Nemesis Predaking!! WOOT and stuff!!...this months feature is running a little late, so lets get the ball rolling!!....
Superquad7: Over the years, there have been many people come through Radicons. Everyone brings their particular set of skills to the table when they do. Radicons has really grown over the years, continually striving to bring artists resources they need to become even better at their craft. If there is any one person who has come through Radicons that exemplifies this, it’s Nemesis Predaking.
I distinctly remember the time NP joined. We met in the Fan Art area, of all places, long before it was brought under the “Radicons” umbrella. During this time, he was making signatures for members. He did this free of charge as a favor to several fans. I felt NP and I hit it off instantly as friends. Even then, I really saw something special in him, both as an artist and as a person.
I also remember when NP commissioned plowking to make an Alternators custom of his namesake character. After accepting the commission, plowking and I both continually commented about how NP could make it himself, as we both saw the potential Stu had as an artist. It's been great to see how this single piece of artwork fueled NP to become a kitbashing artist.
Since then, NP has really worked hard to refine his skills. NP has not only made some "good" work; he has made some of the best Radicons has seen, in my opinion. His Animated Beast Wars customs are extremely creative and well-done on a skill level. I personally have very proud of Stu of his artwork, especially when he’s went on to place in TFCon’s Custom contest! Many of us watched Stu come from being very antsy regarding kitbashing, to becoming a master of the craft! He’s continual proof that an open mind, willingness to listen to the advice of others, persistence, hard work, and determination can make a person into a great Radicon!
As a Radicons Staff member, NP works really hard in a lot of different areas. He has continually supported Radicons throughout its many changes, even if they required just a little bit of adjustment on his part, and helped others do so as well. He’s always aims to post well and encourages others to do so. He continually strives to post as a valued member of Radicons has been very appreciated by me and others. NP continues to be very active and encouraging to others as well; he has never forgotten what it was like to first venture into all of this.
Many also know Stu through the YouTube channel he started. I have to say this was a stroke of genius on his part. He could have very well decided to stroke his own ego and tagged it something like “Nemesis Predaking’s AWESOME Customs’ Channel”, but he decided to call it “The Unofficial Radicons Channel”, attempting for it to be a “catch all” for things he values of Radicons instead of parading around to serve himself. This channel came from his own initiative to help others on various topics concerning kitbashing artists and the customs community as a whole. He has taken this idea and concept and totally ran with it, making it a complete success. Nemesis Predaking has been very inspiration in this facet of Radicons, and continues on as a good spokesperson for Radicons overall.
Through all of these things, Nemesis Predaking constantly displays how much he values Radicons and what this place does for artists. Stu, I’d like to personally say that I appreciate all that you do as a Radicons Staff member, and I’m glad to call you my friend. I’ve been looking forward for Radicons to be able to spotlight you and your work for quite some time. My hat’s off to you, bud. Congrats to you for this well-deserved spotlight, and keep up the great work!
REDLINE: I've had the pleasure of watching Stu (Nemesis Predaking) pretty much "grow up" as a customizer/artist. He's been a very active member here for a few years now, and to compare where he was when he first walked in to how he is today is actually quite startling.
Stu used to be the guy always asking a ton of questions, about practically everything, as he was so eager to soak it all in, even though he originally didn't think he could do customs. Stu had made digibashes of his fan characters, the Nemesis Predacons, as Alternators. I'm sure that if this had all gone down today instead of back then that he'd simply make every single one of 'em himself. hehehe But, at the time, he didn't think he had it in himself, so he commissioned PK to make the Nemesis Predaking character for him. I'm quite glad to see that he did indeed try out making the other characters himself, because he got hooked.
Stu's never forgotten where he came from, that he started out as a newb just like everyone else does. He is always offering advice and help to those he can and referring those to others who might have a little more insight on things he himself is unsure about. It is for all of these things that he was asked to volunteer to be on staff here in the Radicons.
Stu has done a pretty good job, especially considering he became a daddy too.
My how things have changed in just a few short years, eh? Through-out it all though, Stu has always maintained his good outlook on it all, always been helpful and friendly, and guess what? Yep, made customs too.
AutobotX23: I've been a Radicon for about 2 years now. And just like in any social group (School, Work, Military, etc.) you have a tendency to bond with people whom you have "grown-up" with. When it comes to kitbashing, one of my best buddies, mentors and homies is my rival and Arch-nemesis, Nemesis Predaking.
For you new guys, for about a year we went back and forth with (I think anyway) our best set of customs. Me, My Prime Directive line and Stu with his "Nemesis Predacons" series (All from fricking ALTS!!!). Every time he did something that was cool, I took it upon myself to do something I thought was even cooler. He added wings, I added a cannon. He did an Animated jewel..I did a TFTM one. And in every bash that he and I have done, I have learned something new in the process.
