DarkArtist's End of the Line Thread

[MaulFan]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Life's full of right and wrong choices Josh, even the best people make wrong choices sometimes. What makes them good people is how the conduct themselves after and deal with those choices. You face your consequences and you go the distance to fix things. You're a stand up guy that has done remarkable to overcome whatever you've gotten yourself into and have the strength to continue that for the rest of your life. Just remember you always have friends and loved ones to help you through whatever. You're a very talented artist and a good friend, this board is lucky to have you as part of its community.

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Thanks a lot Sean, that means more than you will ever know...

I think having Les here and taking a few days off from this really made me realize how much weight this whole thing was putting on me.. and I found just how stressed I really was. Putting that back on me this morning when he left, I learned why it's gotten so damn hard to keep pushing forward.

 

[MaulFan]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I learned why it's gotten so damn hard to keep pushing forward.

Well, all the more it says about your character, because it's "about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward."

Time away can be a great healer, even if not physically away, just taking your mind away can help you put things in perspective, and nothing beats a good friend to turn to. I swear I'd be a person I don't like if it weren't for my best friend, she's like my conscience, whenever stuff gets to me and I find myself going in a bad direction but don't see it enough to stop myself, I have a talk with her and suddenly the pieces come together and I see what I need to do.

 

[man_vs_machine]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Hang in there bro! Sounds like there is a lot of this going around in these tough times with you and Les. Sorry to hear that doing something you love to do for people has turned into such a bane. Like the others have said, I will wait as long as it takes for what i have coming. I already know how great the final products from you are. School and family are what it's all about. Have to keep yourself and your wife happy and with everything that's going on right now you have to make yourself as marketable as possible to get that edge. Take care of yourself bro

 

[Blake]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Dude, take care of yourself first!!! You need to take care of your own. I think you are making the best decision to go on "figure hiatus" now, because once you have a kid, ALL of your disposable time and disposable income goes right to him/her. It's the greatest thing you will ever do!

 

[Eli26]

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.

Way I look at it is you'll get it done.. and I rather have something you spent a lot of time and hard work and effort on... and shows that then something rushed. Everyone makes mistakes. Can't wait to get my first DA figure!

 

[The Craw]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

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.

the only thing you deserve is an Arby's Roast Turkey, Bacon and Ranch served as a market fresh sandwich. i'm eating one right now as i read through your thread. it is deeeeeeee......licious.

this picture doesnt do it justice BTW.

now where are my ^^^^ing heads!!!!!








J/K

 

[shocktrooper_au]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Hey Buddy, sad to hear it's taking a toll, but it's a special person who knows their limit before it's to late. I guess it's strange for most people to understand how artwork can be stressful or hard, I work for an art dept for a big corporation & everyone in the other depts thinks we have an easy life/job because our job looks fun & creative, where in reality everything is run to deadlines & to other peoples satisfaction. Which is indeed draining, the way I have coped is to not do any/very little personal artwork since I got into my line of work (not the best option).
I think you are on the right track take care of yourself & your family 1st, & the enjoyment will naturally come back.
Also be sure to set the goal of say no more than 5 projects at a time & don't accept a new one until one is out the door.
Take care

 

[Shai]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

lots of azzholes on this board harrassing poor Josh.We're with you D.A.

 

[IrishJedi]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I will buy Josh many beers soon!

 

[MinMay]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Hi Josh,

I didn't know about your work until I started reading some other thread with your screen name as a recommendation artist. Upon seeing some of your work, all I can say that you have an amazing talent. It's no doubt that we all appreciate and love your work.

Please make sure your family and health comes first! Avoid the stress as much as possible.

I want to say thank you so much for everything.

I'll be visiting your shop more often for new updates.

 

[Buttmunch]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

lots of azzholes on this board harrassing poor Josh.We're with you D.A.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Shai is right. I can't imagine why people would be complaining to you. You (and Les) openly share your problems with us and therefore allowing us to understand. Other people wouldn't do that. If people had no idea you (or Les) were going through tough times, then yeah, it would be understandable for them to be upset and wondering where there stuff is. But since you are so open about delays, problems, etc. Nobody should have any room to complain.

