DarkArtist's End of the Line Thread
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UTtoyfan
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
And I three with my axe! (Gimli)
Please don't go away. We will definitely feel a void on the forum. At least I have you as a Facebook friend, so I get double the Josh-ness online! Same goes for The Josh Josh.
I second this completely.
And I three with my axe! (Gimli)
Please don't go away. We will definitely feel a void on the forum. At least I have you as a Facebook friend, so I get double the Josh-ness online! Same goes for The Josh Josh.
DarkArtist81
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Thanks guys... One good bit of news... tonight I will finish ALL Roys and Myers figures... I don't care if I have to pull an all nighter and not sleep.
Thanks guys... One good bit of news... tonight I will finish ALL Roys and Myers figures... I don't care if I have to pull an all nighter and not sleep.
Rugby1970
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
I really hope you stick around, Josh. Commissions can be a tricky business but I'm sure you'll get through it.
I've learned so much from you in your thread and in the Attention Custom Artists threads.
I will always look to these threads as a place to learn and share ideas. More than anything that's what these board are about. Would love to see it continue.
I really hope you stick around, Josh. Commissions can be a tricky business but I'm sure you'll get through it.
I've learned so much from you in your thread and in the Attention Custom Artists threads.
I will always look to these threads as a place to learn and share ideas. More than anything that's what these board are about. Would love to see it continue.
galactiboy
OT Preferist
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Yeah Josh, you're a valuable member here. Not just because of you work, but because your a good guy. Don't let the business issues get you down.
Close up the individual part of the shop, but still entertain with the work you (and Blind Voyeur) will unleash upon us
Yeah Josh, you're a valuable member here. Not just because of you work, but because your a good guy. Don't let the business issues get you down.
Close up the individual part of the shop, but still entertain with the work you (and Blind Voyeur) will unleash upon us
Kabukiman
Greatest Person Ever
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Word. Especially:
Regarding doing custom work for people, I think you just need to rethink your business model.
1) Organize better, get a schedule going. If you're not that organized (I'm not) there's no shame in asking for help from the wife or someone else.
2) For full custom figures, maybe make a small run ready to ship before even taking any orders. No matter what it is, it will sell, I'm sure of it.
3) Raise your F'N prices. Your prices are half that what other (lesser, imo) customizers charge. Being a nice guy is one thing, killing yourself for strangers is something else entirely.
4) Don't take on a job you know you're not interested in doing. You're obviously in-demand enough to be able to afford this. Just politely decline, and if possible, point them in the direction of somebody who can help.
5) Try to come up with creative ways to speed things up. I hope I'm not stepping over a line here, but it's no secret you'd like to work for a certain collectible company that mass produces these things. The key word being "mass." If you could come up with a way to quickly and cheaply reproduce some of your methods, something like that would be invaluable to said company.
If you do decide to walk away from commission work, don't walk away from the board. Some of my favorite figures are figures I made thanks to advice, encouragement, and support from you.
Word. Especially:
Regarding doing custom work for people, I think you just need to rethink your business model.
1) Organize better, get a schedule going. If you're not that organized (I'm not) there's no shame in asking for help from the wife or someone else.
2) For full custom figures, maybe make a small run ready to ship before even taking any orders. No matter what it is, it will sell, I'm sure of it.
3) Raise your F'N prices. Your prices are half that what other (lesser, imo) customizers charge. Being a nice guy is one thing, killing yourself for strangers is something else entirely.
4) Don't take on a job you know you're not interested in doing. You're obviously in-demand enough to be able to afford this. Just politely decline, and if possible, point them in the direction of somebody who can help.
5) Try to come up with creative ways to speed things up. I hope I'm not stepping over a line here, but it's no secret you'd like to work for a certain collectible company that mass produces these things. The key word being "mass." If you could come up with a way to quickly and cheaply reproduce some of your methods, something like that would be invaluable to said company.
If you do decide to walk away from commission work, don't walk away from the board. Some of my favorite figures are figures I made thanks to advice, encouragement, and support from you.
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
What everyone else said, don't leave! Finish your current commissions and take a break to re-think and recharge. You're a valuable member here and a great asset to this board. Leaving this board won't do anyone any good.
What everyone else said, don't leave! Finish your current commissions and take a break to re-think and recharge. You're a valuable member here and a great asset to this board. Leaving this board won't do anyone any good.
Sick Boy 82
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Josh, please don't go anywhere brother. Take a break and if you still aren't feeling the work when you take one, no need to keep doing the work, but please stay man!!!!
