St. Minerva City

CHARACTERS

🦉 Astra Stella

• Age: 22
• Species: Snowy Owl Demihuman
• Occupation:
• College/Job: St. Minerva College

💭 Personality

Elegant, perfectionist, elitist. Astra is disciplined to the point of cruelty, yet harbors a quiet passion for music and art.

📜 Story

soon

🤝 Relationships

• 👑 Trey King – exboyfriend, traición.
• 🦁 Stacey Prince – Best friend.
• ❓ Family.

✨ Habilites

• Singing, playing harp and piano.
• Jewelry.
• more.

🎨 Art

art
→ See image

→ Complete profile

Saint Minerva City is a shimmering, enchanted metropolis where the mystical and the modern intertwine. Surrounded by ancient forests and rivers that glow under moonlight, the city is known for its soaring architecture, magical festivals, and the renowned Saint Minerva University — a place where scholars, artists, and spellcasters from many worlds come to learn and create.Treehouse villages nestle high in the Emerald Range, home to avian demihumans, while werewolf clans gather in the moonlit clearings of the Bosque Grande for timeless rituals. The heart of the city beats with music, alchemy, wrestling matches, and midnight markets, where enchanted goods and strange tales are always within reach.Whether you're wandering through ivy-covered libraries, cheering at a magical showdown in Los Perritos Arena, or sipping rose-infused coffee by the river, Saint Minerva City offers a world where every street corner hums with mystery, beauty, and stories waiting to unfold.

St. Minerva City

Astra Stella

text

owl

Archive

This week / Jun. 05, 25

It’s been a busy few days! First, we had the toxicology screening sessions for police officers, agents, and other investigators, over 1,000 people in total. It took several long workdays, but everything went well and we got it all done.Meanwhile, I finished some pieces, made progress on others, and kept up with my daily practice. I also updated the St. Minerva City lorebook and added a new character: Peter Miller, the sexy, existentially troubled biker (who’s also an avian demihuman). The city was mostly founded by birdfolk, so there are still plenty of feathered characters to come :p (Fun fact: Astra is actually named after one of her ancestors.)I’ve made some progress with a couple of collaborations too, although I haven’t received updates from the other two people involved yet, so I haven’t been working on those as intensely.On another note, I applied to be a ticket mod on JAI, and I got accepted! I really love that place and wanted to help out. So far it’s been a great experience, especially since the other mods are around my age, which makes me feel more at ease. Everyone’s super kind; it’s a fantastic team.And today’s a big day, I have my first trial with a major artist! I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. It’s something I’ll definitely be putting on my artist CV, so I’m excited, a little nervous, but overall really happy.Also, I updated my main site: Amaliare to reflect my new fursona, it’s now a snowy owl!

Collab / May, 28, 25

Working in 2 collabs now.
Yay, I'm happy

5 more / May, 26, 25

5 more completely useless facts about me, heh:1.- I fall asleep to ASMR videos—especially the ones where people brush someone else’s hair, or those weirdly satisfying “everyday activity simulators” like cooking or cleaning, in papercraft.2.- I have this internal image of myself that others don’t seem to share. Friends have told me I’m funny, that they always look forward to seeing me at gatherings because I joke around, tell interesting stories, and smile a lot. But deep down, I often feel like a sad, depressive person.3.- I always try to show up when someone invites me to a party. Parties are hard (and expensive!) to organize, so if someone includes me, I always make the effort to go—and bring a gift. Being thought of like that makes me genuinely happy.4.- I adore weird plushies—especially ones of uncommon animals, and sharks! I’ve got a huge collection of them. Bonus fact: I sleep with a giant We Bare Bears plushie—and my partner’s into them too 😆5.- It’s really hard for me to fall in love or even develop romantic interest in someone. My head’s usually in the clouds—or way beyond them—so I never notice when someone actually likes me romantically. I’m just… always distracted by everything. :(

Frustration / May, 25, 25

I’ve been practicing full-body poses and making progress with character sheets, gathering references, and doing a lot of experimentation. Still, I feel frustrated. Maybe it’s what an artist mentioned in a video I watched—they said something like: as you learn more, you start wanting to take bigger risks. You get frustrated, but then you find a way to push through, and little by little, that desire drives you to study and improve. That’s why you should never stop practicing.I think I’m in that stage right now—trying to draw full bodies in all kinds of poses, and it’s honestly exhausting. I use references, of course, but not every reference is helpful. You kind of have to build your own little library of references, even for things like lighting, to make everything come together properly.On top of that, I’ve had a lot of family obligations lately—everyone’s birthday is this month, I swear 😅 haha. I’m sorry, but I had gotten really deep into a super obsessive routine, and this threw me off.I didn’t do last week’s challenge in the Lemons Discord group either—I just haven’t had enough time, and I haven’t finished everything I started. This upcoming week is going to be super intense work-wise. Real life hits hard sometimes.

