Casimir's Almost Customs Show

[casimir]

Hey guys,

I'm posting this here because it's not really public knowledge (hope that's okay Will), but I thought it was worth sharing, and might raise some interesting discussion.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted via email by a lady who runs an art gallery in a neighboring state. She had stumbled on Inanimate Objects and was very interested in setting up my customs for a full show. Needless to say, I was flattered and thrilled. I've had a few public showings before, but only for a few days at a time. This would have been for over a month.

Last night I spoke with the lady from the gallery via phone. We had a lovely chat. Both of us were quite enthused by the idea.

However, as it turns out, if I were to agree to this showing, I'd also have to agree to put at least 50% of my collection up for sale. Bear in mind, this was a legitimate not-for-profit art gallery. This is how they raise funds. They take a small portion of each item's sale price, and the artist gets the rest. That's normal, and I have no problem with that. It's just I hadn't considered that in the three weeks between emails and our conversation. (I was thinking more along the lines of an exhibition.) She's used to dealing with artists, who normally expect to sell their work to make a living. I may be an artist (debatable, perhaps), but I'm also a collector. I make these tiny little plastic people to adorn my shelves and to fill in the ranks of characters I love. I've worked hard to build a unique collection. I don't want to break it up.

I thought long and hard about this, consulted various oracles of wisdom, and ultimately decided to pass on the opportunity. I'd love the chance to meet folks and spread the joy of customizing, and the event might mean some very positive exposure for me personally. And yes, I could price the customs sky high to discourage buyers, and there's no guarantee any would sell at any price, but I'm not willing to take that chance. Yes, I could re-make many of them, but I don't want to. I prefer making new characters and adding to the shelves, not spending time revisiting old business. I suppose my customs mean more to me than money, a concept lost on many customizers I can think of. (No one here, of course.)

It would have been a different situation if I made these things with the intent to sell, like Scooter's doing now before the holidays. But that was never the case.

Anyway, I hated passing up such a fun opportunity, but I chose the better path for me. Gave me some things to think about, though. It's tough being an artistic collector!

Any thoughts? Opinions?

C.

[Figuremaster Les]

I for one applaud you for sticking to your guns Cason. I know it must be hard not knowing for sure what might have come of it had you tried that situation out.

For myself, it is VERY hard for me to sell off anything I make. Period. Ever.
Art, or my work which might be labeled loosely under "art", is not for me just an expendable commodity to be sold or traded. I put something of myself in my work every time that I can never get back. (Hence your comment about remaking...I think we all feel you there...)

Now, this is a large part why any art sells at all, don't you think? The unique expression of the artist.
But, I see what you do for yourself and can relate. I stayed that course for the better part of 20 years regarding figures, before I started selling and replacing many with newer, better customs.

Beyond that aspect, of course only you can answer to your own conscience. In my opinion, you must do what you feel and for the reasons you feel it. Beyond that, anything else is irrelevant as far as artistic expression goes. If you have the ability to create something, you cannot let society convince you that you "owe" them anything, even if it means seeing, or trading in, your work. You are the master of your skills. You choose how and where you use and display them.
So, if it gets into the realm of money making, it is changed. I don't care what the defense, it is a different animal.

Some might argue with that, saying, "Michaelangelo was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel and that he did it for money." From one perspective, yes, that's true. It was business. But, look at the finished art. It is also way more than that.

I tend to think that any art created in a business scenario is done so if the person doing the commissioning realizes that the commissioned is in need of a boot in the butt to make something really stupendous (or they want to simply line their own pockets with it later as they see the value in it...), OR, if the artists themselves realize that they need the boot to get out and make the same. Otherwise, who'd go through all that?

So, my point? If you don't need that boot, don't sell.
Stay true to Cason.

Me? I admit, I sometimes need a boot. Hate it, but I know it's true. If you do not, I truly envy you.

If any of my opinion seems harsh or unappreciative of the outside world, I don't mean it that way, but I am accountable for the fact that I choose to make a profit with my abilities now, and I have chosen to go into this with eyes open. I just know the difference between the whys of it.

Besides Cason, if you love it the way you do this, why change? But, I sure wish I could get one of your figures!!! as I am sure many do... ;D
I hope you can't blame us for that!

[radioscooter]

Cas - I think you absolutely did the right thing. I have known many "real" artists who have chosen to make that their career including to some degree my sister and father. It is a tough road to go down, fraught with setbacks and challenges people with regular 9-5 careers don't encounter.

Most of the visual artists I know well struggle from commission to commission, race to meet deadlines and fall prey to the gallery cycle of output, output, output, sell, sell, sell!

My career is music, that's what I get a real paycheck to do everyday as a career. The design work, custom toy work, writing I do as freelance is all to enable me to collect and pay for some of the expensive hobbies I have: Toy collecting, Guitar collecting, raising a family etc.

