Fighting over Best Customs Contest | Breyer artists were bullies? 

Those "artists" who bullied and made fun of others in the comments should be banned from working for breyer ever again. As artists our job is to INSPIRE others and make people happy, not tear them down

As someone with social anxiety, who has started collecting again in the last 5 years, it is very intimidating trying to talk models with experienced collectors and artists. So many Facebook groups remind me too much of high school clicks, especially since virtual breyerfest started.

I watched all of this unfold, and it broke my heart. I couldn't believe that some of the hobbyists that I have looked up to for years could be so judgmental and unkind. I have stopped bringing up topics of controversy, or even ones without, because there has been too much space held for negativity as of late.

I loved when everyone could enter the contest online that was done when Covid happened. I entered for the first time then and just having my custom on the Breyerfest page was enough of a prize to me . Of course I didn’t win but I wish they could open it up to online again or have a seperate online theme . No prizes need to be given other then maybe ribbons and being allowed to enter and featured on the online site . This would allow everyone a chance to try to showcase their work.

Very well said Candace and a huge pat on the back for having the guts to come out and speak your mind about a subject that I myself have been involved with the Model Horse Hobby for many years!...I am a Customizing Artist and for the past couple of years have started sculpting my own Equine Models and I used to really enjoy the hobby and was very involved in it some years ago too!...I entered the BCC back in 2012 as a first time customizer, and even though I didn't win anything, I felt really special that I at least had entered!. My work wasn't as great as the up and coming Artists that won that year...but I felt satisfied and felt like the Competition was run very well back in 2012!.....But then, the competition, every year got more and more difficult for Artists, like myself and for new novice Artists, like yourself, as everyone started having to go up against some pretty professional level customizing and sculpting talent!. Then everything changed by the rules of a small plastic horse, now turned in to a huge model, with a skeleton of a small maybe tiny section that you could say was the Breyer model to start with, began to win, and the changes and the "WOW FACTOR" started being the "IN THING" for the BCC all of a sudden!...Artists that were competing at my level and under started seeing the favoritism and didn't know what to think but then started thinking twice about entering when it seemed that largeness etc started to come in to play to win! The bar had been raised so much more higher and a great competition that it used to be for fun, for "EVERYONE ENTERING" just turned people's stomachs as they knew that they had no chance up against these kind of standards! As I have noticed over the past couple of years now, Breyer should NOT just have "Age Group Categories", for each competition, but they SHOULD MAKE CHANGES and make it "MORE BALANCED" and to help bring back the fun of entering "FOR EVERYONE"! By separating the Competition for "NOVICE", with "Age Groups", "INTERMEDIATE" with Age Groups and "PROFESSIONAL STANDARD" with Age Groups, to give "ALL ARTISTS" of "ALL ARTISTIC LEVELS" a chance of winning something nice and making each Category worth while for to enter! BREYER is a HUGE Company and can afford to give BETTER and more WINNERS special prizes! For someone like yourself Candace, please don't beat yourself down for being a newcomer to the Hobby , and your Artistic abilities at the moment, as you may have such a hidden talent that you haven't had the chance to grow and shine yet!...But if you keep the passion and enjoy what you are creating, and practice, practice, practice, you will be so amazed at what you can accomplish! Please remember, that ALL of the Artists that are at the top, and have amazing talent...."ALL STARTED THE SAME WAY LEARNING TO GET BETTER AT THEIR ART!....Don't give up my friend, and good luck with your future customs!..."BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, AND BELIEVE IN YOUR ART!"....You also have a new Subscriber in me as I just found your Channel!

Those artists should be HAPPY others are interested in the same thing as them and want to encourage them to keep customizing and improving, not tear them down.

With great power comes great responsibility. This goes for Spider-man as well as artists. Helping to inspire and raise up those learning is a big part of continuing the hobby and helping to keep it healthy. We don't really have enough in the hobby to help promote artists starting up. There is a large gap between starting out and the top and we definitely need to work on that.

