1/1 James Bond by Howard Studios

[mverta]

Oh and Mike, lets see you paint up a Howard bust so I can rip it apart too. I'd love to see what you can do.

Accepting criticism isn't exclusive to professionals - it's just the professional thing to do.

As for me, I'm not a painter. I'm a composer and vfx artist. You're free to criticize my work to your heart's content.


_Mike

 

[streetjudge79]

I don't think that's a good attitude all. You'll never learn or grow from your experience if all you hear is the positive. So long as criticism is done in an effort to help, you should be willing to accept the negative with the positive.

If the intent of posting pics of work is merely for the sake of ego-stroking and not for improving your skills, have at it, but you'd better put a disclaimer that you don't want any suggestions for improvement.

ARE YOU NOT READING THE POSTS? This isn't criticism, it's an all out bashing session. There is nothing wrong with my paint job, the client loves it, many of my repeat clients emailed me and love it. That is all that matters. Go back and read all the posts my friend. PLEASE.

 

[streetjudge79]

Accepting criticism isn't exclusive to professionals - it's just the professional thing to do.

As for me, I'm not a painter. I'm a composer and vfx artist. You're free to criticize my work to your heart's content.


_Mike

Oh do show some of your work then. PLEASE

 

[streetjudge79]

Accepting criticism isn't exclusive to professionals - it's just the professional thing to do.

As for me, I'm not a painter. I'm a composer and vfx artist. You're free to criticize my work to your heart's content.


_Mike

Oh and thanks for you wise advice Master Yoda.

 

[Slave1]

First, I'm not a professional nor never claimed to be.

The moment you begin accepting payment for work, you are a professional.

Man, the end of your tag line reads: "1/1 bust painting specialist."

 

[streetjudge79]

The moment you begin accepting payment for work, you are a professional.

Man, the end of your tag line reads: "1/1 bust painting specialist."

I don't have a website, I do this exclusively for members here that want something painted up. It is a hobby for me where I can make a few lousy bucks. That does not make me a professional. When you start getting your work licensed by major toy companies, then you are a professional.

 

[mverta]

Oh do show some of your work then. PLEASE

Knock yourself out at my website www.mikeverta.com

But here's the CG R2-D2 I did for Lucasfilm:

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Just spotted this thread and I just went "WOW... what the heck is going on?"

I don't think that's a good attitude all. You'll never learn or grow from your experience if all you hear is the positive. So long as criticism is done in an effort to help, you should be willing to accept the negative with the positive.

That's not what the saying means.

Constructive criticism is positive, much of what I've read here is not.

The client is happy with the product and that's basically what's important.

The sculpt is not really a favorite of mine, but that's possibly due to the fact that I dislike Pierce Brosnan... and I see him in this sculpt... EEK. The colors are a bit "warm" in their look compared to what I would have gone for, but the two latest pictures don't have that smooth "make-up" look like the first ones does, so it could be a lighting issue. Would be interesting to see a few in natural light without flash. I think there's always room for improvement in regards to skills and I've watched the progress of Streetjudge - the pictures could be better sometimes - but I see definite improvement in his painting style... goes a little too smooth sometimes and loses some of the roughness, but still a heck of a lot better than I can accomplish. I would say... it's not the best, but maybe the subject interferes with my objectivity... and does it really matter since the client is happy?

 

[streetjudge79]

Knock yourself out at my website www.mikeverta.com

But here's the CG R2-D2 I did for Lucasfilm:

WOW looks like the short circuit robot on steroids. Looks nothing like R2 D2.. or maybe it looks like Alf wearing a tin can on his head!!!! Looks too cartoonish and not realistic one bit. (Sarcasm if you can't figure that out either)

(Obviously you are a professional at what you do, I'm sure you were schooled/certified in Computer graphics, right? Well I'm not at your level there chief. This is a hobby for me and this forum is 95 percent hobbyists,not professionals. You obviously good at what you do, but how do you like someone bashing that when you know it's good, your client knows it's good. Isn't that all that matters?Well it does for me. You guys are just not worth explaining this to and I know what kind of work I produce for the members who have me paint up their busts. That is all I care about. I will no longer be posting anything here on this thread because I don't have to explain myself to you or anybody else. Howard, you should do the same. We all know your level of sculpting is top notch. When sideshow collectibles hires you to sculpt their pieces, then I don't think you need to explain yourself to these few Flame war loving,critical jerks who probably can't even sculpt a clay pot.