It's Been a While... / May, 23, 25

It’s been a long time since I wrote here. I’ve been busy with some things, especially drawing. Lately, I’ve joined a few art-related Discord groups—and I’ve learned the hard way how difficult it can be to find people to genuinely share artistic passion with.Honestly? It’s been disheartening. I even had to step away from some challenges and contests hosted in these groups because of the same repetitive nonsense. So I’m going to do a bit of a rant—about Discord art groups, collaborations, contests, exchanges, challenges, and skill training spaces. If you're sensitive to these topics, feel free to skip this.⚔️ Ego Wars
If you’re new to a group, socially awkward, or not fluent in the main language, even if you show great skill or potential—you’ll often be ignored. Sometimes cruelly. And ironically, I’ve seen this happen to beginner artists as well.Ego dynamics in art communities are more common than people like to admit. Some artists—especially those who gained status within a specific niche or group—start gatekeeping subtly. It’s not about your skill level, but about fitting into a social hierarchy. Sadly, when someone new shows up with talent and no social connections, it's seen as a "threat" rather than a contribution. That’s not your failure—it’s the community's insecurity.It’s like there’s a social hierarchy based on cliques, not talent. If you’re not part of “the crew,” your art doesn’t exist.Reminder: This isn’t your failure—it’s the community’s insecurity. Some artists gatekeep because they feel threatened by newcomers. Real communities lift each other up.🖌️ Traditional vs Digital – The False Divide
This one hit me recently. Some “purists” act like traditional art is the only real art. While I don’t mind admiring traditional skills—I do agree that it’s foundational—the attitude changes when they begin dismissing digital artists as not “real” unless they’ve painted in oil or acrylic.Guess what? A talented traditional artist who learns digital art will be just as amazing—and vice versa. Fundamentals are fundamentals.You don’t owe anyone “proof” of your artistry. Especially not to some random person on the internet.
This debate is outdated. In the professional world, illustrators, game designers, animators, and concept artists shift between traditional and digital all the time. Both mediums require fundamentals: anatomy, perspective, composition, light, and color theory. The tools don’t define the artist—their understanding does. When people gatekeep digital art, it often comes from insecurity or ignorance.Reminder: The tool doesn’t define the artist. Knowledge does. Real artists don’t invalidate others to feel valid themselves.👑 Entitlement – Free Art Is Still a Gift
“Free art? I’m going to act like a critic and demand changes like I paid for it.”
This is a terrible experience that can destroy your motivation and love for creating. I recently went through something like this and decided to stop participating in drawing OCs for others unless I’m paid—and I’m not even interested in commissions, so I’ll only collaborate with people who treat me well.People often forget that free art is still a gift. It’s not a commission, it’s not owed, and you don’t have to entertain critique unless you asked for it. Harsh or public criticism of a free piece is not feedback—it’s disrespect. Worse, when done publicly, it becomes performance and opens the door to more uninvited voices.If someone gives you art for free, be grateful. I never correct or nitpick art gifted to me—as long as it’s not hate art, I see it as something special. If you truly want changes, use DMs. Don’t throw the artist under public scrutiny like they’re a sacrifice. Behind every drawing is a real human being with feelings.Reminder: Don't let strangers poison your joy. You’re allowed to protect your peace.🔥 No Moderation = Chaos
An art group without mods or structure is absolute hell. Don’t waste your time sharing your art in places where chaos reigns and toxicity goes unchecked.💰 Monetized Groups – Art as Product, Not Passion
Some groups exist just to push paid content—Patreon courses, paid critiques, tutorials. If you’re not a paying member, you’re invisible. If you’re too talented (or not talented enough), they won’t engage with you. Mediocrity is encouraged because it doesn’t threaten the business model.Reminder: If you're not paying, you're not the target audience. These spaces aren't always about community—they're marketplaces.🎮 Niche Groups with Art Subforums
Anime, video game, or fandom-focused groups often have an “art” channel as an afterthought. These subforums usually have low engagement and are filled with tight-knit cliques that formed years ago. If you’re new, it’s hard to get in. General apathy. Few to no events.Reminder: Don't waste energy forcing your way into closed-off spaces. Your art deserves to be seen and respected.🔹On General Burnout and Loss of Joy
When art communities become exhausting, exclusive, or hostile, it's easy to lose motivation. That hurts the most when you came in just looking for connection and fun.But pulling back, going private, and drawing for you again can be incredibly healing. Not everyone needs to be part of a Discord server or post daily to be an artist.
🌙 Where I Am Now
I haven’t joined new groups since. I went in hoping to make friends, share art, and grow in a positive space. Instead, I found weird vibes, politics, and—worst of all—experiences that drained my joy. So I decided to go back to what makes me happy: being a fan of what I love, creating in the privacy of my blog and X account.This is just what I went through—and in a short time. Maybe your experience will be different. I hope it is. But please: prioritize your well-being, protect your joy, and never stop creating.

