People are STILL asking this stuff-- PLEASE CHECK HERE before asking me.  Some of the questions/answers are redundant, but, its a copy/paste job of all the questions I've answered so far-- In one giant blog entry.

1) Thank you every who's sent me an e-mail or comment. I can't express my gratitude enough. I want to also apologize for my lack of replying, and, hopefully, this entry  will answer a few questions as well.

2) I want to state that I am not online 24/7, so, if I do not reply, it is not because I am ignoring you, its because I'm not online/busy with homework/socializing with friends or family. I also have a large backlog of e-mails to reply to. I'll do my best to get in contact with you if you have a serious question that needs answering. Otherwise, I hate to say it, please don't be insulted if I do not reply back. I'm sorry! I cherish every e-mail and comment, honestly. Thank you.

3) There've been a lot of questions on the subject of how to make comics/manga, also. I'll do my best to complete more articles on *my* process, but, there are a lot of other great resources online as well. I'll upload a list of links later on when I have more time.

4) Please, do not e-mail/comment to me about issues with the site or uploading your manga. Its a trial and error process for us all. I'm not a Tokyopop administrator/manager/answergod. I'm sorry. The best thing to do is write an inquiry in the forum (in the site problem section) and patiently wait for help. I do wish the best to you!

5) Skin Deep Chapter 2 is on hold right now as I prepare for RSOM 7. Yeah, you can beat me up for it, but, I'd like to try RSOM at least once.

6) If your really curious about what I'm up to, try my art LJ. The link can be found on my profile page or you can c/p this address:  http://fullmetalomi.livejournal.com/profile
I'm more likely to update there than this blog.

7) To those who wish to collaborate on a project: Thank you, but, as mentioned, I honestly have too little time right now and my own projects I'm interested in persuing. There's an artist out there waiting for you, I'm sure. : D

8) How'd I get the idea for Skin Deep? I don't even remember. Its been, at minimum, 2 years since it was conceived. I think I was messing around and coloring pictures and adding random scars to characters when a thought struck me?

9) Do you work for TokyoPop? Are you being published by TokyoPop?
No and no.

10) Are you asian?
No. I'm quite Caucasian and blonde.

11) Are you a boy or a girl?
A girl. Definately a girl.

12) How long did it take you to make the first chapter of Skin Deep?
As mentioned in the first paragraph of this entry, the artwork constantly changes. This is because I originally began the first few pages of Skin Deep back in May of 2005. The last few pages were finished sometime last Fall 2006. So, in conclusion, Chapter One of Skin Deep is crappyold.

12) What supplies do you use?
I'm completely digital. I use a Wacom Graphire4 to sketch whatever I'm doing. For my comic pages and most of my stand alone linearts and  illustrations, I use Deleter ComicWorks  (and more recently, Manga Studio). For color, I mostly use Corel Painter or SAI Paint Tool. Secondly, Photoshop.  I do not use paper/pencil whatsoever in my uploaded artwork. (except when I'm bored at school)

13) Do you get paid/have a contract/etc with TP?
  Haha, no. : (   I've never earned/recieved/been thrown a penny for anything to do with Skin Deep (even though I've had donations open -cry-).  I'm also not under contract by TP or any other publishing company. Basically, I make it in my spare time between college, taking art commissions,  and a meager social life. Which, is why I don't have more than one chapter done.  My inner child weeps.

I do have to mention that all the comments are very encouraging though. <3 Almost as good as money!

14) When's the next chapter going to be done?
Uh... who knows. I've completed about 5 pages into the new chapter, sooooo, whenever I feel like writing/churning out 20 or so more pages.  As the previous question mentioned, I don't get paid to make any of it, so, I have very little incentive to work on it diligently.

15) Duuuude, I wanna draw manga-type comics! Can you give me a few tips?
There's absolutely no easy solution to wanting to draw a comic. What I suggest is: look at the comics you enjoy most and analyze what makes them enjoyable.  Is it the art? Is it the plot? Is it the characters? Etc.  If its drawing that's the main issue, just keep practicing. Practice = More Perfect.  Of course, there's other stuff to take into account, but, this is the short answer.

16)  What's gonna happen next chapter/in the future of Skin Deep?!
If I told you, it wouldn't nearly be as entertaining, would it? Crazy stuff and jokes will happen, hopefully.