There can never bee too much dakka, so for that reason I offer you a kickstarter project aimed at producing futuristic machines of death, war and destruction for 28mm, 15mm, 6mm wargames!
So 54mm is the height of the mech, rather than the scale? It may be worth changing that in the title. They seem to be pretty good looking mechs. I am fond of the Mk1. Would you mind maybe some scale pics with regular 28mm scale models (Infinity etc) rather than the Riptides?
Yeah, youre shooting yourself in the foot by saying 54mm. To me, that implies its for use in a scale of gaming that is 2x thats of 40k or any other game that I play for that matter, zero interest in 54mm scale. Now, if its 28mm scale but 54mm in height thats another matter entirely.
I agree with the Mk1 praise above as well as the derision regarding the 54mm misleading title. The Mk1 does look pretty cool and any measurements in the title of a minis KS will automatically be considered the scale by most folks.
Sent a message to the kickstarter creator via their kickstarter page asking for clarification or correction with their mention of 54mm.
EDIT: Because I shouldn't be so quick to judge
EDIT 2: The creator replied that it was just indeed the height and not scale when they mention 54mm. He changed the title a bit so when you go to the kickstarter now it explains that its for 28mm, 15mm, or 6mm games. Regardless of that I've backed it anyway... I really like the look of the robots and would build and paint them no matter what they are used for.
"for 28mm, 15mm, 6mm wargames!" should be in it instead
Very cool stuff though.
The creator actually changed the title
And there are addons
"Add-ons:
8 GBP - any of the 4 mechsuits (Rapier, Guardian, Wolverine, MK.1)
21 GBP - Air Superiority - 3-man squad of "Overseers" (each additional is 7 GBP)
21 GBP - Siege Specialists - 3-man squad of "Bug Hunters" (each additional is 7 GBP)
21 GBP - Heavy Support - 3-man squad of "Heavy Support Suit MK.1" (each additional is 7 GBP)
"
Plus there are photos of the MK.1 up close, though the paint job is a bit off ^^""""""
Sent a message to the kickstarter creator via their kickstarter page asking for clarification or correction with their mention of 54mm.
EDIT: Because I shouldn't be so quick to judge
EDIT 2: The creator replied that it was just indeed the height and not scale when they mention 54mm. He changed the title a bit so when you go to the kickstarter now it explains that its for 28mm, 15mm, or 6mm games. Regardless of that I've backed it anyway... I really like the look of the robots and would build and paint them no matter what they are used for.
Should I change the name of the topic to the new name of the kickstarter? (if that is possible ^^"")
Yeah that is actually pretty sloppy work for the guys who cast for Hawk Wargames... It is a little concerning tbh how the shots from the back look, like its made out of moddling clay
Sent a message to the kickstarter creator via their kickstarter page asking for clarification or correction with their mention of 54mm.
EDIT: Because I shouldn't be so quick to judge
EDIT 2: The creator replied that it was just indeed the height and not scale when they mention 54mm. He changed the title a bit so when you go to the kickstarter now it explains that its for 28mm, 15mm, or 6mm games. Regardless of that I've backed it anyway... I really like the look of the robots and would build and paint them no matter what they are used for.
Should I change the name of the topic to the new name of the kickstarter? (if that is possible ^^"")
Hello! You can scroll to the top of the thread where your original post is and click the Edit button in the corner. From there you should be able to edit the title. Sometimes it won't show up right away on the thread index but it should update eventually... or if someone replies to the thread then the updated thread title shows up on the index.
Sent a message to the kickstarter creator via their kickstarter page asking for clarification or correction with their mention of 54mm.
EDIT: Because I shouldn't be so quick to judge
EDIT 2: The creator replied that it was just indeed the height and not scale when they mention 54mm. He changed the title a bit so when you go to the kickstarter now it explains that its for 28mm, 15mm, or 6mm games. Regardless of that I've backed it anyway... I really like the look of the robots and would build and paint them no matter what they are used for.
Should I change the name of the topic to the new name of the kickstarter? (if that is possible ^^"")
Hello! You can scroll to the top of the thread where your original post is and click the Edit button in the corner. From there you should be able to edit the title. Sometimes it won't show up right away on the thread index but it should update eventually... or if someone replies to the thread then the updated thread title shows up on the index.
Stormonu wrote: Colour me suspicious - the MK I looks like a kitbash instead of a 3D printed model, and no physical model for the differently rendered Omnifex.
Something is also nagging me about the other 3 mech models - I swear I've seen their design elsewhere.
The sculpt for the heavy support suit had been posted on the defiance games threads, looks like it was done by the same guy who was doing his own version of the egg suits. Which has me wondering if he actually owns any of the rights to these design as he displays the art of several different deviant art members.
