April Custom Spotlight!

[jupiternwndrlnd]

Our custom spotlight for the month of April goes to....cookhuman!!
unique designs and awesome details! a deserved spotlight, congrats cook!
 
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 How long have you been customizing ponies?  I began customizing in September of 2008.  I think my first custom might have been a Mr. T.
 
 What got you started?  I have always loved art and enjoyed painting tiny canvasses (3 in x 4 in).  I decided to combine my love of painting with my love of ponies and the rest is history.  I was inspired by many artists that unfortunately no longer customize such as Suabeth, Sprightly, Aikarin and DGRequiem and some that still are such as lovelauraland, woosie, EPonyArt, trillion and kanthaka.
 
 Do you enjoy other types of art?  I love many different forms of art from many different genres, but am partial to local Saint Louis/Missouri/Midwest artists.  I love the sculpture of Ernest Trova and my favorite painter is Charley Harper.  I am also a huge fan of Mid Century Modern Architecture and own a home designed by Harris Armstrong.
 
 Do you have any favorite customs done by you or another artist?  Oh jeez, the list is so long, but I will try to get some shouts out.  I love (in no particular order) dragonstar81’s Armor ponies, Celeste by Kanthaka, Ocelotl by Ambar_jul, Out of the Ashes by queenoftheunifrogs, any of IsabellaKlein’s merponies, Mizuko the Merpony by Diana_Arcuri,  any of Woosie’s bird customs, ANYTHING puush does, IP’s realistic horse customs, Lina’s SHS customs and sooo many more.
 
 What inspires you?  I am most often inspired by nature.  In Missouri we have four definite seasons and there is so much to observe and be inspired by throughout the year.  I love to paint detailed little nature scenes, insects and animals.  I am also inspired by just about anything else that catches my eye.  I have used fabric, t-shirt prints, bedding patterns and just about anything else as inspiration for a custom.
 
 What types of customizing disasters have you run into?  I haven’t had any specific customizing disasters.  I do look back on each custom and think “What could I have done better?”, so in that respect, every custom has some aspect that I would have done differently and have learned from.
 
 Do you have any favorite tips or tricks?  I have tried a lot of things and some work, some don’t.  Trial and error is one the most important learning aspects for a customizer.  Some specifics tips or tricks would be:
 *Don’t remove the original eye paint when first starting out with customizing.  Even if you are trying to do a unique eye style (it IS what sets each customizer apart), using the original eye as a general template will help you with the iris, pupil, lash shape.
 *Add water to all of your paints and load only a tiny amount of paint on the brush in a twisting/rolling pattern.  This keeps your paintbrush point small and allows for tiny lines.
 *Hold your breath when painting eyelashes, tiny lines, etc.  It really helps to steady the hands.
 *Lotion, lotion, lotion when sculpting.  Use it on your hands and tools to keep them clean and to smooth out the sculpting.  Another thing would be smooth out your sculpting BEFORE it dries.  Sanding something smooth or to the proper contour is so much more difficult and messy than just smoothing it out when still wet.
 *Masking fluid is a great product to use if you are a little messy.  You paint it on the area you DON’T want paint on and then you just peel it off when finished.
 *Don't have an airbrush?  Use a cosmetic wedge to apply paint and sealer.  It will give you a smooth finish and eliminates brush strokes.
 *I use a nail buffer (NOT A NAIL FILE) to smooth paint, smooth out a Triple Thick finish, etc.  You have to use the smoothest side; it has no sand papery feel and almost feels like rubber.
 
 Are there any products you just can't live without?  I can’t live without my paint palette trays, x-acto knife, needle nose pliers, 10/0 liners, Apoxie Sculpt, 100% acetone, and 100W Ottlight.
 
 What advice do you have for someone just starting to get into customizing?
 *Don’t be afraid to find inspiration anywhere.  Did you see a cool t-shirt in an ad or a cute animal in a pic…then translate  those things into your custom(in your own style) .
 *Don’t be afraid to take chances.  Try to paint something you think is above your skill level, mix colors that you think look cool (even if they seem odd), try sculpting something that you think is way beyond what you think you can do.  You will often surprise yourself.  It will either turn out amazing or you won’t succeed in making the custom you had hoped for, but either way you will have gained experience and knowledge from trying.
 *Don’t focus so much on selling when starting out.  Focus on coming up with original and unique ideas, improving and honing your skills, and most importantly, having fun with a hobby that allows for a kitschy, nostalgic expression of creativity.
 
 Thanks for the opportunity to share my customs with you.

[Tiella]

Well deserved, grats Cookhuman! You are one of the customizers I have been looking up to since getting started.

[Kimmers4Ever]

Woo! Grats Cookhuman! Very erll deserved.

[BlackCurtains]

Yay! You're one of my favorite customizers Every pony you make is unique and amazing. I always get excited when I see you've posted something new. Congratulations on the spotlight!

[Griffin]

Congrats! I love your customs and all your unique ideas, and your painting skills are so amazing. We share a passion for animals and scenery painting. It was great reading through your interview, too, those are some nice tips!

[PonySeeker128]

Congrats cookhuman! You deserve it, your work is beautiful and inspirational! Well done

[ponylady]

Congrats it is well deserved!  I love your work!

[hyenacub]

I remember the watch one...and that G2 is perfect for the dragoN!  LOL

[Ren-Ren]

Congratulations!

And, oh wow, those are some great tips you gave!!! Can't wait to try out several.

[okiegurl1981]

Congrats!  Very well deserved!

[Saja]

Congrats, Love your work!

[zzzova]

Congrats, you deserv it  I really love your work!

[JoshsPonyPrincess]

Congrats doll - a well deserved spotlight

[kCherry]

Congrats, Cookie!!!! Such a well deserved spotlight!! Great interview, too!! Lots of good information!

[LadySatine]

Congrats!