AGE APPROPRIATE WARNING

*ADULT SUPERVISION & PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT ARE REQUIRED WHEN UTILIZING THE TOOLS, PRODUCTS & TECHNIQUES DESCRIBED HERE ON OUR BLOG TO CREATE STAR WARS CUSTOMS.
Showing posts with label Mercury Art Studios. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mercury Art Studios. Show all posts

Thursday, July 4, 2013

CUSTOMIZER SPOTLIGHT #32: MERCURY ART STUDIOS

Because of the holiday, we thought it would be a good time to display the figure in my collection that has the most sentimental value. Michael Martinez of Mercury Art Studios did a little bit of everything in all scale, and was a Star Wars fan for years. He was killed on July 2, 2011 in a head on collision with a drunk driver leaving behind a daughter and his pregnant fiancé, Hollie.

The 27 year old from Georgia was one of the coolest customizers out there, and he was also a good friend. When Dad first started customizing, Mike and Dad would spend time chatting on Facebook about customizing and the joys of fatherhood. He would share stories of his little girl holding a Dremmel to action figures and making the appropriate sound effects as she imitated her dad. He would always speak about his family with great adoration. Mike was always so generous and eager to share his wealth of customizing knowledge and help Dad out with tips or parts for a new customizing project.  Mike was responsible for showing us the host for almost all of our video content found on the blog.  We never found a customizer so enthusiastic about the art form and the community that surrounded it.  To Dad, Mike was truly an inspiration.

A week before Mike died, he told Dad that he had just finished making us a custom action figure, and he was going to be mailing it to us for all that our blog has done for the customizing community.  Sadly we never recived it.  A few months after Mike's passing, Dad saw a custom action figure that Mike had made up for auction on eBay.  Dad was so happy when he was named the highest bidder and we won the auction.  I love that I was able to add Mike's Kee to my collection. 

I think at some point or another, all customizers have often dreamed about what it would be like to earn a living solely from the toys we produce. Mike was doing just that. Mike told Dad that he was able to support his family by making just ten custom action figures a week and selling them on eBay. We've loved his customs ever since we first saw them on Yakface.com and couldn't tell you how saddened we are by the loss of one of the greatest talents within this community. Mike you will truly be missed.

We hope you all have fun out there today, but let this be a cautionary tale and stay safe as you enjoy your time with friends and family.



"Kee"
created by Mercury Art Studios





Kee



When Cade Skywalker visited Rik's Cantina on Coruscant in 137 ABY, she threatened him with a blaster pistol, hoping he could reveal where her former crew members, Jariah Syn and Deliah Blue had absconded with the Grinning Liar, which they had rented after leaving Cade's employ. Unfortunately, Cade was unable to help her or Chak, though he made a joking pass at her.

After Cade became enthralled to the Sith, Kee along with Chak joined the crew of the Mynock in Cade's rescue as a necessary step to reaquiring the Grinning Liar which had somehow ended up in the hands of Rav.

Kee, along with Chak, Deliah Blue, and Jariah Syn, were later hired by Morrigan Corde to help rescue Cade, who was her son. She assisted Syn in attaching miniature cameras to Yuuzhan Vong bugs Corde obtained from the Empire. After three weeks, when they finally managed to locate Cade and his attempt to escape the Temple of the Sith, Kee commented on how he is "chucking Darth Hottie out the airlock.

Kee flew with Chak, Corde, Blue and Syn in the Mynock over the Temple. She made a sarcastic joke about one of the craziest things Syn has ever done. The mission ended in Cade's escape from the Sith.

She later accompanied Chak, Cade, and Syn in an attempt to get the Grinning Liar back from Rav. After retrieving the ship, she wished Cade well and asked him to say goodbye to Blue for her. When he told her that the two weren't interacting, the Devaronian called him a nerfherder and encouraged him to talk to her.







Saturday, February 2, 2013

The Rising Costs of Custom Action Figure Art

Now, this is some inside scuttlebut talk from the custom action figure community that I'm getting ready to share with all of you.  Believe it or not, most of the artists that create these custom figures talk to each other, and rather frequently at that.  We all chat about the history of the art, where to get our supplies for the cheapest, and share tips on how to achieve desired results on a project that we have tasked ourselves with.  

Anyway, here's the scoop!  If you think Hasbro's figures are getting expensive, the price of custom action figures has skyrocketed, and for good reason too.  A lot of conversation has been had on this topic within the community and from what I can tell, the history of price points for custom action figures starts around the time Customs for the Kid got into the hobby and started this blog.

