world?
2. What events led to its discovery?
3. What lore has grown up around its use?
4. Why is it considered magical?
5. Is it “good” or “evil” or both?
6. Are there institutions that regulate its use?
7. What objects or symbols are associated with it?
8. Does it have a spiritual aspect?
9. How does it shift the balance of power?
10. How does it influence politics?
11. How does it influence human relationships?
12. How does it influence the environment?

RITES & RITUALSRite—a ceremonial act or action
Ritual—the established form for a ceremony

Name of rite or ritual:

1. What transition does this rite or ritual mark?
2. Is it difficult or painful?
3. Who undergoes the transformation?
4. Is the rite or ritual mandatory?
5. What is the nature of this rite or ritual?
6. Is it public or private?
7. Is it dangerous?
8. Does it involve a sacrifice?
9. Is there a prize?
10. What happens if it succeeds?
11. What happens if it fails?
12. Who officiates?
13. Where does it take place?
14. How long does it last?
15. Is there a formal ceremony?
16. Does it change the individual’s status in society?
17. Is it possible to distinguish those who have passed?

Source ⚜ More: On Fantasy
Writing References: Plot ⚜ Character ⚜ Worldbuilding

judasrpc:

WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS

1. What’s the lie your character says most often?
2. How loosely or strictly do they use the word ‘friend’?
3. How often do they show their genuine emotions to others versus just the audience knowing?
4. What’s a hobby they used to have that they miss?
5. Can they cry on command? If so, what do they think about to make it happen?
6. What’s their favorite [insert anything] that they’ve never recommended to anyone before?
7. What would you (mun) yell in the middle of a crowd to find them? What would their best friend and/or romantic partner yell?
8. How loose is their use of the phrase ‘I love you’?
9. Do they give tough love or gentle love most often? Which do they prefer to receive?
10. What fact do they excitedly tell everyone about at every opportunity?
11. If someone was impersonating them, what would friends / family ask or do to tell the difference?
12. What’s something that makes them laugh every single time? Be specific!
13. When do they fake a smile? How often?
14. How do they put out a candle?
15. What’s the most obvious difference between their behavior at home, at work, at school, with friends, and when they’re alone?
16. What kinds of people do they have arguments with in their head?
17. What do they notice first in the mirror versus what most people first notice looking at them?
18. Who do they love truly, 100% unconditionally (if anyone)?
19. What would they do if stuck in a room with the person they’ve been avoiding?
20. Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person?
21. What common etiquette do they disagree with? Do they still follow it?
22. What simple activity that most people do / can do scares your character?
23. What do they feel guilty for that the other person(s) doesn’t / don’t even remember?
24. Did they take a cookie from the cookie jar? What kind of cookie was it?
25. What subject / topic do they know a lot about that’s completely useless to the direct plot?
26. How would they respond to being fired by a good boss?
27. What’s the worst gift they ever received? How did they respond?
28. What do they tell people they want? What do they actually want?
29. How do they respond when someone doesn’t believe them?
30. When they make a mistake and feel bad, does the guilt differ when it’s personal versus when it’s professional?
31. When do they feel the most guilt? How do they respond to it?
32. If they committed one petty crime / misdemeanor, what would it be? Why?
33. How do they greet someone they dislike / hate?
34. How do they greet someone they like / love?
35. What is the smallest, morally questionable choice they’ve made?
36. Who do they keep in their life for professional gain? Is it for malicious intent?
37. What’s a secret they haven’t told serious romantic partners and don’t plan to tell?
38. What hobby are they good at in private, but bad at in front of others? Why?
39. Would they rather be invited to an event to feel included or be excluded from an event if they were not genuinely wanted there?
40. How do they respond to a loose handshake? What goes through their head?
41. What phrases, pronunciations, or mannerisms did they pick up from someone / somewhere else?
42. If invited to a TED Talk, what topic would they present on? What would the title of their presentation be?
43. What do they commonly misinterpret because of their own upbringing / environment / biases? How do they respond when realizing the misunderstanding?
44. What language would be easiest for them to learn? Why?
45. What’s something unimportant / frivolous that they hate passionately?
46. Are they a listener or a talker? If they’re a listener, what makes them talk? If they’re a talker, what makes them listen?
47. Who have they forgotten about that remembers them very well?
48. Who would they say ‘yes’ to if invited to do something they abhorred / strongly didn’t want to do?
49. Would they eat something they find gross to be polite?
50. What belief / moral / personality trait do they stand by that you (mun) personally don’t agree with?
51. What’s a phrase they say a lot?
52. Do they act on their immediate emotions, or do they wait for the facts before acting?
53. Who would / do they believe without question?
54. What’s their instinct in a fight / flight / freeze / fawn situation?
55. What’s something they’re expected to enjoy based on their hobbies / profession that they actually dislike / hate?
56. If they’re scared, who do they want comfort from? Does this answer change depending on the type of fear?
57. What’s a simple daily activity / motion that they mess up often?
58. How many hobbies have they attempted to have over their lifetime? Is there a common theme?

Just saving this for later, hehe

I was just messing around on Pokefarm and realized I’ve never actually done a Pokémon Trainer OC of my own! So here is my attempt. Meet Shallia!

loish:

Sketchbooks should be a place where you can get messy. No perfectionism allowed! That’s easier said than done, but I think sketching technique plays a huge role. That’s why I made a tutorial about my process!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This tutorial is completely free, and you can get it right now by signing up here 💖

filibusterfrog:

have made some pose blanks with thin/fat variations! ive noticed that those handy artist renditions of poses typically dont have a lot of bodytype variation and i thought these might be helpful :)

i have a set of 10 of these available to my patrons and kofi members, id really appreciate any support!

etheringtonbrothers:

RUNNING IN SKIRTS! To get the FREE MONTHLY How to THINK When You Draw digital MAGAZINE (including NEW tutorials, a YEAR before they appear online!) just send “Magazine, please!” to ThinkDraw@yahoo.com

Lorenzo!

ALT

OK, this is actually from some time ago, but I’ve followed some recipe for homemade ceramic and managed to make this cauldron! It’s not perfect, but it just makes me so happy, lol!

oracleofhemerasia-deactivated20:

living-mites-deactivated2026010:

“your religion is evil!!!!”

they say as im picking flowers for aphrodite and asking her to enchant my favorite locket and perfume, humming and talking about my day.

I thought it’d be fun to do a comparison for one of my characters! I saw a post on bluesky and wanted to share in here as well!

The very first designs for this character were made on paper and are from 2017. The 1st digitally coloured version was from 2018. And lastly, the last image is the current redesign, from 2024!

So, I wanted some cover for a bullet journal I had laying around and thought I wanted some leather-like texture for that. After searching on Pinterest for ideas I found and actual leather design that had a leaf in it…so I gave it a go, but with paper! I’m so happy with the look!

Lol, ignore my acrylics-stained hands!

transfemmbeatrice:

jabberwockypie:

nicky999doors:

🌺Hey! I’m still working on it, but I’ve made a neocities page for a while and felt like sharing it! It is themed after a Café ~ You can find it here: sterkiherz.neocities.org — It is more of a personal type of site, but you’ll also find links to projects and art related stuff there too!

Some more concepts for my comic characters~