I recently came back into the hobby; my mother had a few Breyers on a high shelf when I was very young and I was probably given my (own) first Breyer(s) around the age of 5, I continued to collect until I was about 20 and then I took a break (hard core adulting commenced) and now I'm back at 42. I saw the thread and I made a comment on it and later deleted it (deep, violent waters! 😂). I don't think I was the "coward" though? My comment was something like; I didn't currently have a dog in the fight (customizing), but that I might like to (customize) in the future and that I didn't think a novice version of the best custom contest would take anything away from the best custom contest (which seemed to be a minority opinion!). I did not take those that were asking for a novice version of the best customs contest as also demanding the same caliber of prize! Heck, I'd be happy with being judged, placed (flat ribbon?), and possibly critiqued by a professional custom artist. I do not think that a novice version would take away or lessen the best customs contest at all! It kind of broke my heart to see some people that have talked about trying to encourage young and/or new people to get involved in the the hobby have such vitriolic responses on that thread.

I got into the hobby in 2020. As I kid I collect Model horse and got the just about horse magazine but I was never involved with the hobby. In 2020 I saw that Breyerfest would be online totally by accident I hadn’t even purchased a model horse for 15 years or more before I participate in breyerfest 2020. I loved it and as an artist not a model horse one but a painter I thought it would be so fun to enter the best customs contest so I did in 2021 I did it because I wanted too not because of the prize but I wanted to see if I could. I didn’t win but I was happy I did it. The next year 2022 I entered again. my entry took 6 months to make and many sleepless nights. I really didn’t expect to make it into the top three in my division I just wanted to take my entry to breyerfest and show it to people because it made me happy and I wanted to share it with others. I got a table at the artisans gallery with the intention of displaying my best customs contest entry on it. I was so surprised and happy when I got an email saying I was a finalist. I am no one in this hobby and have only been involved for a short time but I made it to the table. I believe that everyone can do it it just takes a lot of time and not everyone is willing to spend that much time on it. Anyway what I’m trying to say with this is that even if you have no idea what you’re doing but you invest the time you can make do it. Probably not the first time but you will make it eventually but if the only reason you’re doing it is for the prize you’re going to be disappointed regardless of whether you win or not. I don’t think having an amateur division would be bad but I don’t think there is anything wrong with the contents the way it is. Some how I feel the people in the amateur division even when they win might not feel as special as they could knowing that they won the amateur division only. I believe no matter how the contest is run there will always be people that are unhappy about it. I really haven’t met any nasty people in this hobby I know everybody says they’re out there but I never read post on Facebook if I can avoid it. I understand that some not so nice things where said but I believe there are a lot of people that don’t mean what they say and don’t really think about it before they say it. so I try not to pay any attention to them or what they have to say online. I have had people in person say nasty things about my art to me face and I try to respond kindly back it has amazed me how many of them will come back and apologize afterwards or just change there attitude. like it says in the Bible “ a soft answer turns away wrath” And it is so true many people are hurting in so many ways we can’t see and they take it out with their words on other people if you love them back they change not always but it’s worth a try.

Here's my take as a new Comer to collecting. I'm going to my first model show next month and I don't have any master customs, but I have one I might have done for it. Contest are ment to be fun, even if I don't win I'll have fun and I'll have learned. I take this same take in real horse shows. Winning isn't everything its about learning and growing. Connecting with the community

I love your videos you are my favorite model horse RU-vidr. I am looking forward to your thoughts on any special variations there might be in the special runs this year. I really liked your video on that last year.

Wise words. I tried customizing when I was 15 and going up against older more experienced artists is intimidating. Sadly it scared me alot back then so I gave up on art. Would be cool if they had a junior contest so 15 yr old me had a shot back then, but then again like you said and put it so well its hard to police that too.

