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Description
Cloud Strife has to be one of the most compelling protagonists of any video game I've played. We're introduced to a cold, aloof man who cares about nothing... at least that's how he wants everyone to see him. In reality, we find further into the story that he isn't a stone-cold badass, he isn't a stoic, invincible warrior; Cloud is just a sad, damaged man lying to everyone and himself, pretending to be somebody else to cope with the loss of people he loved and the horrors he's experienced, emotionally and psychologically stunted by tragedy.

I wanted to draw him in a state that reflects this. He is naked not for titulation, but to show he is vulnerable. His muscles and his massive sword help him survive, but in the end they can do nothing to save him from his pain. The only light in his solitude are his Mako-infused eyes, glowing but ultimately worthless when his mind is shrouded in darkness. He is alone. Fortunately for him, he has friends to help him, and later in the story he shows his true personality, no longer feeling he needs to put on a mask.

Many people who are hurting, especially men, tend to put up a front of toughness, aggression, and confidence to mask their pain from others, even their loved ones. They don' t want to be vulnerable. But how long can a person like this last if they spend their life afraid to show how they truly feel to someone?

My message to you, if you're reading this far and not rolling your eyes at possibly perceived melodrama, is that it's okay to be vulnerable. Nobody should be scared to talk to their loved ones about their sadness. If they truly love you, you will not be a burden to them.

Description
Cloud Strife has to be one of the most compelling protagonists of any video game I've played. We're introduced to a cold, aloof man who cares about nothing... at least that's how he wants everyone to see him. In reality, we find further into the story that he isn't a stone-cold badass, he isn't a stoic, invincible warrior; Cloud is just a sad, damaged man lying to everyone and himself, pretending to be somebody else to cope with the loss of people he loved and the horrors he's experienced, emotionally and psychologically stunted by tragedy.

I wanted to draw him in a state that reflects this. He is naked not for titulation, but to show he is vulnerable. His muscles and his massive sword help him survive, but in the end they can do nothing to save him from his pain. The only light in his solitude are his Mako-infused eyes, glowing but ultimately worthless when his mind is shrouded in darkness. He is alone. Fortunately for him, he has friends to help him, and later in the story he shows his true personality, no longer feeling he needs to put on a mask.

Many people who are hurting, especially men, tend to put up a front of toughness, aggression, and confidence to mask their pain from others, even their loved ones. They don' t want to be vulnerable. But how long can a person like this last if they spend their life afraid to show how they truly feel to someone?

My message to you, if you're reading this far and not rolling your eyes at possibly perceived melodrama, is that it's okay to be vulnerable. Nobody should be scared to talk to their loved ones about their sadness. If they truly love you, you will not be a burden to them.