Happy Aniversity, Far-Eviler!

a year ago, i joined hitRECord in a grand gesture 'to expand my horizons', etc. It was really an act of weakness-- I couldn't take on paying work anymore because I started dropping things, getting cramps & spasms from doing everyday things, I'd get tremors that'd sometimes last for days. I felt broken, unreliable & false when people wanted to talk shop.

I dunno what I thought it'd be like. I'd never really collaborated before; I thought it meant losing control. Since I was losing that anyway... I uploaded only things made for personal use, things I loved but was never going to get a chance to put them to use. I figured playing around with these RECorder's would placate artist-smartist self.

The word 'small' I doesn't begin to describe my thinking, but the word "Tiny" began to have a much better ring to it.

It's been a year; Fibromyalgia looks likely to be the culprit of my deterioration but with no really-for-real answer there is no satisfaction in the knowing this but there is satisfaction in getting this.

I hadn't seen it in print, so I wasn't certain. I hadn't known what I was getting into but then I never really do. I'm a published artist now, I'm handicapped, I am not giving up, I'm frightened everyday, I am certain this is not the end, I am grateful were it to be.

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You can get your own

@  http://hitrecord.org/store/tiny_book.html

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also, this guy here who signs my checks, you know My Boss is more Awesome than yours will ever be.

Thanks.

Especially to the Girl at the Library, so into reading "City of Bones" she didn't stop to watch where she walked... (I can only assume you go to PS.95, because of how young & petite you are, although I went to MS.143 around the bend & couldn't have been an inch bigger. Apologies for not getting your name.)

Normally an internet embargo on my part means I'm up to artistic doings and preparing for a flood of creative-goodness. And maybe this is, in a lengthy roundabout distinctly unfun way— in November of 2010 I sought treatment for problems with my joints, specifically my wrists & knees. And in the logical progression, for the depression that would follow. By December (17th to be morbidly precise) tremors and weakness in my hands made it difficult if not impossible to brush teeth, comb hair, open doors, type and if you haven't guessed yet, draw.

Anyone local, or who saw me over New Years/MoCCA Artfest certainly noted I am sporting my time-tested knee & hand braces once more! Tried and true little buggers they are. But by February physical therapy was proven ineffective. Now all sorts of experts have started poking, Ortho, Vascular, Neurological, etc.

I've never been a super healthy person but even at my worst, I've always had art to keep my sane. Going into my seventh month of being incapable of creating, commuting or even computing, I don't think I've ever been so scared—

• And then I get a praise from my ambulance driver ('sup Anesdi)
• And then I get written up in a school paper.
• And then get things like this forwarded to me; 

Phrases like "Courage" and "Fearless" aren't banter for me, they're works of art. Now I am learning "Faith" is as well.

Things are going to get harder before they get better but I feel like a fighter again.

Thank you for that :)

I never-EVER tire of seeing my designs scrawled across peoples skin! Honored, humbled, overjoyed, etc.  ;o)

Mad props to @HebelDesign, @reverieBR & of course @cassieclare.

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(more promotional sneaky rune related bizarre-o goodness coming soon, this time via FB. Shhhh)

Bright, Brightness...

Things have been dour on the home front, by dour I mean dire.. and by dire I mean pathetic. I choose to spare you that--

....SO! In a preemptive attempt to put things right, spread a bit of positivity around, I've printed up some (New)Year of the Rabbit Card.
If you like a Postcard, e-mail with your address and I'll send one along, that is till I run out of cards or my hand falls off

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ALSO;
I made a handful of Calendar Magnets for 2011.

actual size

I do it every year, love 'em, give 'em to friends/family. When the year is up just clip off the calendar bit and keep the picture. My desk-side cabinet has become a collage of random val!art covering years of the dents
I've a few [I think 10] left if anyone's interested?

• Local is $3 a pop
• Intl. more like $5

paypal vf@far-eviler.com

concept sketch - BG NYC

NYC. When I travel I miss this messy smelly cranky crowded place, not the actual place it is now but the sense of her. The shops that have closed and hand-made trinkets bartered therein, the breaking into city parks long after dark to just to share a swing seat and watch the stars, the all-ages night clubs that used to be a Church or used to be a Bank and would someday soon become a Farmer's Market. Places that aren't there anymore except for the feel of them.

I think New York is a vampire; it makes old-souls of lovers and while staying always young, always changing, always new.

This is how I remember her best.

Everything in this drawing is inaccurate. And that is what makes it perfectly right.

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A friend pointed out I hadn't made a print of this, that is because it's SUCH a weird size. Apparently DeviantArt will also print in weird sizes :D

RIP 2010 - All Hail 2011

:DD

A bit behind on things today, for various reason, not the least of which is my deviantArt inbox being flooded because some silly people gave me a DailyDeviant feature.

Thank you silly people, I love you too!

Have a Happy!

Prizes Have Been Sent.

I believe its unlucky to start a New Year with things left undone, except of course it's a complicated dance shipping to-and-fro just before Christmas. Lucky me that I managed it... but then lucky me always manages :)

Now, that my couch is finally clear, I'm thinking cat-nap. y/y?

(*happy sighs all around*)

4 Twenty-Elevenses

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http://www.cafepress.com/far_eviler

Amidst the "2011 Story-Book Theme" calendar scheme I put two others together. I'll finish the story-theme (I am Determined!) but its nice to start Twenty-Elevenses with an abundance of creativity, frivolity and a promise of regularity.

Val Freire is Far "Courageously" Eviler

This thing is bad-ass!! It's like a flipping NINJA STAR!


New Jewelry from Hebeldesign, meant to coincide with New Store & New Runes... so much newness :D

Contest Winners!

Formal List; Kelly Muir (1st Place Winner), Kelly Wheeler (2nd Place Winner) & Eugenia Lo (3rd Place) congratulations on your impeccable concepts, your inventive ideas, as well as your enthusiasm that fueled my brainbox only slightly more than Redbull! I'll be sending out your prizes later this week. :)

I conducted this contest on a whim and it turned out to be the most uplifting, fulfilling and creative consuming thing I've done in ages!

Thank you, each and every one of you who showed interest. I only just finished adding the last design to the store and will spend the next 24-hours tweaking, for your perusing pleasure!

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I feel lucky to get the chance to collaborate with so many funny, witty & creative minds. I am humbled & amazed by the outcome. I hope you are too...

So, Thanks for being Awesome. :)

Hola España!

Soycazadoradesombrasylibros: Entrevista en exclusiva a Val Freire www.soycazadoradesombrasylibros.com

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Big thanks to the very sweet Maria Cabal who runs the Official Spanish facebook page for TMI/TID [aka "Shadowhunters Series"]. She interviewed me about who asked about both the "Imaginary Fiends" and Design Contest for her Book Blog.

Which gave me the opportunity to confirm that prizes will be signed by both Cassie and Me, which is a nice little outcome I hadn't foreseen. Lucky Fans!

I don't know how it could get more exciting,... unless of course you were in my seat and saw some of these gorgeous entries! Really people, keep 'em coming.

P.S. I made sure to let her know how inspiring I think you guys are. Hope you saw that.

'New Rune' Design Contest

I'd intend to have the New TMI / ID Runes come out the first of December. More than that, I'd like it come out with a Bang! so...
C O N T E S T ! ! !
Having not organized one of these before, you'll have to bear with me. The winning design(s) will be predominantly featured on cafepress/far_eviler for a new section specifically for Shadowhunter Runes src="http://e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/biggrin.gif" width=15>

Prizes are as Follows:
1st prize - t-shirt, FCBD comic + 11x17 mini-poster print
2nd prize - FCBD comic + 8x11.5 print of your choice
3rd prize - FCBD comic + TMI postcard set

Rules + Due Date:

1. e-mail me directly [vf @ far-eviler . com] and get a new rune at random
   [no, I won't give you the meaning. That'll be a surprise!]
2. download a cafepress t-shirt templates. Either 1, 2 or 3
3. follow the format
4. colors are fine but refrain from text, since you won't know the runes meaning.
5. you can incorporate any of my own gallery works or works in the public domain.
6. you don't have to be on deviantArt to participate, but if you want to upload your contest submission, I'd ask you to wait till the contest is over.
7. submissions are due on the 15th, winners will be announced on the 30th.

How's that sound?

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Update: 11/07/2010 10:27pm
For those participating here's a bit of specificity; you have permission to resource any of my previous TMI / TID works to help in creating your T-Shirt design.

Here is a short list on where to find them, without watermarks and at hi-resolution -

http://far-eviler.com/infernaldevices.html
http://far-eviler.com/mortalinstruments.html
http://bhanesidhe.tumblr.com/search/the+mortal+instruments

Saludé!

I started this collection to forward to hoshizora to thank him for indulging me and mine on his birthday-night. But then it was kuchisake_onna*'s day and now hlaron's day...
So I'm just going to post these to say, whoever you are, here's to making it the bestest day!

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(Stephen’s) Marmalade Sour, The Brothers Bloom Soundtrack Party. New Haven, CT. (photo by pennybird) 3 oz. Cachaça 1 oz. Lemon Juice 1 oz. Simple Syrup 2 dashes Fee’s Orange Bitters 1 egg white 2 T. Orange Marmalade (or peach jam) This is my new favorite drink, based on Jamie Boudreau’s amazing Marmalade Sour. I like it with a bit more sweetness, but lets face it - Cachaça is amazing, any way you serve it. I put it on the menu for the Brothers Bloom cocktail party and it seemed to be the perfect drink to represent Stephen. A bit sweet, a bit smoky, a bit of boisterous fun.

