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Post by jabbro on Jul 1, 2009 6:42:24 GMT -9
A while back, Jim began posting some pretty enticing arguments for going commercial. At first I would not even have considered it, but the more I mention the cool things I have found here to other people and explain what Jim does, the more I get asked why I'm not doing the same. I am starting to be won over by the idea. My wife has even offered to manage the account stuff for me so I can just post and play. The more I think about it though, the more I'd prefer to fall under the One Monk brand. It is established, Jim has a great community and a wonderful attitude, and it would help Jim out (or at least I think it would). Granted I am no where near creating a commercial set, but before I go willy-nilly about creating plans for what I could do, I thought I would get some feedback from the folks here. What do you think?
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Post by squirmydad on Jul 1, 2009 6:46:10 GMT -9
I think it's a great idea. Your already doing commercial level figure design. I can easily create your own titled range of figures in the Onemonk store and website. JIM
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Post by old squirmydad on Jul 1, 2009 7:50:10 GMT -9
Agreed. You just need to create a group of figures, like College of Magi or Mercenaries Guild or The Dwarven Frost Guardians or whatever. Your work and your speed in producing it are both quite good so I believe it's worth doing.
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Post by onemonkeybeau on Jul 1, 2009 8:08:38 GMT -9
I think Jim's right Jabbro! And Squirmydad's correct as well... develop a full set of like themed models, name it something and let 'er rip! Your style and quality are worthy of making the step! Just don't forget us when you become all famous and stuff onemonkeybeau
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Post by jabbro on Jul 1, 2009 8:24:45 GMT -9
Thanks, for the vote of confidence. I have to admit that I am very partial to Fantasy. As I get older I find most of my escapism and reading material leans toward that genre.
As for fame, you have nothing to worry about. I like doing this just for fun. The idea that I can do this and get paid as well is like retaining my boyhood dream of being a comic book artist. It just seems too cool. ;D
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Post by kane on Jul 1, 2009 8:38:55 GMT -9
Their was no "absolutely" so I went with the closest thing to "YES".
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Post by emergencyoverride on Jul 1, 2009 9:15:49 GMT -9
Right on man! Jump in with both feet and dont look back. If you can have fun in a hobby and get paid for it, thats even better!! ;D
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Post by Scruff on Jul 1, 2009 9:37:46 GMT -9
" I am no where near creating a commercial set"- Jabbro I beg to differ, and I'm sure everybody will agree, you have more than enough commercial figures to make a huge splash in the miniatures market. As of my last count you have 31 figures (give or take 1 or 2) that the hundreds of people who are not aware of this board (sorry Jim, no offense ;D) who are avid gamers, purchasing miniatures all the time...... If I had your collection I would be all over it! You have nothing to lose, fantastic support from your wife and if you wade in slowly, you have enough already done, you'd be able to manage your time and stay ahead of the demands. Just my opinion... Scruff
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Post by squirmydad on Jul 1, 2009 9:57:55 GMT -9
You can easily make finished sets from the designs you've already made. people will pay for the convenience of having them laid out nicely in a PDF ready to print and cut.
I only do themed sets to ease the amount of work coloring the figures. It's easier coloring the same types of figures, or in the case of multi-part figures, it's only good to do them by theme.
I have a fee of $20 to do all the photo builds and such, but can waive this too if you can supply me with bright, clean and high res images of the completed figures like I feature in my product photos. Just make sure to get the figures to fit in the area supplied.
If you do all the work, you get all the sales income from the sets. If you ever want to spin off and do your own thing, no problem, I'll work with you to transition if the time comes. JIM JIM
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Post by buckwiley on Jul 1, 2009 10:01:31 GMT -9
You already know my answer I'm a big fan and would gladly pay One Monk prices to buy sets made by Jabbro.
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Post by jabbro on Jul 1, 2009 10:39:35 GMT -9
Thanks for the idea, Scruff. As is, I think only the set I did for Buck, and the dragons I am working on now for GOR are good enough quality. The others are nice, but I have learned a lot since I started. Maybe I could package those up as freebies.
Since I am going to have to PDF the larger dragons, anyway, maybe I should start by offering those as a set.
Thanks for the offer, Jim. I have not tried photographing miniatures, so I have no clue if I could get photos in line with what you use on the site. I'll play around with the equipment I have, but I will probably rely on you for the first few sets.
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Post by squirmydad on Jul 1, 2009 11:48:43 GMT -9
Yea, having a couple free sample sets in your style would be good.
I'll take a photo of my photo area so you can see my setup, and how I take my photos. I'll just start a topic in one of the other topicsBoards.
You will also need a logo for your range. Try to size it so there is a square version, and a rectangular one that matches my category headers in the PRODUCTS section of the store. You can give me high res versions and i can tweak and resize as needed.
I know this isn't going to happen fast, so take your time. JIM
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Post by Floyd on Jul 1, 2009 13:06:11 GMT -9
Wait a minute...
Jabbro you create paper miniatures? ;-)
I say go for it mate. You've got a good production turn around as it is. AYou have a real nice & characterful figure style. With a good grasp on both form and proportion as well as color. You'r figures are different than Jim's (your figures tend to be a bit leaner and typically with a more charicatured expression) but fit quite nicely a long side his work.
I look forward to seeing your sets.
~F
Now that's awesome your wife will take care of the financial end. Gosh I wish I could free myself from those shackles too... I've been screwesd on so many deals that it has soured me from doing any creative work for a long time. And very distrustful of people.
