Nail Spam pt1

My deco spam was a hit last time, so here is a nice helping of nail pr0ns! Sometimes we all need some inspiration for nail art or even deco-ing things, so I decided to make a compilation!
Enjoy!
I also love to see people's nail art, so if you have 'em, share 'em in the comment section!
Part 2 will be available next month!

(all pictures are property of their respective owners, and I claim no ownership of them.)

A Nightmare Before Christmas

On the 22nd of December, Natalia organized another art show, this time the theme was Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas. Different artists that she selected showcased their work with Tim Burton themed paintings and drawings!

There were also two bands and two hip hop artists that played there as well. With the music, food, art and good people, the night became lively and inspiring.

The poster I created for the event

Cid Zombie's crazy works!

Natalia Sustaita's Work! And her super cute cookies and cupcakes!

Amil's Work

Mynor's works

Paul Thompson's work

Cafeteria Yesenia
4244 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 523-8480

Gals snaps!

Here is some pix! It has been a while since I took these photos!

I still have to hunt through my old files for some of the meet pix. A little bit of a hassle when you dont have lightroom on your pc!

マタネ

School's almost over

About a week or so ago, I went to see Dir en grey at the House Of Blues. I also met up with several other people that I havnt seen in a few years!
I have been slacking with some school projects... (；￣д￣)ゞbut i have been painting, sketching, and doing work for three art shows. So... thats still good....right? ('x') I think it is time to clone myself! :B ... or get an assistant.
I think school and being close to graduating is freaking me out! My mind is crazy town! I have never worn sweat pants so much until this semester. >_>'
There is so much I do and like to do that I am having a hard time trying to settle on something especially when it comes to working towards my career. Alan told me I didnt have to fit into any puzzle, but I would like to feel that I can fit somewhere.
I also hope you like the new layout guys and gals. Eventually I'll have more things finalized. Heh heh heh.

bathroom selfies with some music fans

old and new art. sorry Joe, your table is taken.

Gal Story and Reflection

Photography done by LiquidMojo

first published 11/19/2013

The Construction of "Lisha"

LA and myself 2008

As a child,being bullied near the end of elementary school (or middle school), conforming to what others expected of me (being a seemingly perfect, straight, Christian woman and wearing a uniform for YEARS), and trying to suppress the me that wanted to simply be, created a more shy, reserved self that I wanted to shake off. I also did not want to wear the exact same thing that everyone else wears (uniforms), and that if you tried to do your own thing either you would get into trouble, or people would not like you and make fun of you or say that you must want to be white or asian.

I had  chose gal because it was a cheaper alternative (somewhat...)to the other fashions I found and liked. What it seemed to offer after doing a bit of research, was appealing for me, even though it was a contradiction in itself (rebeling yet conforming to its own rules.)

Over the years

I stumbled upon gal at about 2007 when I wanted to truly break free of the restrictions and inhibitions that kept me from being myself or what I wanted to do. I was searching for a fashion style to show an aspect of myself and to be creative with it, not be too expensive and Japanese brand heavy centered like Lolita fashion but not too showy like Cyber fashion .

Aaron Bercaw photography 2010

After it startled me, I started to love it because it gave me a little sliver of happiness. I liked the idea of wanting to not look normal, to look bold, and wear things I wanted to. Now, I feel like I have been in this (online) community long enough (about six years now?) that my statement from maybe anyone else, maybe more so beginners to the style and/or lifestyle, could get people to not like them or see a flaw in their want to try this style out. However, for me, it was one of the things that I wanted to enjoy.

Even though there are no written rules for Gal fashion per se, there are guidelines and/or rules for individual circles and how they should be ran, or what makes something Gyaru. Now, these "right” things change over time, with different sub styles/themes in the main part of the subculture, and also who you are as a person/race/etc (face shape, skin darkness or lightness). If you get all the “right” things down and improve pretty fast then you become well known in the gal scene and looked up too and sometimes even hated ,  or you don’t improve at all and don’t see what is holding you back, then you get looked down upon.

