Graveyard Shift At The Sex Shop...

So this week I've been training at this sex shop on Granville for a part time sales clerk job I applied for a couple of monthes back...My first shift was last night so yea it was definitely long/eventful/interesting lol. I got to work abit earlier to get ready for shift and get familiarized with this shop since I trained at a different location just down the street. (Yea there's 2 locations pretty much on the same block, guess this one I was working at was hella busy for peep shows, like non stop traffic the majority of the time.) 

Anyways I do my till count n shiz and start my shift with some token sales and a debit purchase...Sofar soo good for the first couple of hours. Granville was super busy last night with all the bar/club patrons, so you had all sorts of people running through and passing by throughout the night which was all good cause it gave me a diversity of people to interact with, definitely some characters for sure. Good thing I brought my sketchbook to capture these moments haha. It got to about 2:10 am and things quieted down at the shop, sweet. I turned up the music playing in the store, and 'Blood On The Leaves' by Kanye West was playing...Just then this 6'4" white dude with like a half finished mullet, no shirt with a blazer on, tattoo on his chest with a gut you can't miss comes waltzing in proclaiming,"This is the jam!! This is it!" Waving his arms in the air to the beat of the music. Pacing back and forth down the aisles proceeding to try to rap some jibberish to the tune. It was horrendous and I watched in amusement as he was saying he had a list of things he needed, and wanting a dildo in particular,"...to beat someone with on the streets cause shit was goin down!" I believe was his exact words haha. So I was like,"Dude how you gonna pay for all this stuff?!" His decibel levels go up a couple notches as he whips out his wallet pulling out 200 in fifties, slaps it on the counter and demands service. Lmao I take the money and direct him over to the dildo section and start making suggestions to which models were durable enough to withstand a beating if used in a certain manner. Recommending a 19" rubber schlong for grip factor and swinging maneuverability, he looked at it and said,"No I was thinking a glass one if anything actually." Ok it's a personal preference, so I showed him some various ones in different colours just then a group of people roll in (3 guys 1 girl), buddy was busy checking out the glass dildo selection so I tended to any questions the group had. The 2 guys were were looking for something to numb the unit so they can last longer, and I had such the product in stock so I talked about it to them and convinced the one to purchase this liquid numbing agent w/ applicator. Meanwhile I'm ringing in the sale with debit and the one girl is bombarding me with questions about a couples sex toy on the market. Then suddenly the group erupts in laughter pointing behind me saying,"Yo what's wrong with this guy!!" Fuck sakes I thought as I turn around and there buddy was opening a package pulling out a glass dildo claiming that this was the one. Holy crap, so I'm thinking I gotta ring these guys in right quick so I can quickly put out this fire before it spreads. Too late cause as soon as I finish the sale the muddafuggin alarm goes off, everyone turns their head towards the peepshow area and there buddy was parading out waving the dildo in one hand and a foam penis shape cheer mitt on the other cheering. Like wtf I wasn't prepared for this that's for sure, just then another group comes in wondering wth was goin on as buddy walks by them onto the street hollering and waving the glass dildo at passer bys. Good grief so I yell,"Yo everybody calm the fuk down I gotta call the other shop to help me diffuse this problem sorry about all this." I make the call and Chelsea from up the block was like,"Yea I can hear the alarm going off, I'll be right over." 3 minutes pass and she's there, we get the crowd outta the store, turn the alarm off and now only have mullet boy with the glass dildo to deal with. At first I thought he was drunk but when he started flailing his arms everywhere I was like this guys is messed on drugs fo sho. I actually ring in the glass dildo which was 94 dollars plus candy with his cash and tell dude that it was time to go. He wouldn't leave so we threatened to call the police and proceeded to get him out the door. Finally after 15 min he leaves...That all happens in a one hour timeframe, effin hectic. Word.

So I'm thinking I never got training for such a possible situation like that but I'm sure as hell glad that happened cause for future reference I would know how to handle that situation a lot better and efficiently if it did happen again. Lmao and I was thinking if those groups of patrons never came in I would've been able to get buddy to spend all 200 dollars on merchandise for real. Time to get ready for part 2 of the sex shop antics tonight, hoping it's a lil quieter tonight...Hopefully lol.

Cheers J

Saturday Morning Gratitude...

"If you take any activity, any art, any discipline, any skill-take it and push it as far as it will go, push it beyond where it has ever been before, push it to the wildest edges of edges, then you force it into the realm of magic." ~Tom Robbins (B. 1936)

Student Orientation For NEW VCAD Students...