While it may not be anything shifty it does suggest some deeper digging before I'd back it.
I'm not pulling my pledge or anything (yet) but I'd reallllllly like to see good images of the Mk1 without paint.
As to the designs.. yeah..those are pretty familiar designs but I think it is more that if you look at a lot of design blogs and stuff, these are the silhouettes the concept artists are leaning towards. They're watching GiTS or whatever, deciding that it'd be cool to have a model like x y or z.. then going after a similar aesthetic. To call foul on that, it would need to be IDENTICAL to the original.
Which.. is another thing. People back Zombicide which blatantly rips off everything along with lots of other campaigns.. but one like this comes along and people get worked up.. I'm not saying it's completely off-base, just that it seems like a bit of a double standard.
MLaw wrote: I'm not pulling my pledge or anything (yet) but I'd reallllllly like to see good images of the Mk1 without paint.
As to the designs.. yeah..those are pretty familiar designs but I think it is more that if you look at a lot of design blogs and stuff, these are the silhouettes the concept artists are leaning towards. They're watching GiTS or whatever, deciding that it'd be cool to have a model like x y or z.. then going after a similar aesthetic. To call foul on that, it would need to be IDENTICAL to the original.
Which.. is another thing. People back Zombicide which blatantly rips off everything along with lots of other campaigns.. but one like this comes along and people get worked up.. I'm not saying it's completely off-base, just that it seems like a bit of a double standard.
The creator commissioned the designs for Rapier, Wolverine and Guardian from a deviantart member http://ianskie1.deviantart.com, who posted about this on his deviantart profile. And it seems that the they were moddled by http://avitus12.deviantart.com, who also says that on his profile. And on the main kickstarter page they are cited as well. And the sculpter of MK.1 is cited.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
MLaw wrote: I'm not pulling my pledge or anything (yet) but I'd reallllllly like to see good images of the Mk1 without paint.
As to the designs.. yeah..those are pretty familiar designs but I think it is more that if you look at a lot of design blogs and stuff, these are the silhouettes the concept artists are leaning towards. They're watching GiTS or whatever, deciding that it'd be cool to have a model like x y or z.. then going after a similar aesthetic. To call foul on that, it would need to be IDENTICAL to the original.
Which.. is another thing. People back Zombicide which blatantly rips off everything along with lots of other campaigns.. but one like this comes along and people get worked up.. I'm not saying it's completely off-base, just that it seems like a bit of a double standard.
This is the only thing that was posted without paint, so far ^^""""
If I'm understanding the kickstarters creator correctly the master for the MK1 was traditionally sculpted rather than CAD designed and then 3D printed like the rest of the designs. As by now I think we can safely say that greenstuff sculpting is not this kickstarters strong point, I'm hoping that the others models will not share the slightly lumpy look of the MK1.
An update with some decent quality pictures of an unpainted MKI. Unfortunately it shows up the deficiencies of the sculpt/cast even more. The kickstarter owner also lays out who designed and sculpted what within the project, confirming the details that have already been covered in this thread.
Roll on the update with the pictures of the 3D printed masters!
I asked the creator about having a 3d print of the mk1 and he said he's working on it. So if you like the Mk1, there will be a version of that which matches the concept and has a more refined look.
Wow, this has gone from a "maybe" to a hard pass. The prices and lack of clear photos were red flags, and now that we've gotten some decent ones... ouch.
Well thats a drastically better 3D model than anything else produced for this kickstarter. If the 3D prints come out ok, and the rest of the models can be redone to the same quality I'll come back onto this one.
David Clarke wrote: Well thats a drastically better 3D model than anything else produced for this kickstarter. If the 3D prints come out ok, and the rest of the models can be redone to the same quality I'll come back onto this one.
No I did not. The Omnifex was a step in the right direction, I didn't care overly for the design is all. The 3D prints of the MK II's through IV I found blocky and lacking in detail, they really need greebling up to add texture and a sense of scale to the models for them to work for me. The new MK I render has all of those little touches that bring a model to life for me, so naturally I would hope that you work on bringing the rest of your range into line with this new higher standard of work.
No I did not. The Omnifex was a step in the right direction, I didn't care overly for the design is all. The 3D prints of the MK II's through IV I found blocky and lacking in detail, they really need greebling up to add texture and a sense of scale to the models for them to work for me. The new MK I render has all of those little touches that bring a model to life for me, so naturally I would hope that you work on bringing the rest of your range into line with this new higher standard of work.
