Losing Confidence

[SSwaleedAlpha2]

Hi, I have been working on an Aftershock (Electro's daughter) and I had to do some sculpting on her andI have been getting very angry because it's pretty difficult and I think it gets easy than I run into another obsticle, and I keep getting aggrivated. Oh I should probaly add that it is "technically" my second custom that I have or in the progress of making, although It's only my second custom I just keep getting pissed....please someone give me some advice to calm down and keep my cool and anything else you guys think could help me out alot.

P.S. Anyone think they know the best way to Sculpt the little spark burst mask? (basically like electro's mask), should I sculpt
them individually then put them on or sculpt them right on the face WHICH BY THE WAY BOTH ARE REALLY DIFFICULT FOR ME!!

[Shinigami]

I lose confidence practically everytime I customize The paint starts to look wrong or something other isn't the way I wanted it to be. Don't worry, give yourself time, get back to that figure after a while. Maybe an hour, maybe two, maybe the next day.

[leafman343]

Maybe not sculpt them at all? You're talking about the 5 or lightning bolts on the mask right? I would suggest cutting them out of styrene or vinyl. If you are determined to sculpt them, make tiny armatures to put the sculpt around for support; sculpting free standing parts without an armature is about the hardest way to go about it.

[Jarred_706]

Be careful with the frustration, that's when you end up with a gashed open hand due to faulty handling of Xacto Knives (Luckily I had super glue handy, and just in case anyone is wondering that is a perfectly safe way of sealing a deep cut, just clean it well first...)

Also, if that one figure is frustrating you so much, take a break and work on something else...sometimes one just needs a break to work out little details.

[ole jade jaw]

I second the idea of doing them with styrene or another plastic. If you really want to add detail, fabricate the rough shape and then sculpt onto that. Aside from that, you really need to unclench and remember that this is a hobby and it's only worth doing if you enjoy it. Whenever you attempt something new, there are going to be failures in the process. Don't get angry, (slightly frustrated perhaps) learn from them and adapt your approach. That's how you grow as a creator. Have at it!
OJJ

[loosecollector]

Bro... No matter how frustrated you get... DON'T DRINK THE THINNER!

About the mask. Cutout a plastic sheet. Glue on the face. Sculpt over it.

[RedRebelCustoms]

Looks like everyone beat me to it! Styrene or similar is the way to go. It would be much sturdier as well. If an exacto proves difficult try a foam sheet or a thin rubber you can cut out with scissors. Maybe bend a paper clip to the shape and sculpt over that if you want then sand it more to shape. Experimenting is the key to customizing. You can add a really thin layer of sculpt or super glue to foam to make it firmer. Walking away or moving on is a great help as well. You can always come back to it later. Or, just be like me and have 50 two or three year old half finished customs on a shelf, lol. I may have 50 unfinished but I also had near 70 commisions plus a few for my son and a couple I keep for myself. Point being, eventually, you'll find your groove and your know how or when not too will come to you like the bear necessities. They'll c me to you ...

[SSwaleedAlpha2]

Thanks to ytou all I really deeply appriciate it

[claytonemery]

Another material to use is the clear plastic from blister packs. It's thin and tough and cuts well, and holds paint. Best to prime it first if you can. And there's tons of it around. Only disadvantage is clear is hard to see, so you can alternately blast some with spray primer and then cut.

Also consider doing it in sections. You could fashion her basic mask, get it right, then add the points one by one. A little sanding and "filling" with paint should cover the join.

CE