Lately it has been pretty hard to escape the Hetalia craze for Deviants around the circle Earth. Anybody who actively browses artwork will have most likely come across a tribute to the manga-turned-anime series and it’s characters at some point during the last few weeks. Not wanting to feel left out, I decided to watch the series online to see what all the fuss was about. 31 five minutes instalments later I find myself strangely and inexplicably hooked. I had to ask myself why and how I enjoy these pockets of plotless insanity, and the answer came down to something I have always loved and laughed at…


I think they are great - which is why I found it so surprising that a few APH related artworks were sparking heated debates and arguments concerning national identity. These stereotypes are meant to be fun, and as sweeping generalisations by nature, they are more often than not grown from seeds of truth. Sometimes it’s good to be able to laugh at yourself.

For example, I am English. I am eating a scone and drinking tea while I write this, today I am having a Sunday roast and yesterday I played tennis (poorly) in the rain.
I actually think that being seen as an eccentric tea drinking, cynical, dragon slaying, sarcastic, ex-pirate turned gentleman isn’t so bad...
…but don’t believe what you hear about our cooking! I’m a brilliant cook I tell you! And forget fish and chips, it’s a good Sunday dinner and full English breakfast you want with a nice piece of Victoria sponge. Lavlee.


Do you enjoy national stereotypes? How accurate is yours and how well do you fit into it? Tell me where you come from and how truthful Hetalia is to you and your nation’s quirks by dropping me a comment below. You can also take part in my poll and let me know who your favourite character is.

Cheerio for now


Other Journals:
The Problem With B00BIES

Bad news. Very Bad news. My camera won't work.
Everything seems to be in order, besides the fact that it just plain refuses to take a picture. If anyone knows what the problem may be please let me know; it's a Canon 350D, I can switch it on just fine, and every function works...except for when I press the button to take the picture, nothing happens.
It is a worrying mystery indeed


...With the *hopefully* temporary loss of my camera, I have been turning my attention to other things I have been meaning to do. One is learning how to juggle! My fiance is an AMAZING juggler, and we both love all things Circus and try to see Cirque Du Soleil as often as our wallets allow it, so I'm really enjoying the challenge!


For all you other deviants interested in juggling I suggest these videos:
[link] - The ONLY video that makes learning 3 balls EASY AS BLUBERRY PIE!
[link] - OLGA KAY, an amazing and hilarious female juggler who keeps us constantly entertained

I'm also looking into buying a decent video camera to not only document my juggling progress but also to start posting regular videos on You Tube which is an idea I have been wrestling with for a while until now
...and finally...I WANT AN ACCORDION. So badly. So it's penny saving time for me!

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NOTE: I WILL BE MOVING THIS TO A NEWS ARTICLE AS SOON AS MY LAPTOP WILL LET ME.
ALSO NOTE: THAT ALL FEATURED WORKS WILL BE COLLECTED IN MY FEATURES' FAV GALLERY
For as long as I am active on this site, I will try to post work that I have found exceptionally skillful or inspiring within the depths of DA:






Know of any little known works or artists that you think deserve recognition? Please note me with any suggestions for future features!

As some of you will know, these last few months of my life have been dedicated to finding the perfect degree & university, as well as creating a portfolio good enough to get me there. I decided to study Commercial Photography at Derby University and I am thrilled to say that after a successful interview I was given an unconditional offer! This means that I have a guaranteed place on the course and, as soon as I get my confirmation letter, a guaranteed place in Halls. The interview was a small group portfolio talk followed by a one to one with the head of the course, and the whole process was a lot more relaxed than I was anticipating.

I am so relieved and feel like I can finally relax; I'm more than ready for a fresh start and a shot at something new and terrifying and I can't wait until September when I pack my things for my little room and nervously meet all the new faces! Luckily the drive back home will be a mere 40 minutes, so I will still be able to see plenty of my family and friends during the week which is a comforting thought.

The limbo between now and then will mostly be spent on doing some arty catch-up after neglecting my sketchbooks for so long, more photography & music theory exams. I might have to take some much needed trips back to the gym too...



I see a lot of amazing work of all varieties on DA that no one else ever will. This is because there are too many talented unknown artists lurking in the shadows of the DA that are not getting the recognition they deserve because they are simply not popular enough. Although I am also one of the thousands of unknowns, I feel that I should still do the best I can in bringing these unsung masterpieces to light. I have decided that in the very near future I will compile a monthly feature of deviations & deviants in an attempt to spread the love. Look out for this feature soon & be sure to suggest any pieces or people that should shouted about