You seem to think that I'm the creator of the project, right? xD
I'm his bro actually, the "horrible painter" ^^"""
There is a limit in funds which we have and the render was already a bit over it, so I completely agree with your statement about having more refined and detailed look for the models, but 3d printing at 16 micron costs quite a lot, which is wrong as I know the actual prices of the material =(
You seem to think that I'm the creator of the project, right? xD
I'm his bro actually, the "horrible painter" ^^"""
My mistake. Hello kickstarter creator brother, please please thin your paint and use washes/drybrushing in the future the results will astound. You guys just need to be willing to spend money to make money, cheaping out on your low detail masters gives a bad impression. I really admire the ambition in this project, but I fear your brother has overeached. If the budget isn't there to do high quality renders and masters of all the models he is trying to produce then he needs to take what he has and just do one or two designs at the level of potential this new MKI has for his first kickstarter, prove himself by delivering some great designs at a very reasonable price point in a timely manner and then bring in more designs in another kickstarter once he has been through the whole process and knows precisely how to best utilise his resources for maximum return on investment.
You seem to think that I'm the creator of the project, right? xD
I'm his bro actually, the "horrible painter" ^^"""
My mistake. Hello kickstarter creator brother, please please thin your paint and use washes/drybrushing in the future the results will astound. You guys just need to be willing to spend money to make money, cheaping out on your low detail masters gives a bad impression. I really admire the ambition in this project, but I fear your brother has overeached. If the budget isn't there to do high quality renders and masters of all the models he is trying to produce then he needs to take what he has and just do one or two designs at the level of potential this new MKI has for his first kickstarter, prove himself by delivering some great designs at a very reasonable price point in a timely manner and then bring in more designs in another kickstarter once he has been through the whole process and knows precisely how to best utilise his resources for maximum return on investment.
As I'm done with my studies I will work on my painting, so hopefully no more embarrassments xD
About the kickstarter, since this is our first one, the first we have ever done there are issues and we are trying to fix them. Even if we don't reach the stretch goal, but just the funding goal, we will still have got back what we spent on the preparation for the project and we will be able to comeback after the fulfillment phase with another project, where there will be redesigns and new miniatures.
Mathieu Raymond wrote: Wasn't one of these designs one of the fabled German mechs from Defiance games?
That is a big red flag for me. Especially since the offer from Tony Reidy to get all backers the 3d files never actually materialized.
None of the mech in this kickstarter are in any way property of Defiance games, the creator and 3d modeler of "Omnifex" is Daniel Rutherford (check the campaign page), who has no connection with Tony Reidy.
I believe he meant that this, mainly the bipedal version on the right being a 3d model of this:
found as a stretch goal in a Defiance Games kickstarter.
PondaNagura wrote: I believe he meant that this, mainly the bipedal version on the right being a 3d model of this:
found as a stretch goal in a Defiance Games kickstarter.
Yes, I know this one, I have been a backer of Defiance kickstarter, but "Omnifex" is too different from law point of view, to be considered a german mech (confirmed with law specialist).
PondaNagura wrote: I believe he meant that this, mainly the bipedal version on the right being a 3d model of this:
found as a stretch goal in a Defiance Games kickstarter.
Yes, I know this one, I have been a backer of Defiance kickstarter, but "Omnifex" is too different from law point of view, to be considered a german mech (confirmed with law specialist).
I would say it looks like a pretty close match...as in an exact match. Seems very shady to me. Who is this "law specialist" who gave you that advice? If you paid money for that advice, I'd ask for it back, because that seems like some pretty bad advice.
On a note of the 3D printed masters...they just look completely void of detail. This project is not ready for prime time, in my opinion, and I would be a little wary backing it when it seems that some of the work isn't even stuff that belongs to the creator. I'd hate to become an accessory to theft of another person's creative property...
PondaNagura wrote: I believe he meant that this, mainly the bipedal version on the right being a 3d model of this:
found as a stretch goal in a Defiance Games kickstarter.
Yes, I know this one, I have been a backer of Defiance kickstarter, but "Omnifex" is too different from law point of view, to be considered a german mech (confirmed with law specialist).
I would say it looks like a pretty close match...as in an exact match. Seems very shady to me. Who is this "law specialist" who gave you that advice? If you paid money for that advice, I'd ask for it back, because that seems like some pretty bad advice.
On a note of the 3D printed masters...they just look completely void of detail. This project is not ready for prime time, in my opinion, and I would be a little wary backing it when it seems that some of the work isn't even stuff that belongs to the creator. I'd hate to become an accessory to theft of another person's creative property...
Speaking about "Omnifex" there is a very big difference in detail and amount of additional parts make it a standalone creation.
Legal advice was give by two specialists from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) and LSE (London School of Economics and Social Science) - Mina Aamir, Chima Denzel Ngerem.
