overdrivezero In reply to hrwilliams [2014-11-06 06:46:36 +0000 UTC]

Hello there!!!! Its been a long time!
How are you? Any good news? Drawing a lot lately?

Yeah, still in Brazil, unfortunately. Not that I don't have a choice. Since I have Portuguese citizenship, I am free to live legally anywhere in Europe. As I already did in the past (8 months in London).
But I am enjoying the good points in having family and other amenities in a country you know and were born. I now have a small business I'm trying to make money from it. 
Besides, I am not really found of some European ways. 

But I did have some chances to visit the US. Actually 3 times. One big trip across San Francisco-LA-Vegas-Grand Canyon plus a few days in Orlando, FL back in 2011, the second between Portland-Seattle-Vancouver in 2013 and I just came back two days ago from the third one, which was a few days in Miami, then Washington-Philly-NY-Boston. Excellent trips I might say. Makes me think seriously about finding a way to legally immigrate to US. I just don't know how yet. Probably I will try to open a business there by expanding the operation I have here. I was thinking about pursuing a PhD, but I would take me another 4 years of study for something I don't really have interest on it. I don't want to waste time on academic studies for a opportunity to live in another country, even though I really like it. Therefore I am focusing on raising enough money, or to become able to finance my own initiative there. Since I already worked as an unskilled immigrant in the UK (before I finished my college degree), I know the struggle that is to support yourself just with good attitude and the energy of youth. With age comes some sense of value to comfort and you become too spoiled to accept any condition for the sake of change or adventure. And to immigrate illegally would be to betray the very same things I enjoy there, such as the strong ethics, respect for the law and high civilized standards. 

I think I exaggerated my explanation, but yeah... that's it.  

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hrwilliams In reply to overdrivezero [2014-11-09 22:14:36 +0000 UTC]

Wow, you are well-traveled! I'm jealous. There are still a lot of places I'd love to see! When you were supporting yourself with "a good attitude and the energy of youth," where were you working? Food service?

In answer to your question, I have been working on my art and improving a bit, but I'm always looking for suggestions, advice, and insight.

Ah, I would love to visit London and talk about English dialects with someone someday. My only fear is that people much more knowledgeable than me will feel they have to vent their feelings about American politics on me. Bah! Politics are bull.

"Strong ethics, respect for the law and high civilized standards" aren't really how I would describe my culture, but I suppose these things can be relative. I do understand and respect the need for borders and legal immigration, but there are definitely a lot of people out there who I would sneak into the country if I could.

If you visit the States again and need a place to crash, let me know! I currently live in Indiana, but will possibly be moving to North Dakota in a few months.

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overdrivezero In reply to hrwilliams [2014-11-13 16:07:01 +0000 UTC]

Hi there!
Travelling is awesome! The only bad part is coming back home and facing the dreadful $5K credit card bill. This is not so funny. Believe me.
But, as a travelling junky I am always looking for the next adventure!

In London I worked in several different places, and in different positions. I worked on a PUB (urgh!), on a money transfer agency (funny and easy, but terrible to learn English) and as a door keeper (best job! Easy, and excellent money just to stay there and study your English).

Your artwork has improved a lot! Specially your drawing skills. If I were you I would focus my attention on studying color. Your skin colors are sometimes a little bit muddy and too much to green and yellow ochre hues. But your progress is really beautiful to see. Just try to reproduce some drawings from other artists that are better in color than you, and try to bring this knowledge to your own work. You will improve hastily! You are a fast learner.

London is an amazing city! I just  loved it! I lived there for 8 months and I loved everything there! People complain about the weather, but I loved it! Here in Brazil its always 100 F!!! Always humid, always hot, always sweaty!! I just hate it!
Indeed you will find several annoying socialist brits  being very pesky about politics. Just ignore them. They are usually young and stupid. Just send they to talk to eastern europeans for a crash course on the realities of the marxist experience. Its usually insightful! You should try sometimes. Talk to exiled Iraqis. They used to tell me that Bush was their best president ever! Interesting, isn't it?

By the other hand, the old folks are amazingly friendly and intelligent. Their posh accent are so charming! Try to visit small towns. People are so friendly you won't believe it!
But politics will not be a problem there. People are usually very respectful in Britain. 

You americans usually have a very wrong idea about people around the world. I am a third world foreigner, and as such, I'm not so strongly restrained by the divine laws of political correctness as you guys are. Therefore I am not that shy to say that you Americans and Britains, are, in general, the most respectful, polite and honest folks I have ever encountered in my travels.
This of course, as a group.  You find special individuals on the most odd places and occasions.
To make my point clear, any form of racism is stupid, but in my opinion, some groups have a better culture than others, and usually groups are linked by race for geographic reasons. Don't blame race, or skin color or country of origin. Blame the local cultures with their drawbacks. 