Sneakpeek... / May, 23, 25

Changes / May, 04, 25

I’m facing another anhedonic phase. That numbness is back, and now it feels like sadness is slowly making its way in. It’s not dramatic—it’s soft, familiar. Part of the usual cycle my brain follows. My sick brain.
But I’m not giving up. I’m still here, still fighting, still doing the work and the research.Good news though—Astra’s personality and dynamics are finally finished! I’m proud of that.
I’m working on the same for all my characters now, and building the full character book. There’s so much to do, but it feels meaningful.I also have two collabs lined up this month—something I’ve wanted for a long time. I never asked before, mostly because of fear. Rejection terrifies me more than I’d like to admit.

Changes / Apr 27, 25

I practice every day, and now I'm gathering a lot of references for my future plans. I know I need to get better. I also understand that I will be isolated, as always — no one will be there beside me on this path, because this journey is mine alone. This goal is just for me, and I need to accept that. But sometimes, it feels difficult and lonely.At work, things have been strange. Several coworkers had issues with the building's police, and there was a lot of commotion because of it. On top of that, things aren't going well — institutions are weakening, and a strange wave of authoritarianism is starting to take hold. I prefer to lock myself away in the lab and focus on polishing the remaining details for the quality evaluation. However, a coworker made a very absurd mistake that caused our boss to get angry and call for a meeting.The meeting is going to be a general scolding — I can already feel it. On another note, a coworker made a comment to me about how I'm the boss's favorite. I said that wasn't true, but he simply replied that he had "other information." Now I'm worried about it, because it could cause tension between coworkers. One colleague already threw a huge tantrum over a bowl of rice I accidentally left in the shared fridge. It was a sealed container, but when people are stressed, anything can turn into a reason to argue.But when I come back home, everything feels different. I can sit down, breathe, and reconnect with the reasons why I chose this path in the first place. Home becomes a small sanctuary where the chaos of the outside world can’t reach me. Even if the days feel heavy, even if loneliness sometimes takes over, at home I remind myself that I’m not doing this for anyone else's approval. I’m doing it for the person I’m becoming — for the quiet dreams that still burn bright inside me. And even when it feels difficult, it’s still worth it.Of course, I wanted more friends — just someone to talk to — but I need to accept that maybe I'm not the kind of person people like, and I don't know why. Maybe I’ll never understand it completely. Still, even with all the doubts, I know I have to keep walking forward.

Relaxing now / Apr 19, 25

I need to relax just a bit, so here are five things about me you might not know:1. I’m obsessive when it comes to work and hobbies, and I really suffer when I fail. (I know it’s a toxic trait.)2. Most of my best friends are either gone or have moved so far away that I can barely see them—both in real life and online. (That’s left me feeling lonely and sometimes depressed.)3. I love writing, but sometimes my brain just gets overcooked. I rarely let myself rest, and I only sleep a few hours a night.4. Since birth, I’ve been physically weak. I grew up in extreme poverty and had to get blood transfusions because I was severely undernourished. My mother always said I was allergic to almost everything and sick all the time.5. I’m soft on the inside, and I love people deeply—but I’m scared of being a burden or annoying anyone. So I often stay silent, offering quiet company. People trust me, but I still feel lonely sometimes because I don’t know how to ask for help or share my fears.