Our blog got started when I bought Elias a few Star Wars custom action figures created by a customizer named JACKOFTRADZE who sold custom Star Wars action figures for around $30 - $125 per figure on ebay.  Every Sunday night at 9:30pm EST, JACKOFTRADZE would post at least five new figures a week on his ebay store.  Let me tell you ALL the figures made by JACKOFTRADZE were masterfully crafted. The action figures that went for the most money were just the more highly sought after characters that people wanted in their collection.  Characters like the Tonnika sisters, Fozec, Jaina Solo, or a Jedi Master Luke Skywalker would be available in an ebay auction or if you got there early enough, you could grab a figure at a "Buy It Now" price.  Rarely did the "Buy It Now" price go over $40, but it sometimes did.  The cost of the figures were insanely cheap and they sometimes sold out in minutes!  Highly sought after figures increased in price whenever they were the center of bidding wars.  Looking back, JACKOFTRADZE was a lot like Santa Claus.  He made beautiful toys and practically gave them away for free.  His prices were so low that very few customizers could compete in the market at all.  


Tonnika Sisters
created by JACKOFTRADZE



Consumers familiar with the auctions of JACKOFTRADZE had unrealistic expectations when it came to cost.  They started to approach other customizers that were looking to sell their art with severely lowballed offers whenever they tried to commission work from these artists.  As a result, most customizers refused to sell their work.   Heck, the parts used to create one of JACKOFTRADZE figures almost always outweighed the price of his entire completed figure.  He never even charged customers for his labor.  Not for assembly or for painting it.  He was a customizer that just enjoyed creating the figures, while pulling down a couple of hundred a week to support his hobby and buy more supplies. 

If you were a collector of custom Star Wars action figures, this was the Golden age.  Beautiful works of art were available for so cheap.  The only negative, any customizer who wanted a return on his parts and his labor was lowballed and usually to great insult.  Customers wanted the JACKOFTRADZE price.  Consumers need to realize that JACKOFTRADZE was an exception and not the rule.  There are several customizers who create action figures professionally and it is their only job.  They support their families with the sale of their art.

Now this is by no means a criticism of JACKOFTRADZE. He has every right to sell his work at any price he feels fit.  Personally, I'd like to thank JACKOFTRADZE, because if it weren't for him, there would be no Customs for the Kid, there would be no blog, and I wouldn't have found my way into this fun and rewarding art form.  Elias loved his work and his blog.  So much so, that he wanted us to get in on the action, create our own toys, and start our own blog.  The custom action figures of JACKOFTRADZE have been an inspiration in our home and are awesome addition to our collection.  Years later they are still proudly on display in Elias' room.  We have almost 20 of his action figures. 

Unfortunately for the consumer, this all came to an end. One Sunday, about a year ago, his store didn't restock and there have been no new figures since.  Almost immediately custom action figure prices started to soar.  Collectors who were used to paying low prices were now spending up to $250 for an action figure made by artists like Mercury Art Studios or Stronox, and the prices are still going even higher.  Now when you search on ebay for custom action figures, you have two types of custom action figures.  The very cheap custom action figures and the very expensive.

Vilmarh Grahrk
by Stronox



While you can still find cheap Star Wars customs on ebay, the cheaper figures aren't of the same quality as the ones that were created by JACKOFTRADZE.  If you want action figures from an artist of his skillset, be prepared to spend big money for a good quality action figure in today's market.  It's getting to the point where $250 is cheap.  And for good reason.  
 
These aren't just action figures. They are action figure "art".

Hasbro can sell their action figures for a low cost because their figures are mass produced, and the company is able to make the money back for the time that was invested to create their prototype figure. Think of it as consumers crowdfunding the creation of a figure for a company by absorbing the costs if creating the prototype. When you commission a custom, you are absorbing 100% of the labor and production costs yourself and the more expensive Hasbro's figures get the more expensive it becomes to make a custom figure.

Now, we definitely have several figures on this blog that wouldn't be expensive. For example, there are several figures on here that I threw together in under an hour just to have a custom action figure posted on the blog for the week, but a majority of the figures on this blog were created with parts from three or more figures that all had to be purchased to create a new figure. The parts alone for a custom action figure can usually run $50+ per figure creation. Customers want maximum articulation in an action figure if they are going to make a purchase, and that requires more expensive figures ($15 - $30+ for each figure used to create the custom) to meet their demand.  I've seen customizers use over $100 in parts to kitbash  just one figure.  

Consumers of action figure art really don't understand what goes into making a figure.  Hopefully, by the time they finish reading this article they will be a bit more educated and they will see the logic behind the higher price point.