I do agree you guys have an awful immigration policy. Illegals have lots of protection while they are illegals and not adjusted to the society. But if you are trying to immigrate legally there are not clear rules, no way to find legal jobs and to buy legal properties.  You have to explore breaches on the legal system. You cannot predict anything, and unless you have 1 million dollars, a PhD or you managed somehow to seduce some native female with cold heart and all the second intentions to use her, there ain't pretty much no clear path to go. Sad...

Thank you very much!!!! You are very kind! North Dakota is probably a wonderful place! Beautiful nature over there. You are a lucky one.

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hrwilliams In reply to overdrivezero [2014-11-14 01:12:42 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for the art advice!! (And the compliment!) A few of my characters actually have green blood, so their skin is supposed to look sickly. But I could definitely stand to study color more -- and a million other things! Would you recommend any specific artists?

In what way do Americans usually have the wrong idea about people around the world? This does not surprise me, but I hope I haven't fallen into that habit! It's just so hard to come into contact with non-Americans when you're stuck smack dab in the middle of the States. Internet is helping!

On immigration: Do you consider the fact that illegals have protection a drawback? I do think it's good that you get due process before you're kicked out. This last year we had THOUSANDS of Mexican teens and preteens crossing into the country, being caught, and being ROUNDED UP INTO WAREHOUSES. The government was begging locals to host these kids, and offering thousands of dollars, but no one was interested. I was heartbroken, but stuck in Indiana where I couldn't help them.

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overdrivezero In reply to hrwilliams [2014-11-18 17:57:56 +0000 UTC]

Sure!!! 
Here some artists: 

jharren.deviantart.com/art/Haw…
nicolasaviori.deviantart.com/a…
einlee.deviantart.com/art/Naut…
thechamba.deviantart.com/art/C…

Some more colorful, others a little less. But always good. Take a look. 

Americans (and some europeans) have several misconceptions about things from around the world. 
Americans usually see third world countries as way too poor. Ok, some are, but some are not. Its always funny when I go to america and people see me with Iphone 5, High end laptop and other somewhat expensive stuff. People expect to see guys from the third world struggling hard to gain the minimum. That wouldn't be a problem if that didn't lead this to a more gratuitous pity and moral relativism. 
Usually poor countries dig their own poverty. The amount of money you guys send to Africa every year would be more than enough to fix all hunger problems over there. If there wasn't local overlords and culturally weird societies that keep the status quo.
Some places will always have corruption, brutality and poverty. Its their cultural default. There will never be a true democracy in the muslim countries. Their culture respect strength.  If you are strong enough to keep the power, God is in your side. Usually americans think that other people in the world are like struggling americans. No, they are not... 
Even in Brazil. We are making a good money. We pay at least twice, or even trice the price you guys pay there for everything. A Honda Civic here would cost more than $40k dollars. A mustang more than $110k! An Iphone 6 here costs more than U$1500! A small apartment on the big cities can cost more than U$400.000! And people still buy it!!?!?

The government here taxes everything brutally! People here pay more than 60% in taxes in everything. And half your true wage goes to the government. And still people manage to buy expensive stuff. But the funny thing is, instead of turning against the government, people only vote in candidates that promises to expand the government even more, and everyone wants to work on the public sector to enjoy the easy life. 
The rousseauian noble savage concept is completely wrong.

I do thing your protection against illegal aliens a drawback. 
You are promoting unlawful behavior. Its like petting your dog every time it bites someone. Why don't creating some flexible and predictable criteria to allow legal immigration? By not doing that your create a net of protection for everybody, including criminals and lazy folks that want to live under social programs. Usually the good immigrants, law abiding folks, don't want to go illegally. 
I can't say immigrating illegally didn't cross my mind. But only because I know that illegals have protection. And because legal immigration is very unlikely.  
Those kids... very sad story. Their parents were sending then like cattle, just to apply later to family reunification programs in order to get green cards. That is despicable. Can you imagine sending your young children to live on those conditions just to get you an opportunity to live in a different place?!?! This is cruel. 
It is this kind of immigrant you are attracting.  

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hrwilliams In reply to overdrivezero [2014-11-28 00:54:32 +0000 UTC]

I feel the heart of liberalism is idealism, and the heart of conservatism is realism. I'm a realist.

You're right, amnesty for illegals does attract a lot of the wrong people. There is actually a section of Arizona that's controlled by Mexican drug lords! Why are we tolerating that?!