Some people are unclear on what customs I sell and why. I keep striving to make better customs, as you do. In the wake of that I am left with many "first, second, third attempts" that would collect dust if I didn't trade them or sell them. So I do. I would much rather trade for other people's customs (like yours) as that is what I primarily have come to collect. But in lieu of that, or in addition to that - I sell my stuff.

But lately I have come to a similar decision that this hobby, the customizing and designing that I have fun with, has become too much of a grindstone. I have boxes and boxes of materials, parts, pre-started projects of every size and type. I've been putting away ingredients for custom toys for over 15 years. At the beginning of this past year, I had planned to redo all my Extra Powers line just for myself and the website - to upgrade and expand all the familiar pieces. How many did I get to so far? Half of one Batgirl. No time. 1:25 Batcave project? No news since the dinosaur. Too busy making things for other people.

And it's time to stop. Or at least slow down drastically. But what I found also, is that it's really hard to walk away from so much investment in materials and time. So I made myself a deal to see how many things I could finish before the end of the year and that is kind of my line in the sand.

Part of what has helped me make this decision was this recent attempt at doing a "real" doll project with a couple actors & their management. The short story is - it's not going to work out. Everyone is a greedy shortsighted knucklehead and it has burned me out immeasurably. I apologize to Steven and Todd and Jim for getting their hopes up. In my defense - who would have thought people would be such idiots?

It has also watered down my quality level. If all you sell are things that you have discarded and moved on from to imporove upon - then you're letting down some people. Granted, I have not had many complaints - but it begs the question. How does it feel to the guy who just bought your _____ figure to then see the new one that you are talking up as "much better" than the old one. Another twisty path to go down.

I miss doing what you do - making a thing, improving it, finishing it the best it can be then putting it in my collection and moving on. So that's what I am going to try to get back to. I am sure I will still make a few things for sale here and there but nothing like I have done or am doing now. Part of the thing that helps me is NOT taking commissions anymore. Making something for yourself and making another at the same time. One to sell, one to keep. Then finding a buyer for it. No deadlines that way.

It will take me months to sell off all the resources and trade items I have amassed and have made so you will see the ebay flags flying.

SO - the long story was to hopefully assure you that you did the right thing. Escalation breeds escalation. Once you cross a line it's hard to back off. I hope to join you as an "artistic collector" soon.

The way I started, making things as good as they could be for my own enjoyment.

That all being said - I hope Les doesn't stop working for hire soon! And someday - I'd love to own just one Casimir custom figure for my collection. That's not true - I'd love to own dozens but...


-S

[faithfulbutler]

I believe you made the right choice too Cason.It is indeed a very flattering offer and one that could tempt any of us.
But the truth is,i know you pretty well and i know this is a personal thing and would be sad to see you forego your personal ambitions just for the exposure and opportunity.
I know i have sold some Customs i made and will be selling some more but that decision is based on doing updated versions in the future because i know i can do better.
As far as exposure goes,IA is one very popluar Site plus you get featured in Toy Mags,you have one of the finest reputations and are definitely one of the best known Customising Artists out there.You couldn't ask for more than that.
As far as my opinion matters.i'd hate to see you sell off anything and am thrilled that you passed on what would be a very tough decision.

[casimir]

Thanks for the support, fellas. You all make some really good points.

Don't get me wrong. If I won the lottery tomorrow and could spend the rest of my days making this stuff, I'd be happy to sell and share as much as possibe. But one has to weigh in time spent versus real life and responsibilty, somethig we all struggle with everyday. As Scot said, you have to draw a line in the sand.

Also, as Les mentioned, money changes things. I don't accept many commissions, and it's partly because once money changes hands or is expected to, the process ceases to be fun for me. I have enough things in life provinding me with my recommended daily allowance of stress. I gotta keep something for me!

Scot mentioned escalations, and he's totally right. If I had opted to do this, I'd end up trying to push some of the older, lesser figures, while the really good ones remained "not for sale." That would just make me feel like a heel. And like Scot, I've got a whole closet of parts and half-started projects. My output these last couple of years (thanks to a certain lady ) has dramatically dropped. I want to use what little time I have left to make new stuff.

And Andy, you're also right in perceiving some unspoken truths here. There are other parties that would have jumped on this to make a quick buck (and then spin this into "the event of the century"), but I'd like to think I'm not so shallow.

That's not to say I won't sell pieces from time to time. Nothing wrong with that. But not half my collection!

Anyway, thanks for the support guys. I never doubted my decision, but it's reassuring to know I'm in good company that can understand my thinking. And hey, I know another fun opportunity will come along someday.

C.

P.S. I enjoy the fact that Scot includes "raising a family" as a hobby.

[radioscooter]

casimir said:

P.S. I enjoy the fact that Scot includes "raising a family" as a hobby.

And that it came third in line.