We've traded, chatted and theorized customs and bashes together. We have both encouraged each other through our own hard work and imaginations, and even wound up being mods together (Even though he beat me by like a year!
)
Hands down, he's one of the best sprited, even minded and level headed guys that I know. He's a good friend and a great Radicon (Even though he likes Beast Wars
). His work is very much like mine, a journey from a N00B to a full fledged basher, and he was able to help as many other fans along the way as he could. I can think of no one better to drop a spotlight on. Well deserved......punk.
plowking: What can I say that hasn't already been said? Stu is a great guy, an awesome customizer, but the thing that weighs the most in my book? Stu is a great friend.
Stu and I first met in the "In need of a Sig" thread a few years ago, right around the time I first joined TFW. I was in need of a sig. I wanted to use my custom Alt PK for the base of the sig, Stu saw my custom, and we've been good friends ever since.
I got the chance to watch Stu grow as a customizer. From his first attempts at the hobby, to his now jaw dropping work. Its really cool to see someone grow in skill, right before your eyes. I knew Stu had it in him anyways, I could just tell that about him. I
KNEW he would be good at it. I used to tell him that all the time....to give it a try, and see if he liked it. And sure enough, one day he decided to take a crack at one, and the rest is Radicon History.
We don't get to talk as much as we used too, you know, life changes. Stu's got a lil' queen to take care of now, so his time is limited. But that's life, I've found myself just slammed by life here lately....not having the time to do what I
want to do, and Stu understands that, as a good friend would.
Father and daughter time....
As I said earlier, Stu, you're a great customizer man. You've honed a fantastic skill in such a short time. You've placed twice at TFcon. You've made some sweet stuff, and I'm sure you have more to come in the future.....all that is cool to be able to say about you. But what matters most, is that I'm able to call you: Friend.
Congrats bro, this is a well deserved honor for your hard work as a Radicon. Enjoy your time.
THE INTERVIEW: R: Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 30, happily married for almost 3 years & the proud father of my 10 week old baby girl. I’m a Landscaper/Snowplow & Salt truck driver by trade. I also (along with my Brother) do all the auto body repair & painting of the trucks for my work.
I live in the greater Toronto area in Ontario, Canada.
I’ve been a lifelong TF fan, which has also fueled my other obsession in life. Music,
It’s funny I could not see having one in my life without the other. There is a story to go with that, but I’ll spare you all that one.
R: What got you into the art of kitbashing? Why do you like kitbashing? How long have you been into kitbashing?
One word: PLOWKING
Seriously, without PK. I would have never started in the crazy hobby. For those that don’t know the story I’ll try to keep it short.
Back in the days of the first “siggy” thread, PK made a request based around his custom Plowking. Being a Plow driver myself, I was all over this. After several convo’s with PK & many trips to the Radicons. I came up with the digibash for Alt. Nemesis Predaking.
After some more convo’s with PK, he told me it could be done for real. So I asked him if he would do it for me. After receiving him, I knew the rest of the Alt Nemesis Predacons had to be made. After more talking with PK (& SQ7) I started on my first custom Nemesis Headstrong, and the rest as they say, is history.
Kitbashing for me, boils down to one thing really. It’s “me” time. After a long day (or sometimes a week). Its nice to sit down & do something to unwind, doing something I really enjoy.
I’ve been Kitbashing for about 2 & 1/2 years now.
R: How did you get to your level of customizing? Did you have any formal training and/or previous experience in your background? What have been some useful resources for your artwork that you suspect others are unaware of?
Trail & error. LOTS of trail & error. Many a bot has made it to the parts pile or even the garbage because of this. The key is to learn from each mistake & move on from it.
I guess you could say that the body work & painting I do at my work would be previous experience, but really I see it as the other way around. Kitbashing has made me become better at (that part of) my job. I actually find it easier to work on a 4x4 then any TF custom.
Photoshop, I would be lost without it. Every kitbash I do starts with a Digibash in Photoshop & from there I work out the details of how I’m going to bring it to life.
R: What are some of your short-term goals as a kitbasher? What is your ultimate goal as a kitbasher?
Short term: Clear out the backlog of 20+ projects I have lying around here.
Ultimate goal: Own at least one custom from each of the Radicons I admire.
R: Do you have a dream project, and if so, what is it?
I’d love to have the guts & skills do tackle an updated MP Predaking project.
(bet nobody saw that coming
)
R: What other hobbies do you have, if any?
