ZPCC-2011 Entry #34: GFZ-1000 Daidalos

[Maethius]

Sorry for the late reply! My PC is dead and I was pretty much out all weekend on top of that.

Thanks for the high praise! A lot of parts use and techniques came about through a lack of other options (no real squid-bat parts in most Zoid kits). I now examine lots of stuff we would ordinarily throw out to see how I can use it rather than sending it to the landfill. I wish I had enough resources to sponsor a contest, because I would love to do a "Recycled Zoid" contest where half of the customs would have to be from would-be trash.

On the digital, I use Photoshop extensively. Again, that evolved over time. I did medical/legal art for years; that's where I picked up the programs. Then I started doing more photography with a bad camera and used Photoshop to correct the nasty colors. I started doing little digital tricks to make photos of the "real" Zoids, like a lot of artists. It eventually evolved into what I would have to call the "Age of War Brand" - the look for my site, sigs, and pretty much everything I do now.

Glad you like it!

[ltrammsteiner]

@.@ wow, I feel even more like a noob if that's even possible, I couldn't do anything with trash even if my life depended on it xD I'm learning to use Autocad, u think that would work for making signs like urs *3*?

[Maethius]

Probably, but CAD lends itself more toward the design end of Zoids than the refined end... there are always ways, though. I used Bryce 3D to help me design my giant centipede custom, Fusillade. I didn't want to start a project like that without having some idea if it would work first!

As for using trash to make Zoids, it just starts by looking at things differently. When you are about to throw out a shampoo or drink bottle, look it over. See if you can see animal shapes in it; insect armor, the slope of a neck, anything! The custom I made from about 80% recycled trash is Hellstorm. He came about because we had a baby, and I didn't want to throw out the heap of little baby bottles and packages (our recycling center only takes certain plastics of specific shapes) I combined those with disposable razor handles (which I now use a steel handled razor to cut down on trash) and soft soap pump parts... TA-DAH! Instant dragonfly!

[destrongerlupus]

WOW....that is AMAZING! This community knows how to do serious custom work! I think I'm about to get hooked

[Maethius]

Thanks! Pheno's is where I got my start customizing back in 2006, mostly with repaints but soon the "that could be better" bug bit. As much as I like Daidalos, I think Fusillade is my #1 custom, then Storm Heron is vying for #2 with Gallant Mariner. Lately I've looked back at my work and can see improvements but also a long way to go.

My current build is really a step up from all that I've done... but I can only scrape together an hour or two a week to work on it.

[destrongerlupus]

Just check out your site, SO many nice pieces there! Fusillade certainly is impressive in its sheer scale, but Storm Heron is just BREATHTAKING. This may have more to do with my taste than anything though. VERY impressive portfolio all around!

[Maethius]

Thank you, D/L! I really want to redo many of my photos and customs. Now that I have a better camera, and improved skills, I would like to do touch-ups and better shoots, then fix up the older web pages for a cleaner look.