My Little Pony G4 to G5 Custom: Izzy Moonbow - Repaint, Rehair & Sculpting MLP Movie OG Toy

[@LunatheMoonDragon]

The eyes would have worked perfectly if you'd used some pastels to shade them! Just giving them a bit of depth really helps when you have visible whites above the pupil

[@tigerlilykitty3281]

I second that! As an artist, a little shading goes a looong way

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Oh, thank you for the tip!! ☺️☺️ I will definitely try that (can't wait to do the next G5!)

[@janyellycampos8712]

não to gostando

[@aqua_wolf3671]

@@janyellycampos8712Excuse me?! She did great

[@SkirbleDirble2820]

@@tigerlilykitty3281 o h

[@alpyki2588]

I'm not even interested in ponies, but something about this process is relaxing and fascinating. Which is exactly what I need as I have a stressful job, insomnia and currently caffeine jitters. Keep up the good work!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

I'm really glad you enjoy the videos. I'm sorry about the job and insomnia, it must be tough 🥺 I hope you feel better soon ♥️

[@pinebarks]

thats how they get ya

[@jaiden_xd291]

Cómo que no quieres a los ponis a ñ

[@Kiib_]

O

[@no_se_editarxD]

Me encanta esto y siempre me gusto mlp

[@makaylaboyko1292]

The advantages to custom anything: there's some creative liberties that you get to take, so that it doesn't have to follow the exact piece that you're recreating. This kind of gave me an idea of something I would love to see when it comes to custom ponies and that is a G4 or a G5 pony being turned into a past generation pony, so like Zipp from G5 being turned into a G4 or even a G1 pony for example. Regardless I like this first attempt at Izzy and I actually really love the hooves and the bracelet. I'm a sucker for small details like this. If and when you do redo Izzy, I would love to see how she changed.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊😊 I have learned so much from the comments, some amazing tips I really want to try. So I would love to do a V2 and then.show them side to side (but I might do a different character first, so it's not too repetitive :))

[@makaylaboyko1292]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Not a problem, glad to help. I look forward to the next pony in the lineup as well as a side-by-side of Izzy.

[@Coffee_nightowl]

She's so cute! I've noticed that Izzy is many people's favorite, which isn't surprising. She's my favorite too 💜

[@cavalos_]

Ela também e minha preferida

[@vernorexia682]

Just based on looks, I thought Pipp would be my favorite and then when I watched the movie she was my least favorite and Zipp and Izzy are my favorite

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

She's adorable 🥰 but... I have to agree with vernorexia! Zipp is actually my favourite ☺️

[@jaanhavi0_0]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Yepp

[@izzymoonbow272]

Oh thanks💜💙💕

[@ghostatbest]

As a fellow artist I know that if you aren’t super confident in something you’ve made, it doesn’t matter how much people love your work - but let me just say, I doubt anyone would notice anything wrong with this custom unless you pointed it out (And even then, I still found myself going “Wait… that’s NOT perfect???”) Great work, as always!💕

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊😊 I always find it hard to rewatch the videos and see all the things I could have done differently. But I know I have a lot to learn, so I try to see it as an opportunity. There is always another pony to try 🥰

[@blondbraid7986]

I actually kind of like how the eyes turned out, and even like your version better than the original. It's hard to explain, but I'm thinking of an art rant video I saw where the narrator pointed out that when you try too hard to make things cute, they easily look boring and generic, so when you let some things be a bit weird, the character instantly becomes more interesting and memorable. After all, Francis Bacon said that there is no perfect beauty without something strange in the proportions.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 That's true, sometimes when things are too precise, also, they loose some of the charm. I love the Bacon quote! Of course, it's one thing to have a slightly misaligned element and another to make 5 mistakes in a row :P but it's a learning process and I love getting feedback. I really, really appreciate it and I can't wait to try the new tips on the next custom ☺️

[@blondbraid7986]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Yup, I think every artist should hear that quote! Also, it's good to let people see these mistakes, it helps others learn how to avoid similar mishaps.

[@daylightsketch]

Even though you did mess up on the eyes a bit, she is honestly still a very pretty custom!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@iCurseDreamz]

I think this was amazing!

