Guys that Inspire Me

[Reginald Rutledge]

I just want to take a moment and thank some of the guys out there that have inspired me to get better when customizing FF.COM figures. Back at the SWB, one of my best friends in the hobby, Darrian "Ravenmaniac" Ross showed me some customs he had done. They were Detroit Lions made with a metallic blue. I have never forgotten them. If you want a guy to do some work for you, this brother has it smokin! Darrian is not only creative but he's passionate about his creations. He watched the video and the rest was history for him. He took it to another level.

Another guy, Jimbo. Most know that Jimbo and I are great friends too. Jimbo was one who was probably leery at first on doing customizing of FF.COM figures. Some of his work is magnificent. The pictures really don't describe what this guy does with the work. He's on his college kick and I envy what he does to the teams.

Another guy I know does great work is Michigan Joe. Joe came to my house for the TSO and he was like a kid at a candy store. My wife and I were riding around town last night talking and laughing about Michigan Joe. He just wanted an "EFL Hug" and what he got in Texas was the affirmation that his work was outstanding. Guys thought Joe had been customizing for years! Joe did himself a favor and bought about 30 packages of players and just started chopping. Joe and I would talk and discuss his approach and the next thing you knew, he had created teams. Joe is hyper and I think this stuff calms him down.

Another guy, Mantaray 'Dre. Andre stuff may be as impressive as anything out there. 'Dre is a pround member of the DFW and he exudes the creativity I wish all of my league mates have. From his Mantarays to his Texans, he brings colors out on figures that I would have never thought to do. 'Dre is like Peter Pan in Neverland. This guy has such a great fascination and attention to detail that I marvel over. His words is not just hype but there is true meaning behind them.

Another guy from Vegas, MartyT. Marlon is like my little brother who wanted to know all the secrets. By the time you looked around, he had passed you. You knew he would grow up to be good but not GREAT! Marlon does fine work.

Then there is my friends down Virginia way. There's Don "Old School" Smith and Ronald "Jay Boy" Combs. "Old School" did some things for me for an NFL commercial once. The Seattle Seahawk organization loved them. At that time, FF.COM was the new brand name just trying to get around the negative politics. "Old School" did some huge work in a short amount of time. They loved his contributions. For that, I have always been MF'lly grateful to this brother.

Last but not least is my boy from the "V A", Jay Boy. Jay Boy is coming to the Super Bowl weekend. He's one of my chief collaborators. His work is truly significant in this hobby, yet silent. If you are coming to Texas for our Suyper Bowl, he will be the quiet one with quiet knowledge.

There are so many others who inspire me just from looking at their work. These guys are working hard on FF.COM figures and are showing them to be dominant in their leagues. As a matter of fact, in the DFW League alone, FF.COM masterpieces have won 6 of the last 7 Super Bowls. Guys like myself and Michael Robertson will be doing everything possible to make it 7 of 8. When they look great, they play even greater!

Thanks FF.COM Customizers for all that you do to bring life to my products.

Reg

[mantaraydre]

Hey reg,


Thanx for the kind words, you know your the king in my book. Thank you for all of your ef wisdom and hospitality when im down in the TX ! I would not have come back if it were not for your figures, boards, league and everything else. Your work inspires all in this hobby. Thanx for showing us how to make things and not keeping the magic to yourself. I hope all of the texas crew likeD the article i wrote on the shootout in the TWEAK MAG.

MANTARAY- DRE

[Michigan Joe]

Reg you should know that you are the one that inspires all those people you mentioned (and I'm sure many MANY others as well). Its weird to hear you say that we inspire you. I feel I'm just following your lead on customizing the figures. Anyways, I'm real glad you like some of my latest stuff and I look forward to showing them to you in person. I got more too, and now I'm extra juiced to get them done. Some Patriots and Colts on the bench and a '97 champion Michigan squad which I hope to be my best yet.
Joe

p.s. yes I did some scrimmaging with them and I love the playability of the poses.

Originally Posted by Michigan Joe

Reg you should know that you are the one that inspires all those people you mentioned (and I'm sure many MANY others as well). Its weird to hear you say that we inspire you.

Reg,

I really appreciate the kind words. However, I really don't know how I could have possibly done anything to inspire you. Unlike all of the gentlemen you've mentioned, I really don't have any artistic skill. You remember from the first time we spoke on the phone('01), to moment we first met in person('03 at South bend); my two passions in this hobby were playing and tweaking bases. That's it, nothing more.

Over the years... because of the jaw-dropping works of yourself and others; I may have dabbled in trying to do what you guys do. But make no mistake, I don't have the passion for creativity like the rest of you. The things I do are more about necessity (and probably a little jealousy) to have some of the finer things that this hobby has to offer. Believe me when I say that it's all of you who inspire me. Reggie you do a phenomenal job inspiring everybody.

Please continue doing what you do.

OldSchool

[joel_p1]

Don,
I totally agree with you on Reggie, he inspires and motivates me. Most of all he makes me study and think of how to make a figure more lifelike and play a position on the field.
Thank you so much for all that you do Reggie!!!

Thanks.