Latest Posts by muneaj - Page 3

my little meow meow (but literally) masterpost. never did see a smaller little tiny guy in my life

death...

did half of this drawing on stream a few hours ago! huehue it was so much fun :,D!!

I'm pretty sure I also posted this on my main acc but I still can't be bothered to search for it lmao An epic commission for @muneaj of their epic dragon god Atlas, what an insanely cool design this is and I was more than happy to draw it!

I think I have posted this on my main acc but I can't be bothered to search for it

Here it is again, my sona representing how it feels to heavily dissociate and being void of thought, which is exactly the title of this piece that @muneaj came up with cause I'm unoriginal el oh el

Check out the timelapse!

Drawn in Clip Studio Paint (I always draw in Sai but I wanted to test out CSP for this one, I still heavily prefer Sai)

POGLAJ GA KAKO JE FAMOZAN

I love Death lmao

Oh my gosh an Art!

I made this silly creature using @muneaj's base they posted on their ko-fi! I had a blast using it I already made 3 cats lmao Look!! at!! it!!

It's P2U (pay to use), it has so much variety and honestly I could just make cats forever Mune deserves all the moneys so if you want some kitties make sure to support them on ko-fi by buying this super epic cool beans base!

can’t spell “teenage mutant ninja turtle” without “turtle”

Monster Crossing: Carol the Coral Pukei Celebrating the release of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne with some Animal Crossing crossovers.

The fight for trans rights bringing about an end to the United Kingdom will be extremely funny.

I noticed some parallels, and decided to spend hours and way more effort than necessary turning them into a drawing! Because of course I did

*insert something backhanded and snarky that Moon!Donnie said*

OK, ALL 4 OF THE CELESTIAL BOYS TOGETHER!

i have neither a good imagination nor aphantasia, but a secret third thing

Felt like showing some FeLiNE Animations i had done the past year n stuff!!

im actually not in the fandom but ive read the most of the books! and only started animating cats like last year cuz my friend got me into animating cats smh so... might as well x]

  🖤| Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

ROTTMNT Reanimated

Yoinked two scenes for the reanimated project :D super excited here is one of them!

AWOOOOOOOO

Just giving Hunter his wolf sona that he deserves

i have no object permanence about myself. if i’m not in anyones eye sight i assume i have ceased to be. finding out people remember i exist, think about me, and even talk about me when i’m not actively in front of them is startling news every time it is brought to my attention

SAMINAMINAE E E

Just giving Hunter his wolf sona that he deserves

MY SONS MY BABIES MY BOYSSSS THANK U AGAIN BELOVED I KISSS

A commission and a gift for my beloved friend @muneaj of their two OCs Atlas and Astra (wolf version)

I love youuuu

Thank you for supporting me so much and for being the best friend I could ever ask for

These are also two of my most favorite pieces I ever drew and I hope to make many more 💕

Words for Skin Tone | How to Describe Skin Color

We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!

This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.

Standard Description

Basic Colors

Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.

“She had brown skin.”

This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.

Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.

Complex Colors

These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.

For example: Golden brown, russet brown, tawny beige…

As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.

“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”

Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:

“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”

Modifiers

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

Dark - Deep - Rich - Cool

Warm - Medium - Tan

Fair - Light - Pale

Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…

If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.

Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.

As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.

While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned White person.

Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)

Undertones

Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.

pictured above: warm / earth undertones: yellow, golden, copper, olive, bronze, orange, orange-red, coral | cool / jewel undertones: pink, red, blue, blue-red, rose, magenta, sapphire, silver. 

Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.

As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).

“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”

“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”

Standard Description Passage

“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.”

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.

Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.

Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.

Creative Description

Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.

I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.

Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where. Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.

Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.

Natural Settings - Sky

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.

When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.

So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.

Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand the person.

“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”

“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”

Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.

Flowers

Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose

It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists. 

You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.

Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.

“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”

Assorted Plants & Nature

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.

At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone." 

I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.

"Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”

I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.