[@anaruna8072]

I like Izzy, but I love Star light Glimer, she is sch a good character (in my opinión), classic villian tourn to good guy and her friendship with Trixie is epic. Good custom as always 💜🦄

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊 (I like Zipp more but I didn't have the hair colours either so I went for the popular choice :P)

[@anaruna8072]

@@RetroGeekCrafts zipp is a bad ass

[@crazyhairsinger]

FINALLY someone who loves starlight as much as me, everyone seems to hate her for no reason :( she's my favourite G4 character❤

[@spegadysquitzy]

@@crazyhairsinger I love her too

[@liamvautier944]

I love Starlight Glimmer too! I can relate to her even tho i haven't experienced her life as my own(because, you know, her past is quite creepy and evil in that sense), because i know how to feels to be left alone, turn your personality something aggresive and evil because of your fears, something almost invasive to others in your way of being, and later on in life noticing that i can change, and that being good has more value than just being bitter because life made some harm on me early in life. Is a "villain" character redempetion arc that i can totally relate with, something that isn't as common an easy to do as anybody can think of.

[@SpookyDeerArt]

despite how it went, it turned out great! izzy is my favorite g5 pony so far and seeing her as a repaint is so cool! as someone who's resculpted on g4 ponies, i want to share a few things ive learned! i'm definitely not an expert, but i've got some experience doing it and i figure sharing wouldn't hurt. 1.) hoof hair, fetlocks, hoof designs, etc: don't be afraid to break out your sculpting medium! ive not only added these, but i've also changed the height and body shape of ponies and as long as you sand it well, it should turn out just fine. i've been working on repainting and resculpting g4 ponies to look like my redesigns and that includes fetlocks, different heights, headshapes, and more. for example, fluttershy is much taller and more angular than pinkie pie in my au. i sculpted onto fluttershy's legs to make her taller, sculpted a new nose bridge on her, moved where her wings would be, and made her body longer. for pinkie pie, i changed the shape of her face to be more round and added fluffy fetlocks to her hooves as well as made her stomach and shoulder area more chubby to fit my design. i did this all with my sculpting medium (2 part epoxy clay) and it's holding up really well! fluttershy is completely repainted in her main color now and you can't see where i added clay. 2.) hair: for making detailed resculpts, i really recommend yarn if you want it to have to-scale softness and flow. it takes time to make yarn smooth, but it's worth it. my first pinkie i did (a larger scale g4 toy) is still holding her curls years later! either way, yarn or not, i recommend adding more hair plugs. pony toys tend to have very similar hair styles, and they basically just have two or two and a half rows for hair plugs. i always add more to my repaints to better match their hair line. the toys are rooted like a horse, but ponies have human hairlines, at least in the front! you can't really get proper bangs with the factory given rows. 3.) the tail issue: this is a hard one. on occasion i can get the peg out very, very carefully and not warp the toy. in these cases i make the tail (not counting unicorns since i sculpt their tails) and then do like you usually do when repairing and restoring old ponies; loop a tie through it and figure out a way to keep it from coming out! they usually have washers and if those aren't rusted i use those. some newer g4's don't have the washers though! i have damaged the necks of my repaint subjects before. i have a rarity and an applejack who's necks are both not quite right, but i'm planning on remaking them anyway. soaking the pony in hot water will probably help negate damage! squishier vinyl is more forgiving. 4.) eyes: god please tell me if you figure it out. i'm nearly ready to just give up on painting them and just spraying a whole bunch of Mr SuperClear until i can use watercolor pencils. this next tip isn't really for you, since you seem to have mastered it! but to everyone else: don't be impatient like me. a fair few of my ponies have thick paint just from my impatience. do light handed, thin and watered down coats. hang your pony up to dry if needed and wait until they are completely dry to continue! otherwise you'll end up with a thick, chalky coat which just leads to frustration. repainting something takes a long time. be prepared to wait!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Wow, thank you SO much for sharing your tips!! These are so great ☺️🥰 I will definitely follow your advice for my next custom. I love the idea of using yarn (it's scary for me because I never thought that was an option, but I can see how that could look really nice once worked!). Again, thank you for your message, your ponies sound incredibly detailed and unique! ☺️☺️

[@SpookyDeerArt]

@@RetroGeekCrafts i hope it helps!! i've watched hours of repaints, resculpts, and the like so my knowledge just comes from absorbing other's work. i can't wait to see what else you do with making g5 ponies if you go through with it! i love your work and seeing you get into repaints is so exciting!!

[@mosskin2016]

@@RetroGeekCrafts there are yarn hair tutorials if you need them. Just be careful with the yarn, it's very malleable but you can't really make long hair out of it.