It could also be helpful if I explain exactly what a consumer should expect if they decide to commission an artist to make them a custom action figure.  First, don't treat the transaction like you are walking into a store to make a purchase.  Art means you have to work around the creative schedule of an artist.  What does that mean?  Simply put, it means the artist finishes when they finish.  Believe me... you want a good product, so it isn't wise to nag, rush or bully the customizer to get your figure faster.  These figures are very labor intensive.  Action figures like the Ziro the Hutt I created took 3 ten hour sittings of sculpting, followed by painting, and I still don't feel like he's done.  That is why the cost of figures is going up.

I don't know many artists who would accept less than $100 for 30 hours of labor and on top of that not be reimbursed for the supplies.  Customizers definitely deserve a living wage and not even an entry level wage.  An entry level worker is not a skilled worker, most of the artists who create these figures are extremely skilled.  Customizers are changing their perspective on what they feel they deserve and who can blame them?

Anytime anyone contacts us asking for us to make a figure for them, we are always flattered and honored that they would want one of our figures, but when approaching any customizer for commission work be prepared to pay and pay handsomely. It can take anywhere from 5-20 hours to make a figure depending on the amount of work involved and you are asking a complete stranger to invest that on your behalf.  Just painting a figure takes almost 5 hours even before sculpting is even figured in.  Respect these artists the same way you would a plumber, mechanic, or any other professional individual you solicit services from.

The action figures on display here on the blog are all one-of-a-kind pieces and some can go for hundreds to sometimes thousands of dollars depending on what it is. That puts a lot of these figures out of most people's financial reach.   But, well, isn't that why art that is in galleries goes for so much.

I recently sent an email to JACKOFTRADZE to figure out what happened and why he quit selling.  I haven't heard back, but he is certainly missed.

Feel free to leave comments below.  We'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic.


-Darth Daddy



Lucasclones and Tamer were joined by a very esteemed panel of custom action figure artists to talk about the very controversial subject of commissioning a custom action figure project. Just what is a fair price on a custom action figure or vehicle? Custom Action Figure News aimed to cover this entire process from start to finish, including both the commissioner and the commissionee perspective. CAFN would like to thank Luke Sprywalker, Darth Daddy, and Ratfink's Customs for giving CAFN some time to talk about this.













Saturday, August 13, 2011

"Martinez Family" Benifit Auction: "McQuarrie Concept Arctic Rex" created by RUNDOWN




"McQuarrie Concept Arctic Rex" Custom Action Figure
created by RUNDOWN

Click the photo to go to the ebay auction.


100% Proceeds to benefit the family of Micheal Martinez of Mercury Art Studios

For those of you unaware, we (the customizing community) lost a great friend and fellow artist, Michael Martinez, on July 2, 2011. However, a mother, fiance, and children, also lost a great father, friend, and future husband. Michael is survived by a young daughter Mikayla, a finace' Hollie, and an unborn child. We as a community have come together in their time of need to see what help we can offer them, and all proceeds from this auction will go to the family. Other groups such as the ImperialShipyards, and Echobase forums, are also doing their part to help the cause.

All of the customs in these auctions are brought to you by folks that do this for a living, so you can be assured you will receive a unique and quality piece or pieces for you contribution.

I thank you in advance for your bids and contribution to this worthwhile cause, and would be happy to answer any questions you may have with regards to the cause, or how you may otherwise contribute directly. Thank you and happy bidding!

Item Description

This Star Wars Custom "McQuarrie Concept" Arctic Captain Rex action figure is fully articulated and includes the pictured Gatling Gun and Pistols! Additional weathering for a realistic look. High quality Citadel Paints used.

Take a Close Look at the Details!!

Over 200 Custom figures sold. Buy with Confidence.


Check out additional pictures of this figure and Rundown's other Customs at http://sanitariumcustoms.blogspot.com/



Friday, August 12, 2011

"Martinez Family" Benifit Auction: Star Wars Custom "Twi'lek Smuggler" by INCOM Customs



"Twi'lek Smuggler"
by INCOM Customs




100% Proceeds to benefit the family of Micheal Martinez of Mercury Art Studios

For those of you unaware, we (the customizing community) lost a great friend and fellow artist, Michael Martinez, on July 2, 2011. However, a mother, fiance, and children, also lost a great father, friend, and future husband. Michael is survived by a young daughter Mikayla, a finace' Hollie, and an unborn child. We as a community have come together in their time of need to see what help we can offer them, and all proceeds from this auction will go to the family. Other groups such as the ImperialShipyards, and Echobase forums, are also doing their part to help the cause.