I agree that there needs to be a Novice Division or a separate contest for those that aren’t professional artists. I have submitted my customs for the Best Custom Contest several times but have never been picked as a finalist so I quit trying. I worked my rear off on my submissions & was so excited when I sent off the photos since I submitted my best. When I wasn’t picked as a finalist it was disheartening & when I saw the entries that were I understood why I was never going to be picked. I can’t compete with professionals who have studios & can afford all those supplies & materials. I’m struggling to get by on $500 a week in a tiny one BR apartment where the rent takes up nearly half my monthly income. I don’t have space for an art studio. I can’t afford an airbrush or the paints for it, much less a hundred pounds of epoxy. I work 45+ hours a week & can’t devote all the time professionals do to their pieces. I have talent but not the resources to reach the full potential of that talent. I have a disadvantage I can’t overcome so there’s no point in submitting an entry. Plus I have seen a list of every finalist & winner of the Best Custom Contest & the same names were repeatedly on it & most of them have worked for Breyer at some point. That smacks of favoritism even though it’s probably nothing more than Breyer hiring the best artists to create new molds or models. Breyer kind of addressed this when they added the rule that finalist can’t enter the same division the following year but it’s easy to see how people outside of this elite group can get so discouraged they give up. It’s a blow to spend hours & hours doing your best work to create something that just doesn’t compare to those who have advantages over you, whether that advantage is more natural talent or more resources to reach the full potential of that talent. It’s hard to realize that your best will never be good enough through no fault of your own. That’s why so many just don’t even try. Who needs that heartache? I’m not running down those who are chosen as finalist. Their work is amazing! I’ve been blown away by the pieces I’ve seen at the Artisans Gallery. I’ve seen pieces so beautiful they’ve bought tears to my eyes. I really love your channel & I’ve sent links to it to my hobby friends. I’m glad you’re back in the hobby since it’s filled with wonderful people who go out of their way to help each other. Don’t get discouraged by the drama on FB since FB exists solely to encourage such drama. Plus people are people no matter where you are. There’s always going to be those that stir up nonsense & they are usually the loudest since they crave the attention.

I think we all live on this planet and love model horses. The beauty of “practice makes perfect” pays off so much in the end. It shouldn’t be this deep. Plurr

I think it's really poopy of people to be so nasty to each other in the hobby, especially those who have done things/are a face for Breyer and are so popular in the hobby. It is so important for these people especially to be a role model, because we all began somewhere. Let's help and inspire each other instead, and help people love the hobby more. It would be neat if Breyer brought back something similar to the Tricked Out Pony contest that they had years ago (then it was switched to Stone for a few years), in addition to the Best Customs Contest so that we can be more inclusive on levels of customizing creativity. The premise was that everyone used the same mold and you had to retain at least 50% of the model. The groups were first by age for the younger, and then the adult by novice and pro. They would auction off the placed ponies (I think it was up to 6th place that they auctioned?), and a portion went to charity and also the artist. I can see something similar at Breyerfest where they silent auction off the top models for charity, and offer a prize to the artist. I don't think the prizes should be that high value of a prize like the BCC has, but let's celebrate all artists, encourage, and inspire. I think it's AWESOME that you entered into the BCC and I can't wait to see what you did! However, that said, I also think there's some deeper issues with the BCC and judging that no one is taking a look at and should be considered. In short, the same well established artists win or place year after year, including people who have done contracted work for Breyer (whether they did designs, sculpted a horse, etc). It's not really right to include especially the latter because they've already "proven" themselves as the best by being chosen by the company to do work for them. Entries chosen in the Fantasy, Themed, and Most Extreme divisions are usually because of the "OOOO SHINY" factor with all of the bells, whistles, and bases, and not because of the actual sculpture or concept itself-which harms those who can't always burn cash on fancy technology. Lastly, I think there needs to be a line that is drawn for what is still considered a Breyer Custom or an original sculpture.

