Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout
haven't archived this post yet. have a subscription? use the importer!

Content

Heya everyone!
So the last two months, as you've all seen, I've been tinkering around with adding more comic elements into my works, such as dialog bubbles and the occasional between-pinup comic page. And so far, people seem to like them! It's been really fun, and I have a lot more ideas and improvements I'd like to try as I continue to develop into this new direction. 

Why I'm doing it!
I've always wanted to draw expressive characters, and over the years, I've put a lot of effort into working exclusively on the visual appeal of my characters. Through the constraint of just "silent" pinups, I've tried to push my ability to express the personality of these characters through just expression, outfits, background scenery, and body language. I'm grateful to have seen such a positive reception to that end, but I felt I could do better. I felt that, if I pushed beyond just the visuals, and into actual dialog and story, maybe that would help add just a bit more personality to what I draw. And, ultimately, that's what I want. I want to have some "meaning" behind my art. Even if that "meaning" measures only to the depth of a pleasant daydream. Something that lingers in the hearts of those who enjoy my work, even if just for a moment. 

What do you think?
Now, these last couple of months have proven successful in terms of gaining more attention, which is very exciting and encouraging! But I don't want to make assumptions about why people join or continue to support, so I wanted to open the floor up to you all, and see what you had to say about this new direction. 

What do you think of this new method of bolstering my pinups with comic elements? Does anything in particular stand out to you that drew you in? Or is it just the themes and visual design that interested you, regardless of the dialog and (micro) story?

Don't be afraid to drop your 2 cents, please. I will be taking any praise, criticism, and requests through the filter of my own personal goal, which is to make art that is cute and sexy, stirring/touching, and in some way, meaningful. I want to make loveable characters that are a joy to see come to life. Eye candy, sure, but also, something more lingering. 

I'm putting my heart and soul into learning to improve on this! I've lost track of the amount of times I've literally laughed out loud at seeing my silly ideas come to life, as I create them in this new way. 😄

Thank you!
Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it! You guys area the reason I can do this. It's just such a profoundly moving truth to experience, and I want to be a good custodian of the support you give me. Ok,  that's it for now, I'll see you in the comments! And in the meantime, it's back to work for me!
~Ray

Files

Previews only

Comments

dremixed

Love the comic format as it adds some more personality to the beautiful ladies!

Lincoln Dutcher

It's fun! I dig the narratives and getting to know these characters a bit more.

Sergio flores

I like it. Adds context and makes it funny, sad or sexy situation.

Tommi Winn

Like I said with your second in-between comic strip, it brings the characters to life beyond having an expressive face. The characters are living in their world, taking in the atmosphere, and enjoying it beyond putting on a show for the viewer. Mikaela is having a dandy time setting things up for her campers and friends and shines like the little light she is. Through story, she has a thought process that engages people more by showing what she is about. I'll have as much of it as you will give. Always been a fan of stories and world crafting. You do very well with the world building, and the fact that the characters are a little more than eye candy helps that aspect. Keep up the great work. Continue to look forward to all the artwork you provide for us.

RoninDude

That makes sense! In the past I would try and use background elements to add some context, but it makes sense that dialog and comic elements would help make the context even more clear. Thank you for the comment!

Kyman201

Honestly, I like the comics. They're really cute.

RoninDude

Thank you very much for the thoughtful comment! As an artist I find it easy to get caught up in placing rendering details and technical challenges over everything else, which leads me to obsess on things like color, linework, anatomy, style, etc. It's good to be reminded that art is about communicating ideas and sharing a vision. The rendering is just the tool to do that, and shouldn't be the point. I feel such a spark from doing this, even if it's a lot more work. I don't mind, since it feels like meaningful work that improves the results, and honestly it's hard to stop once I get going. I'll keep doing it and improving it as long as people keep wanting to see it!

Barrett Madison

I rejoined your patreon because of the new format, I enjoy it thoroughly.

Lincoln Dutcher

Of course! Hope we can see some of your other characters, like Sassy, get their own comics someday!

RoninDude

That's good to know! I appreciate it! I'll keep going in this direction if people like it, because I love it haha

RoninDude

I would love that! I have to admit that the more established one of my OCs becomes, the more I see my perfectionist side scrutinizing my ideas for them. But Sassy and Ruthie are definitely candidates for actual episodic comics. I have a few larger wallpaper slice-of-life scenes of them in the works, currently.

James

Definitely like the comic style it adds a lot and makes the sexy parts even better xD

Michael A

I love this new format, looking forward to more of this style :)

Lucavi Voltaire

It put a smile on my face reading through your thoughts on this and your experiences with making the comics. I have long been a fan of your artwork and have seen a lot of the changes, shifts, and adjustments that you have done and have enjoyed all of them. I think the comics are really fun and I like seeing this new content. I think the most important part about this is that you've been enjoying it as well. And that makes me happy as a fan. I certainly would love to see more of the comics especially if there's a longer story and for the fact that you enjoy it so much.

rrward

Do what makes you happy and keeps your creativity alive.