As Shai said, We're with you

 

[Kabukiman]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I hope this doesn't get taken the wrong way or get twisted into something other than a compliment, but here goes:

I ordered a Joker head (just a painted head) forever ago and still am waiting on said head. Since then I've ordered another commission because I know the quality of work that gets put in.

^^^^^ all you want, but you will never find another artist who puts more blood sweat and tears in your project than Josh. Sure, it takes time because he gets in over his head, but you should be glad to have found an artist so eager to work on these types of projects. There aren't many people out there painting 1/6 scale heads, and there are fewer still putting out the quality of work as Josh.

This is a niche market. And in this niche market, there are very few talented people to commission work from and you should feel damned lucky that you came across DA. Not only is his work top notch, but he is one of the best damned guys you will find on the internets.

Before I ever paid one dime to Josh, he was answering my PM's and obnoxious message board posts regarding making my own damned custom figs. And if you ask me, the money I paid for my commissions is more than worth what I received in *free* advice from Josh.

If what I'm writing sounds like drunken ramblings, well then you are a keen observer because, yes, I am drunk. I'll quote this ^^^^ in the morning if you need a "sober" recommendation.

Before you order from Josh know that:

a) You will wait a looooooooooooong ass time
b) It will be one of the best damn figures you'll have ever seen in your entire life

P.S. Josh - You should charge *a lot* more for your work. I'm talking double. Seriously.

 

[magman3]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I don't want this to be taken wrong either, but me and Josh made a deal back at the end of October for a Myers custom. He told me then that the wait wouldn't be long. I gave it a few weeks before asking for a time. I've been getting the run around since mid-November. Every time I ask he says it'll be done that particular weekend.

Now, I totally understand what kinda time it takes to put a custom figure together. Had Josh been up front with me from the beginning, I would have left it alone, but each time I ask I get the same response of it being almost complete. I think the problem is Josh that you give unrealistic time frames on your work to make us happy. If you know its going to take three plus months, let us know ahead of time so that we aren't thinking this will be the week its complete.

I'm sure I'm one of people on Josh's "leave me alone" list, but hey, I just hate to be let on. I'm also sure Josh is a great guy, just waaaaayyyyyy in over his head in work. As I said in my last PM Josh, I'll be willing to pick up something you already have to get squared away that way the Myers you have in the works for me can go to someone else on your list. I'm easy at this point. Just would like to get this deal behind us. We are two months in and I really don't want to be a bother to you anymore bud.

 

[TheObsoleteMan]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I waited 7 months for my Myers and it was worth every second of that wait. These are handcrafted pieces of art, not Big Macs. Anyone who commissions custom work should know to be prepared for a long wait. These guys don't have a Chinese sweatshop pumping this stuff out.

 

[The Craw]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

hey Josh? my WIP Cameron Phillips says you should relax and enjoy a little whiskey if you're getting stressed out.


What do you think of her so far? i'll be slapping a C.Howes head on her when it is complete. if you are really feeling stressed, i can take some nude shots of the triads body for you. it has boobies and some CT. LMK.

 