As I said music is my only other obsession. I can never have enough.
To date I have 15,401 files in 1,162 folders for a total of 68.1GB’s on my computer.
I have everything from Black Sabbath & CCR to P!nk & Lil Jon and everything in between.
R: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming kitbashers?
If you can dream it, you can make it.
Never give up on what you see in your mind & don’t give up when things go wrong.
R: What is your inspiration for your projects? What influences your character choices?
Inspiration for me can come from anywhere. From simple walking around a store with my wife & seeing something cool. Or just sitting at home messing around with my TF’s and suddenly get some crazy idea I would have never thought of outside of that moment.
R: Who are some of your favorite kitbashers and inspirations?
First & foremost Plowking. Then in no order: Redline, ABX23, TTT, SQ7, Big Hank, 'purple-bot', anovasinn, Anti Spark, Chansformer, Conundrum, Crosscharge, Dak, hXcpunk23, Paul Prime, Rumble02, RyanUybengkee, Ptitvite, Anemis Seali_me, Spurt Reynolds, Terrorcon_King, Satomiblood, Lucs, GizmoTracer & Chlokai.
I’m sure I’m forgetting some as well.
R: What figure has been your favorite to work on so far? Why?
Oddly enough, it would have been my Shattered Glass inspired Excellion. Not my best work by any means, but it was simply an experiment for me to try out now ideas & methods. As well as to see if I could better a Botcon design.
R: How long does it typically take you to complete a project from start to finish?
About 6 to 8 weeks from concept to completion.
R: Which TF is your favorite and why? Favorite TF character? Favorite series? Favorite toy (non-custom)? [Answers do not need be the same for each question]
Predaking (your shocked, I know), I was never allowed to have him as a kid. My Mom said he looked to violent.
Beast Wars Dinobot. If I have to explain, you really need to go watch Beast Wars.
It’s a toss up between Beast Wars/Beast Machines & Animated. I love both for totally different reasons.
Lockdown, he’s just so badass (plus he’s voiced by Lance Henriksen)
R: What was your first customs project that you worked on? Any memorable stories to share?
Nemesis Headstrong. Nothing really memorable, just lots & lots of mistakes.
R: What are your favorite movies//TV shows?
TV:
House M.D, Terminator: SCC (bloody shame it got canceled) Fringe, Hell’s Kitchen, Ice Road Truckers, Monday Night Raw, America’s Best Dance Crew & Diners Drive-ins & Dives.
Movies:
The Crow, The Hunted, The Boondock Saints, I Robot, Event Horizon, The Chronicles of Riddick & Pitch Black.
R: What do you consider your strengths as a kitbasher are? Weaknesses?
I’d like to think it’s my attention to detail, but at the same time. That can be my biggest weakness. I get tunnel vision sometimes focusing so much on one part. I forget about the bash as a whole.
R: How would you describe your work environment? (For example, do you like to have certain music going while making customs or do you have certain things set up that immediately inspire you?)
I do all my work at my computer desk, so I like to have everything neat & tidy. So I can grab what I want without spending a lot of time looking for something.
R: What are your favorite things about the process of making a custom? Pet peeves?
I love the modding process. Trying to figure out how to make my Digibash come to life & working out the problems that stem from it.
When projects go all wrong from the start (See project Overload). It’s only happened to me twice.
I ended up scrapping one project completely & the other has been sitting for over a year.
I still fight the urge to pick it up and throw it out the window whenever I look at it.
R: What do your non-TransFan friends say about your work?
Most of them are like “ you do what ? your such a geek”
I does not bother me at all. We all have hobbies. Mine is just playing with toys
R: How has the new movie affected your customs?
It has not, while I like the movies for what they are. I have no love for the movie toy line.
Mind you I could be proven wrong down the road (Movie Lockdown & Bludgeon).
R: If you like to read, what are some of your favorite books and why? How does this impact your artwork?
Sadly, I don’t like reading (yes, I realize the irony in that)
R: When you listen to music, what do you like to listen to and why? How does this impact your artwork?
More often than not, I don’t listen to anything when I bash. If I do it’s normally Nightwish or Nickleback, but its more background noise than anything else.
R: What do you want people to most remember you for and why?
For being me.
R: Boxers or briefs?
Boxers
R: What trends do you see in your own work and what do others tend to say about your customs?
I try to stay away from trends, but if I do something that’s hot at the moment. I make sure I put my own spin on it & stay away from the cookie cutter at all costs.
I’ve gotten comments in the past about how clean & “stock” my later customs have looked. At the end of the day these are the comments that really make me smile.
R: How has making Transformers customs impacted your life uniquely?
