My very first Custom attempt 101

[faithfulbutler]

I only got into this Hobby last year and decided maybe a photographic record of what i did first time around could be handy.
This was a Stephanie Brown a.k.a Spoiler who for a time filled in as Robin whilst Tim was on a hiatus of sorts.

So anyways,she started off life as an Abbey Chase from the Danger Girl figure series,pretty clean and basic:


First step was to remove all i didn't need,namely her Head,left Hand,Belt and Holster,overhang of her shirt etc.


Next step was to replace her left Hand so i pegged,drilled and added.She was actually too tall to fit in with my other 6" figs so a bit of sawing and reducing her height at the Ankles made all the difference.Had to do a bit of shaping the Calves to make the join seamless.Again drill and peg with Styrene rods,glue in place and putty any gaps.


Then sculpt on the sleeves and Gauntlets making sure to retain all existing articulation.


Now i add a sculpted Belt with a piece of old Jewellery for the Belt Buckle and round styrene to simulate the pouches.Then the Wrist and Shoulder pouches and Shirt ties are crafted using flat and half-round Styrene and are fixed on and blended with Putty.


The Mask was a quick and easy sculpt to complete.


Finally put her all together and paint and seal.The Cape was a bit of a cheat method and was stolen from a Mattel Robin figure.The Batarand was from a Mattel Batman and the steel Rope was simply Twine rolled around a Glass Jar,then hit with Spray Glue and painted.


I ran straight outside and took this pic as soon as her paint was dry.As i said this was my first ever Custom and having no idea what i was doing i just applied all i had learned bulding Models over the years and it worked fine.It was the start of an obsession for me that i really can't get enough of now.
Hope you enjoy it!

[Wild Willy]

That was a great tuturial FB! I have to say that I've never witnessed this kind of customising before. I love the way you transformed her into a complete "Custom"
I really had no idea so much went into that Robin/chick fig when I saw it before, thanks for opening my eyes and showing me how it's done.
By the way if that was your first attempt at this, then my friend, you have found your true calling.

Looking forward to seeing more.

Will

[aburabusimbutu]

What a great effort! I am really learning a lot here. Mostly I'm learning about my own shortcomings I guess! I'm glad you chose to share these pictures- I always wondered what went into doing the kinds of 6" figures you do and now I see. It's as much work as I guessed. Beautiful results man!!

[casimir]

Yeah, his first attempt... And then the piece goes on to win a contest! I tell ya.... ;D

One of the things I've enjoyed since coming here is the fact that there are so many that work in the larger, cloth-outfit scales. That's totally foreign to me. And to hear someone like Willy talk about what FB and I do as if it were new, well, that's foreign to my ears! It's a great mix.

Not to divert from FB's great pictorial, but for those that want a another peek at the process and tools behind "smaller" customs (though by no means easier), I've just re-worked my FAQ. I suspect much of it is old hat to most of you, but for others it might offer some insight into "frankensteining." www.pilliod.net/secrets.htm

Now back to well deserved praising of FB!

C.

[Figuremaster Les]

Man, that's a hot custom! And your first!?! I am amazed!
Show more, show more! In detail that is. I saw all your other work you posted and your site! SUPER!

[faithfulbutler]

Thanks for all your kind words guys,i'm glad i could show you something that's new and interesting to some of you.
I agree with Cason's sentiment about the larger scale figs,it's very foreign to me as well so this is a real treat!If we can keep up the diverse range of styles and scales going this will indeed become a perfect reference and discussion board for like-minded people.

[BlackKnight]

Thats a very ausome figure, congradulations!

[batlaw]

Man, I havnt actually looked at that particular piece of work for a while now Faith and it still impresses me! ! !
GOOD JOB FRIEND

[faithfulbutler]

Thanks Troy,she'll always be a sentimental favourite even though now i look at her and think"I could have done that bit better!"
It's all a learning curve though.

[FeTuS]

Wow thats pretty awesome. i love the detailing and the paint job is amazing aswell..also very impressed due to the fact that its your first. very well done.

[Wild Willy]

Hey FB, we all look forward to the next! tutorial from you, simply amazing! ;D
Will

[faithfulbutler]

admin said:

Hey FB, we all look forward to the next! tutorial from you, simply amazing! ;D
Will

Thanks Will,i'll definitely put together a more comprehensive one next time.I'm planning another Mini-Diorama Custom like my Injured Bats/Alfred so i may do it on that one.