[@austinlord9934]

She’s really cute! And it’s cool to see part of the learning process too. People like to hide their mistakes but when you share like that we can all learn together. Awesome work! 🦄

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊 I think the learn the most from out mistakes. I got so much valuable feedback and ideas in the comments, I'm really glad I shared the video even when I wasn't happy about the result. The next one(s) should show improvement 😊

[@stjarrne]

she looks good! personally for her eyes, i would've had them positioned in a way where it looked like she was looking up at her tennis ball, maybe some more gradient in the iris and more of a deep purple instead of black eyelash and a thinner lashline on the bottom. just my suggestions, if you ever wanna re-do that part of her in the future- but of course do what looks best to you :)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Ohhh I love this idea!! Great suggestions, thank you so much!! ☺️☺️

[@stjarrne]

@@RetroGeekCrafts my pleasure! i feel like it just makes sense to give her irises a gradient instead of flat color- gives it more dimension and well, the movie IS 3D lol

[@cherie_fleur]

Despite everything on the bumpy road I still think she looks ✨gorgeous!✨ 😂 I learned from this video! And watching it go from one character to another was amazing and very pleasant, amazing work!! 💕

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@wisdomsbookworm]

I think it's so sweet how much emphasis and care you put into setting a good example for new sculptors! Giving them warnings when you've done something unsafe and tips for further sculpting... it's a breath of fresh air! Keep being amazing hun, you're someone to behold! 💖👏💖

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊 what a lovely message. I love these ponies so I'm really glad I get to share my hobby with other people who feel the same :)

[@gracegoff5209]

Thank you for making Izzy Moonbow.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

You're very welcome, I just wish the eyes were different! 😊

[@gracegoff5209]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Happy Thanksgiving.

[@nicco830]

The good thing about mistakes is that you can learn from them, i think she ended up looking really pretty I love your videos so much💕

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@sludgeskin]

does anyone else notice that the ponys tail is positioned way low, not her fault obviously more of a factory thing

[@rociolunar8]

At one point of the G4 some series of ponies have a low tails, i have 2-3 like that

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Cannot. Unsee. 🥺😅

[@sludgeskin]

@@RetroGeekCrafts aaa i apologize!!

[@MmMm-sf7pe]

Yeah, most of the G4s are like that in the 3" brushable line, maybe because of their manufacturing process or something?? I think the Fashion Styling ones have them set a little higher.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

Yeah that's a problem with g4 ponies period, very few of mine have the tails in the correct spot

[@cutienerdgirl]

I'm in no way interested in My Little Pony, but I love watching your channel and channels like yours because it's nice to watch people be passionate/excited about something and handle their things with such care. 🧡💛

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@keiroty7187]

Those two meld right into each other Izzy and sunny So determined and positive

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

They are great ☺️☺️

[@whowantswaffles]

I think you are being hard on yourself, she looks really cute

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I got lots of really valuable tips so I can't wait to try the next custom!

[@Deby_Bumblebee]

Don't worry everyone makes mistakes, so yes. At least is still Beautiful

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊😊

[@vivianbrand4845]

I do not know much about my little Pony, but I think you did a good job! And I appreciate, that you are showing your mistakes. It makes me feel that even the people you look up in that skills, did the same way we are only going to be yet. And they walked it already

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I think we learn a lot more from mistakes so I felt it was okay to show them here :)

[@Romanticoutlaw]

you mentioned children handling it and I had the sinking realization that there exists a human being who would give a custom or restored figure to a child to play with

[@_Obey_]

Yeah I was like, wait, what?

[@FlameyFiredog]

I mean I bought a gen 1 figure, got it restored by my friend and I play with it everyday. It's a toy it's meant to be played with, right?

[@Duhgel]

@@FlameyFiredog Depends, customs aren't generally made to be played with, they can easily break etc and are usually kept as collectibles. Restored items however are quite fine.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

My niece was visiting recently and she loves watching the videos. Her eyes went huge and super cute when she saw the customs and... I couldn't say no! (I didn't take my eyes off her for a second :P) 😂 The customs are probably more for display but the repairs... I feel those should be child-proof. Just in case ☺️

[@theGhostWolfe]

It really depends on the purpose and method of the customisation/restoration. It’s not antithetical to the concept of customising or restoring to create a toy, not just an art or display piece.

[@orwellianwiress]

She's very cute! I love how she's faithful to the original but in the G4 style!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@daniie_X]

it's relaxing to watch the starlight peeled transformation to Izzy

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Snuzzled]

If you want something that's not dangerous for kids to play with, cutting off the tip of a wooden toothpick and then manually making a hole in the head and the horn to insert the wooden toothpick. Then use glue to glue it on. Also, if you can't find quite the right shade of hair, you can blend multiple close colors (like mixing paint) and it'll help you get a better match. It has the added effect of giving the hair more dimension and sparkle too. :)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Ahh, that's a great idea! I will try the toothpick the next time 😊😊 I never mixed hairs -- considered it, but I wasn't sure it would work. If you say it does, I need to give it a go. Thank you so much!!