Josh, please don't go anywhere brother. Take a break and if you still aren't feeling the work when you take one, no need to keep doing the work, but please stay man!!!!
DarkArtist81
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
I agree with 99% of what you posted man, and I agree... it would be nice to have better organization, but I am horrible at that...and it drains time from painting.
But the point listed above is IMPOSSIBLE. I wish I had the money to do this, but I don't. Each figure takes a nice portion of the purchase cost to buy the parts...clothing, stands, resin, paint, accessories, etc. So I would never have the money to buy a bunch of parts and pre build them for a sale.
If I could, I certainly would... it would help. But I am a broke bastard...no way in Hell I would be able to pull that off.
I agree with 99% of what you posted man, and I agree... it would be nice to have better organization, but I am horrible at that...and it drains time from painting.
But the point listed above is IMPOSSIBLE. I wish I had the money to do this, but I don't. Each figure takes a nice portion of the purchase cost to buy the parts...clothing, stands, resin, paint, accessories, etc. So I would never have the money to buy a bunch of parts and pre build them for a sale.
If I could, I certainly would... it would help. But I am a broke bastard...no way in Hell I would be able to pull that off.
Havok
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
And on a side note, I see you finally got your Indy PF from your post in the Limited Edition Registry. Congrats man!
And on a side note, I see you finally got your Indy PF from your post in the Limited Edition Registry. Congrats man!
eighthsamurai
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
if you leave, josh, i'll hurt myself. i damn well mean it.
don't feel so down, because there's so much love for you here. you and les are 2 of the most loved if not the most loved. and its because you're a flipping dude. so if you go, this place will have some suckage added to it - is that what you want??!!! do you want to be responsible for THAT??!!! i didn't think so.
forget what evilface said - 12 months is not that long and it's not unforgivable. i could wait another 12. just don't feel betrayed - you tried to do a good thing for people and it started getting taken for granted. it turned an amazing service into a hellish sweatshop. i never expected a professional business, i expected a friendly guy doing professional work who was helping me out. it was more like a favour at that price, and you don't talk about timeframes when it's a favour.
i agree with others and you. take a break. just work on your own stuff for a while. and sell repaints and figures for much higher prices. the fact that your customs are cheaper than hot toys figures is just plain silly - they should be more. without a shadow of a doubt.
and even though chris howes is doing a lot of work around here, it doesn't mean you're not needed. people need you the person, not just you the artist. i love checking into your thread regularly and seeing your horror stuff, and your original concept work. that work is you. i hope you don't stop doing that.
if you leave, josh, i'll hurt myself. i damn well mean it.
don't feel so down, because there's so much love for you here. you and les are 2 of the most loved if not the most loved. and its because you're a flipping dude. so if you go, this place will have some suckage added to it - is that what you want??!!! do you want to be responsible for THAT??!!! i didn't think so.
forget what evilface said - 12 months is not that long and it's not unforgivable. i could wait another 12. just don't feel betrayed - you tried to do a good thing for people and it started getting taken for granted. it turned an amazing service into a hellish sweatshop. i never expected a professional business, i expected a friendly guy doing professional work who was helping me out. it was more like a favour at that price, and you don't talk about timeframes when it's a favour.
i agree with others and you. take a break. just work on your own stuff for a while. and sell repaints and figures for much higher prices. the fact that your customs are cheaper than hot toys figures is just plain silly - they should be more. without a shadow of a doubt.
and even though chris howes is doing a lot of work around here, it doesn't mean you're not needed. people need you the person, not just you the artist. i love checking into your thread regularly and seeing your horror stuff, and your original concept work. that work is you. i hope you don't stop doing that.
barryo
Dealer of Death
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Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
josh, i really dont know what to say other than i would hate to think that one of the really great customizers on this board may be leaving. you along with a few other original guys is what made me join up to the freaks board in the first place. and i always welcomed your comments, words of encouragement and any advice you have given. like a few have already suggested a recharge may be what you need. either way you go good luck....
josh, i really dont know what to say other than i would hate to think that one of the really great customizers on this board may be leaving. you along with a few other original guys is what made me join up to the freaks board in the first place. and i always welcomed your comments, words of encouragement and any advice you have given. like a few have already suggested a recharge may be what you need. either way you go good luck....
Voorhees27
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Josh you're just having a bad day or two, go log off, take your wife out for dinner and a movie and tommorrow you'll feel much better. Take your mind off of this stuff for now, don't work on any commissions tonight.