Everything on the kickstarter has been commissioned for the kickstarter, all those who participated in making the models have been listed on the main page of the project, every model has been paid for. The satisfaction amount of detail depends upon the scale of the wargame you are considering. If you have any other claims please be specific.
Im going to give you guys some advice. Cancel the Kickstarter, and then once you guys have decently painted 3d prints, etc. to show, then repost it. You're going to have a VERY hard time convincing people to pledge money to this until then, especially with the exceptionally poor quality greens that are posted on the kickstarter page. Its leading some to question what sort of quality the finished product that we receive will be like, even with images of 3d prints, etc being posted to the updates.
If you cant paint to a standard worthy of display and commissioning someone else to do it is out of the question, then the best advice is to *not* paint them, but instead use a black/grey wash over the prints to exaggerate the shading, etc. and give it some definition, and use those as your display models.
PondaNagura wrote: I believe he meant that this, mainly the bipedal version on the right being a 3d model of this:
found as a stretch goal in a Defiance Games kickstarter.
Yes, I know this one, I have been a backer of Defiance kickstarter, but "Omnifex" is too different from law point of view, to be considered a german mech (confirmed with law specialist).
I would say it looks like a pretty close match...as in an exact match. Seems very shady to me. Who is this "law specialist" who gave you that advice? If you paid money for that advice, I'd ask for it back, because that seems like some pretty bad advice.
On a note of the 3D printed masters...they just look completely void of detail. This project is not ready for prime time, in my opinion, and I would be a little wary backing it when it seems that some of the work isn't even stuff that belongs to the creator. I'd hate to become an accessory to theft of another person's creative property...
Speaking about "Omnifex" there is a very big difference in detail and amount of additional parts make it a standalone creation.
Legal advice was give by two specialists from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) and LSE (London School of Economics and Social Science) - Mina Aamir, Chima Denzel Ngerem.
Everything on the kickstarter has been commissioned for the kickstarter, all those who participated in making the models have been listed on the main page of the project, every model has been paid for. The satisfaction amount of detail depends upon the scale of the wargame you are considering. If you have any other claims please be specific.
Extra parts and a couple of changed details an original creation does not make... The credentials of the folks you list sounds pretty shaky, as well. If you were to say that you consulted an IP lawyer from a law firm on this, I would say you might have a shot...but you listed off a couple of folks from institutes that seem to have nothing with IP Law. I could be wrong on this, but that is what it appears to be.
I agree with chaos above...the campaign should be canceled. This really isn't ready for the world (in reference to the presentation of your product), and you're opening yourselves up to a potential legal battle with some of your work. You might have a bunch of models already cast, but cutting your losses now might be better than possibly getting dragged into court.
PondaNagura wrote: I believe he meant that this, mainly the bipedal version on the right being a 3d model of this:
found as a stretch goal in a Defiance Games kickstarter.
Yes, I know this one, I have been a backer of Defiance kickstarter, but "Omnifex" is too different from law point of view, to be considered a german mech (confirmed with law specialist).
I would say it looks like a pretty close match...as in an exact match. Seems very shady to me. Who is this "law specialist" who gave you that advice? If you paid money for that advice, I'd ask for it back, because that seems like some pretty bad advice.
On a note of the 3D printed masters...they just look completely void of detail. This project is not ready for prime time, in my opinion, and I would be a little wary backing it when it seems that some of the work isn't even stuff that belongs to the creator. I'd hate to become an accessory to theft of another person's creative property...
Speaking about "Omnifex" there is a very big difference in detail and amount of additional parts make it a standalone creation.
Legal advice was give by two specialists from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) and LSE (London School of Economics and Social Science) - Mina Aamir, Chima Denzel Ngerem.
Everything on the kickstarter has been commissioned for the kickstarter, all those who participated in making the models have been listed on the main page of the project, every model has been paid for. The satisfaction amount of detail depends upon the scale of the wargame you are considering. If you have any other claims please be specific.
Extra parts and a couple of changed details an original creation does not make... The credentials of the folks you list sounds pretty shaky, as well. If you were to say that you consulted an IP lawyer from a law firm on this, I would say you might have a shot...but you listed off a couple of folks from institutes that seem to have nothing with IP Law. I could be wrong on this, but that is what it appears to be.
I agree with chaos above...the campaign should be canceled. This really isn't ready for the world (in reference to the presentation of your product), and you're opening yourselves up to a potential legal battle with some of your work. You might have a bunch of models already cast, but cutting your losses now might be better than possibly getting dragged into court.
We will do something about "Omnifex", but everything else in the kickstarter seems more or less ok, so I don't see a reason to cancel it right now.
