Welp, this is embarrassing.

Still can't shill my Patreon, so it's gonna be a couple more days. Always assumed that since it's exactly the same account that was approved, it would be fine, but guess not. Kind of understandable, but it’d be nice if they let you submit the page for review first, and then publish it manually, instead of having it go live automatically without me clicking anything, like Steam.

Speaking of Steam! I updated the pictures since it's been a while now. Here's a link to the game page if you'd like to add it to your wishlist: STEAM LOVE INN PAGE

So! I'll be focusing for the coming weeks mostly on characters: portraits + general dialogue + overworld sprites. Some parts are  a bit boring (worst part of having ~70 pixel tall characters, the motherfucking walking animations), but I have to get to it one way or another. I kept advancing on other areas of the game, but the time is now. Funnily enough, that's the part I also procrastinated the most on the old version, much more interesting to make pixels have sex. 
I focused this time mainly on Sayaka and Aya.

Now when characters reach you if they are looking for you, can open dialogue up. For now I have some placeholder text, about them wanting to grab some coffee with you.

Also decided to increased the size / amounts of pixels to better reflect the PC98 era. Pixel density is tricky and I've been debating myself since starting pixel art on portraits, but really it's much better now.
Pros on having more pixels is, it allows for more detail. Con, it takes slightly longer. That along with having a bitttt more cartoony style, better fits the vibe of the old version. So I think it's a good mix at the moment.

Old (left) vs New (Right)

Other characters to follow. I was kind of quick with the old ones (I spend ~40% more time on the new ones), but I prefer to spend a bit more time on them if it means better quality.

As for IRL stuff: my mother used to paint a lot when she was younger (she worked for many years in a studio/factory painting ceramics), and now that she has more time, she's returned to painting classes, and draws daily. I saw her having fun with it, so I wanted to try drawing something quick on paper. It ended up being like 40 minutes? But honestly felt really good, more constraints than digital, but I feel like practice is paying off. I really want to try charcoal!

I'll post a quick update when Patreon emails me.  Thanks for reading, as always!