DarkArtist's End of the Line Thread

[IrishJedi]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Well yeah, but the iconic one with the blood splatter has to come with Rorschach. Comedian's should be clean. I wonder if we will get a bathrobed version?

Hell, I may make a custom JFK Assassin version:

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Hey guys! Here I am on the last day of Les' journey... Haven't been able to get online or check anything. It's been a lot of fun, and it's been nice to be away from work for a bit.

Rest assured guys, I will be starting again here tomorrow... so work will come back very quick. The only thing I have done was tweak up Les' Freddy figure for him, as an X-Mas present... Thought I would share that with you guys..

Les will take better photos once he is back online, these shots don't really show the true darkness of the skin tones or even the clothing. I tried to take them in the dark to show it off, but sadly... my camera messed it up for me. But I assure you.. it looks WAY more menacing and sadistic than what these photos depict.

 

[Voorhees27]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

That looks great Josh, as usual your weathering and conditioning is next to none here! Awesome work!

 

[Havok]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Awesome work as always Josh!

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Hey guys! I just wanted you all to know how deeply sorry I am....

I know I've been incredibly late. You all have been very patient with me, and for that I appreciate. Some have poked and prodded me, some have requested refunds... but that's just the nature of this work. But I want you to know that I am indeed sorry. I'm not a company, I am just a guy... and I do have feelings. I'm sorry.

The Joker was the worst thing I could have ever attempted to make. I did it, and since it was so early a project... people ordered the hell out of it. And since I was dumb and naive... I only made $20 off of each figure. There were 15 figures to be made, and I have been making them at a snails pace... They are challenging, they are draining... and they are very tough to complete. I was an idiot, and I should never have done it.

They are getting closer to being done now, and I will be happy to see them go. Myers and Roy was the next group of mistakes... tough figures to make...but at least easier than Joker. But these too take a lot out of me, and a lot of time to get right. I really do apologize for taking so long in building them.

I've learned a lot this year about making figures, and about dealing with such a massive load of work. It's not easy, this job. Sometimes you want to put your head through a wall, sometimes you can't even force yourself to paint because you are so damn drained nothing good wants to come out.

I am just a regular guy, this work doesn't get my full time attention. I have school, I have a Wife, I have a family that expects me to come out of my cave every now and again. I honestly can't sacrifice any more time than I already do to make these figures.

This year alone I have gained tons of weight, become pale, spend less time going out or with my Wife. All for the work, all for the figures, most of all....for my customers.

I can't do it anymore. I will continue to make figures, and if anyone wants to buy them they can. But the figure work will come with a price... and that price is time. They won't be fast. If you want something from me, sadly.. you will have to wait. But once you get it, you can be rest assured that a lot of love will have gone into it's creation.

But I can't do repaints of heads anymore, unless on special request... unless you are willing to wait for me. I have too much to deal with in my personal life. School is important to me, as I need to have some sort of career to support my family. My Wife is important, and soon we will be trying to have kids... so that will demand even more of my time. And I also need to take care of myself, I need to drop the weight and get out more. I don't want to end up like Jabba the Hutt afterall...

I love doing this for you guys, I love painting. But the stress is getting to me, the constant barrage of PM's and "hurry hurry" messages. It's really getting me too wound up and it's affecting my work and my life.

I will always be here to do this work for you guys, and I will continue to sell my stuff for those patient awesome fans. You guys are great, I appreciate every single one of you. Thanks for reading this ranting post...

It's back to the painting desk for me..

 

[galactiboy]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Got set priorities man, its a loss... but honestly I'd rather have you happy and healthy than a figure with a better paint job

And as always; my figures will come when they come and I know they are worth the wait

 

[carbo-fation]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Family and health is more important than anything else. Don't worry about what other people say. Take you time and be well. If people don't have the patience just cut them off from future commissions. Don't stress and just relax. Enjoy life and do things at your own pace.

 

[The Josh]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Its all good Josh. You have to set whats the most important to you and thats the real things not figures. As we've talked in the past anytime someone sends something to you they should want it to be the best and that takes time.

 

[Havok]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

We all totally understand Josh. Take time for yourself, your wife, and try not to stress so much about painting and making figures. Just know that if I want something repainted or anything, I'm willing to wait as long as it takes, and I would never constantly bug you. I'll never understand how people can be like that, they should know from the beginning that perfection takes time. Also if I come to you for a repaint and you just don't have the time or energy, don't be afraid to flat out say "Sorry, I just can't right now" it's completely okay man. You have mine, and I know alot of other people's total support on here. Take care of yourself my friend, and God Bless. Like I said before, you sir are the pinnacle of AWESOMENESS!!!!!

 

[Ultramanimator]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I've been in exactly the same boat you are in now. I work at an animation studio where the workload is insane. On top of that, I also get LOTS of requests for freelance.

I worked 12-14 hrs a day 7 days a week for about 9 months. In that time, the best thing I learned to say was no. If you come from the same kind of working class family I did, you're always taught to never turn down work. It's especially hard when you LOVE your job the way I do. Judging by your work, I can see that you have the same passion.

