Am I the only oddball around here?
- Thread starter Sandman0077
- Start date
Sandman0077
Sr Member
I think that's the best way anyone could put it.
Scapey
Sr Member
Please, keep up the obscure stuff! I'd far rather see that than yet another "iconic" build.
Those are awesome too, obviously, but very similar to one another.
As for the sub-forums, the mods were asked why not an Iron Man subforum, but they can't/won't say why, only that there won't be one.
( I suspect copyright issues, they can't be seen to actively encourage certain builds from certain properties because they know the studios have people reading the site. So, y'know... No hat-knitting subforums either.
)
Those are awesome too, obviously, but very similar to one another.
As for the sub-forums, the mods were asked why not an Iron Man subforum, but they can't/won't say why, only that there won't be one.
( I suspect copyright issues, they can't be seen to actively encourage certain builds from certain properties because they know the studios have people reading the site. So, y'know... No hat-knitting subforums either.
)
Nah. Everyone who shows up here is a little off :lol
Build what you like, do runs if you want. If not, you still have some awesome pieces in your collection. It's a win/win.
Yes, there are a billion Iron Man threads, and sonic screwdriver threads, and a billion other threads as well. Everyone has their own interest.
Personally, mine vary so much over time that my collection is a little on the crazy side. It started out Star Wars, went to Superman, Batman, comic related, Brisco County Jr, Indiana Jones, back to Superman, and has had a few Anime pieces roll in, and now it's heading into the occult area.
The whole point of the hobby is to have fun. I don't make crap on the runs I do. The pieces may go for a good amount, but that's because they COST a good amount to get made. Grinding down a 2" rod of aluminum rod into an angel blade is not something someone does for a few dollars.
Enjoy yourself first. Worry about the "business" aspect of the hobby as a distant second. You will be a happier person.
Chris
Build what you like, do runs if you want. If not, you still have some awesome pieces in your collection. It's a win/win.
Yes, there are a billion Iron Man threads, and sonic screwdriver threads, and a billion other threads as well. Everyone has their own interest.
Personally, mine vary so much over time that my collection is a little on the crazy side. It started out Star Wars, went to Superman, Batman, comic related, Brisco County Jr, Indiana Jones, back to Superman, and has had a few Anime pieces roll in, and now it's heading into the occult area.
The whole point of the hobby is to have fun. I don't make crap on the runs I do. The pieces may go for a good amount, but that's because they COST a good amount to get made. Grinding down a 2" rod of aluminum rod into an angel blade is not something someone does for a few dollars.
Enjoy yourself first. Worry about the "business" aspect of the hobby as a distant second. You will be a happier person.
Chris
pickingrinnin
New Member
"I hate having to scroll through 6 pages of iron man to see something that interests me."
I'm the same way. I'm not interested in Avengers, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Dr. Who, etc. stuff. I'm much more into horror prop replicas, the more obscure the better.
I'm the same way. I'm not interested in Avengers, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Dr. Who, etc. stuff. I'm much more into horror prop replicas, the more obscure the better.
I agree with pretty much what everyone else is saying, but I think there's another part of it.
When I started making props, it seemed easiest to follow tutorials for builds other people had done before (Predator/Paladin pistols, Avenger rifle, Vigor bottle) because it meant I could focus less on drafting and figuring out how I was going to make each part and more on getting the feel for the tools, materials and skills. I think for a lot of other people this is also true. They pick the builds that have the most available information in order to do practice builds, and it all snowballs. Builds that are more obscure or more complicated don't draw that same kind of appeal because there's not as much background on them, so for people who lack experience it can be daunting to try to tackle those kinds of projects without someone there to hold your hand (I say this as someone who's attempting their first prop build without the aid of a walkthrough and could use a lot of hand-holding).
At the end of the day, making props is all about making what YOU want.
When I started making props, it seemed easiest to follow tutorials for builds other people had done before (Predator/Paladin pistols, Avenger rifle, Vigor bottle) because it meant I could focus less on drafting and figuring out how I was going to make each part and more on getting the feel for the tools, materials and skills. I think for a lot of other people this is also true. They pick the builds that have the most available information in order to do practice builds, and it all snowballs. Builds that are more obscure or more complicated don't draw that same kind of appeal because there's not as much background on them, so for people who lack experience it can be daunting to try to tackle those kinds of projects without someone there to hold your hand (I say this as someone who's attempting their first prop build without the aid of a walkthrough and could use a lot of hand-holding).
At the end of the day, making props is all about making what YOU want.