 

[autoprops713]

Just to counter the Short Circuit comment....that is awesome Mike:thumbsup

 

[mverta]

WOW looks like the short circuit robot on steroids. Looks nothing like R2 D2.. or maybe it looks like Alf wearing a tin can on his head!!!! Looks too cartoonish and not realistic one bit.

Thanks for the feedback.

(Here endeth the lesson. Wasn't so hard, was it?)


_Mike

 

[PHArchivist]

What is that supposed to mean? I'm trying to give a more inexpensive alternative to the collectors here who can't afford to pay $ 500-$1,000 for a lifesize bust fully finished. I'm not giving them crappy paintjobs or work because I'm cheap. I like doing what I do, I don't really do this solely to make money.Believe me, I can make a lot more money sitting in my squad car at an off duty job doing nothing and for much less hours than I put into a bust. It's fun for me and gives me experience. I'm no Fx artist so if you want FX quality work, go hire Steve Wang or someone of their calibur. It still does not give the right for these newbie jerks to come in here and Bash Howard and me.

Here's* what that is supposed to mean.

But first let me state, Steve, I respect your work for what it is, have offered just compliments in the past, and acknowledged improvements in your skills.

However,

As you have postulated earlier, "You get what you pay for…". You charge what - $175 to $200 for a bust paint up? By either conscious election or by lack of ability, you choose not to invest the time and energy to add to your work (both your skill set AND your finished product) the necessary level of detail that really brings subjects "alive". You elect not to add the finesse that friends of mine DO, and charge $1,000 for. But as you said, you get what you pay for.

My suggestion to you is to learn some new skills and techniques, and re-evaluate where you want to be in this niche of the hobby.

Although, by your earlier post, it seems you HAVE decided where you want to be.

*If your satisfied with action-figure quality paint-ups, and $200 paychecks, then you must ALSO be willing to accept either no replies within your desired time frame, or replies that are critical of your work and skill.

 

[mverta]

I can make a lot more money sitting in my squad car

Hold on, you're a cop? And your ability to take criticisms isn't finely honed to a diamond tip by this point?!!


_Mike

 

[PHArchivist]

If you have nothing nice to say about someone's work, don't say anything at all. That is just
common sense . I sure as hell don't bash peoples work here no matter how bad it sucks. You just don't do that.

Steve, come on - be honest with yourself...

Your threads displaying your work are consistently and clearly phishing trips for praise. There have been numerous occasions where you have come back on-line within just a few hours with comments along the lines of "What? No replies…?" And you know it!

Howard , many of these guys here are not worth explaining anything to. They are just here to criticize and hurt peoples feelings without any remourse. And since they cannot do the job themselves it makes them feel better. It's a shame that people like this are members here.

I can take constructive criticism, but start ripping my work apart when you can't even do it yourself, and telling me it sucks/whatever, then you crossed the line. Bottom line, the client absolutely loves the photos I sent him and he cannot wait to get it. That is all that matters. And since this thread, I got commissioned to paint 2 more busts.

So I should actually thank these losers who purposely came in to bash me and you for the added advertising.

And can we PLEASE for once and for all drop the playground logic and mentality? How old are we?

Calling people "losers" and drawing the unsupported conclusion that they are here to "hurt peoples feelings without any remourse (sic)" is just plain juvenile. When someone is beaten, or lacks the apptitude to maintain the level of intellect, they commonly resort to base-level insults. You know - like fifth graders.

And I TOLD you all already -- MY di*k is bigger than YOURS, so PLEASE get a clue and drop the comments such as "And since they cannot do the job themselves it makes them feel better. It's a shame that people like this are members here."

The only shame is when our senior members can't do any better in a discussion or debate or even an argument than school children.

