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timstephson
Fresh Meat
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 11:27 am Posts: 19 Location: Austin, Tx
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
bansheebot wrote: timstephson wrote: Thanks for the little lesson in toymaking but maybe you should research who your talking to before you give advice. Sincerely, nobody here will give a fuck about you're [sic] ego. I promise. timstephson wrote: I make toys that I think are rad. I think the Grim creeper is rad. That's wonderful and in the end, that's all that matters. timstephson wrote: I don't see what's not to like about it. You really don't understand that people can have differing taste? The tantrums keep getting better and better. Its not me having an ego or a tantrum dude. Its me standing up for myself. The things you guys are saying are insulting. Its not constructive at all. Most importantly Its not on point either. If you simply dont like it then say so. If you want to critique it then do it. Why talk down to someone who is obviously out here to just spread the word about a project.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:36 pm |
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Russblue11
Post Pimp
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2010 8:03 pm Posts: 2927 Location: Orlando, FL
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
timstephson wrote: someone who is obviously out here to just spread the word about a project. You just answered your own question
_________________ flickr / instagram Looking for REES!
toothaction wrote: John - STFU and go play with your Bearbricks!
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:39 pm |
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phantomfauna
Side Dealer
Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:25 am Posts: 2212
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
Get over yourself...In reality if you tell people you collect adult toys they will think two things... 1.Pedofile 2.Perverte and also a pedofile Then...Let's say you you tell them you actually make adult toys and they think... 1.Super perverte pedofile nerdgasm 2.Or you're these guys(OG Skullbrainers)...  (That's Greg Mishka on the left)
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:40 pm |
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michael
Side Dealer
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:10 pm Posts: 2193
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
chill out dude. people are expressing their opinions, not being snarky assholes.
heres my two cents.
to echo whats been said before: this hits the marks. tentacles, wrinkles, spikes, claws, and skulls. all seemingly thrown on your original toy, which was smooth all over like a platform toy. you kept the skull smooth, it could be lifeless and robotic, but it just looks out of place. to me, this is a character based toy, but it lacks just that: character. it seems really static and lifeless. maybe thats what you were going for, but what do i know.
i follow you on instagram and you make nice things, and are really innovative in what you do for the most part. i dont see why the grim creeper has to be made in vinyl, when you are a more than capable resin artist. this would look great in resin, sure, it would be tough to do, but your devastator is gigantic and crazy.
most of the people come here to look at toys produced by people in japan, or toys that are american designed but mimic the good days of japanese vinyl toys and design. this toy doesnt look to reference anyhting- which isnt necessarily a bad thing, its just not what people here will be into. the toy world is big, and skullbrain isnt the only market for these types of things.
if people like it, theyll buy it. if you think its cool, then thats all that matters- just dont get bent out of shape when people voice their opinions, negative or not.
_________________ http://michaelskattum.com
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 5:20 pm |
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timstephson
Fresh Meat
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 11:27 am Posts: 19 Location: Austin, Tx
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
michael wrote: chill out dude. people are expressing their opinions, not being snarky assholes.
heres my two cents.
to echo whats been said before: this hits the marks. tentacles, wrinkles, spikes, claws, and skulls. all seemingly thrown on your original toy, which was smooth all over like a platform toy. you kept the skull smooth, it could be lifeless and robotic, but it just looks out of place. to me, this is a character based toy, but it lacks just that: character. it seems really static and lifeless. maybe thats what you were going for, but what do i know.
i follow you on instagram and you make nice things, and are really innovative in what you do for the most part. i dont see why the grim creeper has to be made in vinyl, when you are a more than capable resin artist. this would look great in resin, sure, it would be tough to do, but your devastator is gigantic and crazy.
most of the people come here to look at toys produced by people in japan, or toys that are american designed but mimic the good days of japanese vinyl toys and design. this toy doesnt look to reference anyhting- which isnt necessarily a bad thing, its just not what people here will be into. the toy world is big, and skullbrain isnt the only market for these types of things.
