Runboard.com
Слава Україні!

runboard.com       Register for a free global account (learn about it) | Log in: (), globally (lost password?)

Page:  1  2  3 

 
Drew Knight Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 04-2004
Posts: 1283
Reply | Quote
Do Your Coworkers Know?


 :batman
I'm just curious what you other bat-bro's & sis's think. At work everyone knows I LOVE Batman (I have several figs around an alex ross painting...copy). They even threw me the BEST bat-related b-day work party anyone could wish for (Did the whole room up in T.V. Batman signs & prints. I didn't deserve the time & effort put forth). The question is , several people asked if I have a suit? Declined. I know this is cool, but what do you tell people you work with and have to report to ? I don't think the average person would understand the attraction. Thoughts?
Drew Knight

Last edited by Deadly Lemur, 3/14/2006, 10:18 pm
5/28/2004, 11:52 pm Link to this post Send Email to Drew Knight   Send PM to Drew Knight
 
Hombre Murcielago Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Apprentice

Registered: 02-2004
Posts: 282
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


I personally brag about my hobby. But that's just me. Most my friends think I'm crazy but then again, I am. emoticon


Fernando
5/29/2004, 12:38 am Link to this post Send Email to Hombre Murcielago   Send PM to Hombre Murcielago
 
Drew Knight Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 04-2004
Posts: 1283
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


 :batman
I "sometime" let it out to "close friends" but what about co-workers???
Drew Knight
5/29/2004, 12:42 am Link to this post Send Email to Drew Knight   Send PM to Drew Knight
 
youngbat Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 02-2004
Posts: 1182
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


It's hard to say. I often remark that most people where I live view this stuff as pretty silly, until they see some finished pieces in person then they take a different attitude.
    I am building a 95' replica car. One time when I mentioned it to a bunch of guys in the auto racing buisiness, I got a lot of snickering na na na na na na's (t.v. batman theme) thrown at me. As I tried to explain that this is one of the most complicated vehicles ever invented (ya, right they thought, sure buddy).
    Sometimes when I used to farm things out to people, if the machine shop found out it was for a "Batman" something, then suddenly the quality dropped. But if you're restoring a 62' vette' then hell, you'll get perfect workmanship. So I do EVERYTHING myself, for that reason. Too much of an uphill battle to try to get true respect from people without having to show people what the results are of what I do.
    Costume building and design is a serious art. It's tough to get people east of L.A. to realize that sometimes, especially if you're over the age of say, 10. But mind you, they will spend thousands and thousands on hitting a little white ball into a stinking hole in the ground.
    Then I swear. I mean I swear to god everytime I go into a hardware store or auto store to buy something for this stuff, the sales person instinctively knows you aren't doing the usual project. They will always ask "what are you working on" as if they know somehow, this item ain't for fixing the kitchen sink. And god help you if you tell them the truth. Then you gotta tell them your life story (how did I get into this, why, etc.....)
    Then there was the day that an appliance repair guy came over to fix the dryer, I was in the garage, he stuck his head in the door, and I literaly had to drag him out of the garage, and insist he focus on his job. Around here they think you are nuts, or they worship you.
     God forbid you should be at a party with CONSERVATIVE hospital administrators and doctors. Typical conversation -- "so I hear you are an artist", (I answer)"Well yes", -- pause-- "artists sort of walk to the beat of a different drummer --- don't they".... translation... You're a fruitcake!!
   I wish you could see some of the snobbery I have been privy to at the hands of the "fine arts community". A lot of fine arts communities see this sci-fi fare as beneath them. Not all, mind you but I have witnessed quite a bit of snobbery on this.
    I would equate that someone who is at the top of the game in this craft has the equivelent of a college degree, plus lots of natural talent. On a proffesional level, not just a hobbiest.
    In sum I see people who like you, treating your hobby with respect, out of respect for you, but deep down they don't take this as a serious endevor. That's our society. That's part of the price we pay.
5/29/2004, 1:04 am Link to this post Send Email to youngbat   Send PM to youngbat
 
Luke Roberts Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 02-2004
Posts: 1244
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


I suppose people who dont know you, do not understand.