 

[PHArchivist]

Sorry - got a little hot-headed back there. Here's a thought based from a slightly more level-head...

A common complaint/response between the artists in question here is that they can take constructive criticism, but what they are receiving does not fit that category.

Well...

Since it appears this realization has yet to have been made, let me offer it - not everyone in the world is equally skilled in diplomacy and communication.

It is frankly unfair and unrealistic for the artist to expect or demand that ALL forms of criticism fit the polite and gracious manner of a true diplomat.

Criticism is criticsm, not matter how you categorize it. Some is better, some is worse. Some is tactful, some is not. Some is helpful, some is not. You get the picture.

But as postulated earlier, it really falls upon the artist who chooses to publicly offer his wares to embrace and fully comprehend the fact the when taking a cross-section of the world population, some folks will not express themselves as you see fit. An open, intelligent mind will realize that underneath the communication style and technique, a critique is a critique is a critique.

As Mike suggested, it really is the artist's responsibility to accept that some comments may be offensive or off base, and to just "roll" with these (ignore them?), and move forward with the confidence the artist hold's in his abilities.

 

[mverta]

Something else to consider: "It sucks ass," is a completely different level of dislike than, "Meh, it's okay." or "Not bad."

If I heard "not bad," I wouldn't take as close scrutiny on my work as if I'd heard, "sucks ass." I mean... those are completely different emotional responses. When people MEAN "sucks ass" but say "not bad," you don't get as much out of the criticism. Which is why I tell people to say to me exactly what they'll say behind my back and not mince words. I usually have to prompt them a few times because they don't believe I REALLY want the truth... most people can't handle it. But deep down, people really do want to be able to speak honestly, so sooner or later they give it up. And I get better. So if accepting criticism is good, then encouraging the rawest, most true form of criticism is even better. If you're going to ask for it, you might as well get the real story.

_Mike

 

[Slave1]

Since it appears this realization has yet to have been made, let me offer it - not everyone in the world is equally skilled in diplomacy and communication.

It is frankly unfair and unrealistic for the artist to expect or demand that ALL forms of criticism fit the polite and gracious manner of a true diplomat.

Criticism is criticsm, not matter how you categorize it. Some is better, some is worse. Some is tactful, some is not. Some is helpful, some is not.

A good point. And while re-reading the posts, I still don't see much in the way of harsh criticism of Steve's work. It's opinion-based. And bottom line, obviously for some people it works, and for others it doesn't.

Steve's responses, though, seem in instances overly defensive, sarcastic, even to the point of namecalling (jerks and a**holes).

The big difference I saw in the posts from those critiquing and those from Steve was that they did not take it to a personal level. Tact aside, they did keep the critique on the work itself.

Just an observation.

 

[streetjudge79]

Folks, I am done with this thread.I have no interest in reading any further comments from people who cannot be civil to one another. Admins please lock this down. I have no interest in fencing with people who are just out to put people down,make them feel like crap, attack their professions, and to just start trouble. People like yourselves are the cause of good members being driven away from this forum. This is a hobby, you 4 individuals take things too seriously here and need to get a life. Talking to you is like talking to a brick wall.
I had come here only to show off a paint job, this has turned into a bash fest against me and Howard for no reason whatsoever. I had never started any problems with PHArchivist,Slave1,Mverta, and the newbie and they feel they can come in and just throw insults around to anyone that happens to get in their crosshairs.
Anyway, don't bother responding to this gentlemen as I will no longer look at this thread or care to know any of your opinions any further.

 

[Slave1]

Steve, I never threw any insults at you.

 

[PHArchivist]

To clarify, had you not challeneged with "What's that supposed to mean?" I most likely would have not opened up.

And to be frank, acerbic as some of my comments are, you, I, and the court of public opinion know them to be accurate and objective.

I am just disappointed that you interpret the responses here soley as abuse. Please - go back and study the words here. Get beyond the crass remarks and the stuff that seems like insults, and understand that the point here is to try to get you to broaden your mind, detach your emotions from your work, accept other's points of view, and grow...

Even as adults, we can still learn about the world, and about ourselves...