if people like it, theyll buy it. if you think its cool, then thats all that matters- just dont get bent out of shape when people voice their opinions, negative or not. Thank you. I appreciate your honesty. I have made a bunch of stuff after the Creeper I think is much cooler. I just spent alot of time and money to get it to this point so I feel obligated to see it through. I share your opinion about it. It does feel lifeless and somewhat static. After hearing everyone disagree with me and act excited about it I decided to keep it going. Obviously they are all full of shit and empty promises and you guys are right it's just not quite hitting the mark. The presales prove it. THAT'S a tough pill to swallow. So it's easy to overreact when people dismiss it and me as bullshit. My bad. Thanks for the wake up call. Ill crawl back into my hole now
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 5:35 pm |
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Frank Kozik
Mini Boss
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2005 8:53 pm Posts: 4668
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
Hippo Police strike again. Christ what a pack of snivelling wankers. I think I'm going to smoke some weed now.
_________________ Is that a mini-Zag lodged in your urethra, or are you just happy to see me?
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 6:06 pm |
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Daimyo
Side Dealer
Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2010 10:16 am Posts: 2294 Location: The Banks
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
Tim, you seem too thin skinned to be in the toy world. I was not attacking you but giving my opinion. You seemed shocked about the luke warm response and I was trying to help you put your finger on why it is getting this reaction on this board. If you think we must like it, then you are wrong. I like whatever the fuck I want to like and that is that. If that makes me elitist then so must the ravenous Dumny collector be considered so. If I liked the toy, I would say so and nothing about being cool or elitist would stop me. I didn't check out the campaign because I have no interest in the toy. There is nothing personal about it. If you next toy gives me collector wood, then I would be happy to buy one. It's really that simple. Sorry if I mistook your length of time in the business but you weren't coming across like a seasoned vet. This is an eclectic place where adult men and women like hunks of vinyl that look to many people like lumps of poop. We are fine with that. Like I said, making a toy is a risk and not everyone is going to like it. Sorry if you thought that was too harsh. I wasn't talking down to you, I was trying to explain the responses that you seemed not to be getting. What's not to like? Depends on who is looking at it.
_________________ This toy is as pure as Jesus's balls my friend so worship it! - Skinner
wants: viewtopic.php?f=26&t=36685
Last edited by Daimyo on Sat Aug 24, 2013 6:29 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 6:21 pm |
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Waterbear
Addicted
Joined: Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:58 am Posts: 666 Location: Hiding in your toy chest
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
I don't go around telling people what I think their toy is lacking because it's THEIR toy in the end but since you actually asked for a critique I'll bite.
First let me say I actually own a mini and i like it. It works for me. The smooth on smooth look just fits. It almost looks like a detailed stone artifact that was weathered and worn down over time. Like a rock tossed around in a river for a few decades that ends up perfectly smooth. It's a neat toy.
This version is almost the opposite. If it was all sharp and jagged and wrinkled I might have already pre-ordered one. I like everything about it except the face. It feels like 80% of the design evolved into something new and mean and more alien but the face was ignored. In my opinion it should have changed along with everything else. Picturing it with something as simple as a highly detailed skull with teeth and crooked lines and cracks extending up the cone it looks great in my head. Or cut at sharp angles like all the spikes. Made to look like a crystal rather then all smooth. Hell with all the time and effort you poured into this thing you could have left the skull as is and made an actual face for it that works like a mask that you could remove to reveal the smooth skull underneath.
As I said this is YOUR toy and in the end if you are happy with it that is all that matters but as you just said you feel it's lacking something as well. Why not make a killer "face" to cover the skull and add a tiny hole on each side for string to tie it on and cast it in resin as a bonus piece? You put a ton of time and money into this thing and aren't quite happy so fix it. Make it exactly how you want it. Once you love it feel free to ignore everything everyone else says. That's what I do. But when I don't love something I made I always ask other people what they think is wrong, just to help me figure it out.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 6:23 pm |
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badteethcomics
Comment King
Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 10:32 pm Posts: 1296 Location: Brisbane, Australia
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
Kozik knows what's up!