I narrowed down what I liked, and had ideas for things that I thought would be cool, despite being told that there were no such thing as a rocker gal, or pirate themes (until   it became more established in Japan ). I did my own thing subtly as I collected inspiration pictures non stop from other gals. I studied these pictures, and practiced them a lot. In a way, I was like a mad scientist. For me, something in my mind snapped, almost like for Ichiko in Kamikaze Girls. 

2012

Actually hanging out with people and staying up all night listening to hyper techno or eurobeat, paraparaing outside, or just walking around with other gal'd-out girls , that was what I wanted and what made me happy. To know that I was improving and trying out new things was exciting for me, even though over time painful things would pop up, or disappointments would happen.

 I have had moments where I wanted to give up, but I keep coming back. Sometimes I have to ask myself, for what? 

Now that I am older and been in the game for a while, I definitely feel the tug of normal life at my side. I now am focusing my attention on being more on the lines of a coordinator, or at least an attendee for other gal's events, and helping out new generations of gals. I have the pressure of not only fitting into normal society's standards (though I don't have to 100%) but also marriage/relationship stuff as well from my family.

Golds Infinity 2013 Collection

You may remember that at Anime Expo  Golds Infinity from Japan and the American Gal Shop Staff, featuring Western Gals, helped show people who happened upon the booth some beautiful items for young women from different views on what gal fashion can look like.

Art!

Happy Halloween!

Carved my first pumpkin last weekend! It was pretty fun!

 I have watched a lot of amazing and interesting things that have sparked an idea in my mind. I try to sketch it or write notes down as fast as possible before I forget (which happens too often!!)so try to take advantage of art days at my home where I can take my mind off some things and paint or sketch a little something here and there.

Here are a two sketches:

This one is a sketch I did when I started of thinking "what do I want to draw?" I thought of an idea a friend told me about, so I wanted to draw a picture that might go with it. The inked pic is a little distorted though.... I liked the moments where I can quickly get out an idea and still like it after i got a lot of it planned out by pencil!

Sketch with blue pencil and inking process

Pencil portrait sketching

This one is drawn with some strong emotion to it. I took a pic, edited on my phone, and uploaded to instagram. I also wanted to draw it because I wanted to try to match the angle of the face.







I also edited a picture (with persmission :p)
Of Utsukushii gal's Rii. I really liked the photo, and just wanted to play around with making it look like it should be in a magazine.The second one is just amping up the colours withing the hair, darkening the shadows, and making her eyes and lips POP! 










BAM! SUPER GLAM!













The third picture is just me making her eye make up look more dramatic, and changing the lip colour to a more purple tone. I still want to make it a bit more edgy though.






Being stressed out isn't fun! And though I cannot make all the stress just *poof* and disappear, I try to get in some meditating, praying, and writing stuff down so I can manage my time a bit easier. Just meditating once or twice, making one list, or just saying things will change won't make things happen magically, but getting into the habit of changing how you look at things that gets you down helps a lot!

Taken when I went to La for Anime Expo

A takashi murakami animation

Takashi directs a new, and super girly commercial for Shu Uemura make up line. Its energetic, cute, and magical with a yin and yang type of duo of the two main magical girls. This certainly is more "moe" and cutesy than the Louis Vuitton commercials he has made, but still inspiring!

I would love to be involved with a short animation one day!

A day in avondale

My friend Natalia got me to post some pieces for this art day in Chicago! It was my second art showing with mostly past works.
It has been a while since I have had my works up!

Natalia Virufuentas' art

Natalia S's Art

oct 14

I have taken a break from my beloved fashion and make style (for the most part). I am almost done with school, going to be looking into a completion of a lot of projects that I could not finish, and then, "graduate " from the youthfulness of the gal scene, to really be able to join the ranks of the best. :B Or at least have the time to really participate in things again gal event wise.