Watercolor, Aurora borealis

Learning / Apr 18, 25

I had the opportunity to learn from a dear friend, and wow, there’s so much to do. I ended up practicing almost all night, and now I feel overwhelmed—but I really need to learn. Am I putting too much pressure on myself?

Heliosa (OC not mine)

Emptiness / Apr 14, 25

I've been away, practicing and playing Minecraft, just like that, in the boredom of loneliness.Today I watched some videos on YouTube and came across a Japanese artist who speaks Spanish. He said something that really blew my mind. It made me stop and think about how much I let perfectionism strangle my creativity.Maybe the reason I feel bad sometimes is because I want my art to be perfect. And that constant need for perfection kills the joy of creating. Deep down, I think I’ve been chasing validation. If people recognize my art as "good," then I feel good—worthy, valuable. But that mindset only leads to misery.There are times when I sit down to paint and feel overwhelmed—afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes I feel that fear just by touching my materials. And then I freeze. I stop. That’s the real failure—not the imperfect painting, but the absence of practice. And practice… practice is everything.
So I need to break this chain of validation and misery, because I truly don’t need it. I love creating. It makes me happy. People don’t need to be clapping or throwing tomatoes at my work—either way, it’s not the point. That kind of external reaction is meaningless if I already know my flaws. I have self-awareness. I have a goal. I have something I’m working toward, and that’s what matters.Be kind to yourself! That's something I always forget, I need to be kind to myself!

Clown, Clauderonette

🌿 It's Never Too Late: A Letter to Every Artist Who's Struggled / Apr 06, 25

A small piece of advice from a woman who’s walked a long road—
To every artist, young or not-so-young:Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to draw. Art was my escape, my joy, my quiet rebellion. But I was born into a family that had just climbed its way out of extreme poverty. Both of my parents worked incredibly hard to give us a better life. Because of that, they couldn’t afford to support something that didn’t guarantee a future.My mother thought drawing would never take me anywhere. My father avoided buying me art supplies altogether. It wasn’t until I turned 18 that I began buying my own pencils and colored markers.I joined a youth art group that only asked for a 10-peso donation, and even that was a stretch. I saved my few coins from school expenses just to buy a little bit of what I needed. I learned slowly. I had no tools, no mentors, no real support. Just persistence.When it came time to choose a career, I almost went behind my parents’ backs to apply to the School of Arts. But I was caught, and I gave in. I studied chemistry instead. It was hard. I cried. I felt like I was betraying myself—but I pushed through. I graduated and chose to become a forensic scientist, driven by the heartbreaking cases of missing women in my state. I wanted to be part of the system. I wanted to help.The system is a monster. I do what I can, but I know it will never be enough.Years later, I got the chance to switch shifts—and with that, I finally studied art.
It was freeing. It was painful.I faced professors who told me, bluntly, “If you were younger, single, and childless, you’d probably be a very successful artist.”It hurt. Everything in my life had worked against me—timing, circumstance, fear. And for years after graduating, I gave up again. I stopped drawing. I walked away from what I loved, convinced it was simply too late for me.But here’s the truth I wish someone had told me:It’s never too late.Find your path. Practice, even when you don’t feel like it.
I know money is necessary. I know life is demanding. But don’t ever betray who you really are.I still feel frustrated sometimes. I see old friends succeed in the arts—not because of fame or money, but because they polished their talent through consistent effort. I didn’t allow myself that space, because I was afraid:
Afraid of falling back into poverty.
Afraid I wasn’t good enough.
Afraid that my awkwardness and anxiety would hold me back.But now?
Now I walk into courtrooms.
I face monsters who kidnap, who kill.
And I’ve survived every single time.That strength? It means something.
Even in the darkest moments of depression and anxiety, I’ve kept going.So if your inner fire ever feels weak, maybe it’s because you’re not living in alignment with your soul.
Be patient with yourself. Be humble. Be generous.
Even if your journey looks different, that doesn’t mean you gave up—it means you did what you had to do.And while we’re still alive, we can still create. We can still return to what we love.Don't forget that.— From someone who walked away… and found her way back.

Anhedonia. Oil painting and acrylics (glow in the dark)

Creativity. Embroidery art.

Life. Oil painting, paper clay and gold ink.

Silence in the pond. Oil Painting

Life and some art / Apr 04, 25

I hate sandstorms. And now, in this desert, they start earlier every day. And this weekend? Rain—and maybe even snow? What?Anyway, I've been trying some new stuff, and these two WIPs are looking great, so that's what's next on my to-do list.I'm still practicing daily. Sometimes I get frustrated—there are a few things I still need to work through.

