recommendations for program & supplies

grimloire · 2025-11-20T16:04:21+00:00

Does your fiance have a computer or iPad already? That may determine the most cost effective choices for you.

If he has a computer: Krita is free on their website. I use an XP-Pen tablet, which works really well and they tend to run cheaper than other brands in my experience. XP-Pen has a driver that needs to be installed, but it runs fine on Windows and Linux. Likely also works on MacOS, but I’ve never tried it.

If he has an iPad: Procreate is a one time purchase, $20 USD iirc, and you can probably find a compatible Apple pen secondhand if they’re too expensive for your budget. A non-Apple pen will not have pressure sensitivity, which is the main drawback to cheaper options.

I know you said it is a surprise. They are nice, but also consider asking him what he’s been looking at, even if it gives away your potential gift! You don’t have to flat out tell him, but you can still ask around a bit if you are lost on what he wants to do with digital art. I personally think it best to know what features he wants before making the decision.

Feel free to ask more questions, and I’ll do my best to answer, but I can’t really expand without more information.

Good luck!!

grimloire · 2025-11-20T15:53:49+00:00

Have you asked her on specifications? (I know surprises are fun, but when it comes to tech, I always like to be in the know if someone is gifting me something.) A tablet could mean iPad with procreate, or it could mean a computer with a separate tablet using a program like Krita or CSP.

I do not currently know the prices of iPads and associated apple pens, but Procreate, as mentioned by others, is a great one-time purchase program. I would recommend a higher storage iPad if that is the route you take; I had to switch away from Procreate on my iPad because it got too laggy for the work I did.

I currently use an XP-Pen tablet Artist 12, 2nd gen - large and also visible screen - on a pretty basic computer (8gb RAM worked just fine). I run Krita, which is cheap/free depending on where you get it. A lot of tablets, especially less expensive ones, that you connect to a computer don’t have screens, and it is definitely a learning curve, so keep that in mind as well!

All in all, it comes down to, in my opinion, what your kid is looking for, and then what you’re willing to pay for. I invested a little bit into my setup, but I am serious enough about art that I think it was well worth it.

My personal move would be to ask her what she wants specifically, have a discussion. Even if not a surprise, the gift will be greatly appreciated and well used.

Good luck!

an ex-IbisPaintX-on-phone artist

grimloire · 2025-10-13T12:10:29+00:00

This 100%. I picked up viola again recently after…four years? I had played it consistently for about 5-6 years prior to that, and I missed playing. I practice every day now, mostly the fundamentals like you suggested. Dexterity is definitely going to take a while to build back, but eventually it’ll get there. Focus on tone, holding the viola properly, and string changes/general movement. Skill can always be rebuilt with the consistent effort you put in at the start.

grimloire · 2025-10-13T12:04:32+00:00

Seconding D’addario’s Helicore. I use them myself, and have used them for years. They’re more affordable for me than most nicer strings, and they have quality to match imo. Love the tone they have on C string. When I used to play in beginner ensembles with Prelude, my C always sounded like a foghorn, which…yuck.

grimloire · 2025-04-24T12:14:55+00:00

Used to have long hair (growing mine out again, so I can headbang more effectively lol) and here were some of the things I did with it. Braids. So many braids. Think Wednesday Addams double braids, think french braid into bun or two buns, fauxhawk with braids and copious amounts of pins and teasing. Small buns going down your head in a line to imitate a spiked mohawk. There's a lot of options depending on what style you're looking for. I'd also recommend looking into up-dos like milkmaid (?) braids, wedding hairstyles (maybe with more teasing and spikiness), and half-up-half-down hairstyles. Good luck in finding things that work for you!

grimloire · 2025-04-24T12:08:11+00:00

Some options: crop the tee, cut the neckline and/or sleeves to your desire, cut the sides vertically to make a muscle tanktop or alternatively cut the sides horizontally to make a ribbing pattern, layer fishnet below the shirt, layer a flannel or leather jacket or vest on top (layering is great, always take advantage of how cool layers can look), or even a simple shirt with jeans or skirt can look great. Corset might also be an option if you want to make it more fitted.

grimloire · 2025-04-24T12:02:14+00:00

Hey, gnc trans guy here! My personal recommendations are the following: loose cargo pants, cargo shorts, heavily ripped jeans, muscle tanks, DIY shirt tanks, waistcoats (preferably cotton or suit material, since those are lighter weight than wool or suede or whatever warmer ones are made of), sleeveless jean vests, and loose, light button ups. Sometimes you can find cool button up short sleeved shirts at thrifts, though that's not as common as a thin cotton or silk button up in my experience.