Thanks for making a thread about your toy Tim, without it I wouldn't have known about it.. Informative threads like these are why I come to SB every day. If people don't pimp their own/somebody else's shit then we would all have pretty sparse shelves. Sure you can go out and discover new toys for yourself, but it's gotta be advertised somewhere at some point.
I'm gonna order one for sure!
_________________ BTC - http://www.badteethcomics.com Blog - http://www.instagram.com/badteethcomics
Top 5 Toys - http://top5toys.blogspot.com SVM - http://softvinylmayhem.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Wants - http://skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=49396
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:00 pm |
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Frank Kozik
Mini Boss
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2005 8:53 pm Posts: 4668
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
 Uploaded with ImageShack.us
_________________ Is that a mini-Zag lodged in your urethra, or are you just happy to see me?
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:12 pm |
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bryce_r
Vintage
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:57 am Posts: 7991 Location: SanJose
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
badteethcomics wrote: Kozik knows what's up!! Oh Please. Read old threads. Kozik is a really good business man who is a good at marketing. Huge fan base on some boards. I respect the fact that he knows what he is doing because he clearly knows what he is doing. Whenever people state their opinions and disagree about a toy..you can bank on him chiming in on "Hippo Police" and mentioning elite. Seriously. EVER TIME. You don't like a toy? Hippo Police. You disagree with an artist Hippo Police? You post something in a thread and aren't a fan? Hippo Police. And then in return people starting chiming in like clockwork about how they just agree with him. All the while making more supporters and fans. It's an ingenious tactic that works everytime. It's makes me chuckle. FYI He left the board a few years ago when the money ran at and vowed not to return. THEN rejoined this year because, of course, he had a bunch of new projects lined up. Like I said smart. Probably really nice in person, a real fan of toys and smart marketing man. If I was under 20..i'd be smitten.
_________________ BLUE DCON MR. REE things I covet http://skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=30685 MOCKBATPOCALYPSE BATS/THRASHOUT
Last edited by bryce_r on Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:45 pm |
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bryce_r
Vintage
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:57 am Posts: 7991 Location: SanJose
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
And by the way I blame Art-whore for all this unnecessary drama. He or she has started using skullbrain as a personal blog. Post any random toy without background info and you'll probably get a really mixed review. 
_________________ BLUE DCON MR. REE things I covet http://skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=30685 MOCKBATPOCALYPSE BATS/THRASHOUT
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:48 pm |
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IronPaw
Comment King
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 11:53 pm Posts: 1332 Location: Los Angeles
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
 Even his insults get turned into toys.
_________________
Winu wrote: I propose a petition to ban everyone.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:56 pm |
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michael
Side Dealer
Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:10 pm Posts: 2193
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
_________________ http://michaelskattum.com
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:01 pm |
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IronPaw
Comment King
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 11:53 pm Posts: 1332 Location: Los Angeles
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
Elephant and Rhino police then.
_________________
Winu wrote: I propose a petition to ban everyone.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:03 pm |
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badteethcomics
Comment King
Joined: Fri May 31, 2013 10:32 pm Posts: 1296 Location: Brisbane, Australia
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
We should make a Cage Match thread/sub-forum where everybody can just debate all of the toy politics & bullshit til their fingers cramp up..
_________________ BTC - http://www.badteethcomics.com Blog - http://www.instagram.com/badteethcomics
Top 5 Toys - http://top5toys.blogspot.com SVM - http://softvinylmayhem.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- Wants - http://skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=49396
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:05 pm |
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timstephson
Fresh Meat
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 11:27 am Posts: 19 Location: Austin, Tx
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
badteethcomics wrote: Kozik knows what's up!
Thanks for making a thread about your toy Tim, without it I wouldn't have known about it.. Informative threads like these are why I come to SB every day. If people don't pimp their own/somebody else's shit then we would all have pretty sparse shelves. Sure you can go out and discover new toys for yourself, but it's gotta be advertised somewhere at some point.
