It has been a hot minute since I’ve made one of these. So, I’m here to wish @digthewriter all the best wishes since it’s their birthday today! And thus, we’ve got a custom nameplate and a rec list to celebrate the occasion!
Dig has been a longtime fandom friend who I met through our mutual Drarry circles. We also happen to be local, so hanging out (on and off the internet) has worked out really well! When fests were hosted on LJ back in the day, that was how I got to know other Drarry fan artists. It was really cool to see Dig’s name start popping up in some of the fests I participated in because I always love checking out other people’s artwork.
It’s no surprise that Dig’s work stands out. I have no idea how many works they’ve made over the years, but it’s super impressive! They have this crazy ability to take a prompt, run with it and turn it into a masterpiece within a blink of the eye. The fun and creative patterns Dig uses is also what makes their art unique. I’m only just learning how to use patterns in my own art, and let me just say...there’s def a strategy behind that. It’s not as easy as it looks, so I’m always in awe when Dig can just make things work.
Did you know that Dig is also a writer? Yep! I remember when I received a really awesome fic (which I’ll rec below) for H/D Erised back in 2013. That was how I found out that Dig wrote fics, and I’ve been following their art and fic creations ever since. It’s always nice to know that there are kindred folks who dabble in both, which is not common or an easy thing to do!
If Dig wasn’t already working on a gazillion projects, they’re also a fest mod for a variety of fests and communities, like Draco Tops Harry, HP Drizzle, Sirius Black Fest, Rarepair Shorts and Dove Drabbles, just to name a few (I’m sure I’m missing a lot more). Rarepair Shorts was what got me back into writing (in general and for Perciver), and that was how I got more into HP rare pairs these last few years.
I think over time, Dig and I have gotten to scream about a bunch of things, whether it’s about Drarry, Merthur, fests, adulting, wishing we had more time to do more things, Perciver and well, it’s totally their fault for getting me hooked on Herbtamer (Charlie/Neville). Honestly, I really just appreciate their enthusiasm for fandom as a whole, and how supportive they are when it comes to many and all the characters and ships that exist. They really know how to spread the love with variety.
If you want to see some of that, here are some of my favourite Dig art pieces:
🎨 >>> Gonna make coffee (Linny, G)
Summary: Luna wakes up before Ginny and puts on Ginny's shirt to go and make coffee/breakfast.
I really love the colours and patterns used in the piece. They go so well together (those warm and cool colours are complimentary on the colour wheel yo), and the perspective of looking into the room is so aesthetically pleasing to look at. I love how Ginny’s still snoozing, and Luna’s secretly gazing at her (and ieeeee! She’s got a Ginny shirt on that’s tartan!). :D
🖌️ >>> Morning in the Garden (Herbtamer, G)
Summary: Neville shares his favourite place with Charlie in the morning.
What I love about this piece is not only how soft the colours are, but how papercrafty this looks. It’s like the textures and details are popping out and the scene is moving. SO COOL...I mean, how does one even do that?!! And the endearing looks Charlie and Neville are giving each other? So cute! That’s really the cherry on top.
🖼️ >>> Body By Biryani (Drarry, G)
Summary: Harry co-owns a Biryani Stand at the Wizarding Little India Bazaar. It's Draco's favourite spot. All the aunties love to take care of Draco and want Harry to ask him out already.
Just looking at this piece makes me feel like I’m right there at the Bazaar. There’s such a sense of a welcoming environment, the food looks yummy, and the textures really bring the art to life. There are so many details to appreciate, and I really could look at this for quite some time.
And if you’d like some new reading to add to your TBR list, please go ahead and check these Dig fics out:
📘 >>> Only the Lonely (Drarry, E, 20.9k)
Summary: Lonely Draco is lonely. Everyone knows it. The thing is, the only person who doesn't see it, is Draco. Also Potter's looking mighty fit!
OKAYYYY. I know this is an older story, but pleasseee go read it ASAP. I think it’s brilliant (not just because it was gifted to me), but the first time I read it, I was so moved by how much angst and overall feelings this sprung up in Harry and Draco, but me just reacting to them. Harry and Draco come together so beautifully, and there are many little details and metaphors that prove they were meant to be. Every time I reread this fic, yasss...I always remember why I love it so much. Make sure you have tissues with you, and I promise this will be worth the read with a happy ending.
📒 >>> As if you were on fire from within (Herbtamer, T, 9.2k)
Summary: Neville finds comfort in an unlikely friendship after his boyfriend dumps him.
I’m so glad I found this gem! This fic just sums up what I think Neville and Charlies energy would be like. Charlie, being so bold and forward and Neville, being reluctant and awkward. And Gran being gran...she’s definitely a smart lady for sure, even if she might enjoy meddling a bit to make sure Neville is happy. And she’s got a good eye for good blokes (ahem Charlie ahem).
I do love how we see how Gryffindor these two idiots are, especially when they fail to use their words or make misguided assumptions. But when they finally do sort their crap out and talk to each other honestly, Neville and Charlie make an excellent pair. Their chemistry is electric.
You can find more of Dig’s work on AO3. Make sure to leave kudos and comments to show appreciation for all of their fandom contributions.
Dig, thank you for everything you’ve done over the years, and all the stuff you keep doing for us. You’ve been such a rock star celebrating so many different ships (and fandoms). I’m so glad to call you a friend who just gets what fandom and geek life is all about. Have a great day!