So it's official I did my first orientation with the new students for this coming term, engaged them and tried to make them feel more at home cause a lot of them are from other cities and provinces. It's nerve wrecking to come to a new city and not know anyone...Heck I was them back in September landing here in the YVR. I introduced myself to them, and gave a recount of my experience so far at the school. It went really well...Looking forward to seeing the new talent work in the coming term. #VCAD #Schoolgrind

Thursday grind...

Woke up feeling pretty good with things, waiting to head off to school for orientation for new students this coming term. Will be introducing myself as the student ambassador for my program, which is exciting given the responsibilities that come with it.

Life is pretty busy these days, I started training for my new part time job yesterday which went well...pretty much had 2 days of training in one day but will be goin back for another day of training tomorrow before starting shift on Saturday. All things happening in succession...I'm so glad I've been on top of things to be ready to manage these new things. Time management is really important and I make sure to keep things manageable to relieve stress to keep moving forward at a steady pace.

I've been super grateful with everything and everyone in life, giving value to these things allows for an open channel to the universe to receive gifts. It may not make sense to some but that means they are not ready to comprehend the extent of this force that is constantly around us, guiding us, showing us.

GODspeed is the momentum these days. HA!

Work Hard, Generate Positive Energy...Project It

Grateful Mornings...

"Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it." ~Ibn Khaldoun Al Muqaddima (1332-1406)

Original Caricature Designs

This was a commission piece for someone at school, a bday gift for her bf...She wanted something unique n different. If interested in getting a caricature done please email me for details at jncustoms80@gmail.com

Good Morning...

Woke up in a kinda daze, but still coherent to my surroundings...I broke the routine of first jumping on my social media in the mornings to start a new routine of writing my thoughts out on paper. This mixture of randomness, chaos and questions are exactly what I need to know...what's goin on in my head? This allows a sorta clarity to it all because I get to sort through the collection, see the reoccurring theme then address the issue, whether it be bad where I'm problem solving or if it's good then I would develop it. These exercises make me quicker, stronger...n in control of my thoughts.

Got a busy day ahead with some prep work for next term, good thing I got a full day to tackle it. Hope everyone out there has an awesome, productive day.

Hmmm...

It's so niiice out right now, I feel guilty for staying indoors and vegging out on my bed, my body's saying nap but my minds saying get out there to do something. Been doing a new exercise routine, including other practices which vary day to day so there's a mission I gotta do today to get ready for tomorrow's practice...which means I should get off my ass and get it done. I don't want that procrastination to set in at all and fester. Bad habits die hard and I've been doing really good with progression so far. 

Looked over my marks for this term, pretty good...I'm pretty satisfied I did my best though I could have done better I feel. Adjusting the focus on things need working on, that's ideal at the moment.

Lol I was finishing up last class on Thursday and one of the classmates says bye to me and makes a comment to, 'Keep it black...' I dunno what that meant, perhaps that persona is a favourite I guess. Well coming from a kid who draws my little pony characters all day it kinda threw me off for a sec. I'm just probably reading into it too much. HA!

Got to lay this out on a friend last night...

Some tiger lilies on left thigh...

Quote of the night...

"When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself." ~Tecumseh (1768-1813) Shawnee Native American Leader

2nd Term done SUN...

Well second term was good, learnt a lot with pre-production and what it takes to make things happen with projects. It takes a lot of teamwork, hardwork, and organization to have the ball rolling that's for sure. I'm satisfied I did my best to optimize my days and studies to further my progression. 

A week off and I got some time to work on some pet projects, and start planning some things for next term...Got a couple of projects on the fly with school so I'm pretty content with how things will pan out on those ends. You get what you put in, and I put in a lot of time/energy in everything I do. Got that game 7 mentality, always delivering at your best everyday. I see the results it's producing so it's motivating to see what else i can do to push myself even further. 

Most importantly though I got some downtime to chill and not think about school, it's gonna be a good break for the most part. HA!-Style antics

Understanding the universe...

When you got the universe working for you, you truly understand how powerful you really are...We all have GOD inside of us which is like that saying, 'We are all made in the likeness of GOD...' Which I believe is just another name for higher power, creator, universe n higher self; that is our connection to the unknowing guidance force that's existing in our lives, to fine tune that awareness to our environment. You seek it, find it and learn to be grateful for that guidance. Gratitude is vital for growth, progression and love. I practice it everyday...and it's the secret, n it's simple but it's a discipline. You learn to master your craft. Word. It's YOUR life.

