Is this me? I haven’t even touched a cigar in 2013, but this is what fell out of my virtual pencil when I thought about how much I love the personal space 12-degree weather affords me, when even the born-and-bred New Yorkers are huddled by their radiators.

Just another pen test, but back on the tablet. I bought a set of digital brushes for Manga Studio 5. They were created by an artist named Ray Frenden who takes a lot of pride in creating brushes that mimic the feel of real-life tools when using a digitizer tablet. For instance, when using his “stiff nib,” you should feel like you’re applying the same amount of pressure as you would when creating a similar line with a real pen. It’s not an exact science, but they definitely work better than the default brushes. I would have spent hours on my own inferior attempts at brushes like these, so $5 is a steal.

Another pic from Reddit. I’m usually put off when Reddit users attach a sob story to a request–in this case, “my grandpa is very sick”–but I thought it could make a cute pic in a loose, cartoony style. Done with real ink for once!

Just auditioning some new pens I bought. In my opinion, the disposable Pilot fountain pens are better for drawing than the $25 (albeit refillable) Lamy fountain pen I just bought. And I still love Zebra pens (also disposable, and a joy to use when they’re new).

Another drawing request from Reddit.