Hey! I’m Nicole (@arq_tm), digital artist and writer at your service. o/ I cover topics like art, happiness, community, and productivity. New blog post every Tuesday!
Blog
War of Art Book Notes
The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. She knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist.
Sep 12, 2023
Book Summary Notes and Highlights
Export Moon+ Reader highlights → your notes workflow
step-by-step guide for exporting your highlights from Moon Reader+ to your note taking app of choice without Readwise
Sep 5, 2023
Tutorial
Your Secret Creativity Lab
Why you should keep your projects under wraps: a guide to preserving flexibility and fostering creativity
Aug 29, 2023
Art
The State of Things #4: On advice & happiness
Exploring the way of water and forgiveness
Aug 22, 2023
The State of Things
Stop Losing Your Best Ideas
Why your brain can’t do it alone and what you can do it help
Aug 15, 2023
Notion
Beyond Google: Discovering the Best Knowledge Databases
Has anyone else noticed Google kind of sucks for finding reputable information nowadays
Aug 8, 2023
Information
Resources list
A Lifelong History of My Relationship with Art. Birth to August 2023
Nicole reflects on her relationship with art and how it has evolved over time.
Aug 1, 2023
Art
Getting personal
How to stay on track to get things done, everyday
Try time blocking, zombie mode, and task batching to suit your style
Jul 25, 2023
Productivity
Don't Be Busy, Be Effective
Don't just focus on doing as much as possible—focus on doing the few (often difficult) things that will lead to the biggest progress.
Jul 18, 2023
Productivity
Here’s where to take art classes online in 2023
For digital art, concept art, illustration
Jul 11, 2023
Art
Resources list
The State of Things #3 | New passions & a new house
Checking in on my journey toward financial freedom and a happier and more fulfilling life.
Jul 4, 2023
The state of things
The Gifts of Imperfection - Book Notes & Summary
for those who struggle with self worth and belonging
Jun 27, 2023
Book Summary Notes and Highlights
Digital Color vs. Paint Pigment
RGB and CMYK are out. See which new girl is the most accurate model for representing light and color.
Jun 20, 2023
Art
How Film Stills Can Help You Improve Your Art: A Guide
learn color, light, value, and composition from studying film stills
Jun 13, 2023
Resources list
Art
From Noob → X Rank. How to be good at Splatoon 3
Want to get up to Rank X 2200+? Read these gameplay tips from a competitive Rank #1,000 sweaty try hard
Jun 6, 2023
Gaming
How to make action blur for your webtoon
Shounen manag artists, illustration, and digital art alike. This is a tutorial for you
May 23, 2023
Comics
The State of Things #2 | On house hunting and friendship
Its been 8 weeks since I last checked in - here’s what I’ve accomplished and what’s been on my mind.
May 16, 2023
The State of Things
The Magic of Fusion: 7 Artists Who Perfectly Blend 3D and 2D Art
A curated list of artists who do it well
May 9, 2023
Art
Resources list
Making Sound Effects in an Action Comic
I studied how the S-Classes That I Raised does their comic sound effects
May 2, 2023
Comics
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How to Panel a Vertical scroll Web-comic
Top tips I learned from doing a study of the Webtoon The S-Classes That I Raised
Apr 25, 2023
Comics
Generate creative momentum
Showing up for yourself and committing to create >>>>
Apr 18, 2023
Writing
Comics
How to Keep Your Art Reference Images Organized and Searchable
Apr 11, 2023
Art
Resources list
“Fake Work”
another way of saying - how to focus on the tasks that will have the greatest impact
Apr 4, 2023
Productivity
How much it cost: my childhood bedroom → an adult bedroom
Mar 28, 2023
For fun
The State of Things #1 | the company I work for no longer exists
Today is day 0 when I officially start documenting my journey to making my first $100 from my art
Mar 21, 2023
The State of Things
posting art online is scary…
This article covers how Austin Kleon’s book, Show Your Work!
Mar 14, 2023
Book Summary Notes and Highlights
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The Limitations of Notion: When Other Apps Do It Better
Mar 7, 2023
Productivity
Notion
When its more than just art block
i’m in a serious art rut
Feb 28, 2023
Art
Diary
12 years of pixel self portraits
Before my 24th birthday on March 1st I promised myself that I would publish 1 YouTube video. This blog post is a supplement to my first video. See how I’ve improved my art over 12 years of drawing.
Feb 21, 2023
Art
How to fall love with reading again
Here’s how I was able to read 51 books in 2022 when just 2 years ago I could barely finish even one.
Feb 14, 2023
Reading
Productivity
i make notion templates… is it worth it as a business?
it has my brain in a chokehold
Feb 7, 2023
Notion
5 tips for slow & healthy productivity
I’m gasy
Jan 31, 2023
Productivity
My FREE Minimal Second Brain Template is now live!
This Notion template is my daily driver and its free for you to use too
Jan 24, 2023
Productivity
Action Webtoon Motion Blur Tutorial
Create a sexy gradient motion blur on your action webcomic
Jan 17, 2023
Art
5 Webtoon Art Techniques
Time and wrist saving techniques
Jan 3, 2023
Art
how to learn blender for 2d backgrounds
(great for comics, perspective, & backgrounds)
Dec 20, 2022
Art
Resources list
gushing about my pocket e-reader because i really like it
Its e-ink screen is easy on the eyes, especially after a long day of looking at screens at work or school.
Dec 13, 2022
Information
Stuck planning your webcomic? → Try a Beat Sheet
The beat sheet is a one page document that outlines the story beats of your story. Here’s a bunch of resources to help you get started!
Dec 6, 2022
Writing
Building Tension in a Thriller Comic
Analysis of “Bastard” Chapter 3.
Nov 29, 2022
Comics
Squad of fraud
Here’s a list of 6 young, modern fraudsters who got caught
Nov 22, 2022
Information
Mogoon Master study - Full Breakdown
In this article, I’ll walk you through every step I took to complete this master study, while highlighting some key techniques I used along the way.
Nov 11, 2022
Art
How to draw Gold and 5 other techniques
Nov 8, 2022
Art
3 Ways to Write a Comic Script
Need help planning your webcomic’s script? Here are 3 different methods for scripting and planning out your infinite scroll comic’s storyline episode to episode.
Nov 1, 2022
Comics
Get your Picture-perfect smile - tutorial for awkward people
Do look find yourself looking awkward on unhappy in photos? This article covers how to find your most flattering smile.
Oct 28, 2022
How-to Guide
Rig your own 3D Vtuber with Perfect Sync in 30 minutes
DIY your own 3D vtuber model for <$20
Oct 14, 2022
Tutorial