jaztermareal wrote:Welcome! nice to see another UK member here Smile do not be shy, I have never had particularly good backgrounds or even bothered to take decent photos, it is the 1:6 goodness that counts!
(P.S. I am not a fan of the Star Wars sequels, especially TLJ, but I did enjoy Rogue One and Solo)
Thank you -- it is indeed good to meet someone from the UK here. I get the impression the UK 1/6 world is quite small.... and from even just my limited experience, I also have found it can be difficult to find almost ANYTHING that one needs (loose materials/accessories wise) that is actually located in the UK. The amount of items one has to import can be.... depressing, lol.
And re SW, it's always nice to know one is not alone on that score. I stopped watching the 'sequels' after TFA, and swore off knowing anything about the rest of them if possible, so less said about the particulars, the better.
BUT, I totally agree about Rogue One, it was just an all around good movie, and what is more, I felt it was respectful to the spirit and the overarching themes of the (original) main saga. When it comes to the Solo film, I cannot comment as I haven't seen it... after TFA's
complete destruction unforgivable treatment of Han's characterization, I simply am unable to trust Disney with that character (or any saga character) ever again. But I've heard from others that it was enjoyable, and for their sakes I'm glad it was, even if I have no plans to ever watch it myself. : )
Stryker2011 wrote:Skywalkersaga, first let me say Thanks for sharing your story. I don’t think you are as alone as you might think that this type of hobby is therapeutic, or a chance to relive elements of one’s childhood. I’m a man in his 50s who’s seen his fair share of gruesome reality, and now diminishing health, but throughout it all collecting (whether figures of all sizes, comics, books, movies, whatever) has always been a big part of my life, and one of the few things that has helped to maintain not only my sanity, but my happiness.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Stryker! (and for reading through my novel-length ramble, lol!)
It's always good to know that there are others out there who understand.... I often start feeling like I'm just being silly or something, but I do feel that being able to have some means of 'escape' into one's own uniquely assembled 'happy place' now and then is invaluable. And to likewise be able to share it, at least occasionally, with others is even better. :')
Stryker2011 wrote:There are many levels of customizers/kitbashers here, and on other forums, and I’m glad you found yourself willing to join in and participate with us. I hope that someday you will share your work, and not be too concerned whether it lives up to any pre-conceived standards. We’re a pretty open bunch. I’ve watched other boards become very narrow in focus and standards, but I like to think we’re a more receptive group toward varying styles, levels of skill, interests, etc.
Very true that there are different levels -- and different areas of focus -- with this hobby. And like with any art or craft, it's never a good idea to start comparing oneself to others (especially when you're just starting out!), as you just start to feel down on yourself. Far better to compare yourself to yourself...and just constantly strive to improve to one's *own* standards (easier said than done, though
).
And however narrowly-focused other sites might be or have become, thus far I've found
this board to be very warm and welcoming. Nothing against other sites, but it wasn't until I found this place that I felt comfortable enough to de-lurk, lol.
Stryker2011 wrote:Not everyone is a master at detailing, weathering, backgrounds, dioramas, or Photoshop (Hey, I pretty much just described myself), and some people have been at this a VERY long time. If you get a chance, check out some work from Peter the Painter, Lynkhart and DonDeG (all members here), just to name a few — they are some of the more experienced customizers, and each of them has very different styles and techniques. Some of our more frequent posters you are already familiar with.
I got back into 1/6 myself — after a ten year hiatus— for many of the same reasons as yourself. And mainly because it’s ten times easier to work at this scale for someone with advancing arthritis and dwindling eye-sight (if things get any worse — I’m going to have to go back to mannequins); that, and as you mentioned, the prolific amount of available accessories. It’s a whole new ball game in 1/6 than it was 20 years ago — or 50 — and with all the great artisans available for hire, the sky’s the limit.
Wow, that's great that you've been into it for so long (even with the breaks). But I'm very sorry to hear of your health struggles... and sincerely hope that it won't affect your 1/6 enjoyment too much. <3
It's so true that there have been immense improvements over the years... even as just a bystander, I have only recently realized just how far this area has advanced. Before the past year or so, my impression of 1/6 figures was mainly of somewhat sub-par stuff like some of the older Sideshow-style figures (or worse). I had been completely out of the loop and (embarrassingly) had no idea even what Hot Toys even was until I saw the Anakin figure... let alone the fact that there was the option to customize such things!
As I started to look into it more, I became even more impressed by the idea of unique customized figures (whether via commissions from skilled artists or modified by oneself). I already loved to drool over one-of-a-kind collectible dolls (ooak doll repaints, etc), so it was pretty incredible to realize that the 1/6 action figure world was into that too. I'd had this impression for a while that most collectors preferred their figures to be as 'mint' as possible, which is a mentality that I, as a conservation-minded person, can completely empathize with in some ways, but which I have also found can easily become quite limiting as well.
Thank you for drawing my attention to the works of those members, I will definitely check them out. ^.^
Stryker2011 wrote:Enjoy yourself here, ask any questions you want, and know that it’s not unusual to be intimidated by those with a higher skill level (we all had to start somewhere); we’re all here to help each other have fun, advance the hobby, and give tips and advice where needed (or asked for).
Thank you again for the kind encouragement. : )