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Post by ghostgirl on Jul 1, 2009 13:55:44 GMT -9
I have wondered why you weren't making sets of your work available for sale before now...
it may seem funny.. but ive had the thought that how could i ever feel justified selling anything i did in the future when jabbro is just giving his AMAZING stuff away.
Go for it!
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Post by jabbro on Jul 1, 2009 14:30:37 GMT -9
Cool, Thanks Jim. I'll try and work on all the bits and pieces. As you said this won't be fast, but eventually I'll have it all worked out. Thanks for being willing to work with me on this. Thanks for the support everyone. I have to admit that this such a perfect blend of my hobby and my favorite pass time, that I would just do this for fun.
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Post by stevelortz on Jul 1, 2009 16:19:20 GMT -9
I voted "I might", but only because there wasn't anything more positive. There were times when I was sculpting minis that I was able to make enough to do it full-time. But there was a lot of times when I had to have a day job too. That didn't stop me from sculpting. As long as I was making enough to help cover my hobby costs and convention registrations, I sculpted on! So best of luck to you. Go commercial, even if it takes a little while for income to develop!
Have fun! Steve
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Post by agelessone on Jul 1, 2009 16:26:55 GMT -9
A definite yes, no question
The talent like you guys have is amazing.
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Post by requiem on Jul 1, 2009 17:24:15 GMT -9
A definite might. Just depends what figures they are.
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Post by jabbro on Jul 2, 2009 4:39:19 GMT -9
Thanks for the insight, Steve. Funding my hobby is the major thing that made me consider this idea. I figured that if I could even make enough just to pay for some my own hobby interests, then I would be pleased, and not to mention, with a better gaming environment. I realize that I did not really chalk the poll with absolutes, but I did not want anyone to feel like they were making a commitment.
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Post by redgravewriter on Jul 2, 2009 7:22:34 GMT -9
This is a little deeper then I usually get on computer forums and such, but oh well.
One of my thoughts on life is it's usually a lot shorter then we'd want it to be. And because of that, we don't really have time to waste on deciding if we are going to do something. If it's something you want to do, go for it. Don't let that little devil whisper why it won't work in your ear, just tell him to shut up and do it anyway.
don't mean to be THAT way, just giving advice.
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Post by jabbro on Jul 2, 2009 16:45:55 GMT -9
Thanks, Redgravewriter. I am usually the cautiously optimistic type, not the carpe diem type. I hear ya, though.
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Post by afet on Jul 9, 2009 7:14:20 GMT -9
The poll at the beginning is a bit awkward. It does not include a simple yes answer to the question it poses. I don´t think your minis need improvement, so I didn´t choose that option; and I would only buy fantasy related sets in the OneMonk style, so I didn´t choose the last option. Which leaves me with the "I might" option. I suspect that a number of people who chose this option meant "yes I would".
Cheers,
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Post by jabbro on Jul 9, 2009 15:48:23 GMT -9
Thanks Afet. There really is no way to edit a poll once it is posted, so I have just left it be. Seeing as I'll probably only make Fantasy miniatures outside the Monthly HOARD, I think you are in good hands.
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Post by abaddonwormwood on Jul 10, 2009 13:26:42 GMT -9
Hey Jabbro,
Stop wasting time with Polls and start selling some figures!
Lord Abaddon of Wormwood
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Post by silentsquirrel on Jul 11, 2009 4:58:16 GMT -9
Hey Jabbro, Stop wasting time with Polls and start selling some figures! Lord Abaddon of Wormwood I'll second that! Get on with it, man!
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Post by highlandpiper on Sept 3, 2011 7:07:46 GMT -9
How about I have bought them all and I've been waiting for more!
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Post by kiladecus on Sept 21, 2011 11:36:12 GMT -9
Well, I am known for speaking my mind (which usually puts a foot or such in my mouth), but I can say this... I have a set of your free NPC set. Even if you don't have as much faith in your abilities and talent as others do, I can say for one that I WOULD pay money for a Jabbro set... depending on the content and if I would find it useful. There is one publisher in particular that makes AMAZING models and scenery... his figures... well, at the risk of being rude look like something I would make. He sells his, and I am sure that he has sold more than I EVER will. Then there is ANOTHER artist that has recently been and generally is in the Top 10 on RPGNow.com with his recent offerings. Do I have every set he has produced? No. Does that mean I don't like his work? No. It simply means that I dont need the certain sets he is offering. Then there is ANOTHER artist that I have learned from with his figures. His style and thick borders have taught me what a good miniature should be. He sells all of his sets, and I LOVE his work. The only thing is I have no need of zombies in my games. If this should change, I will be buying everything he makes. Out of all of the publishers out there, I envy HIS style the most. Here is my final thought. Change the poll. No ONE will say they would buy a miniature if it was better. They will either buy it or not. If they do, great! If they don't, THEN ask why they didn't. If you end up selling ONE set for $2.00, that is more than you would have made if you gave it away. Ok... that is all I have to say. (BTW, I am also known for LONG, boring posts...)
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Post by kiladecus on Sept 21, 2011 11:40:23 GMT -9
Um... remember that "foot-thing." I just realized that this post was a couple years old... Ok... that is what i would have said if I were on the Forum two years ago... Sorry for the LATE input... Ok, everyone can roll their eyes at me (which is pretty standard).
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