pretty sure i said value doesnt drive this, just stating the obvious about it. game has changed a lot since i was painting toys. I can't speak for other customizers as i don't know their business model/logic. Personally for me, to walk on less egg shells, I chose toys that were commonly in the B/S/T sitting. My model was initially to take something that no one wanted, throw some paint on it, get some experience, have some fun, hell maybe even make a few dollars. I wasn't grabbing toys that were rare in any sense and defacing them. I was taking pieces people were having trouble getting rid of off of their hands, and gambling if i could make it something someone would want.
I hose people off like they're entering prison before they're allowed to see my collection with their FILTHY HUMAN EYES DISGUSTING
When folks paint rare blanks it makes me think of someone getting an amazing steak and putting ketchup on it. It's your steak, and you can do what you want with it. It's just a shame that it didn't go to someone who would really appreciate it.
As always what you do with your toys is a personal decision. Many of the "big" indie vinyl toy makers started out by painting other people's vinyl figures. Several of them who make their own vinyl now say publicly that they don't want people painting their toys, even though that's exactly what they did themselves to get started in the toy world. I don't know if it's to avoid competition or maybe they don't want someone making money off their creation or if they are worried someone will paint their stuff better than they do. Maybe it's some other reason I haven't thought of. Regardless of the reason it does come off as that "Do what I say, don't do what I do." kinda thing. I'm glad Rich isn't actually against people painting his blanks. Especially since I was a fan of his custom work on toys before he had his own vinyl. The idea that getting something custom painted devalues the toy is just silly. That's like saying taking the toy out of the bag devalues it. Sure it's true but people who care more about the value than they do about enjoying their toys are probably looking at them as an investment in the first place which is also silly. Same thing with focusing on the fact that some random collector would be sad if a blank became unblank. They were never going to get my blank anyway because it's mine. If they get upset that a toy in MY collection is now painted and they can't covet it anymore for themselves fuck them. If they gave a single shit about ME they would be happier that I was enjoying MY toy even more now, not mad that they enjoyed it less.
I'm glad some people can be happy for me. This notion that I can't appreciate the toy because I am getting it painted is just starting to get a bit too elitist for my liking. I think it's one thing to have a discussion on the merits and ethics of getting a rare blank painted. But, at this point it just feels like many people are assuming I asked some shit painter to do it (obviously this is subjective to a degree), that the toy will be ruined, or that I can't fully enjoy the toy. Those notions are just absurd.
The more everyone keeps using the word "blank", the more this is reading like a hilarious, censored movie.
Originally it was said to be open but then he clarified to mean it to be a large run (e.g. 100pcs). Using the worm as an example, they lasted 3-5 minutes, so anyone dedicated could get one.[/QUOTE] I wish that was the case. I couldn't score one and I was all set up with my computer on my lap, my paypal already logged into. I was really surprised how quick those worms sold out. That worm is definitely one of my favorite sculpts. But I'll get one later.
I smell some BRAIN BEEF! Here’s a thought that has nothing to do with monetary value or perceived rarity.. most of us got into these toys because they are hand made, diy, and convey the hand that created them. These aren’t d*nnys. These aren’t platform toys. Most new collectors don’t share this attitude, but unless the toy was painted by the artist that made it, or as an official collaboration, it has no place on my shelf. I’m glad you’ll enjoy your super sick custom paint, congratulations. You’ve played yourself bc your American made, Japanese pulled, Chinese painted toy is now hot garbage.
I'm not a new collector, but hey look, its another guy who thinks he knows what's best for MY collection. Good one, you sure showed me.
Nah, you’re correct. That was my error. You’ve collected hot garbage for a long time and now you’ve parlayed a cool toy into another one to add to the shit pile. I should be applauding you!