I agree with much of what has been said here but would like to make one more point. If you ever need to paint something gold metallic and have it look as shiny as possible, an Ironman thread might be your best friend. Likewise, wiring up super bright LED's would be helped by an arc reactor thread. Don't think of these threads as just paths to a specific goal but rather as ways to learn (sometimes from genuine masters of their craft) techniques which will stand you in you in good stead in your own builds.
I do wish there was an easy way to nominate threads for "classic" status because of their clarity and/or broad usefulness so that the mods could consider them for a separate section to be read by all.
nick daring's recent Cthulhu Idol thread would be a great example of this as would robn1's hero phaser build, among many others.
I do wish there was an easy way to nominate threads for "classic" status because of their clarity and/or broad usefulness so that the mods could consider them for a separate section to be read by all.
nick daring's recent Cthulhu Idol thread would be a great example of this as would robn1's hero phaser build, among many others.
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Chettus
Active Member
Agreed, I tend to read all the thread and learn a lot from them.
I tried my first ever build due to Obscurus Crusade and owe a lot to that site and coming here I learn a lot more each day and in each thread.
The amount of reference out there is amazing, as is the talent.
Each to their own, my friend loves all things film, I tend to scattershot my preferences but stay with the simpler builds for the time being until I learn the craft a bit more
I tried my first ever build due to Obscurus Crusade and owe a lot to that site and coming here I learn a lot more each day and in each thread.
The amount of reference out there is amazing, as is the talent.
Each to their own, my friend loves all things film, I tend to scattershot my preferences but stay with the simpler builds for the time being until I learn the craft a bit more
MAKE BELIEVE
Master Member
As you can see by the amount of replies your're not at all alone (in fact there are a lot - more than I imagined)
Just like you I'm also not on IM and feel it's a real pain to open the new posts section and have half the screen with a huge banner and the other half with 5 or 6 threads on IM suits, helmets, guns, armors, etc. Also think there should be a sub forum on IM (but also on SW, IJ, BTTF, etc)
Don't get me wrong, I also like what lots of others like (I'm a huge fan of IJ and BTTF) but just think there are too many replies on a certain subject and too few on other
Know exactly what you feel because I see that some of my threads have just a few visits / replies while others have hundreds... (sometimes think it's a bit unfair...) As others have said here the best is to keep it cool and keep on doing the props I like / want (and keep posting them).
Just like you I'm also not on IM and feel it's a real pain to open the new posts section and have half the screen with a huge banner and the other half with 5 or 6 threads on IM suits, helmets, guns, armors, etc. Also think there should be a sub forum on IM (but also on SW, IJ, BTTF, etc)
Don't get me wrong, I also like what lots of others like (I'm a huge fan of IJ and BTTF) but just think there are too many replies on a certain subject and too few on other
Know exactly what you feel because I see that some of my threads have just a few visits / replies while others have hundreds... (sometimes think it's a bit unfair...) As others have said here the best is to keep it cool and keep on doing the props I like / want (and keep posting them).
Gavinfuzzy
New Member
I guess it's normal.
Ask yourself why you make these props then. Making it for the awesomeness of owning a replica of a show you love? Then getting attention is the least of your concerns. You've got an awesome replica for yourself.
But if you're trying to make cash out of this, then making something in high demand would be most feasible.
Ask yourself why you make these props then. Making it for the awesomeness of owning a replica of a show you love? Then getting attention is the least of your concerns. You've got an awesome replica for yourself.
But if you're trying to make cash out of this, then making something in high demand would be most feasible.
Lichtbringer
Master Member
Everyone feels the same - from his own point of view.
I´m here for the SW-stuff, and not far away from "for SW only". But even i think there is not enough interesting SW-stuff, so i have to scroll through many pages with stuff i have next to no interest in. And when i find a SW-thread, the chance is high it´s one of the ever same (and therefor boring) main props.
And additional some oh so smart guys took away the SW-Theme, that ringed a bell inside me, even when no nice thread was to read :behave - now this site is a cool "brand", and is as interesting as the local daily newspaper. Jump in, look, jump out, done.
I´m here for the SW-stuff, and not far away from "for SW only". But even i think there is not enough interesting SW-stuff, so i have to scroll through many pages with stuff i have next to no interest in. And when i find a SW-thread, the chance is high it´s one of the ever same (and therefor boring) main props.
And additional some oh so smart guys took away the SW-Theme, that ringed a bell inside me, even when no nice thread was to read :behave - now this site is a cool "brand", and is as interesting as the local daily newspaper. Jump in, look, jump out, done.
freshmattyp
New Member
I came here looking for one specific type of information, but have stayed on because I find it so fascinating what people want to replicate. I learn something new in every thread.
