Ok, so I got into customizing a couple months ago to create the Transformers I want that Takara or Hasbro has not. My first two major customs (Shattered Glass Wheeljack, and Classics Wildrider) took about a month total for both. But since then I have been working on a Classics Roadgrabber using the Wheeljack mold. I am getting a bit frustrated cause it is taking me much longer than I had anticipated and has become more meticulous than I thought. I am about 80% complete with it, but all the details and painting small bits at a time is whats killing me. Anyone else get this way or am I just putting undo pressure on myself? Since I am new at customizing, I want to see if this is normal or if I need to step back and rethink how I am doing it?
just relax, it's supposed to be fun. if it gets frustrating take a break, the custom won't go anywhere, and pick it up when you feel better about it. everything can be frustrating at times
I know what you mean, and I've been there. You get a lot done early on, but then the project seems to drag as you come up to all the little details. That's why I work on my TFs in rotations. It keeps things fresh for me and I'm always looking forward to the next thing I'll be working, as opposed to dreading it...
Some customs are super-difficult but it all goes really swiftly and everything works out well. Other customs should be straightforward but end up feeling like you're crapping a pineapple. Bottom line, this is supposed to be fun. If you're not having fun, put it down and walk away.
Oh dont get me wrong, I still enjoy it. Hell I just started customizing. Another problem I think that adds to it is the fact that I only have about 1/2 a night I can devote to customizing. I get more time on the weekends, but during the week, its tuff. Thanks for the replies, I just need to calm down and realize its going to take time.
Yes,Agreed.I think this is a big one.I'm doing my first custom.As of this post I'm two weeks into it and almost half way through.The colors I picked for the highlights aren't doing it for me but after comparing it to the original mold it still looks better.This type of hobby is tedious for sure but,I too am realizing to just take my time with it and don't rush the paint work or it will look like crap.Lol!Patience,Padawan,patience!And I hear ya on the time thing.Between work,kids and money,this is just a hobby,after all.
I am not afraid to make mistakes, the back section and doors I have removed the paint a coule times because I didnt like the way it looked. I have made a quite a few mistakes, but I am learning from them I think it will look sweet (well as sweet as pink and purple will look) when completed.
Fear of making mistakes is one of the things that typically turns off newcomers. And when said mistakes are made, it causes enough anxiety and frustration to make them scrap their projects and never try again.
Experience means learning from mistakes. When I was about a week into my first TF customs, I picked up an extra Red Alert to attempt to make a Sideswipe out of, well, I was kind of excited about the idea and thru my excitement, sprayed a little (A LOT!!) too much red paint on him, so much that even after it dried, it was moving when I touched it, almost formed like a jelly like consistency on the torso. Take your time, take breaks for fresh air and to clear your thoughts. Also, try not to have your work area too cluttered, it can distract and pull you away from your plans. Good luck man and have FUN!!
Right now I'm working on a Landcross made from Bot Shots. Lots of small little stuff to do, and I've been getting a little done here and there. I like to take my laptop in the project room, take the time to compile a playlist if need be, and just zone out singing or boppin' my head while filing/sanding, drilling, sawing, gluing, or whatever. Makes the tedious things into time I enjoy. Also, like Neekotron said, take some time before you start into your work to clean up your desk if need be. I was avoiding my work area for a week until I finally cleaned almost everything off my desk (I admit I did this only as an excuse to avoid doing laundry at the time). Now it's a nice place to hang out again. And I'm with everyone who says take a break when you need. Even pack up your whole work area into a box if you just need it to go away for now. Out of sight out of mind kind of thing, without the guilt of having it sitting there and thinking everyday you should be spending more time on it to get it done and cleaned up. It's not a race, with anyone else, or with yourself. Don't try to be the first to finish and post an idea. As my buddy said to me when I was stressing about getting a custom done, "Trying to impress a bunch of people on an internet forum that you don't really know is not a very sound way to have your sense of success fulfilled." Sense of accomplishment feels good, but if other things/moods come along and I don't finish a custom, it's not a big deal. If I can remember enjoying the process, then it is a worthy expenditure of my time.
