Venku Cuyir's Planning WIP

[Venku Cuyir]

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venku-Cuyir/138093776260930
Link to Buy'ce WIP: http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/index.php?topic=35920.0

Most up to date Paint Scheme Concept:
I will NOT have a lightsaber... I'm just using this because it has the Cape and Kama how I planned on having them.
Using the original picture drawn by: daennik (http://daennika.deviantart.com/)

[Venku Cuyir]

Okay! Concept is done. I'll scan it and put it up tomorrow... since its 3am now :p

[Hondo Karr]

Lookign forward to seeing what your concept looks like. however, be forwarned that if it's too heavy on the RC side and not heavy enough on the Mando it could be a set that would be fun to build and wear and would probably look cool but, wouldnt be acceptable for club use.

Not passing judgement without seeing the concept just letting you know early on.

[Venku Cuyir]

Lookign forward to seeing what your concept looks like. however, be forwarned that if it's too heavy on the RC side and not heavy enough on the Mando it could be a set that would be fun to build and wear and would probably look cool but, wouldnt be acceptable for club use.

Not passing judgement without seeing the concept just letting you know early on.

Yeah, I had a feeling that was the case so I tried to my best to make it look more mando than RC. But hopefully you can still see the RC in it. Here are the Pictures.





My drawing skills are not the greatest, haha, but here it is. [The chest plates are spaced too far apart in the drawing.. they would be closer on my person.]
-Made a few modifications in the full body sketch. I dropped the 3 shoulders on the right down to 2 & also redesigned them to look more mando.
-The gray parts would be stock RC Color. With some painted accents.
-You cant see it too well but the cape will drape off of the left shoulder.
-Also cant see it too well... but the Kama will drape off of my left hip. Left leg will visible from the front and side.
-You cant see it at all, but I plan to have the knee/shin pad & thigh on the right leg.
-The Right arm would have just a gauntlet.
- I cant draw hands.. AT ALL.. but I'll have crush-gaunts on.
-On the left Shin is a holster for a DC-15 side arm blaster if I can actually make it look the way I want.
-in the future I'm wanting to make a DC-17m with interchangeable parts, but I will worry about that after the suit  & blaster are done.


Also, I was thinking of using that 'mando commando' helmet someone made. I would just like to try one on, somehow. If it actually fits me right I would use that.
Only problem is is that I have glasses... what do you all suggest for us without perfect vision? haha I will need to wear my glasses while kitted out.


Anyways, let me know what you think & if i need to make any modifications to make it an acceptable kit to troop in.

[Dar'manda]

I like the concept. You might have problems with the individual chest pieces hanging or drooping. My suggestion is to reinforce the whole chest with a sheet of sintra behind your primary layer of armor, also possibly make the gaps smaller to about a thumb sized space. I like the colors and the overall look can't wait to see some progress!

[Hondo Karr]

I believe the CoMando helmets are no longer being made. Apparantly you can find them from time to time on ebay but they are suspected recasts. Also from time to time someone here parts with one. Theyre honestly not in high demand. You may check through the Trading Station, there could be an old thread where someone tried to sell it but it never sold. It is a small helmet though. It's roughly Rubies 2 piece Jango in size. If you haven't yet, you should check out the sizing and buying tutorial stickied to the top of the Helmets boards to figure out the size you need.

Is your plan to cannabalize a set of RC armoror pepakura some piece? If I may through out a few suggestions... honestly until it starts coming together in 3D it's hard to tell too much. The basic artwork you've laid out seems plausible though. I would suggest going with standard Mando chestplates or even Legacy style chest plates. The split chest diamond design is very identifiable and while I see you have it in your drawing, buying an RC chestplate to cut it up or pepping one and cutting it up is alot more cost intensive and labor intensive than doing stock Mando chest out of Sintra or Sterilite bin. I use a pair of Rc gaunts on my kit. I didnt use the resin greeblies and modded them out so theyre not so readily identifiable. I got them as "B pulls" from Polymer armory. If you plan to buy the armor for a custom Mando rather than pepping it, I would suggest hitting up a couple of Commando armor makers, such as Polymer armory, and requesting prices and availability on B pulls. B pulls generally have some flaws that add alot of work to a screen accurate set or render them unuseable. however, for a custom set or armor they work great and save alot of money. My b pull Rc gaunts with the resin parts were only 40.00 shipped. Anyway, back on track, that's a good source for your gaunts, I would think adding an RC backplate to the Mando chest pieces would look cool as well.