You're also right that some bad parents are having children in the States, then surrendering them to Child Protective Services when they get deported, or sending their children over alone. Some gangs are also responsible for a lot of the illegal children wandering the country. I still consider that child abuse, though, and those children are worth something, you know? Whether they're citizens or not -- they're worth something.

Look at what is happening in Mexico right now. I would flee the country, too. I would do anything I could to get my kids out of the country. I suppose that sounds more bleeding-heart liberal, but hear me out: I think it's unrealistic that we will ever "get rid" of these people. Even if such a thing were the moral thing to do -- we simply aren't going to deport all the illegals. They are here, and they are a drain on the state. I simply think it would be more practical to count and tax them.

I do understand your arguments, though.

Would you say that countries like Brazil are very concerned with socialism, then? That has been the trend a lot up here, as well. That is, it's what a lot of the young idealists think is a solution for poverty. Which of course means higher taxes. Taxes just about destroyed me in 2014!

$400 is a pretty good price for an apartment, though! In the U.S., you're lucky to get a one-room flat at that price. Or did you mean to type $4,000?

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overdrivezero In reply to hrwilliams [2014-11-28 12:38:54 +0000 UTC]

Sorry about that 400.000 issue.
Here in Brazil we use "."as you guys use ",". This usually leads to lots of confusion. We would type 4.000,00, instead of 4,000.00. You see?
I was saying that it would cost around U$400,000.00 dollars for a small apartment in the city here. Very expensive. Even for american standards. There is a funny website here called "Is there something wrong or are we rich", which they compare prices of awful Brazilian houses with incredible houses in other places, such as in America and Europe. 
www.estamosricos.com.br/2014/0…
Quite funny actually.

Yeah! I don't understand why you keep tolerating this kind of violence there. You live in a incredibly safe country. You guys should keep that way. Crime is never an alternative to poverty as liberals says. Crime is an opportunity that degenerate people see when there is no punishment or painful consequences. Even really poor and uneducated societies have low crime rate when the police and justice do their jobs. Simple as that! 
Of course, there are other factors, such as the decay of morality, family and religious values. A society without moral constrains is sick society, where youngsters are more likely to pursuit the "easy life", specially without proper punishment.
Call me conservative, traditionalist or any other supposedly derogatory title. I take it as a compliment. I am a very pragmatic person, and I respond only to facts. 

Mexico has to deal with their own decision, such as the whole Latin America. After having US as a role model, most countries down here decided to follow a path of corruption and indolence. I am not being racist here. Again, there is no race issues involved. On several of these countries there are Europeans, Indians and Black people, just as America. I fight this "Latin" people concept. There is no "Latin" people. It is the same as saying that there is Europeans, including Spanish, Germans and Russians, or Asians, including Japanese, Chinese and Polynesians. I was born in Brazil, but I don't wear the Latin stereotype. I speak a language that comes from Latin, Portuguese, but I don't speak, nor understand Spanish. I don't like guacamole, salsa or tequila, neither anyone in Brazil. Well, I like tequila, but it is a foreign drink, such it is sake for Americans. hehe

The only common point I see in South America is the passion for poverty. People are so attached to the victim complex they can't be rich. I don't understand why. Neither Simon Bolivar, one of the most important figures in south America. He fought for the independence of several countries in Central and South America from Spain. He was following America role model (not some silly socialist bullshit as Hugo Chavez said). After succeeding and seeing that the independent countries were becoming even poorer than they were back the time they were colonies, Bolivar asked to himself: "Why?!" He couldn't figure it why. We still don't understand.

(No Bolivar, nor other freedom fighter in Brazil. We had the king of Portugal deciding to become Emperor of Brazil. We had a short lived monarchy, and later a bloodless, natural independence with no fight whatsoever).

America doesn't need immigrants. But again your generosity is an interesting thing to see. There is no country in the world that are so open for letting people in than America. You are just repelling the good immigrants. But it is beautiful to see the risks and the costs you guys accept in order to help people around the world. You guys see as natural, and you guys even let others see as natural. So much that people complain when it is not treated as natural, which is a complete nonsense!!!! 

Brazil and several south american countries are overwhelmed by socialist mentality. The leftists overtook Brazilian educational system and the media in order to put in motion the implementation of a Gramscian plan to re-write history and facts upholding a Marxist agenda. Everybody here was brainwashed to believe in absurdities in order to allow government control from Socialists. What guys like Glen Beck and Michael Savage say it will happen in America, long ago is well established here. It is funny when I see Americans saying that they are crazy fundamentalists, when everything I see here is exactly what they say America will become. We are just a little further ahead of you guys. Mostly for having a more fragile institutions to fight for more traditional values. The funny thing is that I can say that without sounding like a right wing radical, since I am not an American and nor a republican and I have seen all those things actually happening in my country. No American can say that. Yet.

