When I think about an experience I’ve had not meeting expectations, not delivering quality work, I think about my time at Raptor Props studios. Raptor Props was a job I had creating cosplay props and learning the ropes of casting and mold making. I had initially envisioned a job making props for movies, but what the job turned out to be was churned out production. I have to admit I just wasn’t very good at prop making, but this was exacerbated by a boss who was simply too busy and surly to sit down with me and teach me his processes in a detailed way. I had worked the job for a solid 6 months, putting in 50-60 hours a week at about 13 bucks an hour, trying to learn the ropes before I got burned out. Even after I quit I promised to take on any sculpting jobs my old boss needed done. He gave me one commission: creating a huge dragon head to go on top of a life sized puppet for a parade. I had never created anything of that size, about 4 feet in length, and the process was daunting. so daunting in fact, it took me a few weeks after receiving the materials to get started. Low and behold I completely messed the project up. I had used a core of foam cut to shape and layered monster clay over it, but my poor planning led to areas being too thin and others too thick. It’s a problem I’ve had my entire sculpting career, not going in to a project with a solid plan in mind and deviating from the plan I did have. I was able to deliver the dragon head, but the sculpt was unusable. as good as it may have looked, it had to be trashed and I was stiffed the money. though, now that I think about it, I dont think the clay was THAT thin. Thick in places, sure, but that’s just a bit of extra weight. What were my lessons? Plan out a big project ahead of time in DETAIL, stick to the plan if it’s important, ask for details or help if you need, dont take jobs from Chad, I’m bad at prop making, etc etc. Most importantly, money up front if you can. Prop making wasn’t for me, but I’ve grown a lot since I had that job and I think I’m up for the challenges in my future endeavors
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