Emmalia's BCC entry

Glow Ups is the newest - and perhaps my favorite - of the BreyerFest Best Customs Contest categories. In it, artists are challenged to take a model and customize it to make better but still completely recognizable. That's exactly what Emmalia Sebusch did with Galant. Here's the story of his creation.

The Making of Operador Suave

by Emmalia Sebusch

This is Operador Suave.

He began as Galant on the Legionario mold. Spanish horses are my favorite breed, so I knew exactly what to recreate for the BCC Glow Ups category. 

I started with the wire wheel on a high powered drill to completely remove any trace of the original plastic, and just leave the silhouette. 

The wire wheel left a very rough surface which scared me at first, but ended up in my favor as the apoxie adhered to it easily. 

I started by sculpting each appendage on its own, and I redid each at least once until I got it how I liked.

I started with a head that was far too big, and had to completely redo one that matched him.

It was a lot to do - and undo - but fortunately I had some help.

Bonnie was very helpful during the prep work process. She was on duty making sure no creatures managed to be hiding under my sanding towel.

Finn gave it a taste test. Just a nibbleeeee! It passed. 

Finally, it was time for paint.

Creating his beach base was a whole challenge of its own as well, I had NO clue where to start, and I failed and failed and failed until I was happy with what I had. I learned there is no success without failure! 

I am grateful the challenges, and also for the submission deadline which forced me to call the piece finished.

This horse really challenged me. He was my first complete overhaul on a model and one hundred percent of him has been changed. This was way out of my comfort zone, but I learned a huge amount doing him, and I love the way he turned out!

Congratulations, Emmalia. I love your attitude, and I love what you did for Legionario III. Good luck in Kentucky!