Yeah, sadly this element exists in so many aspects of life. As someone who is frequently baffled and enraged at how unkind people can be, I feel you on this. That kind of attitude is what turned me away from IRL horses when I was young. I didn't have the money, resources, or time to keep up, and others just made me feel bad about not having those things, so I walked away... Some people have bought into their own hype. And some people are just, wildly unaware that the person on the other side of the online argument is an actual living, breathing, person with feelings, triggers, and different life experience. It happens a lot nowadays. Ye Olde Book of Faces has given people the illusion of safety, but combines it with a perceived anonymity when you get into the groups. They're often not people we know in real life, so we tend to be more careless about our words. There are petty, reactionary people in every aspect of life. They are best avoided. It's that whole Marcus Aurelius idea of "when the world hurts, care about it less." Which sounds shockingly cold on first interpretation... But Aurelius' thought is more in the vein of if you cannot control it, you are better off not wasting your time, energy, and life on it. Find things you can control, can change, and do those instead. I accidentally ended up in a private hobby related discord that was technically behind a paywall, but didn't know that at the time (a password was given in a public forum, but there was no caveat that I couldn't use it, I thought it was just a way to keep the discord private for hobby people). I was having a wonderful chat with someone when I was told in a public post by admin, that summarily, but politely, that I would have to either pay the subscription or leave... And I was crushed for a bit, because it was just another thing in my life I simply couldn't afford... So I feel for all these people who just don't have the time, money, and resources to getting as good as it takes to be to win something like the Best Customs Contest. Some of us are just poor and are trying to get by, and certain dreams and things aren't for us. It sucks. It's a very bitter pill to swallow. Especially when people who have had the privilege of time and resources to do so, start mocking those that don't have the same circumstances as they do. Artists are a funny lot... I work at a small, independent office supply store and Hallmark retailer (among other things, the store is over 70 years old, so it's diversified a bit), and I handle the ordering of art supplies for my little Art Swamp Room at the back of the store... And I am frequently exposed to people who come in, crowing about their own artistic genius, and how good they are. They are the ones who tend to treat me like absolute crap... They are also the ones who tend to be pretty unsuccessful overall, tbh, so that's where the difference is for you experienced... The ones that ARE making a living with their art? Usually rather nice, especially when they figure out that I really do know my shit, and can give them good advice on product. People who've been at this as long as I've been alive, are open to my suggestions, and ask and trust me for information... I've only ever had one fellow that is fairly well known in the comic book/book publishing, and theatre worlds for cover art and posters... And he changed his tune with me once I started hanging my own art in the display window to encourage people to try the products we carry. But I never told him, or anyone else, that I do have my own modicum of talent and experience unless they ask... Some artists make it by telling everyone how good they are. Others just show you... Perhaps that's why I like your channel so much. I can feel the inherent kindness with which you approach life in your videos, and that resonates with me (and others I'm sure!). My suggestion to you is this: care about d-bags less. But in a mindful and measured way. Tolerate no nonsense from them if they come at you directly (of if they're bullying someone else), but otherwise, do your talking with your feet and your wallet. They behave badly in a public forum? Don't buy or promote their shit, even if you like it. It's even better if you tell no one about it. Just don't support their work. Simple as that. And it might suck to miss out on a really cool model... But you'll sleep better at night. I too, wish people would be more kind and thoughtful in this world. We need it more than ever nowadays. But all we can do, is make sure that WE are being kind and thoughtful. That is the thing we can control... If you are unable to calm your mind about this, maybe reach out to the people who felt they had to delete their comments if you know their names, and see if they're okay. You can control that. You can do that. You can talk through your emotions together. And remember the words of one of my favourite songs: "In a world that has decided, that it's going to lose it's mind. Be more kind my friends, try to be more kind." Be More Kind - Frank Turner

It isn't just in the Breyer World, but all over society. I remember dealing with politics in 4-H when showing my mongrel dog (I was 13 - 19,) when we beat the purebreds. My mother refused to allow me to show our horses, in 4-H for the very same reason but in her younger years. As far as Breyer is concern, I do try to avoid any drama (I get on the forums rarely,) its just not worth my health. I do, have ambitions to eventually enter the customs contest, but its just a goal far into the future.

Part of the strain on these contests is the lack of an Entrant-Finish CM/AR "halter" division in shows, in addition to Open Breed and Open Workmanship. We're missing a leg on the stool and people get overwrought over the very limited opportunity of BCC.

You basically answered yourself by saying try your best and just get a custom entered and learn from your mistakes and keep improving. I find alot of artists to be down right stuck up! I don't even think those are great prize models at all for the work and drama. I mean really forever Sage has a giraffe neck and a stablemate is just an overrated different paint job on a 4 dollar tiny model. Very cool dog is that a Borzoi? Wolfhound? Very exotic looking. Good way to learn the true character of people you admired. Showing there true colors there the ones that should be feeling shamed and delete there offensive comments. We all start somewhere. I been doing customs on and off for 20 years and would not enter that contest!

