Hi all,

Can't believe I'm actually updating this for the first time in forever but I logged in on the off chance today and realised I've been a part of this site for seven years! I remember when I first started tentatively uploading my crappy Rayman fanart pics and can't get over how far I've come and how much my life's changed since then. Also dA itself seems to have changed so much I'm not sure how to use half of it anymore!

Life-wise I've just graduated from uni after an amazing three years with a First Class BA (Hons) degree in English Studies. Currently unemployed and hating it but sharing a house with two of my best mates and hoping something will come along soon.

As I've said before I hardly ever come on here anymore, mainly for the following reasons:
1) I haven't really had the time or space to do as much art since leaving home and starting university three years ago.
2) I seem to have completely lost my artistic talent The handful of times I've tried getting my trusty old posh colouring pencils out since then I've just ended up annoyed and frustrated at my lack of ability to get drawings the way I see them in my head.
3) In the last six months I've developed a big passion for photography which seems to have usurped my desire to draw as I find it more enjoyable and less disheartening, but just as creative. I just use a bog standard digital camera and I'm by no means a pro but I love experimenting with colour and effects and sharing my work on my Flickr account - www.flickr.com/cloud9point1 - please check it out!

I'm considering uploading my creative photos either to this dA account or a new one as I miss the contact with other deviants...watch this space!

Maria xx