As far as the helmet, I know I already wrote about the CoMando in the opening paragraph but I'll come back to it... although it is an acceptable helmet for the club, in general we feel it's better suited for a Late Era Crusader than a Modern era kit. It really doesn't scream modern era Mandalorian even with the full t visor. It you want something that has some cloneish features but is still recognizable as Mandaloran, check out MDSB's Enforcer helmet.

[Venku Cuyir]

I like the concept. You might have problems with the individual chest pieces hanging or drooping. My suggestion is to reinforce the whole chest with a sheet of sintra behind your primary layer of armor, also possibly make the gaps smaller to about a thumb sized space. I like the colors and the overall look can't wait to see some progress!

I'll keep that in mind about the backing plate.
Yeah, I drew the plates a little too far apart and didn't notice the spacing because it was 3am when I was working on it, haha. I read the regs and saw the thumb-size rule and planned on that.
Thanks

I believe the CoMando helmets are no longer being made. Apparantly you can find them from time to time on ebay but they are suspected recasts. Also from time to time someone here parts with one. Theyre honestly not in high demand. You may check through the Trading Station, there could be an old thread where someone tried to sell it but it never sold. It is a small helmet though. It's roughly Rubies 2 piece Jango in size. If you haven't yet, you should check out the sizing and buying tutorial stickied to the top of the Helmets boards to figure out the size you need.

Is your plan to cannabalize a set of RC armoror pepakura some piece? If I may through out a few suggestions... honestly until it starts coming together in 3D it's hard to tell too much. The basic artwork you've laid out seems plausible though. I would suggest going with standard Mando chestplates or even Legacy style chest plates. The split chest diamond design is very identifiable and while I see you have it in your drawing, buying an RC chestplate to cut it up or pepping one and cutting it up is alot more cost intensive and labor intensive than doing stock Mando chest out of Sintra or Sterilite bin. I use a pair of Rc gaunts on my kit. I didnt use the resin greeblies and modded them out so theyre not so readily identifiable. I got them as "B pulls" from Polymer armory. If you plan to buy the armor for a custom Mando rather than pepping it, I would suggest hitting up a couple of Commando armor makers, such as Polymer armory, and requesting prices and availability on B pulls. B pulls generally have some flaws that add alot of work to a screen accurate set or render them unuseable. however, for a custom set or armor they work great and save alot of money. My b pull Rc gaunts with the resin parts were only 40.00 shipped. Anyway, back on track, that's a good source for your gaunts, I would think adding an RC backplate to the Mando chest pieces would look cool as well.

As far as the helmet, I know I already wrote about the CoMando in the opening paragraph but I'll come back to it... although it is an acceptable helmet for the club, in general we feel it's better suited for a Late Era Crusader than a Modern era kit. It really doesn't scream modern era Mandalorian even with the full t visor. It you want something that has some cloneish features but is still recognizable as Mandaloran, check out MDSB's Enforcer helmet.

That's a shame that the CoMando is no longer being made... but It probably would have been to small anyways. & probably to expensive for me, haha.

I will probably have to scrap build most all of kit due to cost restraints at the moment. But if I could get that b-pulls cheap enough I might look into that. I didnt even know about that and really appreciate you telling me.
Yeah, I really want to have a RC back plate. Since it will mostly be covered by the cape I don't think anyone would care too much.
  Thanks for the input!

