Wanted to share my first custom

[Tzan19]

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Ok so go easy....

This is the first time I have shared and my first time doing anything like this (omg I hope the upload works or I will feel very silly) So first rehair, first fbr, first attempt at eye and symbol painting.

I most certainly do not consider myself an artist (as I do so many of the customisers I have seen here that have a real talent).  However I wanted to give customising a try and liked the idea of creating a space filler for a very beautiful pony who I doubt I will ever own.  I suspect it has been done before and I suspect it has been done to a better standard.  But I managed to create something through a lot of trial and error that I am quite pleased with, I even love her many faults as I figure they were all part of my learning process.

Things I have learned...
1. FBRs not as easy as they look on the tutorials (I think this was attempt 4 in total of starting and stripping her down again)
2. Symbol painting (especially with little to go on ) is hard, I have a new respect for all of you who manage to create factory looking symbols (Oh and I suffer from shaky hand syndrome).
3. If you are not happy with something take the time to start over....but also know when to stop!  (I think I came to the realisation that there were limits to my ability and I would have to accept that, maybe with some practise I may improve.

Also I just wanted to talk a little about her symbol.I looked quite a lot into trying to figure out what her symbol looked like.  On a few pictures I saw definite ball shapes under her candles and was mystified at what these could be.  Someone in a post on another site had suggested that these were apples, but this didn't make any sense to me in relation to her theme.  Anyway when I mentioned this to my husband(who is Greek) he immediately came up with the idea that in Greece it's a custom at Easter to have eggs that are dyed red and perhaps that's what the round objects were.  I went with that as it made sense but I just wanted to throw it out there as it seems obvious but I have come across the idea anywhere else yet...I guess it's a possibility.  The heart shape was not intentional and I actually didn't notice this until taking the photos 

I would also love advice on how to get the symbols nice and smooth as mine are a bit lumpy in places (or any other advice from the experts will be gratefully received).

Thanks

[Roogna]

you did a fantastic job! white and yellow are difficult paints to work with and your FBR looks pretty good!
and great job with the symbol

[Uninu]

Those are really hard colors to work with and your work looks much better than mine in those colors! Great job, you did fantastic!

[HelloGoodbye]

She looks great!

[PinkieShyPony]

She looks wonderful! Great job.

[Diamond]

You did a very good job, it is not easy to get a smooth full body repaint and clean symbols.

[aintnobuffalo]

She looks great! I'm surprised she is your first! To get smooth symbols the key is thin layers and patience. High pigment paints can help, but are not necessary. Many people use a "primer" layer for the cute mark if the color is too bright underneath, but it wouldn't be necessary with light colors like white. Too many layers or not waiting long enough between layers also makes for less smoothness.  I'm still improving on this area, as it takes practice.

[Thrice]

I think she's lovely.

[Baby Crumpet]

She looks great - you did a really good job!

[sunshine29102]

Absolutely lovely!

You did a great job, and should definitely be proud of her.  Can't wait to see more of your work. 

[Blindfaith]

she is lovely

[kaoskat]

Very pretty! She looks great! Great job!

[TwistedRiver]

Honestly, its hard to believe that picture is anyone's 'first custom'. Not saying you're fibbing just saying that she looks amazing! You really should be proud of yourself because you're a lot better at this than you've given yourself credit for. I cringe a little at some of my first customs though I still love them dearly, yours is positively beautiful! Great job!

[pinkkittywinks]

She is really cute great work

Love pkw xxx

[Moonbreeze]

Wow! Very nice first custom