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Post by Dominic on Sept 25, 2010 7:18:33 GMT -9
I remember that Jim posted something about this topic before, but it seems to be gone now. I've been thinking about this, to the result that I have no ides whether it'd be a good idea - or even possible. I think it would be interresting (for me and others) if those who managed could share their secrets, or at least their experience . Is it possible to make a living while having spare time? Or is it at best an addition to a solid day-job?
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Post by josedominguez on Sept 25, 2010 7:49:58 GMT -9
Be a teacher Same hours as school, but you get paid for it! Loads of time for the hobby then.
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Post by Dominic on Sept 25, 2010 8:00:39 GMT -9
I'm an engineer and just got my first day job, and I have to admit that it's a good one (I can post here during business hours, so who am I to complain?). But it has nothing to do with roleplaying and paper models, and I think it's the transition process that got me thinking, maybe I could make enough money and work at home doing what I enjoy. I might get over that, though . As for being a teacher, remembering all those brats when I was still in school, I wouldn't want that .
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Post by josedominguez on Sept 25, 2010 11:35:30 GMT -9
I wouldn't do anything else. Unless 'Starship trooper' becomes a real job I think most of those who are getting to do something they love in gaming are doing it because they love it, not for the cash (it doesn't seem to pay hugely well for those I know). Look at Jim, he has created some of the best miniatures I've ever used and has a prolific release rate, he should be living on mars in a solid gold house.
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Post by labrat on Sept 25, 2010 16:48:46 GMT -9
Hey man if you have the drive and a dose of talent you can do whatever you want. It may be slow going at first, but in time it will grow and opportunities will open up. Just go for it. If you can make a living doing what you love, you will never work another day in your life. And nothing is better than that.
What is your vision for what you want to do? What is the niche you are going for? What demand do you want to fill? If you can bring something that people want then you may have a shot. Just don't quit your day job until things are really working for you.
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Post by Dominic on Sept 26, 2010 1:12:16 GMT -9
Talent? Nobody said anything about talent... But thanks for the pep-talk (and I mean that in the good sense), I think I should at least try, otherwise I'll never stop wondering whether it would have worked. I guess rpgnow would be a good place to start, right? I think Jim posted his experiences there in detail, also how to go about it, but seeing how the post is gone I'll read up on their conditions when I get around to it. I probably should not rush things... As for what I want to do, my main ideas revolve around cruel and unusual geographies and strange props like the gates or the gears I already posted. Whether there's a demand I cannot say, but I guess I won't know till I try, right? I'm also toying with the idea of trying my hands at drawing miniatures, but I'm realistic as far as my drawing skills are concerned.
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Post by josedominguez on Sept 26, 2010 1:39:31 GMT -9
I've just looked at your sleeping giant..... I think you are producing ideas I've not seen before by incorporating your engineering background. THey will certainly appeal to gamers, but you would have the added market of 'paper toys' and paper crafters. The cogs are a great idea, but the sleeping giant is genius
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Post by Dominic on Sept 26, 2010 12:06:11 GMT -9
Thanks, I'm mainly concerned that I'll try to make models that are a pain to build and not worth the bother in the end, but we'll see... Regarding RPGnow, could anyone point me in the right direction there, I don't see any link to information for potential publishers . EDIT: Nevermind, found it.
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Post by glennwilliams on Sept 26, 2010 12:09:57 GMT -9
I'd recommend rpgnow and wargamesvault as a start. I like not having to worry about maintaining the shop. Sure, you pay for it (30%), but then, what's it worth to you? Mel runs his own shop, and his comments about tweaking code convinced to let someone else do that work.
You're going to need to upload PR photos for press releases, so don't forget to find a service like imageshack for photo hosting.
One reason I don't do minis as a regular part of my line is that I'm not that kind of artist. I remember a third grade teacher saying, "No more stick figures!" I checked out. That said, I'd recommend Christopher Hart's drawing books (particularly "Drawing Cutting Edge Comics") and Steve Miller's "Gung Ho! How to draw fantastic military comics."
Here's the most important part:
10 Do Loop 20 Don't quit your day job. 30 Goto 10
Remember also, it's a business: have a regular schedule, act like a business, and for heaven's sake, remember you're now partners with the IRS and Social Security!
Go back and read Jim's posts about problems with his employer and his burnout issues. A poet on faculty at Loyola Marymount in LA recalls a math faculty friend who was bitter and angry. Her advice was quit before you become bitter. When it's no longer fun, you need a break. Take time off, diversify, anything to recharge your spirit (artistic and personal)--but if it becomes a drag--go do something else.
Keep in touch with others on forums, develop friendships: they're your water cooler and break room.
Have fun and do it!
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Post by Dominic on Sept 27, 2010 11:44:48 GMT -9
Thanks for the advice, I have decided to give it a try - if only to see how far it'll get me. I'll post more details once I got things set up and ready to roll. Or to drag, more like .
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Post by glennwilliams on Sept 27, 2010 12:42:38 GMT -9
oops, didn't notice the Bavaria location (face palm cubed). However, the basic idea is the same: your friendly local tax and social welfare agencies will want to be BFFs. Probably a good idea to confirm their friend request!
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Post by stevelortz on Sept 27, 2010 17:08:35 GMT -9
One reason I don't do minis as a regular part of my line is that I'm not that kind of artist. I remember a third grade teacher saying, "No more stick figures!" I checked out. Hey, Glenn! I'm building a few regiments of Mayan warriors from your Tzak-Nal village walls set! I think they're way cool! They remind me of illustrations from the original edition of The Worm Ouroboros! Thanks! Have fun! Steve
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Post by Dominic on Sept 29, 2010 9:19:08 GMT -9
Now I've had enough. I've extended a friendly invitation to the local tax-f(r)iends and RPGNow. Once I got my first product ready we'll see whether I can get "Walking Papercut" off the ground... Thanks for your advice and support ;D;D
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Post by glennwilliams on Sept 30, 2010 6:52:49 GMT -9
Now I've had enough. I've extended a friendly invitation to the local tax-f(r)iends and RPGNow. Once I got my first product ready we'll see whether I can get "Walking Papercut" off the ground... Thanks for your advice and support ;D;D Turn back! Run away! Now you'll be doodling during business meetings and cackling to yourself during presentations. When I was union president for the college faculty, I found it was the only way to get through all the frelling meetings. We were at the La Brea Tarpits museum in LA a couple of weeks ago, and as I was staring at the dire wolf bones, my wife said, "You've got an idea, don't you?" I've got a small, soft-cover Moleskine sketchbook I carry in my back pocket. Lesson: you're never off work, and you've now got the worst boss you ever had! Seriously, congratulations and good luck.
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