All of the customs in these auctions are brought to you by folks that do this for a living, so you can be assured you will receive a unique and quality piece or pieces for you contribution.

I thank you in advance for your bids and contribution to this worthwhile cause, and would be happy to answer any questions you may have with regards to the cause, or how you may otherwise contribute directly. Thank you and happy bidding!

Item Description

Up for auction is this custom made, hand painted, one-of-a-kind TWI’LEK SMUGGLER action figure.

This figure stands 3 3/4" tall and features a carefully modified head, two blaster pistols, one of which is a custom made double barreled one and has 14 points of articulation. Painted with Reaper, Vallejo, Games Workshop and Tamiya paints and sealed with matte and gloss varnishes.





Sunday, July 3, 2011

TRAGEDY IN THE CUSTOMIZING COMMUNITY


Michael Martinez of Mercury Art Studios and his fiance Hollie.



This holiday weekend the customizing community suffered a great loss. Saturday night Michael Martinez of Mercury Art Studios was killed in a head on collision with a drunk driver leaving behind a daughter and his pregnant fiance, Hollie. The 27 year old from Georgia wasn't just one of the coolest customizers out there, he was also a good friend. When Dad first started customizing, Mike and Dad would spend time chatting on Facebook about customizing and the joys of fatherhood. He would share stories of his little girl holding a Dremmel to action figures and making the appropriate sound effects as she imitated her dad. He would always speak about his family with great adoration. Mike was always so generous and eager to share his wealth of customizing knowledge and help Dad out with tips or parts for a new customizing project. It was Mike who recommended Dad use Animoto.com to create the videos we feature in our Customs I Wish I Owned. To Dad, Mike was truly an inspiration. I think at some point or another, all customizers have often dreamed about what it would be like to earn a living solely from the toys we produce. Mike was doing just that. Mike told Dad he was able to support him and his family by making just ten custom action figures a week and selling them on ebay. We've loved his customs ever since we first saw them on Yakface.com and couldn't tell you how saddened we are by the loss of one of the greatest talents within this community. Just Thursday night we sat and listened to him express his enthusiasm for the customizing hobby that we all share when he was interviewed on Custom Action Figure News by Lucasclones and Tamer not knowing it would be the last we'd ever hear from him. We offer our condolences to his family and all his loved ones. Mike you will truly be missed.

MERCURY ART STUDIOS



Click any of the three links below for more from Mercury Art Studios:








Saturday, July 2, 2011

Custom Action Figure News - Episode 11: Michael A. Martinez aka Mercury Art Studios

Get ready to listen to the latest episode of the podcast Custom Action Figure News with hosts Lucasclones and Tamer from Imperial Shipyards. Their special guest this episode is Michael A. Martinez aka Mercury Art Studios.





http://echobase.d2i.net/index.php?topic=631.0






Go here to listen to the Custom Action
Figure News podcast: 


 http://www.imperialshipyards.net/cafnpage.html


If there is anything you would like them to feature on a future podcast be sure to let them know at:



Friday, June 10, 2011

Mercury Art Studios VIDEO UPDATED in "CUSTOMS I WISH I OWNED"

Mercury Art Studios does a little bit of everything in all scale, has been a Star Wars fan for years, and has also been customizing Star Wars action figures for years as well!. Last week he asked if we could update his video and we were more than happy to oblige!
This 27 year old from Georgia is one cool customizer! We've loved his customs ever since we first saw them and his Sith are just amazing. He recommends all of you enter the website's latest custom figure contest as well.

MERCURY ART STUDIOS



Click any of the three links below for more from Mercury Art Studios:


For his ebay page visit the link below:



http://echobase.d2i.net/index.php?topic=631.0





Dad's "Mercury Art Studios" VIDEO featured on the front page of Imperial Shipyards.


Sunday, May 29, 2011

THE GREAT STAR WARS CUSTOMIZING CHALLENGE 2011!!


LADIES & GENTS!! CUSTOMIZERS AND ARTISTS!!

!! Mercury Art Studios custom challenge has started TODAY !!

Be sure to visit the Echo Base News page and enter the contest.

!! THE PRIZES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOONER THAN EXPECTED !!

http://echobase.d2i.net/index.php?topic=631.0


This contest is being sponsored by Mercury Art Studios, hosted by Echo Base News, with collaborators and promoters such as ISY, CAFN, Wookielover1138 and customsforthekid.blogspot.com, as well as a few others. This contest will be worth it guys!! I hope to see your talent pop up over there and help Echo Base get their fair share of web traffic.

Hope to see you there.