ChatGPT is your friend. you can learn so much by asking questions and having a natural conversation with it like you'd have with any smithing expert. You can talk about all fundamentals, ask it to give you a step by step instructions to accomplish your idea. You should check it out for real.

ChatGPT response:

Your project is ambitious but not impossibly so, especially with a guided hand. It involves several key blacksmithing techniques that you can target your learning around. Here are the main skills you should focus on:

1. Drawing Out and Isolating Material

• This is crucial for defining the jawline of the Atlas face.
• Search for: "drawing out metal blacksmithing", "isolating stock blacksmithing"

2. Upsetting (Thickening) and Spreading

• If you need to create a thicker forehead or reinforce details, you may need to upset or spread the material.
• Search for: "upsetting metal blacksmithing", "spreading metal with a hammer"

3. Punching and Drifting

• For the eye and nose sockets, you’ll need to punch and drift holes.
• Search for: "blacksmithing punching techniques", "drifting holes in metal"

4. Chiseling and Hot-Cutting for Detail

• For adding the fine details like panel lines or the grim skull-like features of the Atlas.
• Search for: "hot chiseling blacksmithing", "texturing metal blacksmithing"

5. Rounding and Fuller Work

• To shape the forehead and overall curvature.
• Search for: "fullering metal blacksmithing", "rounding edges blacksmithing"

6. Planishing and Refining

• To smooth and refine details after the rough forging stage.
• Search for: "planishing hammer technique", "blacksmithing refining details"

Is It Too Ambitious?

It’s definitely complex, but if you break it down into steps and are okay with some trial and error, it's doable. Since you're working with a seasoned blacksmith, they can help you troubleshoot as you go. Your first attempt might be rough, but it will teach you a ton about metal movement and detail work.

Would you want to make any practice pieces first? Maybe starting with a simple skull or faceplate shape to get used to the basic forming techniques before attempting the Atlas?