My mind is not focused, but I am getting there. I have gotten a lot of inspiration and day by day , I can get a little energy to keep going.

Thank you for reading my blog when you come across it. I appreciate it!
I hope you take the time to look at the art work I have put up on my links on the left side!  comments and critique would be lovely! Art is my one true passion that I am working back on,and I have been a little ADD if you will, with my pieces and projects. I have to get some more pix up soon and release more things!!

Thanks you all.

Be My Plum!

I felt like I should get a pair of brown lenses again. Only had a hazel pair back in 2011. I wasn't too into the lot of designs for lenses. I wanted something not too over the top colour wise like a light, bright brown.

So, I decided to grab a pair of Geo Plum Brown from Pinky Paradise. They were 19.90$ without shipping.

Cute vial and cute animal case

Specs:
Diameter: 15.0
Water Content: 42%
Base Curve: 8.7mm
Life Span: 1 year disposal

Design

The shipping took about a week or so from Pinky. The brown colour didn't show up too bright on my eyes. Its a bit on the transparent side than opaque and blends in nicely, letting the flower petal design peak through.

I know its bad to wear cosmetic lens for more than 8 hours, but I have from days that become longer than expected. (not recommended by the way) I don't get a lot of dryness with them, and no irritation even with the size of the lens. 

Colour: 4/5  

Comfort: 4.5/5 

Design: 4.5/5

This post was written around 2013-2014 or so, and I have not seen them have this style any more. 

W.I.P. and Sketches

I have been working on way to many projects this summer, and most of them involve art and portfolio work. I also got to show off some pieces at an art show in Chicago called Girl Talk at MultiKulti.

Purin portrait
Digital sketch+colour layout

This piece is based on a picture I took of Purin when we were working at Acen this year. I thought she looked super adorable with her bear hat and stuffed llama doll, and wanted to do a portrait for her. It is incomplete, but I will be getting back to it once I get some other things finished up.

Anime Expo 2013! (pic heavy!!)

Anime Expo's Gyaru Shop Staff

Gold's Infinity Gal!

On Wednesday, I was invited to Anime Expo and flew out to L.A. to settle for Anime Expo weekend with Michi, Nino, Emi, Rosie, Rina, Hiromi, Stephanie, Cindy, Adri, Re,Tricia, and Victoria. It felt really surreal for me to meet the gals that I have chatted with or read their blogs for a few years now!

3:57am~ chi-gal diariez

Side note:

Made an Ad for Purin and i's ANIME EXPO trip 

We are going to be Golds Infinity Shop Staff at Anime Expo! I am excited to meet Michi, Ninoshka, and a whole bunch of other gals too while I am there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Black Diamondなんで？でも、今年にAngeleekのメンバーは？？カンパスサーミットないか？あたしの夢はAngeleekに入ってえた。２００７年に思ったよ。でも、日本語が本当に下手だった。
まだ、たくさん言葉が知らないで、話してのは。。。ちょっと。。。Fightingの感じがある。。。[m:206]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTgnTnC42kE

Whats A Black Diamond? And what happened to the Angeleek members? Or Campus Summit? It was my dream to be in Angeleek back in 2007. But, my Japanese was bad, and now I still don't know a lot of words. But... I try.

コレジの前に、世界の友達が欲しかった。でも、恥ずかしくて、かわくない人だった。
男のこ見たかった。今。。。なんで？
ダイモンドギャルさーに入りました,2010年ごろに入ったね。。。。スタイルはちょっとｉｍｐｒｏｖｅと思った。
Before college, I wanted friends , even around the world, but, I am shy and I wasn't too pretty back then. hahaha. but now? A few years ago I was accepted into Diamond gal sa，and my style improved a bit.

