39 replies to this topic

[Joseph Ward]

LeoFirebrand, on 03 December 2012 - 10:31 AM, said:

As far as commisions, I typically dont do them because unlike plastic models which can easilty be cast in multiples, my builds are all one offs so even if I worked at minimum wage the cost of one of these would be well over a thousand dollars.

I have to agree with LeoFirebrand here - anybody expecting to pay less than about $3000USD (probably more) for something like this is just insulting the artist who created the work. The material costs per unit may be relatively low - but labour for this type of work is extremely high. It is also highly-skilled labour.

Another option would be for the artist to create a simplified copy of just the basic parts - and sell this as a semi-kit. I would consider selling a semi-built mech kit, containing just the basic shapes plus a few materials to help finish the model, for maybe $500~$1000 depending on the complexity of those shapes and the amount of work required to design them. Anything on top of that including actually finishing the model would require at least $30/hr for additional work. This is until I learn to cast in resin, anyway.

Again, these models are extremely time-consuming to make. Meanwhile LeoFirebrand's work is exceptionally good.

Again, massive props, Leo.

[Max Fightmaster]

Oh believe me, I, too, am a professional artist and am well aware of time vs. wage, especially for long-term projects like these I was genuinely curious about cost because if my current project does well I'd consider commissioning him to do a one-of for a mech, more as an art piece, not so much as a commercial, mass-produced one.

Leo your work is exceptional and I think it would command exceptional price, and if I come into proper fundage I would definitely want to commission you for some coolness

[Heffay]

Very nice! I'm trying to model the same thing using Blender, and all the little details are ridiculously time consuming. The nice thing about the cards is that it gives the intersections that nice welded look, which is just additional time when modeling on the computer. ;-/

But yeah, the ortho drawings PGI has are nice. They also have the Dragon one, in case you're interested in doing that.

[LeoFirebrand]

Thanks for the kind words and it's actually refreshing to see support for what these models cost in time/labor. When I asked myself what it would be worth to me to do a comissioned mech the calculation I got was pretty close to 3000 but normally when I say something like that in forums, people get angry and insult my work so I have learned to be cautious. I had a guy tell me one time, after asking to buy one of my models, that asking over 250 for something like this is insulting because it's only paper and I think too highly of myself because he could by a licensed replica for 500. Luckily my day job funds my life so I can enjoy working on models like these without having to worry about selling them to pay the bills.

[Heffay]

LeoFirebrand, on 03 December 2012 - 08:26 PM, said:

Thanks for the kind words and it's actually refreshing to see support for what these models cost in time/labor. When I asked myself what it would be worth to me to do a comissioned mech the calculation I got was pretty close to 3000 but normally when I say something like that in forums, people get angry and insult my work so I have learned to be cautious. I had a guy tell me one time, after asking to buy one of my models, that asking over 250 for something like this is insulting because it's only paper and I think too highly of myself because he could by a licensed replica for 500. Luckily my day job funds my life so I can enjoy working on models like these without having to worry about selling them to pay the bills.

Well, I agree with the guy and think you should sell it to me for $250. ;-)

[HorribleGoat]

Madness.

This is so badass!

[LasWaffentrager]

Great Cat Model! Hope we see more of your work~!

[LeoFirebrand]

I was really unhappy with how the canopy on the Catapult model was frosted over due to the clear coat I used so I decided to redo the glass and update all my photos where the canopy was showing. I am much happier with how it looks now and it has the added benefit of allowing you to see inside the cockpit while the canopy is on. You can see the updated photo on page 1 or you can see them on my website.

http://www.firebrand...lt/Catapult.htm

Edited by LeoFirebrand, 07 December 2012 - 09:45 PM.

[Loc Nar]

unhappy with how the canopy on the Catapult model was frosted over due to the clear coat I used

Always avoid spraying 'dull cote' or any flat (or semi-gloss/satin) clear sealer on canopies. Gloss leaves clear parts OK, but flats are clear-killers. There is also a product called Future Floor Wax, that is widely used by the modelling community to protect canopies and such from other problems, like the frosting from cyanoacrylate (superglue) glues as well, which largely mitigates the frosting from post-build sealants as well. Typically, one masks any clear canopy portions before even clearcoating.

Regardless, this model is simply fantastic. Very similar techniques that apply to paper scratch building models also applies to styrene plastic. Your skills are advanced enough, you should try your hand at it, I think you will like it.

-Loc

[Spoo Hunter]

That is fantastic.

[dak irakoz]

The detail is unbelievable.

[Foust]

Incredible. Fantastic work!

[Krzysztof z Bagien]

Wow! Great job man!

[Stingray Productions]

That is amazing! Well done!

[Eject]

Well done but proportions

[Sean Lang]

His design was based off of the Ortho's, not the in-game 3d model.

[Heavily Armed]

pretty cool

[Ozric]

Holy shitballs that's some paper crafting. Many points.

[Bishop Steiner]

Sean Lang, on 21 February 2013 - 12:11 PM, said:

His design was based off of the Ortho's, not the in-game 3d model.

and I would challenge almost anyone to get the proportions correct on such a translation in the first place.

[Mech42Ace]

Expressive...