I’ve gotten a chance to meet & become friends with a lot of great people.
But the coolest thing has been that my Wife has started to enjoy my hobby.
Even she is looking forward to TFCon 2010.
I hope to meet more of you there next year.
Stu and his wife, wedding day....ain't they a cute couple?!! APHAMAGNUS:
I know of a few WIPs of regular Animated Predakings, by others, are we going to see an Animated Nemesis Predaking?
Sadly, it does not look like we will, as Tracks will never see an animated toy. Maybe one day I’ll see if Anemis would be willing to do one for me.
PK & AM:
PK: You have certainly found a calling with the Beast Wars Animated customs that you have made. Do you have plans to do the whole supporting cast, or just a few select "favourite" members? AM: Also who else do we have to look forward to in the BW/Animated line from NP?
I’ll answer these questions together.
I have every plan to make the whole on screen cast from BW. It may take me a while, but I’ll get there someday.
Plowking:
We all know that you got your start in the Sig Thread. Do you still from time to time go back and revisit some of your old works and give them a makeover? Do you still make custom sigs for members or has the customizing scene taken up that time?
Not really, I’ve moved on from the sig thread. It will always be where I started out on TFW & my mod duties take me in there quite often. I see some sigs I did back then still being rocked by TFW members today. It’s really cool to see after all this time. I still make all my own sigs & even still make ones for certain other members, but nowhere close to when I was back in the sig thread.
You've mentioned your first Alt Customs; do you see yourself going back to remake them? Or are you just going to continue forward and pick up where you left off?
I’d love to go back and redo Nemesis Headstrong & Tantrum, but I really REALLY hate working on those molds. Plus they remind me of where I started, and how far I have come in a short time. That and my Wife would kill me, if I even thought about it.
Stu and Eric (pk) at TFcon 09 in front of Dak-sterpiece Prime Superquad7: As an artist, what about Transformers: Animated grabbed your inspiration particularly? It seems more so than any other toyline Hasbro’s made that this line has singularly inspired you the most.
It was a number of things honestly.
I had watched BW & BM when they first came out. I even got the people I lived with hooked on it. I really enjoyed the show(s), but it never even crossed my mind to collect the toys. When I did get back into collecting I started looking at picking up some BW figures, but could never justify the cost to myself. That was around the time Animated had starting popping up & @l3X posted his BW: Ani Digibashes. After seeing Dinobot from Lockdown, I knew I had to make him. Then the ideas starting flowing in my head. I knew this was my only way to get myself a set of BW figures.
You and plowking have cultivated a friendship during your time spent in Radicons. How has this affected your customs work?
Wow, this is one EPIC question. I’m going to have to dissect it to even answer it fairly.
As I have said many times before, Plowking is the reason I am a Radicon. His friendship has meant so much to me, for some many reasons. At first it was “Teacher/Mentor, Pupil” thing. He helped me at every turn when I made mistakes, always willing to take time to help me out (I’m sure I annoyed him more then he will ever admit
). Later our friendship turned into a “Comradery”, sharing ideas & using each other as sounding boards. I don’t think there are many customs I have done that PK has not seen first nor had some input on. We have inspired each other in so many ways, I’ve lost count.
What are some things in particular that you feel that you would otherwise not have learned if it had not been for his help?
The main thing would be. Not to freak out when something goes wrong. Almost everything can be fixed. But if you need to walk away from a project for a while, there is nothing wrong with it.
How can you relate your friendship with your overall experience in Radicons?
Knowing PK & having him post in my project threads when I first started helped me open up to the rest of the Radicons. Which in turn helped me met so many great people.
Based on your friendships you’ve made with others, how can you advise those who are just starting out (or those who may have been here for a while) regarding interacting with other artists in Radicons?
Be yourself & get involved. I don’t really know how else to put it.
How is this different than other fan communities you have been a part of?
I’ve never been part of any other fan communities. Unless you count YouTube & I’m still a noob there
You have participated and placed in several customs contests, notably at TFCon. What advice can you give to others who are looking to be competitive with their work?
Actually, I’ve only entered two contests (both at TFCon). The first year was only because Dak posted in my BW: Ani DB thread on Cyberton.ca, which he wanted to see it at TFCon. I was shocked. All I could think was “Dak, wants to see my work !!!!” To me this was a huge honour. I never dreamed I would win, let alone place 3rd. I had only been bashing for 9 months at that point. After the ribbons were placed on the table. I saw one sitting next to DB; I must have stood there for 5 or 10 mins before I had the guts to look at it. As we all know it was 3rd place. I was floored. I didn’t do anything special to my project for TFCon. In fact it was always meant to go to PK (and it did). Same thing with this year, BW: Megs was supposed to go to ABX23 (after DWJ signed it, it didn’t make it to ABX23). So I guess in a roundabout way. I’m saying if you want to be competitive with your work. Don’t work on it as if you’re entering a contest. Bash as if it was for you or a good friend. It will turn out so much better in the end.