I'm gonna order one for sure! Thanks dude! This site really got me down for a bit but after thinking about it and having someone as prolific as Frank Kozik support what Im doing and stand up for me on here is all I needed. I am now aware of the hippo police. As with all police they can go fuck themselves. You Rock!
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:50 pm |
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timstephson
Fresh Meat
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 11:27 am Posts: 19 Location: Austin, Tx
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
bryce_r wrote: badteethcomics wrote: Kozik knows what's up!! Oh Please. Read old threads. Kozik is a really good business man who is a good at marketing. Huge fan base on some boards. I respect the fact that he knows what he is doing because he clearly knows what he is doing. Whenever people state their opinions and disagree about a toy..you can bank on him chiming in on "Hippo Police" and mentioning elite. Seriously. EVER TIME. You don't like a toy? Hippo Police. You disagree with an artist Hippo Police? You post something in a thread and aren't a fan? Hippo Police. And then in return people starting chiming in like clockwork about how they just agree with him. All the while making more supporters and fans. It's an ingenious tactic that works everytime. It's makes me chuckle. FYI He left the board a few years ago when the money ran at and vowed not to return. THEN rejoined this year because, of course, he had a bunch of new projects lined up. Like I said smart. Probably really nice in person, a real fan of toys and smart marketing man. If I was under 20..i'd be smitten. I really dont think you understand how you come off. Its really funny how you guys will lay out all the reasons something or someone is cool then act like its the reason they suck. Its like a snl character or something haha
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:54 pm |
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timstephson
Fresh Meat
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 11:27 am Posts: 19 Location: Austin, Tx
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
Waterbear wrote: I don't go around telling people what I think their toy is lacking because it's THEIR toy in the end but since you actually asked for a critique I'll bite.
First let me say I actually own a mini and i like it. It works for me. The smooth on smooth look just fits. It almost looks like a detailed stone artifact that was weathered and worn down over time. Like a rock tossed around in a river for a few decades that ends up perfectly smooth. It's a neat toy.
This version is almost the opposite. If it was all sharp and jagged and wrinkled I might have already pre-ordered one. I like everything about it except the face. It feels like 80% of the design evolved into something new and mean and more alien but the face was ignored. In my opinion it should have changed along with everything else. Picturing it with something as simple as a highly detailed skull with teeth and crooked lines and cracks extending up the cone it looks great in my head. Or cut at sharp angles like all the spikes. Made to look like a crystal rather then all smooth. Hell with all the time and effort you poured into this thing you could have left the skull as is and made an actual face for it that works like a mask that you could remove to reveal the smooth skull underneath.
As I said this is YOUR toy and in the end if you are happy with it that is all that matters but as you just said you feel it's lacking something as well. Why not make a killer "face" to cover the skull and add a tiny hole on each side for string to tie it on and cast it in resin as a bonus piece? You put a ton of time and money into this thing and aren't quite happy so fix it. Make it exactly how you want it. Once you love it feel free to ignore everything everyone else says. That's what I do. But when I don't love something I made I always ask other people what they think is wrong, just to help me figure it out. The characters story is the reason the face looks that way. If i wanted it to look like a human skull I would have done so. Check out my Roid Randys to see my human skull sculpts. It doesnt have teeth or sutures because it doesnt eat with its face or have any elasticity in the cranial area. Alot of thought and discussion went into this aspect of the toy. I wanted it to be as realistic as possible so if there was a rigid exoskeleton wrapped in skin it would only have tension at the base of each side. Similar to that of a human forehead. They lack emotion and use "e.s.p" to communicate as well as attack. There is no muscle in the face because it doesnt require muscles to show emotion eat or blink. Also in most great design varied texture is necessary. Once it is cast in gid vinyl I feel it will lose the static it seems to have in the photos.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:11 pm |
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timstephson
Fresh Meat
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 11:27 am Posts: 19 Location: Austin, Tx
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:13 pm |
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IronPaw
Comment King
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 11:53 pm Posts: 1332 Location: Los Angeles
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
I do not believe the explanation of Kozik's ways make anyone here view him as "cool".
