Attention Chris Howes

[Anzik]

I'm a little disappointed that ebay customers have gotten their heads(River and House) before me. I'm a little disappointed that these have been done for some time, especially River and haven't shipped.

The last update on David, Chris said he had a bunch of stuff come up and it would be awhile before he got back to it, so no biggy to me. He said it would be delayed, so thats good for me.
Its unfortunate that its come to this point and I am confident it will be cleared up for most people.
I think the source is over commitment to too many projects and lack of organization, as Chris said himself when he made his chart, he needed to get more organized.
Like I said the only thing that got me a little irritated was when he said they would be shipping soon and then didn't ship, but at no time did I feel he ripped me off or intentionally strung me along. Hopefully this 'next couple weeks' claim will come to fruition.

 

[die]

You probably wouldnt get it because you are not a commissioned artist? I agree that it takes a bit extra to keep your customers in the loop and i for one think giving updates and such are important when doing business. I know i appreciate them. But for some of the comments to be made on this thread seem a bit rediculous to me.

I've been doing this for a long time and yes I have taken commissions before. I just don't feel like if I started calling myself a "commission artist" that would give me the right to accept tons of money and more work than I could ever finish or an arrogant attitude to go with it. This is a hobby for me though & I've never tried to get rich off of it. I would only agree to a few projects at a time & I'd treat the person the same way I'd want to be treated. I was very humbled that the person chose me for the project & I showed respect along the way for it.


While we're on the subject..."Artist" seems to be a term only used at SSF for some reason, most every other board I'm a regular at people call themselves "customizers" or "kitbashers". There just seems to be a different attitude here amongst certain members. The difference between SSF and OSW (for example) is that at OSW people are more into making figures themselves & SSF has become more about the commerce now and people are mostly "collector's" looking for somebody to make a "grail" for them. Some members here seem to develop a blind loyalty to their favorite "artist" and defend them even when they shouldn't (I guess some of them think there might be a free headsculpt or discount in it for them down the line). An example, I've dealt with Figuremaster Les and he treated me perfectly, I got the custom figure fast & it was as described. When other people had issues with Les, I didn't jump in on the pile-on to defend Les and I accepted that others could have a different experience with him now that he was taking on more work. The difference with Les is that he seems to admit he did wrong and seems to be trying to make right on everything.


I told a story here once of a member ripping me off on a deal and there was like 3 pages of the same "custom work takes time" to defend the guy, even though he clearly ripped me off and he lied the whole way. I've learned that some people will just not let themselves be unbiased.

 

[JacktheRipper]

Glad to see that Mr. Howes it taking steps to fix this situation.

How do people not see these commissions as a business? If I pay someone, no matter how much or how little, it's not a favor. A favor is free.
As a professional you better keep me up-to-date on progress. If there are bumps in the road you better let me know. Even if this is not his main form of employment it is still a business; it's not a favor.

 

[small_studios]

I've been doing this for a long time and yes I have taken commissions before. I just don't feel like if I started calling myself a "commission artist" that would give me the right to accept tons of money and more work than I could ever finish or an arrogant attitude to go with it. This is a hobby for me though & I've never tried to get rich off of it. I would only agree to a few projects at a time & I'd treat the person the same way I'd want to be treated. I was very humbled that the person chose me for the project & I showed respect along the way for it.


While we're on the subject..."Artist" seems to be a term only used at SSF for some reason, most every other board I'm a regular at people call themselves "customizers" or "kitbashers". There just seems to be a different attitude here amongst certain members. The difference between SSF and OSW (for example) is that at OSW people are more into making figures themselves & SSF has become more about the commerce now and people are mostly "collector's" looking for somebody to make a "grail" for them. Some members here seem to develop a blind loyalty to their favorite "artist" and defend them even when they shouldn't (I guess some of them think there might be a free headsculpt or discount in it for them down the line). An example, I've dealt with Figuremaster Les and he treated me perfectly, I got the custom figure fast & it was as described. When other people had issues with Les, I didn't jump in on the pile-on to defend Les and I accepted that others could have a different experience with him now that he was taking on more work. The difference with Les is that he seems to admit he did wrong and seems to be trying to make right on everything.