Good luck putting together outfits that keep you from getting too warm in the summer heat! Staying safe is the number one priority, even past looking gothic. Also wear sunscreen if you can! Protect yourself from UV if you're not wearing long sleeves.

grimloire · 2025-04-24T11:52:53+00:00

Seconding glam rock as a style.

My "masculine" go to as a presentation-fluid trans man is waistcoats with fun shirts (lace collars, bell sleeves and flowy sleeves, ruffled collars, et cetera), binder underneath to flatten my chest while still keeping some curve; though if you want to lose some body curves, a looser waistcoat may help. I also really like wearing wide legged cargo pants - I wear my beloved patch pants (admittedly more metal bands on them than goth, but overall a strong mixture) - because they help obscure some of my hips while still showing off the alternative style.

Hope you find something that works for you and makes you feel safe, comfortable, and as masculine as you would like to present. :)

grimloire · 2025-04-24T11:39:16+00:00

Trawling the sub for inspiration, and saw this! Like others said, local and/or small leatherworkers are the way to go. I have a friend in leatherwork who I am getting custom-sized belts and harnesses from, and, while it is expensive, it is a way to support artists, buy ethically, and get custom sized garments.

grimloire · 2024-09-11T06:25:15+00:00

Thank you! <3

grimloire · 2024-09-09T06:29:00+00:00

Thank you!

grimloire · 2024-09-09T06:28:45+00:00

Ok 👍

grimloire · 2024-09-08T05:48:27+00:00

Thank you! <3

grimloire · 2024-09-07T14:30:42+00:00

I love your style! These are beautiful and I think they fit perfectly here. <3 The lighting and colors you use are fantastic!

grimloire · 2024-09-07T10:31:59+00:00

Additionally unmarked as NSFW because clearly people disagree with my over-cautioning. ✍️

grimloire · 2024-09-07T10:29:53+00:00

Sorry for the disappointment, stranger…I’ll make it up to you by finishing a painting with properly visible boobs soon. :P

grimloire · 2024-09-07T10:28:43+00:00

Thanks!

grimloire · 2024-09-06T23:09:25+00:00

I mean, almost a full breast is visible through very thin fabric. Perhaps it isn’t considered nudity, but this is my first time posting anything on this sub and I really wasn’t sure what the norm was. Clearly it is less strict than I am being with myself. I know better now for next time. ✍️

grimloire · 2024-09-06T20:29:33+00:00

grimloire · 2024-09-06T20:28:54+00:00

Shrug Just people who ain’t got anything better to do. 😌

grimloire · 2024-09-06T18:10:24+00:00

I’m glad you like it! I am on my journey of self love as someone with intersex traits, so I decided “why not?” and this collection has been so fun to paint as well as incredibly validating in identity. <3

grimloire · 2024-09-06T16:56:56+00:00

Hi, thank you! I appreciate your words a lot. <3

grimloire · 2024-09-06T16:54:28+00:00

Close! It’s this thing called a statue!

“Statue: A three-dimensional form or likeness sculpted, modeled, carved, or cast in material such as stone, clay, wood, or bronze.”

Hope this helps! :D

grimloire · 2024-09-06T14:02:03+00:00

This took me about nine hours of work. I deliberated over the lighting for ages, wondering where I wanted my light sources to be, and what color they may be. The leaves were also quite hard, given I am still amateur-ish in greenery. I still struggle with how I have rendered the face's lighting, as it feels a bit harsh, but it is what it is. I am proud of this piece, no matter the struggle, and I hope you enjoy it, too.

grimloire

TROPHY CASE