Easiest way to make a symbol?

[Katika]

When I'm worried about whether or not I'll be able to pull of certain detail work, I cheat and use a mechanical pencil dibbed in paint.  They come in several sizes, so you can make some details finer and some thicker, the lead doesn't have the same flowing movement to try to get used to as a brush tip does, and your hand should already have relatively strong muscle memory on using a pencil.  Just make sure that you don't get too much paint on the tip, and that after every couple of dips, you wipe the lead clean, otherwise it will gob up and leave you very unattractive blobs when you least want them

[kezrob23]

I read somewhere - I'm pretty sure it was a tip from okiegirl - about using paper covered with clear tape for a stencil. It retains some firmness but is still flexible enough to sit flat over pony humps and bumps when it comes to detail work I use a teeny tiny brush with 3/4 of it's bristles cut off and thinned paint

[SilkSpun]

Here's an idea for 3d symbols! sculpey push molds!

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You can find TONS of different mold designs for sale in craft stores or online... If you're feeling particularly creative, you can even make your own molds using pour-able silicone (which you can order online, such as smooth-on.com), by casting off of charms, buttons, or whatever 3d shape you like!

Then you can use the mold with sculpey or apoxie - for sculpey, cast the shape, fit it onto the pony's rump (to get the correct curvature on the back side), then boil it to set and glue it in place. For apoxie, just mix it, cast the mold, and stick the symbol on the pony to set!

I haven't tried it myself (for pony symbols, anyway - I used to use push molds for making jewelry boxes, lol), but it seemed like a fun idea.

[court2882]

Definitely stalking this for my own customizing education!

[MikeysGrrrl]

There are alot of really great tips here

[Starshinescustoms]

So far I've only done two symbols on ponies where I painted them...

One was Dutch Star G3 version:
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Which admittedly I did with paint pens... I still can't get sharp points on the stars, my hands are shaky... I did practice the stars multple times, but c'mon. Stars are SO easy...

I actually really, really like that pony! I think her symbol is beautiful!
Stars are not easy things to paint. I actually find them to be one of the most difficult things to paint!

I usually take an exacto and scrape excess paint off the edges to sharpen the points.  Might be something you can try.

I do a very similar thing. I use wooden toothpicks as I find they're soft enough not to damage the plastic of the pony. It's a very good way to define sharp points.

I can't paint for anything, as you will easily see if you've ever seen my customs 
But honestly, you will get better. I hate to sound like a parrot here, but... Practice!  I think the custom you've shown above is beautiful and honestly, I think you're being far too hard on yourself.

Try different things. Stars are very difficult. You could try different shapes. Or how about using jewels? You could even combine jewels with a painted symbol. I actually do that a lot. Here's a custom I did a little while ago: visitors can't see pics , please register or login

The vines and leaves were painted, but the 'grapes' are jewels. You can get these at craft stores ect, but I get mine on ebay. They're not too expensive. You can get different shapes and sizes too.

There are lots of alternative methods for doing the symbols, but honestly I think you should keep trying with the painting. I think you're very good already, but with some practice you will definitely improve.
Don't give up   

[MikeysGrrrl]

I think both of those ponies are lovely

[Baby Mischief]

Oh my, that pony is gorgeous!!
Could we please see some more pictures of costumized symbols?!

[gotbunny]

Have you tried sketching out your design on the pony first with pencil?
After I do a FBR I seal with Modge Podge just where the symbol is ) and just draw first with a pencil and gummy eraser. The MP allows you to erase with out messing up the FBR. Then you have a outline just to fill. Another thing is after you dip your paint brush in the paint, I always do a quick line on paper to remove an excess that could cause globbing.

[Sunshine]

Have you tried sketching out your design on the pony first with pencil?
After I do a FBR I seal with Modge Podge just where the symbol is ) and just draw first with a pencil and gummy eraser. The MP allows you to erase with out messing up the FBR. Then you have a outline just to fill. Another thing is after you dip your paint brush in the paint, I always do a quick line on paper to remove an excess that could cause globbing.

Thanks that's a good idea, on the star pony that I did, I sketched it on her body but without any sealant (since I didn't paint her body), but it was RIDICULOUSLY hard to cover the pencil with the yellow, even though I sketched it super light, and of course I couldn't erase it easily either... haha...

[pop-girl]

Have you tried sketching out your design on the pony first with pencil?
After I do a FBR I seal with Modge Podge just where the symbol is ) and just draw first with a pencil and gummy eraser. The MP allows you to erase with out messing up the FBR. Then you have a outline just to fill. Another thing is after you dip your paint brush in the paint, I always do a quick line on paper to remove an excess that could cause globbing.

Thanks that's a good idea, on the star pony that I did, I sketched it on her body but without any sealant (since I didn't paint her body), but it was RIDICULOUSLY hard to cover the pencil with the yellow, even though I sketched it super light, and of course I couldn't erase it easily either... haha...

I don't usually bother sketching but when I do I use a chalk pencil. It wipes off very easily.

[Salli]

Get a SUPER FINE liner brush. My customizing friend was having trouble painting tiny things and said she had a super fine brush. I sent her mine and she said "WOW!, that's way finer". I use one that has 1/2" long bristles.

Water down that paint! Do a thin layer and let it completely dry. Then do another.

I almost always sketch the cutie mark especially if it's on both sides, so I can make sure they are even before painting.

Also, don't sell yourself short! Stars are not easy for 95% of people and your pony is super cute!!