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08-05-2012, 02:52 PM | #1 |
Ne Plus Ulta
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 4,702
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I envy of you guys. I was never much of an "arts and crafts," kind of guy while in school, so doing something as intricate as customizing something a 3.75 action figure is out of the question. However I do have some questions about this aspect of the hobby.
1)How did you get into customizing? a)Hasbro never made the figure you wanted? b)You thought you could do it better? You wanted something entirely different? c)Or were you simply bored? 2) How long so it take to do a fiugre? Or it depends on what your trying to do? 3) How long was your learning curve? 4) Are you ever truly satisified with your work? I went to a con that Herb Trimpe was at. I told him that work he did on issue 165 was hot and I really enjoyed that cover. Trimpe went on to talk about some techical artist shit about the canopy. My point is do you go back and say, I should've did "x", "y," "z" on a piece? 5) How have you evolved as a customizer? 6) What's the biggest difference between your first work and the pieces your doing now? If possible can you post pictures and explain? 7) I know it's not their job, but what could Hasbro do to facilitate this part of the hobby? 8) What's the most frustrating part about customizing? a) What's the most filling part about customizing? 9) If Hasbro came knocking would you do this for a living? 10) Who's work do you admire other than your own? a) Other than yourself, who would you recommend to do custom pieces?
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08-05-2012, 03:34 PM | #2 |
Iron Grenadier
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: glasgow
Posts: 551
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when i started out it was because a family member became ill and i needed a distraction. my first custom was a TERRIBLE deckard from blade runner, instead of being brown he was orange. i have made this figure 3 times, exactly a year apart getting better each time.
http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-jo...de-runner.html it can take a day or two to complete a figure, provided you have every single part at hand. the learning curve is difficult to say as it depends on the individual, but i would say a year for me. i would sometimes nit pick at my own customs, but the worst thing is when you just finish a figure and it either comes out or a figure with a more torso, head or arms coes out and you've just finished. i think hasbro do enough for customizers, as they have nods to they're favourite films eg poc dukes gun was a pulse rifle, tru spirit was billy from predator and poc recondo was blane from predator. best part of making a custom is seeing it finished and knowing its THE only one, its unique. people whos work i admire? gotta be cloud strife, TTT, iron will and ratfink. and if i were to recommend someone to make a custom? it would be...... 1 of the four above as its a difficult choice
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08-05-2012, 04:15 PM | #3 |
Gone Fishing
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Playing Outside In B.C. Canada
Posts: 8,615
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1)How did you get into customizing?
In high school I was into cars which lead to model cars. I did model cars for a few years then got into toy collecting and did not do models for about 10 years. Then Transformers came out with an Alternators series which the car modes were 1/24 scale, same as the model cars I used to paint. I wanted to get into painting them but never had the motivation til one fell off a shelf & broke...this was to be my first custom toy. 2) How long so it take to do a figure? Or it depends on what your trying to do? Totally depends, I have had some projects take years mainly because others pop up, some can take a week or 2. 3) How long was your learning curve? For me I was doing this every weekend for about 4 years straight so I put in a lot of time but I am still learning. 4) Are you ever truly satisfied with your work? I went to a con that Herb Trimpe was at. I told him that work he did on issue 165 was hot and I really enjoyed that cover. Trimpe went on to talk about some techical artist shit about the canopy. My point is do you go back and say, I should've did "x", "y," "z" on a piece? Older pieces, yes and no. It really depends, somethings I would never alter however somethings just look like "shortcut city" to me and would consider re-doing them altogether. 5) How have you evolved as a customizer? I've gotten to the point where nothing is off the table, models, figures, vehicles, statues/busts...And I will be getting into some dio pieces in the near future. 6) What's the biggest difference between your first work and the pieces your doing now? If possible can you post pictures and explain? Speaking strictly Joes, the biggest thing is going from adding paint apps to completely repainting entire pieces. For me now adding paint apps is not an option, the whole thing gets a black base coat to cover all factory plastic and paint before any colors are added. 7) I know it's not their job, but what could Hasbro do to facilitate this part of the hobby? Hold custom contests. 