I told a story here once of a member ripping me off on a deal and there was like 3 pages of the same "custom work takes time" to defend the guy, even though he clearly ripped me off and he lied the whole way. I've learned that some people will just not let themselves be unbiased.

Well noted yet i think its alittle naive to be honest.

 

[toyadventurer]

I wish Chris would give more than just a written update... some pics, deadlines, lists, would be nice...

Hey good idea...Lets not stop with Chris though, let's get all the customizes who are behind on their work to do it also. No double standards.

 

[yruh8n]

From what I have seen in the past it would be in his best interest if Chris immediatly refunds anyone and everyone who ask for one. This is usually the straw that breaks the camal's back and starts the downward spiral. Once refund request are ignored the damaged parties will do anthing they can to destroy the reputation of the seller. I was interested in some of the stuff he was doing, but didn't invest. Hope it works out for everyone.

 

[DarkArtist81]

This thread makes me never want to pick up a brush for as long as I live. It's enough to make a guy wrap his lips around a gun barrel.

Honestly, I think that this thread is a good indicator that the customs situation on this board has hit a critical level. At first, when I started out here... it was a rare thing.. only a few guys did it. But over time it became the thing to do, and people asked for more. The artists tried to do more, stupidly... but because they thought they could handle it.

Things got out of hand... First for Les, then for me... Customikey moves on for the most part, Darren closed up shop to catch up... And now the new guys are here... filling up their tables and on a road that will lead to the same outcome.

Chris showed up, and took on a million projects, threads started popping up like crazy... people asking for this or that head. I knew it would reach critical mass eventually, there was no way anybody could tackle that much work.

It's gotten out of hand. We let it get this way. I know I can't blame anyone for my situation, nobody but myself. Chris has his own story, I'm sure. But he should never have taken on so much work... but then again...neither should I have.

I don't think there really is a way to fix the situation, except for warning the new guys...

Personally, I wish I could just pay everyone back...mail back the stuff... empty my house of it... apologize until the end of time and fade away. It's just gotten too painful for me, and that pain has infected my customers as well... and that kills me more than anything.

 

[Shai]

Who the ^^^^ is Chris Howes anyway..???

 

[Husker75]

This thread makes me never want to pick up a brush for as long as I live. It's enough to make a guy wrap his lips around a gun barrel.

Honestly, I think that this thread is a good indicator that the customs situation on this board has hit a critical level. At first, when I started out here... it was a rare thing.. only a few guys did it. But over time it became the thing to do, and people asked for more. The artists tried to do more, stupidly... but because they thought they could handle it.

Things got out of hand... First for Les, then for me... Customikey moves on for the most part, Darren closed up shop to catch up... And now the new guys are here... filling up their tables and on a road that will lead to the same outcome.

Chris showed up, and took on a million projects, threads started popping up like crazy... people asking for this or that head. I knew it would reach critical mass eventually, there was no way anybody could tackle that much work.

It's gotten out of hand. We let it get this way. I know I can't blame anyone for my situation, nobody but myself. Chris has his own story, I'm sure. But he should never have taken on so much work... but then again...neither should I have.

I don't think there really is a way to fix the situation, except for warning the new guys...

Personally, I wish I could just pay everyone back...mail back the stuff... empty my house of it... apologize until the end of time and fade away. It's just gotten too painful for me, and that pain has infected my customers as well... and that kills me more than anything.

Exactly what i worried about..

Do we need communication? of course. But a lot of people here just go NUTS. And since we only have a few custom creators, they get very overloaded, and then things start to fall apart.

I just hate that this is becoming a situation to not only push new and existing customers away, but also the artists from producing for us as well.