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hrwilliams In reply to overdrivezero [2014-12-06 03:28:19 +0000 UTC]

I really should have figured out the "400.000"/"400,000" thing. Spanish is similar! Oh, I'm forgetting everything I learned.

Ah, I love your insight! Thank you for typing all that out for me. And putting up with my opinions!
When you say that there is a strong Marxist agenda in your country, do you really mean actual Marxism? Is there a push for Communism in Brazil?? That's a terrifying thought!

Christianity succeeds where Communism fails: If I'm ever rich, I don't want to live like I am. I want my children to know what it's like to work for something. I want them to have compassion for others. I want to be able to give. The government cannot force or legislate generosity without legalizing theft. But the love of God makes me give with a glad heart, and that's all His doing. Currently I don't have much, but it gives me the strangest joy to share it. And that isn't because I'm special, it's because He's special, and He's given more for me than I could give in fifty lifetimes.

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overdrivezero In reply to overdrivezero [2014-11-20 00:26:11 +0000 UTC]

Damn it! I didn't read my own words here.
Several grammar errors and messy sentences.
I apologize for that. I hope you can still understand the core of the message. Next time I will deliver a more polished answer. I promise!  

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overdrivezero In reply to Tiimmeey [2013-05-17 20:12:49 +0000 UTC]

Well, I am doing some sort of Northern Shaman/druid woman.
It is not exactly what you are looking for, but maybe you will like it. I will probably finished in a week or two.

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Tiimmeey In reply to overdrivezero [2013-05-19 14:43:35 +0000 UTC]

Haha ye, hopefully it'll land in my taste, afterall it's the style in your drawings I like, as an artist, you got any recommendations for equal-styled artists?

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overdrivezero In reply to rodg-art [2012-05-22 15:34:31 +0000 UTC]

Opa! Fala!
Que bom que gostou! Obrigado pela visita.
Grande abraço.

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overdrivezero In reply to Fgore [2012-05-22 15:37:22 +0000 UTC]

Fala! Valew ai pelo elogio.
Tua galeria também é muito maneira. Vou ficar de olho tambem
Abraço.

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Fgore In reply to overdrivezero [2012-05-22 20:42:44 +0000 UTC]

Muito obrigado Fred! Preciso treinar com mais frequência, estou muito enferrujado, parabéns pela DD!

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overdrivezero In reply to Pintopix [2012-05-22 15:33:37 +0000 UTC]

Fala!!!
Eu morei um ano em Londres, mas estou no Rio de Janeiro.
Valew pelo comentario e pelo elogio.
Também curti teus trabalhos!
Grande abraço!

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overdrivezero In reply to qione [2012-05-02 03:09:17 +0000 UTC]

You're very much welcome brother.
But don't be so humble. Your artwork is far better than the average guy. Specially for your cool style and boldness with colors. I don't think I have any advantage over your work man. Great gallery.
Cheers mate!

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qione In reply to overdrivezero [2012-05-06 10:22:45 +0000 UTC]

wow! thank you soo much for the kind words really made my day

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overdrivezero In reply to bapabst [2012-05-02 03:12:33 +0000 UTC]

Fala!!! Grande Bernardo!!!!
Como vai essa força?
Muito maneiro esse teu site. Várias referências fodásticas!
Vou mostrar pra galera lá no curso. Será muito útil. Aliás, to pra te chamar pra dar uma passada por aqui ha um bom tempo. Então reforço o convite. Aparece aqui pra gente trocar uma idéia e falar umas abobrinhas sobre desenho.
Os teus aliás estão melhorando muito. Gostei de ver a galeria!
Grande abraço.

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bapabst In reply to overdrivezero [2012-05-02 10:53:33 +0000 UTC]

fala, rapaz! maneiro vc ter gostado do site. ta me quebrando um galhao tb.

sobre o curso, o q me falta é tempo pra ir lá, pois vontade ta sobrando hahah minha rotina é job, home, daycare, ex's home, home, bed e job de novo haha todo holy dia! e qdo n to trabalhando no fds, eu to com as herdeiras la em casa.

podexá q qdo eu tiver uma fenda temporal eu marco uma visita la!

qto aos desenhos, porra... ando com uma preguiça dos devils, isso qdo to sem inspiração hahah tem sido um parto fazer algo.

forte abraço!

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overdrivezero In reply to Pscientifik [2012-05-02 03:13:38 +0000 UTC]

Hey! Whats up bro!
Sorry for the late reply. I am working hard these days. I just opened an art course. How about you man? Any news?
Cheers.

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Pscientifik In reply to overdrivezero [2012-05-02 13:43:24 +0000 UTC]

some new deviations on the page if you wanna look.

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