Studying and work / Apr 01, 25

THE TORSO: I draw him (one character of mine) and the fabulous Raulman teach me how to paint it, so this is his coloring technique, he is a PRO, look at that.
The portrait: Casey, honey baby uwu, by: Me.Soon, we will have an audit in the lab, and the organization conducting it is from the USA. So, I have a lot to do—they’re coming (and, you know, the Drug Enforcement Administration too), so I need to be prepared.Until that day, I wanted to create a lot of things to relax. One of my best friends, a great artist, has been teaching me about the human body—mostly masculine anatomy, since I struggle with drawing men. Now, I’m really happy because I can finally paint one of my favorite characters (from the ioverse) the way I always dreamed of. Soon, my phone will have his face (and maybe even my work computer? Haha). I'm sorry, I’m just so happy.On another note, I just got back from vacation, and one of my coworkers told me he missed me. That felt strange because I’ve always been a lonely person—I never really feel like I belong anywhere. Maybe it’s because I moved around the city so much growing up—ten different houses! I was diagnosed with depression as a child, and, well… you know, I tried to leave this world. Loneliness has always been my burden, and today made me more self-aware of that.My fears always chase me. Life is short, and all my old online friends are gone now. One of them used to send me dolphin pictures because I was a huge fan of Iruka (from Naruto). She passed away a few years ago. I miss her. Suicide and illness have taken so many of my friends. I tried to do something, but life is just like that… so, self-awareness and resilience, I guess.

Freebie finished / Mar 30, 25

Now, just two more and I’ll finish the list. I practice every day, so I need more things to do for the next step.

Clauderonette / Mar 28, 25

This was very fun to paint! The fast painting video is on TikTok.

Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón / Mar 27, 25

¿Quién dijo que todo está perdido?
Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
Tanta sangre que se llevó el río
Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
No será tan fácil, ya sé que pasa
No será tan simple como pensaba
Como abrir el pecho y sacar el alma
Una cuchillada del amor
Luna de los pobres siempre abierta
Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
Como un documento inalterable
Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
Y uniré las puntas de un mismo lazo
Y me iré tranquilo, me iré despacio
Y te daré todo y me darás algo
Algo que me alivie un poco más
Cuando no haya nadie cerca o lejos
Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
Cuando los satélites no alcancen
Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
Y hablo de países y de esperanzas
Hablo por la vida, hablo por la nada
Hablo de cambiar esta, nuestra casa
De cambiarla, por cambiar nomás
¿Quién dijo que todo está perdido?
Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazónSongwriter: Rodolfo Paez

Still fighting / Mar 25, 25

Practicing more—illustrations, inking, etc.—and trying new apps and software recommended by fellow comic creators. Today, I started another fan art piece that I’m not sure if I’ll share, but I want to finish it as a background for my phone. Here it is:

Therapy Group / Mar 19, 25

I was participating in a Discord group called "Nerds of My Age" (that's the name in Spanish, lol — the word is friki or freak). They asked me to be one of the judges in the minecraft contest too, and I was surprised — I felt recognized and happy. Some people from the group came together to draw and write about a book we read, which helps us be kind to ourselves. Kind people, I like them. This is what I feel about it:

Project / Mar-18-25

I need to fix some scripts and I feel lost about the comic creation, I feel the fear.

Previews and objectives/ Mar-17-25

I need to focus in what I want, and why I'm doing this. I'll find out.

Doubts/ Mar-17-25

Sometimes I doubt my path as an artist, and then sadness hits my brain — those intrusive thoughts. But I just pick up a pencil and draw again. 'Never stop,' says that small voice in the background — my own voice. Everything will be fine. I do this because it makes me happy; this is what I want to do

Freebies! / Mar-03-25

Practice, practice, practice.
So I made some freebies, OC of other people. I want to create good OC like them, but I'm lazy u.u

Studies / Feb-28-25

Practice, practice, practice.
I found some tutorials in pinterest.

Memory: Starry Night for a friend. / Feb-27-25

A friend gave me an old suit and wanted a painting of The Starry Night on it, so I painted it with acrylics.The entire jacket looks like a Van Gogh painting. I really enjoyed that project during the pandemic era—it helped me recover from a lot of bad things.And the painting even has some glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint!