Mini Customizer Survey.....

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Pikabubba

Guest
I'm at work and I'm bored lol so I thought of making up this thread. How about a little questionnaire for all of us to answer? It's not a long one, just a few simple questions. Just copy/paste in your answers.

1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

Ok I'll stop there since I said I wouldn't make it long :D
 
I guess I should answer my own questions lol

1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs! I consider myself about in the middle (5). I can't do complicated customs (very detailed designs or sculpting).

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions). I need more control over my shaky hands, my symbol work isn't super smooth so I need to work on that too. Same with eyes. I know I've improved a lot so far though.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us? Better quality brushes and lots of them to have more choices. Even have a small brush that I cut a bunch of hairs off so it's super thin.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help? I personally am not much help lol but feel free!

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s? I've never customized a G3. Oh wait I think I tried once and I didn't get past taking the head off. I like sticking to G1s.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block) I wait it out to see if the "thrill" comes back. If not, I flip through magazines for ideas.
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced.

I'd say I'm at maybe 6-7. Maybe. On a good day.

2. What do you think you need more practice with?

I need more practice at small details. My hands shake so I don't make fine lines very well, but I'm working on it.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

Make-up sponges! Embrace them. Use them. Love them.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

Of course not, I'd be honored that someone liked my work enough to ask me questions!

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

G3's. There's so many of them, and they usually don't require as much prep - they haven't had time to develop the mold and filth of a G1.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

Swaps get me motivated! I may not be able to come up with something good on my own, but swaps give me a project to work on, and that gets me motivated to be creative with it!
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
I think I'm maybe an 8 or so. I can do whatever I've been able to think up so far.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions). I have problems with realism in sculpting and painting. Meaning its hard for me to make something look like a real object instead of just a simplified version.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us? A computer, camera, printer, tracing paper and drawing pencils can help you master many things. You can manipulate the scale of a symbol you've drawn, use tracing paper and pencils like transfer paper and so much more.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help? Nope, not at all. I once was that new customizer likely looking for the same answers.

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s? G3 usually I think cause they're just more contemporary but a G1 can make a beautiful custom too.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)
I try to find color combos and designs in everyday life like magazines, the tv, flowers, etc. Just the other day I saw a beautiful comforter design in a Bed Bath and Beyond flyer that I'd love to make a custom from.
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
I'd say I'm at a seven. I still have a long way to go, though, before I get to 10.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).
I often find it difficult to stay consistent from one side of the pony to the other (e.g. eyes, cutie marks/symbols on each side). I'm also not much of a sculptor, but I'm trying and learning.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?
I love my airbrush and rehairing tool. They cut several-hours-long tasks into minutes. I also keep an Xacto knife with spare blades, hemostats, and barber's scissors handy. In addition to those, I like to have a lot of different hair colors on hand so that I can get right to work when the idea bug bites.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?
That's totally cool with me. I'm happy to help where I can.

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?
G3s, mainly because they're so easily accessible. There's also something about them that just looks right for customizing; however, I have seen many, many gorgeous G1 customs. Just look at the results of my G3 to G1 Swap! :)

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)
I do sometimes get frustrated with customizing block. That's when it's time to take a break from the counter - read a book, spend some time outside. After a few days away, I feel energized to climb back on the stool and create something wonderful.
 
omigosh fun idea!

1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
I would say I'm a beginner, but more like a level 3 beginner? Maybe.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).
Definitely re-rooting. I make a mess. Does everyone else make a mess?

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?
Well... If a symbol is really stubborn and not coming off, slather some clear nail polish on it and then wipe off with acetone. Also, when snipping the pony's original hair, I like to use a nail clipper... it's like a close shave! That's all I can think of right now.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?
Nope.

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?
Well, I like G3s more but it's SO much easier to customize G1s so it's a wash.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)
I can't really answer that because I haven't been doing this long enough to hit a slump. Right now I have at least 7 ideas to work on AFTER I finish 2 customs I'm already working on.
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

-between 3 and 5ish. i have not made that many customs yet, but i have painted alot before, so i think i'll be doing ok.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

-full body repaints

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

-no? well maybe? but i have my own little weird ways to do everything

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

-no, i'd try to help as well i can

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

-g3s if g1s aren't preferred to the one asking for the custom

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

-music and surfing the net for inspiration
 
Great idea for a thread and interesting answers everyone :)

1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
About a 6


2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).
Getting more detail into symbols. Hairstyles!

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?
Acetone is my *best* friend lol. Boiling heads in water can help soften glue on the hair before you start to pull out - and so can treading on the heads lol - they always bounce back to the right shape ;)

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?
Not at all :)

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?
G3s. I've done a few G1 customs and have more planned but G3s just seem to, I don't know, suit it?

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)
Doing personal swaps has helped in the past. I also ask my hubby for ideas lol!
 
i'm bored so i'm gonna do this :)

1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
probably about 2 haha, definately beginner!

