Thanks for the welcome @Steve-Young & @Leontine-Gaasenbeek! I also live in Vancouver @Danette-Draws, so we are neighbors! Nice to see someone else from my hometown here!

Hi there, I registered for the site about a month ago, and really enjoy reading the posts on the forums. However, I seem to have an issue with accessing them. I have to log-in once to the main SVS site using the password I set up in order to view the posts on the forums. In order to post something myself, I have to log-in a second time and it seems my only option is using my Facebook log-in. I am I the only one? Is there a way around this? I'd prefer not having to log in twice, and would rather not log in using Facebook. Thanks!

Hi Jenn, I ran into the same problem, and it was because the registration page wouldn't recognize my postal code ( I'm outside the U.S.).

The only way around this was to subscribe using PayPal - no zip code required for this option. Even if you don't have a Paypal account, it only takes a few minutes to set one up. Paypal requires a few days to verify your banking info, but while you're waiting, you're still allowed to make some purchases.

Had I known all of this it would have saved me some aggravation. Managed to subscribe just before prices went up at the beginning of August - whew!

Hopefully this info might help others! Happy to officially be here now!

Hi @Joslyn-Schmitt! nice to meet you too! Yes, I am aware that I'm very fortunate to be living in a place that is a center for animation/gaming. I have toyed with the idea of trying to pursue work in this area (it's fascinating, and the pay level is quite good), but am not confident I will ever get my skill level up to where it needs to be - also I am a middle-aged person hoping to switch careers, which is challenging ; ) But, never say never. I'm already learning a great deal watching the critiques, and am looking forward to the huge variety of classes on this site.

Thanks for the welcome @Steve-Young & @Leontine-Gaasenbeek! I also live in Vancouver @Danette-Draws, so we are neighbors! Nice to see someone else from my hometown here!

Hi there, this is a sketch I did for Illustration Friday awhile ago. The topic was "vanity". Both my octopus friend and I love tiaras. I'm actually posting this just so I can practice using the forums and make sure I know how to upload images correctly. I'm feeling a bit clumsy as these forums are just slightly different from ones I've used in the past - I still haven't figured out how to edit what I've just typed?

I love the concept of this art work! Watercolour is so beautiful, but it really is one of the most difficult mediums to use. You can get wonderful unexpected effects, but it's also almost impossible to correct mistakes. I hope you finish and post - it looks great!

Hi Everyone,

Really glad to be here! The SVS team are helping me get set up with a subscription, and in the meantime, I thought I'd drop in and introduce myself. I'm not a professional, just someone who loves to draw and do artwork. I don't know if I will ever get it together enough to work in a professional capacity, but I do love to learn. I have taken some great online courses in the past, and it's been wonderful to interact with people from around the world who share the same interests. What excites me about this site is that it seems like a semi-permanent "home-base" for people to check in and connect, rather than a temporary one you'd get from a short-term class. I'm very excited by the courses on offer, and look forward to chatting with you all. I've been cruising around the forums and admiring your work!

Thank you very much Leontine! I will give the e-mail a try and see if someone can help me. I watched the video critiques on the most recent 3rd Thursday, and learned a ton! I am eager to subscribe by the end of the month : )

Hi I'm hoping to get some technical help. I'd really like to purchase the yearly subscription, but I seem to be having some issues. I'm from outside the U.S., and don't have the required zip code. I have a Canadian postal code, which the system doesn't seem to want to recognize. Is it possible for people outside the US to register? I've been attempting to use my Visa, and the registration page keeps asking me to try again. I know there's no problem with my actual credit card, so I'm wondering if I'm out of luck?