So, this is a bit awkward...

Well, I’m kind of bummed to be talking about this, but I guess it’s something that needs to be addressed. I apologize to the mods in advance for anything that this might stir up. I’m not intending to cause any trouble, I promise.

So, it would appear that Nikolaos Dresios has kinda, sorta, maybe blatantly copied my pretty specific take on everyone’s favorite white mask. I mean you can try to make an argument against that claim, I guess, but if we’re being really honest, guys, it looks kinda obvious. There are quite a bit of things that were pretty unique to my piece that just so happen to be in this sudden, new sculpt. “Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck”, ya feel me?

Anyhow, It’s a bit of a bummer to put in the time and the research to make something unique for the community just to have someone piggyback off of that hard work. Let’s just say it’s not the coolest, or the nicest thing to do.

With all that said, I’ve given the matter a lot of thought today, and I’ve decided that I’m going to give our good old pal Nik an out. If he is willing to not step on my toes, I will happily stay in my little lane, and mind my own business working exclusively on my one, very specific, narrowly focused white mask. I honestly don’t get why he would want to try and step on my toes when he already has so much territory of his own. I mean he has how many takes on the Castle stretch? What does he need an imitation of mine for? I mean, c’mon.

So, I’m not sure how to phrase this without coming off as a tiny bit aggressive, but I guess that’s ok. If our good friend won’t allow me to inhabit my one, teeny tiny little corner in peace, well I guess I’m just going to have to expand, and really stretch out. And let me tell you, I can take up a really unsettling amount of space. Like, scary amounts of space. That’s right, It would not take too much effort for me to just get really comfortable, and really make this place my new home. I mean, I really LOVE pinpoint accurate replica work, I mean like how Raymond Babbitt likes numbers and judge Wapner. It’s kinda fucking weird and scary. And, now that I have pretty much downloaded the old DPS Kirk into the long term memory bank, well shit, I can pretty much make any form or permutation of the Kirk you could imagine! I mean the Medley, the Million Dollar, Darren Hughes’, you name it! I mean without trying to come across as too arrogant, I think I’m a pretty decent sculptor, and this piece I did is only my first real attempt at tackling the old white mask. I feel pretty confident that I will only improve with every attempt. Man, you know… the more I think about it, the more exciting it all sounds! Hmm……

Anyway… so, I guess I will defer what happens to Nik. If he wants to play nice, hey, I’m a nice guy too. Like I said, I’ll just stick with my one single little white mask, and won’t bother anybody. If he decides that I’m someone not really worthy of kindness or consideration, well then hey, “What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger” Amirite?! Lmao

Oh, I almost forgot, I know that a really sizable amount of the community is all about that Kirk lineage, which I know is one of Nik’s main specialties. I just thought I might casually mention that I kinda, sorta have direct access to a really high quality, authentic Don Post 75 Kirk.
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I used it as a 3d visual reference for those tiny little nuances that you can’t really get from pictures. Anyway, I’m not really sure why I even mentioned it. The whole recasting thing isn’t really my style anyway, and it would probably take a lot of persuading in order to really get me on board for something like that, ya know? I’d have to convince the owner first. It just seems like a bit of a hassle. Eh, it’s probably not even worth the trouble tbh.

Well, anyway, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m super curious to see what happens next. Whatever happens, though, I’m super excited, and definitely looking forward to it! PUMPED!!

Alright err’body
DEUCES!!

Nikos so desperately needs competition. He has had a strangle hold on Myers masks for so long that people don’t call him out on his BS. He gets away with lying about origins of his masks for years… blatantly ripping off other artists’ work, the KH/DW and now your mask, selling copies of “limited” masks behind the scenes. Etc etc.

I do hope you stick around, and I hope you do go all in. I am sure many folks would be very grateful to have another option. As far as the stretch mask goes? A better option.

Let me know as soon as your mask is ready to purchase and if you will be offering blanks or just finished and if so how much for a blank or finished copy. Paypal ready. Keep up the great work!

You got a fan here lol.
I can understand how upsetting this could be. Nik has pleeenty of Myers masks variations, I really didn’t understand why he would sculpt a Castle Stretch version of his when everybody kept talking about yours. Really felt like a “see I can easily do it too” situation.
Looking forward to see your first finished copy, please make sure to put me on the list, paypal ready haha.

could you include me on the list too? I can’t let this one slip by lol.

1962 said it perfectly. Not only has Nik lies about origins for years, but it’s consistently known that he copies other artists work and ideas. You keep doing you and don’t worry about Nik copying your mask form for form. Anyone with a brain smaller than a walnut can see that’s what he did, and those people would happily buy from you. I for one would, that’s for damn sure.


Side note- Is that master you have that sold a while back?