[@Snuzzled]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Blending colors is very easy, there are a lot of tutorials on youtube. They are mostly for people who do human hair extentions but the process works exactly the same for doll hair, just in much smaller amounts haha. At first it might look like you have completely ruined everything and it's not going to work but if you keep mixing it will come out a beautiful blend.

[@veritasreigns]

I'm an 80s child. I can't get used to modern ponies. The old ones actually look like horses and they have so much charm. The modern ones are too insectoid for my liking.

[@greenghoul157]

I can't believe you customised a G4 into Izzy this is what I was waiting for ❤

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

I'm really glad you enjoyed the video 😊😊

[@aprilvaiarella435]

Not gonna lie, I had a mini heart attack when you cut off that Shining Armor's horn. He is hard to find and the only male unicorn they made. And that was the good version. But you do what you gotta do. Your Izzy is very cute. Her eyes make her look a little crazy, but that's kind of accurate for the character anyway, so it fits.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Oh no, I didn't know he was hard to find! 🥺 I collect G1s and don't know much about G4s, I got him in a charity shop for 50p (50 cents) and didn't research his rarity. Maybe I can find a damaged one, restore and let it out into the world, to balance things out! Thanks for letting me know though, I will research more next time!

[@aprilvaiarella435]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Don't worry too about it. I do some light customizing for fun so for me it was more about the body type than anything else. I usually have to steal a horn off one of the princesses if I want a male unicorn custom.

[@poohbear4515]

I love mlp and im very happy to see that you used Starlight Glimmer doll, since she’s the worst character. Izzy is so cute, you did awesome at it!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Hahaha poor Starlight Glimmer xD SHe does get redemption eventually, right? (I haven't seen the whole series) 😊😊

[@WW1Hun]

I thought she looked pretty good, especially for a first attempt on G5 hooves, horns, eyes and all the rest. I also think you can learn a lot from a new project like this, even if it’s just finding out what doesn’t work. The hooves looked great, just my opinion... please do be careful with that X-acto knife. Something I’m going to suggest, but you may have already tried, instead of using the pick to punch holes, you could use a Pin Vise and small drill bits. In fact, you might be able to use your rooting tool as a Pin Vise and just buy the small drill bits. This should let you use something like a copper wire or jewelry wire to attach the horn, instead of a cut off straight pin. Do, like the videos, find them very relaxing. Saw that it was up this morning, and saved it to watch tonight. 😺

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you for the great tips! I have never ever used a drill, so I definitely have to give it a try. I don't know why, it feels a little scary. If this project showed me something, it's that I need new tools for new jobs 😁 🥰

[@AC-we4xx]

Keep doing this exact style of video, great music choice 💜 plus you have such good information

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@elisagrigolettikickhofel6832]

i feel like if the lower eyelids of the eyes were brought up, she would look more natural :) her eyes need to 'smile' a little, Izzy is a very happy pony i think! She looks really beautiful too! you are very amazing to be able to just paint her cutie mark like that!!!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Yes, definitely! That's a great tip, I will try this for the next G5 custom ☺️☺️ Thank you for your message 🥰

[@twillacatron7596]

She turned out so cute I like the G5 horn style and hoves and you did a good job

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@kerimcanmutluu]

Woww! Awesome and gorgeous custom izzy!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@Crow29803]

Stop downing yourself! I get you had issues but she looks great! I love the hooves! So cute. I see what you are saying about the eyes. You have them more red. They are more light violet with a little on the red side but that little tennis ball. But she’s adorable! ❤️

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊💕 Ah, yes, the shade is more violet; I could mix the fuchsia with the purple for the next one (when I redo it).

[@alango4651]

It was a big challenge for sure. But I think you have done a great job and a realistic transformation from G4 Starlight to G5 Izzy. And with the knowledge of this work you will have it easier in the future, for sure. :)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊 I definitely want to try this style again!

[@silhouettoofaman2935]

18:09 "...watch us shake our unicorn butts!" Lol

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

😂❤️

[@UkyoVsShampoo]

This looks great! Better than anything I could ever do. ☺️

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 (And I'm sure you can do a beautiful pony!)

[@elsagillespie5210]

She's cute, even if you made a few mistakes & i love it how you did the G1 - style for the cutie mark on both of her flanks too. I can't wait to see the rest of them.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@OhItsMaxwell]

She came out so beautiful! Nice work!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@milliezinthereal6741]

i genuinely do not think this video is a fail ! i love this entire process and the outcome :)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@amberlytownsend2856]

I really love your customizing videos. You’re very talented. Instead of sewing pins jewelry wire is a good option! They make good armature wire for sculpting. And it comes in different sizes for different projects :D I hope that helps!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for the tip 😊😊 I will try wire the next time! (I actually used it for the Nightmare Moon custom and forgot about it).