You get painted with the geek stick.

My pals all know about it, as do my family,

I think why hide it?

If you hide it from them, and they find out, they may think it's a kind of secret fetish! LOL

Comic Book characters Batman and Spider-Man in particular are a passion for me. I feel the same way about Movies.

Most guys would probably giggle who aren't into the stuff, but the same guys probably spend their whole life following a particular Sport's team, where the players dont give a **** if they win or lose, just whats in their oversized pay packet at the end of the day.

Before I found this site, I did question,"Am I the only one who'd like a cool costume to display? Or suit up for a Costume party in the Bat outfit?"

Then I found this place...you know the rest.

The way I see it, nearly every one I know whether casually into the Comics or the Movies or an avid fan...agree on one thing...Batman is COOL.

The Movie series made Box Office returns in excess of Billions of Dollars.

So we're not alone.

There are hundreds, thousands, millions of guys and gals who saw those movies, picked up those Comics, and thought "Cool".

Look at the buzz for the new Movie, if it were just fan excitement, it would hardly register on the radar, but I get casual acquaintances mentioning things like....

"Hey I hear they're making a New Batman Movie, with the guy from American Psycho..thats going to be fantastic"



---
Hee hee. "Get her." That was your whole plan. I like it; it was scientific.
5/29/2004, 4:27 am Link to this post Send Email to Luke Roberts   Send PM to Luke Roberts
 
artsee1 Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 02-2004
Location: 14 Miles from The Real Batcave
Posts: 2409
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


You guys are the only ones I have ever found who understand. That is why I am still here. Nuf said from me.

Paul

---
"There is no spoon"
artsee1.com Home of the Original One Piece Muscle Suit.
Email: [email protected]
Visit me on my Bat Costuming Board- Behind The Mask http://behindthemask.yuku.com/forums/1/Behind-The-Mask#.UA1Xzo6kLzI
5/29/2004, 6:31 am Link to this post Send Email to artsee1   Send PM to artsee1
 
eastcoastbatman Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Apprentice

Registered: 03-2004
Posts: 184
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


I know just how you feel..I for one have never hid anything on the Bat..My co-workers and Mgt. did think "what's a 40 something doing still playin superhero"..but when I loaned my self to some of our charity programs and they seen how THIER kidz reacted..that was all it took..Of course the guys will bust on you..but they chill pretty quick when the ladies are around wanting pictures & autographs..You gotta have a sense of humor too..sure the Bat is darksided..but reality, when in the public you have to interact..I have been appearing for 10 years and had some fantastic times..I've never met someone whom I didn't get their attention or a smile out of them..It's actually been great with my employer..employees from companys that work with us will actually call asking for the Batman..Bottom line..be yourself...
           ECB
5/29/2004, 6:57 am Link to this post Send Email to eastcoastbatman   Send PM to eastcoastbatman
 
batmann539 Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 04-2004
Posts: 8656
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


My office is adorned with Batman items. If people ask about the obsession, I proudly tell them. If I'm out of the office and the topic comes up about hobbies, I still proudly tell them.

If people want to judge me, that's their problem. I'm secure in my love for Batman.

Sean


---

5/29/2004, 9:57 am Link to this post Send Email to batmann539   Send PM to batmann539
 
Drew Knight Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 04-2004
Posts: 1283
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