If i was a sculptor, i'd just say to hell with this, and not get involved. Because no matter how many of us are civil and patient, and understanding, there are just as many who are rude, dramatic, and go on tirades.

Thankfully, we have a way of seeing if this works out. I'm glad everyone has calmed down a bit, and we are gonna wait and see how Chris handles this and gets stuff out.

Some of you were really scaring me with the pitchfork mob mentality though.. and it becomes a big turnoff to see so many pages filled with complete trash and mud-slinging.

 

[Spenser]

I give the generous precast discount of only $20.00 per head. What I charge barely covers rubber, resin and casting time.

What the heck do you use?

A 2lb trial size of rubber from Smooth–On is $25 you can get about 5 head molds out of that

Smooth-Cast 300 - Trial Size is $25 you can get about 20 casting out of that

That comes to $6.25 per head casting for the initial materials cost.

That's a profit of $350

After that the castings cost would fall and would result in more profit. So how is your price barely covering your costs?

 

[small_studios]

This thread makes me never want to pick up a brush for as long as I live. It's enough to make a guy wrap his lips around a gun barrel.

Honestly, I think that this thread is a good indicator that the customs situation on this board has hit a critical level. At first, when I started out here... it was a rare thing.. only a few guys did it. But over time it became the thing to do, and people asked for more. The artists tried to do more, stupidly... but because they thought they could handle it.

Things got out of hand... First for Les, then for me... Customikey moves on for the most part, Darren closed up shop to catch up... And now the new guys are here... filling up their tables and on a road that will lead to the same outcome.

Chris showed up, and took on a million projects, threads started popping up like crazy... people asking for this or that head. I knew it would reach critical mass eventually, there was no way anybody could tackle that much work.

It's gotten out of hand. We let it get this way. I know I can't blame anyone for my situation, nobody but myself. Chris has his own story, I'm sure. But he should never have taken on so much work... but then again...neither should I have.

I don't think there really is a way to fix the situation, except for warning the new guys...

Personally, I wish I could just pay everyone back...mail back the stuff... empty my house of it... apologize until the end of time and fade away. It's just gotten too painful for me, and that pain has infected my customers as well... and that kills me more than anything.

Nicely put DA

 

[ProgMatinee]

this is not a criticism of them, just a weird observation. unfortunately, it seems a lot of the artists here are in dire straights. not all, but a lot of them. if they weren't in such bad shape, maybe they wouldn't need to collect funds first. maybe they'd actually have a savings account in which to give refunds when needed. but hot damn it seems like they just spend the funds as soon as it gets in. thats not smart for any kind of business unless you've got credit lines.

 

[small_studios]

Exactly what i worried about..

Do we need communication? of course. But a lot of people here just go NUTS. And since we only have a few custom creators, they get very overloaded, and then things start to fall apart.

I just hate that this is becoming a situation to not only push new and existing customers away, but also the artists from producing for us as well.

If i was a sculptor, i'd just say to hell with this, and not get involved. Because no matter how many of us are civil and patient, and understanding, there are just as many who are rude, dramatic, and go on tirades.

Thankfully, we have a way of seeing if this works out. I'm glad everyone has calmed down a bit, and we are gonna wait and see how Chris handles this and gets stuff out.

Some of you were really scaring me with the pitchfork mob mentality though.. and it becomes a big turnoff to see so many pages filled with complete trash and mud-slinging.

Also nicely put

 

[Darklord Dave]

I don't think this thread is productive. We have a statement that House heads are in the mail. If they show up in a reasonable amount of time I think we can put this to rest for now.

I wouldn't mind seeing my Summer heads either, since they have been delivered to ebay buyers.