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).
re-hairing, since i've never done it and have no idea how to? haha

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?
no haha. i've only made 1 full custom and 2 unfinished ones, and anyway... i seem to do everything the long way haha

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?
go for it! i can't imagine being much help tho haha

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?
i've only done g3s but i'm going to get some g1s soon :)
6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)
i haven't been doing this long enough to figure out what makes me want to do them?
 
eh lets see how hard i can be on myself shall we...

1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

-I guess somewhere beteen a 4-6. i'm really good at recreating other things i see, but sometimes my painting isn't as good and my sculpting skills aren't nessisarily the best, but i have gotten alot better-my replicas (of any size) are very convincing, heck even my non-replicas are convinsingly real. so ok, maybe a 5-7?

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

-probably sculpting realisticly and painting.


3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

-um...microwaving McD ponys will loosen the neck glue, but just straight decapitation is good to. sticking heads on an elmer's glue bottle is a great way to keep them proped up and not stick to anything (can you say head hunter?)

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

-i'm always willing to help! even if all i can say is "i did it this way and it was wrong so don't do it that way"

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

-i like McD ponys the best actually. but mostly it's whatever i have i like to use.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

-i usually slump when i have no bates. if i get stuck though i draw. if i can't draw, i talk to people. and if all else fails, i just make myself a Glory and then i get more ideas :lol:

:reaper: Kat :reaper:
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs! I'd say maybe a 3, if I'm really patient that day. I have a hard time finishing things I start. I have many headless ponies roaming around.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions). Sculpting. I have a hard time gettting it to smooth out right and blend in with the custom's body.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us? Not really. Um.. get a thimble. Especially if you use the needle/thread method. It will save your hands.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help? No, I wouldn't mind, though I don't know how much help I could be :p

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s? G1's 'cause they're easier, G3's just 'cause there's so many of them. It depends on what I got.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block) Music! I have so many ideas in my head, and not enough ponies.
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
Errrr..I dunno. Maybe a 6? Intermediate, k?

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

Fine detailing and sculpting, well on my way.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

Dude, use make-up sponges. Best repaint tool EVAH. And buy pre-mixed paint when possible!

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

Course not x3

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

G3s.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

Motivation: When I get a commish for a subject I know and love. Example, Zelda swap pony. Also, if I know the custom is going for a certain cause, example Dru's Canadia pony and Obs' Edgar pony.

Slump: When I just CANNOT make the custom how I want it!
 
Bear with me luffs, this is gonna be lengthy...

Oh, and I had to type all this out using my phone, as my modem is still out, so I probably missed some typos.

1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

Ok, I'm going with a 1 here, because I've only just started customizing! I'm very much the beginner. I have only made 3 customs, and only 2 of those are real customs. My first was a fakie.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

Everything? Lol. Well, painting in general is something I have always struggled with, so painting on something as odd as pony rumps?! I struggle a bit xD I get so nervous and shaky. I have a hard time making one side look the same as the other side too. And ya know, does anyone have tips for tails? I have a hard time getting them in. And re-hairing. Now my issue here is I just make a tangled mess! My re-roots so far all look fine, I just get mad and swear a lot in the process, because I always have so many tangles and knots. And my tool doesn't grab enough hair most of the time.

I also really want to get in on taking commissions, but I wouldn't even know where to start!

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

Well, so far it seems like a good variety of brushes are needed if you're gonna be painting. I like the flat squarish ones for my full body repaints. Lots of the little liner brushes for symbols. And I like my paint to be pretty watery for my symbolwork. At first I didn't do this because I didn't want to have to do a bunch of coats on the symbol too, because I thought it would be hard, but it's actually much easier that way! And don't bother with nail polish remover, get the 100% acetone. The nail polish remover just smudges the symbols/eyes around.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

Well I'm new myself, but if anyone thinks I can help them, I'd love to help! PM away ^.^

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

Well, so far I have only done a fakie and 2 G1's. I think eyes would be easier on G3's though, as they're so much bigger. Can't really say on this one yet ^.^

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

Well, I haven't been doing it long enough to have gotten into a 'slump' yet, but I can say if you're not in the mood, take a break! Works of art rarely turn out the way you want if you're not in the mood. I work designs out on my computer first. I really like having a ref for things like customs. That helps me get in a creative mood. I love creating things in Photoshop xD But yeah, if I can't think of a pony design in Photoshop, I work on something else to get the creative juices flowing. Sometimes I'll go read or listen to music and inspiration will strike! Don't feel like everything has to be done in one sitting ^.^
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
I would say I am in the middle; I do sclupting and sew clothes but I have a lot of room for improvement

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).
Getting my sculpting smoother and grandients on ponies

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?
Painters tape is your friend when doing two colors (I used it on my Hershey kiss pony), dont force hair into a plug it will either split the hair line or break the needle

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?
I will help if I can ^_^

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?
G3s just starting to do G1s

