DarkArtist's End of the Line Thread

[LOTRFan]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Well, suffice to say, the instructor ate him out in front of class.

Holy &^%$, what kind of class is this?!?!?!!?!?

 

[eighthsamurai]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Holy &^%$, what kind of class is this?!?!?!!?!?

being a winner in the game of life, 101, by ron jeremy - how to get a head.

josh, when all you need is positivity you have to deal with this. really sorry about that bro. if i can offer any advice at all, it's this - when you feel stressed, why not eat an orange? you will feel like you are in a tropical paradise.

 

[eczamurai]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Dear Josh,

please don't let this all get to you, you've got fár more important things on your head atm, and for me, I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'll wait for my Ash figure till it's finished, and I don't want you to stick any more time in it than you have, there are far more urgent matters in this than toys. Period,

Keep the spirit alive!

Jeroen

 

[Kabukiman]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I'm still need some more concrete info about when it will be ready.

I think Josh made clear in his answer to you that that's not going to happen. He doesn't know. If he did, he'd tell you. If you're not happy with that, he'll send you your stuff back. A catastrophic failure to estimate and manage time is what caused this mess and he's not going down that road again. That's your answer. No need to continue this 'discussion.'

 

[Sined]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I think Josh made clear in his answer to you that that's not going to happen. He doesn't know. If he did, he'd tell you. If you're not happy with that, he'll send you your stuff back. A catastrophic failure to estimate and manage time is what caused this mess and he's not going down that road again. That's your answer. No need to continue this 'discussion.'

Dude, are you crazy?
I mean, that's just ridiculous, after 7 months of "almost ready!!! just finishing!" & after 6 months of... I don't know how to spell it... Over-waiting, you talking to me like it is MY FAULT?
AGAIN!!!
1) It was 100% pre-pay!
2) It was pre-pay with "shipping at the end of april"
3) One of them should be a present for my friend, it was VERY important for me.
4) "Almost ready" for 7 months & no actual progress means lie for 7 months.
5) Talking about "millions of e-mails" when there was 1 per week means lie.
6) Talking lie about millions of e-mails & "But Sined, if you want me to turn in my Mod badge, I will." means lie for made a victim from himself & an ugly beast from me. I mean, what for God sake I need this heroic mod badge removal???!
I need MY figures. That's all. DAm' I don't even need them NOW!!! I only asked for a TRULY answer!!! I want truth FIRST time for 7 months!!! WHEN they will be ready. This is so ridiculous! I can't believe that I'm saying this, but I HAVE EARNED this answer!
7) I WOULD NEVER write smth here if I wasn't just simly IGNORED everywhere else. And this is not the first time. This time I just lost my patience.
8) Now, when this is on the thread it is just like "WAIT & STFU!!!". This is not right. I was only asking about +- time. I have this right. It was a serious deal. I was already screwed & it is MY FAULT???!
One more time for you, here is the most rational post here, I'm not so good in english, but this post says 90% about the idea of a DEAL & about current situation:

I love how we elevate these artists to rockstar status though. Its retarded to think these people are the only ones with problems. Sined isn't on here complaining that his life is ^^^^ty and neither should these artists. They come on here with their dime a dozen sob stories and think it makes them special. Us putting up with that ^^^^ is why they get away with it. Stop treating these guys like they save lives, they paint up ^^^^ing action figures, some of you treat them like their Andy Warhol. Get a grip. And I'm sorry its not a jab at you artists, you are talented as hell and I love you guys and working with you guys but some of you seem to think that your problems mean your obligations to others stop. Get your heads out of your asses guys. You enter a verbal contract with someone, honor it, your big boys, and for god's sake learn your limits.

 

[Kabukiman]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Dude, are you crazy?
I mean, that's just ridiculous, after 7 months of "almost ready!!! just finishing!" & after 6 months of... I don't know how to spell it... Over-waiting, you talking to me like it is MY FAULT?

I'm not saying it's your fault at all. Maybe it's a language barrier thing, I don't know. What I told you is that you got the only answer you're going to get. Your options are to either wait it out or request your stuff back (and get a refund at some point). Posting more numbered lists isn't going to change that.

 

[MaulFan]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Guys, please, just let it be, Josh is around, he can deal with his customers, let's just leave everyone's opinions and posts alone and worry about your own personal needs to post here and get things back onto a normal track in here.

LET IT GO.

 

[eczamurai]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Josh, just send you an email, please be kind enough to send me back one

good luck with all this,

Jeroen

 

[orbitingx]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Folks...things are not always black and white...We as people tend to display a sense of egocentrism when we clearly side with one pov over another.However, good communication is a must. We must appreciate both sides of the discussion and really just let the involved party hash it out amongst themselves.....

That being said I still very much enjoy Josh's work in my collection and they were well worth the wait...