[@aaronadamwarren]

All of your ponies, even the ones you deem failures, are wonderful. You managed to really nicely emulate the colour of her body, and drawing eyes is never easy, but you did a nice job. I always look forward to your pony videos. :)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊😊

[@Pinkstars1605]

instead of a sewing pin, you could use a folded over wire and just poke it through the first two holes where the re root originally started, that way it has the stability of a pin, but not the sharpness of it.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Ahh yes! I think I actually did this for the Nightmare Moon custom and then... Forgot about it 😅 For the next one, for sure! Thank you!

[@catsoda]

I think she turned out super adorable!! It totally inspires me to make a custom lol. One tip i have is that I think that the eyes are painted super well but they're a bit too bold against the body color, you could possibly make the black a darker color of the body instead (like for this it'd be dark purple)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your tip 😊😊 I think that's a great idea with less bold colours! And I hope you try your custom, I'd love to see it!

[@zekenelsons2069]

As soon as you put the eyeshines in, the eyes looked absolutely fine, so don't stress about it too much! In the future, it might be easier if you paint the whole eye white first, and then sketch on top of it so you're not trying to get those bright colors to pop out on top of that purple skin.

[@zekenelsons2069]

Also, I was thinking, if you ever do get one of those flocking guns, you could flock the G5 ponies with longer and longer flocking towards the hooves and maybe even add actual nylon hair at the bottom to get the fluffy clydesdale look.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊😊 I had never heard of a flocking gun, that sounds great! I need to look for one. The nylon hair at the bottom could be really nice too. Thanks for the tips!!

[@liamvautier944]

I recognice that they are rough looking, but i loved the sculted hair on the hooves, and her little painted bracelet! Also her tail looks amazing, but it's looking a lot like Pinkie Pie's, so i would have made the curls a lil more loose. Thanks for showing us your mistakes tho, it is a valuable learning source even if you made mistakes!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you! 😊😊 A couple of people suggested using yarn for the hair, I think that could look nice and feel more soft and more like Izzy. It;s a challenge I definitely want to take.

[@viricorn]

Looks kinda cute, the video had really good advice for handling mistakes

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@DayDreams52124]

Yay, you made my fav character at mlp g5 its so pretty

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@audils123]

The "hairy hooves" are called feathering in the horse world. I think you did a good job on them as well as the overall pony, but you always do an amazing job anyway. 🙂

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for letting me know!! 😊😊 I'll definitely use it for the next one!

[@audils123]

@@RetroGeekCrafts I just know that I enjoy learning so I figured I'd share. I hope it didn't come off as rude. 🙂

[@xhappyhippox1415]

It all looks way more perfect then you think. I would have added more shades to her eyes and a gradient hair or more shades of blue/purple since Izzy has that in the movie as well. Overall i am happy that you posted her! We all make mistakes and learn from them. I am also here not as a mlp fan but as a creativity lover. Its truly a form of art!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much and thank you for the tips!! 😊😊

[@laurenmendoza4371]

For your first G5, I think you did well! The more you make, the more fine tuned you’ll get so hang in there! You make beautiful customs!

[@jessicaclauson1997]

The hoof hair turned out amazing!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@abs0lut3_s0lv3r]

Izzy has to be one of my faves next to Zipp

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Zipp is my favourite 😊😊

[@IntergalacticJu]

I loved seeing this! I think you're too hard on yourself, she looks terrific! I can tell it's Izzy just from looking at it c: Also, thank you for the speaking in the video, the extra commentary is really nice!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@ilcerbiastrello9335]

She was Starlight aha! Anyway, excellent job but Izzy have also an hair accessory on her head(like hippies).

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊 Ohhh you're right!!

[@karenritter2574]

Gorgeous colors

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@applelover14264]

Holy Celestia, how beautiful!! Although I am Russian, but I really like your creativity and I will stay here for a long time! :3And I will also add to get a lot cooler than Hasbro ;3

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@gruntes11isttt]

Instead of using a needle and glue you should plastic weld it you can buy a temperature controlled iron they usally can go as hot as a soldiering iron or as warm for shaping wax. It'll take some practice to get the hang of it but I'll be a stronger finish and it'll be safer for the kids

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Oh, this is a great tip! I never thought of welding it. I really want to give this a try now, I can't imagine a better solution. And I can still use milliput to correct the shape of needed. Thank you so much for the idea!! ☺️☺️

[@dollylollyplaytime8552]