[Hondo Karr]

Honestly, backstories are best suited for the Fanfic area and left out of the armoing sections as they tend to become "crutches" and can/will become a point of attack.

One area concerning your backstory and armor idea that is in contention is... if he defected to Mandalore on Kal's invite and joined Clan Skirata, Kal would have outfitted him with top of the line beskar and trashed his RC plastiod. Remember, defectors are wanted criminals in the new Empire. they would be even less like than any scavangers, bounty hunter's or other Mandalorians to wear any pieces of clone armor as they wouldn't want to rsik identification. They would want to blend in and get lost in the general Mandalorian population. So, the idea of wearing modded RC armor, is flawed with that logic in mind.

 

[Venku Cuyir]

Honestly, backstories are best suited for the Fanfic area and left out of the armoing sections as they tend to become "crutches" and can/will become a point of attack.

One area concerning your backstory and armor idea that is in contention is... if he defected to Mandalore on Kal's invite and joined Clan Skirata, Kal would have outfitted him with top of the line beskar and trashed his RC plastiod. Remember, defectors are wanted criminals in the new Empire. they would be even less like than any scavangers, bounty hunter's or other Mandalorians to wear any pieces of clone armor as they wouldn't want to rsik identification. They would want to blend in and get lost in the general Mandalorian population. So, the idea of wearing modded RC armor, is flawed with that logic in mind.

 

hehe I suppose you're right. I'll keep the back-story out of this section. Although my guy has his reasons for keeping his armor.  

I'll be removing the back-story from my thread to avoid these conflicts. Thanks for the tip, haha.

[Fenrir Bralor]

Armor design looks cool. The M-DSB "Enforcer" has a good "clone" look while still being an acceptable Mando helmet, so I'm gonna throw out an endorsement for it. The M-DSB crew are all top-class people and I can vouch for their friendliness, professionialism, and willingness to work out a payment plan. LOL

Yeah be careful about your back-story here. When you submit your app, it counts for zero when they decide whether or not your stuff is Mando enough. Opinions might range from "wow that's cool" to mild disinterest right down to raging fanboy hate. It's important not give up your backstory, though. Really, that's the foundation of why you're a custom Mando, and not a Jango or Boba. A'den is right, backstories are best left in the fanfic section, but it's important not to lose sight of it.

You'll hear that nobody cares about your backstory when the chips are down. This may be true, but it's important to remember when people do care about it. The reason the backstory gets marginalized, in my opinion, is that when members of the public see you, they want to see Star Wars first and foremost. So certain elements in a Mando costume have to be there no matter what, regardless of back-story.

The thing is, though... you can change your armor to fit backstory, and vice-versa. A'den's got some good story points to consider for Venku Cuyir. The Empire would be on the look-out for someone running around looking too much like a clone commando, so Cuyir would want to ditch some of it. However, that's not to say you can't keep your design. I think it's suitably Mando, although you might have to make some things a little more Mando.

If I were to suggest changes, I'd probably have the cod-plate and knees be straight-up Jango or Boba style. You have the chest diamond already and that's a good thing, because that's pretty iconic of Mandalorians.

I like the cape and hood, those are very cool.

All-in-all, keep plugging away at this design, because I think it has a lot of potential and could be among the coolest customs out there. Don't take suggestions for change personal, because they're not personal. It's all to make sure your kit will be approved. If they say that a certain element won't pass for approval, find a way to change it so that's it's acceptable, but think of ways you can still honor your backstory. If you have to switch out a piece of clone armor, maybe he still carries his old Deece. Maybe he still has his armor tally, dangling from a chain on his ammo belt.

[Venku Cuyir]

Armor design looks cool. The M-DSB "Enforcer" has a good "clone" look while still being an acceptable Mando helmet, so I'm gonna throw out an endorsement for it. The M-DSB crew are all top-class people and I can vouch for their friendliness, professionialism, and willingness to work out a payment plan. LOL

I'll definitely will be looking into those Enforcer helms with 2 nice plugs & payment plans would help A LOT.