[BlindVoyeur]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Ok my turn.... As a fellow artist, here is the deal on these situations. This situation always happens at some point or another esp when someone gets things rolling on their first big projects. When you get good at something you get excited about being able to share that with people who want the same thing and will appreciate your work. Its easy to forget the first figure is a labor of love and the more you do of them it eventually turns to labor. When people start harping about getting in over your head they don't usually realise it is very easy to do before you even know it. BUT here is the key, even though you are upset and at your wits end waiting for something, little digs and smart ass attacks only make the situation worse. I know every one says stuff like "its worth the wait" and all that and thse are very supporting and helpfull words but the reality of the situations is alot of people fold and chose to hide in these situations and this is not the case here. Josh has chosen to face it head on (and admit he got in over his head ) and is doing his best to fix the situation. Whether you choose to believe it or not that takes guts and is very hard and you have to admire people that take that approach. At least give it a chance, that is not that much to ask in these times. As things are finished one by one, he will feel better and more confident and the world won't seem as heavy and projects will become easier to flow again. I not only consider Josh a friend but as a buisness partner in DVP I will do whatever I can to him him get back to what he loves doing, because nothing sucks more than growing to hate what you love beacause passion turns to burden. As for giving unrealistic time frames its really not intentional but when you feel this way it is so hard to bring yourself to put out a quality product, so you try and wait till you feel like it and that time seems like it never comes. I know its frustrating and its real easy to say to yourself "hey I have problems too..." But I know this will all work out and be fine. Its just a little rough patch but hang in there just a tad longer and all will be well. Great things are just around the corner, so lets just hang in there and let them happen. Enough rant.

Ryan

 

[The Craw]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Ok my turn.... As a fellow artist, here is the deal on these situations. This situation always happens at some point or another esp when someone gets things rolling on their first big projects. When you get good at something you get excited about being able to share that with people who want the same thing and will appreciate your work. Its easy to forget the first figure is a labor of love and the more you do of them it eventually turns to labor. When people start harping about getting in over your head they don't usually realise it is very easy to do before you even know it. BUT here is the key, even though you are upset and at your wits end waiting for something, little digs and smart ass attacks only make the situation worse. I know every one says stuff like "its worth the wait" and all that and thse are very supporting and helpfull words but the reality of the situations is alot of people fold and chose to hide in these situations and this is not the case here. Josh has chosen to face it head on (and admit he got in over his head ) and is doing his best to fix the situation. Whether you choose to believe it or not that takes guts and is very hard and you have to admire people that take that approach. At least give it a chance, that is not that much to ask in these times. As things are finished one by one, he will feel better and more confident and the world won't seem as heavy and projects will become easier to flow again. I not only consider Josh a friend but as a buisness partner in DVP I will do whatever I can to him him get back to what he loves doing, because nothing sucks more than growing to hate what you love beacause passion turns to burden. As for giving unrealistic time frames its really not intentional but when you feel this way it is so hard to bring yourself to put out a quality product, so you try and wait till you feel like it and that time seems like it never comes. I know its frustrating and its real easy to say to yourself "hey I have problems too..." But I know this will all work out and be fine. Its just a little rough patch but hang in there just a tad longer and all will be well. Great things are just around the corner, so lets just hang in there and let them happen. Enough rant.

Ryan

great words but i still think he'd enjoy the whiskey and the nude triads chick.

 

[BlindVoyeur]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

True....

 

[MaulFan]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

These are handcrafted pieces of art.

That is Josh's greatest strength.

Some folks do this sort of stuff as pure business, they've got painting talent and they use it to turn some profits, nothing wrong with that, and it's a good option for those that just want the job done and get their stuff quick.

Josh isn't a businessman, he's an artistic, creative person who views each figure as the next big creation of his. Creating anything out of art works on a very psychological level, you get into the piece, sometimes you get into the character depending on how deep you get into the work. Josh's greatest asset is that he gives that dedication to his work.

If some folks don't care about that sort of thing and feel like he doesn't do right by them, whatever, that's their view and certainly they are entitled to it.

I feel blessed that he's still making his craftmanship available to those of us willing to support him and leave him free to create. Josh made me a figure that is an honor to have in my collection. He's my friend and it means a lot to have a wonderfully crafted Michael Myers figure from him because Halloween is what got us talking in the first place. Everytime I look at that figure, I can see the work of a great craftsman and the fun talks with a good friend.

You can't get them from shelling out $50 and getting a head back in a month or whatever.

Josh is a great man and amazing artist, and one day down the road I've got something in the works going his way to be painted up by him, something very special, one of a kind, and his style is right for the job. I wouldn't trust it in just anyone's hands, but I will absolutely trust it in Josh's.