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)
It might sound silly but browsing the custom forum helps me, seeing others customs sparks me
 
blackestbird- I have the same issues with rehairing... it's so frustrating! I end up with a bird's next- no, more like a rat's nest in my lap of pony hair. There is much madness and swearing with me as well, although I get like that a lot...
As for the tails... I just make the loop of hair for the tail, secure it with a zip tie, pull the zip tie through the tail hole till the tail is tight against pony butt and then pinch the loop so that it can squeeze into the tail hole... if you follow, I hope that helps.
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

I'm definitely a level 1. I'm still working on my first custom, which is about 85 percent finished.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

I need more practice with everything, especially hand-painting the symbols and eyes. I also haven't worked with rehairing yet; this first pony has dyed hair.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

I did love the sponge for the full-body paint. Also I enjoyed using metallic paint pens for more accuracy on the eye make-up.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

I would be the new customizer PMing you, lol.

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

G3s! I'm not 100 percent sure how to identify a G1 as baity, and I'm a little intimidated by messing with them. However, I do have an Applejack and a Steamer that look like someone dug them out of the ground that I have plans for.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

Logging on to MLPTP. Always inspiring!
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

Hmmmm a 8 maybe? I am not quite on caliber with some of the really amazing people...but better than some I will have to force myself to admit.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

I for the life of me can not rehair. I break tools..I break needles...I do them the wrong lenght...I am usless at it and I don't even WANT to try I hate it so.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

With sculpting I guess... Using apoxie sculpt and wetting your fingers help smooth it.
With painting...stablize your wrist or elbow to keep from shaking.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

Never. Please do. I don't know much or all by far...but I will be glad to help.

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

G3s..I think they honestly look better as customs.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

art music love seasons weather sex smells frustrations joys wind cold sun stars and everything else in life.
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!
I am not really sure, I guess if I have to choose probably a 5 or a 6. I still have a far way to go before the 10 but I can do pretty much anything I can think of I am not sure of the way others minds are lol *some people have better imaginations then I do* lol

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).
I would say that I need to practice with dragon type wings and I need to practice with getting my hands to stop shaking *wonder if you get in trouble for beating up a pharmicutical company*

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?
When I do fully body repaints I use an airbrush or I will dye the pony, unless it is metallic paint then I do it the old fashion way. The metallic paint I use is super smooth but you dont want to water it down it is pretty much watery. One trick that I tend to do with all ponys is I wash them in ajax. This will take care of a lot of residues on the pony and it gets rid of acetone nicely.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?
Heck no I dont mind. I was in that position a while ago and it can be intimidating. Also if I dont know the answer I am sure that I know someone who does.

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?
I have only done G3's, McDonalds, and a G3.5. I am going to try a G1 sometime when I have free time from my first swap.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"?
I would have to say going to WalMart. I know it may sound strange but I will go there and look at books, jewlery and sometimes even movies. If I really have a lot of time I will go to the year round flea market near me and look around in there. They have just about everything from antiques to new things. Havent seen ponys though. But I get ideas there sometimes too. Or I will ask my mom who sometimes has really great ideas.
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

K I might go 2 or 3 ( I have had rather good feedback on my first lot so I will take the praise :D)

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

Am just about to start sculpting so I can guarrantee I will suck to begin with! And Eyes! I ust can't handle them! They always end up mashed looking so am just adapting original eyes now :D

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

Don't be scared to rehair! Practice makes perfect and you always get better with time :D Takes fricking ages though :p

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

I'm more likely to be asking people myself (start getting ready for sculpting uestions!)

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

Taking hair out of G1's is easier but I feel wrong doing things to them so I now grab G3's for customs

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

I am one of those people who rips things out of magazines and stuff so I have a wall covered in things that inspire me. Loving fairytales atm :p
 
1. What customizing "level" do you think you're at? "1" being beginner level, "10" being advanced. Say "0" if you've never made one. Please note that this has nothing to do with the amount of customs you've done, because I've seen some beginners that have made awesome customs!

I would say a "2". I haven't really attempted anything complicated, but I do have faith in my artistic abilities to not call myself a novice.

2. What do you think you need more practice with? (if you need specific help with something, please ask, and someone can answer your questions).

Sculpting. I have never done it before, and I'm wary of 'baking' ponies.

3. Do you have any special tips/tricks/helpful tools you could share with us?

Stencils. They make symbols SO much easier.

4. Would you mind if a new customizer PM's you to ask for help?

I don't know if I'd be able to help them-- I'm pretty new to customs myself. But if someone wanted to know about my methods, I'd be glad to help.

5. Do you prefer customizing G1s or G3s?

No real preference. I've worked with both and they both have pros and cons.

6. What motivates you when you get in a customizing "slump"? (like writer's block)

I've never hit one before. But I'd probably tackle it like I do all my art-- plow on through it, not giving in to the blockage. They just get bigger if I let them win. ;)
 
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