8) What's the most frustrating part about customizing? People that get into it for all the wrong reasons and want instant gratification/notoriety without putting in the time & practice it takes to pull off a decent repaint without completely relying on unpainted parts/factory paint apps. a) What's the most filling part about customizing? I get to stay home and keep out of trouble. 9) If Hasbro came knocking would you do this for a living? As much as I'd like to say yes I am going with - probably not. The restrictions you would be under would not allow you to grow as an artist. 10) Who's work do you admire other than your own? Figures: Cloud Strife, Stronox, Tankster, Wry1, ceraurus, lance858a, Bad Sociologist... Vehicles: Shipwreck, nath_1977, fireflyed, A.V.A.C., lance858a... To name a few... a) Other than yourself, who would you recommend to do custom pieces? Anyone listed above^
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08-05-2012, 04:50 PM | #4 |
cobra stonemason
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,926
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1)How did you get into customizing? Way back in the day I thought it was fun to switch parts around and repaint figs. As an adult it's even more fun 'cuz now I've learned how to do stuff. 2) How long so it take to do a figure? Or it depends on what your trying to do? Depends entirely on the piece. A simple repaint/kitbash takes a couple of hours. A piece involving more intricate 'bashes, hacking and sculpting, waterslides, and uber detailed paints can take 12+ hours easy. 3) How long was your learning curve? Always learning new techniques. That's the whole point to me, every new piece I do I always try to implement the techniques I've acquired from every piece prior. 4) Are you ever truly satisified with your work? I went to a con that Herb Trimpe was at. I told him that work he did on issue 165 was hot and I really enjoyed that cover. Trimpe went on to talk about some techical artist shit about the canopy. My point is do you go back and say, I should've did "x", "y," "z" on a piece? No, never 100% satisfied. 5) How have you evolved as a customizer? Learning how to sculpt has been the biggest game changer. The design options are unlimited when sculpting is an option. No more looking for that "perfect" part. If you don't find it, you make it. 6) What's the biggest difference between your first work and the pieces your doing now? If possible can you post pictures and explain? My first work sucked, especially the paints. Now my work sucks less. 7) I know it's not their job, but what could Hasbro do to facilitate this part of the hobby? Put product in stores, that's seriously all I ask. Finding parts on the interwebz is easy and all, but nothing beats walking into a store and checking out some figs and buying the ones you dig. 8) What's the most frustrating part about customizing? Painting, I'm colorblind. Not easy. a) What's the most filling part about customizing? Super fun creative outlet. I love discussing ideas, the research process, getting a solid plan laid out, the build/'bash/sculpting, the paints to bring it all to life, and the final pix to seal the deal. 9) If Hasbro came knocking would you do this for a living? Well yeah. 10) Who's work do you admire other than your own? Everyone who takes the time to do their thing proper, there are seriously so many talented cats out there. A complete list would probably break the interwebz. a) Other than yourself, who would you recommend for comission work? See the response above. |
08-05-2012, 05:00 PM | #5 |
EMPEROR, DARTH NAJA
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: CONNECTICUT
Posts: 2,177
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I got into customizing because everything being sold sucks!!!
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08-05-2012, 05:08 PM | #6 |
Over zealous Joe Recruit.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 4,467
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1)How did you get into customizing?
I wanted to play with the big kids! 2) How long so it take to do a fiugre? Or it depends on what your trying to do? Depends on the availability of parts. 3) How long was your learning curve? Always learning. 4) Are you ever truly satisified with your work? I went to a con that Herb Trimpe was at. I told him that work he did on issue 165 was hot and I really enjoyed that cover. Trimpe went on to talk about some techical artist shit about the canopy. My point is do you go back and say, I should've did "x", "y," "z" on a piece? All the time! I've gone back and retouch some figures too when better parts come along. 5) How have you evolved as a customizer? Selective parts choices. I now try to utilize parts that need little to no paint, as opposed to painting entire figures. 6) What's the biggest difference between your first work and the pieces your doing now? If possible can you post pictures and explain? Just answered above 7) I know it's not their job, but what could Hasbro do to facilitate this part of the hobby? Bring back back screws. 8) What's the most frustrating part about customizing? Torso cracking and trying to find the right parts. The latter could take months. a) What's the most filling part about customizing? Sharing with my buds. 9) If Hasbro came knocking would you do this for a living? HELL YEAH! 10) Who's work do you admire other than your own? Everyone!