Just a suggestion.. adding stretch goals prior to reaching actual funding is a good way to bankrupt yourself. You're causing the production cost to balloon. I'm not sure how much research was done on material, shipping, casting, etc.. but the budget on this is super low to the point of not seeming realistic.
MLaw wrote: Just a suggestion.. adding stretch goals prior to reaching actual funding is a good way to bankrupt yourself. You're causing the production cost to balloon. I'm not sure how much research was done on material, shipping, casting, etc.. but the budget on this is super low to the point of not seeming realistic.
With the changes we made what little profit there was will evaporate, but the project will not be bankrupt. Your commentary however is quite discouraging to people, so they might not feel safe about it. I realise you are sceptical, but as a person who endured problematic kickstarters I'm going to make sure it is ok.
There are projects which had more than one stretch goal before they became successful, this one has only one, and if it is not reached no one will lose anything. The budget includes the design costs, casting, 3d printing and shipping. We had a number of casting options and this one is the best in casting price/quality aspect.
My comment was not meant as anything other than advice. As someone who is still waiting on a Salamander from the Rangers Project among other delayed campaigns, I was attempting to point something out that first time kickstarters tend to forget and overlook. Likewise, shipping has caused a few successful campaigns into failures. Best of luck to you.
MLaw wrote: I'm not pulling my pledge or anything (yet) but I'd reallllllly like to see good images of the Mk1 without paint.
As to the designs.. yeah..those are pretty familiar designs but I think it is more that if you look at a lot of design blogs and stuff, these are the silhouettes the concept artists are leaning towards. They're watching GiTS or whatever, deciding that it'd be cool to have a model like x y or z.. then going after a similar aesthetic. To call foul on that, it would need to be IDENTICAL to the original.
Which.. is another thing. People back Zombicide which blatantly rips off everything along with lots of other campaigns.. but one like this comes along and people get worked up.. I'm not saying it's completely off-base, just that it seems like a bit of a double standard.
There are pics of the components for the MK1 on their Kickstarter Updates page here:
Yeah, he's having it remastered from 3d prints this time.. they mentioned that a bit back.
I didn't want to say it but I did pull my backing in favor of the White Dragon KS. Because reasons and oh yeah Fiddler.. I've wanted one of those for a loooong time.
MLaw wrote: Yeah, he's having it remastered from 3d prints this time.. they mentioned that a bit back.
I didn't want to say it but I did pull my backing in favor of the White Dragon KS. Because reasons and oh yeah Fiddler.. I've wanted one of those for a loooong time.
I'm not saying you are totally wrong, I understand the advice and thank you for giving it. We are trying to fix and fixing the mistakes you pointed out, but me and my bro are not a miniatures company , so we are having money issues with other things you are pointing out. Once this is done, we will try to prepare for any project we might do in the future, with the mistakes we made in mind.
Funny thing I noticed, both of us are waiting for Salamander Mechs and both of us supported the White Dragon KS because of Fiddler. Hope White Dragon actually turns out to be ok, cause Chris Gotcher is reminding me of Tony.
Oh and if by any chance someone gets hold of Alex Iglesias (http://flyingdebris.deviantart.com) please, pretty please tell him that me and my bro are willing to pay him the commission price for both the German Mech and the Hardsuit. Some people from the Hardsuit KS project have been asking for that as well.
disel91 wrote: Oh and if by any chance someone gets hold of Alex Iglesias (http://flyingdebris.deviantart.com) please, pretty please tell him that me and my bro are willing to pay him the commission price for both the German Mech and the Hardsuit. Some people from the Hardsuit KS project have been asking for that as well.
I was under the impression that Defiance Games held the rights to those.
Why not just have him design a new suit and mech in a similar style?
disel91 wrote: Oh and if by any chance someone gets hold of Alex Iglesias (http://flyingdebris.deviantart.com) please, pretty please tell him that me and my bro are willing to pay him the commission price for both the German Mech and the Hardsuit. Some people from the Hardsuit KS project have been asking for that as well.
I was under the impression that Defiance Games held the rights to those.
Why not just have him design a new suit and mech in a similar style?
It turns out that yes the designs were indeed sold. In terms of mech we now have a new one (if you look at page 2), and we will be doing something about the suits. Answering specifically the question about "why not have him design", he is not answering any messages on deviantart and I don't know any other way to contact him ^^"
I do design work as well. My plate is pretty full at the moment but add me if you like, I'm reasonable. I can model too but I haven't learned to prep for print just yet.
MLaw wrote: I do design work as well. My plate is pretty full at the moment but add me if you like, I'm reasonable. I can model too but I haven't learned to prep for print just yet.
I'll keep that in mind as there are ideas for another miniatures project
Vertrucio wrote: Wait, he's literally using a miniature that belongs to someone else?
