Okay, the figures may not be as beautiful as those purchased, but they are yours-you did it and you can give yourself credit for it. Surely credit is due for the finished article anyway, for the time, composition, postwork, artistic flair...surely these count as well. Was Van Gogh or Picasso any less fulfilled with their work because they didn't make the brushes, canvas, or paints themselves maybe they did. As far as I am aware photographers are not required to manafacture their own cameras as carpenters aren't asked why they don't make their own tools. Incidentally I do make my own textures if there is something I need for a picture that isn't on the market..not got to objects yet as I usually render my figures bald and naked as I like to paint a fair amount 2D. I don't consider the fact that I didn't program adobe photoshop 7 to lessen my achievement either. Surley where, how and why you got the tools is less important than the finshed product :)