Do what I say, trust me this is not what you really want to do. Stress will eventually ^^^^ off, you just need to chill.
Josh you're just having a bad day or two, go log off, take your wife out for dinner and a movie and tommorrow you'll feel much better. Take your mind off of this stuff for now, don't work on any commissions tonight.
Do what I say, trust me this is not what you really want to do. Stress will eventually ^^^^ off, you just need to chill.
Mooncat
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
I Drop in from time to time DA and only just caught up on the situation,
Monies tight understandable, taking commisions helps to eleviate those tighter moments, I can understand how helpful they are.
But I think Ive learned something looking at this thread and your situation, as Id like to do paid commisions eventually
You need to set yourself some boundaries on this, inspiration and creative flow aside.
You shouldnt take on more than you can do, whats the most amount of heads youve ever painted within 6 months ? then take that figure and never take on more commissions than that.
Hang a closed sign on the door.
Otherwise your gonna get into a 4 page thread on this, rather than the work and how good you are as a customizer and a person. That way theres always a reasonable light at the end of the tunnel if things get too on top of you.
Monies tight and saying yes to someone paying you upfront is a temptation. It also creates less enthusiasm for the project/paint as its a have too, not a want too now.
But if you cant discipline yourself and it gets to 18 months + for paid commisions then its time to call it a day commercially. Unless you say upfront these can take up to 18 months. (but you gotta be realistic about how long the ones outstanding are gonna take) and I mean really resalistic
I think the whole point to these 4 pages that no one likes false advertising. Turnaround times may have been vague or not discussed or they may have been simply untrue. Its down to how youve negotiated with each person on how they feel about waiting.
But at least this thread sets the record straight advertising wise, the holding your hands up approach, with an apology making good on outstanding works be it paint or refund will go some way to putting things right. Youve done the first bit, hopefully the rest will come, time will tell.
Personally I hope you weather this and find an even keel again. Appreciate the honesty.
I Drop in from time to time DA and only just caught up on the situation,
Monies tight understandable, taking commisions helps to eleviate those tighter moments, I can understand how helpful they are.
But I think Ive learned something looking at this thread and your situation, as Id like to do paid commisions eventually
You need to set yourself some boundaries on this, inspiration and creative flow aside.
You shouldnt take on more than you can do, whats the most amount of heads youve ever painted within 6 months ? then take that figure and never take on more commissions than that.
Hang a closed sign on the door.
Otherwise your gonna get into a 4 page thread on this, rather than the work and how good you are as a customizer and a person. That way theres always a reasonable light at the end of the tunnel if things get too on top of you.
Monies tight and saying yes to someone paying you upfront is a temptation. It also creates less enthusiasm for the project/paint as its a have too, not a want too now.
But if you cant discipline yourself and it gets to 18 months + for paid commisions then its time to call it a day commercially. Unless you say upfront these can take up to 18 months. (but you gotta be realistic about how long the ones outstanding are gonna take) and I mean really resalistic
I think the whole point to these 4 pages that no one likes false advertising. Turnaround times may have been vague or not discussed or they may have been simply untrue. Its down to how youve negotiated with each person on how they feel about waiting.
But at least this thread sets the record straight advertising wise, the holding your hands up approach, with an apology making good on outstanding works be it paint or refund will go some way to putting things right. Youve done the first bit, hopefully the rest will come, time will tell.
Personally I hope you weather this and find an even keel again. Appreciate the honesty.
Last edited:
shocktrooper_au
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Hi Josh, I've never really had dealings with you, but man don't go.
Stop taking orders, clear the back log
(get them in order - most to least important client - quickest to slowest job - most inspired to least inspired)
and set a goal & time frame.
most important communicate with customers
(PM if possible & maybe get the wife to do this for you for now)
IMPORTANT: Make family time
IMPORTANT: Keep doing your own personal customs - keep the artist in you alive and keep your skills
IMPORTANT: keep posting here, your a talent we love to see your work
Finally: When the back log is done, step back & make the choice to keep customising for others or not.
Remember: Keep control, it's your skill, your creative talent & your spare time if people want a custom, it's on your terms, you set the time frame the price and even the topics you want to work on (if it's all communicated it should all work out).
Hi Josh, I've never really had dealings with you, but man don't go.
Stop taking orders, clear the back log
(get them in order - most to least important client - quickest to slowest job - most inspired to least inspired)
and set a goal & time frame.
most important communicate with customers
(PM if possible & maybe get the wife to do this for you for now)
IMPORTANT: Make family time
IMPORTANT: Keep doing your own personal customs - keep the artist in you alive and keep your skills
IMPORTANT: keep posting here, your a talent we love to see your work
Finally: When the back log is done, step back & make the choice to keep customising for others or not.