 

[DarkArtist81]

this is not a criticism of them, just a weird observation. unfortunately, it seems a lot of the artists here are in dire straights. not all, but a lot of them. if they weren't in such bad shape, maybe they wouldn't need to collect funds first. maybe they'd actually have a savings account in which to give refunds when needed. but hot damn it seems like they just spend the funds as soon as it gets in. thats not smart for any kind of business unless you've got credit lines.

And exactly why artists SUCK at being businessmen. It doesn't mesh well. I'm horrible with money, and I know it. And my bills are pretty hefty, as I am a student and my Wife doesn't have a great job...

I don't want to make excuses though... I know I'm crap with money... it's a curse. And just another reason why I am quitting this work.

 

[DARKSIDE COLLECTOR]

I know I am new to the boards,but I am putting in my 2 cents anyway.I dont know why some of the customizers dont put everything aside and make 1 amazing custom and sell it on ebay.The money from that you could send out peoples projects that you took on.I think people are getting a little out of control on these boards.It was started for fun.All people have problems.I dont see a really big issue unless people stop posting and run off with other peoples money.Josh seems really depressed.I dont think you should quit because you are behind.Toy companies get behind and they have hundreds of employees working for them and you are but 1 person.Artists should never stop doing what they love.Maybe if everybody raised the prices of the items they sell,they can make a few bucks .If it is too high for people,then they didnt want it anyway and you dont have to get behind for nothing.

 

[Customikey]

I admit it's been a while since I took on new commissions, though I am strictly speaking, still open for business. Having said that, seeing the state of customizing on SSF, I think it's safe to say you won't be seeing much more from me in the realm of business. I'm not exactly closing up shop, but I am getting back to painting more for my own pleasure than for profit. I've found the more commissions I took on, the less I enjoyed the work. I much prefer painting for me.
I'm excited by the new work coming from the customizers on this board. I'm proud to have been a part of the genesis of the customizer community here. I'm kinda glad I got out when I did.

 

[Shai]

I admit it's been a while since I took on new commissions, though I am strictly speaking, still open for business. Having said that, seeing the state of customizing on SSF, I think it's safe to say you won't be seeing much more from me in the realm of business. I'm not exactly closing up shop, but I am getting back to painting more for my own pleasure than for profit. I've found the more commissions I took on, the less I enjoyed the work. I much prefer painting for me.
I'm excited by the new work coming from the customizers on this board. I'm proud to have been a part of the genesis of the customizer community here. I'm kinda glad I got out when I did.

That is true.You were the first here.

 

[King Darkness]

I admit it's been a while since I took on new commissions, though I am strictly speaking, still open for business. Having said that, seeing the state of customizing on SSF, I think it's safe to say you won't be seeing much more from me in the realm of business. I'm not exactly closing up shop, but I am getting back to painting more for my own pleasure than for profit. I've found the more commissions I took on, the less I enjoyed the work. I much prefer painting for me.
I'm excited by the new work coming from the customizers on this board. I'm proud to have been a part of the genesis of the customizer community here. I'm kinda glad I got out when I did.

One of these days I would like to get you to paint something of mine. You were the original go to guy for fixing Sideshows ^^^^ ups

 

[**16k**]

I didn't want to post in there because I think it's non productive!

But, here it is nevertheless... I don't know Chris, I live a continent apart and I've paid for things I haven't received, and he even forgot me in his payment chart....

yet....

Where are all those who said he could be trusted? Who defended him and all?

I don't know if the guy is honest or not, but I tend to think he is. He is slow and has bad communication for sure! It doesn't mean he's a scammer!

I remember I had some doubts at a moment. He kept saying he was going to send me a Steve Austin head, but always forgot to send it for some reason or another...

Yet he's sent it! It's here on my desk, painted, waiting to be sealed, and it's one of the best sculpt of Lee Majors I've ever seen!

And I know people from other boards who've received the bald Summer Glau version!

So I trust the guy! It'll be long, we'll have to be patient, but he'll turn up! Our world is a small world! A reputation is quickly done or wasted! So, please, give the guy a rest and a chance...