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08-05-2012, 05:17 PM | #7 |
This is my user title.
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Manitoba Canada
Posts: 1,265
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1)How did you get into customizing?
My son developed a liking for ripping off hands, arms and heads of the Star Wars figures I bought him when he was 4-5 yrs old. I looked online for the best glue to keep the piece solid, and came across Rebel Scum and the Forgotten Force sites. I only recently started with Joes, although I haven't posted my work as of yet. But I am addicted to the hobby and my kids are getting involved as well so it's a bonus! ------------------- 2) How long so it take to do a fiugre? Or it depends on what your trying to do? I would say it depends on whats involved, if its simple boil n pop swaps and some paint, could be an hour to a few. If its more involved like sculpting or creating your own soft-goods, then it could be a few days, a week, or longer depending on the level of detail and well, how happy you are with the work during the process. ------------------------ 3) How long was your learning curve? Was? I shutter to think that besides a very select few on these sites, there would be anyone that would use past tense with the learning curve. Thats the best part about this hobby is the constant learning of new techniques and ways to have fun with what you do. ----------------------------- 4) Are you ever truly satisified with your work? I went to a con that Herb Trimpe was at. I told him that work he did on issue 165 was hot and I really enjoyed that cover. Trimpe went on to talk about some techical artist shit about the canopy. My point is do you go back and say, I should've did "x", "y," "z" on a piece? I am always happy with my work, whether it looks amazing, or a complete and utter POS which I would just sit back and kinda laugh at. The key to keeping this a "hobby" is to never take it too serious. ----------------------------- 5) How have you evolved as a customizer? I started out re-gluing broken toys, then changing paint, then parts swap all with SW figures. Now I branching out to others, MU, Gi Joe, different scales. ---------------------- 6) What's the biggest difference between your first work and the pieces your doing now? If possible can you post pictures and explain? I don't have pictures right now, but the biggest change I would think for anyone would be just the visual quality of your work. Its like anything else, you start off new to the game, and as you practice and go on, you get better and more comfortable/confident with what you are doing. -------------------------- 7) I know it's not their job, but what could Hasbro do to facilitate this part of the hobby? How about an easier way to take them apart like the old Joes! Or maybe some custom kits with body parts and accessories. -------------------------- 8) What's the most frustrating part about customizing? For me its deciding what to do when I have a huge fodder pile infront of me. Allot of the times I will start a figure, vehicle, play set, and be sifting through for parts, when I come across something for a different idea. So I guess focus would be it for me lol. a) What's the most filling part about customizing? The enjoyment of the toys, taking me back 25-30 years to when I had my own then, and of course having my kids marvel and Daddy's creations! ---------------------------------- 9) If Hasbro came knocking would you do this for a living? I would love to if it were in a concept type of position. I would not want to just reproduce the same figs, but come up with my own to present to them. --------------------------------- 10) Who's work do you admire other than your own? There are quite a few greats out there from this site as well as others .. but if we're talking Tankers here, I'd have to say 3 things have really impressed me in my little time here. The USS Flagg posted by kennywr22 - this thing is amazing. The MASSIVE Terror Drome and Joe HG posted by the L.O.C - sickest play set I have EVER seen, I'd buy it in a heart beat! And Tanksters Desolation figs/vehicles - This is the kind of stuff I am really into and his stuff is just amazing. To be hoenst there are SO MANY talented people on here its hard to pick ... I could just list them all. a) Other than yourself, who would you recommend to do custom pieces? Really, I recommend someone tries themselves first. There is no greater joy then creating something for yourself. -._.—..__.__.-..——.___..——.ยท. Last edited by Danney; 08-05-2012 at 05:20 PM.. |
08-05-2012, 05:41 PM | #8 |
Cobra Plastic Surgeon
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Back in the Saddle
Posts: 13,389
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1)How did you get into customizing?