Seems a lot more opportunistic than anything else.
Anyways, saw the video and what throws me off is seeing a 3D model. I feel it cheapens the way it will actually look. That and the texture around the top, it throws the rest of it off.
_________________
Winu wrote: I propose a petition to ban everyone.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:17 pm |
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gatiio
Line of Credit
Joined: Thu May 19, 2011 4:03 am Posts: 1781 Location: Chicago
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
I'm glad you had your cry over your unsupported toy and now kozik himself has come to make you feel better.
I'm sure the lack of cigarettes or your dedication to painting pupils is what is making this toy not-quite-as-hyped-as-you-would-like, yet.
If its your project carry on with it, damnit! Most of us here don't like it and I think it looks forced. Get over it. Scott is a great sculptor, BTW. Finally, if you're on a campaign to hype your venture, please don't come to the place where doing that is frowned upon. There are rules and you are being disrespectful by not following them. There are tons of toy websites out there that I am sure, if you take time to write and email to them, will dedicate some of their space to your campaign.
Come to a forum and hawk your shit, expect people to love it and hate it. And please be less defensive and more sarcastic about it. Just like kozik is doing, maybe someday someone will mix up an animal for another just to try and praise you.
_________________ -so, yo tengo una idea that you should come cry with me and wipe your tears with tortillas
flickr Wanted Thread
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:36 pm |
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timstephson
Fresh Meat
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 11:27 am Posts: 19 Location: Austin, Tx
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
gatiio wrote: I'm glad you had your cry over your unsupported toy and now kozik himself has come to make you feel better.
I'm sure the lack of cigarettes or your dedication to painting pupils is what is making this toy not-quite-as-hyped-as-you-would-like, yet.
If its your project carry on with it, damnit! Most of us here don't like it and I think it looks forced. Get over it. Scott is a great sculptor, BTW. Finally, if you're on a campaign to hype your venture, please don't come to the place where doing that is frowned upon. There are rules and you are being disrespectful by not following them. There are tons of toy websites out there that I am sure, if you take time to write and email to them, will dedicate some of their space to your campaign.
Come to a forum and hawk your shit, expect people to love it and hate it. And please be less defensive and more sarcastic about it. Just like kozik is doing, maybe someday someone will mix up an animal for another just to try and praise you. I didn't make this post HIPPO POLICE. So talk to who broke your precious fucking bylaw. It was One of your fellow members showing support for my piece that they think is AWESOME Once again you idiots have managed to look stupid. Kinda like real cops haha
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:47 pm |
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gatiio
Line of Credit
Joined: Thu May 19, 2011 4:03 am Posts: 1781 Location: Chicago
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
Yeah, because insults are the best rethoric! Carry on, chump. You're doing great. 
_________________ -so, yo tengo una idea that you should come cry with me and wipe your tears with tortillas
flickr Wanted Thread
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 11:19 pm |
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Waterbear
Addicted
Joined: Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:58 am Posts: 666 Location: Hiding in your toy chest
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 Re: Grim Creeper Vinyl - Ultimate Skull and Cobra/Tim Stephs
timstephson wrote: The characters story is the reason the face looks that way. If i wanted it to look like a human skull I would have done so. Check out my Roid Randys to see my human skull sculpts. It doesnt have teeth or sutures because it doesnt eat with its face or have any elasticity in the cranial area. Alot of thought and discussion went into this aspect of the toy. I wanted it to be as realistic as possible so if there was a rigid exoskeleton wrapped in skin it would only have tension at the base of each side. Similar to that of a human forehead. They lack emotion and use "e.s.p" to communicate as well as attack. There is no muscle in the face because it doesnt require muscles to show emotion eat or blink. Also in most great design varied texture is necessary. Once it is cast in gid vinyl I feel it will lose the static it seems to have in the photos. That all sounds pretty cool. Why isn't that on the pledge page? Might help.
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Sat Aug 24, 2013 11:19 pm |
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