Yeah be careful about your back-story here. When you submit your app, it counts for zero when they decide whether or not your stuff is Mando enough. Opinions might range from "wow that's cool" to mild disinterest right down to raging fanboy hate. It's important not give up your backstory, though. Really, that's the foundation of why you're a custom Mando, and not a Jango or Boba. A'den is right, backstories are best left in the fanfic section, but it's important not to lose sight of it.

You'll hear that nobody cares about your backstory when the chips are down. This may be true, but it's important to remember when people do care about it. The reason the backstory gets marginalized, in my opinion, is that when members of the public see you, they want to see Star Wars first and foremost. So certain elements in a Mando costume have to be there no matter what, regardless of back-story.

Yeah, that makes sense. I wont forget my back-story myself. & if someone does happen to want to know I can tell them.

The thing is, though... you can change your armor to fit backstory, and vice-versa. A'den's got some good story points to consider for Venku Cuyir. The Empire would be on the look-out for someone running around looking too much like a clone commando, so Cuyir would want to ditch some of it. However, that's not to say you can't keep your design. I think it's suitably Mando, although you might have to make some things a little more Mando.

If I were to suggest changes, I'd probably have the cod-plate and knees be straight-up Jango or Boba style. You have the chest diamond already and that's a good thing, because that's pretty iconic of Mandalorians.

Yeah, I see what youre saying. And I asked you to tell me! So, thank you  
The cod peice isnt that important to me. have no problem making that a Jango.
The knee's are a little tougher to just... change as I want them mounted onto the shin.

I like the cape and hood, those are very cool.

All-in-all, keep plugging away at this design, because I think it has a lot of potential and could be among the coolest customs out there. Don't take suggestions for change personal, because they're not personal. It's all to make sure your kit will be approved. If they say that a certain element won't pass for approval, find a way to change it so that's it's acceptable, but think of ways you can still honor your backstory. If you have to switch out a piece of clone armor, maybe he still carries his old Deece. Maybe he still has his armor tally, dangling from a chain on his ammo belt.

Thanks for the kind words. I really love the suggestion for the tally hanging from the belt! I wonder if you h ave a picture of the Tally as I cant seem to find it on any pictures I find... I want to make sure I would make it look correct.

I already plan on keeping the DC-15 pistol a part of the kit, as well. & maybe even the DC-17m... if I'm feeling ambitious enough, haha.

[Venku Cuyir]

I just found this MandoMaker on the site. I really love that i could actually get the purplish/blue I was shooting for in my drawing. Here it is!



It is just the colors you should be looking at here. my original drawing is still the style I like :p Just with these colors lol.
The cape/kama/hood is still undecided... could either be a dark purpllish/blue or just a gray. I haven't decided on that yet.

Thanks to Zammap for making this great tool!

[Cyrus Rang]

I really like your concept. I think if done right It will look SICK!  But IMHO I would keep the kama in the back or else it seems to be too fabric heavy on that side.
as A'den pointed out the CoMando helmets are of a smaller stature but the M-DSB Enforcer would look sweet with you kit.
Check it out here
http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/index.php?topic=25729.0 Top notch product and they do have payment plans.

[Praetor Ordo]

Get yourself an M-DSB and customize it with sintra, bondo, and your imagination.  They love to see their work made into your personalized helmet!

[Venku Cuyir]

A few little design changes.. Im actually leaning towards just making the chest jango/boba style...
I think I'll still have enough RC inspiration with the legs and arms. & at the same time making it more mando looking.
with this chest concept im thinking that the side plates would connect with the backplate.


might monkey with this picture some more in photoshop, change the chest, and edit it into this post.

EDIT: Okay here it is with boba style chest plates.. Let me know what you think! thanks


EDIT:EDIT: Here is a quick sketch of the side views to help you picture the designs better.