So... this is going to be something different. I want to talk a little more about myself as a person.

I am a very shy person in real life and online, and I believed that I could only be accepted and respected if I conform to other people's beliefs, opinions, worldviews and so on. I've encountered many people who could become very angry and controlling if I "step out of line", and I felt like I needed to fit in to be comfortable with any group, so my main agenda was to just be quiet and avoid making anyone angry, often isolating myself from people. Over time, I grew to hate being around people and resented myself for not being the type of person they think I should be, and I didn't think anyone could let me be me and like me at the same time (especially with highly controversial and hot button issues like politics).

I usually don't talk about my feelings for a couple reasons. I have put a few people off in the past by being too negative, and I feel like I'm often ignored when I ask for advice in public spaces. The responses I get tend to be either pessimistic "that's the way it is" remarks or something more condescending, and it's why I tend to keep them to myself.

When I came up with this commission, I wanted something that expressed my true feelings in a more constructive manner. I didn't want to get angry vent art because I think they're toxic, and having been around a lot of people who hate the world and humanity for very different reasons, I'm frankly tired of all the pessimism I've been exposed to. This may not end all of the world's problems, but at the very least I can choose my response to them.

Anyway, I had several inspirations when developing this idea. Aside from the obvious "odd duck" pun, I shared this artwork by Joltink as an reference for the artist I commissioned, as well as some art of a Poké Kid from the Pokémon games. As for the odd coloured eyes, I added them because it's something I've seen often in art around here. I don't know how popular they are in the furry fandom however.

I'm not sure if I'll commission more art like this, but I'll avoid any blaming and excessive complaining if I do. If you want to start a conversation with me, I am happy for you to do so as long as it's a genuine attempt to connect with me (so no roleplay, asking for free art, complaining about the world or your life sucking, forcing your views onto me, etc). I may not read or respond to comments here since I'm not very active on Weasyl, so the best way to contact me would be via PMs, though I may be slow to reply.