Adam Fails
Well-Known Member
Definitely understand where you're coming from here!
I have next to no interest in Star Wars, Iron Man, Back to the Future etc. and it's seemingly all anyone posts. Almost nobody here has any interest in the stuff I love, but I kinda like that because it's way more satisfying to have to do/find everything myself. Even if a little frustrating sometimes!
I have next to no interest in Star Wars, Iron Man, Back to the Future etc. and it's seemingly all anyone posts. Almost nobody here has any interest in the stuff I love, but I kinda like that because it's way more satisfying to have to do/find everything myself. Even if a little frustrating sometimes!
Risu
Master Member
Truest thing ever written here. Doing prop/costume replicas for a living sucks the big one. Absolutely horrible way to survive. You'll wake up every day hating what you do. I know from experience.
JMChabot
Active Member
I look at everything and anything that people build, mostly because I want to see how they get finishes, textures, etc... I'm actually more interested in building stuff inspired by television/movie props than actually striving for 100% accuracy (mostly because I can then claim my n00b mistakes are actually artistic interpretations...). For instance, I'm working on a pistol for my Steampunk Bounty Hunter/Mad Scientist. I'm basing it on a Denix LeMat, so I read over all the Firefly/Jayne builds, along with tons of NERF builds/paint projects and I'm developing it with techniques and ideas from various sources. For instance, I wasn't allowed to bring in my Denix LeMat when I went to Ottawa ComicCon this past weekend, so I'm planning on using its dimensions/shapes to build up something with acrylic sheets and sculpto/bondo, throwing in some bits and pieces from here and there to amp up the feel of it.
Besides, as someone else posted, people generally see us as oddballs anyway! Evidence to that is when I went into Starbucks to get some coffee in Steampunk garb (sans Pistol, as it could have made things awkward...): It felt like a scen from an old Western where a stranger enters the SAloon and everyone goes all quiet to check him out...
Talk about being the centre of attention!
One person's oddity is another's originality!
Besides, as someone else posted, people generally see us as oddballs anyway! Evidence to that is when I went into Starbucks to get some coffee in Steampunk garb (sans Pistol, as it could have made things awkward...): It felt like a scen from an old Western where a stranger enters the SAloon and everyone goes all quiet to check him out...
Talk about being the centre of attention!
One person's oddity is another's originality!
Heck, I've tried to make and sell the exact same product as other members, and with less interest in mine. I mostly chalk that up to the other guy being a well known name with a very solid rep. I am still fairly new. But it was astonishing to see one "interest" thread fill up with 50 names, and I couldn't get 5.
Sandman0077
Sr Member
I believe it. People just don't want to deal with new names, and I understand why. Recasting is at an all time high these days.
JMChabot
Active Member
It is weird. I've actually had the opposite issue, in that I've had lots of people asking me for commissions with no time to work on them! Like I said, though, I tend to do mostly thematic originals, so not "replicas" per se...
"I wonder what I could use this for??" sent from my TF201 via Tapatalk HD
CynderBloc
Active Member
Obviously, certain projects become more popular than others simply due to widespread interest, and being the standout prop in their respective media. I mean look at the amount of Portal guns, Laser Rifles, Lightsabers, Sonic Screwdrivers, Iron Man suits, HIC's etc etc.
I would be in the same boat as you when it comes to popular stuff. It's not that I don't like them, just that once a few people have made excellent replicas of them, I lose interest in creating my own. I mean, there are plenty of unique designs out there that haven't been created yet, I'd prefer to spend my time working on those.
My tip? Forget about making money, forget about recognition. Build what you want, and because you want to. By the laws of probability you'll create something eventually that everyone will want
I would be in the same boat as you when it comes to popular stuff. It's not that I don't like them, just that once a few people have made excellent replicas of them, I lose interest in creating my own. I mean, there are plenty of unique designs out there that haven't been created yet, I'd prefer to spend my time working on those.
My tip? Forget about making money, forget about recognition. Build what you want, and because you want to. By the laws of probability you'll create something eventually that everyone will want
panterateama
Active Member
I have to chime in here too as an "oddball"...
Heck I'm currently working on a n Ezio costume from a 4 year old game... lol
Nobody wants to come look at it because its not the latest, hotest thing...
But I love doing it so I keep moving forward... slowly but surely...
Good luck!
Heck I'm currently working on a n Ezio costume from a 4 year old game... lol
Nobody wants to come look at it because its not the latest, hotest thing...
But I love doing it so I keep moving forward... slowly but surely...
Good luck!
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