Joystiq

You recently showed off the Little Sister syringe on your blog. Why did you decide to create the ADAM Syringe from BioShock next?

Because my next project is this: [shows full scale model of a Big Daddy costume; blueprint below]. I've been making the scaled wire frames for about a week now, and will be outputting them full-scale from my plotter soon, so I can begin construction.
Was your decision to tackle BioShock out of love for the game or because you saw it as a personal challenge?

A little of both, really. BioShock really freaked me the hell out when I played it a while ago, and I'm very much looking forward to the sequel. The motivation for building it is similar to the Portal Gun; I've seen other people make it before, but not as realistic as I believe I can bring it to life. The Syringe was a small way to get me in the mindset of making the whole piece. It was also a way to test out some weathering techniques I'll be using on the full suit.

Typically, how long is the development of an idea -- from concept to final product?

It depends on the project, really. Some are as little as a week if there's a tight deadline; some more intricate ones are several months. I'm working on a long-term build right now: Guy's helmet from the band Daft Punk -- that is going to have full customizable illumination and gold plating. That has required me to become familiar with an Arduino controller and some basic C++. Obviously, that project is taking a bit longer than, say, Link's Hylian Shield.


Creating such lifelike and detailed pieces can't be cheap, wouldn't writing some fan fiction be easier on the wallet?

I can't write to save my life! Besides, I've got far more pricey hobbies. This stuff is a drop in the bucket compared to restoring vintage cars (my other side gig). The Portal gun cost me about $350 in materials, yes. But recently I spent $500 in just nuts and bolts.

So, what you're saying is you'll be showing off your own Back to the Future DeLorean soon?

Man, I have a friend of mine who would love that. If I ever do get one, I'd put a Mr. Fusion in it. For me, though, I think I'd like a crack at a Warthog from Halo ... but maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.

I think you just made a few of our readers squeal with excitement with that idea.

What drives you to work on replicas?