Who is Gimmickry?

An adult-something Finnish gal whose interests and hobbies wax and wane like the moon and multiply in number like flowers in a daisy chain. For example:

I retain a vague memory of my first encounter with Pokémon. That memory is of the cartoon [or "anime" as I would later learn to call it]. It was the third episode, I believe: the one where Ash catches Caterpie. At the tender age I was at the time, I was more or less hooked from the start. I recall gazing at my cousins’ Yellow cartridge with envy – not really because I didn't have the game nor the console to play it on, but because I realized I was simply too young to truly appreciate the game. After all, little ol’ me knew a grand total of two words of English at the time, which would not have been enough to enjoy the experience. So, a Pikachu plushie [one that I still have] had to do for the time being.

…or so I thought. Come Christmas sometime later – how much later I cannot say for sure – my parents gifted me a Silver cartridge and a GBA. My English vocabulary was still stuck at the pitiful count of two [that of YES and NO] but I persevered. However, although I loved the game, I eventually grew frustrated with my lack of language skills. So, I asked my parents for another game: a game designed specifically for learning English.

…which brings me to another interest of mine, and eventual profession, believe it or not: linguistics. In fact, many of my interests can be linked back to Pokémon in some shape or form. After all, thanks to Pokémon, I discovered the Japanese language and pop culture [e.g. anime and manga]. The former fueled my budding puppy love for languages, and the latter helped me find new interests [e.g. vocal synths, or more Japanese games and series]. My love for languages made me want to try writing, and my love for anime and manga made me want to try drawing.

A daisy chain indeed.

Here's a list of my hobbies and interests that I shall append and add to as I see fit:

Pokémon

I play generations one through seven. I retired to Alola because it is where I can have all my Pokémon together in one region. [I'm first and foremost a collector and a breeder. I also dabble in RNG manipulation from time to time.] My favorite species is Eevee, so I guess I'm a literal “normie.” ...Actually, I think my favorite type may be Electric. Fast special attackers with minimal weaknesses? Yes, please! My favorite games are HGSS and BW/BW2. As for ships, I'm quite fond of Ash/Misty, Red/Misty etc. [Yes, I'm a shipper!]

Sonic

I bought Sonic Adventure [SADX GC] from a friend and played it a lot when I was a kid. But it wasn't until years later that I got my hands on SA2 – and I'm glad I did! I like these two games a lot [SA1 even more so when it comes to gameplay]. As for my favorite characters, I really like Tikal and Maria – too bad they're both DEAD D:< – and Tails! When it comes to relationships, I like to explore the bond between Maria and Shadow, as well as Tails and Sonic.

Yu-Gi-Oh!

Yuugi is my forever blorbo I-I mean I really like the Yu-Gi-Oh! DM Manga and Season Zero! Recently, I've also dabbled in the card game through Master Duel…Alright, I love Yuugi. I love him to itty-bitty bits. He's so cute and cool and kind and squishable and and and…! Oh, I also ship him with almost anyone. My favorite partner for him is Atem, though. Tee-hee~

Vocal synths

My first encounter with Vocaloid was no doubt identical to many others'. Yes, it was World is Mine. [My favorite classic is Meltdown, however!] Nowadays, I have my own private UTAU Irina, who can sing in both Japanese and Finnish. Vocal synths are the reason I started to compose my own songs, too. I started making music on LMMS Studio and recently got FL Studio. In addition to UTAU, I have also purchased some commercial vocal synths: SOLARIA, ASTERIAN, Mai and Yuma!

Art

I do almost exclusively digital art. Nowadays my style is to paint more than it is to draw…because I do not like making lineart [which is most likely also why I veer away from traditional drawing]. Recently I've picked up pixel art, however! I've used many art programs in the past, but today my main tool of choice is Krita. I started out with a Wacom Intuos3 A4 and updated it into a Cintiq 21UX [2nd gen] in 2021.

Storytelling

I’m a shipper, and I write fanfiction. Enough said, yes?