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Couldn’t agree more, it’s so obvious it’s actually quite laughable of how desperate he is to make a copy of it. It’s not unknown for Nik to copy others work it seems, but there’s no excuse for it. I’m an artist myself and have had people copy my hard work before and it actually hurts they get credit for it if they have a bigger following.
We’ve got your back Somnam, I’m a proud supporter of your sculpt. I will be more than happy to purchase a copy of your Castle Stretch mask --of all my years lurking on here i’ve never seen a sculpt quite like it and it absolutely nails the look down.
You should definitely consider going all out with more sculpts, i’m certain a lot of us will help encourage you to do more as well.
Keep going man, and don’t let Nik stand in your way :rock:

It’s known, people just don’t talk about it because they don’t want to lose a mask source or disrespect him. I agree, I haven’t seen anyone make a stretch mask like this ever.
Nik can try and try again but his sculpt is missing what the Somnabulist’s has.


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I can understand that, I’ve only ever purchased one mask from Nik and that is the 75K Castle. It’s an amazing sculpt in person, but it still just doesn’t fill my need for a definitive Castle Stretch mask…Somnam’s most certainly does and I cannot wait to see some finishes to it!

Could not agree more! Nik has the hobby by the balls, he charges crazy amounts for his blanks and then sends copies with flaws and gets mad if you criticize it. The best thing for this hobby would be competition, and I’d happily support you!

This is what you call a smack down. lol Nicely done. I’m hugely excited to see your finished piece.

First of all, I wanna say that I absolutely loved that rain man reference…it made me laugh!
Anyway, when I first saw your sculpt I immediately thought something like this might happen…I mean, I’m all for giving the benefit of the doubt…but in this case, I dunno…the 2 things look pretty similar…
I don’t know Nik, personally…I’ve been an admirer of his work from the beginning…but still, even if I don’t know him, I think it’s pretty unlikely that he will take a step back…it’ll boil down to your sculpt vs his, I guess.
But the silver lining here is that, whether your castle stretch mask will have competition or not, im guessing you will still have the chance to make a name for yourself in this business.
If I may, I’d suggest you go on your own way as you’ve been doing so far, without paying too much mind to what’s happening around…since that may negatively affect your work. : )

Lastly, please tell us more about that beautiful Kirk you got access to!!! :heart_eyes::heart_eyes::heart_eyes:
If you came up with a Kirk sculpt also, I bet there would be a line 5 miles long to get one…and I would be in line! Ahah

Nik has been shown over the years to be insecure and just flat out greedy. Mostly because of the stranglehold he’s on the hobby I’d assume. His masks are good but he’s definitely had his fair share of fishy moments that don’t get mentioned like say Terry Lambert or Chris Morgan’s do. Most of the people that buy from Nik are very active on this forum so if you advertise here I’m sure you’ll do great business. Even though he did clearly rip you off your sculpt is superior as far as my eyes tell me. Keep up the great work and don’t let this stop you!

Please make sure to put me on the list either for a blank or a finished copy. Nik is very arrogant imo while he does great work i think the “fame” has gotten to him and he believes he can do no wrong. 275-300$ for a blank?! What i dont understand is why doesnt he just sell the blanks directly to the customers? He doesnt sell the blanks only sends them directly to artists for the finishing. And 400 for one of his special editions is crazy since finishing a mask is not one of his best skills, it wont be screen accurate and i have seen his finished copies, its best just to buy blanks from him but he doesnt do that.

Nick is stealing and being a thief. Someone said he just is very competitive?! Well it’s not true sportsmanship to cheat and steal. I would see a difference if he came up with his own castle stretch type mask, but he just blatantly copied.

Disappointed that Nik is this kind of guy… tbh, I never really liked the masks he finishes. I thought it would look so damn good judging by how reputable a lot of his masks is and the overwhelming positive review. But, I got the 75K Castle finished by him, and I was really disappointed how it came. Sold it and went with Rowland Kelly’s DRM 78, and by god is his mask with stock finish by Rowland himself is miles better than nik’s finishes.

Holy cow man, you have skills unlike any other, you should definitely try your hand at more variations, looking forward to your projects dude

This is nothing new…stuff like this happens all the time…I would not even worry about It…just keep moving forward…in the end its all up to the masses what’s the next best thing…

When Nick posted those pics how come no one calls him out?? All the comments are “your so talented” “yes” “ your the best”, and yes he is great, but he took someone else’s work. Would have expected to see someone say “ this is exactly like so and so’s sculpt”. Lord I guess those people commenting don’t come on this board, but a few commenting are artists themselves and they say “ I knew you could get this down”. Yes he got it down because someone else already had it down. If I came out with a sculpt that blatantly looked like a night owl creep I would probably get flamed. Or if I started sculpting my own 75 castles or 98 pronto man, I’d be labeled and blacklisted

For anyone who hasn’t seen the side by side.