I started painting GI Joes for my nephew back in the mid 80’s. He was more like a little brother to me and wanted his figures to look like the figures I had done in 1/32 scale dio’s years before. When he got older, the toys were boxed up and eventually passed on to my sons. They in turn wanted me to make custom figures for them. By the time they had out grown Joes the count was over 500 total with around 400 of those being customized to some degree. Those have now ended up back in my hands. I got into customizing ME figs around 2009 as a hobby and have done around 200 since. a)Hasbro never made the figure you wanted? Not to throw rocks a Hasbro, but to some extent, yes. b)You thought you could do it better? You wanted something entirely different? Not that I thought I could do “better”, just like making them as I see they should be. c)Or were you simply bored? LOL. Probably wat too much time on my hands. 2) How long so it take to do a fiugre? Or it depends on what you’re trying to do? If a figure is completely built, it can take as little as a couple of hours to paint. This of course depends on the level of detain you intend to put into the fig. I have figures that are 80% complete that have been sitting on my “to do” shelf for almost a year. 3) How long was your learning curve? For me, 27 years and counting. With all the excellent customizers out there, you constantly see new ideas, new tweaks you can incorporate. I don’t think you ever reach the end of the curve. 4) Are you ever truly satisified with your work? I went to a con that Herb Trimpe was at. I told him that work he did on issue 165 was hot and I really enjoyed that cover. Trimpe went on to talk about some techical artist shit about the canopy. My point is do you go back and say, I should've did "x", "y," "z" on a piece? I think most people are overly critical of their own work. I know I can look at some of mine and say, “What the hell was I thinking!” While I don’t consider my own work to be museum grade figures as you see some people turn out, I am pleased with the majority of my customs. 5) How have you evolved as a customizer? When I look at some of my older customs, I shudder. Now not as much. 6) What's the biggest difference between your first work and the pieces your doing now? If possible can you post pictures and explain? At first I just did repaints. This moved on to swapping parts. Now I cast a lot of pieces to add to the figures such as pouches and holsters. Also the painting techniques have improved. (back to the learning curve thing) 7) I know it's not their job, but what could Hasbro do to facilitate this part of the hobby? It would help if you could buy specific parts from their online store, but with several people making custom cast parts, this is not such an issue. If Hasbro could just keep the figures in stores that would be very helpful. 8) What's the most frustrating part about customizing? LOL. Having to buy an older figure off of the net for $20 to get just one part. a)What's the most filling part about customizing? Finishing a piece, looking at it and saying to yourself, “I did that and it looks great.” 9) If Hasbro came knocking would you do this for a living? Mmm, Yeah! 10) Who's work do you admire other than your own? Honestly there are quite a few. I’m not going to list names as I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings cause they are not on the list. a)Other than yourself, who would you recommend to do custom pieces? Those listed in the above posts are among the top customizers around. Any of them I would highly recommend. Last edited by Spectre; 08-05-2012 at 05:46 PM.. |
08-05-2012, 05:45 PM | #9 |
god of thunder
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: the riff filled land
Posts: 15,256
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early on in the 25th run, i really wanted a ripcord. so i tried making one from a stalker and a paraviper, found the tank looking for ideas, saw ttt's battle damaged stuff, and went from there.
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08-05-2012, 05:54 PM | #10 |
Ex-Pharisee
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: 742 Evergreen Terrace
Posts: 12,216
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1) I got into customizing when I decided I wanted a million versions of Firefly. My first customs were repaints. I also did some figures Hasbro didn't do at the time --- Crazylegs, Ripcord, Lowlight.
2) It takes me quite awhile to do a figure because of my work schedule. 3) that's hard to answer. It seems like its taken me awhile. 4) I've done a few figs I've been proud of. Could they have been better? Sure. But at some point you just have to accept it as it is. 5) I went from repaints to actually changing parts and such. I wish I could sculpt, but I haven't gotten there yet. I try to find parts from different figure lines to use if I can. 6) See #5 7) I feel like Hasbro does a good job of helping us out by reusing molds. I would love to have accessory packs, though. 8) the most frustrating part for me is not having a part I need and not being able to sculpt it. It's also frustrating when you find a part you like but it won't work with what you have. The most filling part is finishing a figure and being able to display it next to production figures. 9) I would not do this for a living for the same reason I wouldn't play guitar for a living --- I'm not good enough to make a decent living off of it!! I love customizing AND playing guitar, but I'm just not at that level to be able to sustain myself and my family. 10) There are a lot of great customizes here on the tank --- Ratfink, TTT, Obi-Shenobi just to name a few. And there's more of which I can't remember their names! I'd recommend any of them.
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