Thoughts on Merrowfins? "New" Tailmaker

[VanoraSirene]

Loving this new scale pattern Matt did! Cant wait to have it on my tail! What do you guys think?

[Theobromine]

I'm really happy for you and glad you're excited for your new tail, Vanora!

If you want my completely honest opinion on these scales, though....I'm not impressed. Objectively speaking, they're not made very well, and they look like they're only half-finished. You can tell the clay was never smoothed out after the grooves were carved in, which results in a very bumpy casting. I find the appearance rather jarring. Looking at the pattern of grooves, it looks to me as if a fork (or fork-like wire sculpting tool) was dragged through the clay, resulting not only in clay crumbs but also some of the lines crossing each other in unnatural ways. The scales would have benefited from a little smoothing action, either just with fingers or with a paintbrush and solvent or water (depending on the clay that was used). Personally, however (and I've experimented with this myself) I wouldn't have used a fork-like tool in the first place, as it results in parallel lines where there shouldn't be parallel lines. Anyway...that's just my opinion.

[VanoraSirene]

You're entitled to your opinion. Which is totally fine. I personally love them. He sent me this photo of my scale body this morning and I think they look wonderful. Just what I wanted.

[EdenSirene]

I second that Val they are going to make a Fintastic tail .. Absolutely beautiful don't let one mermaids view ruin how you feel.. I can't wait to see you in that gorgeous tail! You will be one Epic Mermaid.. Cause you already are!!

[Luna Dreamtide]

I'm really happy for you and glad you're excited for your new tail, Vanora!

If you want my completely honest opinion on these scales, though....I'm not impressed. Objectively speaking, they're not made very well, and they look like they're only half-finished. You can tell the clay was never smoothed out after the grooves were carved in, which results in a very bumpy casting. I find the appearance rather jarring. Looking at the pattern of grooves, it looks to me as if a fork (or fork-like wire sculpting tool) was dragged through the clay, resulting not only in clay crumbs but also some of the lines crossing each other in unnatural ways. The scales would have benefited from a little smoothing action, either just with fingers or with a paintbrush and solvent or water (depending on the clay that was used). Personally, however (and I've experimented with this myself) I wouldn't have used a fork-like tool in the first place, as it results in parallel lines where there shouldn't be parallel lines. Anyway...that's just my opinion.

I have to say I agree with Theobromine. It does look a bit messy. Honestly, I think it look kind of like a pine cone...

[PearlieMae]

Theobromine prefaced her remark with "my honest opinion", so I don't think she's trying to "ruin" anything.

We all like different things, and stating a preference is something all of us are entitled to. Vanora likes them and says it's just what she wants, and she also says she is fine with Theobromine's opinion, Eden.

[Mermaid Mystery]

I think they're pretty, but after taking what Theobromine said into account I can totally see it. It's a step up from the scales on one of the tails I received and my terrible top, though. There's definitely room for improvement, but so far things are looking fairly good!

[Merenneito Nerissa]

Have you seen the latest two sculpts? I think that those are very nice and they are really looking like something made by a person who knows how to sculpt. I have to agree with earlier messages that those earlier scale sculpts and casts look like they've been rushed. But those current pics of fins and a dorsal (at least I think they are those.. ) are very beautiful and well made.

[LouLouBelle]

Loving this new scale pattern Matt did! Cant wait to have it on my tail! What do you guys think?

At a first glance I think they look good, although having a closer look I can see what others are saying about the 'rushed' look.

I love the general shape and design. I think the bumps give it a sort of rugged, natural look The parallel lines... not so much... but you won't see that unless you're inspecting the tail up close. I'm looking forward to seeing what the finished tail looks like. What matters most is that you're happy with it


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[SeaGlass Siren]

I think he was in the process of making a bra too with this technique

[PearlieMae]

Yeah, I saw his 'furry scaled' top on fb yesterday. WTF?

[SeaGlass Siren]

i personally don't mind it too much. :P

[PearlieMae]

I'm going to wait to see it finished before offering any real commentary. I might be totally blown away.

Or, as my kid would say "Could be a tooth, could be a diamond."

[VanoraSirene]

The dorsal and hips fins are mine and I think they are absolutely gorgeous! They're better than I even imagined!

[VanoraSirene]

Progress and sneak peeks of my tail from Matt! My hip fins, dorsal, and part of my fluke.

IM LOVING IT SO MUCH!

[MermaidBrandie]

THAT LOOKS AMAZING HOLY SHIT

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[PearlieMae]

Whoa! That's pretty freakin' amazing!

[VanoraSirene]

It's so amazing! I just Skyped with Matt to figure out some detail on my fluke and it's coming along so lovely. I can't get over the size. It's probably up to like my boobs and I'm 5'6. It's enormous!!! Biggest on the market. I'm amazed that it's that big and still has so much detail in it. Matt is a really talented artist!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

OOo! Gorgeous fins and things! I'm waiting for the MerrowFins Mermaid Monofin! Matt did say he was working on it, and I want to see it NOW!!!

[VanoraSirene]

FLLUUUKKKKEEEEE!!!!!!