Remember: Keep control, it's your skill, your creative talent & your spare time if people want a custom, it's on your terms, you set the time frame the price and even the topics you want to work on (if it's all communicated it should all work out).
eighthsamurai
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
i'm also just thinking about the sheer number of people josh has influenced. there's more than a handful of people who've started doing their own repaints after advice from him, or even just seeing his work. you're like a godfather to a lot of new guys starting out. leave the commission work if you have to. but i think you have a good role here. your life outside of here takes priority of course. but if you ever need to feel like you're helping people or doing something worthwhile, just pop in and post something you've been working on in your spare time.
i'm also just thinking about the sheer number of people josh has influenced. there's more than a handful of people who've started doing their own repaints after advice from him, or even just seeing his work. you're like a godfather to a lot of new guys starting out. leave the commission work if you have to. but i think you have a good role here. your life outside of here takes priority of course. but if you ever need to feel like you're helping people or doing something worthwhile, just pop in and post something you've been working on in your spare time.
LOTRFan
The Grey Pilgrim
- Joined
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Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Well ....
When I saw Josh's work first hand at SDCC I knew I HAD to have one of his Jokers and Rorshachs - they are/were just THAT good. I told Josh then to charge more (much to the dismay of those around me - could have been the
), thing is he is very generous, I was able to see that right away. The man just took on too much; and realistically this wouldn't be a problem if he charges what he should have for his figures. Up the price to where they should be and you won't have as many "customers." That may sound unfair to some, but it would limit Josh's clientel and up his income. I don't collect 1/6 figs much, but I am paying just a tad bit above the price of a Hot Toys figure for both the Joker and Rorschach.
Just limit your work Josh, we know you are doing the best you can - and up your prices. Limit your bottom line, your time is worth more than that, and it might be necessary to pay more for a one of a kind figure.
Just my thought.
Well ....
When I saw Josh's work first hand at SDCC I knew I HAD to have one of his Jokers and Rorshachs - they are/were just THAT good. I told Josh then to charge more (much to the dismay of those around me - could have been the
), thing is he is very generous, I was able to see that right away. The man just took on too much; and realistically this wouldn't be a problem if he charges what he should have for his figures. Up the price to where they should be and you won't have as many "customers." That may sound unfair to some, but it would limit Josh's clientel and up his income. I don't collect 1/6 figs much, but I am paying just a tad bit above the price of a Hot Toys figure for both the Joker and Rorschach.Just limit your work Josh, we know you are doing the best you can - and up your prices. Limit your bottom line, your time is worth more than that, and it might be necessary to pay more for a one of a kind figure.
Just my thought.
The Craw
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Whatever you decide to do is totally up to you man, but please dont leave the board. even if you dont do any commissions anymore please share your own personal touch ups and customs with us. i like seeing them.
Whatever you decide to do is totally up to you man, but please dont leave the board. even if you dont do any commissions anymore please share your own personal touch ups and customs with us. i like seeing them.
2000man
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
Whatever happens, please do stick around on the boards!
Whatever happens, please do stick around on the boards!
Badism
Super Freak
Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!
He can take all the time he needs on my figures. That's not the view I've held the last month or so but I've decided that I trust him. That for me is the only issue, not the time. People get nervous because they are worried about being left out to dry the longer things takes. But with Josh I'm 100% certain that will not happen.
So anybody giving him a hard time via PMs or Emails, please cut the guy some slack. He needs time to make things the best they can be. Sucks to wait for things I know, but in this case it will be worth it.
Remember, nobody is perfect and his time estimates may have been overly optimistic, but as long as his intentions are good we can forgive almost anything and this man's intentions are good. The proof is in this thread, in every post and every picture of his work.
He can take all the time he needs on my figures. That's not the view I've held the last month or so but I've decided that I trust him. That for me is the only issue, not the time. People get nervous because they are worried about being left out to dry the longer things takes. But with Josh I'm 100% certain that will not happen.
So anybody giving him a hard time via PMs or Emails, please cut the guy some slack. He needs time to make things the best they can be. Sucks to wait for things I know, but in this case it will be worth it.
Remember, nobody is perfect and his time estimates may have been overly optimistic, but as long as his intentions are good we can forgive almost anything and this man's intentions are good. The proof is in this thread, in every post and every picture of his work.
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