 :batman
Bats:
Thanks for all of your thoughts & experiences.I feel like i've found a perfect home here. Young bat seems to have a lot of knowledge for being young and I totally agree w/ your remark about guys spending $$$ to golf.
This is a great thing to be in an it's a HUGE plus to have a place like this to be able to share ideas/knowledge with like minded bat individuals. I had my commerative returns cowl worked on at a shoe repair place. The owner was an older european gentleman. I pull a rubber bat cowl out and ask him to sew up a section over the slit. The look was one of those picture memories that only us batmen(and a few women) can have!
I'm sure with halloween coming up I will be asked more about having a suit. I want to do appearences but not just yet. I also agree about other people our age not understanding this. Though the women get a big smile when they ask if you wear a rubber suit! Next project on my list.
Drew Knight
5/29/2004, 10:39 am Link to this post Send Email to Drew Knight   Send PM to Drew Knight
 
DAVIDYR1 Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Caped Crusader

Registered: 02-2004
Location: UD Replicas
Posts: 3408
Reply | Quote
Re: Crossing Line


Great thread!

For as far back as I can remember, Batman has ALWAYS been an influence in my life!!

 Even when costume making was just a hobby for me I never hid it or may passion for Batman from anyone.
I remember back in High School...(good God) how I'd alwasy be in the art room and was the only one in the whole school who knew what latex rubber was...this was 1984/5....Actually my Art Teacher asked me to "please dont bring that toxic-stinky stuff back into my art room please!!!"...referring to the only day I brought latex to school...LOL

I was never what you'd call one of the more popular kids in high school....but everyone new that I had this infatuation with making masks and costumes...and the funny thing is that it seemed to be a cool thing to most everyone. Weird now when I look back on it.
 
College was the same....I was known as 'Terminator David'...because I sculpted this Terminator costume....wish I had more pics of this...
Image

Even in Art College there wasnt really anyone else who was making latex costumes..I was pretty much the only one although I'm sure that's changed now.

When I met my now wife...probably 8 seconds into the conversation I was already talking about costumes....fortunately she found this hobby of mine to be real cool and interesting...and from day one she's always pushed me to be the best that I could be at it because a hobby should be self rewarding......even though now...14 years later she does comment far too often on how she feels like she's married to Batman, but...that's another story..:)

Things have evolved since then and I now make costumes for a living but I still dont hide my passion for Batman or costuming from anyone!!!
A few weeks ago we had some of our more 'conservative' friends over for dinner. They know that Batman is a superhero and have no idea that Keaton ever even wore the costume in the films...that's what I mean by conservative...for lack of better words. So the first thing I did...even before offering them somthing to drink...was put on the DVD of 'BATAN DEAD END'...and by the end of the dinner we were all upstairs on the computer looking at various characters and costumes and what they felt they'd like to own one day.

I even go out in public with some of the custom leather jackts I make...I've worn on any given day either my Xmen or Daredevil jackets in public for no reason what so ever...and people seem to always stop to ask/say..."wow is that the real one?...where'd you get it?...can I take a picture with you?...I cant believe you'd risk wearing that oudoors...and so on and so on...

The strangest thing that I can reall about this world of ours is when I was outside taking pics of one of my costumes...a Purolator truck was driving by and as he drove past us he hit the breaks and pulled up into the drive way like a stunt car driver. I didnt know what was going on and he got out of the truck and ran right up to us so fast that I thought he wanted to kill us or something.....turns out he freaked out when he saw the costume from the street and he had to stop and get a better look at it. Now, he can enjoy looking at it all he wants because he has one on display in his basement.:)

Dont get me wrong...there are people who frown on what I/we do, or my/our approach to life but....life should be lived to the fullest and if this means you have a passion for costuming, Batman or whatever..I say live that part of your life with the same intensity as you would anything else.

I'm very proud of my work and dont really care if others think I'm nuts, weird or a geek. I have fun with this and in my world I'm the happiest I've ever been, and if in your world your co-workers have given you that kind of birthday surprise chances are they'd completely support you and understand your passion for costuming.
I think Charles/EastCoastBatman summed it all up nicely..you gotta have a sence of humor about it....be able to make people smile or kids dream, and at the same time be able to accept that others may poke fun at you.

David

---

5/29/2004, 10:47 am Link to this post  
 


Add a reply

Page:  1  2  3 





You are not logged in (login)