Transformers Custom Classic Combaticons Bruticus lot 5 - eBay (item 140324527485 end time Jun-08-09 20:23:04 PDT) looks like everyone is getting a Bruticus itch, hehe. interesting take, and a cool custom.
I like the idea and the custom itself looks cool. The only thing I don't like is the sloppy paint job. It looks a bit rushed and while the individual mods (like Octane into Vortex and Onslaughts BFG on his back) look great, the overall feel and paint apps look and feel rushed. I do give him props for not using Unicron/Primus parts (mine will have some of those parts because it adds to it and makes it bigger and better) and I give him props on the cool box idea. lol
Sad, but true. I've been planning mine since last July (I take on WAY too many projects and do a little here, a little there and it takes forever to finish them--especially with the all the stuff I have going on). I have this feeling that by the time I finish mine, I won't get true comments or crits because everyone will compare it to another and/or be bored of them by then. Then again, I'm doing it for myself, my love of the hobby, and I know I'll enjoy it--so that's all that really matters. I know I can trust some of you guys to give some honest tips and critiques though--you've done so with the WIP stuff and I appreciate that. Always striving to do better, but still keeping true to what I want to do. I just wish these guys would post them up here so we can discuss it further. It's a one-sided conversation and they aren't here to discuss or take in any comments or criticism about it. If they were, some things could be done better and it could bring them more money on an auction and get interest going.
I think the biggest hold up is that many of these artists are afraid to not have their egos stroked. They think one negative remark will cost em a few bucks on an auction. Also, if enough people point out one given flaw, it may nearly force the hand to fix it before the sell or another is made. Regardless, I really think a lot of it comes down to the ego of the artist. Obviously Transformers customs are a cash cow for many artists, but I just wonder how many we'd still see if the well dried up. Don't get me wrong, I'll be the first to rally to an artist to say that their work is worth money (actually, it's one of the main reasons I don't have more customs in my own collection, but I digress . . . ). However, I think we've seen all extremes of this spectrum by now. On one hand I am forced to say that one who follows the trends and is able to make a good income from it is flat out good graphic design work; on the other there is a knee-jerk recoil to someone who merely jumps on a bandwagon just for the destination. Regardless of the above, I believe you'll find a good dose of solid criticism here that will help you and your work
What with all these combiners out there these days, I'm just happy that none of the combiner teams I have planned or am in the process of building have been duplicated in terms of the molds used for the team members. :> - Alty