She looks adorable!! Great job!! Love the attention to detail and the floofy hooves! I’d love to see what she’d look with hair from brushed out yarn personally, I think it’d give the fun floofy whispiness her hair has in the movie. 🥰

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊🥰 I definitely want to try using yarn! I still feel a little scared I might not be able to make it look good but I need to give it a go. I love the words you used to describe her hair! ☺️

[@kaydenthehousewife]

Here's a tip for the eyes! I noticed some doll customizers like to use water color pencils for the eyes. That way eyelashes come out finer and less thick and the eyeris comes out with a gradient. Heard about gouache which is a better type of paint to do for the eyes

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

That's a great tip! I have never used pencils, so it's a little scary but it's something I definitely need to try. I think I would try to use pencil for the iris, and acrylic for the pupil, because I love acrylics (never tried goauche either, have to look into that!) 😊😊

[@Meganstaek]

I would've used milliput or something like that to sculpt the hair on the hooves-- there's a video floating around of someone modifying a LPS spider into a fuzzy jumping spider, I think that technique would be useful for their fuzzy hooves? She turned out really cute, in spite of the eyes, I can't wait to see what the next one looks like!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I think the next one I will add material instead of taking it away (except for maybe making the legs thinner). I will search for the video you mentioned, thank you for the tip!!

[@dawnchesbro4189]

Something I learned many years ago painting resin garage kits, the hard way. Painting many thin watered down layers does give a smooth surface, but also a weak surface. The added water molecules act to weaken the paint binder, so many of my 20-year old garage kits are in dire need of repainting. What I’ve since learned is to use acrylic thinning mediums, like the flow improver by Windsor & Newton, or liquitex Flow-aid. Because these mediums are created specifically to thin the polymer emulsion that serves as the binder for acrylic paints, they don’t weaken or compromise the structural integrity of the paint. I highly recommend you trying them out if your intentions are for long-term durability of your artwork.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Ohhh wow, thank you so much for this tip! I had no idea. I need to try them, again, thank you so much for taking the time to explain how it works and why you recommend it ☺️☺️

[@satinizer8021]

i really like hearing your voice more in the videos! and as always your your attention to details is amazing! i thought thinning the ears was already a lot, but i didn't expect you to put the tennis ball on her horn and carve out fuzzy hooves too! and i still think she looks very nice, like a fusion between G4 and G5

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊 The tennis ball was the first thing I thought about when I pictured an Izzy custom so I was looking forward to trying it. It took me ages to make it round 😁

[@NekoAiray]

I think you did a really great job... not counting the demon eyes XD I also do doll repaints and am too familiar with getting a possessed doll stare and having to take everything off and start again. PS: I hope you got the ponies I sent you and that you use them in a project.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Hahaha yes 😂 Demon eyes is a perfect description. I just got your ponies and little gifts. Wow, thank you SO MUCH!!!!! I just got home from a family getaway (it was awesome to return to your parcel) and I can't wait to get started with them!! I was 🤯 when I read your note about the hooves being magnetic!!!

[@NekoAiray]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Now you can have a pony guard your shopping list on the fridge XD

[@andreyokoyama4808]

The good thing about mistakes is learning from them so you can do better the next time, but in the end it still looked very good. I was thinking about doing something similar but for the feathers (long hair on the lower legs) I was thinking of apply a layer of milliput and sculpt the feather on it, I think it would be easier then carving the plastic.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I think applying and sculpting milliput on top is a great idea (and maybe thinning the legs, like it was mentioned in the comments). I will try it too!

[@MatsuyoRific]

For the tail, you could try adding glue to as large as a chunk of hair that you can easily stick into the hole, then add in extra hair before the glue dries. Maybe even add some extra glue to the inside first as well, and let the pony dry so that their tail is pointed down. This would allow the glue to merge to create a sturdy plug

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

That's a good idea!! Thank you for the tip ☺️

[@krystalzubat979]

I do not think she looks bad by any means. Customs are hard and you learn something new every-time. Maybe some false lashes cut down to size would look better for future customs.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Ohhhh false lashes would be really interesting to try! Thank you for the suggestion!! ☺️☺️

[@sarahmanners7762]

We as artists are very self critical on our art work the eyes may not have been the color I would have chosen. But for an artists to get better we all have to start somewhere and honestly this is a beautiful custom that you get to reflect on later on . We all have to start somewhere. We learn with time and practice you did an amazing job for your first custom. Not to mention painting it instead of using water colored pencils as some can't do that with paint. I myself is better with painting on custom then water colored pencils. But I know that other doll /my little pony/ littlest pet shop artists aren't very good with doing custom painting work. That alone is great stay with what works for you but also try new things as art is sky's the limits. 😊💕

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊♥️ I agree, it's only through practising (and getting feedback) that we can get better. I have received a lot of encouragement even if the result wasn't that great yet, so I can't wait to try the next custom ☺️🥰

[@sarahmanners7762]

@@RetroGeekCrafts you got this I believe in you and exactly I was reading other comments on this video and tons of positive feedback from your subscribers 😀 ❤.