However, there are limits. Eventhough I hated to say no to work, I started turning it down so I could clear my plate and have time for myself and my family. Since I started working "normal hours" and turning down freelance, my quality of life has improved dramatically. I spend more time with my family, enjoying little things like watching movies and cooking. I also have a renewed desire to create. After a while, when you start killing yourself with work, you begin to hate the very thing you love so much. When you step back and take a break, you start to focus more on how great it is to create things.

I'm REALLY excited to get that Darkman figure, but I'm also willing to wait. Step back, take a breath and just learn when to say no. Trust me, you're life and art will grow because of it

 

[karamazov80]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Let me join the chorus supporting your decision not to overdo things. I am an academic-in-training, and in my work I learned a while back that if you make too many commitments, then it affects your psychological, and even physical, well-being. It would suck to have the stress of deadlines associated with your hobby. Unfortunately, when you deal with fan-boys, you have to expect a degree of impatience, but I'm sure most here will understand your situation. I have also been drooling in anticipation for the Ash that I ordered from you awhile back, but after seeing what you can do, I know it will be worth the wait when he actually shows up.

By the way, exercise and yoga are my chosen forms of stress release. A 30 minute jog really does wonders for how I feel when I get worn down with things.

 

[Buttmunch]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I think most of us totally understand Josh. Painting and making custom figures is hard. If it was easy, none of us would be sending you the things in the first place. You can't rush art. Its that simple. And having seen some of your figures in person, they are truely pieces of art.

 

[uscmhicks]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I can't even imagine the strain all of that work put you under !.
I've been working on one custom figure for 2 years and it stll isn't finished ! ( and it sucks ) .

I think your making the right decision .
Thanks for the pm too by the way , thats awesome of you.

 

[Shropt]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Take it easy DA. I can't imagine the stress you are under.

People will understand they need to wait. I waited over 6 months for my head repaint AND IT WAS WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF THAT WAIT!

Don't let the "customers" get to you!!

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Thanks a bunch guys... All of the comments are helpful to me in this current state of mind. I'm definitely drained.

I seriously do think that for now I will hold off from anything that is not in my store... I'll still do work for those who are infinitely patient and don't care about the wait.. But anyone else, I just can't handle it.

The major bulk of the commissions are nearing the finishing point, so that is at least comforting. Jokers are almost done, I just need to buy more shirts from BillyB. Rorschachs will be done very soon, I just need to finish the heads. Roys just need masks, Myers just need hair. Ash figures need heads and weathering. So it's getting close to being caught up.

But from now on I will only be doing stuff for my store. I will always be here as a resident artist, but life responsibilities are growing larger than my paint ones.

 

[Voorhees27]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Josh, hang in there buddy, I can totally understand what you're going through, I am unemployed now and have already gained weight too. Stress and pressure have weaken me as of late. Although I can't relate on the pressures of delivering awesome work I think I find myself in a similar boat when it comes to the better half. Husbands and boyfriends need to make time for our women its only fair. At the end of the day you take care of your loved ones and do what is best for you. If some people can't understand at least that much then too bad for them.

I just wish people could be more patient, after almost a year later I still stare in awe over my T1 custom heads. The wait is always worth it when it comes to your work man.

Take it easy friend!

 

[BlindVoyeur]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Yep real life can be such a burden on hobbies ... But at least you don't have to go at it alone any more.

 

[IndianaPaul]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Definitely take it easy man. Take care of youself and your family, do well in school, and don't forget to kick back and enjoy life when ya can...and...and...

Eat your veggies, too.

 

[2000man]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Josh, you have to take care of yourself and your family. Quality of life is one of the most important things, if not the most important. I think some times customers go in not understanding the time and dedication that goes into a piece.

Whenever I order a custom head, figure or even comic art, I try to operate under the impression that it will take a while because that's not usually the main job for most people. It is a side thing and often times done for the love of the work. The key, to me, is good communication. You've done a great job in this thread letting everybody know where you are at with pieces and what is going on. When people start getting their pieces, it will all be worth it to them!

I am a fan of your work and whatever work you do in the future, I will be looking forward to!

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments. It's incredibly helpful and I appreciate every ounce of support.

This situation really was and is.. my fault. Financial hardships have forced me to take work that I never could have been able to finish in time... it wasn't fair to my customers at all and I am sorry...

I think I'm about done with it all. I just need to finish what I have... if anyone wants to check my store for updates and new figures.. please do.. And those who are waiting, just know I am doing my best to catch up. I just don't know how much of a fixture I will be around here, or how much I will share anymore.

DVP will continue to make stuff, and I will continue on... But I think I have about had enough of this. Life is too stressful to add more stress... especially when it's just plastic and paint. It might be time for a hiatus for me.

Again I am sorry to have been such a bad customizer, and mostly for taking on work I shouldn't have. This is all my fault, I deserve any wrath I have coming to me... I'm really sorry I let you all down like this.