That is unfortunately part of the sealer. At the time (a few years ago now), the sealer Josh was using, even though it was stated as "matte", was a bit glossy. Josh has since found a better sealer that is actually matte.

On top of that, it looks a little less shiny in person than in the pic.

Mine arrived shiny as well I think it had more to do with that wonderful humidity in FL affecting the sealer.....It happened with les' repaints as well

All I did was spray the heads with a thin layer on Testors Dull coat and and gloss the eyes and lips and the results can be seen in the pics above. Although I left SA shiny...cuz he's sweating from all that slaying

Josh, I hope you find that extra bit of peace once you finish the rest of your commisions.....

 

[DarkArtist81]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Sined... I am not trying to be a ****** at all. Let me make it 100% clear.

When I gave you the April estimate, I truly believed I could get it done. When I gave you the other updates, I also believed I could get it done. But I couldn't. I tried, but failed. That is my fault and I hate that you suffer for it. I can only do what I can.

It's not your fault at all bro, I did not mean to make it look that way. Your figures are almost done, when they will be done... I can't give an honest estimate. I am trying to finish it, that's the best I can do. And one email a week is true, that's what you did... and it was too much for me to do. If you saw my inbox and email account you would understand. It's insane to try to get back to every single one, it's long extended beyond my reach. Please tell your friend that I am sorry, show him a pic of what he will get and explain to him that the artist is working hard to make sure his gift shows up soon.

And Kabuki is right. I offer two options, either wait it out with me and have my eternal thanks or have me send you the figure as it is now with what I have and an eventual partial refund for my commission fee. I honestly cannot do any more. Having shut down my figure shop, I am flat broke and only getting by because of selling my own collection items to make ends meet.

I'm sorry I responded so negatively, but I was really taken aback by all of the comments. I know I deserve it, but it still hurt. I'm only human and I have feelings. I know I screwed up, at least I can admit my failings and try to move on.

I'm a survivor, I can take it. I have survived Iraq, an abusive step parent, suicide attempts, being jumped, working on the flight deck, and cancer... I can survive this. I will fight as long as there is life in my body to get the work done, and will do my best to make it up to those who have waited so long. If that means free stuff in the future, or eternal apologies, or whatever... I will do it. I just want to do my best to make things right and move on from this utter disaster.

Sined, you are not wrong to be upset. You will get your figures in due time, hopefully by next month. I'm sorry again for being late and for not answering the emails. But please put yourself in my shoes and try to understand what things are like for me before torching my thread.

 

[TurdFerguson]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

MaulFan, I couldn't agree more.

 

[Peteskywalker]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Dont let it get to you josh as i said a few days back you are only human.

I pray this will not put you off doing the great repaints and figures you do :-(



This head kicks so much a$$ btw thanks again

 

[cerealkeller]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Exactly, an update would be great, but I know the heads Josh has of mine are going to be unmatched by any 1/6 head painter. I have been forced to get rid of almost my entire collection, but a small solace is knowing one day I'll have a Dark Artist Gordon and Han Solo in my collection. Those along with my DX Joker, SS Vader and Anakin will be my whole collection soon. I can live with that.

 

[karamazov80]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I can't wait to get my Ash. . .but, I will , because I know the finished product is gonna be one of, if not the, best 1/6 scale figure in my collection.

 

[galactiboy]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Some of my work from Josh... not to mention both he and Les really inspired me to take a crack at making figures.

 

[metaphorge]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!









Some shots of my heavily customized Colonial Marines from Aliens. DarkArtist81 did the weathering on the outfits and the repaint of Vasquez's head, as well as converting a set of Hudson's armor for Hicks. Les Walker did the resculpts and paints on Hicks' and Hudson's heads. Awesome all around!

I still need to get around to getting arm sleeves for Vasquez so she can get dressed and dirtying up all their bots (real leathers from Newline).

 

[jimjimmyjones85]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I own maybe three pieces from Josh, two are total customs, not repaints.

And guess what ? I waited over 18 months. But you know what, in the commissions game, with people who do not make this their center of being, is what you get.

I was cool with that.

And know I just admire my pieces everytime I look at them... knowing inside, that Josh will soon enough walk away from all this, and I have a piece of history.

Thank you Josh for sharing your amazing talent with us and allowing me the opportunity to have a piece of it in my personal collection for all time.

 

[Les Walker]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

So glad to see some of Josh's works again.


To all that await customs from Josh, (and/or myself), a few comments of support...
(sorry this is long, but it is heartfelt)

What a difference a couple of years make.