I don’t suggest using a comparison just “cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.

Wood

Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash

Wood can be an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.

Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.

“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”

Metals

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…

I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.

These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

Gemstones - Minerals

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.

If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.

Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.

“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.” 

Physical Description

Physical character description can be more than skin tone.

Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.

Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as afro hair to a Black character.

How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…

General Tips

Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.

Get Creative On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.

Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.

Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your white characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).

PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please. 

Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.

Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.

Skin Tone Resources

List of Color Names

The Color Thesaurus

Skin Undertone & Color Matching

Tips and Words on Describing Skin

Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)

Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)

Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics I 

Writing & Description Guides

WWC Featured Description Posts

WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair

Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color Tags

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make

I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!

~ Mod Colette

Raphie and ratties

🌈 I can’t believe I’m even writing this but I have to tell you now that we’ve lost Thurston. It hurts his mom and I to know how much reading this is going to hurt so many of you. Your bond with him was real. Your bond with us is real. It’s always been palpable through the kind words you gave us and the jokes we made with our favorite little guy. I know this is going to feel sudden for you because it’s sudden for us as well. I just want to warn you upfront that I’m about to discuss what happened. I know it can be hard to read these kinds of details so I wanted you to be aware.

After 15 years we made a huge positive life change. During the one month since we got here Thurston was loving the new house. Only days before we lost him he was sprinting around the house like a kitten, which is why what happened next was so shocking and difficult to process.

We have been fighting what seems like a sinus infection for several weeks with him. The vets (we had two separate opinions) reasonably thought it had to be either a sinus infection or something related to his teeth. So after treating him with antibiotics and not having the problem go away, the vet suggested we do a dental since

They thought it most likely he had an abscessed tooth. they call us later that day to say that his teeth were all fine but they had found a mass. They asked if we wanted to do a CAT scan, to which we of course said yes, after which it was viewed by a radiologist who confirmed that it was nasal cancer.

Upon waking up, his sinus infection went into overdrive, did not respond to antibiotics, and two days later he was gone. I hope it comforts you to know that we did everything we could to make him feel happy and safe, and that his passing was a gentle one. He spent his last days in front of his favorite lamp with his mom and I making everything feel as normal as possible.

That said, his mom and I are completely devastated. They say dogs are man’s best friend, but mine was a cat. A shrimpy, sweet, lovable, goofy white cat. I’m not sure what to do with his social media from here. I’ve been going through his videos and so many of them still make me laugh. Maybe after we’ve had time to heal, Thurston can make you laugh again too. 🍤

All the love, Matt and Shelli

-I’m probably going to be off-line and not replying to comments, but I will read them and I thank you for all your kind words ❤️

the queen dying is taking attention away from the true great loss of the last few days: thurston waffles' passing. fuck dusty old monarchs, at 15 years my baby just wanted to yell and eat shrimps and he still had a positive impact on more lives than the royal family ever did

rest in peace sweet prince ❤️❤️❤️

EDIT: i'm sorry I gave the impression I'm Thurston's owner, but I'm not! I wrote "my baby" cuz he is, really, everyone's fluffy baby thanks to the gift his dad and his mom gave us by turning him into a cat celebrity. go to @thurstonwaffles and send your love to them ❤️❤️❤️

Support me on PATREON or Ko-fi 💕

Everyone please be respectful in these dark times. A moment of silence for the fallen. 😔

Posted by Ian Cleary on Facebook

Long time no see! I didn’t forget about this account, I was just experiencing major burn out and still unfortunately am

This is a commission for my friend @griffinblade over on Twitter and also a collab with @muneaj​ cause they drew the background I was struggling with ^^; It took me nearly a year to finish this due to my burn out but it’s finally here, thank you again Mune for helping me out, without you this wouldn’t be done at all ilysm bestie mwah It’s not winter time yet but I’m impatient to post it here, I’ll probably reblog it once the winter arrives Note that I am signing it as kyuubicore cause that’s my main username

Bonus Penny with a birb