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nathanjohnson

Marke put together this moving picture version of my take on a Combustible Edison. 2 oz. Brandy (heated) 1 oz. Campari 1 oz. Lemon Juice Pour Brandy into glass and ignite. Shake Campari and Lemon juice over ice and slowly pour over flaming Brandy. (Extinguish before drinking) Note: After seeing Condorman numerous times as a kid, I always thought it was possible to drink a flaming cocktail (and subsequently blow a fireball out of your mouth). While preparing this drink, my friend told me about someone he knew who gave himself third degree burns by drinking a flaming cocktail. Such a disappointment. ronenreblogs: themadeshop: The Bang Bang. From The Brothers Bloom Score Party in New Haven. Campari, Lemon, and Brandy flambé. When you're done with something, blow it up. I would love the instructions in the picture

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themadeshop: Manhattan. P.F'n. Changs, Boston Commons. 2 oz. Woodford Reserve 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth 1 dash Blood Orange Bitters (proportions estimated) I shit you not, this is the best Manhattan I've had (Woodford is the suspected culprit)& From P.F'n. Chang's! Usually I'll default to my chain-restaurant drink in this situation, but I guess it's all about the bartender. I never did catch hizzer name.

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burningdan reblogged themadeshop:

fuck yeah mismatched socks! long live the johnsons. themadeshop: nathanjohnson: Balthazar Ginger Citrus Iced Tea (minus the ice). Making its way up to 64th & York in a cab. When we reach our destination, the ice shall be added. It's sort of a lot of work for a drink. But it's the kind of drink that makes it worth it. I don't like ginger or iced tea, but something tells me I should try this drink.

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nathanjohnson reblogged donnymandible:

The Best Drink In The World donnymandible: I asked the bartender for the best drink in the world. I recieved a glass of water with the attached note.

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Note: how The Bloody Kiss is NOT listed ;) Take that whores!
Double-Note: anyone still complaining there is never original content on tumblr, bitches you is following the wrong tumblrs, I say with all the love in the world :D

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sponsored by s p i r i t s - a n d - c o c k t a i l s.
Just kidding, like anyone would sponsor my lubricated rantings, but seriously this blog is awesome!
You know, for a wordpress.

Appearance @ Comicon [NYC]

I’m off to NYCOMICON!!

The talented and amazing Elisa Lau just offered up table space. Me, not being an idiot I said yes. [More rightly 'Yes! Yes! A Thousand times Yes!!"] We'll be at the Javits [Artist Alley is 3E Hall, table is D12].

*Oh, I should also point out, due to family obligations I'll only be at there Friday and bits of Sunday.

Talk about last minute, this might damn well be a record, even for me. :D

See you there!

Ladies & Gents; Here it is 2009's Most Targeted Books!

It's BANNED BOOKS WEEK!

Exercise Your First Amendment Rights - Read a Banned Book!

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The Huffington Post slideshows of the ten most challenged graphic novels...

"Imaginary Fiends"

written by samanthamay, Metaphorest, greymalkin, lovee_91, godofwine + Patrice_Michelle, wirrow & Major Tom [over @ hitRECord.org]
edited + art by val freire, my small s'elf.
with assistance from Crystal (age 15), Veronica (age 14), Grace (8), Vanessa (5) and especially Aria (age 8) whose hand-writing is now much improved.

Made in 7 days.

It's "Gratuitous Picture of Your Book Shelf Tuesday!"

The lovely curtain obscures the lovely section up-top that aught to be obscured, whilst giving the kidlings distracting tassels to play :D Everyone wins!

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That 'Complete Works of Shakespeare' book-ended on its own, was a 134 years old when I first received it nearly ten years ago. I imagine it's a bit older now.

RE:CITIES

"Being born and raised in New York, but nowhere near Manhattan, gives a kid a skewed perspective of the term 'Hometown'. Things are still that "Larger Than Life" sort of big but never glamorous, still over-bright and siren-loud but somehow tuned to a different frequency, where the only constant is change. From that stems the weirdest sense of homesickness for a place you still live. But there is a bitter-sweetness to it. And there is an endlessness to it. Fast and fierce and furious as this town can be, you stick around long enough you learn 'keeping up' isn't the answer. Sometimes letting it overwhelm, just letting it flow is the only way to really be.

I left NY when I was 15. Sick to shit of it. Did the wanderlust tour of 30 homes in 3 years; London, London's much preferred bastard brother LIVERPOOL, Ballintoy, Paris, Montreal, San Francisco, Seattle, Colorado, Ohio, Virginia, well,... I'll stop there cuz the list gets pretty effin' long.

But I missed New York, functioning anywhere else was work, New York just flows. I didn't mean to come back; I just stopped over from Los Angeles the morning of 9/11. It seemed the universe, the world, the city herself had grounded me.

For a year after 9/11, on my new queen-size bed in my new four-story walk up, I'd lay for hours, dangling my head back to look thru the window up at the broad hi-rise stapled sky and watch planes fly by, willing them to not fall.

Maybe we all did that, I don't know. I still travel, lots, but because the city needs me, I come home."

Day #30 - Favorite Outfit

Firstly; its not meant to be me in this drawing; W posed dramatically for me, hence the adorable weirdness of it.

And B;This outfit does not exist, because 1) it would cost a fortune and 2) only an idiot would wear it… and the day this idiot can afford to dress like an ‘Ostentatious Monochromatic Vagabond’ is the day I die, meaning I’d like to buried in this :D

And that, as they say, is All Folks! I’ve got a plane to catch.

x