RoninDude

Thank you for the lovely comment! I feel very encouraged by this positive reception, especially since I am so excited for the work itself. 😁

Loth

I personally like it. You should be allowed to enjoy what you're doing, even if it's just for you. If it makes you happy and increases your passion in your creative pursuits then it'll show in the final product and it will only make it better. So go for it, man! Have some fun with it!

RoninDude

Thank you! I definitely plan to keep going. It's great to hear that people are enjoying the things I enjoy making. 😊

Obsidian

Loving it! We get the same awesome art and now some funny moments like Makayla murdering someone with a button XD I am a fan :D Only problem is that now I want a cute one with Ruthie :p

Anon44

I greatly enjoyed it, and hope you will do more!

Andrew Wilson

I think the comic style is great for adding depth to the pinup moments rather than just a monthly feast for the eyes. Looking forward to more!

AbysmalDream

Sorry I haven't commented much lately but I am really loving the comics and it's great to hear how much fun you've been having with it as well!

RoninDude

Thank you, I appreciate the comment! I'm thrilled to keep making these, even more so when I learn people are enjoying them too. 😊

Shawn K. Younkin

I'm enjoying it! Not much else to say. I would love to see some cute girl on cute girl stories in the future!

Relum Gatori

Wonderful! Never looked forward to your work more! I want to go to summer camp! Hahaha

Tim Bend

Right, so I'll enter in. First of all, never not been happy with anything you've shared. Even the more horror themed stuff, which really is not my bag, has been great. Now, the comics, both the simpler styled ones, and the more detailed pictures, with dialogue , have been fun. Absolutely would love to see more of them. That said, I am primarily here because of your pinup art, and character design, so as long as I am not losing those elements, I am happy

Aidenke

I've been enjoying it, it's a great way to mix things up (and I happen to love adding stories & dialogue to my own commissions myself -- so perhaps there's a bit of bias slipping in there). If you're having fun with it, here's looking forward to more!

Mr Hench

I'll be honest, I've been here for the pin-up art, and I've been following it (and screaming its praises to anyone that'll listen) for years. So I am - for the moment, anyway - still more 'attached' to those. That said, I've never seen anything you've done that wasn't exceptional - so if this is something you're wanting to give a go, far be it from me to say otherwise. Looking forward to seeing what comes next. =)

RoninDude

I appreciate the support all this time! I want to add to what I do here, not take anything away, so no worries about losing the full page pinups. Right now I'm trying to do comic pages as a supportive element to the pinups, and providing the pinup pages with and without dialog bubbles, for those who just want the art. Thanks for the comment, and the feedback!

AmorIncorporated

Oh I am absolutely loving this new trend, more narrative depth is always something I delight in experiencing

Anony Mous

I'm very glad you're leaning a little more into the nsfw. The pinups are great but a little extra spice makes everything nice

Shady Manox

I think if you add dialogs you will be adding something, not losing something! It can be enjoyed then by story/act or visual and through your ability for expression can maybe do quick scene change without repeating a scene with little changes, just a thought.

RoninDude

Thanks for the comment! I'll try to make sure I don't repeat too much art, unless it makes sense to do so. :)

Warren Werner

I'm enjoying the new story arcs. Always loved your art style. Definitely looking forward to more!

Robert Moore

I’m a big fan of putting fun and sexy together in my comics, so I heartily approve of this style. It looks fabulous, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it.

Riley Workman

You are so sweet to be so engaging with your audience. Ray, I am Riley, and I just joined in your Patreon because of this new style of image you are producing. For years I have watched you illustrate your characters into playful, expressive, and comprehensive examples of cute and sexy, all of which I so much appreciate, but now, when I saw this, I thought, “she is so cute. This looks so good. I want to see what this. I want to learn to emulate this rapidly.” So much thanks and praise to you for being a generator of visual ideas and constantly offering your contribution to excellence increasing through your art. I am thankful for you I appreciate you. You inspire me. Thank you.

RoninDude

Thank you for your support, and for the kind comment! It's so helpful to understand your reaction to my work in such detail, so thank you for sharing. I wish you luck in your own artistic journey, as well. 😊

Griffin Hawk

I've been fairly vocal about this new direction, so I don't really have much to add here. So. . . It's good, Dude!

The Mu

The comics are a nice way to show how one pin-up image leads to the next.

Calybos

Love it! I'm always up for a comic story, especially one with a lighthearted tone.

NGW

I've really liked it. :3

Denny D

I actually love it, it has so much more depth in comic form

TY 2022

I like when the comics tell a short story.