AutobotX23: #1: Has the influx of the movies toys (which I know aren't your favorite) slowed down your bashing at all?
Yes & No. It makes for a harder time finding the figure I want, but there are many online retailers that I can get what I want from. All else fails I have the Junkion Exchange & Radicons Marketplace
2#: Do you still have plans to finish the Nemesis Predacons line? Since you have learned so much since you first started bashing, have you debated on ever "re-bashing" them?
You guys keep reminding me about poor old Nemesis Rampage
. I do plan on getting to him (hopefully) sometime early next year.
As I said in PK's question. My wife would kill me
3#: How do you deal with the inclement temperature in you neck of the woods when it comes to painting?
I push my luck a lot of time with the weather in the winter. Honestly I don't know how some of my projects turned out o.k. I look at the weather alot for my job in the winter. I've had to wait weeks before for a day to come that I could paint. I really just wait for "warmer" days with LOTS of sun. I can get my solarium to about 7 to 8 degrees on those days (with a fully open window) Still damn cold, but I rarely have any problems. It's really a matter of luck.
4#: You have taken a bit of a break on your Beast Wars: Animated figs. Will you be picking those up anytime soon?
I work on them here & there. My biggest problem is fully brush painting, I hate fully brush painting. It gets on my nerves. That's why BW:A Depthcharge & Tarantulas have been sitting for so long. I'll get back to them sometime.
5#: Where are you on your next Beast wars:Megatron? You know, the one you promised your rival? Hmmmmm?????
He's sitting here waiting for you to make it to TFCon 2010. I told you, You can have him when I get to shake your hand.
REDLINE:
What's it like being a Radicon staff member?
Well, it's really cool we all get together once a month or a "Guys Weekend" of camping.
We have a grand old time, sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows & singing showtunes & talking about our feelings.
I really enjoy these time with my "boys".
.....................................................................
, Sorry couldn't help myself there.
It was really an honor to be asked to join the Radicon staff and to be able to help this place grow even more then it has in my short time here.
I hope to be here for a long time & see the Radicons grow even more.
How big is your list of customs you want to do?
20+ at the moment (& growing).
Just to list some of them.
Classics: P/CP, Swindle, Strafe, Bludgeon, TC, Thrust & a combiner
Animated: The Beast Wars on screen cast & maybe some Beast Machines
Alt's: Nemesis Rampage, Overload (one day
) & a commission for PK
Misc: More S6 Radicons
I'm sure more will always pop up, they always do .
You've really knocked it out of the park with your Animated customs. Is Animated your "home"? or are you too into a wide variety of TFs to settle on anything at all?
OH, I love working with the Animated line. Yes it is my "home" that for sure. I'll be sad the day I finish my last Ani custom. I'm also really into the Classics/Uni line, but I don't enjoy bashing those as much as I do, Animated. I'll never really settle on one line totally, but Animated will always have a special place in my "kitbashing heart".
The Customs of Nemesis Predaking: 
Beast Wars Dinobot 
Beast Wars Megatron 
Beast Wars Optimus Primal 
Beast Wars TM2 Dinobot 
TFA Meltdown 
TFA Sari The Threads of Nemesis Predaking: Evolution of Fear ~ Universe Nemesis Predaking TFX-01 Upgrade Kit Nemesis Prime Repaint TF:A Sari Completed Cyrus The Colossus Rhodes (WIP) TF: A Meltdown Nemesis Predaking Spawns Animated Beast Wars Idea's BW:Animated Tarantulas (WIP) Tarantulas's Spider Drone BW:Animated Megatron MK2 BW:A Depthcharge (WIP) Team Radicon Wave 1:S6 ABX23 & BH BW:Ani Megatron, Now with 100% more Rubber Ducky Nemesis Divebomd Project Overload WIP Alternators Nemesis Predacons (WIP) Nemesis Razorclaw Shattered Glass Inspired Excellion Vector Prime ~ Repaint Classics Megs (yet again) Classics Dirge, My way (Updated, Alt Mode) Animated Cliffjumper Animated Dinobot MK2 BW Animated Primal Sigma 6 NP, New Weapons Animated Dinobot The Official Radicon Youtube Channel Congrats again buddy!! 
Nemesis Predaking for the win!