[Wild Willy]

Cas! are you outta yer freakin mind? Go for the money dude! make the money, SHOW ME THE MONEY!!

Sorry, just thought it would be neat to have a different opinion on your thread. ;D Kidding of course.

I for one would never be interested in setting up in a place like that, but attending and seeing other's work would be pretty cool.

Will

[casimir]

Thanks, Will. As I said, if it had just been an exhibition, I'd have been all over it. But the selling thing just killed it for me.

C.

[aburabusimbutu]

I'm with you on your decision 100% Cas. It certainly was a flattering offer.
I'm imagining what the experience would have been like for you.
I'm guessing that you would have spent most of your time worrying about people actually trying to buy your stuff even with carefully inflated prices. How much fun would that have been?
Then again, if nobody made any offers, it might have been a blow to your ego too. I know it would make me second guess myself if I were in that position (though I think my self-esteem is a lot lower than yours).
I also would have been worried about the threat of a legal problem. What if the "suits" over at Warner Brothers got wind of an art exhibition comprised entirely of their copyrighted characters for sale? That could be a nightmare for you and the gallery.
Another thought too- you do indeed enjoy a well-earned reputation for the work you do amongst fans and collectors. That is due to the professional quality of your work, and in large part to the fact that you have brought to life many of the well-loved characters and versions of characters that never saw the light of day on the store shelves (although Condiment-Man is conspiculously missing!)
How many patrons of an art gallery are actually going to say- "Wow! I can't believe that he made Giganta?" or "Look at how much better that Black Canary face is than the one in the stores!"
Most likely the general reaction would be- " Look it's Batman. I have no idea who all these other guys are."
I think your work is already reaching a targeted audience who appreciates the craftsmanship along with the character selection.
It would be great to see your work in person- my feeling is that these things always look better in "real life" than any photo can reveal.
But ultimately I don't think this was as much of a missed opportunity as it may at first appear- and the price was too high.
You made the right chioce, you maintained your higher ideals, and you have not had to risk any sacrifices for your art.

[Figuremaster Les]

Ya know Cas, you do make such superb work that I can so easily wish they had just let you show. I mean, it would have gone a long way towards showing many folks that think of our "hobby" as such a kiddie thing that no reasonable adult would engage in.

That being said, I am beginning to want to collect something from here that I would have never thought I would, that is collect a figure from each of the guys I admire at this site. That is not really your pointin this thread, but it does bring me to you, involving what you have just faced.

I wish I could get just one figure from you. But, I know it isn't reasonable because then, who's next in line, blah, blah...and on it would go. But, if I could indulge you for one fleeting moment....not that it matters, I just would feel better saying it out in the open...
Of all the artists that COULD do this, you would be my only choice for this. I wish I could get an old Bruce Wayne figure from Batman Beyond.

There, I've said it! Whew! That's a load off. At least now you know. I can go to my grave knowing that you are aware that I want something specific from you. ;D

Whether the time or means or inclination ever rears it's ugly head for you, I have no clue. Just know that I am but one of so many that covet your work.
You are one of a kind and deserve your recognitions. I am sad that your work is not in a museum. But, you stay true dude! Ultimately, one day...

But, I do wish you a great future with your creative endeavors, however you display them. AND I think the toy companies are IDIOTS for not offering you an immediate chairmanship at the design and development end of their figure making branches!

Best I can say to you mate! [glow=red,2,300]You rule! [/glow]And in here, you do get the respect you so deserve!

[casimir]

Kevin, you make some excellent points. Once again, when money is involved "retroactively," it just wouldn't be fun. I'd be worried the whole time. And the legal thing is something I wondered about too. On the one hand, the suits would have every right to make it a nightmare. On the other hand, comic and pop culture artists produce one-of-kind pieces and prints everyday of licensed characters, and nobody says boo. My stuff might have fallen into that category. But hey, why take the chance?

Les... If time and money would allow.... That being said, I have some ideas that might result in some "extra" copies of a character(s) being produced. Maybe. I don't want to go into detail or get any hopes up, because it's a ways off yet, but it is bubbling in the back of my mind...

Thanks to everybody for the kind words and votes of confidence.

C.

[glorbes]

I would have made the exact same decision.

I customize for the love of it. I do not hold anything against those who sell their customs, but that is not a motivation or reason for my engaging in the hobby. Few things are more satisfying than making a toy for yourself, and expanding that collection with each subsequent figure you make. To break that up can be a devastating and difficult thing to deal with...one that I totally understand.

And I also do not think there is a debate whether you are an artist or not...the answer is an undeniable yes. Customizing may be an extremely small, fringe community, but it is a community of creative expression. It is also a community that is blessedly free of overwhelming pretension...the same of which cannot be said of many artistic groups.

[casimir]

Thanks, Glorbes. You hit the nail on the head about the collection. Had I made them with intent to sell, that would be different. But as it is... Them suckers is mine!

C.