No, people are claiming that he's using the Defiance Games design but if you look at concept art for mechs, it's the style that 90% of concept artists are using. Personally, I think it's because of Pirahna Game's Mechwarrior FPS and they're insanely popular redesigns. I'm not saying the one here is full of originality but it is not a duplicate. More like a clone of something EVERYONE is doing.
No, people are claiming that he's using the Defiance Games design but if you look at concept art for mechs, it's the style that 90% of concept artists are using. Personally, I think it's because of Pirahna Game's Mechwarrior FPS and they're insanely popular redesigns. I'm not saying the one here is full of originality but it is not a duplicate. More like a clone of something EVERYONE is doing.
Just to point out the reason Defiance Games German Armor mech art resembles the style of the MWO mechs is because they were both done by Alex Iglesias.
Prior to the Omnifex redesign, you guys were basically committing copyright infringement (likely unintentional). Actually, there's still elements of the previous version on the current one: the entire pelvis part for the biped, that boxy laser(?) weapon.
Honestly, if you are going to pursue producing models for sale via kickstarter campaigns in the future do yourselves a few things:
- I'm not sure how it works in the UK, but look into forming an actual company; not only for easy brand identity, but for your own legal and financial protection.
- As other have pointed out there are plenty of freelance concept designers out there. Use an actual contract (or at least well documented emails) to establish how the intellectual property works in regards to displaying and producing the products.
- And talk to the rest of the community. I'm sure there are forum members and game companies that are willing to answer questions about their experiences running a completed kickstarter, and follow-up producing/selling/shipping models.
No, people are claiming that he's using the Defiance Games design but if you look at concept art for mechs, it's the style that 90% of concept artists are using. Personally, I think it's because of Pirahna Game's Mechwarrior FPS and they're insanely popular redesigns. I'm not saying the one here is full of originality but it is not a duplicate. More like a clone of something EVERYONE is doing.
Just to point out the reason Defiance Games German Armor mech art resembles the style of the MWO mechs is because they were both done by Alex Iglesias.
Prior to the Omnifex redesign, you guys were basically committing copyright infringement (likely unintentional). Actually, there's still elements of the previous version on the current one: the entire pelvis part for the biped, that boxy laser(?) weapon.
Honestly, if you are going to pursue producing models for sale via kickstarter campaigns in the future do yourselves a few things:
- I'm not sure how it works in the UK, but look into forming an actual company; not only for easy brand identity, but for your own legal and financial protection.
- As other have pointed out there are plenty of freelance concept designers out there. Use an actual contract (or at least well documented emails) to establish how the intellectual property works in regards to displaying and producing the products.
- And talk to the rest of the community. I'm sure there are forum members and game companies that are willing to answer questions about their experiences running a completed kickstarter, and follow-up producing/selling/shipping models.
Good luck with this and in the future.
Thanks!
Mistakes, a lot actually, have been made, so a lot of fixing is needed and will be done.
We also have lost a number of backers to White Dragon KS, which was awesome by the way, something to learn from.
All of the new design pictures (for both mk1 and add-on) were sent to the casting company and they said that they should have no problems casting them =)
disel91 wrote: With the changes we made what little profit there was will evaporate, but the project will not be bankrupt.
Which sounds like not having contingency funds baked in.
Having a net zero margin for error is a dangerous game to play, because there are *always* snags of some sort, and having a little extra cash in the budget can help smooth those over.
Also, the head of the "Rapier" is totally taken right from Neon Genesis Evangelion.
And the "Wolverine" looks an awful lot like the mechs from Metal Gear Solid 4 (though those lack arms).
Not to imply anything untoward, just saying I'm noticing where some influences may have been derived.
disel91 wrote: With the changes we made what little profit there was will evaporate, but the project will not be bankrupt.
Which sounds like not having contingency funds baked in.
Having a net zero margin for error is a dangerous game to play, because there are *always* snags of some sort, and having a little extra cash in the budget can help smooth those over.
Also, the head of the "Rapier" is totally taken right from Neon Genesis Evangelion.
And the "Wolverine" looks an awful lot like the mechs from Metal Gear Solid 4 (though those lack arms).
Not to imply anything untoward, just saying I'm noticing where some influences may have been derived.
You can check the concept artists inspirations on his deviantart profile, I remember he listed them and you got some of them correctly =)
This kickstarter showed the issues we need to improve to be more successful in the future and funds are certainly one of them.
And instead of doing another one we can just print them on demand. Printing is cheap actually =)
Yea I was about to comment that things like Shapeways look much more up this alley than a full on minis manufacturing
The problem with shapeways is that they still charge a lot (like 20 times more 0_o), so it is cheaper to get hold of your own printer, if such an option appears.
