Re: ATTENTION all Custom Artists!!
creecher said:
Experience is the big teacher. For me it's hard to jump in, cause I can't swim. That you show us the secrets, is, a fast track to our own success, something youse have had to do the hard way. Even so, telling us the pitfalls to watch out for, are the secrets experience has taught you. Never fear, knowing the pitfalls has never stopped anyone from falling into them. You can tell us how, but you can't teach us the things you learn by falling into them. There's always that zen factor, and the ability to think for yourself.
man, youre all over my POV Creech!
I dont do the customizing thing, but have been learning to sculpt. Ive been SO thankful for the many sculptors on the boards out there (esp Clubhouse) that bend over backwards to help the budding sculptors grow by answering their qustions and showing them techniques. There are guys on there who have worked in the industry for years and share their knowledge freely.
I attached a sample by Ralph (ToxicPapa) at the Clubhouse.
This guy wont hesitate a second to help out the noobs in any way he can. He's worked on projects for many movie studios (Jim Hensen for example) developing creatures' designs, sculpting etc. Ralph even mixes his own wax and sells it to board members and other sculptors. He goes out of his way to help others grow when he really doesnt have to.
These are the types I really look up to. The selfless kind who want to share everything they can with others around them so everyone can grow together as quickly as possible.
I understand that sometimes its tough to let go of techniques that have taken so much time to R&D and learn, but just imagine how grateful you yourself would have been had someone shown you those techniques ahead of time and sped up your growth as an artist. Thats exactly what you can provide to others who are at that stage now in their own development. You can be their mentor and teacher. That person who you wish taught you the shortcuts and ins and outs that you had to learn the hard way.
I also think, as someone mentioned earlier, that it also has to do with self confidence in their own work to a certain extent. In the past I didnt want to show everything I knew to people who asked me. Part of it was that I didnt want to let go of the things it had taken me huge amounts of time and practice to learn. Then I realized that was selfish of me to a certain extent and when i was truthful with myself i realized I was also afraid someone at a lower level than me may use what I showed them and take off and pass me in quality of work. Now say thats exactly what happens. Then that person could turn around and show you new techniques as well and, as a team, you can teach each other and grow at a much faster rate.
All that said, I do understand why some hold certain techniques/secrets to themselves. Especially if you do it for a living.
Just dont miss any opportunity to be the teacher for others you wish you had yourself.
and this is a good read for the topic too