[@viccolasvic9461]

take *that* starlight glimmer

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

LOL xD

[@cocolocobirb981]

I think the only problems are: hair color, hair stiffness, and the eyes, besides that I don’t think the hooves or anything else is bad! (Lil nitpick: it would be cool if you could use that pin connecting the tennis ball to her horn as a way to make her tennis ball removable :3)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 Ohhh a removable tennis ball would have been awesome. I will think about it for the next version :D

[@gracecornelius7736]

Huh, I'm still at the beginning but I just noticed something. The pony has eye molding but the paint job doesn't actually follow the molding? It's shaped more for a Rarity eye than a typical one.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Yes! It's a different shape. I also noticed it after I was done, to be honest xD So I could have done a G5 eye and it would have probably be okay 😁

[@FleshPony76]

That actually looks amazing! Great job!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much ☺️☺️

[@LoLawliet5864]

Gen 5 ponies only have a cutie mark on their right hand side lol. Great work, I love this

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Yes, si realised too late 😃

[@kristinaramirez7895]

You have such a steady hand its amazing! I just found your channel and i love your work ❤️ Also I noticed that in gen 5 they only have cutie marks on one side so you didnt to make it twice however its all the more impressive that you did and made them so identical!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Hi, and welcome! ☺️☺️ Oh, you're right!! I didn't even think about it, I went for both sides like the G1s. Oops 😁

[@Nyalbel]

O.O !! I love it so much! You have real talent. I'm so jealous of that skill

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊 It's not skill, believe me. I had a really bad pulse and didn't know much about restorations until quite recently. I just love the process and seeing the ponies renewed. The rest was just patience and time (as you can see, I still make a lot of mistakes). If you think it's a hobby you might enjoy, you should try it! It's really satisfying ☺️☺️

[@zaimasheikh4405]

this is something I would totally buy😊

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊

[@zaimasheikh4405]

@@RetroGeekCrafts no problem☺☺

[@zaimasheikh4405]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Your welcome♥

[@PrincessOTheStars]

Wow it’s amazing your good at painting you should try too make pipp too

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I will!!

[@Stellarjinx.]

Wow, what COOL ✨

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@samanthadean1083]

I think it turned out really nice!!! …but I wouldn’t mind if you did more Pokémon ponies!!! 😁

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I would love to do more Pokémon!

[@nightmare5681]

I love how you even added the tennis ball!! You did an amazing job!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@nightmare5681]

@@RetroGeekCrafts no problem!

[@rosepetal5374]

You don’t give yourself enough credit! I think she looks great :)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊

[@Limit04ka_]

Izzy 💋

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

😊😊

[@_hana_2869]

Iiiiiiiii I'm so excited!!!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Yay!! 😊😊

[@gutsfunk]

hi ! decided to finally comment on one of your videos because it's been kind of bugging me as somebody who has to wear earphones to watch your videos; starting at 00:53, when the hair removal speeds up, it creates this loud pop sound every time the clippers close. it wouldnt be a problem if i didnt wear earphones, but i have to keep them in to hear the video (i have audio impairment). it's not a huge issue, just something i'd bring up since im here :3c love your videos, the end result looks great ! please keep up the good work !! (and remember to take breaks from your work)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Hi! Thank you so much for letting me know ☺️ I'm learning about sound (coming from a more visual design background I rarely had to think about sound; my accessibility concerns were always things like contrast, size, etc). This helps me a lot! I can definitely bring the volume / popping effect down. I am also working on an ASMR setup, so I can finally make videos with only ambient sounds (I think I might be able to do this before next year). Please always feel free to let me know of any improvements or issues. I really appreciate you taking the time to write this ☺️

[@gutsfunk]

​@@RetroGeekCrafts thanks so much for reading and taking the time to fix the popping ! greatly appreciate it

[@brianahawkins8124]

Oh my gosh she's Adorable!! Maybe we'll get to see Daybreaker, Luna, Celestia, Twilight, Cadence, Cozy glow evil alicorn form, Daydream Shimmer & Midnight Sparkle another time once the G5 is finish first. Take all the time you need. :)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Yes! Working on them! My family is visiting so it's been a little hectic but I soon hope to start doing 2 videos a week and that means a lot of new customs ☺️☺️