I'm really glad you guys weren't put off by the failed kickstarter. Looking forwards to seeing the new 3D prints of your designs as I really thought they had potential to be great models.
David Clarke wrote: I'm really glad you guys weren't put off by the failed kickstarter. Looking forwards to seeing the new 3D prints of your designs as I really thought they had potential to be great models.
You can order them now if you want. Since we have only one printer, we can't print a lot of models fast, but that means that all people who want to order them will have to wait =)
PM me or send an email to this address lorddisel@gmail.com if you want to order anything or to see the miniatures range.
In the meantime, some more photos of printed and painted stuff :3
Wolverine (railgun and missiles options)
Guardian
Rapier (yes, he is mocking his enemies)
Heavy Assault Suit (with machine guns and missiles)
Seeing the really nice prints followed by really mediocre paintjobs is not going to get you back on track. Personal advice.. keep painted pictures that aren't done by a ..hm.. more professional painter out of your official thread. Maybe start a thread in the modeling and painting area and link to those. The pictures of the prints are really nice and stand on their own very well. If you can't afford a painting service, then watch some videos on youtube on painting miniatures or buy some of the video sets out there. This isn't meant to insult the painter (they are pretty standard tabletop quality) it's just to point out business strategy that plays to your strengths. Painting is unfortunately not one of them.
deadairis wrote: Can you throw scale photos and (ideally) unpainted pics?
Don't mind the space marine, he is the only miniature I found, cause I'm currently moving to another place to live ^^"
Automatically Appended Next Post:
MLaw wrote: Seeing the really nice prints followed by really mediocre paintjobs is not going to get you back on track. Personal advice.. keep painted pictures that aren't done by a ..hm.. more professional painter out of your official thread. Maybe start a thread in the modeling and painting area and link to those. The pictures of the prints are really nice and stand on their own very well. If you can't afford a painting service, then watch some videos on youtube on painting miniatures or buy some of the video sets out there. This isn't meant to insult the painter (they are pretty standard tabletop quality) it's just to point out business strategy that plays to your strengths. Painting is unfortunately not one of them.
I would agree - I have not seen this thread before but as I read through it - flip flopping between excited and disapointed.......
The 3d models look good (but they always do) and would be somehting I would be intersted in laying down some hard cash for.
The painting is, I am sorry to say just bad - and I am a bad painter hence I get my stuff done by others these days
It would be a good investment I think to get a pro painter to do them justice - people like shiny - so concept pics, models and parts plus nice paintjobs should work well. well they do for me.......
The other reason to post ehre is so i can keep an eye on the thread as I think it has promise.....
Mr Morden wrote: I would agree - I have not seen this thread before but as I read through it - flip flopping between excited and disapointed.......
The 3d models look good (but they always do) and would be somehting I would be intersted in laying down some hard cash for.
The painting is, I am sorry to say just bad - and I am a bad painter hence I get my stuff done by others these days
It would be a good investment I think to get a pro painter to do them justice - people like shiny - so concept pics, models and parts plus nice paintjobs should work well. well they do for me.......
The other reason to post ehre is so i can keep an eye on the thread as I think it has promise.....
No worries, no more painted stuff (painted by me that is) ^^"
You can actually order some if you want. I've already received an order for Wolverine and printed him, the one on the scale comparison pic.
shasolenzabi wrote: Are you using a simple pour and set mold? seems either a pressure or spin mold might be needed.
Yup, two part pour and set mold and two part resin are the ones I use ^^"
You may want to consider investing in a vacuum pump and pressure pot if you're planning on high quality castings. Alternatively, extremely careful mold-making (to offset mould lines and oxygen bottlenecks) on a vibrating table (usually a dental model) would be the cheap(and slightly inferior) option.
Yeah, I'll not be ordering that beastie until I see some good photos showing a better cast.
The straight prints are appealing though.
I'll be in touch to place an order for those guys
disel91 wrote: Ok, so baby powder is a "no", because it destroys the model
To do the pieces you are doing you will need to invest a few hundred dollars to get a vacuum pump and a pressure pot. That will reduce the air bubbles you get to a very small amount if any at all. There really isn't a way around based on the pieces you are doing.
It looks like you did the baby powder incorrectly, you only use a light dusting as shown here 0:09 - 0:54.
Are you using the baby powder in conjunction with mold release spray? I am not sure but I don't think you are supposed to combine the too. Looking at the model it does look like you left excess powder in the mold.
MLaw wrote: Are you using the baby powder in conjunction with mold release spray? I am not sure but I don't think you are supposed to combine the too. Looking at the model it does look like you left excess powder in the mold.
That's our method: Mold Release spray, followed by a dusting of powder, and then Pressure.