Me and you have followed close to the same path. Started collecting when we were young. A few here and there over the years but got fully back into it through the pandemic. I've been customizing for the last few years. I have learned fairly quickly to avoid on line drama. I have decided personally that if I want to enter a contest I will. Weather I win or loose I'm going to have fun with it. I've never been able to go to Breyerfest my self either. It's all ways been out of reach for me also. And I still havn't figured out how the on line thing works either. For those people crying poor me, poor me I'll never win are setting their self up for failure. There's always one spoiled grape in the bunch. Remember to always be you and don't let those who try to bring other's beneath them get you down. 😊 Do what makes you happy girly. Beautiful puppy you have there. Much love ❤😊

I have about 8 Breyer models and have never shown or customed one as there seems to be so much snobbery and drama in both circles plus I don't really like the moulded hair , instead I customise 1/6 scale pedigree horses and enter them in photo shows as the classes are more varied I have won some rosettes for them and I was very chuffed :) I live in the UK so can't go to bug shows like the Breyer fest one anyway but I have had a few nasty comments on some of my customs on FB groups and all seemed to be breyer collectors comparing the 1/6 pedigree horses to the Breyer ones, and yes some times I can't get the odd thing to look totally realistic but I really try hard to, so yes I think the customisers that said nasty things to the people that wanted a beginners competition are just nasty and they should apologise. I applaud the artists that gave advice and tips to the beginners .

I have over 1,000 model horses(stablemates included). You learn as you go, don"t get discouraged! Do what you love to do, who cares what anyone else thinks!!! If you love it, nothing else matters.

I agree there should be a novice custom contest. They could call it the “Upcoming New Customizers Contest”. I would actually totally support it if they did that or possibly do add a novice custom contest in the future.

I don't bother with politics within the hobby, it stresses me out and the hobby for me is supposed to be fun and supportive.... sometimes it baffles me how childish people act about plastic horses.....

Do your best at what you do and don't take other people's nasty comments personal. I like your videos and I think you are a cool person. Some of the people that are making rude comments are probably just jealous. I've been a breyer collector since 1970. I lived in Ogden Utah from 1979-84 and now I live in Port Washington WI. I know how the rotten unfounded comments are because I'm gay and a model horse collector. Most of my life I felt like the world hated me but that's not the case. I've always been single because I didn't think I'd be strong enough to take people's hateful comments. That kind of junk I take to heart. You don't pick to be gay, you're just that way. There are a lot of people in this world that don't understand that. I came out of the closet about 20 years ago and I'm still single at the age of 59. My 30th Anniversary at Walmart is coming up on 9-20-23. On that day I'm turning in my 2 weeks notice to retire from retail. I can't take it anymore lol. I'm moving to central Wisconsin to live closer to my nephew and his wife. I'll get a factory job somewhere up there. Hang in there. You are special. Don't ever let other people ruin your day for any reason whatsoever. Joel Cawthon Port Washington, WI :)

I'm a little late to the discussion, but.. It really saddens me that such respected artists have been (and continue to be) so nasty to those starting out. Did they forget their roots? I can see a novice contest not having as special of a prize (maybe a glossy RR like the ones at the live show or something like that) but to go as far as belittling hobbyists who would like to see something like that is really sad. Maybe Breyer could open a novice division with requirements such as can't have sold work for x amount or must be customizing for less than x amount of years, but then again that would be difficult to regulate. I understand the best customs contest is for the best of the best, and to demonstrate the dedication of hobbyists... but there is no need for such arrogance from some of the professional level artists. Side note, the background is so beautiful! I love mountains.

The bullying and crazy competitiveness of some people is sad and really pathetic. My friend makes some really fun, cute SM customs. They're never going to place against some of the other customs because they are a bit flawed but I support her and encourage her to keep going and eventually she will perfect her technique and the models will be LSQ, by the standards that have been established with live shows. Her customs are fun, cute and I'm glad I bought them because I support my friend. I have a lot of customs from little known/novice artists and I show them. I get comments about who made them and how lovely they are. I support all novice artists and encourage them to keep going, keep creating. Some of the people in this hobby are awful, nasty people but so many are wonderful.

I’m sorry you were subjected to that. There are some nasty, rude and snobby people in this hobby. But, there are many more who are very nice and helpful

Why are things so complicated today??? Breyer is a major marketing business from China now. Plastic from CHINA no less!!!! Breyer was a private company used to be from my home town here in Rockford-Chicago, IL-made in USA. I love horses and began collecting starting back in 1977. Today, it's no fun. I'm an artist alone but, I don't even do the modern Breyer thing anymore because I want to remember just how much I enjoy the hobby as a kid because I just love horses. Anybody feel the same?

Contests ruin hobbies.