[@brianahawkins8124]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Take all the time you need my friend. :)

[@minimonster2319]

Honestly, I think this looks great! I especially love the way you added the hooves - I think they look super fantastic. 😁 I'm sorry it didn't turn out the way that you wanted it to, though, and I hope you're able to look back on this pony in the future and feel happier with how it came out. Especially for your first time, this is absolutely amazing and definitely not something many people could do. You are a wonderful artist, and when I see these more critical videos, I just hope that you remember how truly talented you are. Great work, and please continue, if you want to! I love watching your videos. ☺️❤️

[@padawan95001]

I don’t know much about my little pony, but I think those eyes look rad. I love the way they look lol

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@Skevatheo]

That's so great! Even with some mistakes it's an amazing custom! Who are you gonna customise Shinning Armour though? My bet is on Hitch.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊😊 I hope to customise Shinning Armour soon!! (surprise :P)

[@chocolizard678]

Fore the eyes I'd recommend making the pupils and irises larger to make the pony look more relaxed (see how large the pony's irises and pupils were at the start). People's pupils shrink when they are afraid and widen when they are happy, so sometimes small pupils or irises can make a creature seem fearful and off-putting. It's hard to find the right pupil to eye white ratio with stylized art, but a few practice sketches to find the right balance might help.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your message 😊😊 (and I'm so sorry for the late reply). I can't wait to try the next one and have a second chance at painting the eyes :)

[@CajunReveler]

1:24 a taste of her own medicine

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

😁😁

[@StarryScribbles]

Just a few tips here! I think if the eyebrows were lower and the irises were bigger she might look cuter! I think the think that threw it was the size of the iris, because smaller makes it look like she's staring. Other than that she's really cute and I think the hooves worked!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your feedback! I agree, I will make a bigger iris for the next one ☺️

[@miranya3195]

Wooooow Enserio te quedo bien padre Me sorprende tu creatividad 😁 10/10 Saludos🙋🏻‍♀️

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Muchísimas gracias ☺️☺️

[@nonsensicaldreamer]

For G4 ponies, an alternate method to get the tail in is to put hair in a twist-tie (the plastic coated metal wires you find on bread packages) and add expanding super glue (I heard gorilla glue works the best) If not, then you can attempt to very carefully cut the neck plug out with an x-acto knife and do your normal tail re-hairing technique. I've unfortunately cut my finger with this method so perform it at your own risk.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Ohhh that sounds interesting; so you create the tail separately, tie it with a twist-tie, add glue to it and then insert it into the pony? I should try that! Thank you so much 😊😊

[@shomonohomo691]

It looks so pretty, like honestly. I think the reason it looks so off for you is because of the cooler shade you used for the skin (or fur idk) since Izzy is a much warmer lilac color, along with her eyes being a deep magenta color rather than red. I would love to see retouches on her in the future !!

[@Jest.R]

Not sure why her hair is so dark but- I mean it’s still beautiful

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Yes, it was darker than I expected! I need to do a v2 😊

[@Jest.R]

@@RetroGeekCrafts It’s still really good

[@puffi0989]

The eyes would look wonderful if you painted them with flat bottom instead of following the mold, and if you made her eyelashes more rounded, smoother, less... detailed? More like a solid black lines around the back of ther eye, and with less individual lashes. I also guess not adding the contour on the iris would help.

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much for your tips!! I will definitely try this for the next custom! ☺️☺️

[@tigerlilykitty3281]

I commend you for sharing even though you made mistakes! It’s still a wonderful video!!

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@tigerlilykitty3281]

@@RetroGeekCrafts Do you think you’ll redo Izzy someday? We all learn from our mistakes, and it makes the successes so much more rewarding!

[@adrianw5387]

The thing that makes the eyes uncanny is because u made the pupils/color too small and left too much white! Next time just make the circle a little bigger. Notice how with the original Mlp art style the ratio of white to pupil is very small, and the circle touches both the top and the bottom of the eye. In yours the circle only touches the bottom. This is a really great way to make creepy characters! But with cute characters generally really big eyes/pupils are the way to go :) (think of a cat with very big pupils that almost take up their whole eye)

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

You're right 😊😊 I had made them even smaller and repainted them bigger, but the eyes was so huge I still left off too much white. Good note about the creepy characters too, not all customs need to be cute :P Thank you so much for your comment!

[@MelodyBrony]

Just discovered your channel and I really like the content you put out! Really professional video production too! ^^

[@RetroGeekCrafts]

Thank you 😊😊 I'm still learning but I'm enjoying it a lot!