MLaw wrote: Are you using the baby powder in conjunction with mold release spray? I am not sure but I don't think you are supposed to combine the too. Looking at the model it does look like you left excess powder in the mold.
I didn't combine them, the silicon I use doesn't require release spray
MLaw wrote: Are you using the baby powder in conjunction with mold release spray? I am not sure but I don't think you are supposed to combine the too. Looking at the model it does look like you left excess powder in the mold.
That's our method: Mold Release spray, followed by a dusting of powder, and then Pressure.
MLaw wrote: Are you using the baby powder in conjunction with mold release spray? I am not sure but I don't think you are supposed to combine the too. Looking at the model it does look like you left excess powder in the mold.
That's our method: Mold Release spray, followed by a dusting of powder, and then Pressure.
Also, I don't think the chap has a pressure pot.
I don't T_T
I'm starting to think that the best way would be to commission a miniature making company to make casts for me and then run a kickstarter so that you could buy the all in one go.
MLaw wrote: Are you using the baby powder in conjunction with mold release spray? I am not sure but I don't think you are supposed to combine the two. Looking at the model it does look like you left excess powder in the mold.
That's our method: Mold Release spray, followed by a dusting of powder, and then Pressure.
Ah.. see.. Diesel, this user is who you need to be chatting up. On the Lamb knows a thing or two about making miniatures
You might also try to get into the resin addicts boards (I think that's what it's called). I've seen a few of the smaller companies that have taken off start there.
First apply the mold release, even if the silicone doesn't require it using it will make your molds last a lot longer. You'll get 2-3 times as many casts out of the molds which is a major cost saver. Just make sure that you don't over due it with too much mold release or the cast will look slightly melted (or blobby if you are using the brush on style release). Let it dry for 5-10 minutes then give it a light dusting of talc/baby powder
When you apply the talc/baby powder brush it on and make sure it gets into the recessed areas, once you do that then you need to knock all the excess powder off so that only a very thin dusting remains behind. I usually give mine a light blast from an air sprayer tool to make sure the clumps are all out. You should only see a very light dust like layer and there shouldn't be any white spots showing.
Check out http://www.resinaddict.com/forum/ and read the tutorials, myself and other forum mods can help answer any questions you have.
(almost everything is already covered so make sure to use the search function for stuff that isn't a stick-ied topic)
So I've two good things to share. First of all this:
Our Heavy Assault Suit is being used as a base for an alternative Tau Titan, I'll keep you updated on its modelling progress.
Another thing I wanted to share is that I negotiated to sell the Heavy Assault Suit in a webstore, which does professional castings and I will send you a link once everything is done :3
So the shop thingy is still in negotiating status, but meanwhile I found a professional caster who will cast me 10 copies of the 30 cm titan I showed you before, so if you want to preorder one, please email me to lorddisel@gmail.com. In the email please state your paypal email and your name.
The cost of one titan will be 100 GBP+5GBP shipping. Once the casting is done, I will send you the photos and an invoice.
Wow that's a beast. Just under 12".. wow
Were I not broke I'd order it for sure. Until then I can just drool a bit here and there
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh, what's going on with the Omnifex? Did you get the casting sorted out on that? Pricing? It's a cool kit and is ideal for something I'm building up for so it'd be cool if you had an update to share on that front
Oh, what's going on with the Omnifex? Did you get the casting sorted out on that? Pricing? It's a cool kit and is ideal for something I'm building up for so it'd be cool if you had an update to share on that front
We are currently discussing a contract issue, so once that is done I'll inform everybody. Actually because this is going really slow I'm going to make sort of an announcement - if there is a company that might be interested in expanding its range of minis with my miniatures, I would love to hear from them, although I'm not sure that that many people are interested ^^"
Automatically Appended Next Post: Ok, so 9 pre-orders left guys =)
RiTides wrote: Did you post a fully assembled pic (maybe with a mini for size comparison)?
That is quite problematic cause the model is already en route to the caster, but he is the same height as Cerastus (the one to the right), so I hope this helps
I'm really happy to announce, that I have secured deal with strannik1988 (http://www.albinoravenmini.com) to sell a new version of Wolverine.
The new version is 20 cm high, like a standard Imperial Titan. For the redesign I used Tau KX-109 Stormsurge, as an inspiration.
The first set to be sold will have a railgun and missiles (shown in red on the attached images).
On Monday the miniature will be at the caster and once it has been cast and put up on the website I will notify you.
for 28mm, 15mm, 6mm wargames! 
"
, so we are having money issues with other things you are pointing out. Once this is done, we will try to prepare for any project we might do in the future, with the mistakes we made in mind.
Tony.