When I first got into this hobby, around 2001 or so, online at any rate, not counting years of it for myself, I was just an enthusiastic figure collector, just like all of you. I liked making figures, and showing them to friends. I had even taken some of my first ones, to a convention, which an early Sideshow hosted by the way, and met plenty of cool folks.
So, when I got into this world, and this site, in 2006 I think, and so many of you loved what I had done, it was a short step to repainting heads for people. I made some figures, but the whole repaint thing got me going, and being an amateur businessperson, but a lifelong artist, I erroneously thought, SURE! I can do this! I can paint heads for guys and stop working and just do this for a living!

For a while, it actually worked.

Then, for me, (and apparently also for Josh), Life intervened. Right when I was in the most demand. I was taking orders left and right and coming up with heads and projects, and out of two things, fear of debt, and the thought that my then current bad Life episodes would wane soon, I kept taking orders for stuff! And on and on.
The single dumbest act of my life! STOOPID!

So...
Back a few years, I meet Josh. We both go at this work with a similar method, not a good one to begin with, and share from each other, and don’t get it right from day one.
Now, we are paying for that. Both he and I took way too many projects we shouldn’t have. I have my problems, he has his, but one thing we both share, is how we feel about what it’s done to us as artists.

I know, I was partly motivated by the adoration and desire for my works. That was all new to me, and I’ll tell you, It’s like a drug. One you can get very emotionally addicted to, and if you are not a true business person, it’s one that can screw you up, as it has me, Josh and others here and at other websites I am sure. Just the adoration alone is a great motivation. But I took on too much because of it. And took on a lot of angry detractors too. Some that got tired of anyone that defended me. That is happening here with Josh too. And they have a right to be frustrated. That’s the rub, that we can understand them too well.

Basically, when these projects got behind, we were not prepared. I myself need still a good assistant or manager if I ever do any of it again.. We are just not good businessmen, though we try, and with good intent. So, here are the fruits of our labors, behind backlogs, daily stresses that keep us awake at night, and keep us tired and not at our best game form for our art, and from all that, a growing sea of anger and resentment, which again, is VERY UNDERSTANDABLE to us both. I totally understand you guys being upset. I would be, as I am not a patient person, so I know.

There is right, and wrong. That I get. But with this, please understand, there are shades of grey, where we as just artist guys, were trying to offer something up to others, screwed up, and are desperately trying to catch up, and finish. And all the while be told over and over what bad businessmen we are. WE KNOW! Trust me! I do. And it is a horrid embarrassment. So much for art skills when we can’t get the work to those that have paid for it.

I can’t speak for other artists here, as some of them, the smart ones, have actually benefited from our mistakes, both in a business sense, and in how NOT to approach this! LOL! I know! But I hope they are doing great. The next generation of repainters and artists. They will take this further and keep the customs changes going. I may or may not. Josh might yet. Just know, he is trying.


So, to Josh, get your work done, buddy! (Just like I am trying to do!) WORK! PAINT! Try to find that place in yourself where the inspiration comes from, even when you don’t feel like painting, and feel flat, and depressed, and filled with guilt at not having finished for so many cool guys. It can tear you up. It is not the way to do this. Forgive yourself, and keep on fighting and I will too, and one day in the future, we will have that glory beer over surviving all this, and say, ENOUGH! And then maybe, be talked back into it yet again.

But until then, keep your head, and stay the course, and paint! It is the hardest work I have ever done. EVER! Nothing compares to it. Soemtimes, I think I would rather mow yards every day for a year then sit down for one week at this paint stained table, looking at these old, promised projects, but they are someone’s fun and dreams, and we MUST FINISH THEM PROPERLY AND SEND THEM ON!
Unfortunately, it is not about how we feel. That is what makes it so hard for us, with our right brained approaches and sorely tested amateur business senses, to do good work in spite of our situations.

Time to get it in gear. Time to muster up and finish.

See you at the finish line, old chum! Hang in there, you and Therese both.
(Keep her safe and secure my friend, and you will do fine. The rest will work out. )

 

[Reinhardt]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

I'm really sorry that so many custom threads have become negative. I fully understand what the customer is feeling (I have stuff out at 7 different customizers myself) and at the same time I fully understand that the customizers themselves are people, with life getting in the way of their work.

It seems as if the best solution at this point is for the customer to be patient, and for the customizer to provide regular updates, even if it is simply 1 line saying that they are still here. Trust me, from a customer standpoint, even an update saying that there is no update, as useless as it sounds, goes a LONG way for peace of mind. At the same time, the customer has to have some level of patience and understanding for the customizer. These people are human after all, and not robots.

My two cents. And good post Les. Great to see you on the boards.

 

[Migwit]

Re: DarkArtist's Creations of DOOM!

Josh, do your best as always and do it when you can, after first taking care of you and yours. I don't want a refund unless you decide you don't want to finish my customs or decide you just can't. PM sent last week, so respond as time permits and thanks for staying the course.

Keep your spirits up, we've all had similar life issues thrown at us so you are not alone.