Finals 'Character Design' Package...

Technology is frustrating...

Woke up this morning expecting my animation scene to be rendered only to find it half done and not saved properly...I dunno wtf is up with this Maya program version I have at home but it's just issue after issue every time I try to use it. Abit frustrating cause it's finals week and trying to meet deadlines and crap like this happens, especially when technology is suppose to make the process easier and quicker...

On another note I am now the new student ambassador for my program, i just found out yesterday. I started another group at school for a projects team to develop ideas, and to connect like minded individuals in a creative environment. So thinking next term is gonna be extra busy, but I don't mind the hustle it feels good to make moves and get others driven to move ahead, to really think big when it comes to the future. Go big or go home I figure.

Time to get up and get ready...class in an hr half and still I gotta figure something out with this Maya animation. Ugh...Hope everyone has a grand day, and pursues their dreams. Divinity awaits there over the horizon.

2am shuffle and this animal skeleton is done for tomorrow's Life Drawing 2 class...

Only on these Sunday nights when theres a full moon would such a thing happen…these tales lol

Meanwhile…Just laid out the outline for my animal skeleton, i took a break to go to Timmys for a coffee to charge up when standing in line i hear someone say, 'Hey wsup, yo dont i know you?' So i turn to see some dude with a hoodie on walk towards me…Vaguely familiar im like,'Sorry from where?' He was like,'I did time with you in E town, yea Johnny right? I heard you were doing time out here.' I paused thinking of all places why did this just happen so i replied,'No man actually im out here going to school. I got outta that cycle a couple years back…' He then proceeded to go on about how hes been up since yesterday morning raving, and hes all sketched out, couch surfing, cant trust nobody, he doesnt know what to do yadda yadda while im trying to order my coffee. I thought again why on my break would this happen…so i ordered my coffee. It was 2.30 i took out my wallet and got the exact change 2.30 and handed it to the clerk. He rang it in while buddy started trying to hustle me some blue coffee from jamaica he had, im not interested was the look on my face…just then the clerk spoke,'Heres your change…' I turned and reached for it counting .85, im like this is weird so i took it and slipped it into my pocket. Wondering why did i get change when i gave him exact change, no matter i went to pick up my coffee. I turned to buddy and said,'You know whatever situation youre in, theres resources out there to help. I suggest you stay off drugs and alcohol so you can get whatever you need to get done…fixed.' He started to go on some rant about how if this was E town that he wouldnt have these problems that hes solid and blah blah blah…Im like telling myself yo whatever ill listen to what he has to say for 5 min. then i gotta get back to my work, its the least i could do. I listened, i blanked out, i asked myself again why is this happening…5 min. passed and i interrupted him stating,'Sorry dude i wish you all the best in the future, i got finals this week so time is pretty tight for me. I gotta go.' And i walked off thinking to myself wow that was a complete waste of 15 minutes, thinking again why did that just happen…Then i realized im so grateful im not in his shoes, wrong to say but a few years back if i continued down the path i was i couldve clearly ended up like that or even worse. That moment of clarity made me appreciate my life, everything that is and everyone around me. I felt a satisfaction in my lesson learnt in the moment, nearing my building i notice something on the ground…looked like a 10 dollar bill, picked it up and yea it was a folded up 10 dollar bill. All i could say was,'Niiice. HA!' Anyways thought id share that story with you folks before gettin back to my school grind. Life is full of reason, i find it in everything. Word.

Finals week....

So after an hr of Photoshop glitches, frustration, and failed attempts at finishing up my character design I decided to call it a night and head home. Guess it's been happening a lot to the other students and I'm thinking how convenient given the fact that it's crunch time for final projects...So lame. Hopefully the techs solve the issue tonight and tomorrow I can get a fresh start on things. Hopefully...

The last month has been gruelling only since I've been setting up a group event and a projects group for all the students at my school. The everyday grind to get things set up and going, the approval process...the hard work put in is starting to pay off now. I'm happy that people from all programs are connecting on a equal plane to contribute something to the table, that creative energy needed to further our studies and progress with our crafts. To elevate our mindset and have some foresight into the future.

