I just got back from GraphikaManila an hour or so ago, and I really had a blast at the event. There were a lot of motivating and inspiring art-speakers at the two-day conference, and I definitely enjoyed the weekend with awesome friends. There was one speaker in particular who struck me about fanbase and followers, and it really got me thinking (and I REALLY MEAN A LOT OF THINKING).

(Warning: Semi-emotional wall of text incoming)

I'm unsure if I've mentioned this before, and even so many of you might not be aware about this, but most often than not, I generally feel unsure or confused at my work. Some days, I feel all great that I get to post an update for the webcomic or a spin-off of a trending meme with one of my OCs, but there are days when I feel like what I'm doing is all for nothing, and that some followers are making a huge mistake of checking my art out despite there being a plethora of awesome illustrators and comic artists out there, all with their different genres. Cybie and Tykie will be turning 4 by the end of this month, but it feels to me that I've wasted everyone's time with my slow updates and draggy plot, that mostly start out as a comedy or adventure (as intended), and end up as some drama bomb full of feels (as noticeable ever since the College arc).

Don't get me wrong, though. I love my OCs, and I'm really great to have shared their lives into yours, but I guess an artist might normally have this phase whether his or her content is still worth following or not, and this was mainly triggered due to an artwork I saw online and with all the stats I've been monitoring on my socials. Not only that, but I've been going through a lot of personal emotional struggle in real life, but even so I believe I can't use that crap as an excuse all the time. It just all makes me feel really down that I feel like I got no shoulder to lean on to when everything crumbles.

Going back to that art-speaker I mentioned, he said that one of the worst things an artist could do is belittle his or her fans. It definitely left a mark, because what he said had some gravity into it. I'm sorry that I've ever doubted anyone who's been following my art up to this day. Whether you're the guy who always throws a +Fave the first three minutes I post something, or the guy who begins to blurt out questions as soon as I start my Picarto streams, I really believe that I owe you an apology for not being truly open to you, which makes me feel like all the thank you's I've been sending out are half-meant. Nobody should be treated like this - most especially you guys, because you're all the reason why I keep pushing with Cybie and Tykie. I had not properly taken care of you like how I hoped to, and if it ever made you feel that I failed you as an artist worth looking up to, I sincerely ask for your apology. To whoever's reading this right now, whether you've been an old or new follower, you're the greatest, and don't you ever forget that!

(Warning: Somewhat sad news incoming)

Before I end this drama bomb of a journal, I guess it's best I say this announcement now, than take everyone by surprise along the road. I'll be (hopefully just temporarily) ending my webcomic. The Cybie and Tykie - Carol Arc has four remaining pages to go (will resume update hopefully by next week; brother has fixed the art PC, but I'll need to buy a legit power supply first before actually using it). After that, it's gonna be dead silent. I know it might sound rushed, and I've been conceptualizing at least like three more arcs before that happens (with one supposedly at pre-prod by now), but it just felt that this platform isn't working for me anymore. I've enjoyed writing and drawing comics, as well as reading feedback from you guys after you've read the updates, but it feels like I've hit a wall somehow. This would definitely mean I'd take a huge break from webcomics. For good? Hopefully not, but if that bit's unavoidable, then so be it.

You guys might wonder, "Then now what? What's going to happen with the squad? Why was there no happy ending? We were promised Kai's return, but why wouldn't it be happening?" Fret not, though. I'm actually working on a different personal project (which I might have mentioned over at Discord some weeks ago). Since I'm an animator by profession, it was just ideal and best that I made a personal project involving it. It's still going to include the Cybie and Tykie cast, with some returning characters and a whole new one, but it's going to be Cybie and Tykie like you've never seen them before. Everything's still in its pre-prod stage and all I can give out would most definitely be WIPs of sketches of my progress. I honestly don't know how you'll feel with me making this big decision, because I know that a big portion of you are following me for my webcomics, but if you're totally fine with me changing platforms from illustrations to animations, then I'd like to send digital hugs for accepting me and my decision. As for Patreon pledges, those would definitely need a revamp, and would most likely be switched back to Monthly pledges instead of content-based ones (at least it wouldn't be that difficult for those who want to donate a small amount per month to see Cybie and Tykie in this new project of mine). I might even need some help along the way, so do keep an eye out for announcements.

I hope this long and wordy post didn't cause a mental breakdown to anyone (if ever I did, I again extend my sincerest apologies). Thank you for understanding nonetheless, and likewise for always being there with all your love and support.

hugs