Friday, September 6, 2013

Cthulhu Fhtagn! Robkin Edition.

Artist Ken Robkin brings us his take on the traditional Cthulhu idol. It's part of an interesting Kickstarter project that features a running narrative leading up to the actual delivery of the idol. It's a clever approach that features the kind of accouterments I adore.

That said, I'm going to hold off on saying it's a good project to support. If you remember, last Christmas I pointed you towards this Cthulhu cultist artifact from artist Allan Harwood. That turned into a huge debacle, with multiple people left with nothing to show for their money. Because of that I've hardened my attitude toward any project where the goods aren't finished, in hand, and ready to ship. Unless I know from personal experience that the artist has a track record of following through on their commitments I'm going to avoid anything that might be seen as a recommendation.

Update:  I'm very happy to say that Mr. Robkin has offered to answer any questions you might have in the comments.  Just leave a note and I'll get them posted as quickly as possible.  I would say that his appearance bodes well for the project.


7 comments:

  1. That's a nice looking idol, and the presentation looks interesting as well. Something to keep an eye on for sure; I may pledge when it gets closer to the deadline.

    Your position on recommendations is definitely understandable. Mr. Harwood's a talented artist, and he'd have had me as a regular customer if it hadn't taken threats from my credit card company to get him to actually deliver. At least I was lucky enough to eventually get what I paid for, even if it did take almost five months.

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  2. Hey Propnomicon!

    I just wanted to say thank you for featuring my idol, ESP considering that I've learned a good portion of how to accomplish my goal by devouring your site! It was both a wonderful surprise and an honor to make it here. I'm happy to answer any questions as well or share any of my production techniques :)

    Kindest regards
    Ken robkin

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  3. @ Aleister Crow

    My sincere sympathy for your experience. There's just no excuse for not providing the goods or offering an immediate refund on request.

    @ Ken Robkin

    Thank you for chiming in! I hope you can understand that I like the concept of your project, but I'm leery of delivery issues. Your appearance here is a good sign.

    I'll add a note to the original post that folks can leave comments about any concerns.

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  4. I completely understand your and respect thoughts and concerns, an thank you for giving me an informal forum to answer concerns.

    I understand any hesitation with any project from Kickstarter, I have them myself! I have seen enough of the horror stories that i am Leary myself of funding anyone as well.

    It's one of the main reasons I chose to wait so long before even building out the KS page. I wanted to make sure I was able to produce a handful of idols and boxes on my own and develop a workflow that I know will allow me complete success before I even attempted to offer them to anyone else.

    There is no excuse for taking someones money and leaving them high and dry.

    Thank you for the kind words Mister crow. really the entire projected stemmed from my own desired to own something i really wanted, so i made it. then i thought, well if i like it may hap others will too!

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  5. A modified version of this would make a great staff headpiece for a cultist staff. No it's not the Staff of Ra ... it's the Staff of Yaaaa!

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  6. It would be great to know how much delivery was for international customers. I'm in Melbourne, Australia and find the $60 a little excessive...

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  7. Hey Guys!

    first to answer the questions.

    @CoastConFan thats is a pretty awesome idea! I may have to pilfer it from you :)

    @Deano i know the shipping seems excessive but another thing i learn from Propnomicon is he got hosed on his own Kickstarter for not taking into account the international shipping. Shipping to Australia is 53.16$

    I put it at that rate because as I tested out different shipping locations for the shipping weight and distance it would be on average 60$! I think it was around 100 for Russia!! I also Put into the reward tiers that I'll refund any difference in shipping costs and provide a recite so that way each backer can see how much it was.

    The last thing I want to do is to take anyone's money. I want to try and build a proper name for myself, you can't do that if your not honest.

    If Propnomicon approves I am including a link to the build of the boxes and idol here...

    http://www.therpf.com/f62/cthulhu-idol-museum-box-194497/

    It shows the work flow for the boxes and some of the techniques I employed. one of the craziest things I discovered by accident was the use of instant coffee and vinegar for creating aged mold!

    It's ongoing over the next few days while I try to organize all the material I have. Again, thank you Propnomicon for this opportunity to answer questions!

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