B*C　1st Gen

そして、Black Cherryのギャルサーを作った。スタイルとへアメイクETCはたくさん練習したｗｗｗｗたくさんパラパラをしてた（笑）新しいギャルファンとギャルにさがしていた！新しい人を会った。
Then, we (me la, tomo, and murphy) made Black Cherry. I was still practicing my style (hair, make up, clothes), and I para'd a lot! (laughs). I met a lot of people during that time.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnjIHOIiBzI
アハハハ
hehehe


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=865EiY68UjA
ハードコアね。。。
hard core huh?

前には、さびしかった。本当に恥ずかしかった。でも、色々人に会た。Dj　SiSen,もっとDjな２人、Vocaloidな女。。。。
Even though at times I was sad or lonely, or shy, I was able to meet people like Sisen, a few Japanese Djs from Japan at acen, And Yuu, the voice of a cute Vocaloid character. Being dressed up sure helped me a lot, and even dressing up differently, or noticing someones make up or nails, seemed to be a nice ice breaker, too!

だからギャル「と色々」ファシオンが好きだって、ゆっくりで恥ずかしくないでモテモテになった。
Because I liked gal and other fashion, I became less and less shy, and a bit more outgoing.

あたしがシカゴのギャルだぜ！！。。。
IM A CHICAGO GAL!!

あたしギャルでしょ。。。。？え。。。難しい。。。
i guess.... its a bit difficult maybe...

もっとアートと小さいなえいががしたい～～～～。。。
I wanna make more art and a short film....

mini self portrait

Art Exhibit and Shopping Day

Saturday, I missed my mentor's Bday, but I networked and got an interview for a documentary about being a black gyaru, nerd, and artist with my Big sis Ashley Woods! I always wanted my art up and around Chicago, and also the world, so people can  see what I can do and what I choose to express. I wore a corset earlier at the showing, and I was pretty nervous talking about myself!

アチスト＋黒人ギャルインタビューがあった！！

Ashley Woods drawing of Cammy!
dat ass.

I dressed a bit more daring for a little dinner with Phil to chill with his friend and just chat about random stuff. I wish I had a nice belt to match up with my outfit though,but I actually suck at belt buying. 

Sunday morning!

Went for a ponytail look today! My inspiration was Rikku from Final Fantasy10s with a lil bit of Cocona lol

 I went shopping with gyaru sister Purin! This was our first time shopping together, and we found some awesome stuff! I have not had a chance to shop because of hardcore budgeting lately, and not feeling what is in shops like Charlotte Russe or WetSeal. But, I was able to snag an AWESOME sale though!
日曜日はPurinとショッピングをしていた～１ｓｔタイムショッピンぐ日は、クール＋安い服を買った！たくさんお金がないけど、いいなセールがさがしていた。

me in sneakers?! but i think they are super cute though

Found a cute lil Betsey phone case!!! SO CUTE.

So frivolous! 

We all went out to eat at Hana in Skokie. It is such a beautiful place to grab a bite! 

HANAに行きって、美味しい食べ物を食べた

Purin, Phil and I were discussing plans and goals for this year! Especially for not only ourselves, but for the gals in America to enjoy Chicago!

PurinXあたしがME3をあった。たくさんプランニングをしていた、ｗｗｗｗ

シカゴのギャルひみつだよ

yes

Purins Tofu X Bamboo Shoot X broccoli dish!

Oppa's Walnut Shrimp

Afterwards, I got to help screw in screws on a door. I love working on things, and I found my new fave tool! 

A1 White dress for a work party! クラブの白いドレス

A2 Black dress for night time　夜の黒いドレス

A3 Cute baggy shirt!　ｔシャツ

A. Steve Madden Shades (so cute!!)　可愛いサングラス

B. bracelets

C. cute case to store my shades in my bag. Suggested by Purin! (thank u!)　サングラスケース

D. Lotion!　ロション！

E. Cute stickers for nails ;P　可愛いシール

F. Betsey phone case. Frivolous, but very cute!　ケイタイポッケト

I can't shop too much because I have to budget for my trip in July!!