Taking some time outta the day and having some peace of mind...It's been 18 monthes since I've touched alcohol or hard drugs, it's been a battle, it's been victorious and it's been the greatest joy. I've lost a lot and I gained a ton but most importantly I gained experience/wisdom from my struggles/personal growth. It's made me into the person that I am today whom I appreciate and honor by practicing the principles I live by day in and day out...Vision, Proactive Initiative, Security, Guidance, Wisdom, and Power. This is my centre, from that I can better myself and be happy that I have optimize my stay here on earth. Only then can you receive the gifts of the universe, by giving back something valid/something of merit instead of being that self centered selfish prick only thinking of yourself. Nowadays nobody's got time for that. Word. 

Getting through today, to start NEW tomorrow...NEW day NEW beginnings HA!

Good morning...

Woke up wide awake at 7:30am, didn't pass out till 4:30am doe, guess my body's accustomed to waking up at that time now. No need for alarms, finals week got everyone scrambling to get things done in time and on par. I don't blame them, I figure this is how the industry works, how competitive the market is, and how demanding life would get if you're following your dreams. Shit ain't easy, it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance that's for sure but that's the key you don't give up, if one way doesn't work then you take a different route until you pass it only to face more obstacles. Life isn't against you it's the odds that are, we're meant to fight and endure crap cause were designed that way, it molds our character, it's our moments of realizations that allows us to grow into who we are today. Even so it's it's like this big stage where everyone is watching, and you gotta put on your best show possible...Being your best at all times is required. Working hard to compete with the best, now that's a must if you wanna stand out from the rest. #HA!

20 min Charcoal Study done in Life Drawing 2 class tonight...

SUNday FUNday...

Started this piece a couple of weeks ago, got to finishing it up on a friend yesterday...'Thou Shall Overcome' in a stylized script writing style

Friday grind...

Storyboard templates, poster ad/mandate revisions, redesigning a menu...Reached my work quota for the day...Got to working a lil bit on my final character design package #Villain #VCAD #Schoolgrind  #HA! 

Wednesday Evening...

Meanwhile I'm sitting here with my creative half goin through some textile and fabric books to better understand some discharge methods for prints. I know to any process an understanding of what goes into it will dictate the results in a more controlled, efficient manner saving you time and money for the most part. This goes into methods in developing different outlets for creative expressions...Sharing ones gifts of creativity is your gift back to God, Creator or whatever you may believe exists in the universe...That unknowing guiding force that teaches us lessons through self experience.

I've started engaging more in school creating some groups to further exploration of group projects through events and by setting up teams with talented individuals from different programs, each with a unique skill to contribute to the table. So far the interest and ideas is there, so structuring the process and dynamics will hopefully produce some good results for everyone involved...Loving the creative energy that is building around me, and seeing others involved in the excitement is really gratifying. I wish for everyone around me to do well with their goals, to be ambitious with their dreams. Cause I feel the same way with myself.

Hope everyone out in the world is having a safe, enjoyable evening. Gonna unwind the night watching '12 Years As A Slave' then home to crash to rise for classes in the morn. Gratitude over attitude, only then will you see the many blessings that come your way day to day. #HA!-Style Antics yo

45 min study w/white conte on black paper...Life Drawing 2 class

Late night zoning...

These late nights creating storyboards...Sumtin taken a hold of me, nah that's my ego talking. I just do my best in everything that I do. #Onehundy #Fouragreements #iAM #Creator #HA!-Style #Projection 

Saturday Morning Cartoons...

Remembering when I was a kid waking up excited to watch cartoons Saturday mornings, the fresh smell of breakfast and the only day my pops would be cooking meals cause he been working all week...So it was a change up from my moms home cooking, which was nice in all it's newness.

Transformers, D&D, Gummi Bears, M.A.S.K., G.I.Joe and He-Man were some of my favourites...Laying on the carpet posted up in front of that old Sony TV, aw man it was great. Gettin lost in the visuals, and letting my imagination run wild. As a kid that creativity was free flowing, during recess at school we'd be hashing up crazy themes, outrageous characters, and acting out elaborate battle scenes...What fun it was. Lol.

But now I wake up coming up with ideas for shows, developing characters, and connecting with like minded folks to brainstorm master plans lol pretty much did a full circle to when I was a kid during recesses. Except I document it now through my blogs...Awesome. :) It's 7:42am and I'm beginning to think that watching Bleach movie before bed somehow contributed to the epic fight scenes in my dreams with demons, hmmm I came out on top doe and that's all that matters. HA! 

Redefine the original concept...#Create the #NEW standard