I wanted to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday, supported me financially via commissions and has liked, followed, shared and enjoyed my art. I'm 24; it's amazing, I never thought I'd make it this far. I started doing commissions for DA points and pennies 10 years ago. 10 years ago I started my business, learned and matured quickly to hone my career. Through those years, up until last year, I wanted to die every single day. I hated myself. I hated existing. And today - I can say I don't feel that way. I got help, I take medicines, I know what's wrong with me and how to positively cope and manage. 10 years ago, I didn't know how and I was really sick. I was scared. And now... I'm happy. I find reasons to smile every day, even if I'm feeling bad (which, btw, I'm sick again, I think I caught a bug on Halloween haha). I have so many good days, bad days aren't consuming me anymore.

Honestly, I'm very happy I didn't end my life. I've met amazing people. I've grown so much. As a person, as an artist. I'm very happy and blessed to have a very supportive audience. I have so many people I haven't met yet, haven't influenced and inspired. I look forward to each day where I can make someone happy and make people enjoy art like I do.

Thank you so much! <3

A post from about a year ago pretty much sums up everything!

A little thanks from me to everyone who's supported me over the last few months (and honestly, years) - my pages have grown in such big numbers, I'm so astounded at how many people enjoy my work. I don't have a lot of time to go through each and every comment and person who favorites/watches me to personally thank all of you one by one (I used to be able to, haha - I wish I still could, it's something I really remember enjoying). I truly wouldn't be where I am without people like you. It means the world to me that my art makes people happy, and that they truly enjoy my work. It almost makes me wish I could go back in the past and show people that put me down about my "shitty" art and say "wowza, lookie here pal". I guess that goes to show people like me, who are artists and creative people, that you really can go somewhere.

Don't give up. Please. Even if you work seems bad right now, or your passion is lacking. Please, please, please don't give up. Do what you love doing, no matter what happens. Happiness is only yours if you truly make an effort to do what instills that emotion in you. If anything, know that I believe in you. Because I was one a kid with a pencil in her hand, getting told her art would never amount to anything and no one would ever buy it and that she should just kill herself because she was useless to society as an artist. Bullied because I am a creative being and I just wasn't skilled enough yet. You are a beautiful creature, human soul. Please flourish. If not for anything else but yourself. You are worth every ounce of stardust in this universe and you are an amazing thing. Be brave, be strong, continue on and don't give up. I'm here for you as you were here for me.

- With Love, MamaOwl ((Annie))