Self-relfection as an artist/collector

So lately life has gotten in the way a bit. Having a blast but was intimidated by the tedious work still to come on my ESB Fett Bucket after my research was finally complete and everything from start to finish was in order. A visit from a very close friend and artist tonight inspired me to never forget where I came from and that I should approach projects with passion and not think about petty fears or ever act lazy just because it's easier. He reminded me that it's a hobby and I can do exceptional work when I stay passionate and never shy away from the bumpy road.

I just had a pro fx artist best friend of mine over for drinks tonight. We have worked together on a television show 8 years ago. We met while simultaniously taking Dick smith's make up correspondence course together and had the same dreams and ambitions in working for Stan Winston or ILM. Both of us got a taste of Hollywood and now I only work on personal collection projects. I showed him what I was working on and I mentioned this fett helmet will probably be sold as it's just too tedious for me right now. He was floored but doesn't realize that you can't just down amd paint it and the process is more a set of various techniques used at TDH than it is pure artistic skills. it got me thinking though. I am a father/husband first and foremost. As a collector, I make it a point to avoid willy nilly and impulse purchases. My projects are a very personal and meditative activity for me which is why I'm a very private collector and never really sell anything. I figured this helmet kit would sell fast and I didn't have to think about it. My friend got me to at least realize that I am a really good artist and busted my butt because of a dream I had as a kid. The dream was never completely realized in the long run but I have no regrets. I know this seems silly to most people as people swap, sell, trade, or change directions on projects all the time. But for me, I pick my projects in a very focused and almost OCD manner and I feel weird about dropping one. My friend inspired me a little to remember the attitude I had when we moved to an apartment basement in Venice Beach 10 years ago...He said something to the affect of, "I'm not sure I'm hearing this right. You're giving up on a Boba Fett helmet because you're afraid to jump in because of the tedious steps involved? The same guy who interviewed with old boss for a job as a sculptor and after being rejected, heard they needed another dental prosthetic guy so you lied and told him you have great dental plate skills and would come back with a small portfolio of some examples in a week." (I actually drove my hunk of junk straight to Burman Industries right after that meeting and bought every supply needed to learn making teeth. I even bought a VHS tape on the basic to advanced methods then had to drive back a few days later for more supplies to practice the advanced techniques. By the end of the week I had about 10 different dental appliances to show him, all snuggly fit on stone models of my own teeth. Long story short, I got the job).

I hope this didn't seem like an arrogant and cocky post. I realize it's out of left field to just tell an anecdote. I just wanted to convince myself that with all my life changes, I am still a person who can attack a project with passion and that's what I should do with this helmet and stop making excuses.

This helmet paint either has to be as accurate as I can muster to what I see on film, or nothing. Not that I don't take on tough projects...but something about this project seems a little more involved with sorting out which methods and steps I want to take. After he left for the night, I decided that I want the challenge and I am laughing at the fact that I had any doubt in myself over a helmet.

Have a good night and hope everyone is having fun!
DadaQT

I’m with you Brother, I have been there at those same cross-roads at many points in my life with similar thoughts and fears. With regards to a Fett build, helmet, gauntlets, a full suit, whatever, after some research most people build to their expectations whatever that is and then they are happy as long as it looks cool and is kind of accurate and that’s all good. I too have the “OCD-Gift” (maybe more so then you) that makes any task seem overwhelmingly daunting. Many times I have to plan my plan then re-plan it before my final plan correction are made lol I too have three young kids, a wife a mistress and two girlfriends – kidding. So finding time to start a project is just one obstacle, I have spent five years collecting found parts, I also must have everything I need laid out before I start anything, work area cleared cleaned and re-cleaned I even plan out every single step of my builds on excel spreadsheets and word doc’s printed out to keep handy when I’m away from the computer. Yeah it’s a bit much but it has to be this way or nothing at all!!! When your OCD and you have a dream, you can’t just put it out of your mind.

You have all the skills you need, take as long as it takes to get it done right and remember your opinion is the only one that really counts. You can do it hehe

I’m just about done with my Pre-Pro 2 MOW Gauntlets and one thing that helped me have fun with this project was to have my kids assist me with very light sanding and some painting. I found that I could do many steps with them and it took my mind off of OCD issues and this made them feel like they helped too.

Thanks for the reply and I totally am with you on that OCD feeling. I can't be in a project halfway. It's either all or nothing and it needs to look like the top helmets on here or I won't be satisfied. I was satisfied fully with using the ASOK cold cast fett pride helmet as I love the shape so I just need to finish all my research and gather all my materials.

BTW, very cute picture of your daughter! I dress my kids up in geeky onesies and star wars shirts and stuff like that. People in my life know I'm hardcore into my hobbies so it's always fun to make them laugh when my son is decked out like his old man! lol

Spam spam spam

What? You don't want a wedding dress rom TDH? hehe

Kinda glad the spam came because I otherwise wouldn't have read a rather inspirational thread!

It's also from a guy that has yet to refund money or send a helmet to another member that has been waiting since July for it.

Eeeeeek.....

Not cool.