Good afternoon. I’m not looking for applause or for anyone to take my side. I just want to be clear and responsible, to say what’s true. There are probably already rumors that I use AI… and yes, that’s not a lie. But they don’t tell the whole story. I used it only as a reference for rendering techniques, along with real-world references. All the lineart and sketches are completely mine. When I reached a more detailed render, I needed guides, references, and that’s when AI came in. It’s not an excuse, it’s the truth. I admit that letting it cloud my judgment was a mistake. It made me feel that nothing I did was enough, and the more I tried to “look perfect,” the more it resembled an AI render, without actually being one. That weighed on me so much that I ended up working only in flat color, until I couldn’t anymore. I know how to render, but digital results were consuming me. So I’m taking a hiatus. I’ll go back to traditional methods, detach from that obsession, and look for a new rendering style that is truly mine. If you feel disappointed, if you decide to step away, I understand and respect it. But the difference is that I won’t run. I’ll face it. And for those who have commissioned work from me: everything has been legitimate, handmade. If you believe otherwise, you have the right to a refund. In the end, this isn’t about AI or techniques; it’s about integrity. And even if the world wants you to hide your mistakes, I prefer to walk with them, because that’s where what truly matters is born. Again, I apologize. I’ll work hard to improve. I’m grateful to those who choose to stay, and I respect those who step away. But remember this: truth and honesty aren’t always popular… but they’re the only things that leave something that truly lasts. Thank you.

Mike IRL

I wanted to improve the hairstyle...

Mika simple

Mike's Cake

I’ll trade my soul and whatever freedom I’ve got left for the Fionna and Cake skin packs in Fortnite.

Mike will probably get his story later on. I’m terrible at making up stories and justifying things without them falling apart, so I teamed up with someone who actually knows how to do. ... I'm going to sleep, I'm sleepy.

My daily tiredness:

Spoiler: It's Mika.

Mike:

Let’s see… an anecdote. I found out through others that some dude wanted to put together a document, throw in fraud accusations, saying I supposedly stole money from commissions. All because of a post where I casually mentioned that I had issued some refunds. What she doesn’t know is that those refunds were made by my own decision. Even when clients told me it wasn’t necessary and that they could give me more time. The reality is simple... I wasn’t in a position to continue. I had personal matters piling up, commissions were starting to fall behind, and I wasn’t going to deliver mediocre work. So I spoke to them directly, told them the truth, and offered the refunds myself.

🛐

Unfinished portrait of Mike Deer